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.

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

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

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

Work It Out

Zara Blazer - Urban Outfitters Blouse

Whenever possible, I put my big girl panties on and dress up for work. Even though it's a casual environment, it makes me feel confident and powerful to know that I'm wearing what I want, when I want (well, of course I'd prefer my perfectly worn Juicy sweats, but you get my flow).

Plus, my dad always advised me not to dress for the role I had, but for the one I wanted. And as you can see, I take my role very seriously. How else am I going to take over the world?!

BCBG Skirt - Calvin Klein Heels

In all seriousness, what we wear allows us to dress up, become another version of ourselves and transform into something bigger, even if it's just for a day, a meeting or a minute. This Zara blazer totally speaks power to me, and I've been obsessed since the moment we met. Not only is it straight out of Serena van der Woodsen's closet (I am so her right now) but also because it goes with everything (except my Juicy pants) and it's effortlessly chic.

J.Crew Necklace - Lia Sophia Ring

On top of everything, the little black buttons (LBBs) on the cuffs make for sleek yet adorable details and the simplicity of the look allows for any combination of jewelry. Aside from the fact that it weights ten pounds, I'm currently obsessing over this Lia Sophia ring, which I purchased at Buffalo Exchange. To me, ya damn duchesses, simplicity is elegance. But you already knew that.

She is a beautiful gift to the world. The world better be damn thankful. The FBCW Diary

Four Play

Piles of toast made for out of town friends

Beach ball from our weekend pool party

Butterfly I spotted in the garden while cleaning up

Tasseled neon necklace I made for a friend before she drove home