Fashion meets philanthropy with this fun tote! Rachel Roy teamed up with FEED Projects Founder and CEO Lauren Bush Lauren to create this limited-edition bag. For each one of the FEED 100 India bags sold, 100 school meals will be provided to children in India!

I had the opportunity to hear Lauren speak at the StyleCaster State of Style Summit in February 2012 and have been following the FEED Projects ever since. Having passions for both fashion and philanthropy, I would love to eventually find a way to combine the two like Lauren, Rachel Roy, and so many others have done!

J.Crew Sweater / LOFT Boyfriend Jeans / Sperry Top-Siders (on sale!) / gifted Rachel Roy FEED Bag (also available in a great orange pattern!) / Dorothy Perkins Aviators (only $17!) / Ariella Collection Rings from Nordstrom (lots of fun colors!) / gifted Bauble Bar Necklace / gifted t+j Designs Bracelet / Bauble Bar Bracelet (There’s a spiked version, too!) / Milly iPhone Case

Photos: Lydia Hudgens

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As we discussed yesterday, summer is right around the corner! Since the unofficial start of the season is just 8 days away, it’s time to stock up on those summer style refreshers!

From wardrobe must-haves to products I don’t leave home without, here are a few products to step up your style this summer!

My must-have summer style essentials include:

Wear-with-Anything Wedges — A versatile pair of sandals makes getting ready in a flash that much easier! From sundresses, to tailored shorts, to boyfriend jeans, an espadrille wedge in a neutral palette will go with just about anything in your wardrobe. Same goes for a great piece of jewelry!

Starbucks Iced Coffee — Perfect to have on hand for when you’re on-the-go! Whether you’re running late and don’t have time to run by Starbucks, or if you’re heading to the beach for a day-trip, these new Iced Coffees are great. Picnic in the park, anyone?

I always like to keep fun hostess odds & ends on hand, too! You never know who will be in the neighborhood and pop over for a drink. Stylish straws are a bar cart necessity!

Handbag Basics — Sunscreen, hair ties, your go-to lipstick, protective, lip balm, bronzer, mascara, nail polish for touch ups on the go, etc! Whatever you prefer to pamper in a pinch! Make sure you keep this stash of beauty goodies in a cute pouch. That way, you can toss from work bag to hand bag to beach bag seamlessly!

And last but not least, I always love to keep a vase of fresh flowers in my apartment! Just a little something to brighten your day. There’s something about fresh flowers that really make a space feel more home-y. An entertaining essential!

The new line-up of bottled Starbucks® Iced Coffee beverages gives you great-tasting, energizing refreshment with premium Starbucks® coffee from 100 percent arabica beans. Starbucks® Iced Coffee ready-to-drink beverages are perfect on-the-go refreshment to help you through the daily commute, the midday slump, or an exciting road trip adventure with friends. Best enjoyed chilled from the bottle, look for it at major grocery and convenience stores, available nationwide.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, produced in collaboration with Glam and Starbucks. I received a Starbucks Iced Coffee sample to review. The opinions shared in this post are my own.

I was so inspired by Jenna Lyons’ shoe collection on the J.Crew YouTube channel! I mean, that is a lot of shiny ponies!

Lately, I can’t get enough J.Crew shoes! They’ve been knocking it out of the park. Designed in the US and made in Italy… It doesn’t get much better!

Is it just me or have the last few months absolutely FLOWN by?!

When the days start to get longer and your hemlines start to get shorter, you know it’s only a matter of time until your social calendar starts to feel like it’s busting at the seams. Ya know that feeling when you’ve totally over indulged on a carb-and-cream heavy dinner, but you somehow manage to make room for dessert? And then all of a sudden it hits you and you have to discreetly unbutton your pants on the way home? Yes, that full. Not that I’ve been there or anything…

Any who, I feel like my summer plans went from zero to 60 overnight! This coming weekend is kind of like the calm before the storm. My first full summer in New York. Got your seat belt fastened? It’s going to be one wild ride! Ready, set, GO!

Next week will be a busy one… From the Smirnoff Stir Up Your Summer event with Hallie on Tuesday, to the Night at the W on Wednesday, to the new Denim & Supply store opening, my after-work extracurriculars are plentiful! But my Summer Fridays start next week so I get to leave the office at 2 p.m. each and every Friday afternoon until Labor Day. I’m grinning ear-t0-ear just typing this!

Following that busy week, I’ve got a good old fashioned “staycation” planned with my roommate over Memorial Day. Brunch at Freeman’s, the Punk exhibit at the Met, the Rockaways for a day, a picnic in Central Park, the works! We’re planning to pack a punch into those three and a half days.

I’m making my first trip to the Hamptons over the first weekend in June! No explanation needed, right?! We’re making it a girls weekend and staying at the Southampton Inn. I could NOT be more excited!

Then, I’ll be moving to my new studio apartment the second weekend in June! I am thrilled to finally have my own place, but the whole idea of packing up my life and moving a few blocks down the street? Yeah, not overly excited about that.

My parents will be in New York the weekend after to visit and celebrate Father’s Day. Believe it or not, they haven’t been out to New York since I moved here so it will be great to show them around my new home! Plus, I’m very excited to have my mom around to help me decorate my new place.

July will be a whirlwind with the Fourth of July, the Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake concert at Yankee Stadium with Rose, and a bachelorette weekend in the Hamptons (this time in the gorgeous beachfront house above)! Then, my Chicago besties are coming to visit in August for my birthday.

Could it get much better? I really don’t think so. But I just want you to promise me one thing… When you start to judge my dark circles and haggard appearance, please remember this post. And then think about impromptu happy hours, brunches, and spur of the moment weekend getaways on top of all of this, and cut me some slack!

Make sure you’re following along on Twitter and Instagram, okay? Let’s stir up this summer!

The deliciously light taste of sorbet now comes in a bottle.  Introducing Smirnoff Sorbet Light. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

Made With Smirnoff Vodka Infused With Natural Flavors. 30% Alc/Vol. ©2013 The Smirnoff” Co., Norwalk, CT.

Per 1.5oz serving: Calories 78, Carbohydrates 1.3g, Fat 0g, Protein 0g.

* 25% FEWER CALORIES THAN THE LEADING DESSERT-INSPIRED VODKA.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Smirnoff via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Smirnoff.

Although I was raised a Nordy girl, I’ve had to make do since I moved to New York. (Oh, how I miss the Nordstrom on Michigan Avenue.)

It’s a blessing and a curse that Bloomingdale’s is 2 blocks from my office, as my “lunch break” usually leads me to wandering around the main floor — handbags, accessories, makeup, sunglasses .. All of the essentials, really! I’ve been seriously lusting over these Miu Miu glitter-speckled sunglasses for a while now! I tried them on in the Gray and the Pink. BUT unless I start playing, and subsequently winning, the lottery sometime soon, I will probably be getting neither since they are $400! Fun to try on though, right?!

PS- How chic is that security sensor?!

I’ve rounded up a few budget-friendly options for us…

Which is your favorite?!

Sometimes it just feels right to practice the ol’ KISS method and Keep It Simple. Not too fussy, just classic. My usual “uniform” always revolves around some form of button-front shirt and as summer (slowly but surely) starts to roll around, nothing feels more relaxed than a great pair of white jeans and a crisp, but super lightweight, shirt! This combination is merely a blank canvas to start accessorizing. From a pop of color in your handbag, to a funky scarf, to a metallic sandal, the options are endless.

I think my pent up wishes for a beachy vacay started to shine through when I got dressed last weekend… lots of nautical inspiration! A striped shirt, boat shoes, sea-life jewelry, etc.

I’ve been lusting over shark tooth jewelry ever since I saw those oversized shark teeth pendants walk down the Givenchy S/S 2012 runway! (Ready to wear version here.) I’ve kept my eyes peeled for affordable versions and was beyond thrilled when I saw the Coral Reef collection from one of my favorite jewelry companies, Sequin! This lovely shark tooth pendant is a mere $38.. Too good to pass up!

gifted Old Navy Shirt / gifted Old Navy White Denim (on sale!) / J.Crew Clutch / Sperry Top-Siders (on sale!) / Michael Kors Watch (similar) / J.Crew Bracelet / gifted Sequin Necklace / gifted Sequin Coral Cuff

Tell me, what’s your summer uniform?!

Photos: Hallie Wilson

This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

Marshalls has been a hot topic around here lately, huh? I’ve been showing you my latest and greatest finds from my local Marshalls through outfit posts over the last few months, but today I’ve got more than a few pictures to show you! I had the amazing opportunity to shoot a video for Marshalls a few weeks ago. (#surrealmoment) Hallie, Lauren, Natalie, Viviana, Sara, and were able to make a day out of it. From getting our nails, makeup, and hair done by the pros, to perusing through racks of designer duds found at Marshalls, to goofing off in front of the camera, it was a day I will never forget!

You know that we’ve touched on majority of the major trends for spring — sorbet shades, ladylike fashion and accessories, dresses, woven tops, and neutrals. At the video shoot, each blogger got to take one of these hot trends and interpret it for their everyday life.

I went with ladylike accessories (obvi) and styled an outfit that I would wear to brunch in the city! It’s comfortable and composed of a few layers, which is essential for day plans that can easily turn into more. #sundayfunday, anyone?!

I’ve included my video, along with some fun behind the scenes photos. Enjoy!

Be sure to check out the rest of the blogger videos here!

*excuse the more-prominent-than-usual man voice… #bronchitis

Marshalls has the hottest brand name and designer items that turn every day into an occasion for fabulous.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Marshalls via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Marshalls.

Disclosure: This post contains products, which were purchased with a gift card provided to me by Nordstrom. As always, all opinions are my own.

Thanks so much for all of your help this week! I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to gift giving so I greatly appreciate your input on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

(Mom, this post is not for your eyes. You will have to wait until tomorrow!)

I actually decided to make 2 gift packages for my mom. Shocking, I know. I’m notoriously known for giving more than one card per occasion because I can never pick just one! I guess I took all of your suggestions when you said, “Get both!”

I mean, my mom more than deserves it! Plus, I figured my brothers probably procrastinated on the gift front, too. And now when they inevitably tell me, “I need help finding a gift for mom,” I’ll already have that covered. Can you say Best Sister EVER?! They owe me.

I haven’t decided which gift will be from me and which will be from the boys, but I know my mom will love it all! Flip flops for the pool this summer, fun new watches (I’m totally going to “borrow” that leopard calf hair watch!), her favorite perfumes, a bright scarf, and some hair products that I swear by and I know she’ll get hooked on, too!

Find and Follow Nordstrom Rack: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / Store Locator

I obviously picked out a little something for myself, too! I just couldn’t resist. Oops!

What did you get your mom for Mother’s Day this year? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a wonderful Mother’s Day with your family! See you on Monday.

As the seasons change (Hello Spring, we’ve missed you in New York!), I always find that my skincare needs change, too. My skin has started to get oily by the time my daily 3 o’clock slump rolls around. I’ve started to be more obsessive about my SPF application now that it’s sunny on the way to work and when I leave the office. And I generally just want to “lighten up” for the warmer months ahead. I figure it’s probably time for me to ditch the heavy face creams and find a way to combat the shine that’s going to be creeping up on my face over the next few months.

Seeing as I didn’t want to spend a fortune, I headed to Walgreens to check out what they had to offer. I tend to get overwhelmed with all of the great options, so I asked one of their in-store beauty advisors to help me enhance my skin care for spring and summer! Let’s just say that Candice is my new best friend.

First, I told her about my not-so-little shine issue. I told her that I feel like you could fry an egg on my face by the time dinner rolls around. She led me to these Neutrogena long lasting Blotting Sheets! I already decided that I’m going back to buy a pack for each of my handbags. #nobrainer

Candice asked about my lifestyle and other needs and I told her that I usually head straight to the gym (or Soul Cycle, let’s be honest) after work and then run errands before I come home and make dinner. Since I’m constantly on the go, she recommended that I try these Neutrogena Makeup Remover Towelettes. She said they would be perfect for my gym bag for both pre- and post-workout! So far, so good. As much as I love working out, I don’t love the breakouts that come along with it, so hopefully removing my makeup before/after the gym will help!

I also told her about my sunscreen concerns and she asked if I used any SPF on my lips. I kind of looked at her blankly and said, “I mean, I guess my moisturizer might get on my lips a bit?” Candice told me that wasn’t going to cut it. She showed me this Neutrogena Lip Balm with SPF 20 and I was intrigued. It comes in a variety of different colors, has a good level of SPF protection, and is supposed to make your lips softer and healthier-looking over time! S.o.l.d. Let me just tell you, I am obsessed. I opened it on my way home from Walgreens that night and haven’t left the house without it since! It’s not sticky at all and leaves just the right amount of color for any time of day.

Candice, my Walgreens beauty advisor, also told me about a fun event that’s happening at your local Walgreen’s later this month! Night at the W on May 22nd. I’ve marked my calendar and so should you!

There will be more lovely beauty advisors, like Candice, on hand to discuss skin care and cosmetics, too. Plus, there will be free samples and lots of prizes! You will have the opportunity to enter the Night at the W “Expect the Unexpected” sweepstakes when you purchase select Neutrogena products. Prizes include a trip to Arizona, $50 Walgreens gift cards, and Neutrogena gift baskets!

Hope to see you there!

Walgreens Night at the W – Expect the Unexpected

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Walgreens via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Walgreens.

I’m back with my latest fabulous finds from Marshalls! This week, we’re talking nudes and neutrals.

We all know that neutrals are versatile. White, you can wear it with anything. Gray and beige, too. And yes, black goes with just about every color you can imagine these days. (No more brown and blue stigmas!) What I absolutely love about neutrals, though, is the ability to just pile them on! Neutrals kind of function like bracelets to me… Stack and layer them on, and then add a few more until you’ve got one heck of a finished look! What may appear as one big neutral hodgepodge actually functions as a pretty chic outfit. I’m wearing black, gray, white, and beige. Mixed together. And it definitely works without looking blah or bland!

When I was putting this outfit together, I kept thinking it was a bit “Good Girl Gone Bad.” In a great way, of course! Floral pants can be very feminine, but the black and gray printed blooms make them a bit more edgy. I took a delicate scalloped silk blouse and paired it with a leather sleeved blazer to play up the “grunge meets girly” thing, too. And don’t even get me started on the shoes. They are show stoppers!

Can we talk about these floral printed pants for a second? Beyond obsessed. I wore them out with friends over the weekend in Chicago (outfit post to come!) and then again to work yesterday. One might question the versatility of a pair of floral skinny jeans (I would gladly debate them, obviously!), but when the denim is crafted from an all neutral color palette, you’ve got yourself one wearable pair of pants! I can wear these bad boys with just about anything. And I plan to!

Sadly, this is the last post in my Marshalls Fab Found series. I had so much fun sharing my weekly shopping sprees with all of you! Rest assured, I will still be frequenting Marshalls and sharing all of my designer steals for a fraction of the price with you guys.

In case you missed any of the posts in this series…

Mint + Coral / Ladylike Looks / Ladylike Accessories / Dresses / Woven Tops

Photos: Hallie Wilson

Marshalls has the hottest brand name and designer items that turn every day into an occasion for fabulous.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Marshalls via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are my own and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Marshalls.