Purchased: 12/25-1/1

madewell lineleader tunic sweater in dark tobacco

madewell autumn shade henley in rum raisin

madewell staccato stud earrings

I took full advantage of some extra holiday $ and a few different sales during a holiday visit to NYC.

james perse t-shirt (similar to the overdyed heathered tee; via Marshall's)

hue opaque tights in cinnamon (via Marshall's)

Thank you, Mom, for the gift card!

i-ecko i-slide cool orange tangle-free zipper earbuds (via Amazon)

My old headphones bit the dust and these look pretty cool, plus they're made with an eco-friendly aluminum housing and have 100% recyclable cords.

innovez biodegradable hard case for iphone 4 (via Amazon)

My current phone case doesn't come over the edge of the screen, which has resulted in two cracked screens (an expensive fix). Hopefully this will be a sturdier solution, and the fact that it won't take up space in a landfill is also exciting.

Pretty in Pink

{target mossimo vilda smoker flat - $19.99}

Oh, hello there! Since we last chatted I've gotten married, taken a fantastic honeymoon in Vermont, released a major project at work, enjoyed life as newlyweds, traveled to Seattle for Thanksgiving, and done a lot of cooking, baking, and nesting.

One thing I've tried to cut back on? Shopping. At least on clothing for myself (though we're working on being more frugal overall). However, when I literally gasped in delight when I spotted these pretty little shoes at the Target (ask my friend P for corroboration), I knew I had to bring them home. I've loved this style of loafers this season, but have only seen them in leopard print. While I love me some leopard, I've maxed out my quota in the shoe department (the two pairs I already have seems a bit excessive), so pink, my favorite color, are the perfect alternative. While they aren't quite broken in just yet, they make me smile every time I put them on. I'd say they were definitely worth $20.

Virtual Dress Up: Zara

In case you hadn't heard the exciting news, Zara, the fantastically fashionable, moderately priced European clothing store, began offering online shopping in the US yesterday! Since the nearest physical store location is in DC, I'm much more excited to play virtual dress up with their items, knowing that I can much more readily make a purchase should I fall in lust with anything (I'm sure Kate is really excited about this development, too...).

Here are some of my favorite selections from their current offerings:

double breasted frock coat, $169

knitted blazer, $89.90

sequin jacket, $129

dress with elastic waist, $89.90

bell bottom jeans, $79.90

twisted yarn dress, $39.90

felt shopper, $159

Have y'all shopped at Zara before? If not, will you now? What are some of your favorite picks for the fall?

Virtual Dress Up: September Showers

While it's still way too warm for almost any of the pieces below, I think this cozy outfit would be perfect for a deliciously cool Saturday later this month (I can always dream, right?). It's perfect for a trip to the market, brunch with friends, and window shopping (and people watching) around town.

september showers by hillarywb featuring a double breasted trench coat

H M long top, £15
Double breasted trench coat, $198
Citizens of Humanity straight jeans, $160
Hunter rubber rain boots, $125
Deena Ozzy oversized bag, $68
Metal necklace, $48
Clear Bubble Umbrella, $18

Currently Coveting: Boyfriend Blazer

I stopped into Kohl's while running errands this weekend and haven't been able to get this blazer out of my mind.

lc lauren conrad ruched open-front boyfriend blazer

The short, ruched sleeves and the pale pink color are pretty fabulous. I think it would be perfect now to throw over my shoulders in air conditioned settings, and then well into the fall and winter as a great layering piece. However, even marked down on sale I haven't been able to justify the price tag quite yet.

Virtual Dress Up: Business Casual

I absolutely love the contrasts in this outfit: subtle olive green with a bright pop of fuchsia, dress pants and heels topped off with a chambray button-up, nerd glasses with bold, golden-hued jewelry. This outfit is fun and interesting while still being completely appropriate for a more casual work environment.

office eclectic by hillarywb featuring glass shades

J Crew stripe t shirt, $45
J Crew denim top, $118
Old Navy cropped capri pants, $20
BDG low heel pumps, $49
Contributor by Rachel Comey tote hand bag, $59
Metal jewelry, $48
Urban Renewal Vintage gold jewelry, $29
J Crew glass shades, $375
J Crew d ring belt, $35

Virtual Dress Up: A Case of the Mondays

Well, now, I don't really have a case of the Mondays currently, but if I did, this is definitely what I'd like to wear. It looks chic and pulled together but also pretty darn comfortable. Win-win.

monday, monday, monday by hillarywb featuring j crew watches

J Crew shift dress, $188
J Crew cashmere cardigan, $225
J Crew round toe pumps, $198
J Crew leather shoulder bag, $325
J Crew chain necklace, $85
J crew watch, $19

Virtual Dress Up: Sunday Brunch

It's really not an exaggeration to say that I am ob.sessed. with this dress. Need further proof of its awesomeness? Click through to their website to see the back. It's gorgeous.

Anyway, with several friends having recently moved back into the area, I'm dreaming of a fall filled with fun weekend brunches with them, catching up on our lives and work weeks. I think this would be perfect for early fall, when it's cool enough to wear tights, but warm enough to not need a jacket. Clearly my desire to live in the present when it came to weather was short-lived...

sunday brunch by hillarywb featuring print dresses

Print dress, $168
We Love Colors tight, $15
J Crew knee high leather boots, $348
Leather satchel handbag, $278
Hammered jewelry, $38

Virtual Dress Up: Still Summer

In an effort to style an outfit that I could actually wear, say, tomorrow, I came up with this gem. I love the loose, relaxed fit of the shirt and the capris, paired with a bright bag and more traditional necklace and wedges. It would be perfect for a day at the office, with braided hair (mine is finally long enough again!) and a cardigan tossed into the purse for when the a/c kicks in.

dog days of summer by hillarywb featuring j crew jewelry

Face shirt, $98
Old navy, $33
Gap shoes, $39
J crew jewelry, $98
MATT & NAT Large JORJA Purse in Orange, $175

Hooray for Dollywood!

Today I'll be heading out a little early to drive with some friends out to scenic Pigeon Forge, Tennessee to visit Dollywood! I've never been before and am not sure what to expect, despite internet research and reviews from several friends. However, I'm super excited to spend time with friends, visit Tennessee for the first time, and check out Dollywood first-hand.

Here's (a basic outline) of what I've got packed:

hooray for dollywood! by hillarywb featuring a canvas weekender bag

I've been loving my straw fedora (I picked up a similar one at Old Navy) this summer (1). It's a great way to tame unruly hair and also keep my face shaded from the sun. Clearly, I've also brought some fun sunglasses along (2), since I love them and because I'm pretty sure Dolly would approve.

For tomorrow, when we're hitting up Dollywood proper, my key goals are to be comfortable and stay cool. That's were the jean shorts (14), tank top (16), t-shirt (15), and sandals with a heel strap (12) come in. Though people have mixed opinions about jean shorts (jorts, as I prefer to call them), my opinion is that as long as they're on the longer side, it's totally fine for casual situations. These sandals are similar to a pair I picked up for a song at one of Gap's sales. They're great for any rides we might go on, since they'll stay put (walking around Dollywood with one missing shoe would definitely not be cute). Throw in a cute cross-body bag (13) and I'm good to go!

The dress and button-up (worn tied at the waist; 4 + 5) and the striped tee and skirt (7 + 8) are for tomorrow night and Sunday. They're a bit dressier, but still relaxed and casual, especially with fun accessories and a lightweight jacket (for places with blasting a/c).

My bag (oh, how I wish it looked anything remotely like no. 3!) is rounded out by a bathing suit (11), because, well, you should never travel without one, as well as some exercise gear (to hopefully work off some of the down-home cooking we'll be experiencing) and an umbrella for impromptu rain showers!


1. Mossimo straw fedora: Target
2. H&M sunglasses, £1.99
3. H&M canvas weekender bag, £30
4. Target black scoop neck dress, $20
5. Old Navy printed roll-up camp shirt, $25
6. Urban Outfitters smooth stone pendant necklace, $34
7. Old Navy women's floral skirt, $32.94
8. Mossimo striped tee: Target, $8
9. Anthropologie interrupted hoops, $38
10. Old Navy women's lightweight surplus jacket, $30
11. Mossimo® Women's Mix & Match Tankini Swim Top - Slate: Target, $20
12. Old Navy metallic shoes, $20
13. H&M embossed handbag, £9.99
14. Old Navy distressed shorts, $26
15. Old Navy scoop neck top, $9.97
16. Old Navy women's lace-trim henley cami, $10

Neons

color blocking by hillarywb featuring link jewelry

J Crew boat neck top, $40
J Crew knee length pencil skirt, $120
J Crew mid heel boots, $348
J Crew vintage tote, $258
J Crew link jewelry, $40
J Crew leather d ring belt, $35

It's no secret that I love bright colors. I usually try to temper them with more neutral basics, but I am loving the color block trend. This top and skirt from J. Crew are fantastic, and I (still) love the idea of pairing them with more neutral accessories, albeit this time with a fun, bright necklace.

What do you think? Too bright or just the perfect amount of fun?

Virtual Dress Up: Back to School

I recently came across the amazingness that is Quiksilver's new fall collection, and it almost made me wish I was headed back to school this fall. Not that you could pay me enough to head back to grad school any time in the near future, but gosh, these clothes are really pretty and fun, aren't they? Perhaps I'll just have to rock collegiate chic at work? Decisions, decisions...

Back to School 2011 by hillaryw featuring slim fit jeans

Quiksilver striped cardigan, $55
Quiksilver loose shirt, $78
Quiksilver cotton blazer, $75
Quiksilver slim fit jeans, $70
Quiksilver backpack, $75
Cozy Beanie, $30

(And yes, I do realize that I realistically wouldn't be able to wear the items above in an outfit together until November at the absolute earliest, but that's the beauty of fake wardrobes, right?)

I Like Sales, Part 2

Another site I've been scouring recently obsessively is Old Navy. I'm loving that they have so many basics for cheapsies right now, as evidenced below. Tanks, tees, and basic pants galore. Me gusta.

Old Navy 2011 End of Summer Sale Picks by hillaryw featuring old navy t shirts

I Like Sales, Part 1

Lately all I've wanted to do is go shopping. Seriously.

But since I have a limited budget (read: non-profiteer marrying a grad student), and since I spent way more money than I should have on clothes last month, I'm settling for making some serious imaginary purchases via this here blog.

And even though these purchases aren't real, since I was raised by parents who loved some bargain shopping, I'm still on the hunt for a good deal.

This time of year, as you may or may not know, lots of stores have gigantic sales to make room for their fall/back-to-school merchandise. This may or may not seem ridiculous to you, based on the current weather in your area (there was a heat index of 106 here yesterday), but hey, according to the big corporations, fall is just. around. the corner.

Given this, I'm reluctant to spend money right now on things I won't be able to wear well into the fall and winter months. When I'm scouring sale racks and websites, I'm trying to keep a few things in mind: 1) will I be able to layer this item in even ridiculously (well, for NC) cold weather and 2) will I be able to wear this item in multiple settings (to work, dinner with friends, the farmers' market, etc.).

Without further adieu, here are some of my favorite picks that meet this criteria from Gap's current sales. Get 'em while they're hot, folks. In the meantime, they'll continue to occupy space in my imaginary closet.

Gap 2011 End of Summer Sale Picks by hillaryw featuring slim jeans