currently coveting: kristin cavallari 'copertina' pump

Copertina Pump - 129.95

When I moved, I did a closet assessment (and consequential purge) and made a list of closet voids I’d like to fill in the next few months. Number one on that list is a great pair of black pumps.  I just ddidn'tlove the pair I had so they sat in the back of my closet collecting dust which meant they went straight to the re-sell pile when I was packing. And while I ddidn'tthink of them often when I had them, I now find myself thinking “well if only I had that pair of black heels…” Isn't that always how it works when you closet purge? I should keep everything from now on. Or is that the budding hoarder in my talking? Either way, I need new black shoes which led me into a blackhole of shoe shopping.

I've come out alive with this pair of Kristin Cavallari pumps headed my way in 4-7 business days. Check out some of the other options I considered below.

currently coveting: handbags for work

Ivanka Trump // Ivanka Trump // Zara

Daniella Nicole // Express // H&M

H&M // Zara // Zara

I love my new job, don't get me wrong, but I am in meetings A LOT. Some days when 5:00 rolls around, I don't actually feel like I did anything. Instead, I feel like I just talk about doing things but relationship management is a huge part of the role so it is to be expected. I've been shuffling all over campus for meetings with colleagues so at any given time I have four pens, two notebooks, three half scribbled on meeting agendas and receipts for coffee crumpled at the bottom of my purse. I'll soon be traveling through out the northeast for strategy meetings and it is definitely time for some structure in both organization and purse design. As such, I've been on the hunt for a purse that was not only structured and big enough to carry meeting materials but also work appropriate. I love my longchamp bag but a bag that doubles as a gym or overnight bag just wasn't going to cut it anymore. Oh and of course I didn't want to spend more than $100. Because its me.

So I did some perusing around the interwebz and planned to head over to my local Zara to get this bag. Until Kate Spade had their surprise sale and my $100 budget went out the window when I got this bag in tan (now sold out). I only went slightly over budget but over budget none the less. I also had to talk myself out of getting this clutch too. I mean, isn't it adorable? A bit unpractical but I kinda love it.

Shop the sale to find a great work handbag! Or not and check out some of my suggestions above!

currently coveting: foldover clutches

Banana Republic // Oasis // Franchi

Oasis // Loft // Banana Republic

I used to not trust myself with clutches thinking that I would surely lose them or leave them behind in a cab/bar/anywhere. But come on and grow up Peter Pan-- this girl has got to be responsible enough NOT to lose her purse! I am putting full faith in myself to not lose my purse and entering the world of responsibility and clutch shopping. Doubtful I'll pull the trigger on a Clare Vivier anytime soon because I don't trust myself that much so I'll be taking some under $100 baby steps to get my feet wet.

Side note: I did actually lose my wallet last week and a Good Samaritan found it running, found me on Facebook and Linkedin, emailed me to tell me had found it and then came to me to drop it off since I had a work event all day. He told me where he had found it and it was right outside of my house.... smooth move, Nicole. Anywho, just a story to share that good people still exist, people!

currently coveting: printed crop pants

ASOS / Banana Republic / Gap / Free People / ASOS / Old Navy

Have you seen the Old Navy commercial with Amy Poheler? I hope this goes without saying but please don't wear pixie pants and a cotton t-shirt to any interview for a corporate job you're hoping to land. Just don't. Amy was right about one thing though- those pants are seriously cute. And as temperatures slowly warm up and spring inches closer, they make for a perfect and figure flattering transition pant. 

Want to rock printed pants in the office? Pair darker prints with heels and something structured (preferably with a collar) on top to make the look office appropriate. Planning on wearing them on the weekend? Try pairing with a low wedge or cutout sandal and your favorite chambray to be dressed down but still polished. Have a little more to contain below the belt? I feel ya girl. Avoid big prints and lean towards darker colors. This pair from the Gap, while darker, will still totally work for spring. 

What do you think? I find cropped pants to be universally figure flattering so long as they are structured and not so tight they look like leggings. We all know how I feel about leggings as pants....

Happy hump day, amigas!

xo Nicole

currently coveting: midi skirts from asos

cut out / full / peplum hem / 

pleated / ponte / pocket

I've always loved how flirty and feminine midi skirts are but right now I'm especially drawn to them because of how transitional they are too! With the sun shining here in DC (still cold but at least its sunny!) I've been thinking about transition pieces for winter to spring and midi skirts are at the top of my wishlist. While I want to be adventurous with a hot pink full skirt, I'll probably ease into the [new to me] trend with the black ponte option since it's a safe bet for the workplace too. Aaaand then shortly there after, dive in with the pink full skirt. Who are we kidding ;)

Hope you had a good long weekend!

xo