pack attack

I am finally getting the vacation I have been yearning for in the form of a trip to New York City to visit one of my best friends from high school (who is obviously leading a cooler life than me, but that's another story). Of course, before I leave, I need to pack for my trip, which is proving to be a real struggle. I normally enjoy streamlining my wardrobe into a few carefully-chosen, well-planned outfits for a vacation. It's the Type-A personality in me. But for this one, I can't decide on much of anything. The weather is throwing me for a loop (it's supposed to be nice- but what if it's not?) as is the size restriction of bringing a carry-on bag only and the fact that I am traveling to a fashion-forward destination and finally have a chance to try out some of my trendier pieces (hello, knit cape!). Instead of my typical organization, it looks like I will be employing the classic "throw a bunch of crap in a bag and hope it works once you get there" strategy practiced by my best friend and travel companion. I have a feeling she will appreciate having this in common, even if it makes me uneasy.

{part one includes a rust-colored maxidress i've been dying to wear}

{part two features the aforementioned cape}

 {bringing only three pairs of shoes pains me but there's just no room!}

quite charming

{a few charm necklaces from my own collection}

Although I think the bracelet version is fun, I have a real weakness for a little charm on a necklace. There is something simply delightful about a tiny version of something meaningful hanging around my neck. I have collected several styles over my years but am consistently tempted by new ones, each time I find a new delicate symbol to represent an aspect of my life (oh who am I kidding?- or that just looks adorable in miniature). New purchases are justified because these little necklaces look lovely layered, and I'm always trying to find my perfect combination. Here are a couple more choices that would be welcome to live in my jewelry box:

{maya brenner state charm}

{jennifer meyer small gold leaf necklace}

it girls: alexa chung

Alexa Chung is the second pick in my series of It Girl style icons (see the first one here). Alexa always looks hip with her knack for mixing high and low pieces and interesting shapes. She isn't afraid of trendy things like crazy hats and hemlines but can also be seen incorporating traditional items like blazers and trousers into her ensembles. And somehow, she just makes it all work. For those without such a keen eye, it's easy to find great pieces designed by Alexa herself with her line for Madewell.

vacation wanted

Maybe it's the gloomy weather we've been having, maybe it's the fact that school is 
taking over all free time lately, but something is making me desperate to get away. 
Since reading these posts (here and here) on Tori's Spelling's blog, ediTORIal, I've 
had visions of Palm Springs dancing in my mind. All I want to do is book a room at 
The Parker and lounge my days away in the desert sun.

1. Tucker Silk Minidress

2. Kate Spade Gayla Sunglasses

3. Jennifer Zeuner "Love" Anklet

4. Old Navy Canvas Tote

5. Essie Mint Candy Apple Nail Polish

6. Old Navy Twist-Front Wedges

something sweet

Although I usually gravitate towards items that have an urban, edgy, or slightly hippie-chic vibe, lately I have been jonesing for pieces with a decidedly pretty, feminine feel, as evidenced by a few of my latest purchases:

{sweet bejeweled bow earrings from LC lauren conrad}

{precious sample sizes of chloé and love chloé perfumes from sephora}

{the most delicate dangling pearl earrings, a gift from my mama}