Um, When Did Madewell Get So Awesome?

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Madewell has some great stuff right now, you guys. I mean, I've bought things there before; I've been really, really into them before. But at some point awhile back, they started to get a little too millenial/festival-y for me, so we parted ways. But, yesterday, I randomly ducked into one while killing time before an appointment and oh my god--there were so many cute things in there.

I bought so much stuff there yesterday that my stomach actually dropped when the cashier announced the total. (Gulp.) But the spree was worth it. I'm so in love with everything I got and many of the pieces are basic enough (not in the bad way!) that I'll get a ton of use out of them.

Of the ten things I've pictured above, five of them went home with me yesterday. (Eek.) Another (the bubblegum-pink muscle tee) almost came home with me, but they were out of my size. (My bank account thanks you for that small favor, Madewell.)

So here's the deets on my haul: The black dress is SO flattering. It has side cutouts, which is something I never thought I could pull off, but they are super strategically placed so as not to accentuate the tum. The striped sleeveless tee will be cute with jeans--or even with the white skirt. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to live in the striped gray v-neck tee. It's long (which is key for me) and the cut is generous, not tight or clingy. And finally, the gray dress might be my absolute #1, most-loved piece that I bought. It doesn't look like much in the photo above, I know, but it's my favorite kind of dress: It can easily go from day to night and the cut is baggy, but somehow, so, SO flattering. 

The other pieces not mentioned above are on my list for next time I get paid. ;) 

P.S.: I know this post seems sponsored, but it's totally, 100 percent not. I was just floored by how much good stuff they have right now and wanted to share!

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5 Great Maxi Dresses for Day

From left: Gap (on major sale!), Rachel Pally (on sale!), Splendid, Calvin Klein,  Heather

Now that it's getting warmer (and I'm days away from dropping about 30 pounds!), I've finally started thinking about new clothes. Specifically maxi dresses. I love, love, love living in a maxi in the spring/summer, but here's the thing: Honestly, a lot of them make me feel a bit self-conscious during the day when in the city. I mean, if I'm walking around running errands in a long, floral-patterned, strapless or spaghetti-strapped dress, I always feel a bit like I should be on an island beach, not a sidewalk. (Am I in the minority here??) 

But this can all be solved easily. Add a little width to the straps so that they become tanks--or even short sleeves--and stick to solid colors (or something classic like stripes) and now you've got a perfectly daytime-appropriate maxi that works for brunch, shopping, or lazy summer days whether you're in the concrete-jungle...or a tropical one.

Check out a few of my favorite day- and city-ready maxis above. Only one is (slightly!) over $150--two are even under $100! I already own the grey Gap one (SUCH a deal) and I've got my eye on the short-sleeved Heather number or versatile navy Splendid tank dress next. Okay, who am I kidding? I'm totally getting both. (Or all five maybe? Eek!)

Which maxi above is your favorite? And what are your best tips for making a long dress daytime-appropriate? Tell me below!

Can You Guess Which Shoe Costs $1,200 More?

Left: Giuseppe Zanotti // Right: Schutz (also here in silver)

Okay, so what do you think? If you guessed that the nude colored sandal on the left is the pricier one, you're right. It's by Giuseppe Zanotti and it's diviiine. (Especially to this pregnant lady who can't wait to get back into wearing precarious heels once again!) But with my recent big purchase, and you know, diapers, a $1,500 pair of shoes is just not in the cards right now. That's why I was thrilled to find this really, really similar--and completely gorgeous--version by Schutz (the black pair on the right above, plus it also comes in a cool silver). Same sexy shape, same badass studs...and a full $1,200 cheaper. And that's a lot of diapers, my friend. 

So did you guess correctly? And let's pretend: If they both cost the same, which pair would you prefer?

Favorite Fall Dresses from Ali Ro

Today I'm thrilled to be featured on the Ali Ro website! Over there, I've selected my favorite Ali Ro items, shown how I'd style them, and also did a little Q&A. (Above you can get a sneak peek at two of my picks: the gorgeous white-lace Layla dress and the super-fun, printed Kink dress--I'm dying for both!) I love this brand, so being featured was a big honor for me. Now, won't you pop on over and check it out? And please let me know what you think below!

xoxo,