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!

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

City Lust

Some days, I miss everything: New York, Australia, my best friends. Other days, I just miss the fast cars, freedom and noise of city life.

Perhaps it's the dingy streets...

Or their catchy names...

Or maybe the slightly more clear, slightly more confident reflection that I lust for now and then. For now, there are mountains to climb and items to cross of my list. And thankfully, the city will always be there to catch me when I'm ready once again.

Ballet Slippers

H&M Dress

This week, I met two of my best girlfriends for dinner at Oya. It was a bittersweet celebration for one who is headed off to her first year of law school. The other (both of whom I met in Australia) recently started dating a new fox.

Esse Ballet Slippers Nail Polish

As I watch my friends, I'm reminded that now is the time to try new things, experiment and see what fits. Whether it's a new dress or a new relationship, you'll never know until you try it on.

Franco Sarto Wedges

Although life isn't about Barbies and ballet slippers anymore, sometimes it helps to simplify and pretend it is. Everyone's searching for something different. As FBCWs, we want it all, but maybe we don't need it all right this second. Life is short but long, and the possibilities are endless.

And so we put on our slippers and dance along.

You want a fairytale, baby? Go out there and get it. The FBCW Diary

Au Natural

Forever 21 Dress

On Sunday morning, we woke up and made brunch before heading out for Sunday errands. Tucker was happy to run around and soak up the sun whereas everyone else wanted to stay inside with the AC blasting. It was literally the hottest weekend of my life. In the afternoon, my mom and I decided to catch up over a day of shopping. We've both been entertaining a lot so it was nice to finally have some time to ourselves.

Necklaces: Forever 21 and Vintage (from Gram) - Express Belt - Vintage Ring (Gram)

While shopping, I caught a glimpse of my floaty floral dress in the mirror and mentioned to my mom how painstaking it is for me to wear prints. Since I love mixing and matching, I'm much more comfortable color blocking and playing with solid colors. Prints, on the other hand, are somewhat of an uncharted territory. "You are your grandmother," she said.

Jack Rogers Sandals

It makes me happy to know I've managed to embody at least some of my grandmother's style and class. She, along with my mother, have taught me to love my curves, my mixed European heritage and my naturally wavy locks (summer au natural at its best). The key is loving the girl you were made to be.

Louis Vuitton Speedy 30

Whether by sharing clothes or sharing secrets, we women must stick together. The FBCW Diary