{ outfitted }

I've been awfully picky with my purchases lately, only choosing quality items that I'm head-over-heels for and passing on the inexpensive quick fix. Take these leopard print flats, for example. Sure, they were a bit of a splurge at $225, but I've worn the pair nearly every day since I purchased them. I want my closet to be filled with pieces like this; well-made staples that look appropriate at the office and can be toned down on the weekend with an oversize sweater.

Outfit Notes: Sweater- J.Crew; Necklace - J.Crew; Jeans- Levi's; Bag - Rebecca Minkoff; Shoes - Kate Spade

{ outfitted }

When Plum for Polly asked me to style a Jeffrey Campbell oxfords, I was a little intimidated. Oxfords have never fallen in my sartorial comfort zone. (If footwear doesn't have a high heel, low vamp or delicate strap, it doesn't make its way into my closet.) I also quickly learned I'm not a girl who can juxtapose oxfords with a feminine sundress. (Trust me, I tried.) Instead I opted for a pair of military-inspired shorts and a slouchy sweater - topped with a bit of sparkle. Give it another month and I'm sure this will be my go-to outfit on balmy September days.

I adore the perforated details on the shoes!

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Shorts - H&M; Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell c/o Plum for Polly; Bag - Rebecca Minkoff; Cuff - Melinda Maria; Earrings - My Mother's Jewelry Box

{ blog crawl } It's in the Bag

It's day two of the "It's in the Bag" blog crawl organized by Ashley of A Hasty Life. The rules are simple: post your bag and its swag - and give readers a voyeuristic peek into one of the post private parts of your life! There are a staggering 120 bloggers taking part! Without further ado, here's what's in my bag:

Rebecca Minkoff's Morning After Clutch is the perfect bag for me: classic, irreverent, durable, has a cross-body strap for hands-free shopping, and just the right amount of space to force me to edit my must-haves. Here's what I'm schlepping:

1. Lauren Merkin mirror for midday lipstick application
   
2. Pen for lunchtime crossword puzzles
3. The best chapped lip remedy: Neosporin Lip Health
4. 5 gum in Cobalt
5. iPhone 4
6. Rebecca Minkoff coin purse
7. An assortment of lip gloss and lipstick from Clinique
8. Paint chips - I'm crushing on "Calypso Berry," the darkest pink on this sample.
9. Lauren Merkin card holder and business cards
10. Floss
11. Burt's Bees lip balm - and plenty of emergency hair elastics
12. Eye drops
13. Nail clippers from when I was a baby (perfect size for a purse!) and one paperclip
14. Contact lens case for impromptu overnights
15. Banana Republic wallet
    

Next Up: Catherine from The Life Styled on Wednesday!

Guilt-Free Splurge

As much as I wish I were the type of girl who runs errands in a pair of heels, I'm not. Comfort takes priority for mundane tasks with worn-in loafers and loose layers. Yet, I can't keep myself from adding a few costume jewels to the ensemble - and I've recently discovered just the place for a guilt-free jewelry splurge.

ShoptheLook.net launched in 2009, emphasizing on-trend looks, low prices, and high quality. I'll admit I was a little skeptical when the company offered to send a few pieces for review. After all, buying costume jewelry should really be done in person. I can't tell you how many pieces I've had to sift through at Forever21 that were literally falling apart in my hands.

Thank goodness ShoptheLook.net upped the quality ante for wallet-friendly pieces. I chose the Flat Surf 'n Sandblast Ring ($14) and the Chic Sphere Pendant ($12). Each item arrived neatly packaged in a little black velvet bag (you know I'm smitten with good packaging). I'm particularly fond of the ring - it's a bold piece and the subtle textured surface adds visual interest. For $14, you can't ask for anything better. The necklace easily adds glamour, but I do wish it had a little more heft to weigh down the 36" chain. However, after months of heavy statement necklaces (and sore necks), this is hardly a complaint!

Outfit Notes: Coat-Grace Elements; Blouse-Tucker for Target; Jeans-Banana Republic; Ring-courtesy of ShoptheLook.net; Necklace-courtesy of ShoptheLook.net; Bag-Rebecca Minkoff; Shoes-Cole Haan

FTC-Required Disclaimer: ShoptheLook.net provided products free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Giveaway Reminder!
Enter to win a Gorjana necklace!
(Retail value: $95)

Love Affair

It was love at first sight. Never had I come across a bag that was undeniably "me" with its classic shape, ladylike crocodile embossing, gold hardware and a healthy dose of cheeky irreverence.

Outfit Notes: H&M Blouse; Old Navy Shorts; Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring; Rebecca Minkoff "Mac" Clutch; Revlon "Minted" Nail Polish