Back from Seattle today! I think I'm still on West Coast time - brain isn't quite activated but I'm trying my hardest to pull myself out of what I call a Holiday Hangover - that feeling that you're still on vacation even when it's back to reality! 

How adorable is this old school style phone dock?? And how much more adorable would it look sitting on your nightstand while your phone charges overnight? Way too cute for words. Get yours here!

Clockwise: Me, Frans and Crys, back in 2010

Top: Aqua

Bottoms: Zara (last seen here)

Louis Vuitton Eva

mark. In the Mix Stretch Bracelets, Borrowed From the Boys Watch

Shoes: Tory Burch (old)

Anchor neckalce: Dogeared

Left Hand Rings: Madewell (old)

I got this top last week on sale at Bloomingdale's, and immediately knew I wanted to have it photographed at sunset! I love the color and the sequin layer underneath the top layer. 

It was my sister's idea to do it right by the Hudson, so we traipsed over on Saturday. It was my first time doing outfit shots in public, and that was another hurdle I had to get over - I already feel awkward enough in front of the camera posing, but to do that in front of complete strangers was a whole other kettle of fish! haha

For those of you who do outfit posts - do you feel awkward? Is it just me? Any tips?

After seeing Refinery 29's fall fashion trends, I couldn't help but pick out my favorites to share:

Happy Friday!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

How gorgeous are these clutches, and the photos of them? Plus the fact that they're all under $70 is a bonus!   Get them here, or click on the links above to the specific item.

Have a great weekend!

Chambray top: J. Crew Factory

Jeans & Shoes: Zara (recent - both are on sale!)

Bi-coastal Maya Brenner necklace

mark. Rings & bangle; Tiffany bracelet

Bag: Louis Vuitton Eva

Photos by Lauren

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I love a bed with perfectly plumped set of pillows, accenting a bedroom and its colors. I mean, look at that! Doesn't that look gorgeous?

I'm sure a lot of you are aware that Kate Spade recently launched a bedding line, but did you notice the pillows? I love them!

1. Cloud Nine // 2. Fans // 3. Lights Out // 4. ZZZZ // 5. Stripe Pillow // 6. Egrets w/Pearl Applique // 7.  Blue Flowers

How adorable are these? I particularly love the Lights Out pillow and the last two!

Do you use pillows to decorate?

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Happy Monday! I think everyone needs a little extra reason to smile on Mondays - at least, I do! And one thing that makes me happy is polka dots! (Although I'm not actually wearing this outfit today, I AM wearing my H&M parrot skirt that's equally cheerful!)

I snatched up these shorts when the Zara sale started, and absolutely love the hem! How cute is that little tulip shape? (Plus, they're super slimming for shorts. haha!) This is also one of my favorite blouses - not just because of the polka dots, but I love that it's sheer except right at the front. With a sweater or jacket, it's perfect for work - and without, it's perfect for weekends/nighttime.

Dress // Clutch // Shoes

Of course, the ensemble is by none other than Alexander Wang, one of my favorites! What a drool-worthy way to start my Friday! (All available for pre-order by clicking the links above!)

Confession: I have a thing for horoscopes. And by "thing" I mean there are definitely certain personality/character traits that I've noticed are true to their signs. I don't take it too seriously, but it's fun to think about anyway! And if you've been reading along at all, you may already know that I love nail polish too! (One day I should really take a photo of all the nail polish that's in my bathroom. It's just slightly ridiculous...)

So, while browsing Elle.com last night, I came across a slideshow featuring "Polishscopes" - how adorable!

My mother and two best friends are Aries(es?), so this is for them! The Essie in the middle looks suspiciously like To Buy or Not To Buy (which I own and love - and which my sister is currently wearing on her fingertips!)

How appropriate, since I work for Avon, and I'm currently sporting Deborah Lippmann's Swagga Like Us, which is a gold-ish/bronze-ish/green! (Blogged about here, photo here.)

This one's for my sister. She just got a nude too, Essie's Sand Tropez, and loves it! 

And, here's all the rest!

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Is there anything more classic all-American than a good canvas tote? (Well, maybe aside from a great pair of jeans!) Fleabags' version is arguably more stylish than a regular tote, but still just as classic nonetheless! Plus, each bag by is limited edition and locally made with vintage and organic materials by hand, so snatch one up as quickly as you can!

1. The Original Flea I love the shape of the Original Flea, and it comes in like 10 different colors - which is a bad thing if you're indecisive like me! I do love the neutral beige accent though. I

2. Kit Bag I love the classic color and style of the toiletry Kit Bag, and can totally see a guy or a girl throwing it into a suitcase for their summer travels...

3. Beach Tote This one comes in 2 colors, and the see-through clear plastic bottom is so cute! Perfect for toting to the beach or pool.

Hi! So I've finally broken out of my camera-shy-ness AND my sister happened to be home when I decided to just give it a shot (no pun intended!)  - so here's my first outfit post!

This is pretty representative of my personal style - I don't usually go crazy with patterns (although I do have a lime green skirt with bright purple parrots on it that I LOVE), and just like to add a couple classic accessories to complete the outfit.

I've been obsessed with backless/low back dresses lately, and finally found the perfect one! I love that it's modest in the front, has a low back, and has pockets! I absolutely love dresses with pockets.

I'd wear this on date (maybe with strappy heels instead of pumps), to the office (with some sort of blazer over it), or with a denim jacket and sandals or flats over it for a slightly more casual look. I love finding pieces to wear on several occasions!

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Happy Monday!

I know it probably doesn't feel like it (I'd so much rather be at home playing with photoshop/creating new blog posts/reading/hanging out on my rooftop!) - but I'm determined to make today a good day. Brand new week, fresh start, (a crazy week ahead), but this week I'm looking forward to:

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Poolside. (And reading one of these books!)

My rooftop finally reopened on the 4th, but now that that's open, I'm wishing I had a pool! My sister is lucky enough to have a half day today (she's already gone for the day), and although I had yesterday off I still wish I were outside, either on my rooftop or next to this gorgeous pool! (Who am I kidding, any pool will do - even a kiddie one. ;) ) Sometimes it just gets too hot and a girl needs to cool off in a pool, or the ocean, or even a hose or sprinkler will do...

Have a happy Friday, and stay cool, wherever you are! (Especially tomorrow if you're in NYC - it's gonna be HOT.)

This sweater by J.Crew. I love the huge pink heart! Want. 

I realize it's way too hot to be coveting a sweater, but I love it! And it's slightly ironic that I'm writing this from my rooftop, and it's like 500 degrees and I'm in a bikini. (Sitting in the shade though since I got more than enough color yesterday!) Hope y'alls had a happy 4th!!

Top Image Via

One thing about me is I love to read. I can lose myself in a book and barely come up for air - for example, when my sister and I were younger and she got a copy of the 4th Harry Potter - I had to wait like 2 weeks for her to finish it so when I finally got my hands on it, I literally sat on my grandma's couch all day and didn't budge until I finished it that evening. (We were visiting her in Cali that summer.) Ridiculous. Or a more recent example - when I got sucked into the 2nd and 3rd books of the Hunger Games trilogy - I pretty much fell asleep reading it and then woke up early the next day to continue reading until I was finally done. It's probably bad for my health, but it's been a passion of mine since I first learned to read! (The Cat in the Hat was the first book I ever read on my own. I still remember the thrill of realizing I could read every word! Life changing, I'm telling you.)

Anyway, summer is the perfect time to catch up on reading, and books, since there are countless hours spent poolside, at the beach, or in parks. And there's nothing like some great "chick lit" for content! Plus, there are a few new releases that I'm really looking forward to, so without further ado, my summer reading list:

What's on your summer reading list? Are there any books you've read recently that you loved? Share!