what's. in. my. cambridge. satchel. bag.

I don’t know about you, but I have a slight obsession with “what’s in my bag” posts. Call me nosey, but I love seeing the random odds and ends that people tote around on the daily — or to fashion week. Today, I’m super excited to be sharing my Cambridge Satchel essentials. It just may be one of my favorite posts ever, simply because it was so fun to photograph! Depending on my #BOTD (bag of the day), what I carry (and which bag I use) varies. For instance, if I’m heading to a coffee shop for a work sesh, then I know to use a larger tote that fits my laptop. Or if I’m out running errands, a pint-sized bag will almost always do. Take a peek below and be sure to share a link to your #whatsinmybag post in the comments below!




1. The 13 Inch Classic Satchel (Cambridge Satchel) // I was so stoked when I was able to snag this classic Cambridge Satchel bag (with original tags!) in the gently used section at Duo last winter. It’s not something I use every day, but it’s a nice change of pace when a crossbody bag is too small and a tote is too big. Ya know?! 
2. Ban.do Sparkly Hair Clip (similar) // This is legit my favorite hair clip ever. I love having it on hand for those days (let’s be honest — most days) when my hair isn't cooperating. 
3. Kate Spade Tortoiseshell Sunnies (similar) // While I have several pairs of sunnies that I like to throw into the rotation (like this budget-friendly mirrored pair I recently snagged at Nordstrom), I always come back to this timeless tortoiseshell pair from Kate Spade. Take note: It’s not pictured, but I like to store it in a case like this (different pattern but same style) to keep the scuffs away. 
4. Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara (Clinique) // I’ve been using Clinique for years, and I just recently tried out this chubby lash fattening mascara. Long story short: I love it and will definitely be making a repurchase soon. When used alongside a lengthening mascara (and an eyelash curler) it does wonders. 
5. Silicone Tennis Balls iPhone Case (Kate Spade) // TBH, I never want to give up this phone simply because the case is too cute. Period.
6. Color Block Pen (Poketo) // Don’t get me wrong, penciling in functions in an iCal is great, but there’s something to be said about taking notes by hand in an agenda or notebook. Hence the need for an ink pen that brightens your day. 
7. Ampersand for Blue Sky Bookbound Notebook (Target) // Looking for a budget-friendly notebook that’s functional and stylish? Right this way! I’m obsessed with this classy notebook by Blue Sky. Every time I use it, the Parisian chic aesthetic reminds me of Garance Dore. Pssst: It’s only $6.
8. Flavored Balm Dotcom (Glossier) // Minty fresh moisturized lips? Yes, please! If you haven’t already read my review of Glossier’s mint balm dotcom, you can do so here
9. Clare Vivier Striped Zip Wallet (similar) // This one’s an oldie but a goodie. Come summertime, I swap out my kelly green Kate Spade wallet for this striped zip wallet by Clare Vivier. Doesn’t it just scream Fourth of July?
10. Polka Dot Twistband (similar) // I like to keep at least one hair tie tucked away in my bag (or sunglass case) for ponytails, side braids and the occasional bun/top knot. 
11. Fruit Stripe Gum // Hello, ‘90s kids! Sure, the flavor may not last long, but nothing beats that initial surge of fruity goodness. 


What are your bag essentials? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A
3

june. the. list.

Just in time for the official arrival of summer (mark your calendars for Monday!), I’ve rounded up all my June favorites. Hint, hint: You can expect a lotta color and a lotta J.Crew — and a splurge (or two) mixed in. I don’t know about you, but come the summer months, I can’t help but gravitate toward preppy gingham prints, vibrant statement pieces and anything with a laid-back ‘tude. Take a peek at what I’m currently coveting below!


1. Gingham Cotton Shorts (J.Crew) // I know, I know. Navy gingham shorts for summer… how groundbreaking?! As far as preppy summer prints go, gingham will always do you right. Toss on some white canvas sneaks and a chambray shirt for the ultimate weekend look. 
2. Charlotte Olympia Bobby Sandals (Shopbop) // Can’t get away? Bring the tropics to you a la these multi-colored sandals featuring round perforations. They’re guaranteed to add instant charm and whimsy to all your #OOTDs. Be forewarned: They don’t come cheap (but that doesn’t stop me from still wanting 'em). 
3. Rivet & Thread Embroidered Japanese Denim Skirt (Madewell) // Thank goodness for Madewell’s dedication to effortless cool girl-approved staples. I straight-up need this denim embroidered skirt in my life — it couldn’t be more perfect. I recently bought a striped tee from Madewell’s Rivet & Thread line (this one actually) and it’s already been on repeat.
4. Iridescent Tote (J.Crew) // I have to admit the first time I saw this holographic tote in stores, I was a tad skeptical. It looked… interesting. Now that it’s popped up on my radar a few times, I'm starting to come around. I think it would be a fun statement piece for running errands or heading to class (or work!).
5. Short-Sleeve Popover Shirt in Candy Stripe (J.Crew) // Hello, summer stripes! When your same old chambray shirt grows stale, how about adding this short-sleeve popover shirt (with an extra playful twist) into the mix? Not only am I obsessed with the vintage stripe print, but the colors scream SUMMER.
6. Top Knot Headband (J.Crew) // Sorry (not sorry), but I’m so excited that top knot headbands are having a moment again. This gingham one is no exception. I imagine pairing it with a LWD, navy chino shorts — you name it. 

7. Tenoverten Nail Polish in Delancey (Net-a-Porter) // If I had to pick between pink and red nail polish, pink would win by a landslide. Between pastel pinks, hot pinks, neon pinks, and now this bright + punchy pink from Tenoverten, the limit does not exist.
8. Flights of Fancy Banana Coin Purse (Kate Spade) // The real question here is how could you not want a playful banana-shaped coin purse in your life? I digress.
9. Meli Melo Ortensia Saddle Bag (Shopbop) // This pebbled leather Meli Melo saddle bag is so, so pretty. Dress it up with a little black dress or pare it down with denim shorts and a lightweight sweater for a chilly evening around the bonfire. Your move.

What are your summer must-haves? Leave a comment below!

xo, 

A
1

midweek. playlist.

Andrew McMahon // Odesza // The Lumineers // The Brinks
Okay, so I'll be the first to admit that I'm no music connoisseur. Not only have I never been to a concert, but I don't even think I have a favorite artist. Besides the occasional catchy T-Swift revenge song (#noshame) or latest chart-topping hits, my music preferences are all over the place. Anything but country, please! These days, I pretty much just scroll through Spotify for songs and playlists that fit my current mood — whether I'm running walking on the treadmill or searching for tunes to keep the writer's block at bay. I thought I would take a break from my regularly-scheduled fashion posts to share a short playlist of some songs that have been on repeat lately. Enjoy + stay tuned for a roundup of my June favorites on Friday!


What have you been listening to lately? Have a summer playlist? Share a link to it below, so that I can check it out!

xo,
A
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glossier's. balm. dotcom.


Today I’m talking all about Glossier, aka the latest cool girl-approved beauty brand to hit the market. If you’re new to Glossier, here’s the quick 411: It was founded by Emily Weiss (remember the “super intern” from The Hills?) in October 2014, and the rest is pretty much history. Created as an offshoot of the beauty website Into the Gloss, Glossier is a “beauty movement that celebrates real girls, in real life.” What differentiates the brand from countless others is their devotion to skincare. With a line of everyday essentials (think: everything from a milky jelly cleanser to a trusty priming moisturizer), Glossier starts with skincare first, so you can rock a natural dewy look or create an awesome foundation for the makeup that you do wear.   

While I haven’t tried any of Glossier’s skincare products yet, I recently purchased the mint balm dotcom and it’s safe to say I’m already obsessed. I may or may not have been influenced by the streamlined packaging (Glossier’s minimalist design is so on-point!) and the fact that they teamed up with Morgenstern’s ice cream in NYC for a special promotion during the month of May. Glossier flavored ice cream and lip balm? Sign me up, please.
 

As someone who doesn’t wear lipstick — like never — you could say that I take my lip balm pretty seriously. That said, Glossier’s mint balm dotcom exceeded my expectations. Not only does it smell ah-mazing (minty fresh, of course!), but it’s incredibly moisturizing without being super sticky. And it soothes your lips for the perfect morning wake-up call. When I run out, I’ll definitely be stocking up on another tube (or three) as it’s currently also available in rose and cherry.





If you decide to order from Glossier, be sure to check out this $5 off coupon on RetailMeNot. I used it on the mint balm dotcom a few weeks ago and it worked. Just FYI: Shipping is free if you spend over $30!

What Glossier products do you swear by? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A
3

may. outfits.

Fact: Cool kids wear Keds. Stay tuned to see how I style 'em!
It’s hard to believe that summer will officially be here in a few short weeks. Heck, it’s even harder to believe that it’s already June! To recap the month of May, I thought I would share a roundup of my favorite #OOTDs. You’ll notice from my photos that May was a very rainy month — hence my umbrella in several of the snapshots. While I appreciated being able to style some rainy day outfits, I’ve come to the conclusion that I much prefer sunshine over rain on most days and could never live in a rainy climate. It’s just too gloomy for me!

Pink is my power color...

Those May showers...

Stripes + polka dots are kind of my jam.

Sorbet-hued pants turn a rainy day upside down. This Old Navy bucket bag never gets old.

I kept things daytime casual for Memorial Day. I can already tell that this striped button-down by Splendid and these cute seersucker shorts from Duo are going to be on repeat.

What are your favorite spring/summer outfit essentials? Leave a comment below!

xo,

A
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