one. striped. button-down. // three. ways.

I knew this blue and white striped button-down shirt would be on repeat the moment I bought it. It’s lightweight, slightly oversized and incredibly effortless.

It’s confession time: I have a slightly unhealthy obsession with button-downs. We all have that one hero piece in our wardrobe, and a tried-and-true button-down shirt just so happens to be mine. What can I say, they’re the first thing I reach for when a case of the outfit blahs hits and nothing else seems to measure up. Over the past few years, I’ve accumulated more plaid, gingham and striped shirts than I care to admit — some are structured while others take on a more laid-back chic vibe (just the way I like it).
 
There’s my favorite silk shirt from Equipment that looks exquisite paired with skinny jeans, a slouchy gingham button-down from Joie that can be styled no less than a million and one ways and there’s even a slim oxford that I once snagged on sale from the men’s section at J.Crew. It fits like a dream BTW. The list goes on. To share just how versatile a button-down can be, I’m sharing three ways that I’ve recently styled this summery striped shirt from Splendid.

Easy does it. When in doubt, black skinny jeans and a button-down will always do you right. Although I have yet to master the perfect half-tuck (one day…), there’s nothing I love more than being able to toss on a button-down with jeans and d’Orsay flats for a low-key afternoon at a coffee shop.

Just a little preppy. This #OOTD was actually from Memorial Day weekend (#longlivesummer). It doesn’t get more summery than seersucker shorts (here’s the skirt version), navy Keds and a knotted button-down. For a day spent out and about, I even toted around my go-to Old Navy bucket bag. 

Ultra-femme with a twist. Last but not least, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to style my favorite striped shirt with this classic white French Connection skirt (a great T.J. Maxx find!). Once again, I knotted the ends for a chic accent and accessorized with a mint green necklace and clear rubber Ancient Greek Sandals. 

Scroll through for more shoppable button-downs below:

What’s your favorite way to style a button-down? Let me know in the comments below!
xo,
A

monday. favorites.

Ironically enough, I’m always either too busy or not busy enough – there’s just no happy medium.  Hence, my epic fail for not having a post ready for last Monday. Since I'm blogging purely for fun (#nopressure), I hate the idea of throwing a post together just to have something up. I like to believe that quality wins out over quantity in the end. That said, thankfully, I’m nowhere near as swamped this week. Here are a few things that I'm currently loving, enjoy!

1.  [mani. monday.]  For me, Monday signals not only the start of a new week, but also a fresh mani.  My most current mani to date includes a lovely shade of dark blue (which is borderline black), a punch of magenta pink and, naturally, I had to top it off with gold glitter!

bobbing for baubles.  good to go. splash of grenadine.  guilty pleasures.  

2.  [post. halloween. treat.]  Starburst’s fruit-flavored candy corn is the best.  So good, in fact, that I have a few bags of it hidden away for when my next craving hits (which happens more often than I would like to admit!).  All I can say is that it’s going to be a sad day when I run out…and that I personally think that Starburst should consider making their candy corn all year long. #onceayearisnotenough

3.  [this. sweater.]  It’s by French Connection and I just love it.  It contains the perfect amount of slouch and boasts the prettiest (and most autumnal + holiday-esque) striped color palette.  I remember lusting after this said sweater for the longest time (it was literally love at first sight!) and then I finally bought it and all was well in the world once again.  

xo,

A

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november. the. list.

First, can I just say that I can’t believe it’s already November?!  (I remember just tweeting a month ago about how I could not believe it was October.)  Am I the only one who feels like time is flying by? Sometimes, I wish we could just push pause... 

From here on out, I think I’m going to make it a personal goal to stop dwelling over how fleeting the days are and just live a little more in the moment. 

In honor of the new month and the approaching holiday season (don’t worry, I won’t be talking about all things Christmas just yet...), I thought it would be fun to pull my favorite clothing items and accessories of the moment. What I’m currently lusting over, if you will.  Take a glance and don’t forget to leave a comment sharing which new arrivals you’re obsessing over!  

1. Tim Tim Striped Raglan T-Shirt (French Connection): Nothing beats a good ol’ striped t-shirt in my book, especially when it’s as versatile as this navy/white one by French Connection.  

2. Shane Ivory/Black Polka Dot Crew Neck (Equipment): I have to say I’m digging the mega- sized polka dots featured on this cashmere crew neck sweater.  And it’s black and white, so the style possibilities are endless.  

3. It by Alexa Chung (Barnes & Noble): For fellow fashion-devotees (or shall I say Alexa-devotees), this is for you.  I don’t read much, but when I do, I make sure that it counts.  The next time I’m ready to welcome a new book into my life, you can bet that it will be this one.     

4. Contrast-Collar Topcoat (J.Crew): Dreamiest coat of the season — there, I said it.  While J.Crew seems to excel in, well...pretty much everything, their outerwear is especially swoon-worthy. 
5. Collection Chelsea Monk-Strap Boots (J.Crew): One thing that my fall wardrobe is severely lacking in is boots. While the temperatures are still bearable, I wouldn’t mind adding this menswear-inspired pair of ankle boots to my collection. 
6. Print & Shine Bobbi Set (ban.do): This bobbi set by ban.do is too good. Gimme polka dots and I’m all set! 7. Taylor Cardigan with Contrast (Equipment): It’s cardigan weather and there’s always room for one (or five) more cardis to come home.  This buffalo check one by Equipment is all sorts of cute.  I need it.

8. Double Pave Bracelet (Club Monaco): As I’m not a fan of major arm parties (a stack of two or three is my limit), I adore how simple and sophisticated this double pave bracelet  from CM is.

9. Cedar Street Monday (Kate Spade): Although much too small to be practical, that shade of robin’s egg blue is too lovely for words.  (Just FYI, It also comes in ballet slipper pink…)    

10. Demi Flat (Coach): Ballet flat connoisseur and bow-delighted, I am.  These cream-colored ballerinas (with a black cap-toe!) by Coach are spot-on.   

Although, I plan on compiling monthly “I Need It” lists, in the meantime, feel free to check out/follow my board on Pinterest appropriately titled, “Things I’m Yearning For…”  I’m a Pinterest fanatic (#fact) and am always adding new goodies to it.  Enjoy!

xo,
A

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