EPIC.

Hopefully you are all anticipating tonight's epic television event as much as I am...

An All-Britney episode of Glee might set the bar TOO high. How could any episode of Gossip Girl, Modern Family, or even Thintervention on Bravo ever excite me again??

Hats off to InStyle who obviously got the memo, and posted a lovely montage of some of Brit's fabulous ensembles. It's unclear if these really are "stylish" outfits, or just epic. Either way, I'm loving it. Link here.

Newest Obsession: Army Jackets

So with a lean budget and constant torture of staring at clothes all day, I decided to really do my homework before jumping at fall trends. That said, one trend I can't stop talking about is army surplus jackets. Anyone who knows me I am a HUGE fan of the jean jacket, but understand they are a tad juvenile, not necessarily chic with a capital C... Like more Miley Cyrus than Sienna Miller. But come on, they're perfect for transitional weather, match with just about everything, and make an outfit look casual and effortless.

So could the army surplus jacket be a more trendy replacement?? They're a neutral color, perfect weight for fall, and the olive color looks great with jeans (Bonus!! No Canadian tuxedo!) I also like the way the masculine cut and color looks with one of the feminine dresses you've been wearing all summer -- the perfect way to maximize your wardrobe through fall!

Rachel Bilson was one of the first lady's I loved this trend on, and word on the street she got her's from the boys section of the Gap...UGH petite people.

With heels, soft hair, and heels, Whitney's jacket is the perfect balance of masculine/feminine:

Scared to commit to a jacket? Try more of a heavier weight shirt like Alexa Chung, oversized and cuffed to add some coverage with short shorts and a pretty lace shirt. (Socks and platform sandals are still a personal fashion aspiration... hats off to you, Alexa)

Olivia belts hers and pops the collar, making the jacket work with her polished, classic style. (Over the knee boots post coming soon...)

Scared the coat could be too hipster? Kate Moss found a fabulous, fur trimmed one (are you shocked?) she rocks here:

As obsessed as I am? Here are some great ways to try the trend, all of these options are less than $100!!

Lulu's.com

LOVE this BB Dakota one, available at modcloth.com

Forever 21

This seems like the perfect light weight, available at American Eagle

So sorry trusty jean jacket, but you might be forced into retirement. It's been real.

Labor-less Delight

Nothing like celebrating the end-of-summer Labor Day Holiday by ironically... working?

But luckily I got to duck out early, and spent a lovely afternoon spent on catching up on The Rachel Zoe Project. After the third episode, I started craving something sweet, cold, and caloric. What did I have in mind? This masterpiece, that was whipped up earlier this summer:

That's one big, fat, no-bake oreo cheesecake. That's right - this masterpiece was created without ever even turning on the oven. Now wipe the drool off your keyboard, and check out the recipe here. ENJOY!!

I'm baaaaaack....

And with any luck, better than ever!!

Apologies for the inappropriately long absence, hopefully you all haven't completely given up on me in the mean time.

I started a new job that happily does not include being in isolation at a desk all day, with only the cyber world to entertain me!! Good for me, an added challenge for Sass Class. I started working as an assistant manager for a boutique called Monkee's in Davidson, right outside of Charlotte. I was always a big fan of the store as a shopper, as it was a stylish refuge in the small college town.

Starting the job has been a whirl wind, trying to learn everything from ringing people out, steaming (sooo LC from the Hills), all the different marketing campaigns, and the most fun... unpacking new clothes!! I swear it's like Christmas every day, making our UPS man Chris Santa Clause.

Confession: working in a boutique has made me second guess my online shopping habits. Yes, online shopping is quick and easy, but there's something about the actual experience of touching and trying on clothes that is irreplaceable. An added benefit of boutiques is that you are likely to stumble upon different items and new designers that are similar to ones you already enjoy. The weeding out process is already done for you!

I was thrilled find some adorable (and affordable!!) new designers coming into the boutique, some of my favorite pieces below:

A dress from one of my favorite new lines, GLAM. Their forte is bright blousy tops and dresses, perfect for summer and into the fall. The cut of this summer dress is totally reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw's Halston Heritage dresses in Sex and the City 2. And that colorful ikat print? Sign me up.

A "tween" jacket - named not for the awkward age group, but for the knit material that is more like a sweatshirt than a heavy coat. Ideal for the mild Southern falls. The designer is called 525 America, and has great well-priced knits and separates!

Another affordable line that we carry is called Theme, and I died when this dress came in. The picture does not do it justice, so click for a larger view. It's a thin sweater material in navy (duh) with this gorgeous beaded collar - perfect for when you can't be bothered with jewelry!

Another dress by Theme that we carry, in an amazingly comfortable fabric. The draping and wrap is so flattering, and the heathered gray is a perfect new staple color for fall.

Now as much as I preach sales, deals, and savings, sometimes you just can't control what you fall for, am I right? And Milly's fall line is AH-MAZING. It's like she watches Gossip Girl religiously and decided to design a line for all us Blair Waldorf wannabes. Her dresses are classic, chic, and fit like a dream. So naturally, they also are $300-500 a pop.

But a girl can dream, right?

So the internal battle continues... buy fun new fall clothing now? or save up for one of these gorgeous dresses....

F is for FRAZZLED

Hello Everyone!! Just wanted to let you know that I have not fallen off the face of the earth, or been kidnapped by gypsies. In the past week I have finished a job, traveled to DC, started a new job, and (hopefully) secured a new apartment!! In other words I'm a hot mess.

Bear with me while I try to organize the life, new posts coming soon I promise...

Dream Wardrobe for a Girls Weekend

Happy friday everyone!! Isn't funny how after a week of work, Friday resemble some mini-holiday or at least moral victory... YOU MADE IT.

I'm off to visit girlfriends in DC this weekend, and on the agenda is plenty of gab, food, and drank. Although we've ambitiously decided to try and squeeze in a concert on Saturday - outside on the lawn, basking in the sun, I can't WAIT.

What to wear? Weekend bags are easier said than done since you want plenty of options, but in actuality it's only 48 hours. I know it'll be hot in DC, so comfort and keeping cool is key. If I had the endless closet of my dreams, here are 3 ensembles that I definitely pack - perfect for dinner with the girls, walking around, and a summer concert!

YTML Thurs: A Minty Fresh Secret

I grew up with two sisters, all of us very close in age, and one thing my mother was a stickler about was clear skin. We tried every brand and cleanser under the sun, even carrying those "Stridex" wipes around in our soccer bags to prevent a post practice pimple. Regardless, we were hormonal teens, and pimples happen. My mother swears by a "hot compress", but I've only found one thing to zap a zit quickly: toothpaste. I dont know what it is about the chemicals, but if you put it on your pimple before bed, you will wake up with a significantly smaller and less red bump. Every time. I would stick to the most basic kind you have by your sink (not sure what the super whitening kinds would do to your skin, plus travel sizes or the generic stuff only costs about $0.89). And don't apply if you've already popped -- it burns. Sorry if this got a little graphic, but smooth skin is totally worth it. And remember Mean Girls?? Boys are into the minty fresh scent!!