just. another. holiday. gift. guide. (*wink*)

...and so it begins. I'm probably in the minority when I say that I much prefer the 24 days leading up to Christmas than the actual day itself. From Small Business Saturday onward, I find myself immersed in all things holiday. From shopping for stocking stuffers to decorating cookies to fastening velvet bows in my hair for that extra zhoosh factor, I'm like the holiday version of the Energizer Bunny. I just keep going… and going… and going.
 

Whether you're shopping for yourself, a suitemate, a co-worker, your BFF or stylish sis, I've got you covered with 12 pretty rad gift options for everyone on your list. Think of it as a subtle wink-wink-nudge-nudge to ensure that you get exactly what you want this holiday season. Happy shopping ;)




1. Esplar Low Sneakers in Embroidered Stars (Madewell x Veja) // Seeing stars is an understatement. These party-ready celestial-inspired sneakers from Veja are simply a must — whether you intend on channeling your inner Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century or not.

2. Half Zip Wallet (Clare Vivier) // Gift the Parisian in your life one of Clare Vivier's signature half-zip wallets. Um, but seriously, how cute is that blush interior?

3. Ice Cream Cone Ornament (Biscuit) // How about a keepsake ice cream cone ornament for your kid sister with a sweet tooth?

4. Seth + Summer Sweatshirt (Tictail) // A Seth + Summer sweatshirt does exist, as does a Blair + Chuck and Carrie + Mr. Big pullover. And they said love was dead.

5. Mini Kit Zip Satchel in Sweet Lilac (OAD New York) // Treat yo'self to one of OAD New York's functional + commuter-friendly satchels. This one's designed to fit a Moleskine notebook, a spare pair of flats, your metro card — you name it. I just may be smitten with the sweet lilac hue.

6. The Pointe (Margaux) // Are these pretty tartan ballerinas from Margaux < on point > or what?

7. Candy Stripe Anklet (Hansel from Basel) // Wah, these festive candy stripe anklet socks are ho-ho-holiday ready in every possible way. C'mon, peep that lil' scalloped trim!

8. Lovecats Ring (Catbird) // Perfect for stacking or wearable on its own, Catbird's dainty lovecats ring 10/10 gets my vote. I have one and can attest that it's the cat's meow (sorry, had to).


9. Snow Bunny Kit (Pinch Provisions) //
When you're in a pinch at the ski slopes (or après-ski), allow this snow bunny kit to come to the rescue with everything from a mini ice scraper to cuticle oil.

10. Lip Tint (French Girl Organics) // For the girl who keeps a chapstick in every purse (lol, we all have that one friend), you can't go wrong with a tinted lip balm. I'm new to French Girl, but when even Madewell's carrying their line, it must be worth the hype.

11. Leather Bow Hair Ties (J.Crew) // Cue the happy dance, 'cuz bows are back. Trust me: All your ponytails and topknots will thank you.
 

12. Fred & Friends Desk Donut (Ban.do) // Donut tell me your cubicle buddy doesn't need this sprinkle-topped push pin holder sitting pretty on their desk.

What's on your holiday wish list? Comment below!

xo,

A
1

ix. art. park.



Sometimes an outfit inspires the venue for blog post shoots or sometimes vice versa. In lieu of my traditional spots — a random street alley, an exposed brick wall, a charming stoop in Georgetown — I had the perfect backdrop for this particular #OOTD in mind. For those who aren't familiar with the Charlottesville area, the IX Art Park functions as a public-space-turned-art-park located just minutes away from the downtown mall. There are murals to be admired, restaurants and cute coffee (and cupcake!) shops to be enjoyed, in addition to concerts and events for the community.

Can I just say that once again, Madewell came through with the quintessential cropped sweatshirt? It's the type of pullover you reach for without hesitation and somehow still look the definition of ~effortless~ chic. Team it with a snap-front denim mini or frayed hem jeans for a uniform that says "trying, but not trying too hard." Y'all know that's what I'm here for. My only complaint — and it's a minor one — is that Vienna wasn't included in the grand tour of cities featured. Womp, womp.




Now onto the details. Between my *wink* mani (which I'm still obsessed with) and assortment of pretty rings, it's the itty-bitty add-ons that really make this look my own. If you're looking for a streamlined timepiece besides Daniel Wellington, allow me to put Linjer on your radar. As of lately, the brand's minimalist rose/gold watch has been in heavy rotation (it looks stunning with both heavy knits and blouses alike). Throw in my favorite triangle opal ring and stackable kitty ring for instant eye candy. The heart necklace from Ban.do was a last-minute addition that I thought was fitting, given my love for travel (err, more like wanderlust). 

You might have remembered when I blogged about these exact Comme des Garçons x Converse high-tops at the beginning of summer. Well, said kicks have since been inducted into my wardrobe, and they're easily a statement piece in their own right. I especially love wearing them with denim skirts, which I've done here for a high-impact look that requires minimal effort.



Shop the look: white slogan sweatshirt (different, but here's another rad sweatshirt) | denim a-line mini (similar) | minimalist rose/gold mocha watch (Linjer) | triangle opal ring (Emily Warden Designs) | lovecats ring (Catbird) | heart-shaped necklace (found a pink one on Poshmark!) | seafoam green crossbody bag (different, but obsessed with this mint green crossbody) | hidden heart high top sneaker (PLAY x Converse Chuck Taylor)

What does your weekend uniform consist of? Comment below with your favorite fall style essentials!
 

xo,
A
1

vintage. stripes.


Fall, as we know it, is knocking on our door. The leaves are changing. Snaps of apple orchards and weekend excursions to the pumpkin patch have slowly been taking over my Insta feed. The only thing missing? In lieu of fall weather, we've been experiencing a bit of an Indian summer here lately. Although, to be fair, Virginia is known for its notoriously mild October temps.
 

Lemme tell you, these vintage Levi's cutoffs have been the real MVP as of late. Since the onset of summer, I made it my mission to uncover a pair of perfectly broken-in Levi's in a light wash with minimal distressing. (See inspiration a la the one and only Amy Stone here.) Don't ask me to explain the difference the between a pair of 501s or 505s (couldn't tell ya if I tried!), but best believe the scavenger hunt to find the quintessential cutoffs is worth it in the end. Seeing as to how I'm new to this thrifting business, I hit up Urban Outfitters' Urban Renewal line for some reworked Levi's. I recommend checking in store for best selection and to ensure that you're getting exactly what you bargained for. Each pair is unique, so distressing and washes vary.


Can we talk about this rad striped blouse by College Town for a sec? It also just so happens to be a thrifted piece that I picked up at a local vintage shop. After not purchasing it the first time I saw it (despite trying it on and falling in love with it immediately), I knew it was meant to be when it was still waiting for me on BOGO Wednesday (yes, I also ended up snagging a granny-meets-Alexa-Chung-esque floral embroidered cardigan as well). Between the retro stripes and flouncy collar detail, what's there not to love?

As far as throwback trends go, get ready to cringe. And cringe hard. I'm officially back on the scrunchie bandwagon — and I have Mansur Gavriel's fall 2017 presentation to thank for that. Who knew an effortless low-slung pony could look so utterly elegant and, dare I say it, non-fussy? Not I. To add that extra zhoosh factor, I secured my ponytail with an extra AF sequin scrunchie, and voila. Man Repeller status = accomplished.



Moving forward, I cannot wait to style my trusty Levi's with an oversized knit sweater and Chelsea boots. #OOTD snaps to come or it didn't happen...

What's the best thing you've ever thrifted? Comment below!
 

xo,
A
4

september. the. list.

Anddddd, I'm back! Apologies for the unannounced blog hiatus (yes, againnnnn), but my return to the blogging sphere couldn't have come at a better time. While I'm not one to worship the arrival of fall (full-fledged summer girl, right here), I am partial to transitional statement pieces that double for the nippy mornings and balmy afternoons that often characterize September/October. Be it a ceaselessly chic denim topper or a pair of lust-worthy calf-hair ballerinas, I'm rounding up a few autumnal staples in the latest installment of "the list." Happy shopping :)



Rigid Re-Release Denim Jacket (FRAME) // Meet the new fall layering piece that you'll inevitably reach for every. single. day. FRAME gleans inspiration from the '80s with their rugged denim jacket (size up for a more borrowed-from-the-boys fit) that's about to be the highlight of your fall wardrobe. 

The Minimalist Rose Gold/Mocha (Linjer) // Aspire to do less with one of Linjer's streamlined timepieces with menswear undertones. The interchangeable straps (pick your color and size) make customizing your look a cinch.

Striped Knitted Sweater (Madewell) // "Madewell, take all my money…" Says me as I peruse J.Crew's cooler sister brand's new arrivals section every month. I don't know about you, but I'm v partial to Alexa Chung-esque stripes — even better when they're as fuss-free as this quirky knit.  

Double-Strap Flats in Leopard Calf Hair (J.Crew) // Leopard print's a neutral, you say? Groundbreaking. As far as sartorial no-brainers go, these double-strap flats will 10/10 rack up the compliments during your morning commute. Do the rolled-up boyfriend jeans thang or reintroduce your favorite wool mini skirt into the mix for preppy fall perfection.

Everyday Sunglasses Enamel Pin (Rifle Paper Co.) // Swoon… millennial pink is officially sticking around for fall and I'm not even mad about it. Fasten this glam pin onto a denim jacket or tote for no shortage of sass.

Everyday Alligator Enamel Pin (Rifle Paper Co.) // Cool girl flair in the form of a sneaky alligatah pin… that's what I'm here for. 


Crinkled Hologram Nano Tie Crossbody (KARA) // I'm not even kidding one bit with the Zenon, Girl of the 21st Century reference (hello, celestial vibes). This holographic crossbody bag is for rad girls looking for that extra zhoosh factor.
 

Marigold With Lips Sweatshirt (Clare Vivier) // Touchdown! Peep the quintessential marigold sweatshirt that's game for all your upcoming fall tailgates and apple-picking adventures.

What are your go-to transitional pieces for fall? Comment below!

xo,

A
0

modern. map. art. // new. york. city.


If you know me at all, then you’re well aware of my love affair with New York City. In fact, I just returned from my annual summer trip (and may or may not be plotting a return visit as we speak…), so the timing of this post couldn’t be more fitting. Today, I want to put Modern Map Art on your radar — a company that reimagines city street maps into contemporary wall prints, iPhone cases, you name it.
 

One of Modern Map Art’s city prints could be the newest addition to your gallery wall or it could be the *perfect* gift for a BFF who’s currently living out her post-graduate dreams in a new city. Study abroad in Barcelona, Spain or Paris, France? There’s a map for that! Don’t worry, I’ve already checked and there’s even a print for Vienna, Austria. <3     



The folks over at Modern Map Art generously sent over one of their 8x10 NYC map prints ($29.99), and I honestly couldn’t be more pleased with the presentation of the museum-quality matte poster. The design of the map itself is unique in that the print showcases highways, waterways, major landmarks and mass transit system lines (you really have to get out the magnifying glass to scope out all the minuscule details!). As far as customization options go, you have your pick of size (from 8x10 to 24x36) and color (I prefer the black/white, but you could go crazy with navy/orange if that’s more your aesthetic). Don’t see your city represented? Modern Map Art will work with you on a custom order to make your vision a reality.

    
What to expect? Speedy shipping and safe delivery (your print will be placed in a tube for crease-free travels). Not only does my NYC print appear exactly as photographed online, but it has the feel of a commissioned print. AKA, it’s not something you’re going to stumble across at just any old street fair. While I still need to find a frame and matting for it, I imagine that my print will look super sleek in a minimalist black lacquer gallery frame. Speaking of which, the map print of your choice would be ideal for a curated gallery wall (you wouldn’t believe how many NYC-themed prints I’ve accumulated over the years!), an office or even a college dorm. 

You can find Modern Map Art on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter

Which city would you purchase a map print for, and more importantly, where would you hang it? Comment below!

xo,
A

Disclaimer: While this is not a sponsored post, Modern Map Art was kind enough to send me a New York City street map poster for review. Please note that all opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.
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madewell’s. fall ‘17. lookbook.

Just as a disclaimer: I am under no circumstances ready for fall weather. Not by a longshot. In fact, the noticeably cooler temps this week have served as a reminder that I’m a full-time summer girl through and through. #TeamIceCream

That said, Madwell’s fall/winter ‘17 lookbook was too g-dang good not to share. There were three looks in particular that stuck out to me (AKA, that I would buy and proceed to wear in a heartbeat if I had the unlimited funds to do so). Peep ‘em below and let me know which outfits (see full preview here) have you feeling all weak in the knees. I digress.



If there’s one thing that I love about fall, it’s a good chunky knit sweater. Amirite or amirite?! Truth be told, my ideal late-summer, pre-fall uniform would look a little somethin' somethin' like this — give or take some ankle boots or pretty ballerinas. While the making faces pullover sweater and accompanying flouncy polka dot skirt err on the romantic-femme side, it’s the oversized black jean jacket that lends just the right amount of tough-girl edge to an otherwise sophisticated look. 


Ooh-la-la is right. And here we have the perfect juxtaposition between Parisian It-girl and sleek modernist. From the making faces tiered dress to the perfect khaki trench and Tretorn sneakers, I low-key want it all. The addition of a streamlined black purse and menswear-inspired trousers socks further confirms my love for unconventional styling.


Cue the heart eyes: This millennial pink raincoat from Stutterheim (also available in navy!) is e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. I recently discovered the Swedish brand through Instagram, so it seems quite fitting that Madewell is now carrying their Mosebacke Raincoat. I imagine that I would reach for it rain or shine, on-duty or off. And can we please talk about those cognac-hued Chelsea boots masterfully styled alongside striped socks (take note of how they peek out just a smidge)? WANT. NEED. For the sake of my wallet, it’s a good thing fall’s not here yet. 

Also, side note: Are band-aids the new accessory du jour or did this model actually take a tumble?


Side note #2: I was at the Bloomingdale's in SoHo last week and had the chance to try on a Stutterheim jacket (see low-quality pic of me slouching above), and let’s just say it was love at first sight. As far as sizing goes, I noticed that it seemed to run a bit large (the x-small or xx-small would probs be my ideal fit). Not sure if the sizing of the Stutterheim raincoats at Madewell are TTS or not, but thought I’d share.

Are you obsessed with Madewell’s F/W ‘17 collection? Comment below!

xo,
A
0

game. set. match.


YOU GUYS (all caps to get your attention)!! I’m pumped to finally be sharing this #OOTD with you. Every summer, there tends to be a rotation of dresses (some old, some new) that I gravitate toward for a slew of outings. You could say this lovely Free People frock is one of ‘em. Call me overly sentimental, but something tells me that this is a dress that I’ll look back at fondly for years (and years) to come. Yes, it’s obviously super femme and the definition of festi-cool — I think I could actually see myself frolicking in a field of wild daisies for a Free People-esque shoot — but there’s a certain je ne sais quoi quality about it that speaks volumes about my personal style these days.



Admittedly, the choker-neck style (it’s still growing on me!) and exaggerated sleeves were a smidge outside my comfort zone, but you only embrace your inner flower child once — amirite?! I proceeded to layer it over a lovely lace bralette and toss on my go-to huaraches from Madewell for a considerably boho lewk. Other details to love: namely that airy open back (keep scrollin’ to see the details), the subtle pleats and of course the sweet floral print.

Speaking of outfit snapshots, I started out at the tennis court before venturing downtown for additional action shots. Fellow bloggers (and aesthetes alike), take note: Tennis courts make for a v aesthetically pleasing backdrop. I could photograph the crisp white lines and blue/green asphalt (color palette of my dreams) for days.


 

free people tegan mini dress (or similar) | mini cross-body bag (different color) | huaraches (sold out, but similar)

What are your favorite summertime statement pieces? Comment below! 

xo,
A
4

48-hour. asheville. photo. diary.


  
With July whizzing by, I thought I’d share a glimpse of a recent weekend that I spent exploring Asheville, North Carolina. In short, Asheville had a lot of character. Despite only being in town for roughly 48-ish hours, I was able to peep the downtown scene and check off a new place on my non-existent travel bucket list. (Note to self: It’s ‘bout time that I make one.) Keeping in mind my brief stay, I’ve compiled a visual photo diary of some of my fave snaps — namely, pretty buildings, street art and a v aesthetically pleasing dessert spot that brought much happiness to my soul.



I won’t touch too much on shopping, but I did swing by the J.Crew outlet store where I managed to score a pair of Stubbs & Wootton smoking slippers for a fraction of their original selling price (can’t wait to wear ‘em this fall!). Besides an assortment of clothing boutiques scattered in downtown Asheville — not to mention an Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters — the Biltmore Village is a shopping destination with retailers like Brooks Brothers and (another) J.Crew as well as smaller independent boutiques (Lilly Pulitzer devotees should check out Palm Village).   
 





As it turns out, Asheville has their very own Flatiron building. Let it be known: I was that crazy tourist who just had to snap 135456 pictures of the building from every imaginable angle. What a beaut.

  





Another architectural gem I stumbled across was Asheville’s Grove Arcade, an indoor mall that’s just as elegant on the outside as the inside. Bonus points, ‘cuz the skies were extra blue the day I was there making for some seriously pretty shots.



Fun fact: Asheville’s Jackson Building, rendered in Neo-Gothic style architecture, was western North Carolina’s first skyscraper. Too bad it’s closed to the public — I would’ve loved to have climbed to the top, which I jokingly referred to as “Rapunzel's Tower.”



While I didn’t make it to any donut shops (Vortex Donuts and Hole Doughnuts were on my list), I’m not even complaining because I found something better. If you’re in Asheville, I 10/10 recommend making a stop at Sunshine Sammies. YUM. Here you’ll find some of the most scrumptious handcrafted ice cream sandwiches, waffle tacos and cookies. I ordered a scoop of their mint chocolate chip ice cream and had a nibble of one of their classic chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream sammies. Besides all the mouth-watering desserts, let me also just rave for a sec about their new storefront (just opened on June 23!) and cool urban space. From their wood countertops and paint-splattered floor to the bright yellow metal bar stools, Sunshine Sammies is made for the ‘gram. Oh, and they also have the cutest vintage truck (which I may or not have posed alongside post-treat).  

All smiles. :)

Where have your recent travels taken you? Comment below!
 

xo,
A
2

best. of. glastonbury. style.

While Glastonbury Festival may have come and gone in a flash, I’m naturally still drooling over all the fab fashion sightings. Despite never having attended Glastonbury, I’ve come to associate the British music festival with a certain waxed field jacket (does Barbour ring a bell?) and a parade of rainy day wellies that come out rain or shine. Sure, there’s still your typical festival-going attire (OTT sequins! Glitter-sprayed cheeks! Shimmery piñata-inspired fringe!), but once again the Londoners have turned out in full force gracing us with their sartorial greatness. Have I piqued your interest yet? Keep on scrolling for a highlight reel of some of my favorite looks from the Instagram sphere.


1. Classic Glasto uniform // Could Sophia Rosemary Barrese be any more perf? Nope. She’s got that classic Glasto uniform down to a science, and I’m low-key loving it. Translation: I would wear this head-to-toe getup to fall harvest in a heartbeat. But ~news flash~ wouldn’t we all? (via @sophia_rosemary)


2. Ghetto superstar: I call this look “when you’re glam AF and you know it.” Slay on with a pair of your own rockstar shades, an accompanying day dress and *perfect* windswept hair. (via @kararosemarshall


3. Daytime metallics rule supreme // Switch out the editorial-ready Barbour for an off-duty military jacket with rad embroidered patches. Then set it off with a metallic mini, a rocker tee and tough-girl ankle boots for major slayage. (via @shopgirlbella)


4. Yellow rainy day mac: You had me at rubber ducky yellow rainy day mac that requires not a raindrop in the sky. (via @shoeandclothe)


5. Vintage blouse // Alright, alright. I’m about to raid this FASHUN blogger’s closet that’s bound to be chock full of vintage gems like this renaissance fair-inspired blouse. Don’t even get me started about her high-waisted mom shorts and huarache-style sandals. (via @sophia_rosemary)


6. B is for Barbour: Call me crazy, but I imagine more Barbour jacket spottings at Glastonbury than a preppy college town in the south (cough, Charlottesville, cough). Though best believe the styling in London would be especially exceptional. (via @alexachung)


7. Femme meets tomboy // Now, we’re talking. Maybe I’m a tad biased, but I’ve always been a fan of the whole sneakers-and-dress combo. This gem right here is no exception. (via @c_illidge)


8. An Alexa Chung-esque jumper // YOU GUYS. In case you somehow missed the memo, regional It girl A.Chung recently debuted her namesake clothing line and this whimsical face jumper is included in the collection. Chung models it SO well. (via @alexachung)


9. Back to basics: Dialed down has never looked so RIGHT on the money. Suki Waterhouse shows everyone who’s boss with her stripped-down approach to overdone festival fashion. Frayed hem denim shorts and everyday stripes have never looked so — wait for it — utterly groundbreaking. (via @_springlondon)
 

10. Ditsy floral frock + Hunter boots // And here’s yet anotha stunner lewk from you-guessed-right. There’s something to be said about a ditsy floral dress and some worn-in Hunters that screams savvy London girl in the idyllic English countryside, amirite? (via @sophia_rosemary)


11. Kooky apron dress: ...and that’s a wrap. This Alexa Chung lookalike werks it in her frilly PVC apron dress that’s part cool girl, part rodeo-ready (it must be the fedora and leather ankle boots). (via @josefin_ohrn)

Are you obsessed with Glastonbury fashion? Which style blogger/celeb do you think was best-dressed? 

xo,
A
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