We're So Clutch

From left to right Asos:

Portfolio Envelope Clutch, $36.59

Slot Through Portfolio Clutch, $36.59

Pyramid Lock Envelope Clutch, $25.61

Woven Leather Clutch Bag, $87.82

Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch, $32.93

Leather Portfolio Clutch, $80.50

What better way to ring in the fall season than with a fresh batch of gorgeous bags? You don't have to tell me twice. I know, they're so clutch. Not only are these babes totally affordable, you can take them anywhere (if only we could get that from our FBCHs)!

In all seriousness, I love ASOS clutches because you can actually buy six of them and still not top a single Reed Krakoff (although I admit to having a total love affair with Reed and DIE for his shade of cobalt blue).

A bag is easy to carry. Class, not so much. It's not the size of the bag or the weight of its price tag that matters. It's the grace of the woman (or man) who carries it that counts. Anyone can look cheap carrying a bag worth thousands, but not everyone can look like millions carrying one that's not. Be beautiful, like you are.

Birthday List

1. ASOS Clean Line Buckle Satchel, $46
2. Nasty Gal Miami Vice Pink Blazer, $88
3. Madewell Silk Drafters Blouse, $118
4. Belle by Sigerson Morrison Platform Booties, $350

September marks my personal anniversary, and I'd be a fool not to celebrate my own birth. Here are four of the 4 million items on my list this year. I know because I counted before shamelessly turning it in to my mother the first week of September, when it's "due" every year. From cutout booties to blazers, I'm currently shopping for transition items I love. With this month's mix of killer heat and monsoons, it's only smart to prepare for anything.

The weather, like life, is completely unpredictable. You never know what lies around the corner. That's what's so special about how our lives unfold. With all the effort in the world, we can still never know what's to come. It's simply right when we "know exactly what's going to happen" that we realize we don't know anything at all. Love it or hate it, life is truly one very big, very long and sometimes very drawn out surprise.

And so I ask, what (or who) do you really want for your birthday this year? I promise if you tell me, I won't catch you by surprise.

She must always be true to herself.
The FBCW Diary

Missoni by Target Debut

I have mixed feelings about high fashion brands that go mainstream by creating lines at Target, Sears and the likes (not that the Kardashian's are high fashion, but you know what I mean). But when a great fashion brand does something different, you can't help but wonder what it's all about.

Enter: the highly anticipated Missoni by Target line. The mix of home, office and fashion products debut in stores and online Tuesday, September 13 and remain through October 22 with some items staying through December. As the LA Times boasts, "the signature Missoni zigzags are familiar, but these prices are not." Conveniently, most items linger around the $40 mark so get ready to stock up.

The line includes clothes, shoes and an array of home items. Personally, I'll have to wait until Tuesday to make a call on the clothing line, but Angela, Rosita and Margherita Missoni did look quite perfect at Wednesday's launch. If you want to learn more about these fabulous ladies, listen to them speak about their view on life. As Angela says, it's "a way of living where you're always trying to find harmony, in life, in your job, in your work, in the collection your making and living to always make a better quality of life for everybody who surrounds you." I like.

For the bedroom

For the man (the Future Black Card Husband, that is)

For the office

For the boudoir

Zara, Handpicked

Draped Skirt

Combined Patent Leather Shopper

Combat Jeggings

In honor of Zara's online shopping launch, I spent much of the day sifting through the available selection. Above are three of my favorites, so peek these picks and then dive in head first to the whole online shopping experience. Personally, I think most of their pieces are to die for, and I'm ready to stock my closet for fall.

Skirt: This burnt orange draped skirt has the perfect sarong feel to take you from summer into fall. It's like Hawaii without the palm trees (still a win).

Tote: The leather shopper can easily transition from day to night and leaves plenty of room for your iPad (for your pre-work coffee) and pumps (for your post-work date).

Jeggings: You know you wore yours out last season and are totally in need of a new pair. These look sleek and comfy.

Thank goodness it's already post-Labor-Day-freezing, and I already have nothing to wear. Oh, come on, it's every FBCW's little white lie.

Four Play

My fashion rules: only buy pieces I absolutely love

Forever 21 floral knit dress and iPhone cover

Adorable (and applicable) sign spotted on an NYC window

The view at the pool house, calling my name

Jewels and Denim

Bloomingdale's Necklace - Bracelets: Stella & Dot, David Yurman
Dad's Old Watch Face Made New - Botkier Trigger Clutch

Everyone knows a white tee with denim is the perfect weekend pick, and Jennifer Aniston has long been the queen of this classic look. To glam it up, I like to add a mess of jewels and an exotic clutch. If you haven't noticed, I'm totally obsessed with animal prints. One of my girlfriends teased me about this last week after seeing my latest leopard picks and one of my Instagram friend's joked that my iPhone cover matched my new leopard shirt (it does).

Nordstrom BP Scoop Tank - Theory Shorts - J.Crew Belt

Thankfully, this weekend was much more relaxing and less dramatic than last. We spent Saturday running errands and had some friends over at night. Between the wine and baked brie, it was the perfect late summer evening. I pulled together a lot of different pieces for this outfit, which is appropriate since inspiration and creativity have been on my mind. Ideas are all over the place, but execution is what sets a person, concept or business apart. Fashion is no different.

Forever 21 Chambray Blouse

Clothes and trends are everywhere. You can use the old, buy the new or borrow from mom or a friend. I believe style is unique when it's executed in a way that's flawless and yet completely yours. Make it happen and send me your style pics at futureblackcardwives (at) gmail (dot) com.

Blaze Away

Zara left to right:
Metallic Blazer ($89.90), Herringbone Blazer ($79.90), Blazer with Contrasting Piping ($99.90)

Metallic: Perfect for date night or an evening event
Herringbone: Fits for a cocktail party or brunch with the girls
Contrasting Piping: Suitable for work or family get together

My birthday is this month, but that's not why I'm so excited about September 2011. I'm jumping on my bed because Zara is finally coming online! Beginning September 7th (a fitting date as founder Amancio Ortega is the 7thrichest man in the world), the Spanish retail line will finally be available for purchase online. I've always been surrounded by Zara stores, which is why I'm so obsessed with the brand.

Still, I've been awaiting this e-commerce update since I first discovered Zara as a high school student traveling in Italy. Ortega stepped down as chairman mid-summer, but his daughter and heiress Marta Ortega remains involved in marketing. Word on the street says she's being primed to take over the brand, as well as its overarching corporation, Inditex. Now get to shopping you little duchesses!

Let Me Borrow That Top

J.Crew, Graffiti Green Silk Elodie Blouse

This top. And it's not because I love street graffiti (yes, I actually miss it when I'm not in the city). I first saw this silk blouse in J.Crew's August catalog, and I've since been obsessing over it's rich jewel color and casual gorgeousness. With a classy back to school feel, it's the perfect transitional piece from late summer to early fall.

Little Miss Sassy Pants

1. Nasty Gal, Margot Cape Blouse
2. Forever 21, Oversize Button Up Top

Why do we love when sassy meets classy? Because it's everything an FBCW is made of. Whether you're shopping for work or play, a cool nude top is the new classic white tee. Pair it with an amazing glittery necklace and jeans or black pants and you'll be the hottest betch in town.

Only you understand what you want and need in this moment.
Follow your heart and stick to your guns.  
The FBCW Diary

Cue the Queen

1. Madewell, Silk Cargo Shirt in Golden Spinach
2. Nasty Gal, Sunset Shades
3. Madewell, Heritage Premium High Rise Jeans in Spur Wash
4. House of Harlow 1960, Textured Cutout Cuff
5. Sam Edelman, Adena Smoking Flats

After this weekend's madness with Queen Irene, one thing is certain: whether sun, rain or natural disaster, it's difficult to know what to wear and how to prepare. Just like we let the media scare us out of our weekend plans and into a bottled water shopping spree, we can let magazines or trends pull us from what we love to what we think we should be buying at any given time.

At the end of the day, the clothes you wear are a reflection of who you are and what makes you feel confident and comfortable (I really believe this). The above selection is a tribute to Queen Irene, not for sarcasm's sake, but in honor of preparedness at any occasion.

Natural disasters aside, there's nothing jeans, a silk tee and a cute pair of sunnies can't handle.

Four Play

Gorgeous sunset spotted on the coast last week

Star shaped ravioli at Eataly

Marilyn meets Louis, an introduction I approve

At the beach, the view from below the umbrella

Get Schooled

White Tape Dispenser, $8 + Ballpoint Pens, $6

So what if I'm organizing school supplies while everyone else is freaking and tweaking about Queen Irene?! I'm trying to keep cool and calm during this impending disaster (aka distract myself with pretty pink and red details). Whatever works.

Clear Ruler, $5

One of my guy friends (who is totally taking FBCH applications and you can send resumes to futureblackcardwives@gmail.com right now) recently started working at Poppin, a fashionable new office supply company in el citay (the city of New York that is). From purdy little notebooks and bootyful ballpoint pens to tape dispensers and rulers that could make a Catholic boy cry, Poppin has everything you could dream up to accessorize your little office space.

Medium Pink and Red Notebooks, $8

And what do I think about these little munchkins?! I totally dig 'em. Fashion should be affordable and office candy is no excuse! Thank the goddesses these babes are fashion and finance friendly!

If you're going to hoard something during Queen Irene's Broadway debut, these Poppin pens might be the perfect pick. You could also try some online shopping at Bloomingdales like I did this morning. They are having a Fashionable Fundraiser and donating at least $75K of the proceeds to amfAR to help with the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

As we recall Tuesday's earthquake and await Sunday's hurricane, we can't help but realize life can be cut short at any moment. When life feels temporary, we remember the ones we love. And when in doubt, buy some purdy pens to come along for the ride.

Pucci Woochie

1. Calf Hair Flap Shoulder Bag, Emilio Pucci ($1,990)
2. Leopard Spots Knit Top, Forever 21 ($15.80)

I often fall in love with prints, patterns and the overall feeling brought forth by a certain design. Whether it's a Pucci bag or a cotton tee, a single item of clothing can take you anywhere. A statement piece can remind you of a first date, an empowering speech or a memorable night.

This warm, leopard pattern is a perfect example of taking a specific look and channeling it into another avenue. In my book, this isn't settling (in part because FBCWs don't settle), but rather taking advantage of what's available and accessible at the time.

Fashion is inspiration embodied, and since inspiration can be found anywhere, we must look everywhere for fashion. There is no time to be tunnel visioned or feel you need certain things (financial status, luxurious events, a black card...ahem) in order to look and feel beautiful. Why save your favorite pieces for something special? Today is already the most special day, because it's here right now.

These days are beautiful. Even the rainy ones.  
The FBCW Diary

Cape Me Away

1. Rachel Zoe, Ali Wrap Cape ($695)
2. Free People, Floating City Cape ($295)
3. H&M, Coat ($199)

Ooh how I love Rachel Zoe's choice of caramel complexion and rich leather trim! But considering the fact that her gorgeous Ali Wrap Cape is sold out everywhere (I've checked Neimans and Saks, ShopStyled and shopbopped), tonight I went on a search for a comparable pick. With similar color schemes, these styles from Free People (an unexpected surprise) and H&M (not so shocking with it's oh so Euro flair) do the dirty deed. I suggest you pick one of these babies up before the fall leaves start to fall upon your lovely shoulders (or before the rest of them sell out across thy Internet too). Duchesses, do like Red Riding Hood and cape me away!

Bonding and Bubble Tea

Today was really hectic so the FBCWBF and I snuck out of work for some bonding and bubble tea. Even though we're together 24/7, we barely have time to talk about the things that really matter to us, you know like bubble tea.

Madewell Blouse, David Yurman Ring + Watch

When you live and work with lots of close family and friends, life can be tough. There's no running away (because where do you run) and definitely no hiding (because someone will find you). But at the end of the day, when you look back on everything, you realize it's a blessing to have so many people so close.

BCBG Max Azria Skirt - TOMS Canvas Wedge

Mess of Curls, Vintage Necklace from Gram

So here's to kisses and smiles and walking a thousand miles. We put forth all this effort to make a simple mark in the sand. It's a mark that could be easily washed away. But still, we charge on. We have to believe that our efforts will be seen by the universe. We have to believe that someone is shining down upon us for bigger, better and brighter days to come. And that one day, this output of energy will result in a glorious world.

Four Play

Marc Jacobs sunglasses + Forever 21 top

NARS Barbarella lipstick, the perfect sheer (easing myself in)

Sephora by OPI Flurry Up top coat

Boy and girl arm parties, fortis means strength and yes I have to bribe him to wear it

Bedtime Delight

1. 8x10 Frames, Michaels
2. Lamp, K-Mart
3. Mirrored Nightstand, Pottery Barn
4. Colette Bed, Crate&Barrel
5. Large Beige Pillows, West Elm
6. Tempo Velvet Pillows, Crate&Barrel
7. Mongolian Lamb Pillow, West Elm
8. Quilt, Anthropologie

In two weeks, I'll pack my New York bags to move back to Washington, DC. It's now or never with a chance of forever (totally scary), but I've realized I have to take that leap of faith. With my best friends close and my FBCWBF by my side, who knows what adventures lie ahead? Most of all, I have my dreams to come along for the ride. And watch out because they are BIG.

In honor of the change, I'm documenting my future black card bedroom. My mom and I put this together piece by piece when I first moved to NYC. No matter how hard I try to rearrange this furniture in a new place, I know it will never be exactly the same as my very first New York City apartment. Looking back on all the laughs and tears, I know everything that happened then brought me to now. What can I say? She was my first love. And I'm looking forward to many more!

Want a Wedgie?

I'm passionate about creating a product that women really want...
infusing great style, comfort and unparalleled value, for every stage of her life.
Vince Camuto

I finally broke in my new Vince Camuto Zisson wedgies (I mean wedges) this weekend. They're perfect for August: when the weather is out of control, but you don't want to make a purchase you can't take into September. Once I got these bad boys home and onto my purdy little feet, I couldn't help but notice the inspirational quote on the box from Vince Camuto himself.

I love discovering fashion designers are more real than I thought (case in point, Forever 21 bags have John 3:16 quoted on the bottom, thanks to founders Don-Won Chang and his wife, Jin Sook). My curiosity prompted me to find out more about Mr. Camuto. Not only did he co-found Nine West in 1978, he also partnered with Tory Burch to launch her shoe collection in 2006. The "Reva" ballet flat was part of his collaboration. You know the ones with the huge, massive T centerpiece, covering the feet of American girls left and right. Smarty pants.

Four Play

H&M romper, perfect for beginning or end of summer

Anchors away on a ferry trip to Cape May, NJ

Ray-Ban Caravan Sunglasses (my favorite)

A black board with colorful chalk would be the perfect kitchen accessory

Fall Into Classy

1. Sam Edelman "Alvin" Smoking Flats, $150
2. H&M Bracelet, $12.95
3. Nasty Gal Full Circle Shades, $40
4. Zara Portfolio City Bag, $79.90
5. Dolce Vita Jett Open Toe Bootie, $209

I'm the kind of girl who likes to squeeze out every last drop of summer. But as September issues hit the shelves, it's impossible to ignore the glowing fall trends. Plus, to get to the good stuff, I like to start my fall shopping early. So far, these are five of my top favs. Feel free to get nasty as you put together your portfolio. Life may even come full circle, but please no smoking (you're too pretty). Wink. Love ya goddesses.

Four Play

Summer crabs covered with Old Bay

Ice cold Bloody Mary

A beachy chic sand dollar pillow

Nautical ropes, the perfect vision of summer

Brown Out

The weekend was so hot, it totally fogged up my camera lens and almost caused a brownout. But I promise I'm not wishing for fall. I like my weather like I like my friends, and I'll take a steamy day or doll over a frigid one all year long. When you pack on the heat, you pack on the fun.

White House Black Market Tank

On Saturday night, I sent a picture of my outfit to my FBCW BFF (yes, we are cool thankyouverymuch) thinking she would dig my classy combo. I soon realized I wasn't as original as I thought. My favorite betch was a step ahead of me, and I was shocked (but not so shocked) to find out that she had just bought the exact same skirt!

Forever 21 Skirt - Aldo Bag - Halogen Wedges

What's cool is that my FBCW BFF lives all the way across the country in Scottsdale, AZ. We've been best friends since high school, and I love that even miles away, we still echo each others' style. Either we're total mind readers or we're both doing something right. I'm not going to write this off as us being mildly obsessed with each other (but yes, maybe that's part of it too).

Top to Bottom: Gram's Vintage - Vintage - Young Designer's Market

After four years of private school and varsity tennis (of course, we were doubles partners), we're both pretty used to wearing a uniform. And the more I thought about our matching skirts, the more I realized for us (and most girls), fashion is about finding a uniform of your own that makes sense for work and play. How's that for prowess?

I’d trade in all my jewels to have my FBCW BFF always by my side. The FBCW Diary