Five Things That I Am Loving This Week…

Bird by Juicy Couture: Puff Sleeve Blouse
A gorgeous silk-chiffon blouse that just screams femininity. From the understated neutral hue to the pleats and pintucking, this blouse is perfect for fall. Whether tucked into a textured skirt or paired with your favorite dark-washed skinny leg jeans, the effect will be purely sophisticated.

My favorite part: The detachable scarf is genius. Depending on how the scarf is worn, you can choose to look totally put together or effortlessly chic.


Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Biker Jacket
Edgy and sweet, the perfect combination for fall. While the ruffles are clearly feminine, the bold structure of the jacket says otherwise. Cropped like a biker jacket with zippered sleeves, the only thing missing is distressed leather. Made from viscose and wool, it is sure to keep you warm as the temperatures drop in the upcoming months.

My favorite part: The ruffles! Prevalent in fall 2010 runway shows, ruffles are a must this season. To avoid appearing too girly, I love how the ruffles are placed asymmetrically on the jacket front for a bold statement.


Roberta by Olivia Palermo
Always a fan of statement necklaces, I am in love with the collection of bib necklaces that Olivia Palermo has designed for Roberta Freymann. Every girl should own something in their wardrobe that is as extravagant and heavily adorned as one of these necklaces. Taking style cues from the impeccably dressed Palermo, go from drab to fab by pairing them with a simple tee or jacket.

My favorite part: The embellished beads and sequins are what make these collar style necklaces so appealing. While the green Mitte necklace is super glamorous and attention getting, the Chelsea necklace is more bohemian with earth-toned beads.


BCBG Maxazria Pave Joint Ring
Statement rings are a go-to accessory for me. It does not matter what I am wearing, on most days, an oversized ring is the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Since the ring itself is an instant statement, pair it with a neutral colored top such as the one I mentioned earlier by Juicy Couture. A little gold goes a long way when it comes to jewelry, less is definitely more.

My favorite part: Gold and shimmering diamonds are every girl’s best friend. I love how gaudy and super intricate this ring is. With its extra-long length, when worn it would take up the majority of your finger.


House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses designed by Nicole Richie
When it comes to buying sunglasses, I am extremely picky. They have to be tinted (the darker the better), rounded, and, of course, oversized. Having said that, this pair designed by Nicole Richie exceeds my expectations. With the “modern goddess” in mind, Richie is successful in designing a pair that is classy, ladylike, and timeless.

My favorite part: The gold metal plates and signature logo are exquisite. While the tinted lenses allow you stay under the radar, the touch of gold is sure to attract attention.

Eryn Brinié: Tiered Ruffles, Understated Stripes, and an Exotic Print

Since I recently blogged about one of my favorite New York City boutiques, Eryn Brinié, I thought it would only be appropriate that I show some of the items that I actually bought. As you already know from reading my previous post, I had a very difficult time deciding what to purchase. Normally when I walk into a high-end boutique, I am drawn to a lot of cute clothes on the racks but they are really expensive. This, however, was not the case at Eryn Brinié. Not only were the tops, skirts, and dresses uber feminine and classy, but they were also very affordable. Below are my five favorite Eryn Brinié pieces (ranked in no particular order) that have found a new home in my closet.


A sucker for cardigans, I simply had to have this black and white striped one. Made in a stretchy fabric, this cardigan is extremely form-fitting and surprisingly comfortable. When buying clothes, I definitely like to buy things that are practical. Whether I decide to button it up or leave it open with a camisole underneath, I know that I will wear it on numerous occasions. My favorite thing about this cardigan is the contrasting black trim set against the skinny stripes. While the design is minimalist, something about it just screams sophistication. I cannot wait to wear this cardigan with a timeless strand of pearls or attention-grabbing gold necklace.


I was instantly attracted to the feminine details found in this silk slip dress. The chiffon and lace trimming are a perfect complement to the silk fabric. Although the dress is one piece, it appears to be two with the allusion of another slip underneath. In addition to the laid back feel that this dress conveys, I also love its pink and gray color palette. While solid colored dresses are great, it is always nice to come across ones that contain unexpected exotic prints such as this one. (Here is another version of this dress that is equally stunning, if not more so. Had it been in my size, I so would have bought it!) Whether I wear this slip dress with a simple white cardigan or dress it up with a black structured blazer, I know that it will look divine.


Next to cardigans, I have an obsession with skirts. Whether short, long, printed, solid, or ruffled all skirts are good in my book. While Eryn Brinié has a fair selection of skirts to choose from, this one with tiered ruffles is what caught my eye. In a gorgeous shade of olive green, this high-waisted skirt is such a wardrobe staple. While not casual, it is not too dressy either. I can easily see myself wearing it with either a cardigan or off-white blouse. With a skirt such as this one, a killer pair of heels is a must.


There is nothing more girly and feminine than a ruffled top. This one in a tie-dyed coral pink is just too cute! While its lightweight fabric and bright color are perfect for a hot summer day, I can also see it transitioning into fall. When paired with a crisp white cardigan and a pair of dark washed denim jeans, I will be set for the cooler days. Since it is still summer, however, I am going to enjoy wearing it with a white skirt to one of my upcoming classes.


Saving the best for last are these super cute oxford flats with brogue detailing. As soon as I saw these, I knew they were meant to be. Having wanted oxfords for the past year, I can finally say that I own a pair. Exemplary of the Euro chic style, they just exude classiness and sophistication. In olive green, they are a great alternative to the traditional black. While I love high-heeled shoes, these will be so practical and comfy (hopefully) for walking across campus. Whether I wear these with a skirt or cuffed denim skinny jeans, I know they will make a statement.

Soho’s Best Kept Secret: Eryn Brinié

Last weekend, I took a fabulous trip to New York City. To say that my trip was perfect is an understatement. Visiting the breathtaking Metropolitan Museum of Art, viewing the extravagant window displays at Bergdorf Goodman, and absorbing all of the street fashion are what made my trip such a memorable experience. Being from a rural area, it is refreshing and inspiring to visit a place so rich in culture and fashion.

Although museums and sightseeing are musts in the Big Apple, as any fashionista knows, it is also the best place to shop. With such a diverse mix of boutiques, vintage shops, and department stores, New York City has something for everyone. It is utterly impossible to visit the city without finding a vintage dress, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, or a killer pair of shoes. While I visited a plethora of stores that I cannot wait to blog about, there is one specific boutique that I want to dedicate this post to. During my shopping excursion to Soho, I came across a charming store called Eryn Brinié. Walking into the store, I was immediately taken aback by a rack of bright floral dresses in a lightweight chiffon fabric. As I continued to browse the orderly racks of clothing, I noticed that everything fit my style. Cute dresses, feminine blouses, structured blazers, classic ruffled and lacy detailed tops, lovely skirts, and basic tees are just a few of the wardrobe staples that made me fall for this fantastic boutique. Not only does Eryn Brinié specialize in clothing, but it also carries shoes and accessories. From stacked bangles and summer cotton scarves to practical leather bags, you are sure to find at least one thing that catches your fancy.

In terms of price, this boutique is extremely reasonable, especially in the current economy. While the regular prices are affordable, last weekend Eryn Brinié was having a 75% off sale. What a steal! Despite my urge to buy the entire store of clothing (no joke), I knew that I had to narrow down the selection and side with pieces that would carry me into upcoming seasons. After spending nearly an hour in Eryn Brinié I left with things that I could not be happier with. While budget friendly chain stores such as H&M and Forever 21 are great for of-the-moment trendy items, Eryn Brinié designs clothing that are timeless and super classy. The fabric and sewing are definitely a step up from stores such as the former mentioned. If looking for a European chic look, this Soho boutique is a must. One thing that you do not have to worry about at Eryn Brinie is messy, unorganized racks of clothing. Everything in the boutique is organized by size and style for your convenience. For a pristine and stylish shopping experience, stop by Eryn Brinié and I promise you will not be disappointed.

To top off an already perfect trip, Eryn Brinié was the icing on the cake that left me smiling and wanting more. When wearing Brinié’s clothing, I cannot help but feel young, girly, sophisticated, and chic. If not planning a trip to the city any time soon, no worries, you can have a glimpse of what the boutique has in store for the fall season by visiting its online shop.