TOE wishlist: susan sontag, zara, free people, caudalie, nasty gal + more

my wish list is super long right now. i think the fact that i'm starting a new job really pulls at my "it's time to update my wardrobe/life" heart strings. subsequently i've been craving a closet purge to fit my desired shopping spree. i'm realistic though. i can't afford all of this at once. plus, i have impulsive tendencies so time in between my purchases is 100% necessary.

my goal is to find some staple pieces that will carry me beyond spring and into summer and fall.  living in la la land w/ perfect temps gives me that amazing flexibility. west coast = best coast. (had to) ... no bright colors, nothing too flashy or trendy, just plain jane tones with modern cuts and accents. i've also plugged in some beauty finds and future must reads.

 

i cant get my mind off of the tight and sexy, almost ballerina-like camis and racer backs that are hitting stores right now. i. want. one. (left) this low back cami in black (other cool colors and patterns available) by free people is tah die for. i can see myself wearing this to work and then smoothly transitioning into happy hour or dinner with the boy - ppshhh like i'm that cool. (right) this racey racer back crop tank from nasty gal is the exact going out top i've been looking for. while this model and style looks fantastic, i'm not one to "bare" all (punny?), going out. i'm a high-waisted trouser fanatic, so this top is the perfect compliment that doesn't require me to show too much.

i've been following blackmilk clothing on instagram for some time now and i'm starting to become obsessed. this velvet bodysuit would look great under a pair of boyfriend jeans, trousers or jean shorts.

speaking of boyfriend jeans... i've had the same pair from the gap for like three years. i love them. its time for a fresh pair with no holes (not the cool kind either) with a modern edge. i want them to be almost ugly, but in a good way? this light denim pair on need supply co. by citizens of humanity is perfectly u.g.l.y. and i mean that in the most hottest, fashion-y way possible.

get your tix to the gun show, with this muscle tank on need supply co. by t by alexander wang. the breast  pocket, cement color and broad v-neck bring this classic cut into the year 2013 and beyond. between the boyfriend jeans and muscle tank i may be turning into a man. i'm fine with that. their shit is more comfortable.

both of these black bags are from zara - one says "i'm structured" the other says "i'm flexible." i'm horribly drawn to both. i love the unfinished edges and structured frame on the (left) mini tote. i'm confident i wouldn't lose my keys in there. (right) this brown (well, actually black) paper lunch bag is really unique. i love that i could carry it as an over sized clutch, or throw it over my shoulder with the provided chord.

like actually... i might be a boy. i confess - or to those of you who know me personally probably already know this, but are afraid to say it to my face -  i'm terrible at putting on makeup. i have to keep it simple, simply because i'm all thumbs beyond primer, powder and mascara. trust me. i've tried. "clown" has yet to be a fashion statement, so until then i'm sticking to the basics. my make up pouch is sparse so for this reason i have zero guilt spending a little extra on my staples and experimenting on new face products like this (left) clinique age defense bb cream w/ spf. i know what your thinking... age defense in your twenties? i know it sounds crazy, but a family friend of mine who works at the wonderful world of murad (highly recommended) told me its never too early. and she's right. i often get dark spots when i break out and this bb cream helps reduce their visibility and speeds up the healing process. second on my list is this (right) laura mercier duo wet/dry foundation powder. i'm always drawn to anything 2 in 1. simple = good.

i wish i were a posh french girl, but since i'm not even close i'll pretend by using caudalie toner. this french beauty line is seriously amazing. its refreshing, light and cleansing and contains zero chemicals you can't pronounce. bonus: they never test on animals. whether you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or you're removing make up at night, this stuff is the way to go. whatever you choose to buy, you won't go wrong.

i'm probably the only self-proclaimed "reader" who hasn't read a novel, play, non-fiction, whatever by susan sontag. she's been on my must-read list for years. i've always loved her in a superficial sense after reading about her and even some fragments of her work from various articles and interviews. i'm not sure what has prompted me to put her off, but i'm finally committing and purchasing a few of her reads on my nook. i won't be a poser anymore.

Merica

Okay, I'm all for cheese when it comes to holidays. I especially appreciate (mostly for entertainment purposes) the one person at the party who goes all out. However, there is little that I hate more than the couple or herd of bromances or gaggle of women who show up to party in, for lack of a better word, trashy and over-the-top "outfits" to a themed party. 4th of July seems to be the creme de la creme of dweebs in homemade, flag turned board shorts or crop top. This holiday, in my opinion was the start of themed parties. Today, Independence Day (though I'm not sure why) is a confusing blend of Halloween and New Year's. THIS IS NOT OKAY PEOPLE.

Gentleman you don't have to wear an American Flag Speedo for the rest of us to know that you love the USA. Ladies, sequin flag string bikinis are for 10-year olds or performers in Vegas. Most of us are neither nor.

Don't get me wrong I love a good costume, but let's do ourselves and good ole Uncle Sam a favor and mix red, white and blue Jell-O shots with some cool yet festive gear for the 4th.

These Jeffery Campbells are TODIE for. I snagged them off FP BLDG 25.

One of my fave DIY blogs I Spy DIY shows you how to make these!

Another FP BLDG 25 find. Jean on jean is a must this summer.

One of my blog's inspirations comes from my coworker, Lauren on her blog Moonchild. Her style is impeccable and she here, she totally has the carefree, all-American look, even without being stars and strips

This one piece with boyfriend jeans is RIGHT up my alley. Comfort meets beach sex. Find it on Natalie Off Duty.

Monochromatic white for the 4th us genius. A totally trendy look that I guarantee no one at your party will be sporting. AND the grungy converse... perfection. Find it on Natalie off Duty.

This 90s grunge look is perfect for hot temps.

What would this summer be without nail art? This Pinterest find is a mix between hand painting and stick-ons. I like.

I love her rings. Found on Natalie Off Duty.

If you're in to the retro pin-up look this are awesome.

Uh hi. 4th of July perfection here. Although the bag is over the top for me here. Too matchy-matchy for my taste.

This was found on one of my favorite Swedish style blogs, Victoria Tornegren. It is understated, American style: ripped jean, over sized sunnies and badass hardware to boot!

Now go! Be bold and passionate women, not gaudy and slinky!

THE Summer Sandal

I can't take my eyes off of the awesome summer sandals out this year. No, I'm not talking flip flops or gladiators... I'm talking perfect heel, ankle strapping, stand-out-from-the-crowd, classy, brunching, champagne popping, horse race- appropriate SANDALS. There is a difference between sandals and flip flops, or my least favorite word for them... thongs. Ugh.

One of my fave spring/summer looks I've seen is the normally fancy, ankle strap sandal with a pair of casual trousers or floral or colored denim. To me this look says casual yet put together, classy yet a little off the beaten path. Can't get enough!

Just bought these beauties at Nordstrom in a caramel leather. Comfort meets chic. They look SO good with my salmon colored denim.

Free People HQ

I had the HUGE honor of visiting URBN Inc. headquarters in Philadelphia last week to interview with the Free People brand. It was a quick 48 hour trip, jam packed with long flights, meet-n-greets, tours and interviews. I even had the pleasure of meeting the FP president, who was just so sweet and graceful. Everyone I talked to made me feel right at home, which eased my nerves.

I wish I had the chance to take pictures of the inside of the buildings, they were a dream - lush greenery, colorful decor (all hand made), cozy couches, vintage accents, hard wood floors and paneling, mood boards and of course tons and tons of gorgeous fabric and clothes.

URBN Inc. is an umbrella company, owning Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Free People, BHLDN and Terrain. HQ is located in the scenic old Naval Yard on Philly waters. There are huge lawns surrounding the URBN brick buildings where you'll find employees and their faithful pet companions. One of the buildings includes a full cafeteria (looked like awesome eats, had I not been too nervous to have breakfast), gym and day care center. The whole scene is almost like a university campus, but with older, more beautifully, well dressed people.

This is the out of the FP building... massive.

The view from on of the docks on the Naval Yard. These ships are unreal, now I know how Rose felt on Titanic. ;-)

FP didn't have a store in it's home town til about two months ago, which I thought was interesting. The number of FP retail stores has almost tripled in the past two years.

Walking the streets of Center City in Philly. I didn't land til late. This was taken around 11pm on a Wednesday night.

Another view from the docks of the Naval Yard.

This is a better look at the URBN "campus." All of the buildings in view are URBN owned.

A dinner recommendation from an FP recruiter - Amis. I ordered a big glass of wine and a spicy pasta. SO GOOD.

This was actual my favorite picture from the trip, which coincidentally had absolutely nothing to do with Free People. Oh well. I call it "The 'Phil'ly Harmonic" - a window display for what I'm guessing is a music studio.

All of the great retail brand shopping can be done on Walnut St. in Center City. My hotel was around the corner.

My interview feet.

Each building is labeled with these "shield" signs. The Free People building is 25, which is where the FP blog title came BLDG 25.

The life of a '90s girl post graduation

As of late the spike in '90s swag via social media platforms, alongside the posts and status updates about finals, graduation, etc. has me feeling oober nostalgic - "EW, GAG ME WITH A SPOON " - (you know you said it too!).

CZECH out my personal fave homages to the 90's: 285 Reasons Why Being a '90s Rocked Our Jellies Off and What If 'The Facebook' Was Invented in the '90s?

It has been one and a half years since I've technically been done with college, and one year since I walked the Mount Clef football field for the CLU commencement ceremony (which has already been replaced by a much cooler, modern and beast of a football stadium... figures).  I hate to be cliche' but time is flying.

With my generation being on the forefront of social media and on the cusp of career professionalism, people kept telling me "You have it so easy with the Internet" and "The recession isn't that real. It'll be over soon so go get a job." Let me be frank here and say that I was NEVER unemployed. I worked two jobs upon graduation. Unemployment wasn't an option for me. To the twentysomethings with a college degree that can't find a job..."Get off of your hipster jeans and find one!" Seriously, the excuses nauseate me. I digress...

Here is my homage to the '90s girls and boys who are graduating (or have recently): Five '90s Trends That Are Back in Action and Five Ways to Cope With Postpartum Graduation.

Five Ways to Cope With Postpartum Graduation

1. Find a hobby: From crafting, to blogging, to community service, you'll need to find something to fill the free time. In college, I was more busy and stressed than I've ever been in my life and then after graduation I had a job and, well, that was it. I turned to blogging, reading the books I didn't have time to read in college and exercising (something that my college self would find hysterical). Do something for yourself, or else you'll go crazy. It'll teach you a different kind of responsibility and time management. In college I didn't know the meaning of the words "alone time." I was constantly surrounded by friends, boyfriend, class, parties, the school paper and dance team that loneliness wasn't in my regimen. Post school I had to LEARN to be alone... a very odd concept.  I'm still learning how to master this.

2. The job hunt is forever: Even if you're hired and comfortable don't be scared to put yourself out there and network. Building contacts for yourself is never a bad idea. It is said that our generation will change careers 3-6 times in our lifetime. The sky is the limit!

3. Make new friends: This can be so hard for us Gen Yer's. We tend to be attached the groups we formed in high school and college, but guess what... there are crap load of more interesting people out there. If a coworker invites you out with some friends, GO! Don't be a Bubble Boy!

4. Move out: Even if you have to live on Ramen and Kraft and sleep on a futon, you gotta move out within the first 6 months to a year of graduation. While Mom and Dad's might be cozy at first - laundry done for you, home cooking, no rent - it will truly inhibit you as an adult and recent college grad. My parents are the epitome of helicopter parents. My mom just offered to go with me to a job interview in Philadelphia... BARF.  This is NOT allowed. Step away from the womb and get your own place. No one likes a young professional who struggles with the failure to launch. Total turn off. Oh, and number 3 (above) is a million times more difficult when you live at home.

5. Love your parents again: While it is important to move out and establish your self independently by ripping off the Band-Aid that is "Mom and Dad," it is just as important to maintain an adult relationship with your parents. Make up for lost time, and make an effort to spend time with them and tell them that you love them. I have found that in the last few years my parents have, in fact, become much cooler and way easier to talk too as I've gotten older. My step-dad just got a Jeep Wrangler and my mom is wearing Lacoste to her golfing lessons. (Damn, I need to retire.) They have put up with a big heaping pile of bull shit with you. They deserve this.

Five '90s Trends That Are Back in Action

1. Denim 

Then... 

Beverly Hills 90210 - a time will never forget and whole lot of Levi's denim!

Kelly Kapowski - Demin crop top and floral jeans.. doesn't get much hotter.

 Now...

Free People Embroidered Denim Button Down Dress

Denim overalls... Gasp!

Free People Denim Vest and Pleather Shorties

2. Grunge/ Being a "hooligan" 

Then...

I know this looks like Hansen, but its totally not.

I'm pretty sure this is Naomi Campbell in the '90s! Ps Goth lips are totally back.

Wouldn't be the '90s without these guys.

Now...

Doc Martins are totally back... still not sure if I could rep them though.

I couldn't leave out the Olsen's in a '90s post... they are STILL killin' it in the fashion world. Here MKO is rockin' '90s plaid.

3. Vampires

Then...

Yea. She was awesome.

Had to... Team Edward!

4. Braids

Then...

Brandi... forgot about this girl!

Xtina in her hay day!

OMG my beloved JT not looking his best, but workin' some '90s cornrows fo sho. Still holding out for this guy, even throughout his engagement to Jessica Biel (bitch).

Now...

Waterfall braid

Fish tail with pastel highlights

Pigtail and accent braid adorned with fabrics.

5. DIY: Arts and Crafts

Then....

Bedazzler Commercial <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/amicrtFYgVQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

DIY friendship bracelets

Hours of pointless fun.

Now...

Statement nails

Dying fabrics at home.