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?

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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

Love Notes

In yesterday's post, I spoke about the fact that this was a tough week in work, but most importantly in love. When life and work get stressful, sometimes it's difficult to remember those who matter most. And so I admit: this week, I was a total brat to my beloved FBCWBF.

Whole Foods Flowers

To apologize for my behavior, I brought him pretty flowers from Whole Foods (locally grown), a chocolate mousse dessert with raspberries (his favorite) and strong dark chocolate. Fashion is expression. And since I was the first girl to ever buy him flowers (I'm obviously not glued to gender roles), it was a good start.

Chocolove Dark Chocolate

I added little notes to make the gifts more personal and of course, to make sure he knew my apology was genuine. As a FBCW, I have so much going on! Sometimes, I can't help getting overwhelmed, but I can help bringing my man into my drama.

After all these years, I've realized I'm awfully stubborn. So I ask myself: can I truly separate my feelings about myself and my life from my feelings for my man? He's my number one sidekick, so at the very least, I can try.

Where did you come from? How did you know I was looking for you? The FBCW Diary

Second Decade

One of the best parts of being in your twenties is that it's still somewhat acceptable to shop at Forever 21. I hope this still holds true in my thirties, although I pray that in my thirties, I'll be too busy swiping my black card at Bergdorf's to shop anywhere else. This week, I savored my second decade by picking up this Chiffon Flip Skirt and leopard iPhone cover. The former is perfect for day or night, and the latter, well I know there's no excuse. Forgive me please? I swear I was influenced by my shopping buddy: my mom's college roommate's daughter (did ya catch that?) who was stocking up for her fall semester back at the University of Tennessee. P.S. I love her.

Blue Angel

Necklaces: Gram's Vintage and Mom's Pearls

Of course I want a billion dollars, a personal shopper and a man at my beckon call. But right now, I really just want a nap. These past few days have been super crazy with work and love (let's just say I was not a total angel this week). During weeks like this, I depend on go to picks, like these comfy yet classy Club Monaco silk slacks. When it comes to high-waisted pants, my friends (and mom) always ask me what kind of top is best. Whether tight and tucked in (as seen below) or boxy and left out, you can make most any shirt work with this look. Smooch.

h.i.p. Top - Club Monaco High Waisted Pants

Halogen Vivian Sandal

Four Play

Art street side in NYC

Good drinks with good friends at Yerba Buena

Flowers from a best

Arm candy: South Moon Under, Tiffany & Co., David Yurman x 2, gift from a friend's travels in Colombia

Bottle Full of Sunshine

I'm naturally Italian and obviously, naturally obsessed with being tan. The reason I trust St. Tropez over other sunless tanning brands is because my friend and tan specialist Abby Feller of Bake in NYC recommended it to me. And I always trust a tan goddess.

I prefer a tan can to laying out poolside for two reasons: (1) because skin cancer is terrible and should be avoided at any cost and (2) unless there are boys to watch, I get so bored on the beach. I've noticed each bottle will get you about three full body tans, and though $35 per bottle isn't cheap, it's an investment in your happiness and health.

If the sleek, sexy bottle isn't enough to prove it's worth, trust me when I say it's nearly impossible to mess up this tan machine. Remove the cap, hold the bottle 6 inches from your skin and then press down on the black button to release the fine mist. Cover your body with the mist (wide circles or figure 8s are best) and you're done. Perfectly gorgeous and perfectly tan, just like any FBCW should be. Go get 'em girls, and hide your tan can from those boys! They'll be jealous of your glow in no time.