LOOKBOOK: August 14

Abstract Signature Bow Small Harmony (Kate Spade, $248)

My Favorite Late Summer Polishes

This summer has seen some amazing polishes, along with the wearing of some old favorites.  Here are my picks to last my through Labor Day:

 

 



 

The Zoya Birchbox Bloggers Collection, from left to right:
Belle, a coral with copper shimmer
Coraline, a jelly orange
Kate, a jelly hot pink

Belle was the standout of this collection in my mind.  You can opaque it with a ton of coats, but I prefer to layer it over one of the accompanying polishes.  You could probably get away with wearing them through fall.  This set is still available at Birchbox ($22) if you're interested.

From Essie, left to right:
Geranium, Demure Vixen, Brazilliant, and Chubby Cheeks

Demure Vixen, Geranium, and Chubby Cheeks have all won places in my hall-of-fame polishes this year.  Demure Vixen and Geranium I wear year round, and Chubby Cheeks is wearable 10 months out of 12.  Not to mention, Chubby Cheeks is the closest color I have found to one of my favorite colors, Nantucket Red.  Brazilliant is a bright orange with an amazing hot pink shimmer.  I did a half-moon manicure with the Brazilliant on the bottom part of my nails with a brown on top and I got millions of compliments on it.  Essie can be found at salons, Ulta, Target, and drugstores.

From OPI:
Lucky, Lucky Lavender and Glitzerland

I love the Lucky, Lucky Lavender to when I'm not feeling a super bright color.  Glitzerland is one of my all-time favorite polishes.  I wear it an awful lot, and I love that it goes with everything.  OPI can be found in salons, Trade Secret, Ulta, and Target.

Chanel Distraction, Nars Jungle Red, Chanel June

Chanel Distraction has been on my toes all summer, and is another great go-to color.  Chanel June has a hint of orange that makes it pretty close to all-year wear.  Peppy enough for spring, but subtle enough for fall's jewel tones.

I received Nars Jungle Red in a gift set I purchased last year.  I didn't wear it for a long time because it seemed too dark.  However, I played with it one day and fell in love.  One coat makes it appear an almost super saturated fushia, but another coat makes it a vampy oxblood burgundy which is one of the hot colors for fall.

The Kate Spade Florence Broadhurst collection:
Watermelon Fingers, Seafoam Swirls, Yellow Cockatoos, and Orange Solar

I bought this set without thinking.  Kate Spade + Nail Polish = My credit card coming out of my wallet.

This polish has amazing quality, and Yellw Cockatoos is singlehandly the best yellow polish I have ever worked with.  Orange Solar actually became my favorite out of this set.  It appears orange, but on the nail it translates as a bright red with a hint of orange.  The pink and green would also work in the spring, but I'm not sure about the fall.  The yellow is going to be used both WVU football and basketball seasons, and again, I can't say enough good things about the Orange Solar.  Unforunatly, this collection sold out pretty quickly, but if you can find it on eBay, don't hestiate to purchase it.

 

LOOKBOOK: August 13

Popcorn-Stitch Drapey Open Cardigan (Alloy, $40)

I've been seeing lots of open, drapey cardigans for fall.  It comes in several other colors, although I'm really loving this ivory.

This is a great choice if you work in freezing office space (lucky!).

 

 

Presented Without Comment

Found this while reading tumblr:

(Source: youknowyouarefromwvwhen)

...

The Tyranny of Prep School Uniforms

I attended a Catholic prep school from the time I was in Kindergarten all the way through my senior year of high school.  For most of those years, I had to wear a uniform.  It was your typical prep school uniform; tartan plaid skirts complete with Peter Pan collared blouses.  Thankfully in high school it switched to khakis and a polo shirt with the school logo.

Prep schools aren't the only schools who have uniforms, many public schools are making the switch as well.  There's the old arguement that uniforms can stifle a kid's creativity.  I never have bought into that idea, because even with the most stringent of uniforms there is some style wiggle room, which I'll show you in a minute.

Before I go on, please make sure to read over and make sure you know your school's dress code.  If you're not sure about something, ASK.  That way you don't waste money on clothes you can't wear, and you're not stuck in the principal's office trying to give a half-assed arguement over some wording in the student handbook.

(Polyvore set here)

Most uniforms that I'm familiar with you have a uniform skirt or pants that you have to pair with a white blouse.  If that's the case, here are some ideas for blouses that can give your outfit some punch.  I know some of them have no sleeves, but Polyvore doesn't always have exactly what I'm looking for.  So save those blouses to wear with cardigan or blazer.  These all have collars with no prints or logos (another big no-no).  The lace shirt can add texture, the tuxedo shirt can add hint of formalness, and the peplum shirt just because I love it.  These can also all tuck in, with the exception of the peplum shirt, so again, make sure that's allowed before buying.

(Polyvore set here)

Many schools also have a blazer requirement, or will allow you to wear a sweater in the school colors.  I chose navy, since that seems t be the most popular option.  You can choose from a varsity-inspired cardigan, to a blazer with draped lapels.  The last sweater on the right is a dolman-sleeved sweater from Gap.  I think this would look incredible over a long-sleeved shirt with whatever else you have to wear on the bottom.  I think this isn't probably a true navy blue, but it might be close enough to pass.

(Polyvore set here)

I don't remember the exact rule for shoes at my school, except no open toes/backs and they had to be neutral colored.  These shoes all are neutrals, but also have an element of style than just some plain brown loafer.

The real challenge in trying to show style in a uniform is with accessories.  If you're allowed to wear backpacks or carry a purse, look for something in a fun color or print.  An armful of bangles, a statement necklace, knee socks, there's all sorts of great ways to jazz up your look.

 

LOOKBOOK: August 10

 

Isabel Toldeo for Payless Anasis Loafer Pump ($50, Payless Shoes)

Normally I find Isabel Toldeo's designs a little too avante garde for my tastes, even her Payless line.

When I first saw these, I thought they were ugly.  I then took a closer look, and I love them.

I don't know why.  I just do.  So perfect for fall.

Is it fall yet?

LOOKBOOK: August 9

Nantucket Red Messenger Bag (Murray's Toggery Shop, $225)

Nantucket Red is one of my favorite colors ever.  And it gets even better with age.
This would make an amazing back-to-school bag.

To order, visit the Murray's Toggery Shop Facebook page for contact information
You can also visit their website for more Nantucket Red goods!