Faux Real

  

Jeans: Paige Denim, Blouse: Bellatrix, Faux Fur Vest: Joie, Booties: Nine West,
Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelets: Lucky

I almost got some good outdoor photos yesterday, possibly my last chance to do so this week before Mother Nature spits all over me, but apparently I'm incapable of remembering to charge my camera, so it was a no go. By the time I got home and had access to my charger it was dark outside. Anyone remember that show "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" Well, the answer is yes. Yes, I am afraid of the dark. Thank you for pointing it out, 90's Nickelodeon. I'm not even ashamed to admit it. It might be an irrational fear (much like my fear of getting stabbed in the shower, despite never having seen Psycho), but it also prevents me from getting abducted and/or axe-murdered, so I'm counting it as a win. 

Anyone who knows me knows I'm currently obsessed with faux fur. Like, possibly beyond a healthy obsession. Case in point, I spent Sunday night laying on a faux fur pillow, covered in a faux fur blanket, wearing faux fur slippers, and watching the Golden Globes. It's an exciting life I lead, I know. You may remember me coveting this Joie faux fur vest pre-Christmas here. Sadly, Santa apparently doesn't pay as much attention to my blog as you'd think (shocking, I know), because Christmas came and went without that vest under the tree. But as with most things in my life, Nordstrom answered my prayers, and suddenly put it on serious sale. (Don't be discouraged if it says not available. It keeps showing up on and off.) Now if they could just give some attention to other 500 items on my wish list.

Investment Pieces

Frye Dorado Riding Boots

There are certain things that need to be perfect. Things you really obsess over before making a decision. Things it's okay to be picky about. Things like husbands, houses, cars, and in my case, boots. Trivial, I know, but these are the white-girl tragedies I live with. Since I've worn these Frye boots basically every day since I got them, I figured it was time they got their own post. These boots were a Christmas gift...or at least one of them was. Convincing my mom to "half-sies" with me on expensive purchases is my secret go-to. I also used this gimmick to get her to buy me a pair of white jeans in college once. (Although, I had to promise to also wear them at my wedding, so in retrospect, maybe not a great deal.) 

These riding boots were a bit of a splurge, but I think everyone needs a few good investment pieces in their closet, whether it's a great blazer, classic boots, you name it. Believe me, I love a good H&M purchase as much as the next girl, but sometimes it pays to splurge on higher quality. (Savor that gem. It's pretty much the extent of the financial advice you will ever get from me as I can barely do basic math.) I spent weeks hunting for the perfect pair of riding boots (including trying on every pair at DSW). I'd even settled on a less expensive pair that I didn't love nearly as much. But trust me when I say it's a waste of money to buy something you're not in love with. You won't wear it. I can say with total confidence that I love these riding boots. They're classic, they go with everything, and I don't have to worry about them being out of style next season. Plus they're Frye boots, so they're pretty much guaranteed to last forever. For me, it's worth it to spend the extra money knowing I won't have to replace them every season. One other tip: shop around before committing. I found my boots on Amazon for $160 less than anywhere else I'd looked. Still expensive, but I can at least pretend I got a good deal. (And that's really all I need.) So go ahead and splurge. As long as it's not something trendy that you'll regret next year, what's the harm? Someone make sure to remind me of this when I want to buy new boots next year....

Jason Wu for Target

I'm a little hesitant to blog about this at all, mostly because I'm selfish and want to hoard basically every item in the Jason Wu for Target line for myself. You'd think that I would wise up and stop blabbing about this collection to everyone I know so fewer people will be interested in it. But it's just too good not to share. Jason Wu, the man behind Michelle Obama's gorgeous Inaugural Ball gown, is the latest designer collaboration for Target, and I think it might be my favorite yet. His collection is full of great mix-and-match skirts and blouses and beautiful, ladylike dresses that are going to make getting dressed for work in the summer about a million times easier. The collection launches on February 5, a Sunday, thank god, so I don't have to worry about leaving work and getting fired for my shopping addiction. Below are just a few of the items on my wish list. (It would be too embarrassing to post the entire thing.) If that's not enough, check out the full lookbook.

Woven Straw Mini Saddle Bag in Cream — $25

Straw and Canvas Clutch in Cream — $30

Pleated Sleeveless Shift Dress in Navy Dots — $40,
Woven Tote in Cream/Black — $50

Poplin Dress in Navy — $40

Long-Sleeved Blouse in Blush — $35, Lace-Printed Straight Skirt in Blush — $30, 

Lace Clutch in Black — $30

Trench Coat in Black — $55, Flared Dress in Black with Nude Patent Belt — $60

Textured Pleated-Front Peplum Top in Gold — $33, Pleated Skirt in Black — $30,
Floral Lace Clutch in Black — $30

Sleeveless Top with Sheer Panel in Navy Floral — $27, Pleated Skirt in Navy Floral — $30, 

Lace Clutch in Black — $30

Short-Sleeved Tee in Navy/Red Stripes —$20, Cuffed Shorts in Admiral Blue — $27, 

Straw and Canvas Clutch in Cream — $30