I'm Feeling 22 :: BCBG dress

My 22nd birthday was this past Sunday and I decided to pull out all the stops so that I could look and feel my best on my special day. I went for a completely glam and sophisticated look and needless to say I had a lot of fun dressing up! 

My boyfriend bought me these lovely shoes as a Valentine's Day gift this past year and I love how they compliment this dress. The hints of gold in the lace-like detailing are so unique while the conservative nature of the shoe balances out the dress's sexiness. 

I raided my mom's (many) jewelry boxes to find the best pieces to fit my mood and to match my ultra-chic dress. I settled on this gorgeous Roberto Coin necklace - completely one-of-a-kind and one of my mom's most prized pieces. The rubber "chain" makes the classic gold & silver diamond pendant totally edgy. 

This geometric watch is the epitome of class. The black strap is so mod and polished and the little diamonds in place of numbers add such a dainty sparkle. 

This blue tanzanite stud serves as a beautiful pop of unexpected color. 

A black leather clutch is a wonderful forever-piece that every woman should own. The red nails and loads of rings make it extra fun! 

My favorite part of this dress is the asymmetrical hemline, it's most definitely a cut above. 

 Photos by Dan Harper 

[dress: BCBG, heels: Gianni Bini, clutch: Hobo, gold knot bangle: Kate Spade, watch: Baume & Mercier, earrings: Bony Levy fine jewelry, necklace: Roberto Coin fine jewelry]

I celebrated my 22nd in Chicago with my family and we had a great time! Here are some photos from the night... 

Me and my little sis. 

Like mother like daughters. 

Drum roll please...here's the man behind the lens - my dad! Thanks for taking my blog pictures :)

Big Apple Farewell :: maxi dress + chambray

Keeping it chic with a simple color palette and timeless accessories makes for a trendy, classic hybrid - perfect from city to suburb.  

My chambray blouse from Madewell is without a doubt the hardest working item in my closet. If I could wear it in every post I would! I really can't get enough. But I also love this dress without the coverup. I love how a strapless dress shows off your shoulders - I think the area is an underrated and flattering way to show off some skin.

I chose gold sandals for an unexpected, goddess-like spin on a black maxi. I love the way gold & black compliment each other in such a luxurious way.

I received this green cuff as a gift from The Daily Front Row after my summer internship ended. I've become obsessed with it ever since! I adore the green stones and I love the way it brightens up any outfit with a pop of sparkle. 

I love pink and I love Kate Spade so these two accessories are a match made in fashion heaven. The necklace is wonderful for incorporating my favorite color into any outfit with style. 

Photos by Brooke Faison

[maxi dress: Gap, chambray button-down: Madewell, sandals: boutique, necklace: Kate Spade, watch: Kate Spade, gold bracelet: Stella & Dot, silver cuff: gift] 

Here it is: my final New York post...but only for now. I fell in love with this crazy city over the past three months and I've decided to move back in May after I graduate college. I'm going to follow my dreams and pursue a career in fashion; it'll be quite an adventure! 

Below are my NY roomies (whom I can't wait to reunite with back at school). We took on the Big Apple with gusto and enthusiasm and I'm so thankful I had these girls by my side as I tried to navigate everything from the subway to the overly crowded Trader Joe's. They each deserve a shout out (as well as my incredible boyfriend Antonio) for being the best NYC companions I could have asked for. In case you can't tell, we're showing off our fierce model poses here in Madison Square Park. We're pretty fabulous, don't you think? ;) 

SHOP :: 

Night Candy :: pearl dress + silver heels

 

This stunning, one-of-a-kind dress from Night Candy is the perfect little number for standing out and making a stylish statement.

The pearl beading and sweetheart neckline immediately caught my eye and gave me an excuse to keep my accessories at a minimal. The jewelry is built right in, which makes getting dressed a cinch!

Though this dress may be an LBD it's anything but simple. The unique detailing and fit make it a truly special piece - one that I definitely feel confident in. And that's exactly the kind of attitude that Night Candy hopes to ignite for their customers. Night Candy, an LA-based eCommerce site, is all about confidence, sexiness, and individuality. Every item of their clothing was designed with that mantra in mind, which I love!

I wanted this dress to be the focal point of my look because well, it's pretty amazing. So I didn't pile on the accessories like I usually do. I stuck with dainty pearl jewelry to match the top of the dress and I nixed the idea of a necklace all together.

I adore these heels because I feel like they elevate anything I'm wearing and take my outfits to the next level. Plus, who doesn't love a little bit of shine? The glam factor is right on point.

More pearls!

 How perfect would this dress be for a homecoming dance or my sorority's formal? I love how flirty and chic it is. The babydoll skirt is a great silhouette for a party or even date night.

Photos by Dan Harper (thanks Dad)

[dress: Night Candy, heels: Zooshoo, earrings: fine jewelry]

 

I couldn't resist throwing in a photo of me and my dog Cody. I'm finally back home from my incredible summer in New York City and I have to say, it feels great to be reunited with my family. I have one last NY post to share with you
but I was just too eager to share this fantastic dress first.
So stay tuned because there is more New York to come!

 

But in the mean time let's talk hot summer nights and standing out because this dress goes hand in hand with both. In the summer it's especially fun to A.) dress up for no reason and B.) pull out all the stops when it comes to looking your best and feeling your best. This dress just became my new secret
weapon. There's nothing in my closet that's hotter than this little number, that's for sure! Find your own wardrobe secret weapon at http://shopnightcandy.com/
Night Candy has killer pieces that will instantly up your cool factor and give you that stylish edge you've been craving all summer.

And this beauty I'm with below is my sister Sarah who I missed dearly while I was on the East Coast. She often helps my dad and I out with my blog pictures!