The Back to School Edit

It's August and that means the new school year is right around the corner. I'll be going into my sophomore year of college and I can't wait! For me, back to school means a wardrobe refresh. I like to add some new pieces to my closet to keep my style current. I've put together an edit of the back to school essentials that I'm loving and will definitely have in my wardrobe. Some of these items you may already own, while others you may want to look into. I hope this guide gives you some inspiration for your shopping endeavors. 

blue denim skirt (*regular*/*petite*/*tall*)

black denim skirt (*regular*/*petite*)

white denim skirt (*here*/*here*)

denim jacket (*here*/*here*)

sweatshirt (*here*/*here*)

flannel (*here*)

faux leather backpack (*here*/*here*)

leather jacket (*here*)

midi dress (*regular*/*petite*/*tall*)

white tee (*here*)

black tee (*here*)

striped tee (*here*)

ankle boots (*here*/*here*)

white sneakers (*here*)

black and white sneakers (*here*)

black sweater (*here*/*here*)

gray sweater (*here*)

cream sweater (*here*/*here*)

mom jeans (*here*)

black jeans (*regular*/*petite*/*tall*)

blue jeans (*here*/*here*)

What's at the top of your back to school shopping list? 

~Bitsy

Black and White Swan

Top: Cynthia Rowley (similar) | Skirt: Brandy Melville (similar) | Sandals: Sam Edelman | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Alex and Ani | Necklace: Tiffany & Co. | Earrings: Tiffany & Co. 

I'm not going to lie...I kind of felt like a ballerina in this outfit. I'm not a dancer, but I can say that taking style inspiration from dance wear is "en pointe." The ballet style top with 3/4 sleeves and low back paired with the twirly black and white skater skirt lend this look prima appeal. You can never wear "tutu" much monochrome! 

~Bitsy 

Bits of June/July

I didn't do a Bits of June last month, so I figured I'd combine it with July. I've been busy working this summer at Lord & Taylor, so I haven't done anything big. I'm excited to be back at school soon where I'll being going on many Boston adventures. This summer I've been picking myself up a little treat every now and then because you have to treat yourself sometimes. This "Bits of..." post is complete with some of the trinkets I've picked up in the past two months that I'm loving. 

1. MAC Lipsticks

I purchased many MAC lipsticks in June and July. I'm kind of an addict. The shades I've added to my collection are 'Steady Going,' 'Matte Royal,' 'Whirl,' 'Eugenie (sold out),' 'Charlotte (sold out),' 'Tats (sold out)' and 'Bianca B (sold out).'  

2. Urban Decay NAKED Smoky Palette 

I ordered this palette the day it launched on sephora.com last month. I still haven't tried it yet, but I'm obsessed! I absolutely love the smoky colors. I'm a true Urban Decay NAKED palette fan and am happy to welcome this one to the family! 

3. Forever 21 

I haven't bought anything from Forever 21 in a while, but went I went into the one at my local mall, I  knew I was going to find something fabulous. Everything was so cute and looked like pieces you'd finding hanging in Topshop, Zara and Brandy Melviile. I picked up a couple things that I just couldn't leave behind. The "More Issues Than Vogue" and "Addicted To Black" tees make this the most accurate purchase of my life. I thought I would be only taking a few tops home, but as I was heading out of the store I spotted a white bag that looks exactly like the Alexander Wang 'Rockie.' Needless to say, that came home with me too.


I hope you're all having a great summer. Stay stylin'!

~Bitsy

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: The Edit

Nordstrom is one of my all-time favorite places to shop. I would own one of everything in the store if  I could! My favorite departments are Topshop, handbags, shoes and cosmetics. Today, I've done a little edit of the Anniversary Sale offerings in these fab four departments. Better yet, my picks are all $100 and under!

Topshop

*Jeans*

*Denim skirt*

*Trench coat*

*Faux fur vest*

Handbags

*Kate Spade mini bag*

Shoes

*Steve Madden over the knee boots*

*BP ankle boots*

*Vans suede slip-ons*

Cosmetics

*MAC Cosmetics lip set*

*MAC Cosmetics brush set*

Prices will go up next Monday, August 3rd. Happy shopping!

~Bitsy

Bandana Blues

Skirt: Topshop (petite, regular, tall) | T-shirt: Brandy Melville | Sneakers: Keds | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Bandana: thrifted | Sunglasses: Ray-Ban 

I've hopped on the bandana/neckerchief bandwagon! I saw this navy and white daisy print one at Savers the other day and just couldn't leave it there. I knew it would be a lot of fun to style. Today, I'm wearing my bandana with a button front denim skirt from Topshop, simple striped T-shirt from Brandy Melville, a pair of Keds, Rebecca Minkoff 'Mini MAB' bag and Ray-Ban 'Clubmasters.' It's a simple look that's perfect for sunny summer days. I wonder how I'll style my neckerchief next!

~Bitsy

New York Fashion Week: Men Runway Roundup

The final shows of the first ever Men's Fashion Week have come to a close. It started in London, then traveled to Milan, Paris and finally New York. From July 13th to the 16th, New York became a menswear hub, showcasing the top designers. I've never discussed mens fashion on my blog, but since this was the first Men's Fashion Week in history and I'm now working as a sales associate in the mens department of Lord & Taylor, this is the perfect opportunity. 

The spring 2016 menswear collections shown in New York were amazing. There are a lot of clean lines and crisp tailoring  to the clothes which I love. Neutral colors like black, white, grey and navy are in abundance. I'm getting serious fashion inspiration from some of these outfits. Below, you'll find my runway roundup featuring my favorite looks. 

1. Tommy Hilfiger

I'm obsessed with this look. Everything is perfect from the loafers with buckle detailing to that too-cool coat. I love how the base of the outfit is all white. It's incredibly chic. 

Another Tommy Hilfiger look I love. You can't go wrong with black and white. The pop of yellow makes a statement. 

This black trench coat and shorts combo is genius. Did I mention how much I love the sunglasses on all these models? Well done, Tommy Hilfiger.

2. Michael Kors

Michael Kors' collection is relaxed and chic. I love the linen pant paired with sandals, a simple top and trench. The belt is tied in such an effortless way and that bag is great. Why can't guys carry bags too? He's owning it! 

These white ripped jeans are fabulous and that longline cardigan is a classic. This androgynous look would work for both guys and girls. 

Of course I would love an all black look! It's edgy, dark and mysterious. Who wouldn't want to look this fierce?

3. Jeffrey Rüdes

This looks like something Harry Styles would wear. I approve. 

I also approve of this look. It's simple, understated and very wearable. The boys of One Direction would probably wear it too. 

4. John Varvatos

Love this mix of navy blue, black and gray. So chic. 

5. Engineered for Motion

I've been into bomber jackets lately so I love this outfit. Monochrome always looks sharp. 

New York Fashion Week: Men was a stylish success. "Let's hear it for the boy!" 

~Bitsy

MAC Giambattista Valli Lipstick Review

I waited. I ordered. I conquered. My MAC Giambattista Valli lipsticks that I have been lusting over for weeks have finally arrived! Giambattista Valli is one of my favorite designers and MAC is my favorite makeup brand, so this collaboration was too on point for me to pass up. I loaded four out of the five lipsticks into my virtual shopping bag on maccosmetics.com on the day of the launch and purchased them as quickly as I could. The only way I can describe the rush is like an out-of-body experience. It all happened so fast. They sold out everywhere online about four hours later. Talk about #BreakTheInternet!

The four shades I bought are Bianca B, a white pink, Tats, a hot pink, Charlotte, a yellow toned red and Eugenie, a cherry red. They are all matte finishes, which is nice because you can either do a gloss  over them or wear as is. I took some selfies wearing each one so you can see how they look on. Everyone has different skin tones and pigment to their lips, but this should give you a bit of an idea. Because the Giambattista Valli collection was limited edition and most likely will not be restocked, I've included the name of another MAC lipstick that's a "similar" for each one. I've also included a picture of a look from the Giambattista Valli Fall 2015 Couture collection I would wear with each lip color, because it's okay to dream! 

1. Bianca B

vogue.com

I have a love-hate relationship with this shade. It's unique but also quite chalky and a difficult color to wear. It is extremely white toned and I had to pair my MAC pencil in Hip 'N' Happy with it so it wouldn't be as cake-y (as you can probably tell, it still is). It really settles into the lines of my lips which I don't like very much. I think putting some gloss over it would help. Bianca B is probably best for spring and summer as it is a very pastel pink shade. Overall, it's a fun lipstick to have in my collection, but you won't see me wearing it everyday. 

MAC similar: Snob

2. Tats

vogue.com

I really like this shade. It's bright, but not too bright and the hot pink color is beautiful. This one is also great for spring and summer. It goes on smooth and the matte finish is very nice. I'll definitely be getting some good wear out of Tats. 

MAC similar: VIVA GLAM Miley Cyrus

3. Charlotte

vogue.com

Charlotte is my favorite of all the Giambattista lipsticks. I've been looking for the perfect true red, and now I've finally found it. I own both MAC Red and Russian Red, but they have pink undertones. This shade is everything I could want in a red lip. I'll be wearing it all year round. 

MAC similar: Brave Red

4. Eugenie 

vogue.com

Eugenie is a deep and dark cherry red shade that is perfect for fall, winter and nights out. It's a statement maker and the color payoff is fabulous. I love to wear colors like this when the weather gets chilly. The only downside is it's a bit messy. It started to stain my skin and get all over the place. I'll try a lip liner next time and see if it stays put better. Overall, I think this is a great shade to have. 

MAC similar: Media 

The Giambattista Valli MAC collection did not disappoint. I'm so happy to have these pretty shades in my collection. I'm looking forward to future MAC collaborations with fashion designers. MAC wears Prada, anyone? 

~Bitsy