Zara Shopping Haul

I recently made a shopping trip to Zara in their Philadelphia location. I have to say that since the last time I've been there, Zara has a lot more of their new collection out on display. The main themes I have noticed with the spring collection at Zara are Black and White, Stripes, Leather, Bold Colors, and Exotic Prints. As I am currently not in "spring mode" yet (and by that I mean buying cute Spring dresses) I picked up a couple of items that I felt could be worn in various different ways from transitioning from the cold weather to the upcoming warmer spring weather.

The first piece I picked up is this White Crossover Wrap Blouse which I absolutely adore (retails $59.90). This blouse is very comfortable and looks like it is more expensive than it is.  I wore this blouse Friday night paired with dark blue jeans and black pumps.

The second piece I picked up is this sweater which I wore to work last Friday with jeans and black flats. The shirt is perfect for a casual look on the weekend and for work since it is on the loose side.

The last piece I picked up is this blue blouse which I am planning on wearing either tucked into a skirt for work or with jeans with gold flats for a more casual look. The shirt is somewhat plain but I do love the gold detailing on the buttons which makes the shirt pop.

Valentine's Day Outfit Ideas

Alright ladies.  While your man (aka husband, boyfriend, significant other, friend, etc.) worries about where to take you out for a night on the town for Valentine's Day ORRRR if you're single you and your girlfriends are planning a glamourous night out on the town what you need to focus on is the big question: "What do I wear?!" Although many of us can agree that Valentine's Day is just a consumer holiday it is a great excuse to get all dressed up and go out! It also adds to the fun of telling your friends the juicy details of what you did, wore, and where you went!  So for this occasion I have put together a couple of Valentine's Day outfit ideas.

I absolutely love lace as it adds texture and sexyness to a dress.  I adore this red, Lace Loren Dress from Madewell (retails for $172.00, on sale $51.60 from Shopbop). It has a hidden zip closure on the side and also a slip dress lining. I actually ordered it for myself from Shopbop.com but as word of caution, this dress runs big so I ordered two sizes down.  Also, as an added bonus, you can pair it with tights and booties if it’s cold out.

If you prefer a dress that hugs you in all the right places, you could opt for this red, Off the Shoulder Bandage Dress made by T by Tadashi (retails for $138 from Nordstrom). It also has a zipper closure which runs along the back.  A great thing about this dress is that you can also wear during the spring and summertime since it has short sleeves.

If you’re not a fan of dresses, you can opt for a blouse and leggings or dark colored jeans. This Cutout Studded A-Line Blouse from Forever 21 (retails $22.80) is sophisticated with gold color studded buttons. You can pair these with fierce leggings from BCBGMaxazria called Stephen Moto Leggings (retails $138).  Since the top is plain I would rock a gold cuff and with heels to pull the look together.

What are all my fashionista's planning on wearing for Valentine's Day?

New Collection at Zara

I stopped by Zara to make a return and noticed in the back of their store Zara has put out some of their new collection on display. Let's just say I have mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong, I love a classic black and white combination. However, some of the tops you would never catch me in, especially the black and white vertical striped blouse and also the polka dot printed blouse.

However, that being said, I do like the black and white horizontal striped dress and also the black heels with gold platform.  As it gets closer to spring-time I'll definitely be stopping by at Zara to see how their other collections are.

What do you think of Zara's new black and white collection?

How to Dress Fashionably in the Cold

The last couple of days have been terribly cold.  On Tuesday I made the mistake of not wearing gloves.  Then yesterday I made the mistake of wearing flats outside.  I don't know about you, but walking around in the city when its freezing cold is not fun at all.  On the bright side, now is the perfect time to buy cold weather gear as many stores are trying to get rid of their winter selection in anticipation of their Spring collections.  I've compiled a list of a few of my favorite cold-weather gear.

1. Boots - Warm boots are a must have.  The UGG Bailey Button Triplet in black (retails $230) not only look stylish but they keep your feet warm.  I love wearing these when the weather gets cold, however, do not wear them in the rain or snow as they will get ruined! Also, before wearing them I would strongly suggest spraying them with the water & stain repellant as contact with rain will ruin your UGG's. (Yes I know from personal experience from ruining my UGG's).

2. Gloves - Warm gloves are also a must have.  I love gloves that have a trim of fur like these ones from UGG Classic Turn Cuff Gloves (Retails $175).

3. Jacket - I was never a fan of puffer jackets.  However, living in the city I have changed my mind.  Puffer jackets come in handy when you have to walk around in the cold or are battling through the wind.  This puffer jacket from DKNY (Retails $275, Sale Macy's $129.99) is fashionable and also has a belt which will make your waist look super skinny!

Bracelets by C. Wonder

I was shopping for a simple, yet elegant, bracelet along with a colorful cuff and came across jewelry by C. Wonder, a brand by Christopher Burch.  I browsed through the jewelry and noticed all the jewelry is reasonably priced.  I picked out my top three favorite bracelets below, how cute and fabolous are these bracelets and cuffs?

"Pave initial letter cuff" for $48 in 14k gold-plated metal and crystal detail.  The bracelets come in every letter so you can buy one that starts with your name or also for a gift!

"Enamel Initial Cuff" for $48 in 14k gold-plated metal.  These cuffs are colorful and also come in every letter.

"Signature Studs Calf Hair Cuff" with calf hair, 14k gold plate and hinged closure on sale for $49.99 (regular price $68.00).  Currently all sale jewelry is an 50% with discount code: EXTRA50.  These cuffs also come in several colors!