Jamaica Part II: The Sites!

{ A stop on the way to Dunn's River Falls: an outdoor museum in Discovery Bay, Jamaica (which is disputed to be where Christopher Columbus first landed in the New World) }

{ Perhaps one of my favorite photos of the entire trip: a stop on our venture up Dunn's River Falls }

{ A view from atop Margaritaville in Montego Bay . . . my FAVE! }

We walked around in the area surrounding Montego Bay, specifically the strip on which Margaritaville was located. I love all the colors, from the vibrancy of the flowers to the blue of the sea to the rich brown on the skin of Jamaican natives!

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Jamaica Part I: The Arrival

{ Pre-show fun on the plane. }

{ The lovely storybook money }

{ Photos of the lovely all-inclusive Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort in Montego Bay }

{ I absolutely love this view and I miss it SOO much }

These first few are just some shots I grabbed arriving and looking around the fist few days!

Up next: The Sites!

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Starry Nights after a Jamaican Sun

H&M Blazer (old - but one of my FAVE pieces in my closet), Dress from Buffalo Exchange (old), Urban Outfitters Cooperative Penelope D'Orsay Skimmer, Vintage Reflective Aviators

This was the second or third night in Jamaica (photos coming SOON!), and although there was absolutely NO breeze, I still felt it necessary to sum up this ensemble with a blazer. After putting it on, I felt complete. I absolutely adore this dress, (although the lack of lighting makes details difficult to see) it zips in the front, revealing a moto-styled layover, ties with a small-stringed belt at the waist and finishes off with oversize front pockets. It's fun, sophisticated, versatile and looks effortless every time I throw it on.

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Wishful Wednesday: Back To School!

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I've been making a list of my back to school essentials and finally, this is what I've come up with.

1. Zara Coat w/Shoulder Gathering

 Colors, colors, colors are so in for Fall and I'd like to find my colors on a warm coat - preferably this one from Zara.

2. Rag & Bone The Norfolk JEAN Dress

Next, is a denim shirtdress; I've been craving and searching for a shirtdress for quite some time, but haven't yet stumbled upon one appropriate in length, style and versatility, but this denim one from Rag & Bone seems to have been made for me . . . now if only I could get my hands on it!

3. Nike Stefan Janoski Skateboarding Shoes

These customized Nike Skateboarding shoes are (in my opinion) a funky alternative to the classic Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes; so simple and easy to go with anything, yet fun and personal.

4. Zara 5B Coated Trousers

On the much-desired list is also a pair of coated jeans! I see them everywhere BUT on me, and I would certainly like some.

5. Stylestalker Kiss The Glass Blazer

Next, we have a printed blazer; a classic blazer is always a staple, but the new printed blazer is definitely going to be a Fall staple for every gal's closet.

6. Marc By Marc Jacobs 'Baker' Watch

     Lastly, the Baker watch by Marc by Marc Jacobs; stylish and sleek . . . and useful for those moments when I need to remember I only have 26 seconds to stop a chat before heading to class!

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$teep vs. Cheap

Whether standing tall on a shoe display in Nordstrom or glamorizing the feet of seemingly every celebrity and style blogger, I can now spot Valentino 'Rockstud' Pumps from a mile away.

*Damsel in Dior (black), Olivia Palermo (leopard), Alessandra Ambrosio (poudre) all in the Valentino 'Rockstud' T-Strap Pump

While most shoe lovers stand on one side of absolutely adoring Valentino's latest hit or abhorring them, I stand in the middle. I do love the craftsmanship; while the shoe itself looks so simple, the detail of the strap placement and studding morphs the classic shape into something so modern and edgy that can be paired with almost anything. I am not, however, a fan of the lower (2.5") heel with the three ankle straps - I don't usually like short pumps, I feel it elongates the sole, and being a 9.5/10, I don't need my feet looking any longer.

Regardless of my opinion, these pumps have been selling out faster than hot cakes since their debut in 2011.

Here comes the hill! Valentino's 'Rockstud' T-Strap Pump begins at $895 and moves all the way up to $1,295 varying on style and color. That is pretty $teep!

BUT low and behold, many have tried to clone the widely sought-after Valentino's, but thus far I have found only one pair that can be comparable in style but much much cheaper!

Oasap has a very similar shoe, designed much to the like of Mr. Valentino's  . . . but for only $79.90!

While I do enjoy a good bargain (which the Studded Contrast Stiletto certainly are), I also believe in investing in staple pieces, which the Valentino pumps certainly are. Thank you Oasap, but I think I'll stick with the authentic pumps - the craftsmanship and originality is (so far) unable to be compared to any replica.

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Organic Ice Cream and Cheap Bags

H&M Sleeveless White Button Down (old), Forever 21 Faux Leather Skater Skirt, Deena & Ozzy Flats, Deena & Ozzy Embroidered Animal Wristlet, Vintage Jewelry

Today was my first meeting as a Nordstrom BP Fashion Board member, and, of course, I had to dress it up (as always) and this is what I came up with. I love this look because it's simple and classy with a hint of edge in the (faux) leather skirt and embroidered wristlet (which I bought yesterday for $1.99 at Urban Outfitters - SCORE!). I wanted to look professional, but still young and I think this ensemble really fits the bill.

My blog photos today were taken at the (lovely and delicious) Latteria in Swedesboro, NJ by my beautiful friend, Chelsea (thanks love!). Latteria is a fabulous organic ice creamery (with over 30 memorizing and fresh flavors) that offers up so much more than just their rave-worth ice cream. From wedding gifts to jewelry, Latteria has the perfect knick-knack for any occasion. The owners are so sweet and my friends and I hop in as often as possible . . . sufficient to say we are quite addicted.

oooh...........ahhh! :)

^^ what my little brother so kindly refers to as my "Dead Zombie pose" . . . guess it's time for me to get a new one

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Mercy Mondays

The week of August 4th (aka the week I went 100% missing from the blog world) was spent on the beautiful Word of Life Island in Schroon Lake, New York. Word of Life Island is a weekly Christian summer camp for teenagers. Here, we learn and grow in the fabulous Gospel of Jesus Christ (who lived, died on the cross for our sins and rose again - in case you didn't know). Not only is the Island high-impact with it's teaching of the Word, but it is also high-intensity with sports, games, food and fun - but needless to say, I was not playing soccer in my maxi skirt :)
As if that wasn't enough, the camp counselors are absolutely phenomenal living examples of Christ. They are college students at the WOL Bible Institute studying the Word of God, so that for 8 weeks a summer, they are fully-equipped with God's wisdom to pour into the life and minds of each camper.

With this being my fourth year returning to the island, I feel as though the Lord teaches me something new each year. In the past I've learned a lot about God; His presence, His love, etc. but this year, God really taught me a lot about myself. This year I was immersed in the Word and learned so much about who God wants me to be in this role of a woman, the value of modesty and allowing the Lord to work His plan into my dreams.

I just love it so much, and the island is such a great place to learn and grow in Christ's Word.
If you have a second, please check out this week review . . . I'm in there somewhere :)

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Throwback Thursday!

Forever 21 Burnout Baseball Tee, Forever 21 Classic Skinnies, Target Mossimo Canvas Sneakers, H&M Colorblock Straw Hat, Bijuju Sunnies, Forever 21 Bangle Set, Guy and Eva Necklace

In honor of my friends' beach day (have a blast Maggie and Chels!) - and "Throwback Thursday" - I've decided to post these snapshots of a day at the beach last month. These were takenwhen my family and I went to Atlantic City for my papa's birthday. We had an awesome time *hence the hands continuously in the air like I just don't care . . . cheesy, I know* and this has definitely been my go-to outfit for a while now. It's so simple and so easily put together, yet I don't feel under or over dressed for a relaxed day.

These rocks are located on the water where just last year they were resting beneath the expansive AC boardwalk; unfortunately, the boardwalk was ripped away by Hurricane Sandy *as seen in the photo below*, but these rocks still remain. Even though the man-made structure of the boardwalk is gone, it's beautiful to see God's creation (even as simple as the deeply-rooted rocks) is still intact.

P.S. I was definitely going for a "No hair, don't care" look under my hat, a la Miss Charlize Theron :)

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Wishful Wednesday: Vacay Edition!

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1. Nasty Gal Serpent Skirt

2. Edge of Urge Teal Gold Ultrametallic Round Sunnies

3. Weekday Linna White Dress

4. JewelMint Salt of the Earth Ring

5. The Hideaway-Print Swimsuit

6. Tory Burch Priscilla Suitcase

Next Wednesday, the fam and I are headed off to the clear waters of Jamaica! My second time visiting, I am excited for the exotic scenery and bright colors! I've been doing some shopping here and there for wardrobe pieces for this trip and I would love to add any of these items to my suitcase :)

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Lazy Day Ball Games

Jackie Robinson Dodgers 42 T-Shirt, Forever 21 Capsule 2.1 Studded Leggings, Urban Outfitters Cooperative Penelope D'Orskay Skimmer, Chanel Classic Flap Bag

I'M BACK!! My unannounced hiatus will be explained very soon, but for now, I am glad to be back!
I stayed home all day, reading, cleaning and eating . . . a lot. But even when I'm home, I enjoy keeping up my appearance and looking as if I'm headed to the opera. Starting with these shoes - which I bought the other day and have not since stopped adoring - I try to pair them with any and everything. And even with this simple baseball tee, I can feel dressed for more than a day inside.

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