Black Tee & Suede Booties

New booties!

No matter what season or occasion, black is always in style. I love the timeless look of black on black. This outfit is inspired by my new boots from Steve Madden. I love these shoes!

Fashion Fundamental:  Black Tee. 

It's probably one of the most essential basics for any closet. Basics like this are perfect for keeping your look simple, clean and chic.

Thanks for reading!

Shirt: Gap T | shop similar

Skirt: Express Black | similiar

Boots: Steve Madden | shop

Watch: Runway Twist, Michael Kors | shop

Purse:  Crossbody, Kate Spade | shop

Linked up to the Pleated Poppy.

Roller Derby Dress + Burberry #2 Debut

St. Louis: Mardi Gras & a Leather Jacket

Secret passages!

G playing on a wooden piano at the City Museum

Downtown St. Louis

Arch

Fashion Fundamental:  Leather Jacket

It's Mardi Gras! I'm celebrating in St. Louis with G and some friends!  We ate BBQ, visited the Gateway Arch, and explored the crazy City Museum. This is really just a playground with a series of art installations. Everything from a 10 foot slide to secret tunnels to a giant pencil make this an intriguing funhouse.

I put on some comfortable clothes because I knew I would be crawling around. However, I added a bit of flare and function with a piece I don't pull often enough -- my leather jacket. I found this one in a French boutique 5 years ago. I was obsessed with the hood, and convinced myself I needed to buy it. I'm really glad I did... beads for everyone!

How are you celebrating Mardi Gras?

Shirt: Hollister | similar
Jacket: French boutique | similar
Jeans:  Bullhead skinny, PacSun | shop
Purse: Crossbody, Kate Spade | shop
Shoes: Chuck Taylor All-Star Slip-On | shop
Earrings:  from Mom | similar

Wishlist

I 've made some progress on crossing off items on my Wishlist.

1. Belted Cotton Party Dress ($138 $61).  The blue & purple colorway is also really pretty ($138 $91) - I love this dress.  It's my favorite silhouette (fit & flare) and it is just my kind of print.  I don't care for the belt that comes with it, but that's easily removable.  My only issue is that the fabric, though thick and sturdy, feels a little bit like a napkin... 

2. Mini M.A.C. in Natural by Rebecca Minkoff  - I love that camel color.  It's perfect for fall, and it pairs really beautifully with several pieces in my closet.

3. Polished Sateen Blazer in White, Ann Taylor ($158 $60) - Aili is on a white blazer kick, and this structured jacket is an addition to her blazer collection.  See it on Wendy's Lookbook.

4. Lady Bag in Red Maple, Ann Taylor.  Check it out on ReallyPetite.

Please excuse the grainy camera phone shots & shoddy photography.  :)  I stopped at Anthropologie to try on the Contrasting Halves Dress ($228 on sale for $119.95) since it's been on my Wishlist for quite a while.  I do think it's a pretty dress, but it doesn't fit in the bust very well, and it hits just past my knees, making this dress too long for me.  The longer length makes it look frumpy instead of modern; if I did decide to purchase it, I'd definitely have it hemmed.  The embroidery is finished beautifully, but the cotton is scratchy and somewhat thin.  Since I think it's extremely overpriced, I'll have to pass on it.  Unless this shift dress becomes more deeply discounted (to something more along the lines of $20), it's a no for me.

Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.

Yes.  That is indeed 3 dozen doughnuts.

I spent  Saturday morning standing in line for The Doughnut Vault, where they actually put their doughnuts in a vault.  A bank vault.  Filled with donuts.  That's my kind of vault.  The Doughnut Vault is a Chicago foodie hotspot, and it's become so popular that people begin lining up (at 8 am!) before the shop even opens!  My family and I waited about an hour with 60+ other people to grab these eats, and my fave was definitely the Old-Fashioned Buttermilk.

I snapped these photos while waiting in line for my loot!

Bag: Mini M.A.C. Clutch in Natural, Rebecca Minkoff

Dress: Victoria's Secret (2009) - I'm a big fan of VS clothing {1, 2, 3}.  And so is Miss Monkeyface... See her rock a Victoria's Secret dress.  Don't be surprised to see that monkey on runway at the next Victoria's Secret fashion show.  She's that stylish.

Cardigan: Abercrombie (circa 2003?)

Shoes: Slim Flip Flops in Navy, Havianas

Water Bottle: Thermos Hydration Bottle for charity: water - Keeps your drink cold for 12 hours!

The Search for a Crossbody Bag

The strap on my H&M crossbody bag ($14.95) snapped off, and without the strap's functionality, I've been all over the place.  The entire contents of my purse has been dumped on the ground no less than three times... So I have two options: a) Fix the Strap or b) Buy a New Purse. :)

I think Option A is definitely feasible, but I also think that this crossbody bag--my purse of choice for everyday use--is something that I always carry with me, so I should invest in a high quality piece, right?  Plus a nice crossbody bag is on my Wishlist!  haha.  Maybe that's not concrete justification, but I've been lurking on Nordstrom's website to check out the crossbody offerings. Here's what I've come up with:

All photos by Nordstrom

1. Classic Q Karlie Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($248) - There are larger versions of this bag available. 

2. Essex Scout by Kate Spade ($395) - There is a smaller version of this bag that I believe is called Essex Small Scout ($295).  I am looking for a crossbody bag that can be worn year-round, but I love this bag in Caribbean.  I think the brown is okay, and I don't really care for it in black (pictured)--the white stitching on black leather doesn't really do it for me.
3. Mini MAC Crossbody Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff (195)

4. Classics Clutch by Rebecca Minkoff ($295)

5. Lady Pouchette  by Marc by Marc Jacobs ($398)

6. Leather Flap Crossbody Bag by Franchi ($88)

Which do you like best?  I'll try to check some of these out in real life, and I'll be sure to keep you updated.  Happy Monday!