Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

For my final look of the week, I got to choose my current favorite pieces at Chloe Rose. I chose a glittery top by Velvet Heart, cropped skinny leg MiH jeans in the Paris style and Kara dark wash, a bright turquoise ring by Skinny Jewelry (I do love turquoise and gold!), and the lovely Rebecca Minkoff Vanity Crossbody we received in our latest shipment.

It has been so much fun to work at the boutique this summer. I had a great boss and learned so much about style, blogging and retail. I can't wait to visit this fall and see what exciting new developments Marissa has made with the store upon my return to SF!

Head over to the Style Files to see Kate's current favorites (hint: they involve leopard and more Rebecca Minkoff)!

XO, Linds

East Coast Essentials {Guest Post}

Fall on the Colgate campus is by far my favorite season, and each year, I make sure my fashion choices complement the beautiful colors, crisp autumn weather, and the polished preppiness that East Coast style is known for.  After having lived in various places around the East Coast for most of my life, I have found that I rely on a few key pieces to keep me looking put-together, while still on trend.  Since fall weather can vary from 70 and sunny to snowing, layering is key.  My every-day uniform consists of a great pair of skinny jeans, brown riding boots, an array of tops varying from chunky knit sweaters, to cardigans, and assorted scarves to add some fun to any outfit, and keep me warm.  This kind of outfit is appropriate for everything from class, to a tailgate.  Also, on the East Coast, you can never go wrong with a button down, whether it’s a classic oxford style, or a plaid flannel.  Since it can get pretty cold on campus, I make sure to have a light jacket, and of course, a North Face fleece, which is an East Coast staple.

For warmer days, I love pulling out summer dresses in neutral tones so that they are still appropriate for fall, and pairing them with a cute pair of flats.  I also love wearing pretty, flowy tops with my jeans for a feminine look; these types of shirts are versatile enough to dress up at night with a black skirt.  As far as accessories go, East Coast fashion is all about a classic look, so stick with understated pieces that pull together an outfit; a great pair of sunglasses and some pearl earrings go a long way.  To complete your look, throw on a no-fuss cross body bag, and you’re good to go!

As far as guys go, every East Coast girl knows there’s nothing better than a lacrosse player in a half zip!  Just saying…

- Isabel

1. Club Monaco "Tara" Striped Scarves
2. Ray-Ban Aviators
3. Old Navy Oxford
4. American Eagle Skinny Jeans
5. Lilly Pulitzer Dress
6. North Face Zip-Up
7. J.Crew Sweater
8. Tory Burch Flats
9. Rebecca Minkoff Crossbody Bag
10. Gap Trench
11. Pearl Earrings
12. Frye Riding Boots
13. J.Crew Men's Half Zip Sweater

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About this post: After high school, my close group of best friends scattered across the country. We're still close as ever, but whether it be the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest or the South, we're all over the place. As I've been featuring some fashion on The Sweet Talker lately, I thought it would be fun to have guest posts from my friends covering regional fashion. This post is the 3rd in the series. Click here to check out “Southern Style” and "Midwest Must-Haves." I hope you enjoy!

XO, Linds

Just A Thought

Happy Friday!

XO, Linds

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

70s-inspired looks were all over the runway for this fall. For a "real life" version, try pairing a blousey silk top with dark wash flare jeans. See the Chloe Rose Style Files for another look that is totally 70s chic!

Alice & Trixie top, MiH jeans, Vanessa Mooney jewelry, Sam Edelman wedges.

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

 

With my return to school looming just weeks away, I've been thinking about how to transition my wardrobe from summer to fall. Take a simple summer dress, swap out the shoes and add a few chic cool-weather pieces, and you've got a perfect "back to college" look.

Head over to the Chloe Rose Style Files to see other ways we styled summer-to-fall looks!

XO, Linds

Left: Dress by Greylin, Jewelry by Vanessa Mooney 

Right: Dress by Greylin, Cardigan by MinkPink, Scarf by Spun Scarves, Bag by Jess LC, Belt by B-Low the Belt

Inspired: Turquoise & Gold

Two things I'm loving right now:

1. the summery, refreshing combo of turquoise and gold (with a pretty hint of blush pink!),

and

2. BaubleBar.

If you haven't heard of it already, BaubleBar stocks tons of beautiful jewelry and has been featured all throughout the fashion mags lately. With prices starting around $20, it is a completely affordable option to add a little glamour to your life.

Join here to get $10 off your first purchase!

What has inspired you lately?



Jewelry via BaubleBar
Images via {here} {here} {here} {here} and {here}

Midwest Must-haves {Guest Post}

There is no better way to spend a Midwestern summer than on the lake. The Midwest is taken over by humidity and heat, so the lighter of clothes you wear the better.  Unlike the preppiness of the East Coast and the boho style of the West, the Midwest takes on a much more realxed and simple style of clothing for the summer months. For my summer wardrobe I depend on a variety of different stores, two in particular: J.Crew and the Minnesota-native Target. Both provide simple clothes that can be used for layering. Layering is important because of the roller coaster heat waves we often experience here. Midwestern style relies heavily on simple pieces like a plain t-shirt and basic jean shorts; to make these easy pices more exciting I often pair them with a fun, brightly printed piece. This summer I'm really into tribal/Native American-inspired prints along with my personal favorite - animal print. Further, I love anything oversized (like the Free People sweater you see below). Flowy pieces like these are perfect for summer, whether you pair them with jeans for day or a tight skirt for night.   

The goal for Midwestern style is dressing simply but fun. Pair something plain with a fun pattern and make your outfit look effortless. For the perfect accessories look no further than fun sunglasses or a Twins baseball hat. Always have a swimsuit and sunscreen on hand. You never know when you'll jet off to the lake.

My key pieces for staying cool during a Midwestern summer:

1. Mix & match Target bikinis - lazy days on the lake means lots of swimwear!
2. A Twins baseball hat to represent the homeboys
3. Pullover sweater
4. Day-to-night dress
5. Target striped T
6. Colorful statement necklace
7. Sperry wedges
8. J.Crew flat sandals
9. Basic denim shorts
10. Native American-inspired T
11. Barbour rain jacket - you never know when you'll get caught in a torrential thunderstorm.
12. Colorful wayfarer sunglasses
13. Eclectic statement necklace
14. Minnetonka moccasins - living on Lake Minnetonka means these are a wardrobe staple for weekends. 

I hope you enjoy my "Midwest Must-Haves!"

Erin

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About this post: After high school, my close group of best friends scattered across the country. We're still close as ever, but whether it be the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest or the South, we're all over the place. As I've been featuring some fashion on The Sweet Talker lately, I thought it would be fun to have guest posts from my friends covering regional fashion. This post is the 2^nd in the series. Click here to check out “Southern Style.” I hope you enjoy!

XO, Linds

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

One skirt, two ways. Check out the Chloe Rose Style Files to see how we styled this Naven pop pink skirt for day and night!

XO, Linds

A College Essentials Checklist: What to Take

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending the Bay Area Colgate send off for incoming freshmen students. It was so fun to see all of the eager (and slightly apprehensive!) students and parents, and to remember how excited and nervous I was at my own send off only a couple years ago.

In the spirit of "back to college," I decided to compile a list of my college essentials.

A few things you shouldn't leave behind when you pack up this fall, and a couple of fun extras:

1. At least one nice dress is a good thing to have on hand in case you go out to dinner with professors or are attending a social event or formal. This Cynthia Steffe ruffled dress is a great option for both dressing up and more casual looks.
2. You'll want to bring a good weekly planner to stay organized. I prefer one with a soft cover that has a lot of space for me to write notes.
3. Cheap tie-on curtains are an easy way to customize an otherwise bland dorm room.
4. If you attend school in the snow belt like I do, you'll need to invest in rain boots and snow boots that will keep your feet warm and dry. Hunter boot and L.L. Bean are both reliable options.
5. Most dorms require you to walk to a communal bathroom - this monogrammed wrap towel with velcro will keep you covered in style! And shower shoes? An absolute MUST.
6. It's important to have a sturdy book bag that can take the weight (ahem my 3000 page Shakespeare book). A nylon bag like this MICHAEL Michael Kors Back to School Tote will stand the test of time.
7. Throw pillows are another quick way to personalize a dorm. This duo will keep your room looking cheerful and bright.
8. Don't be the girl with an ID lanyard around your neck. This Vera Bradley zip ID case will keep your ID handy and save your from the inevitable freshman faux pas.
9. Have a fitted blazer on hand. You never know when you might have an improptu job interview or will want to dress up for a class presentation.
10. Since you won't have mom around to wake you up anymore, an alarm clock is absolutely necessary! Plug in your iPod to this iHome alarm clock for a more enjoyable wake up call than a blaring buzzer.
11. Finally, of course you need to show some school spirit! A comfy hoodie representing your campus pride will be a library staple.

What do you think? Are there any other necessities for a smooth transition after high school?

Lindsay's Look of the Week {Chloe Rose}

My look for Chloe Rose this week: Top by Greylin, Denim by MiH Jeans (Style is the Oslo in Kara), Necklace and Ring by Vanessa Mooney, Earrings by Skinny, Shoes are Tory Burch.

Visit Being Chloe Rose for the full post and two more fun looks this week!

XO, Linds

Southern Style {Guest Post}

I think my friend Caroline explained it best when she said, “true to my Vanderbilt training, I ALWAYS go out in a dress and heels.” I don’t think there is any such thing as being too dressed up for the occasion in the South – it seems perfectly appropriate to attend a tailgate in a floral dress and pearls. When I’m shopping for school, my staples are sundresses, cardigans, and light scarves that I can pair with any outfit to change it up a bit. Also, try rethinking the lbd and reach for a lwd – little white dress – that you can dress up with fun, colorful jewelry.  

For accessories, you can’t go wrong with croakies from Southern Tide to attach to your wayfarer sunglasses (another Southern staple with all the sun we get!). As far as footwear, Jack Rogers are abundant (although I admit, I find their wooden heels very uncomfortable. Ah, the price of beauty!) and boat shoes are always classic. I personally have my eye on these Sperry’s with the adorable pink and blue plaid accents.

And for the men, you may think I’m crazy, but pastel button downs and pastel shorts are not only acceptable, but encouraged!



{Click for larger image}

1. Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses
2. Michael Stars Striped Seaside  Scarf
3. Southern Tide Skipjack Croakies
4. J.Crew Featherweight Cotton Cardigan
5. Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoe
6. Shoshanna Button Front Sheath Dress
7. Shoshanna Gathered Bodice Dress
8. Jack Rogers Palm Beach Navajo Sandals
9. Mikimoto Pearls
10. Milly Signature Cuff
11. kate spade "Cut to the Chase" Necklace
12. Lily Pulitzer Betsey Eyelet Dress
13. Spun Abstract Sunflower Print Scarf
14. {For the boys} Brooks Brothers Shorts

Thanks for reading!

Clare

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About this post: After high school, my close group of best friends scattered across the country. We're still close as ever, but whether it be the West Coast, East Coast, Midwest or the South, we're all over the place. As I've been featuring some fashion on The Sweet Talker lately, I thought it would be fun to have guest posts from my friends covering regional fashion. This post is the first in the series. I hope you enjoy!

XO, Linds

Enjoy: 4th of July Fashion Picks

Recently, I've been loving the retro-nautical-americana vibe I've been seeing in summer clothing. With 4th of July right around the corner, I thought I would share some of my favorite fashion and beauty picks for the patriotic holiday weekend.

{click for larger image}

1. Forever 21, High Waist Jean Short, $13.80
2. Vanessa Mooney, Classic Silver Teardrop Earrings, $42
3. Stuart Weitzman, Crocheted Ankle-Wrap Espadrille, $365
4. Jess LC, Lake Shore Navy Tote, $120
5. C&C California, Vine Stripe Empire Maxi Dress, $148
6. Urban Outfitters, Retro Swim
7. Anthropologie, Neapolitan Bucket Hat, $48
8. Banana Republic, Murphy Aviator Sunglasses, $98
9. Essie, Lollipop, $8
10. William Arthur, Vera Wang Letterpress Anchor Notes, $32
11. NYX Cosmetics, Soft Matte Lip Cream in Monte Carlo, $6
12. {for the boys} J.Crew, Red Chambray Bow Tie, $39.50 

What are your must-haves for the 4th?

Flats for the San Francisco Savvy

As I was riding home from work on the Embarcadero F-Train the other day, the man next to me pointed at the heels I was wearing and said, "you must not be from here."

I gave him a knowing smile and flashed him the contents of my overflowing work tote, inside which (among many other things) was a pair of ballet flats. 

If you're from here, visited or seen pictures, then you know: San Francisco is known for its incredibly steep hills. Trying to get anywhere in heels is torture for your feet. So while my internship-mandated "business casual" trousers look best with a pair of 3-inch heels, it's also ideal to pack a pair of flats that are comfortable but still more appropriate for the office than flip flops.

Here are some of my favorite preppy, classic, colorful or fun styles:

{click for larger image}

1. Kate Spade New York, Noelle, $325
2. Steve Madden, Mockk White Patent, $69.95
3. Kensie girl, Kansas2, $45
4. MICHAEL Michael Kors, Gogo Ballet Tangerine, $98
5. Jil Sander, "Tessuto" Ballet Flats, $425
6. Tory Burch, "Reva" Ballet Flats, $325
7. Nine West, Jemmy Black Leather peep-toe, $79
8. Calvin Klein, "Pritah" Ballet Flats, $119
9. TOMS, University Black Rope Sole Classics, $54
10. Report, Grover, $69.95

Welcome...

...to my new blog! After blogging my study abroad adventures in Barcelona and across Europe at Sigame a España, I was inspired to keep a blog following my other experiences at home here in the U.S. Now that finals are over, I plan for this blog to help document the sweetness of summer before my senior year of college as I "Eat, Explore, and Enjoy" in Minneapolis and San Francisco over the next few months.

"The Sweet Talker" has been inspired by a number of blogs over the past couple of years, namely The Pioneer Woman, CakeSpy, Joy the Baker, My Baking Addiction, Oh Joy! and Cupcakes and Cashmere (do you notice a trend here?). I hope that I can follow their footsteps to provide entertaining blog posts that are both a visual treat and fun to read.

It might take me a couple of weeks to get this blog really swinging, but stay tuned to see where my culinary and everyday endeavors take me!