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B.W.'s Monthly Addiction

With warm weather and blooming flowers just around the corner, its time to think spring fashion. Admittedly, this is one of my favorite times of the year. Seeing bright colors, floral prints, and sandals in stores simply puts me a good mood. Shorts and sundresses are a sure sign that fun in the sun & sand is not far away (though that's no guarantee for us New Englanders). 

This month, I am absolutely obsessed with the wide array of spring fashions available on Modcloth.com! The site, which specializes in vintage and retro inspired clothing, was founded by high school sweethearts Susan and Eric Koger in 2006. What started out of a dorm room has now grown into a thriving e-commerce site with over 275 employees. The site now has a network of over 700 indie designers and is constantly expanding.

Here are some of my favorite finds:

V for Vienna Dress
$79.99 

Super Fun Femme Dress
$84.99

Ally McTeal Dress
$59.50

Run the Show Dress
$64.99

Welcome Back!

Where has the time gone? I haven't posted in over a month! No matter how busy life gets this month I'm going to do my best to post at least a few times a week, call it my March Resolution.

I'm going to dive right back in to a wonderful dress I found (and had to buy!) while out shopping last week. I was at one of my favorite stores, especially for business attire, Ann Taylor LOFT. As a business student entering the world of corporate America for the first time this summer, I often have difficulty finding age appropriate professional attire. I don't want to look old and dowdy, yet don't want to risk looking immature and unpolished. LOFT is the perfect place to go! Check out this super chic spring dress I stumbled upon last week:

Could it get any more perfect for spring? The colors exude energy and happiness! I simply couldn't resist. All I need now is a pair of nude wedges to complete the look. 

The damage? $89.50 at LOFT's website but buy now and get it 40% off. Now that's a steal. Think Spring! 

A Day of First Impressions

It is the first day of the spring semester here at Bentley University! I have officially moved back on campus in preparations for another semester and round of classes. Today got me thinking about the all important first day of school outfit. Even this morning, I spent a few moments longer than usual standing in front of my closet considering the options. What kind of impression did I want to leave on my new professors and classmates? What would my outfit say about me? Does it even matter?

I ended up choosing a pair of dark wash jeans, brown leather boots, and an Italian knit sweater in a beautiful tan color. To add some color, I choose blue beaded chandelier earrings and blue & gold beaded wrap bracelet. While understated, my look today is polished and professional, a perfect way to start off the semester!

What is your perfect first day of school outfit? Let me know what you think.

If you're still in search of inspiration check out some of my picks below:

Perfect for the classic, understated lady! A black dress is always a good choice! 

Everything about this look is super chic! The cozy cashmere knit paired with a professional tweed skirt & fun bib necklace is a perfect combination! 

Pair trouser jeans with a patterned button up for an effortless, polished look. Your professors will already be impressed. 

This is perfect for the more casual girl. These polka dots are super fun without looking to childish.

Some Sunday Night Inspiration!

Hello Readers! As I was flipping through my Pinterest feed tonight I stumbled upon this wonderful inspiration. Don't let the cold temperatures and snow on the ground bury your goals for a beach ready body. Every day & workout counts and brings you one step closer to that lust worthy bikini. My advice? Grab a friend and hit the gym together this week. Think sunshine and sand!

Embrace Your Inner Sailor

As a born and raised New Englander, summer always meant days spent in the salty air watching sailboats make their way along the horizon. Summer in New England is truly a special time; as the weather grows warmer, small coastal towns come alive with tourists in search of a little slice of paradise. Kiel James Patrick, an accessory & jewelry line out of Newport, Rhode Island, captures the essence of the perfect summer day. The line is largely based on nautical and vintage styles, with a signature New England look. The founder of the company, Kiel James Patrick, believes in the importance of creating a quality product domestically and as a result, the entire line is designed and produced in the USA.

The company's most popular items are their wide array of rope bracelets. Based on the traditional sailor bracelets, with a more modern twist, including a brass anchor clasp, these bracelets are the true essence of an ocean community. To ensure a perfect fit, all bracelets are sized XS-XL. The most popular styles and colors are shown below. For more information on sizing, pricing, and ordering information visit Kiel James Patrick.

The most traditional & popular style, the Turks Head Knot Rope Bracelet. (As shown Obedaggett Docks) $40

As shown Brinkley Pearlton Cape Summer $40

The Triton Collection uses the Square Knot, the most popular knot in boating, to make a statement.
(As shown Wex Trip Skipper) $38

January's Style Icon

In addition to a monthly Blonde Wannabe's Addictions column, I have decided to add a monthly Style Icon article. These icons will represent strong, beautiful, and (most importantly) successful women, all of whom have a unique & signature style. Creating and defining one's own sense of style can be difficult, as fashion is constantly evolving and changing. The women to be featured in this column not only understand this evolution; they embrace it.

January's Style Icon is Blake Lively, most famous for playing NYC socialite Serena Van Der Woodsen on the CW hit "Gossip Girl". In addition to her role on the series, Lively has starred in movies including "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants", "The Town", and "Savages".

What I admire most about the starlet is her seemingly effortless beauty and sense of style. With her signature long blonde locks and model body, the actress can truly wear anything. Some of my favorites are shown below:

The starlet truly looks like a summer goddess, in this daring orange dress! 

This gold dress, accessorized with a pile of necklaces is perfect for a night on the town. 

This simple pink gown looks flawless with Blake's coloring! 

As for Blake's street style? Super cute, and look at those shoes! Oh la la. 

Trend Watch: Bib Necklaces

Looking to spice up your wardrobe for spring? The fix might be simpler and cheaper than you think! Bib necklaces are the perfect accessory to liven up a simple tee or to add that extra pop to a cute spring dress. I suggest purchasing (at least) one of these great pieces in a trendy spring color, like turquoise, coral, or royal blue. With many available for less than $20, you simply can't go wrong with this trendy costume jewelry. Don't shy away from big and bright, this is a statement piece after all! Some of my picks for ladies on a budget are shown below:

Great colors from Forever 21! The best part? It's only $12.80. 

This bubbly style is available on Etsy for just $12.40.

Be pretty in pink with this style from Amazon for only $9.90. 

Fashion Meets Art @ The MFA Boston

This weekend I attended a thought-provoking, fun, and most of all fashionable exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. The special exhibition, only on display in the museum until February 3rd, featured photographs from the famed fashion photographer, Mario Testino. Testino, a regular contributor for Vogue and Vanity Fair, provides viewers with a candid, insider look at many famous faces. The exhibit, entitled In Your Face, features images of Gisele Bundchen, Kate Moss, Madonna, and Lady Gaga, among others. The images range greatly from black and whites to nudes and candids. While I'm no art aficionado, I could certainly appreciate the creativity and high fashion present in many of Mario's images. The ability to get a larger than life look at some of the world's most famous faces was truly unforgettable and I highly recommend the exhibit to all. For more information on the exhibit (including hours and prices) and Mario Testino, visit the MFA's website.

A selection of images from the collection are displayed below.

Fashion to Feel Good About

Do you every get the guilty feeling after shopping? You ask yourself why you spent your hard earned money on a product that you (let's be honest) didn't really need. My suggestion about how to avoid this guilt and buyer's remorse? Stop shopping- just kidding, as a style blogger I would never encourage such a thing. I, instead, recommend buying items that give back. This has become a trend in the retail industry as it allows customers to feel good about their purchases and gives companies an opportunity to enhance their social responsibility.

For Christmas I was given a gold watch from a company called Whatever it Takes, available at Macy's. The purchase of Whatever it Takes products help support those in need by distributing funds to charities that help conserve the environment, protect children, and much more. In addition to the charitable aspect, Whatever It Takes jewelry incorporates celebrity artwork into their jewelry designs. The watch I received, pictured below, features artwork from Nicole Kidman. The company also uses drawings from Kanye West, George Clooney, and Katy Perry, among others. How can you feel bad about shopping when you're displaying celebrity artwork and supporting charitable organizations around the world? Not to mention, all pieces in the collection are only $30! Happy Shopping!

Another bonus? Super cute packaging that
explains the company and its mission. 

My awesome new watch!

Hilarious Inspiration for your Weekend...

We all have those moments where we just need a little laugh. The best laughs, however, are those we can share with our loved ones. While not the most traditional method, e-cards have become a popular way to relay well wishes. The site Someecards has capitalized on this trend with off-color, yet relatable, humor. These cards are the kind of thing that everyone is thinking, yet no one is willing to say. They offer cards for all of the typical events (i.e. birthdays & holidays) and many based on current events. Below is a selection is of my recent favorites. Happy Weekend!

B.W.'s Monthly Addiction

In thinking about blog articles and topics, I got distracted my newest obsession the ABC hit drama, Revenge. While this is technically a style and fashion blog, I thought it might be fun to share my latest addictions, whether they are food, television, music, or style finds. That being said, please share your favorite things with me. I am always on the lookout for fun, entertaining, and new things!

January's addiction is, as I mentioned above, Revenge. In the midst of finals studying, I stumbled upon the show on my Netflix cue in mid December. The show follows, Emily Thorne (played by Emily VanCamp), a young woman who has returned to her childhood home, in the Hamptons, to seek revenge on her incredibly wealthy neighbors, the Grayson family. In reality, Emily is Amanda Clarke, the daughter of David Clarke, a man who was framed for a crime he did not commit.The show follows Emily's schemes as she seeks justice for her father and begins to take down the Grayson empire. While she initially appears to be mild mannered, Emily will stop at nothing to avenge her father's wrongful conviction. 

Did I mention the cast is young & hot? 

Sound a little over dramatic? I won't deny that it is- but the addiction factor is ridiculous. In season one alone, there are murders, love triangles, hot guys, and intense family drama. If you're looking for an addicting, on the edge of your seat show to get you through the winter, check it out. 

Boston Girl Goes Southern

The most popular item in NYC? Sterling monogrammed
necklaces- like this one from Tiny Tulip.

In 2011, one of my closest friends, a life-long Massachusetts resident, packed her bags for the University of Alabama. Since, I have always been intrigued by her stories of charming southern boys, sorority sisters, sweet tea, and (most of all) style. It is no secret that southern  girls have their own unique style, often characterized by preppy prints, leather cowboy boots, and over sized, statement jewelry. In recent months, southern girls have embraced the monogram and made it a part of their everyday outfits. These girls have gone beyond the "traditional" monogrammed necklace and have plastered their initials on everything from jackets to shoes and beyond. I currently work as an assistant buyer for a small retail store in Massachusetts and decided to investigate this growing trend further on a recent buying trip. Earlier this week my boss and I were in NYC at FAME and MODA, two large clothing and accessory shows. As I shopped, I took note of the prevalence of monogrammed items. Despite my initial weariness of this trend, it is catching on fast, even among the more conservative northerners.

Just a few days later, I stumbled upon the website Tiny Tulip, a site dedicated entirely to monogrammed and personalized items. As I perused the site's offerings, I was amazed at the things people actually want personalized, everything from umbrellas to athletic shorts and candles. While I tried to resist, I fell in love with an item on the site. Understand that monograms are SO not my thing; I usually prefer a more streamlined and stylish look but for some reason a particular piece caught my eye- and I bought it. Something about the Double Monogrammed Raincoat Windjacket was so cute, effortless, and perfect for spring. All of the color options were vibrant and complementary; I choose the aqua with hot pink lettering (as shown at right).

While you certainly won't be seeing me in a head to toe monogrammed outfit- the trend is growing on me.  I hate to say it, but the southerners have converted me on this one.

Check out Tiny Tulip and let me know what you think of the monogram trend!

Cure those Winter Blues with some Bling!

As a born and raised Northeasterner, I have unfortunately grown accustomed to bitter cold and dreary days.   In conditions like these, the winter blues are a contagious and prevalent "disease" of sorts. Shapeless parkas, bulky boots, and lackluster outfits can easily become the norm. How exactly can one be inspired with the seemingly permanent gray conditions outside of their window? As a response to this style dilemma, I propose a challenge. Add some much needed bling to your winter look! Bling, as I'm referring to it, can come in many forms: a bright spring color, a killer pair of shoes, or some sparkly, attention-grabbing jewelry.

My recommendation is simple and classy, yet certainly commands attention (in a non obnoxious kind of way). Check out JoJo Loves You, a company with both an incredible story and beautiful product. What began as a recent college graduate selling jewelry out of a suitcase, has now grown into a national brand carried in over 100 stores. JoJo's signature and most popular creation is her "Blings", stud earrings made with vintage Swarovski crystals. With a price of only $30 per pair and a wide array of color choices, Blings are the perfect accessory for any outfit! In addition to the original Blings, JoJo offers a Mini Bling style, Party Bling (which are bigger statement pieces), and a brand new Cushion Cut Bling. Brighten up your outfit and your day with a pair of Blings. I promise, this is one purchase you will not regret. Since purchasing my first pair, two years ago, my collection has grown to nearly 10 pairs. I may very well be a bling addict.

For more information about JoJo Loves You or to purchase blings click here.

Sparkle & Shine Today,

B.W. 

The perfect first pair! These Mint Aurore Boreale Blings seriously match any outfit! They have this amazing way of picking up the colors of your outfit. Truly magical!

One of my personal favorites: Green Opal!

And so it begins...

Welcome to Diaries of a Blonde Wannabe! As my first attempt at blogging, this will certainly be an experiment for me and I am glad to have you along for the ride. This blog will be an inside look into the life of me, a college student trying to make her mark in the fashion/ retail industry. I will delve into the hottest trends, products I love, and the everyday struggles of the average college fashionista. After all, our lives aren't easy. We are faced with the lethal combination of low budgets and expensive taste on a daily basis. I am constantly arguing with myself over whether to buy a "must have" jacket, pair of shoes, bag, etc. or my food for the week. I am sad to admit, the "must have" item usually wins. I simply cannot resist a great style find. If you can relate, come along for stylish (and sometimes bumpy) ride!
Stay Stylish,
B.W.