faded neon sweater + layered sparkle

I don't care what the season, I will always wear sweaters. What can I say? I'm addicted to baggy, casual comfort. And, since it's spring, a little neon doesn't hurt either. This sweater from Madewell looks heavy for the season, but it actually has just the right amount of weight for a partly cloudy day. Yellow, violet, pink, skinny jeans, and sparkle.. Yep, I think I covered all the bases.

 sweater: Madewell || jeans: Rag & Bone || necklaces: BaubleBar || ring: BaubleBar

 necklaces: Ice Akasha Strand (top) ||  Violet Triad Collar (bottom)

ring: Pave Link Ring

spring casual

shirt: Madewell || pants: Joe's Jeans || shoes: Stuart Weitzman || necklace: BaubleBar

Bauble of the day: BaubleBar's Tropical Gem Bib. This necklace is my current spring obsession. The combination of tropical and shiny gems are so good. I can't get over it. 

Also, this spring, I'm rocking a new, more relaxed hairstyle. I know it's not obvious at all, but I did get a haircut a few weeks ago. Since my hair got trimmed and my layers are finally all cleaned up, I decided to ditch the tighter curls and went for waves instead. The loose waves take less time, but they are also more fussy (aka: always in the way) throughout the day. My hair really has a mind of its own. I can't control it. Trying to find the right technique and the best products to tame the beast have definitely been an adjustment. Some days my hair looks amazing.. Other days, not so much. Then again, with the 90 degree weather right now, my hair is pretty much doomed. Maybe you'll have better luck than me. 

Great loose wave hair tutorials here and here. P.S. I always use curling irons with adjustable heat levels, which will help you avoid a situation like this.

chambray + rose gold

I know it looks like I curl my hair all the time and it's because I do. My hair is getting so long and I have no idea what to do with it these days. I haven't gotten it cut yet, because I'm still wavering on whether I should just get it trimmed and styled.. Or donate again to the Pantene Pro-V Beautiful Lengths Program. Regardless, right now, it's just too hard to wear it straight. So, instead, I pulled it up into a bun today. My curling iron needed a break anyway.

 shirt: Madewell || leggings: Stylemint || earrings: BaubleBar

 necklace: BaubleBar Rose Oversized Link Strand

rings: Gorjana Shimmer Disc Chain Ring in Rose Gold and BaubleBar Rose Gold Link Ring (in silver here)

marvelously metallic + the best ballet flats

 

sweater: Madewell || jeans: J Brand || shoes: Tieks || necklace: BaubleBar

Let's talk Tieks-- the best ballet flat ever. These cuties are the only ballet flat I've ever seen that fold up for compact storage, which make them super easy to bring along everywhere you go. When I bought my Tieks, I also received some clips to pin up longer pants and a light drawstring bag for carry-along convenience. These babies are pure magic. Once I slip them on, it doesn't feel like I'm wearing shoes at all. I could walk, leap, skip for hours with Tieks on my feet. Uh, not that I do that.. often. What makes these shoes even more adorable is the padded turquoise sole. Hello, Tieks turquoise, you are the cutest surprise to ever grace the bottom of my shoe.

This is my essential black ballet flat. Beware-- once you go Tieks in black, you'll never go back. Though, Tieks come in so many other freakin' fantastic solid colors and prints. I honestly want them all! More Tieks, pleaseeee.

 

Bauble of the Day: BaubleBar's Silver Marvel Necklace. What better way to liven up a chunky, over-sized sweater than with a gorgeous metallic necklace? Holy amazing. The geometric design and the edginess of the metal makes this necklace a stunner. This one was a no-brainer. It's a silver on heather grey kind of day. Shiny, stand-out, monochromatic vibe.. why the hell not?

the bold and beautifully printed

Last week, the Madewell Silk Rose Print Boyshirt in light blossom and the Charade Blazer in oxford blue captured my attention. Because I'm partial to solid colors, polka dots, and stripes, my wardrobe was begging for something different. It took all of 5 seconds for me to ponder whether or not I needed another button-down blouse. Obviously, the floral print was too fabulous to pass up.

I wanted the blazer so badly, but sizing is sometimes fickle. I'm positive it was also a "no exchanges, no returns, final sale" item, which made me question whether this blazer was really worth the risk. Once I added this item to my cart, I knew I would hate myself if it ended up being a flop. Ultimately, I clicked the purchase button. Carpe diem! Or, you know, carpe this blazer.

In case you were wondering if I would actually pair the two together, I certainly did. I like to make my dreams come true. And this is exactly how I wore it..

I 100% love this floral button-down blouse. It's a boyfriend style fit, which is tailored yet relaxed and freakishly comfortable. Comfort is key, people. But after throwing on the blazer, I knew my outfit life was complete. Oxford blue is not well-portrayed on the site. In person, it is actually a stunning royal blue color. My face lit up with pure happiness as I ripped open the package and uncovered this bold gem.

You know what would make this outfit better? Nothing.

statement floral fashion

Happy February! Good news! Madewell's extra 40% sale items + free shipping is still going on, and don't think I haven't noticed. (Promo: LOVE40 extended to 2/3/13) Right now, they also have free shipping sitewide. But extra 40% off.. I just can't resist. I'm already drooling over a couple items.

I own a lot of button-down blouses, but this Silk Rose Print Boyshirt is just so cute! This is the get-ready-for spring blouse that I desperately need. The floral print would look so gorgeous layered underneath a bright sweater, jacket, or blazer.

Speaking of blazers.. The Charade Blazer was also just added to the sale section. I love the style, the color, everything about this blazer. It's bold but can also look classic with a fitted top and skinny jeans. I'm digging it.

And moving on from the most fantastic floral shirt to an even more perfect floral statement necklace..

I didn't get a chance to post yesterday. But I wore one of my favorite Madewell sweaters-- Spotted Snowfall Sweater in Burnt Sienna. I almost bought it for regular price but I was lucky enough to get the extra 40% off sale price about a month ago. So happy. This sweater is so soft, cozy, and probably my favorite polka dot piece in my closet right now. If it looks familiar, you probably watch Hart of Dixie. I definitely don't wear it as well as Summer Roberts-- er Zoe Hart-- but, let's face it, most people don't.

Bauble of the Day: BaubleBar's Gold Glitz Strand and Ice Flora Bib. The Ice Flora Bib is such a statement piece because of the over-sized floral design. But what makes this necklace special (and so spectacular) is that it's clear! It adds a uniqueness to my outfit but doesn't take away from my sweater. I layered it with the Gold Glitz Strand, which has just the right amount of structured sparkle to glam up my neckline.

And let's talk booties real quick. Shoes-- not junk in the trunk. I have a zillion pairs of booties (hoarder status). In honor of R. Bilson, I wore my Shoemint Esther booties in taupe. I adore these booties. They are so comfortable and have just enough heel for me. I like how these have a relatively basic design, with a zipper running down the instep and slight cinching on the sides. Plus they are neutral, so they go with everything!

chocolate chip cookies with nutella, brown butter, and sea salt

 

Bauble of the Day:  Gold Geo Bib (BaubleBar), Wishbone Charm Necklace (Gorjana), and Vine Ring (Gorjana). BaubleBar + Gorjana just go beautifully together, don't they? Statement pieces always seem to look better paired with simple, dainty jewelry. Clearly this comes from the mind of someone who is indecisive and sickly obsessed with jewelry.

 shirt: Madewell Laid-Back Tee in Stripe || jeans: J Brand Legging in Starless || shoes: Sperry Top-Sider A/O 1 Eye in Brown || nailpolish: Essie lapiz of luxury

Okay, I'm back. Well, in case you were wondering, I started throwing things at the t.v. during the Thunder/Lakers game. I really don't want to talk about it. I even wore my blue and orange striped shirt to support OKC! The only NBA update that matters at the moment is that Rajon Rondo tore his ACL, which means the Celtics are not getting anywhere close to the ship this year. Wasn't counting on that anyway. Le sigh, All-Star weekend cannot come any sooner..

The rest of my day was productive-- if you're like me and consider worthy productiveness to be shopping and baking. I popped into Anthropologie, not because I actually needed anything but it happened to be on the way to the grocery store. My intention was to make a quick return and leave, but then I tried on a few things. An hour later, let's just say I ended up in the negative. Don't care, new clothes makes me happy. But, for the record, I would totally judge me, too.

I got a little off track, but I was still on a baking mission today. So, here's the deal. I spend oodles of hours on Pinterest. I would consider myself to be an avid repinner. I'm not sure what any of it really means (I feel more like a stalker-- constantly admiring the fashionable and DIY savvy) but damn it's fun. Admittedly, I've also never actually made any of the recipes I've stored away on my pinboard.. until today.

Dear Annie (whoever you are), I wish I were you and could take credit for creating this Godly creation of a cookie. Alas, I am just a baker who had the honor of successfully fulfilling all my hopes and dreams that were unknowingly wrapped up in single cookie. Brown butter. Nutella. Chocolate chips. And OMG, the sea salt. This cookie is my new favorite (really, how could it not?!). It blew my mind and then slapped me in the face for waiting this long to make it. Sorry S'mores cookie-- I still heart you, though.

Here it is.. You're welcome.

Chocolate Chip Cookies with Nutella, Brown Butter, and Sea Salt
Recipe by Annie's Eats, adapted from Ambitious Kitchen
Yields about 2 dozen


INGREDIENTS
Chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella), about 1/2 cup
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp. coarse sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
2 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbsp greek yogurt or sour cream
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup dark chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare nutella coins. Line a baking sheet with wax or parchment paper. Place chocolate hazelnut spread in plastic bag toward one corner of the bag. Twist so that it does not squeeze out of the top. Snip one corner off the end of the bag. Pipe small dollops of the spread on the wax paper, about 1 1/2 tsp each. You will need about 2 dozen. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let set until firm, about 2 hours.

2. Prepare brown butter. Place the butter in a medium to large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter completely. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the butter foams, bubbles slightly, and begins to brown. Continue whisking until the butter is evenly browned, being careful not to burn. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. Put the dough together. Line baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine sugars and brown butter. Mix on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Blend in egg and egg yolk, scraping down the bowl as needed. Blend in the vanilla and yogurt. With the mixer on low speed, blend in the dry ingredients just until incorporated. Fold int he chocolate chips. Chill the dough briefly, about 30 minutes.

4. Assemble. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Use a medium dough scoop (about 2 Tbsp) to scoop a portion of cookie dough. Press an indentation into the center of the dough ball to create a bowl shape. Place a dollop of the frozen Nutella in the indentation and pinch together the edges of the cookie dough over the top to completely seal it in the center. 

5. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, 2-3 inches apart. Bake until the cookies are golden brown and set, rotating the pans halfway through, about 14 minutes total. When the cookies are finished baking, sprinkle lightly with additional sea salt. Let sit a few minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool. Repeat with the remaining dough as needed. *Be sure to place the Nutella drops back into the freezer while waiting for cookies to bake. It softens fairly quickly otherwise.

I promise all the work is worth it. The instructions are very thorough, but I absolutely love the method outlined by Annie's Eats. Piping and freezing the Nutella dollops-- genius.

This is one sweet cookie, with the excessive chocolate and all, but the sprinkle of sea salt on top takes this cookie to the next level. It orchestrates all the flavors and balances out the sweetness to perfection. In all seriousness, if you don't make this cookie, you will never forgive yourself and I might slap you for being so ridiculous.

madewell + layered necklaces

So, in case you didn't hear, Madewell is having a promo-- extra 40% off sale items thru January 28th (use code: LOVE40). The problem is, you have to really stalk the site if you want to snag something, because everything sells out quickly. I've seen a few new items added to the sale section throughout the week, but mostly they keep lowering the sale price on the last of what they cannot sell.

I did happen to order a few items last week. It was one of those "I'm up at 3am and have nothing to do so I'll shop online" impulse buys. That maybe happens often. Anyway, I just received my order a couple days ago and, let me just say, my clicking finger didn't disappoint.

Today was all gloomy, rainy, and depressing. Yet, it did not stop me from wearing one of my new sweaters. After all, I did receive some new baubles last week I've been dying to wear. 3am purchases unite!

sweater: Madewell || pants: J. Brand [similar: here] || boots: Bandolino

Bauble of the Day: Brushed Tab Strand and Black Mesh Pearl Bib from BaubleBar. These are my most recent BaubleBar purchases and I am obsessed. Usually, I'm a one statement necklace per day kind of girl. But I couldn't help it! There's something about these two necklaces together that makes me swoon a little bit. And because I have no shortage of sparkle, I may have also thrown on the Ice Cluster Studs (no longer available on site), as well. They are kind of my favorite earrings ever.