august. the. list. // back-to-school

Please forgive me for once again uploading my monthly installment of "the list" so late into the month.  This time, I blame it on vacay, which totally threw my editorial calendar for a loop.  With August serving as a prime BTS (back-to-school) month, I've decided to curate my picks this go-around with school in mind.  While I, unfortunately, won't be heading back to school on Monday (the struggle is real over here), I personally love back-to-school shopping.  New wardrobe + school supplies — sign me up!

Quitterie Pouch (Delfonics) // Ah!  Anything by Delfonics, please!  I can't get enough of this cute gingham/check patterned pouch.  It would be perfect for stowing away all of your school supplies, stray hair ties, iPhone and everything else in-between.

Envelope Card Case (Delfonics) // I'm not going to tell you to ditch the lanyard, but this card holder is pretty darn cute.  I'll let it speak for itself.

Black and Cream Deco Dot Travel Umbrella (Kate Spade) // Nope, it's never cute to walk around like a soggy, wet dog during torrential downpours.  Do yourself a favor by investing in a rain jacket and umbrella now, so that you can avoid a rainy day conundrum at all costs.  This polka dot option a la Kate Spade is the epitome of chic.

New-York Paris Everyday Memori Notebooks (Rifle Paper Co.) // Over the course of my undergraduate and graduate career, I inevitably learned to become a real notebook snob.  (Sorry, Five Star no longer cuts it for me.)  Moleskine is my absolute favorite with Rifle Paper Co., Rollbahn and any stationery by Kate Spade following closely behind.

Color Block Pen (Poketo) // I don't joke around when it comes to my writing utensils of choice.  My favorites are as follows:  Staedtler, Stabilo, Muji and Le Pen.  These color block ballpoint pens are pretty darn cute, too (I have the turquoise one!).

Flutter Mini Skirt in Vintage Scarf Print (J.Crew) // I'm an absolute sucker for skirts and proceed to add more (AND more) to my collection by the month.  This printed blue number has back-to-school written all over it.  Pair it with a lightweight sweater, ballet flats and your favorite accessory for an A+ look.

'70s Wash Button-Front Skirt (Topshop) // In case you haven't heard, button-front denim skirts (and basically anything from the '70s for that matter) are going to be majorly trending come this fall.  I especially like this one from Topshop as it has a more "flippy" A-line silhouette than others.  Now, go forth and channel your innermost Alexa Chung.

The Remy Boyfriend in White (Industry Standard) // It only seems fitting to invest in a new pair of denim for the school year.  Instead of your traditional blue jeans, however, these white boyfriend jeans by Industry Standard would be a great alternative.  Leave the "no white after Labor Day" rule behind by flaunting this effortless white pair all this fall (and beyond).

North South Tote Bag (The Cambridge Satchel Company) // Despite being on #TeamTote all through college, I have to admit that backpacks these days are looking so chic.  Regardless of whether you're more of a tote kind of gal or prefer the latter, Cambridge Satchel has got you covered.  If the tote above isn't your cup of tea, then they also have the most stylish backpack everrr.  I'm just not sure how much it will hold?!

Paloma Pajama Short (Sleepy Jones) // Whether you're just starting college or not, cute PJs are completely necessary.  Personally, I'm a fan of printed pajama shorts + a casual tee/tank.  While they're a bit of a splurge, Sleepy Jones has some ah-maz-ing loungewear options that would be perfect for lazy Sundays (like this gingham pair).  Doing nothing has never looked so good.

420 Sneakers (New Balance) // I don't need a new pair of sneaks right now, but New Balance has been killing it lately with their rad color palettes.  One thing's for sure:  These will definitely make you feel more inspired to work out and log those miles with your Fitbit.

What are your back-to-school essentials?  Share them with me in the comments below or link to one of your curated BTS posts!

xo,
A

1

june. the. list.

This is a tad late (halfway through the month already?!), but today I’m sharing with you my lovely roundup of things that I’m currently coveting for the month of June.  I have another busy catch-up week ahead, so I’m just going to let the items do the talking!

1.  So Well Composed Pen Set (Kate Spade)- Every self-proclaimed KSNY girl needs a set of these pens in her arsenal.  I mean, just look at them, they’re so quirky and utterly perfect.

2.  Kitschy Faux Stone Cocktail Ring (Forever 21)- I apparently have an affection for this kitschy floral design...back in April, I spotlighted the exact same necklace version of this ring.  It was from Forever 21, too!

3.  Cotton Piqué Short in Gemstone Print (J.Crew)- With the official arrival of summer so close, I can’t help but want every pair of shorts in sight.  It’s safe to say that J.Crew is a top-contender for some of the season’s best shorts options.  Besides this gemstone printed pair, I also have my eye on these polka dots and these chambray sailboats.   

4.  Lightstitch Skirt (Madewell)- The vintage-inspired embroidery and femininity of this skirt make it incredibly hard to resist.  Pair it with a knotted chambray shirt, tuck in a silk blouse or throw on a slouchy cashmere sweater in the fall...I think you see where I’m going with this. #endlessstylingoptions

5.  Kiki Stamped Ballet Flats (J.Crew)- I guess you could say that summer whites and creams are getting the best of me. Regardless, these Kiki ballet flats are the epitome of sophistication. The only thing missing is a little white dress...

6.  Saline Sunglasses (Westward Leaning x Olivia Palermo)- I’m currently obsessed with Olivia Palermo’s sunglass collaboration with Westward Leaning.  Normally one to gravitate toward either black or tortoiseshell sunnies, I surprised myself by instantly falling for this “matte frost” pair.  

7.  Blanket Cut Out Dress (Tibi)- The stripes featured in this Tibi dress are super cute, right?  Available in cactus green and pale blush, the colors could not be more spot-on.  AND those sweet side cutouts – just perfect!

8.  Shine Stripe T-Shirt (aerie)- Whoever dubbed lightweight tees as boring and basic is surely mistaken. This one from aerie is so nonchalant and effortless that it’s meant to be tucked and tied for simplicity sake.

9.  Women's Faux-Leather Tassled Bucket Bags (Old Navy)- I’ve seen this bucket bag in person and have been debating whether or not I should get it.  For just around the $30 mark, it seems like it would be the ultimate summer bag for running errands. I just don’t know that I really NEED it...

10.  The Grass is Always Greener Large Notebook (Kate Spade)- In classic Kate Spade kelly green, this notebook makes me want to handwrite everything – who needs a laptop anyway?!

11.  Maison Kitsuné Stripe Skater Skirt (J.Crew)- Fact:  There are few color combinations more Parisian than navy + cream. Whether paired with a chambray shirt or lightweight sweater/sweatshirt at dusk, this stripe skater girl has “cool girl” written all over it.

What summer must-haves are on your list?

xo,

A

2

garance. doré. x. rifle. paper. co.

Image via garancedore.fr

Sometimes collaborations are just meant to be.  The stars align and everything falls seamlessly into place.  As far as stationery collaborations go, I can’t imagine a more perfect union than one between Rifle Paper Co. and fashion photographer, illustrator and writer Garance Doré.

Upon first glance, I knew that it was going to be good.  An acute attention to detail paired with seriously impeccable fashion illustrations combine to form a high-quality product that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.  Those of you, like myself, who have an unwavering obsession with all things paper are in for a special treat.

As luck would have it, both Anna Bond (co-owner and creative director at Rifle Paper Co.) and Garance Doré share an appreciation for gorgeous illustrations and designs. It seems that timing was everything.  Despite this being Rifle Paper Co.’s first capsule collection, when Doré reached out to Bond, her answer was a resounding “yes.”  The fact that they were both already fans of each other’s work makes the launch of their line even sweeter.

Photo via garancedore.fr

On their joint venture, Bond said:  “I have worked closely with Garance to guide her illustrations into products, art direct the look and style of the collection, and design each item. We are bringing Rifle’s attention to detail, product quality, and expertise to a group of products that are new and unique yet complementary to our own brand.”

The line includes stationery, notebooks, greeting cards, calendars and even iPhone cases.  Let me tell you, the illustrations are as Parisian chic as they come, all featuring attractive script fonts and a soft, muted color palette.

Photo by @annariflebond

A notebook is more than just a journal to record thoughts in; how it looks and feels speaks volumes too. As Doré told Style.com, “illustrations ought to be something you can carry with you.”  Maybe I don’t need a new notebook per se, but it’s safe to say that I secretly want one anyway!

So classy, refined, and sophisticated, if this stationery collection doesn’t knock your socks off, I don’t know what will.  While the Garance Doré x Rifle Paper Co. line already had its official debut at Paris retailer Colette, the launch date in the US couldn’t come soon enough.  Arriving Spring 2014, look out for it any day now!

xo,
A

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