Back to School: Transitions

Berry Blazer and stripe blouse c/o Charlotte Russe, H&M white jeans, Ruche green handbag, Rock & Republic white pumps, Target sandals, Tory Burch cuff, Kate Spade watch 

I'm totally obsessed with this berry colored blazer. I know, I say that about a lot of things, but this time I'm serious. It's the perfect transition piece between summer to fall. And it matched with this velvet couch. I mean, what more could you ask for? Here I've worn it with bright white pants, but I can't wait to style it with darker denim and boots as it starts to cool down.

Speaking of transitions, this outfit is great from class to the office. Wear it with cute flats or sandals for a morning of trekking across campus, and swap for a pair of heels when you're headed to your internship or job! Plus, this green structured tote (my new favorite impulse buy!) is the most ideal size for a laptop, a planner and--you know me--a snack!

Speaking of more transitions, I'm moving out of my apartment of 2 1/2 years tomorrow. And I haven't packed up a single thing. Not even a blazer. Which is a problem considering half of my closet is blazers... Oh the predicaments of a style blogger--that should be a blog in itself. Wish me luck guys, and have a good weekend!

Back to School: Dress for Chess

Love Culture blouse, backpack and skirt c/o Charlotte Russe, Jessica Simpson booties, Tory Burch lucite cuff, Kate Spade watch, Dogeared infinity necklace, Target tights and earrings 

Going back to school every year always meant one thing: school supply shopping. The bright colors, blank notebooks, and the distinct school supply smell signified the start of a new year, a new time to learn. Although I'm almost done with school, the idea of a new notebook and pen still gets me so excited to fill the pages with new stories, ideas, and dreams.

I loved the idea of pairing this black and white skirt with a bright blouse, especially emerald green. With the tights and booties, this look is perfect for fall and maybe even a first day of school outfit. This olive green backpack with crochet detailing is practical yet super cute to tote around all your new supplies! I can even fit my laptop inside so it's ideal for a day of a classes or studying at the library. 

Taking photos after such a long time was such a great break from the busy schedule I have as I'm finishing up school. I had so much fun getting these shots on this giant chess board, and the backdrop of this game of strategy and concentration seemed fitting for the first of my Back to School posts in collaboration with Charlotte Russe!

Changes

H&M cropped pants and blazer, blouse c/o Charlotte Russe, Target tote, Cathy Jean wedges, Michael Kors watch

It's already August, and I don't know where the year has gone! 2013 is flying by, and life is moving on so quickly. There are lots of big changes coming my way in the next few months, and I'm hoping that I can face them with a strong mind and heart.  

I love this wrap blouse from Charlotte Russe--and not just because of the polka dots! It's comfortable and flowy, and I can dress it up with a fitted blazer or wear it casual with a colorful and loose cardigan! I'm excited to wear it with boots and scarf in the fall too. There's only about a month of summer left, so I'm savoring the last few days of warm weather before scarves and sweaters start replacing my sandals and t-shirts!

Airport Style

H&M striped top, blazer, and sunglasses, Foreign Exchange jeans, Charlotte Russe necklace, Tory Burch flats, Kate Spade bag and gold watch

I call this my travel outfit. Skinny jeans, a boyfriend blazer, and polished flats. I wore it to the airport a few weekends ago to see off two of my good friends who were moving overseas for a few years. I guess the ride to the airport and back counts as traveling, right? I love looking at "airport style." I mean, who doesn't want to travel comfortably while looking chic? Now, I just need a place to go! 

I had actually left my house without a necklace on. On our way back from the airport, we made a quick stop at the Topanga Mall, and of course, I couldn't come out empty-handed! The necklace matched perfectly with my handbag, so I just couldn't resist!

Colorful Comfort

Francesca's dress and belt, Zara cardigan, Kohl's statement necklace, Kate Spade Watch, H&M bangle and ring

I wore this plain maxi dress and statement necklace combo while exploring downtown Pismo Beach a few weekends ago. Comfortable, yet colorful, it was perfect for an afternoon of brunch, farmers markets, and ice cream. This has been my go-to dress for spontaneous trips this summer. It's perfect to throw on for a hot day, easy to accessorize with simple or statement jewelry, and beyond comfortable for long car rides or afternoon walks.  

What's your favorite thing to wear this summer? Comment below and let me know!

Polka Dot Pants

H&M white blouse and sunglasses, Gap cropped polkadot skinnies, Target sandals, Michael Kors watch

You guys know I love colored pants. And polka dots. So finding these peach polka dot pants (try saying that five times fast) was the best thing that happened to me last week. I've already worn them twice, and I am so excited to wear them for the rest of the summer. These photos are actually from July 4th weekend. We spent a few days barbecuing and relaxing in Pismo Beach and Santa Barbara with friends and food, two of my favorite things. 

On another happy note, I hit 100 "likes" on my Polka Dots and Purses Facebook Page today! I wanted to give all my readers a special thanks for all your support and encouragement this far! I couldn't do it without you guys, so thank you SO much :)

Happy Friday friends, and hope you have a good weekend!  

Minty Fresh

Forever 21 mint maxi dress, H&M hot pink blazer and gold braided belt, Target wedges, Kate Spade Gold watch

I wore this colorful ensemble a few weeks ago, the day before graduation. All of my friends and I wanted to take a few final group photos before we all graduated and went our own ways. Of course, the one day we actually all dressed up to get in front of the camera, the photos just didn't seem to come out the way we wanted. Yet, it's funny how even though the photos we hoped to capture some fun moments in didn't work out, we still managed to create so many memories that didn't need photographs to be remembered. 

I had also planned to wear this cropped pink blazer the next day at graduation, but I guess I couldn't wait another day. I mean, new clothes sitting unworn in shopping bags for more than a few days? Blasphemy. It worked out to my advantage though, because it was so hot at graduation anyway that more than one layer of clothing was simply too much under that bulky gown. I love how life has its own ways of working itself out whether its for lifelong memories or my life-altering blazer issues.