Friday Fancies : Gingham? Check!

Gingham is one of those things : I find you either love it or hate it.
I am, and have always been a huge fan. {and I hope I've passed that love along to my Ava who owns more gingham than one little girl should}.

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Are you a lover of all things gingham? 

Linking up here and here. 

Friday Fancies : Ice Cream Dream

Does anything scream summer more than endless scoops of ice cream?
I say no. 
And often, too often, indulge.

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I'm thinking buying a pair of J Brand's in every color scoopable might be better on the hips.

Linking up here and here. 

Friday Fancies :: April Showers

I love the rain.

It makes everything more romantic.

And cozy.

For full outfit details, follow me on Polyvore here.


Today is also the last day to enter our 1 year blogiversary group giveaway :: entries close at midnight. A few of the goodies up for grabs!

Le Petit Refuge

Bev Taylor :: Stella+Dot

Wild Ruffle

Happy Friday!

The Essentials

So, here is my "fashion strategy".
 It has worked for me for (I'm not telling how) many years and has always made me feel on trend without being too trendy. 
It allows me to splurge on a few key items that can make an outfit while spending relatively little on the rest.

I rely on 3 staples:

1. High quality jeans

My favorites are by Paige, Hudson and Rock and Republic.

All in styles that can be dressed up or down. Some skinny, some full leg. Some hemmed for flats, others for a 4" heel.

For the fall, I will be on the hunt for two pairs -

A wide trouser-like pair. (these are by Derek Lam. love.)

And new J Brand skinnies. (apparently, fabulous - albeit they look so basic)

Worn perfectly by Heidi Klum.

2. Designer Sunglasses

I have shared my love before.
My current go-to's this summer have been my Ray Ban aviators. On hot days, they are the only shades that don't make your face sweat. (oh I know you know what I mean)
I am contemplating a gold pair for the fall. 

And 3. Designer Handbags
I have built up quite the little collection. And each and every one gets it's equal share of love.
And because I don't like to mix metals (OCD I know it) all the more reason to switch them up. 
My most recent addition was a steal and my current favorite when I'm not carrying a diaper bag. 
If I could only have one new (dream) bag for fall this one by Prada might be it.

But since the accompanying price tag is not so dreamy... 
I think this Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is a great option.

Both would look equally (well, maybe almost equally) good with all the muted colors I am planning on wearing this fall.
Good jeans. Good glasses. And a good handbag.
Allows everything else, even when it's just a simple denim shift, to look better than before.

Happy Friday Fashionistas!

Linking up with Blonde Episodes here for Fashion Friday -