wishlist: designer dresses

Lately a slew of incredible designers' dresses have been on my radar. Unfortunately, designer means they're a bit out of my price range, but a girl can dream. And sale stalk.

1. Kate Spade Striped Celina Dress

2. Erin Featherson Bugle Bead A-Line Dress

3. DVF Laramie Dress

4. Tibi Adler Beading Dress

5. Winter Kate Bindass Caftan

fash laugh

Although I am serious about my love of fashion, that doesn't mean I always take fashion seriously. In fact, I have a soft spot for clothing and accessories with a bit of whimsy. Things that are a little kitschy are often my easiest purchase decisions; they just call out to me because they're fun. I am always wary of including multiple of these conversation pieces in an outfit as they can make it cheesy, but on the other hand, one such piece can make an outfit. Take, for example, this tee reminiscent of Dia de los Muertos or this aviation-inspired bracelet. Or this water bottle from The Onion which I unfortunately found too late (it's already sold out).

Here are a couple other great finds that could still make their way into my closet:

{kate spade terry tote}

{urban outfitters "eye see all" tulip-back tank}

pretty, easy

I am not very high-maintenance when it comes to makeup. I love it, but I can't be bothered to use a lot of it every day, especially when those days are spent working hard at school where most of it eventually wears off. My routine always involves five staples: an eyelash curl, mascara, some eyeliner, lip balm (my fanaticism alluded to here), and perfume. Here are my current favorites of each:

{sephora "curl it" eyelash curler}

{lancôme waterproof mascara in black}

{lancôme le stylo waterproof eyeliner in fumee}

{korres lip butter in guava}

{coach signature perfume}

bali dreams

My dad just returned from a business trip to Indonesia. Although most of his time was spent in meetings in the city of Jakarta, I couldn't help but dream of a trip to nearby Bali. I channeled scenes from Eat, Pray, Love and prepared what I would bring accordingly.

1. Madewell Tie-Dye Bikini

2. T-Bags 3/4 Sleeve Embellished Top

3. Madewell Xirena Artista Bralette

4. Bath and Body Works Bali Mango Lotion

5. Tory Burch Reena Sandals

maxi chic

Maxi dresses are my favorite way to look glamourous on summer nights with hardly any effort. Just slip one on with a pretty flat sandal and you're done. Easy. If you want a little more flash for going out on the town, pile on the bracelets or add a big statement necklace. Here's how I wore it last weekend for a friend's birthday party:

{LC lauren conrad striped maxi dress}

{bracelets from j.crew (old) + charming charlie}

{steve madden serenitl leopard sandal}