Graduating To Luxe Lingerie

Three bras you need to feel like a fancy adult woman

I was pretty happy with my bra collection up until recently. I had collected enough everyday T-shirt bras, a few push-ups and a go-to strapless for whenever the outfit called for one, but none of them felt special. Correction, none of them made me feel like a fancy French woman—which is what I believe quality lingerie should make you feel like.

...but none of them felt special. Correction, none of them made me feel like a fancy French woman—which is what I believe quality lingerie should make you feel like.

I stopped into Journelle SoHo, a dreamy boutique lingerie shop (with free chocolates!), and decided to change that. I stumbled upon some of the most delicately beautiful bras I'd ever seen, but they were also some of the most expensive. I'm used to paying at most $30 for a bra, but most here were about double that. Once I inspected each one, I saw why. 

I tried on about eight bras during my research and went home with three of my favorites.

The French Girl Bra

Heidi Klum Sofia Contour Bra

This bra is currently the most luxurious bra I own. It was also the one I had the hardest time deciding on. It's obviously a beautiful bra, but would it be practical? It turns out, I didn't care if it was practical. It was pretty, and lacy and I feel like Catherine Deneuve would've worn it.

I also had a hard time choosing size. 

I'm convinced I'm a modest 36C, but the shopgirl told me 34D would be a better fit. Now, never have I ever in all my life felt like D cup, and when I tried that size it just felt tight. According to her, bras should feel uncomfortable initially because they haven't stretched to fit your frame, yet. 

The Everyday T-Shirt Bra

Ongossamer Beautifully Basic Plunge Bra

I went in Journelle with a goal of avoiding basic bras—I wanted the most extravagant  and romantic ones they had to offer. Then,  I tried this bra on and there was no way I was leaving it behind. It's impossibly comfortable and provides amazing support, while still having pretty lace detailing. It can also be turned into a racerback bra, too!

The Little Lacy Bralette 

Clo Intimo Prisma Triangle Bra

I love bralettes because they are effortlessly luxurious. No extra padding or cups—just you and a little lace. They're also the most comfortable things ever, so I knew I was going home with this one. 

No More Boyfriend Jeans

Some days you lazily roll out of bed and want nothing more than to wrap yourself up in a loose tee, oversized flannel and throw on your just-so-distressed boyfriend jeans. Not only is it comfortable, it can make you look effortlessly chic, too.

But there is a little bit of a problem with our favorite trend, ladies. It's sorta-kinda-really sexist. Calling our loose fitting jeans or button ups "The Boyfriend" feels like we're giving guys more credit than they deserve. Why does our fabulous style choices have to be claimed by our respective men-folk? 

Watch below for my full on analysis of this pressing issue.

The Bucket Bag

Next to diamonds, I'd argue that a good purse is a girl's best friend. What else holds our entire lives, our on-the-go-life savers, and even some of our deepest, darkest secrets, like a trusty handbag?

And I'm the kind of girl who throws every and then some into her bag, just in case.

Right now, as I'm sure you can tell from some of my recent posts, my Old Navy bucket bag, is in heavy rotation. Yes, yes, it's a trendy, but that's not my favorite thing about it. For being such a compact size, it just holds so much.

And I'm the kind of girl who throws everything and then some -  books, papers, notepads, lip balm, a makeup pouch, wallet, change purse, pencil pouch, snack bar, lotion, hand sanitizer, a bottle of water - into her bag, just in case.

Shop Bucket Bags

Fall Lust List

As much as I enjoy a good treat yo'self shopping spree, I do love being able to update my closet on a one-stop shopping trip. This fall, Old Navy delivered.  I found every staple I could need to get me through fall, and all at very pocket-friendly prices, because after all, I am a struggling college student.

My absolute favorite find is their parka. It fits like a dream, and is more feminine than a traditional, bulky one. If you're still on the hunt for a fall bag, their bucket bag is pretty perfect. No closet revamp is complete without some new pumps, and I always go for theirs because the heel height is practical.

Want to see more? Click the text for links to your favorites!

SHOP FALL STYLES

My Transport Tote

There is no feeling quite like finally getting the one beauteous thing you've spent a whole year pining after. Except for maybe getting it as a birthday present. 

For me, it was the Madewell Transport Tote. I'd seen it on one of my favorite blogs, Kendi Everyday, and the love was instantaneous. The funny thing is, I was shocked at how much I loved it.

"SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 20 & 24, I'VE SHIFTED TO PREFERRING WELL-MADE SIMPLICITY OVER QUICK TRENDS."

If you would've told 20-year-old me that I would be seriously lusting after a plain tan tote (that was also over $100 -- phew) one day, I would've rolled my eyes. "I only do gold hardware detail, fun colors and $40 price tags," I would've said.

I can't wait to wear it with literally everything this spring. It seems like somewhere between 20 and 24, I've to shifted to preferring well-made simplicity over quick trends. Look who might actually be growing up.

The Truth About Sparkle

The first fashion purchase I ever bought was jewelry. Well, it was a heart shaped plastic pendant filled with lip gloss, but at 10-years-old, it was practically Tiffany's.

So, it makes sense that jewels and sparkle hold a very, very special place in my heart (and in my closet). I like the glittering pieces, the jingly pieces, the dainty pieces and of course, the statement pieces. 

While I don't think I'll ever be able to stick to one style of jewelry, I do know this: a little bit of sparkle always makes me feel good.  

Some of my current faves are from Wrist Soiree (the above stack),  Loren Hope , J. Crew Factory and Bauble Bar.

+ hover over each one to find your favorite bit of sparkle

Girl Crush: Profresh Style

Christina of Profresh Style has been a favorite of mine for a while now. My favorite thing about her blog is that she doesn't take herself too seriously. The girl is hilarious.  

As far as style goes, she's bold, playful and overall, just freakin' cool. As a testament to how much I adore her style, when I began shopping for my upcoming Cali trip, I thought, what would Christina wear? 

Her style is never one note, so I always find some inspiration on her blog, from funky & retro to soft & girly. Take this outfit: I love the striped sweater draped around a great pair of distressed shorts. And, reason 2,246 why I love her -- she rocks a mean red lip.

Original Post: Color Me Mine on Profreshstyle.com
photos by Sabrina Noel Hill 

shop her style

A Little Lovin'

Perhaps I am feeling a little bit mushy today, but I wanted to spread some love around to you all, my internet Valentines. Take a quote, leave a quote and pass the love along. Kiss, kiss!

"Never love anybody who treats you like you're ordinary." - Oscar Wilde 

“According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.” - Plato, The Symposium 

"Take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic." - Frida Khalo  

"If you can't love yourself, how in the hell you gonna' love somebody else?" - RuPaul 

Pssst, another bit of love I'm spreading is a $400 Gift Card, along with some other blogger girlfriends! Head over to Instagram for the details! 

shop the post

Favorite Flats for Fall

Heels are fine and all, but I've been feeling like flats need to have their moment. They can be just as cute (and way comfier) than a pair of 4 inch pumps. I felt I needed to do something to give flats some shine, so naturally, I did a roundup of my favorite pairs. 

I love these for multiple reasons, but they're a favorite because of the dainty bow. And bows are my thing, y'all. 

Okay, these smoking flats are real leather and from J. Crew -- what other reasons do I need to love them? Oh, yeah, gold studs. 

Hello, one word: glitter. Once more for emphasis -- glit-ter. 

There's no way you can have a well-rounded flat collection without a pair of leopard printed ones. I mean, really. 

my lilly moments

Scrolling through the 'Gram last night, some major news was brought to my attention -- Lilly Pulitzer for Target is coming this April. That's Lilly, y'all!

I'll be honest with you, 4 years ago that wouldn't have meant a thing, but since I've lived in the south and worked at a southern belle's dream boutique for the past 4 years, I've grown to love the bright, fun patterns that are Lilly Pulitzer.

I'm excited to see what Target will be offering. It looks like an all encompassing line, from home goods to summer loungewear. I'm down for any brand that celebrates living life like everyday is a party.

What do you all think of the collab? See my past Lilly moments here. 

gifting rocksbox

Picture this: it's Christmas morning, and you've just gotten a box full of 3 sparkling baubles, tailored just for you. Sounds great, right? But it gets better. 

A month later, in January after the holiday magic is gone and the winter chill has set in, your mailman comes to your door. With what? A whole new box of 3 new sparkling baubles! It's Christmas all over again!

That's the magic of Rocksbox, a designer jewelry monthly subscription. Now, whether you spoil yourself or get it for a deserving girlfriend  as a gift is entirely up to you. What I can tell you is that you can swap out your jewels as much as you want without even having to buy them, but they're 20% off if you do - score! 

try Rocksbox: $9 for the holidays (normally $19/month) coupon code: BeYourBrightest

 Rocksbox gifted a 3-month subscription for this review. All opinions are my own.

must-have fall scarves

I've been been singing fall's praises since the first leaves fell, but this week I've really been feeling it. And by "it" I mean that brutal, sharp wind that makes you add an extra sweater in the morning. 

I've also been grabbing for my favorite scarves as I run out the door. Below are the three I reach for the most. My advice to you: best get to bundling up, girlfriends!  

 

plaid scarf: Few patterns say "it's fall" like plaid. I especially love the blanket plaid scarves that are perfect for getting wrapped up in. Since it's a classic pattern, it can make an outfit more polished.

 

leopard scarf: This scarf has gotten me through 3 fall seasons -- proof that this is really a must have. Since leopard is a neutral (if you don't think so, we can't be friends), you can wear it with so many different outfits. 

knitted scarf: This is truly the warmest, most worn scarf I own. If you don't own a knitted scarf, you're basically telling the universe that you want to catch a cold.

old purse, new tricks

Continuing the theme of reworking my closet, I've been looking over some of my old handbags. I know I'm not the only one who's fallen in love with an "it item," only to realize seasons later that it's hardly been worn. Girlfriends, if you're with me, say yeah.

I went satchel crazy a few years back and got a perfect red one. It is now collecting dust. I still think it's a darling bag, I just hadn't thought about how I could wear it now that my style has changed. 

With some Pinterest research, I've become re-inspired. No buying a new fall purse for this gal! 

sources l-r: 1,2,3

my picks