Zoe Saldana Inspiration

Zoe always looks stylish in blazers and scarves for casual wear and super glamourous on the red carpet.  She credits ballet for her awesome figure.  I am and always will be a sucker for neutrals.  I love how Zoe plays with texture, shapes, and fabrics of neutral hues to subtly change up her look.  Some of my favorites below are her seventies wide leg pants, boyfriend jeans, statement jackets, and feather skirt.

Burgundy Floral & Studs

Loft Denim, H&M Top, BCBG wedges, J.Crew Tote

Fall is my favorite season.  I have always loved layering and back to school shopping.  I have been so busy lately taking five graduate classes (I know, I'm crazy) and teaching, that my blog has been suffering.  I've been waiting to wear this pair of maroon denim since it was 95 degrees outside.  I kept the look monochromatic with a fall inspired floral top and accented with studded wedges.  Since, I usually don't wear this much color I kept my accessories minimal.

Everything You Need for Fall 2012

Between having night classes this week and a terrible sinus infection, I was upset that I missed Fashion Night Out last night.  I'm loving gold dainty jewelry right now and will be searching for a cheaper alternative to this necklace below.  I'm also loving this flared LBD in a leather looking fabric and just like every fall, I can't get enough of burgundy or oxblood as they've been calling it lately.  If you don't have an unlimited budget, these are some easy statement pieces to update your fall 2012 wardrobe.

Everything You Need for Fall 2012 by sweetsavvystyle featuring a flare dress

Hello September

Labor day weekend marks the end of the summer. I spent the last weekend at the shore with friends and family. We made steak and lobster tails, drank lots of wine and champagne, and enjoyed the hot tub. I wore my white jeans and white blazer to mark the end of summer, yet painted my nails burgundy Chanel Metal Grenat to welcome fall.

Hello September! After having the summer off from teaching the transition to starting work again will be a struggle but I'm glad to get back on a routine. My fall graduate classes start this Wednesday and I am surprisingly excited to get back on track. Unfortunately, I still have a few things left on my summer bucket list, but plan to finish them in the next few weeks.

Pumps with Details

Pumps with Details by sweetsavvystyle featuring black pumps

I am coveting so many pairs of pumps lately.  These are a few styles I am especially drawn too.  Black goes with nearly everything and these details make them special.  I have been meaning to buy a new pair for a while and now that fall is coming I have a reason to.  I wear a lot of sandals and wedges in the summer, but transition to heels, boots, and flats for fall.  Pumps are great for anything from work to a night out.  Hope you enjoy some of my favorites!
xoxo
Happy shopping :)

Peach Crisp

Yesterday, I savored the final days of summer and made homemade peach crisp with oats.  My mom brought me these peaches from her friends' garden.  I followed this simple recipe and loved how it came out.  It tastes great served with vanilla ice cream! Fall is around the corner, so for now I'm going to enjoy the final tastes of summer while it lasts.  

Dreaming of Fall

Dreaming of Fall by sweetsavvystyle featuring black pumps

I've finally transitioned from getting the most of my summer wardrobe to really wanting to wear dark shades.  I'll admit I was hesitant to wear peplum when the trend first came out, but now that it is here to stay I tried it and am loving it.  After wearing dark lipstick and black pumps this weekend, I cannot wait to put on my raisin denim and draped leather jacket.  Pics to come soon xoxo

Cookies & Cream Cheesecake

Wanting to make Oreo cheesecake cupcakes, I searched the internet for recipes.  They all had sour cream in them and I did not want to run to the store for one ingredient.  I took this recipe and altered it.  

What you need:

Pam spray

18 Oreo cookies, crushed

2 tbsp butter, melted

3 pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese blocks

3/4 c. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs

Make it:

Preheat oven to 325. Spray cupcake pan with Pam spray.  Put Oreos into a large ziploc.  Crush them with a rolling pin until finely crushed.  Pour them into a measuring cup.  Put aside 1/2 cup of Oreo crumbs.  Melt 2 tbsp of butter into a small bowl.  Mix the 1 cup of Oreo crumbs into the butter.  Press the Oreo crumbs into the cupcake pan evenly.  

Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs in a large bowl with an electric mixer on low.  Then mix in the 1/2 cup of Oreo crumbs.  Scoop evenly into cupcake pan.  Bake on 325 for 20 minutes.  Let cool and then refrigerate.

Weekend Snaps

I can't believe I haven't gotten around to posting about my crazy weekend yet.  I had so much fun celebrating Kevin's graduation and new job and going to the Atlantic City Air Show.  Great food, family, friends, and fun! Here are some pictures to see some of the fun.  I was hoping to get some outfit pics of this dress, but did not get the chance.  Enjoy! xoxo

Classic White Shirt

JCrew skirt and belt, GAP shirt, JCrew earrings, Target,  JCrew,  & Yurman bracelets

I've been alternating lately between introducing fall pieces into my summer wardrobe and getting more use out of my summer favorites.  I paired a classic white shirt (this one is super lightweight), one of the essential basics of my wardrobe with a neon splatter skirt which is a statement piece of its own.  I added my brown leather belt and heels to give the skirt a more earthy vibe.  I ditched my heels and purse at the park to enjoy the end of the summer sun.  xoxo

Grandma's Ring

I was given this ring by my grandmother a few months back and just got it back from being sized. I was missing doing my vintage Tuesday posts so I wanted to showcase this ring. It is such a unique shape and made of 14k gold, pearl, and large peridot stone. My grandma said it is from the early 1960s. Hope you enjoy it! If anyone has any great places to find vintage gems in the NYC area or online please let me know. Xoxo

Fashionable Style on a Budget

I always love a good deal.  I want to share some fashionable budget tips for fall forward shopping. 

Knowing what you already have in your closet is key.  Try items on frequently and donate or sell items that you no longer wear at a consignment shop.

1. Invest in staples

2. Search the internet for the best buys

3. Make a list and know what your shopping for

4. Always look on your smartphone for a coupon or promotion

5. Buy items that can be worn with at least 3 pieces already in your wardrobe

The most important thing about shopping on a budget is to buy what you are realistically going to wear!    The extra time and planning for finding a good deal is rewardable and think of all the money you'll save to buy or do other things.

I admit to scouring the internet for the perfect item that fits what I have in mind for days.  If only I could design the perfect items I am searching for.   

Color-blocked Skirt and Pink

Loft Skirt, Hale Bob top, Michael Kors Flatforms, Asos clutch, Gucci Sunnies, Target Earrings, Yurman Bracelet & ToyWatch

I went fall shopping at Loft last week and couldn't wait to wear this skirt.  Loft petites are my favorite, perfect length and fit! I'm envisioning it with black opaque tights and a sweater come fall, but for now this printed silk tank gives it another fun look.  This color block skirt is so versatile! It can be worn with almost anything. Pieces like this are my absolute favorite. Loft is a great store for basics, wear to work, and trendy affordable pieces.
Sale Alert: Loft friends and family is this entire weekend 40% off the store.

xoxo

Black Outfit with Fun Details

Forever 21 Top, Loft Shorts, Tory Burch Sandals Gucci Sunnies, J. Crew Earrings Charming Charlie & Yurman Bracelets

Now that August is here, I am transitioning some fall pieces into my summer wardrobe.  These eyelit scalloped shorts are one of my favorite pieces and I decided to pair them with a mini polka dot blouse. I have always loved polka dots, but preferred small ones.  I love the little details of an all black outfit.  The scalloping and dots give this look the little extra to be able to go from day to night.

Jessica Alba Inspiration

After seeing Glamour Magazine's tribute to Jessica Alba we can all agree she can pull of so many looks!  Brights, polka dots, pastels, and military styles Jessica looks great in them all.  My favorites are the boyfriend jeans and polka dot sweater and the rainbow skirt balanced with the boyfriend blazer.

Weekend Snaps

We had friends over, barbequed, and celebrated the opening of Olympics.  It was not a beach weekend, so we drank champagne and watched the Olympic game.  On Sunday, I ran over 5 miles, played mini golf, and then went to a Food Truck Festival.  I wish I was back in London!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Going to the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale with my mom has been a tradition since I was four.  We would go every year to buy "school clothes" for the upcoming fall.  I always try to buy staples and things I know I will want when the cooler weather approaches.

Sale Price $119 (Reg. $188) Kors Trench with removable lining! 

Sale price $109 (Reg. $169) - So comfortable! 

This year I found a Michael Kors classic black trench that I've been searching for along with Cole Haan wedges, Nike training sneakers, a sweater, and purple lace top.  I usually do much more damage, but these pieces will last me well into the spring.  The sale goes until August 6th, shop now before prices go up!

Have a great weekend!

Purple Haze + Summer lovin'

Pants: J Crew (on sale!), Nails Essie Pansy, Bracelets: Poshlocket, Charming Charlie

Purple has always been one of my favorite colors.  I had a light purple room growing up and recently starting wearing that same color.  Here are some great dresses and pieces to incorporate purple into your wardrobe.  Above is a peek at my purple denim.

My summer outfits have been casual.  I've been staying cool in lots of colorful dresses, the occasional romper, and colored jeans.  I've been spending my days going to graduate classes, the occasional day or two in NYC, and weekends tanning at the beach.  What I've missed most about blogging during my little hiatus is really pointing out the little things in my day that make me smile. Whether its newly manicured nails, an awesome deal, new recipe, or great restaurant.