Reader Request: Golden Age

Happy Monday lovebugs,
Today's post is a reader request for a great friend who needs a gold clutch for a wedding. This is a fun post for me because I feel that a gold clutch is great for special occasions but it also translates perfectly to everyday wear. Let's take a look.

Zappos, Jessica McClintock Minaudière Gold, $45

Gatsby anyone? This clutch is its own piece of jewelry. Now picture it with black jeans and a silk tank. 

Nine West, Metallic Look Edelyn Clutch, $39

A simple envelope clutch that you can throw a pair of fast flats in for the last hour on the dance floor.

Nordstrom, Natasha Couture Box Clutch, $58

I am truly smitten with this clutch. It is so sleek and the faux wood grain texture is really special.

Delia's, Gold Glitter Clutch, $24

Add some serious sparkle to your outfit. This clutch also offers a simple shoulder strap so you have your hands fee for Shout. Priorities people.

The gold clutch is a timeless piece to add to your closet. It's going to come in handy more than you know. 

Be fabulous today!

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Reader Request: Linen Love

Today's post is for one of my dearest friends, Marisa. She will be traveling to Tanzania for too long (sorry, I'm biased) to change the world with a fantastic organization. One thing you should know about Marisa is that even in Africa, she rocks it. Maxi dresses, headbands, you name it. Today she's asked me to pull some linen button down options for her. I think these will fit the bill for her newest adventure and these options will work for us just as well.

J Crew, Perfect Linen Shirt, $79 and an extra 30% with code SWEET.

I love this emerald color and it comes in a handful of other options. Take advantage of this promo code!

Madewell, Boyshirt in Suntour, $49

Another on sale option that has a great pattern without screaming 'farmer'.

Lord and Taylor, Button Front Linen Shirt, $29

A great chambray option, just please don't button it up all of the way.

Express, Two Pocket Linen Shirt, $24

I love this open neck option and the blush color is a great alternative to white.

Linen is a fantastic option for summer because it is the most breathable material you will find for those hot summer days. Dress up this loose fabric with some bling for work.

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Music Festival

Hey there lovebugs,
Happy Monday to you! I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Today's post is for a reader who is going to the Virgin Free Fest next weekend and needs some outfit help. While we can't control the weather let's hope for mid 70s and sunny.

Jeans/Top/Crossbody Bag/Flats/Earrings

Ok let me break this down. Jeans, obviously. A slight roll will keep the hems from dragging in unspeakable things. Speaking of stepping in unspeakable things, these shoes are $17 from Target. They're chic but you're not going to be upset if you spill on them. Working our way up. I love this top. It's got leather sleeves and a fabulous print, perfect for 'I'm not trying to hard but I also look amazing.' And accessories. These earrings are rocker but they also pick up the chevron shapes in the top. Finally the crossbody bag. It may look small but let's be honest, you don't want to be lugging a tote on your shoulder. Pack your essentials and have both hands free.

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Snakeskin Flats

Today's post is from a lovely reader who is looking for snakeskin flats. She loves her flats and she walks all over the city, so they'll need to stand up in the quality department. Let's see here.

Lord and Taylor, Lori Ballet Flats, $79

I really like this shoe because the ballet flat softens the sometimes harsh snake pattern.

Bloomingdale's, Steven by Steve Madden Ella, $89

I love this shoe because of the classy cap toe. It is a four season shoe.

The Limited, Pointed Toe Flat, $19

A sassy lipstick red snakeskin is something unexpected!

Shopbop, Vera Wang Lara Ballet Flats, $89

A great leather sole goes a long way if you take care of it. It also is very easy to replace after you've worn through it. No need to buy another pair of shoes, just invest in a good cobbler.

Snakeskin is a pattern that isn't going out of style any time soon. It can truly morph into any style depending on the outfit; sweet, bad ass, sexy, or cute.

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Handling Love

Hey there lovebugs,
I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Today we have a reader request who would like to cover some extra love in her handle area. Now, I must confess, I know this reader and she is crazy for covering any part of her body, but I can relate with wanting to feel comfortable in a...wait for it...a bathing suit.

She was looking into retro briefs, which is a great option, here are some others to try out.

Asos, Pastel Graphic Print Bikini Pant, $27

I LOVE this print, it adds some modern to a retro brief.

Modcloth, Esther Williams Bathing Beauty, $89

A skirt is a great option and this ruching plus the stunning emerald green is just a great look.

Asos, One Shoulder Pouch Over Belted Suit, $47

A belt is an easy way to define waist, add this sexy one shoulder, all under $50!

Figleaves, Curvy Kate Moonlight Foldover Brief, $27

If you want to go the bikini route, try a great banded waist, and hello fabulous bow on the back!

Figleaves, Tuscany Spot Shaping Swimsuit, $53

And if you would like to go the 'shaper' route, try something that features another asset: get it girl.

As painful as trying on a bathing suit is, remember that you're beautiful. Absolutely stunning. If you need a motivation boost, remember this post? We have all been there. You get it girl.

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Peeps!

Even though it's sandal season, peep toe shoes are still a perfect option for the warm weather. One of our readers wants to know what peeps I'm digging right now.

Bloomingdale's, Lauren Ralph Lauren Peep Toe Platform Espadrille Wedge, $69

A great nautical inspired espadrille that is great for bright shorts or a white dress.

Asos, Jasmine Peep Toe Ballet Flat, $37

I mean, how freaking adorable are these? The sweet floral laser cut is so perfect for summer.

Anthropologie, Lonoke Peep Toes, $79

A great print mixed with some leather cutouts is just perfect for some chambray this summer.

Nordstrom, Melikey Sandal, $53

A nice easy to walk in peep with some pop.

I love a good peep toe, but please, please, I beg of you, make sure your toes are clean and/or painted before you put them on. They're called peep because your toes are peeping out. Give them some love.

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Red Blazer

Today's post is brought to you by a great question from one of our readers. What do you wear with a red blazer. I'm going to give you a couple of options, one print, one pastel, and one saturated.

First let's pick a blazer.

Nordstrom, Carlson Roll Sleeve Knit Blazer, $59

Do yourself a favor and click this link. This blazer comes in 12 colors and prints, and it's under 60 bucks.

White House Black Market, Fitted Gingham Bodice, $88

Here's the printed option. And really any black and white print would pop with a red blazer. I like this one because of the piping.

Old Navy, Lace Crochet Lace Trim Tee, $15

I actually just bought this top myself last weekend and I can't wait to wear it. This is your bright/pastel option. 

Nordstrom, Suzi Chin for Maggy Boutique Ruched Faux Wrap Dress, $98

Fun fact, I also own this dress and I love it. It's got a deeper plum color than this picture shows, which makes it a perfect base for a bold red blazer.

In my opinion, as long as you avoid looking like the Fourth of July or Christmas, you can pair your red blazer with just about anything!

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Destination Wedding

Hi lovebugs!

How was your weekend? Did you hit any great sales? I stopped by Macy's on Thursday and got a couple of great Ellen Tracy pieces.

Today we're looking at a reader request from one of my friends, Stephanie. She is going to a destination wedding (yes, I know, we hate her) and she is looking for a dress to go from day to night and it has to have color. Here's what we came up with.

J Crew, Leona, $89

What a great color for a wedding, the light and breezy feel to this dress is perfect for a day wedding and add some bling and heels for night.

Modcloth, Sunset Seeker Dress, $99

A little drama, a little sexy and a whole lotta tangerine!

Zara, open back dress, $59

A very interesting print and cut. This dress is just dying for a photo op.

...and drumroll please...the winner is...

Nordstrom, Donna Morgan strapless silk chiffon dress, $99

This dress hit all of Stephanie's must have items: color, dance-able, and day to night.

Are you hitting one or 16 weddings this season? What will you be wearing?

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: School Bags

Hey Lovebugs! How was your weekend? Did you taken advantage of the Gap Friends and Family Sale? Any other good buys?

Today's post is from a reader who wants a new bag for school; something that can hold textbooks, laptop, and look fabulous too. Let's see what I can find.

Modcloth, The Perfect Plaid-rday Tote, $72

I love this bag for school. Fantastic pattern and neutral colors. 

Urban Outfitters, Deena and Ozzy Buckle Tote, $69

I love this bag! It reminds me of a Legally Blonde bag toughened up a bit.

Lucky Brand, Silverlake Canvas Leopard Print Convertible Tote, $69

I love the dual straps on this bag. It looks very durable.

Canvas, 1963 Washed Tote, $49

I love Lands End Canvas more and more every day. The price on this sturdy tote is just right.

So what would you carry if you didn't have to wear a backpack?

Be fabulous today!

Reader Request: Birthday Dress

Today's post is for my friend Lauren who is looking for a fabulous dress for her upcoming birthday.  She didn't give me ANY hints of style or look so here we go!

Newport News, One shoulder drape front dress, $64

I saw this dress in Glamour and I just fell in love with it.  So effortless but the color is 'pow!'

Macys, Charlie Jade Dress, $99

Hello blue. Lauren has great short blonde hair. This would be perfect!

J Crew, Thessaly beach dress, $39

I love this mix of cotton and silk.  I would dress this up with metallic strappy sandals and some big 'ol earrings.

Modcloth, Ready Rosette Go dress, $54

LBD? Yes please.  Perfect mix of sexy and sweet.

Which one do you think Lauren should wear?  My favorite is the blue silk.  I think it will look great on the dance floor and the color will pop in pictures.

Be fabulous today!