Oh Blair, Where Art Thou?

In honor of the Gossip Girl episode last night and my favorite leading gal, I thought I would share one of my top GG outfit obsessions. On Black Friday I snagged the second season of Gossip Girl for less than $7! So, naturally, I watched the entire season in only 2 days. While I was reliving the glory days of Gossip Girl (I think the earlier seasons are way better), I noticed this GORGEOUS blouse on Blair. I have always liked the way she is styled and frequently try to recreate some of her outfits. I would LOVE to incorporate this blouse into an outfit of my own but I cannot find even the brand of the blouse, let alone a similar one. The white and navy combo is so classic and the touch of bow-ties is so sweet and a tad southern. :) Here is how I would love to style Blair's blouse:

Ahhh so springy and cute! I will forever want this outfit!

I found the picture of Blair here. 

Bebe Kelly Green Skinnies via Amazon - $98; Similar, darker version at F21 only $15!

Aldo Mease in Peach Yellow - $80 

If anyone out there knows where I can find a blouse similar to Blair's please share! :) Happy Tuesday!

Imitation is the Finest Form of Flattery

As promised in my last post, today I am recreating my favorite look from the Maison Scotch lookbook. So here it is! J.Crew and Lucky Brand were my go-to's for recreating this quirky, preppy outfit. 

Inspiration

Imitation

J.Crew Factory Chambray Shirt - $56.50

J.Crew Broken-In Boyfriend Chino Short, Utility Green - $49.50

Lucky Brand Penna Loafer, Tortoise - $54.99

Lucky Brand Corral Loafer, Bermuda Sand - $69.00

Happy Monday everyone! Here's to a positive start to the week!

Sunday Inspiration: Scotch & Soda

I hope everyone is enjoying a lazy Sunday filled with relaxation and loved ones. I wanted to share a recent designer find that has been inspiring me and getting me excited for spring-ier outfits. Meet Scotch & Soda, "Amsterdam Couture". I forget exactly how I stumbled upon their designs but after bookmarking their website I find myself returning often. In my opinion, their style is almost a mix of J.Crew and a more beachy brand like Billabong or Quicksilver. They have four main lines: Scotch & Soda for men, Maison Scotch for women, Scotch Shrunk for boys, and Scotch R'Belle for the little ladies. Here are a few of my favorites from the Maison Scotch lookbook (all courtesy of their website of course - for link click here) :

Love this mix of military chic with a fun sequin skirt.

I am so into the bright floral blouse with colored skinnies trend for spring.
ASOS has so many beautiful bright blouses right now. 

Stripes and an oversized clutch. Enough said! 

My favorite! I will be recreating this look in an upcoming post so stay tuned! :)

All of these pictures and more will be added to my dream-board above my desk for constant outfit inspiration! I also have to throw in this adorably fun picture from their Scotch R'Belle lookbook. You can't help but giggle when you see it!

Why Hello There Tory, So Nice to Finally Meet You

I have admired nearly everything Tory Burch for quite a while now. I love her clean yet playful designs and how her logo itself just screams "classic chic". Unfortunately, like most college girls I know, everything I longed for was just too expensive for my sad little bank account. So I was forced to admire from afar, that is, until yesterday when the glorious "Sidewalk Sale" changed the game. There is an adorable little shopping area in my college town called Devine Street and twice a year the designer boutiques put together a huge semi-outdoor sale (hence the name Sidewalk Sale). I had never stopped by before this year because even their sale prices intimidated me. I went to just look around and mostly breathe in the beauty of Phillip Lim, Loeffler Randall, Milly, and so many more gorgeous lines. But, much to my surprise and delight, my favorite boutique had an INCREDIBLE shoe sale.  I'm talking Loeffler Randall booties for $63 girls. Can you imagine?! I about fell over! Needless to say this place was packed and there were women holding as many as five shoe boxes waiting to check out.  The sizes were pretty picked over but I was able to snag a pair of Torys for both me and my roommate! Here are my beautiful prizes:

Tory Burch Red and Camel Heels for my roommate.
(Roommate of the year award goes to me right?!)

Tory Burch Nude Flats for me. Much more practical for a girl that's already 5'10"!

I am still smiling ear to ear about these incredible finds. They are both so versatile and fun in their own ways. Picture my roommate's heels with a white blouse and a bright red maxi skirt...hello spring! And I can't wait to incorporate my flats into my go-to outfit of dark skinnies and a printed blouse or blazer. I wish everyone a happy weekend and hopefully successful sales shopping! I'm sending good vibes your way! :)

Taking the Leap

Ah. There is nothing like finally committing to a long time goal and taking the first real steps of aspiration. I have been longing to create a blog for months now, but insecurities and a busy college schedule have always gotten in the way. I don't know what it was about today but I felt increasingly inspired and at last created "aspiring." I chose this title because I feel it best describes my current state of mind. I am in my third year of college and the questions about my plans after graduation have already found me. When asked this usually dreaded question I quickly become two things: excited and anxious. Excited because I am thrilled to finally have a focus for my career, but anxious because of the uncertainty of finding my way into it and having the opportunity to live out my aspirations. To put my life-long plan into one short, concise sentence...I want to work within the fashion industry. Whether that is using my business education for marketing campaigns, buying for a boutique or large department store, or whatever path I find my way along...all I know is that I want to work with what is in my eyes the most beautiful and far-reaching art form. So here I go! Taking my first step towards that dream...welcome to aspiring.