A Classic Skirt

Jacket: Juicy Couture
Shirt: Gap
Skirt: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (ModCloth)
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)
Bracelets: Michael Kors and Stella And Dot
Ring: BCBG Max Azria
Sunglasses: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)

When it comes to trendy pieces, I’m usually hesitant to spend too much money on them. I like to test drive trends, picking up pieces from affordable retailers like H&M and Zara before I decide if it’s something worthy of more hard earned dollars. Much to my surprise, I fell in love with the longer, more ladylike skirts that are everywhere this fall and decided to invest in a classic wool skirt with staying power. My search was brief; I checked out the Marc by Marc Fall collection (for the one millionth time) and decided on this one. A camel skirt in a timeless shape is an easily justified investment piece: it’s extremely versatile and I can wear it for years to come. What fall trends do you think are worth a splurge?
 

A Week In My Shoes

Coach // Ego And Greed

Jeffrey Campbell // Dollhouse

Kelsi Dagger // Nine West

A Vest And A Dress

Dress: DVF (Nordstrom Rack)
Tights: Hue (Nordstrom Rack)
Necklace: Express
Vest: ModCloth
Ring: Surface To Air (Shotwell)
Bracelets: Express and See by Chloe
Shoes: Dollhouse (endless.com)
Bag: Treesje (Nordstrom)

Sometimes my after work plans dictate what I wear to work, and this was one of those days. For an evening out with coworkers to celebrate a birthday, there was just one requirement: something fun. I debated a few options - including a new jacquard dress and my faux leather shorts - but once I saw this print, my decision was made. And, yes, I realize that I’m wearing purple again, but as there’s no sign of an NBA season yet, I’m  okay with it. Is anyone else as upset as I am that there may not be a season this year?

Dogs And Stripes

Sweater: Lands' End (c/o Lands' End)
Shirt: Penguin (borrowed from my boyfriend)

Jeans: Rich & Skinny (Nordstrom)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (ModCloth)
Necklace and Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Watch, Bracelet, and Sunglasses: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)

When Lands' End kindly offered up a sweater to style, I immediately chose this one. My love of stripes is well documented, perhaps almost as well as my love for button downs, and it was the combination of the two that attracted me to this sweater. I knew the boxy shape would lend itself well to layering over a button down, and when it came to find one, my search lead me to my boyfriend’s closet. I’ve had my eye on this adorable dog print for a while, and I was thrilled to finally wear it. To finish off the look, I layered on gold accessories, my navy bag and menswear inspired wedges.

Diamond Heeled

Shirt: Lumière (Ambiance)
Skirt and Belt: Vince Camuto (Nordstrom)
Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Shoes: 80%20 (ModCloth)
Bracelets: Nordstrom and Marc by Marc Jacobs
Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)
Bag: Treesje (Nordstrom)

To anyone actually expecting diamonds on my heels: I apologize. But unless you’re new to Style by Santina, you probably know that diamonds aren’t really my style. Sure, I’m not one to shy away from big, flashy and slightly over the top jewelry, but diamonds just aren't for me (a fact that my mother has always found blasphemous). Alas, you’ll never catch me in actual diamonds, but the diamonds on the back of these wedges? Now those I love.

As you may have noticed I’ve been in a bit of a shoe frenzy lately. I blame it on the ten months spent mostly barefoot on the beach in Mexico - I'm making up for lost time! Anyhow, as soon as these arrived, I couldn’t wait to wear them, and more specifically, I couldn’t wait to wear them with this skirt. Sure, they’ll look amazing with jeans and chunky knit or a mini with sweater tights, but the first time out of the box had to be with this skirt. Feeling a bit neutral on the bottom, I decided to add in some color with a bright coral top before layering on accessories (including my new favorite necklace…again) in mixed metallics. I already can’t wait to wear these shoes again…

Chevron And Stripes

Cardigan: Missoni for Target
T-shirt: Gap
Belt: H&M
Jeans: Rich & Skinny (Nordstrom)
Shoes: Coach (Nordstrom Rack)
Necklace and Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Ring: BCBG Max Azria
Watch, Bracelet and Sunglasses: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)

I had been pretty much living in this cardigan by the time I finally managed to snap a few pics of it. While I definitely adore the polo dress and flats from the Missoni for Target collection, I think this cardigan will be the piece I wear the most. Cardigans are perfect for San Francisco’s temperamental weather, and since most of my cardigans are solid colors, the iconic chevron fills a hole in my closet.

For a warm but windy day, I layered the cardigan over a striped tee and threw on a pair of boyfriend jeans. The colors of the cardigan are favorites of mine, and as such, I have a bag in nearly identical colors, which I obviously had to wear. All those blues begged for a pop of color, and my pink flats were perfect for a day of spent wandering all over the city. As for accessories, let’s talk about the necklace: I love this necklace. As soon as I saw the lock and keys, I grabbed one. When I got home and took it out of the package, I noticed the message on the lock and it instantly became my new favorite necklace.

A Week In My Shoes

Shellys London  // Coach

80%20 // Jeffrey Campbell

Jeffrey Campbell // Coach

Seeing Spots

Sephora by OPI Frankly, I Don't Give A-dam (gray) // Sephora by OPI Read My Palm (green)

After seeing photos all over the internet of perfectly dotted nails I decided to take it on for this week’s manicure. I read about a variety of techniques but decided to apply the dots with toothpicks because I had some in the apartment. And, really, when am I going to use baking toothpicks? I don’t bake. I quickly realized that I was not going to be able to apply perfect dots, so I varied the sizes. I have to admit that these nails are not my favorite. The imperfection drove me crazy so until I can figure out a better way, I’m staying away from dots. Do you have any tips? Spill ‘em!

A Perfect Pair

Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom Rack)
Shoes: Seychelles (ModCloth)
Bracelet and Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)
Ring: BCBG Max Azria
Necklace and Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom)

I’m quite surprised that this dress has only been featured on the blog once before. Of course, that one time was rather significant – it was my last day of work in Portland, just one month before I moved to Mexico! Well, actual summer weather in San Francisco is almost as significant, and when what may have been our last bout of warm weather arrived, I knew I wanted to wear this dress once more without tights and layers. While I’ve worn it a million different ways, it appears impossible to wear it without this necklace. That adorable kitty paired with a print that reminds me of confetti is sure to put a smile on my face all day! Do you have a perfect pair in your closet - two things that are just made for each other?

Polka Dots And Lace

Top: Tulle (ModCloth)
Dress: H&M
Belt: H&M
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (Jeremy’s)
Bag: Mercules (ModCloth)
Necklace: ModCloth
Sunglasses and Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)

 

When I bought this dress at the beginning of the summer, I had no idea how much wear I’d get out of it. I don’t think there is any dress in my closet that layers as well as this one. There is nothing that doesn’t look adorable over those polka dot pleats, but this lace top might be my favorite layer yet. Of course, I haven’t tried it with a chunky knit, but that’s next on my list…

A Bit Boyish

Shirt: J. Crew
Vest: BCBG Max Azria (via Shop It To Me)
Jeans: Rich & Skinny (Nordstrom)
Shoes: Rachel Antonoff for Bass (ModCloth)
Necklace: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Nordstrom)
Ring: BCBG Max Azria
Watch and Bracelet: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Notice anything different about these photos? I ask because someone other than my on-call photographer took them. When said photographer (aka my boyfriend) informed me that he would be unable to take my outfit photos for a few days, I thought I’d end up skipping them altogether. As it turns out, I just so happen to work in an office full of people who not only understand the importance of outfit photos but are also willing to lend a helping hand without making me feel completely ridiculous when I ask “Will you take pictures of what I’m wearing as I stand in the middle of the street?” I’m a lucky girl.

This outfit, like so many others, started with the shoes. It’s no secret that I love menswear inspired shoes, but these also have a touch of that preppy east coast vibe that will always hold a special place in my heart (and closet). I adore them. Inspired by my new shoes, I went for boyish, preppy layers – boyfriend jeans, a button down, and a vest. Gold accessories and a navy patent bag finished off a look that would definitely make my seventh grade self proud.

Purple, Without Guilt

Top: Yumi Kim (Nordstrom)
Jeans: Rich & Skinny (Nordstrom)
Shoes: Nine West
Bracelets: Nordstrom, Michael Kors, and Marc by Marc Jacobs
Watch: Michael Kors (Nordstrom)
Ring: BCBG Max Azria
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Sunglasses: Ray Ban (Saks)

It's usually around this time of year that color choices - especially purple - become more significant. But seeing as the basketball season isn't even scheduled to begin any time soon, I can wear purple to my heart's content without feeling disloyal to my beloved Celtics. Yes, these are the kinds of thoughts that run through my head as I sip coffee and decide what to wear each morning. What? You don't factor in team loyalty when you get dressed?

Despite being the color of the enemy (also known as the Lakers), I actually love this shirt. It's the combination of a strong print and easy shape that make this a perfect shirt to throw on with jeans and heels and feel completely put together. And on a Friday after a long week, that's exactly what I did. A few bracelets, a watch and a ring were all I needed for accessories, and a well loved black patent bag finished off the look. While I could never deny my love of classic, cotton button downs, I definitely find myself buying more sheer and silky tops lately. They're just as easy as their more masculine counterparts but feel much more chic.

Twice As Nice

Sephora by OPI Teal We Meet Again //  Sephora by OPI Looks Like Rain, Deer // Sephora by OPI Only Gold For Me

I’m the kind of girl who likes to read a book twice before deciding what I think. I might feel the same way about nails. First, I rocked two variations of triangle nails and now here's round two of ombre nails. It also doesn’t hurt that ombre nails are one of the easiest manicures I’ve attempted. Imperfections blend in with the sponged on color and a touch of glitter top coat smoothes it all out for a perfectly sparkly finish! 

Sadly, I haven’t been able to comb the internet as often as I’d like (there has to be life away from a computer) so I’m definitely looking for some fresh inspiration for next week’s manicure. Have you seen anything fun? Send it my way! 

A Cute Collar And A Cape

Cape: Zara
Shirt: ModCloth
Skirt: J. Crew
Tights: H&M
Necklace: ModCloth
Ring: BCBG Max Azria
Shoes: Nine West
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

So, it’s definitely time to buy tights. I don’t know about you but very few pairs of tights last me more than a season, and actually, quite a few pairs don’t even make it past the first wear. Since I haven’t been rocking tights all too often, I had no idea what was stored away. As it turned out, after wearing black tights the day before, there was only one pair left…and, of course, they weren’t opaque. Normally I wouldn’t wear black tights that weren’t, but I didn’t really have time to change and it was too cold to go out with bare legs. And, that, friends, is why I will buy way too many pairs of opaque black tights this weekend. Well, that and the fact that I despise washing tights by hand and have a habit of buying a new pair rather than washing them. (Don’t judge me.)

It was the adorable scalloped collar that sold me on this shirt. That soft detail paired with polka dots definitely makes this one of the more feminine button downs in my closet. Naturally that made me want to wear it with boyish pieces, but instead of reaching for pants and oxfords, I went with a denim skirt in a flirty shape. To finish off this ladylike look, I layered on a cape and added a bright bag.

Rain And Kangaroo Pockets

 

Dress: Missoni for Target
Tights: H&M
Shoes: Coach (Nordstrom Rack)
Ring: BCBG Max Azria
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (a gift)

This was the first real rainy day I’ve had since last September. Of course, all my rainy years in Portland earned me those ten months of sunshiny bliss in Mexico, but I still can’t say I was thrilled to wake up to such a gray, rainy day. Rainy days make me want to stay home and lounge about in my Celtics hoodie and sweatpants while watching trashy television. That’s just how I roll, which is exactly why I had to get the hell out of Portland! How much America’s Next Top Model can one girl watch? (I don’t want to answer.)

Since it was a workday, actually wearing my Celtics hoodie was out. Next best thing - this amazingly comfortable Missoni for Target dress with a kangaroo pocket. Since it’s a little on the short side, I went with black tights, adding a few pops of color with pink shoes and a teal bag. Now if only this dress had a little Celtics logo…