chunky. block. heels. of. the. moment.

New season, new shoes — or so the mantra goes. If summer was dominated by my obsession with pom-pom embellished sandals, then fall might as well be synonymous with chunky block heels. Personally, I'm more of a ballet flats kind of girl, but don't be mistaken, that doesn't stop me from still yearning after a pair of these stylish stompers. The chunkier the heel, the more fun that can be had. Right? 

Main image via College Prepster

Just a little back story: My infatuation with chunky block heels actually goes way back to circa 2013 when Carly Heitlinger of the College Prepster owned a pair of J.Crew's Etta cap-toe pumps (check 'em out here if you need a refresher and see this outfit for reference.) As fate would have it, J.Crew brought back a very similar version of their iconic cap-toe pumps this season. *Praise hands emoji.* Because I loved Carly’s Summer Fridays-inspired #OOTD so much (more like borderline obsessed), I decided to fall-ify the look a bit with a more season-appropriate dress. Just how French girl-chic is this silk windowpane ruffle-hem dress from Madewell? Throw a suede moto jacket into the equation (and maybe this felt fedora) and you’re all set for a day at the office or a low-key weekend spent brunching and doing autumnal things. Count me in, please. :)

1. Silk Ruffle-Hem Dress in Windowpane (Madewell)
2. Leonard Street Letty (Kate Spade)
3. Lena Leather Pumps With Patent Cap Toe (J.Crew)

More chunky block heels to shop this season:  

 

Are you craving a pair of chunky block heels this fall? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

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monday. favorites.

According to my Kate Spade planner, it’s June.  What!?  I try my best to avoid commenting on the time, but sometimes it’s just inevitable.  As long as June inches by ever so slowly, I’ll be okay.  Since I can’t even remember the last time I did a roundup of my current “Monday favorites,” I thought that today would be as good of a time as any.  Without further ado, here you go!

- This elephant necklace from Duo (check out this similar style) is a game changer.  I’m not lying when I say that it’s often the first necklace that I reach for in the morning.  It’s just that conventional.  My favorite part about it is the size.  As you can probably tell from the photos above, it’s not your ordinary pint-sized elephant – it’s supersized!

- As I’m a sucker for all things paper, I obviously couldn’t pass up this gem of a notepad (especially since it was on sale + extra 40% off!).  Designed by the stationery brand Knock Knock, this pocket-sized notebook is as witty as they come.  I’m obsessed with the design (less is always more!) and can’t wait to use it for my most important to-do lists.   

- Target was spot-on when they designed their line of J.Crew-inspired magic wallets.  With cute white and pink whales, it instantly reminded me of Vineyard Vines.  While they’re currently sold out at my local Target, they appear to still be available online.  For $6.99, I’d say that it’s totally worth it!  (If you’re not one for whales, then definitely check out the sailboat, polka dot and diagonal stripe prints – they’re all too cute!)

- If you follow College Prepster, then this striped button-down shirt from Old Navy may look familiar.  The only difference is that while Carly’s red and white stripe Huxter popover retails for $180, mine was on sale for around $10!  Granted, I totally understand that Huxter is an all-American brand (made in New England, of course) and is designed with the utmost quality...but since button-down shirts aren’t typically my go-to, I happily went for the budget-friendly option.

- Every summer, I yearn for one pair of sandals that I can wear day in, day out…these nude-colored bow sandals from Gap are just that.  Besides the obvious, I’m bow-obsessed (duh!), they go with everything.  I’m so glad that I’m such a frugal shopper and thought to snag these up back in November for a little bit of nothing.  

What are you coveting on this first Monday in June?

xo,

A

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what's. in. my. bag.

Not going to lie, I’ve been wanting to do a “what’s in your bag” themed post for a while now. After seeing College Prepster’s recent blog post sharing the contents of her Kate Spade bag, I knew that it was my turn!  Plus, I thought this would be a fun way for readers to get to know me a little bit better, and in the process, be introduced to a few of my favorite products.  

Although what I carry in my bag changes on a day-to-day basis, what’s pictured above is a pretty accurate depiction of what I can’t leave the house without.

To start things off, I wanted to spotlight my current favorite Kate Spade bag...a black crossbody satchel (complete with a detachable strap) that is ideal for a weekend of running errands and shopping.  While I was initially hesitant of its small size, I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much stuff it actually fits.  

• Kate Spade “Good as Gold” wallet- A must-have for obvious reasons.  

• Sunglasses of the moment + case (similar)- Since I’m much too clumsy to not carry a sunglass case, this plaid one from Madewell is just perfect.  Not to mention that it actually fits in my KSNY satchel…granted it’s a tight fit.  That in itself is a miracle!

• Gum- While I don’t chew a lot, it seems like the instances in which I don’t have gum are when I most crave it.  In the end, it’s a good idea to just always have a pack handy!

• At least two pens, preferably one black (Le Pen) + color (Stabilo)- Whether it’s note taking, agenda making or random doodles, pens are basically my best friend.

• Her Campus Collegiette sticky notes- Going hand-in-hand with the previous item, sticky notes are great for spontaneous to-do lists and happy little reminders.  (As I recently joined the Her Campus Blogger Network, I just had to include some of their sticky notes! #onceacollegiettealwaysacollegiette)

• A Band-Aid- Absolutely necessary for when I’m breaking in a new pair of ballet flats. BTW, how cute is this sequined Cynthia Rowley Band-Aid...I’m a tad obsessed.

• iPod touch- My iPod touch (at least until I get an iPhone) comes in handy most often when I’m updating my social media feeds, checking email, photographing my latest #ootd or capturing other random shots.

• Earphones- This one is so important!  I can’t tell you how bummed out I am when I forget my earphones at home.  They especially come in handy when studying – whether it’s because I’m having trouble focusing or because the person who sat down next to me forgot that it’s a library. Shhhhh...   

• Phone in Kate Spade “Live Colorfully” case- Despite living in an age when “being connected” is deemed oh-so-important, I could totally do without a phone.  That said, I reserve mine for important calls and emergencies.  

• Maybelline New York Baby Lips in Quenched- As I’m a total chapstick/lip balm-kind-of-girl, this one is non-negotiable.  Whether it’s Baby Lips, eos, or Softlips, I always make sure to carry some sort of lip treatment.

• Twistband- As far as hair ties are concerned, my loyalties lie with Twistband.  Not only do they not dent or damage your hair, but they come in fun prints and colors too!

• Jane Tran bobby pins- Jane Tran has mastered the art of bobby pins.  As you can see, I’m currently loving the polka dots.

• Estee Lauder mascara- Travel size mascara samples are the best as they’re great for on-the-go touch-ups.

• Daisy by Marc Jacobs fragrance- Again, travel size-anything reigns supreme.

• Hand sanitizer- Year-round (especially during the fall and winter months), I rely on hand sanitizer to combat unwanted germs.

• Loccitane hand cream-  Nothing prevents dry winter skin like Loccitane’s best-selling Shea butter hand cream.  (Pretty soon, I’ll be switching it out for sunscreen.)

Now that I’ve shared what’s in my bag, what’s in yours?  If you’ve recently done a “what’s in your bag” post, link to it in the comments section!  I’d love to check it out :)  
xo,

A

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