color of the year 2013 - emerald

As you've probably heard by now, Pantone has announced that the 2013 Color of the Year is Emerald.

Just like everyone else, I am so excited to find some new and different ways to rock this color all year long!

Here are some items that I'd love to add to my collection to sport this hot new hue:





1. GAP // 2. 7 For All Mankind // 3. NARS
4. Tory Burch // 5. MICHAEL Michael Kors //6. MICHAEL Michael Kors

wednesday wants - dresses

In honor of the first day of spring, I want to celebrate an item that

I am so excited to bring back "sans tights" - dresses!

Of course it goes without saying that a dress is such a versatile item to have in your closet.

It can be worn with a pair of Toms and a denim jacket for a casual look.

Or maybe a blazer and heels for a work-appropriate look.

Or even with a sweater, tights, and boots to bring a summer look into one for winter.

So without further ado, these are five dresses that I really want at the moment:

Has anyone else been hypnotized by those Old Navy commercials for their new eyelet dresses?

Well I have.

They are just so cute AND only $25 each!

{Old Navy}

 And with Easter just around the corner, I think that it's appropriate to mention that I think that the yellow one needs to hop into my closet as soon as possible.

{Urban Outfitters}

I love everything about this dress. From the bold pattern to the exposed back, there is simply nothing that I think looks better.

I could easily see transitioning this piece from day to night once the weather gets warmer!

{Anthropologie}

And speaking of the change in seasons, this dress might be the perfect combination of fun and color that I need to jump start me into warmer days.

{H&M}

I love the shade of green in this dress, and you can never argue with H&M's low prices.

{Loft}

Just like i mentioned yesterday, big and bold stripes are HOT right now! And on top of that, these colors would brighten any day!

And while I'm always looking to add more dresses to my closet, the real question is what dresses are YOU currently craving this Wednesday?

runway to closet - stripes

While a lot of trends seen on the runway during Fashion Week can seem a little bit out there, some can easily be converted into everyday wear.

Stripes in particular were seen all over the place this season, but these were not just any stripes - the hot variety these days is "Big, Bright and Bold!"

Below are some examples of how this was used on the runway:

{Dolce & Gabbana}

{Christian Dior}

{Oscar de la Renta}

Of course, sprinkled into stores everywhere are fun ways for the everyday girl (and guy, we won't discriminate by gender) to rock this look for spring.

{J. Crew}

{Gap}

{Forever 21}

Even though the first day of spring is not technically until tomorrow, and here in New York the weather is still very much stuck in winter mode, I am just SO excited that I needed to get a jump start on this trend a day early.

{Shirt: Loft, Skirt: Express, Tights: H&M, Boots: Ciao Bella}

While this shirt is from last year, this is inspiring me to think of all the fun striped items that I need for my closet this year.

Are you excited about stripes for spring?

st. patrick's day style

It is worth noting that I love any holiday that involves dressing up, having a few drinks and hanging out in the sunshine with your friends.

This, of course, includes St. Patrick's Day!

Below are some fun outfit ideas for this fun and festive holiday that everyone, Irish or otherwise, can enjoy.

{Made on Polyvore}

This outfit is NOT for someone going on a pub crawl! If you're staying at one party and looking for a trendy and edgy look, this might be the way to go.

{Made on Polyvore}

An outfit like this would be the more casual choice. If you plan to run around from bar to bar, this is the perfect way to look good and stay comfortable for the long day ahead.

While I'm not entirely sure what I'll be wearing on St. Patrick's Day just yet, I'm sure it will include shamrock stickers and necklaces with green shot glasses attached.

The main plan, however, is to get out there and celebrate with my favorite people!

So I say to you, friends and readers:

Drink green beer.

Make green cupcakes.

Mix a boozy Shamrock Shake.

And above all - wear green!

Happy St. Patty's Day everyone!

wednesday wants - shoes

This week for my Wednesday Wants, I'm going to focus on the finest accessory that your feet can flaunt: shoes.

So without further ado, the five shoes that I really want right now:

{Cole Haan}

Of all of the shoes I have (and I have a lot), how is it possible that I don't have a pair of classic black pumps?

This should be a staple in every girls closet, and it somehow is not in mine!

Regardless, this pair is beautiful, and Cole Haan footwear is always a good choice.

{Tory Burch}

I love Tory Burch flats (I already have two pairs), and have been wanting nude flats for a while. So it goes without saying that these just seem like the perfect fit!

{Steve Madden}

You give me five seconds of warm weather and my mind is officially on the fast track to summer. With that said, these sandals belong in my collection.

{Steve Madden}

As you've probably gotten from my past entries, I love the color mint. So these flats are right up my alley!

{Urban Outfitters}

I love my black ankle boots in the winter, but this peep toe taupe pair are a perfect way to transition the style into spring.

As if I don't have enough shoes already, I always want more!

But enough about me! What shoes do YOU want for spring?

rainy day fashion

No one enjoys a rainy day. That just seems to be a fact.

But more specifically, no one enjoys how a rainy day can inhibit your outfit choices!

This morning I had an outfit already laid out from the night before, which is a rarity for me, only to realize that I couldn't wear it today since it was not "rain friendly."

And thus began the search.

This morning I chose an over-sized sweater and a skirt with a fun pattern to be worn over leggings with boots. I would've taken a picture, but as usual I was running out the door to catch a train this morning.

And while I definitely love my current clothing choice, especially because I love leggings and any excuse to wear them, my typical rainy day outfit is pretty solid. And pretty stylish!

Top: sweater, a chambray shirt, or both!

{All tops from Madewell}

The name of the game is comfy and cozy on a rainy day, so an over sized sweater is just perfect in my opinion. A chambray shirt is also such a staple, and also very comfortable - and if you're anything like me, you'll instantly fall in love with layering the two together!

Bottom: Colored Jeans

{Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, Old Navy}

Now, you may be asking yourself, why colored jeans versus regular denim?

My logic is, it's already a gloomy day. So there is nothing that I like more then finding the light in every day and situation, and if that's as silly as wearing bright pants on a dark and rainy day, then that's what it is.

If nothing else, it'll make someone smile!

Footwear: BOOTS (of course!)

{Hunter, Tretorn, Ralph Lauren}

Now, a neutral pair is always good to have so it can go with any outfit, but if you're like me and have multicolored boots (I happen to have white Coach boots with pink and purple C's), make sure to fit the rest of the outfit accordingly.

Hair: ANYTHING but down!

{InStyle}

My go-to choices are a high bun or a side braid. Basically, anything that's not going to be destroyed by a trip outside is the key.

Also, as obvious as it seems, get a strong and sturdy umbrella.

The only reason that I make a point of saying that is because the wind turned MINE inside out at least 100 times on my walk to the train this morning.

And personally, I did NOT care for that.

wednesday wants

As I had mentioned in my first post, I'm really into making lists. I've decided that every Wednesday I'm going to make a list of the 5 things I really want right now!

{Frock Candy}

I'm always looking for fun colored pants, and I'm loving floral for spring.

    {Gap}

Boyfriend jeans are the perfect relaxed choice for any spring weekend. I'm picturing this with a nice big sweater and a collared shirt underneath with my comfy Toms!

{Urban Outfitters}

 In addition to the fact I'm adoring the style of this dress, I'm really excited to rock some coral for spring.

{LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's}

I have to admit, ever since The Hills (I wasn't into Laguna Beach nearly as much!) I've been bitten by the Lauren Conrad bug. While Kohl's isn't normally my first choice for shopping, I'm LOVING her spring collection. Particularly this dress (which LC herself can be seen wearing in the April issue of Redbook)

{Michael Kors}

I never said Wednesday Wants needed to be practical. I already have a silver MK watch. But in a fantasy world where I'm rich, I have a second one in gold.

All of this writing as gotten me bitten by the shopping bug. Where's the nearest mall!? What are YOU wanting this Wednesday?