I’m in a lot of pain right now. I’d like to say it’s physical pain from all the hours I’ve been putting in at the gym, but unfortunately the unbearable heat wave has kept my butt right on the couch watching marathons of Say Yes to The Dress while internet shopping.

The pain I’m feeling you ask? It’s an emotional one, due to the fact that the back-to-school commercials and Nordstrom catalogs flooding my television and mailbox are making it painfully obvious that for the first time in my life I cannot justify an August shopping spree that empties my bank account because I’m not going back to school. Obviously in order to crack open the books and learn you need to have a new pair of leather boots, some go-to jeans and four adorable dresses. But if you’re not going back to school….well, what’s the point?

If you’re thinking this pain is going to cause me to skip the back-to-school sales, however, you’re wrong. Very wrong.

Of course I’ll have to deal with a small side of guilt knowing that I’m now just a struggling college graduate and not an eager student, but I’ve decided to throw self-control to the wind and go at the sales anyway. Shopping smart can take the edge off the guilt, and so I have my eye on pieces that can easily transition from work to play. At least every time I whip out my credit card I’ll be getting two outfits in one.

My first buy? The 2-in-1 Chiffon Vertical-Ruffle Dress from Express. I totally love the skirt and tank combo now and into fall and this dress takes all the guesswork out of planning an outfit by giving you the same look without the hassle of matching separate pieces. It looks as effortless as it actually is with a thin black tank melding into a high-waisted army green chiffon bottom complete with chic, cascading ruffles. For a perfect fall work ensemble I’ll tone it down with black studded flats, tights and a boyfriend blazer. Read More »

I’m in one of those (very sad) stages where I don’t actually need anything. I know it’s hard to believe. But with months of winter buying under my belt, I have leggings and cashmere cardigans and sweater dresses everywhere (no seriously, I sleep with at least three articles of clothing every night).

And with spring yet to have shown us a glimmer of hope that it’s on its way, it’s just depressing to purchase anything floral and skimpy, catching a glimpse of it as you trudge out of the house in snow boots and a down filled jacket.

But then that amazing little thing creeps into my agenda pages, the one thing none of us college girls can resist shopping for, and which totally warrants the purchasing of, at minimum, a new bathing suit and a super sexy party dress. Spring Break, baby!

This being the last of my Spring break’s ever (I know, I am most definitely in mourning right now), I am going all out, spending 7 glorious booze-and-sun-filled days in Cancun, the spring break capital of the universe.

Which means I am now in need of something again (whew!).

Of course, I’ve already found the perfect dress. And it’s sitting in the display window of Express. Their Escalating Ruffle Strapless Dress is pure sex. The perfect combo of spicy vixen and flirty girlishness. Read More »

Post courtesy of out friends at StyleBakery.com. For more awesome fashion, style and beauty news, check them out!

While edgy, “boyfriend,” and boho-chic looks may be super trendy at the moment, sometimes a girl just wants to look girly! There’s no better way to accomplish this than with ruffles.

Ruffles can be super flattering when placed correctly. If you’re flat chested, a ruffled top will add some extra oomph. A ruffled skirt or dress can also emphasize or give the appearance of curves on your bottom half. Ruffled shoulders can also make arms appear slimmer. Here are some ultra feminine yet chic summer looks that incorporate ruffles: Read More »