31.12.12

cheers to twenty thirteen

hoping your new year night is glam, glitzy and full of sparkling cheers!  

cheers to twenty thirteen

1 . 2 . 3 . 4

21.12.12

keeping cozy

forty seven inches of winter white snow has left me fully embracing twenty-twelve's cold weather comeback: the slouchy beanie! fashion and function don't always make the best companions, but these cozy caps add a sporty edge to any december ensemble. the look pairs excellently with oversized envelope clutches and a pair of sleek sunnies while you can add more personality by picking a knit with quirky touches. bundling under a beanie makes it easy to keep cozy and embrace every wonderland you come across this winter! 

keeping cozy

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15.12.12

pair it with plaid

lately, there are few fashions I feel are reserved for mainly men. as menswear for womenswear finds a prevalent place in street style, the boys are finding better ways to keep their looks their own. this fall and winter the motto is, "pair it with plaid." there's nothing to take you back to days of scottish tartan or lumberjack-type labor where a guy's wardrobe was strictly for the boys. the pattern is made modern through today's mix of materials, colors and garments. strategic layering, like a plaid shirt/suit jacket combo, creates a fresh look that can take casual to slightly formal or suited up to dressed down. whether a jacket, shirt or pair of pants, I know I am always all for a guy in plaid - though I might be as well... 

pair it with plaid

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8

3.12.12

winter whites

abiding by silly statements like "you can't wear white after labor day," is just one way to seriously restrict your wardrobe. I'm all for mixing neutrals, over-accessorizing and wearing white all winter long! whether a cable knit sweater, skinny jeans, a fringed shirt or faux fur, white is a quick way to look fresh while temperatures drop and layered looks are required. though I love head-to-toe monochrome, for those of more inclined to spills and spots - white looks sharp with black bottoms and leopard clutches! so while you're window shopping or hot cocoa sipping, be sure to rock those winter whites. 

winter white

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 

20.11.12

faux is no faux pas

as forty fahrenheit is officially our new norm, my sights are set on one item : a faux fur vest. these playful, pretty statement pieces can transform anyone into the trendiest of teddy bears and seem quite simple to layer with your existing winter looks. I'm a fan of the natural (but not real) looking chestnut and cocoa colors that pair excellently with a pair of brown booties! basic and black is the go-to base and whether a jacket or long sleeve tee, will pair perfectly with a topknot or cool shades. for an less-traditional take, layer with striped sleeves or a chambray shirt. whichever way you choose to style your faux fur, it's sure not to be a fashion faux pas...
happy thanks & feasts & givings this week! 

faux is no faux pas

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7

10.11.12

skirt the rules

sequins and sparkles are hitting the streets, and not just for a night on the town. your favorite shiny skirt deserves to see some sunlight, so style it with your everyday essentials. pick a simple tee, a sweet sweatshirt or a fall flanel to add a casual edge to your glitz and glamour. I love the idea of challenging a typical trend and finding new ways to wear your wardrobe. the contrast of the casual top and overdressed bottom is a simple way to skirt the rules of your typical daywear and to
dress everyday like a date with destiny...

skirt the rules

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8

26.10.12

haute halloween

that scary time of year will soon be upon us... it's time to grab your garlic, hunt down a haunted house and scream at the slightest sound. ghosts and ghouls, vampires and vixens, choosing your alter-ego for october thirty-first can be as daunting as the dares you'll receive that evening. this year, with little time to prepare the perfect personality, I've decided cute classics might be my ideal route. a set of ears and a dramatic mask can transform any ensemble when the clock is ticking and you're down to the last minute. for the creative soul, extra extravagance is greatly encouraged! enjoy your parties and your treats, having a very haute halloween!

haute halloween

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10.10.12

tailgate attire

fall in indiana inevitably means one thing... tailgate time! game days gather our gregarious university as we dance our ways to the famed fields. each individual is decked out in their cream & crimson, solo cups and school spirit! pinterest fiends focus their tailgate attire on tshirt DIYs to differentiate the average school slogan, but for those less skilled with scissors, I suggest a guy's flanel or a candy striped button up. stay warm, stay loud and stay stylish : I'll see you saturday!

tailgate attire

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7

28.9.12

bows & boys

as much as I love a serious statement necklace or a pretty peter pan collar, there's something about borrowing from the boys that always looks awesome. menswear-for-women is nothing new, but it seems to be refreshed this fall with the surge of suits (though flamboyantly printed) we saw last spring. 

jackets, trousers and button up shirts are instantly chic, but for ladies committed to the look, a bow tie tops it off! take a tip from esther quek of the rake magazine, who rocks menswear better than most men, and add a tie to your tailored attire. options from ban.do offer the same quirk but are far less tuxedo-ready. boyfriend blazers, boyfriend jeans and ex-boyfriend sweaters... it's time to steal some bows from the boys as well!


bows & boys

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6

21.9.12

weeks of world fashion

september is absolutely fantastic for a few fashionable things: thick magazines, ankle boots, chai tea lattes and... fashion week! I was ecstatic to adventure back to new york for the nyfw weekend while helping hearst in marie claire's fashion closet. I spent most of my time stalking stylish people and shoe shopping but snagged a couple tickets to my first lincoln center fashion shows! music bumping and cameras snapping, the oceanic vibes of monique lhuillier and modern florals of joanna mastroianni left me craving bright colors with cute character.

as much as I adore pouring over the picturesque runway looks as each premiers, street style adds an extra inch of inspiration as these confident women strut the sidewalks in glamorous, gutsy and simply great ensembles. throughout new york, london and milan, fashionable gals have been spotted in quirky looks that are anything but quiet. it reminds us how fun fashion can be as the industry rewards the brave who will wear head-to-toe prints, voluminous sweaters and alligator backpacks. here are a few of my favorite shots from fashion weeks around the world...

weeks of world fashion

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8.9.12

seeing stripes

classics are constantly cool, and one look that's always luxe? black and white stripes! these two colors go with everything from coral skirts, denim shirts, iced lattes or simply more black and white. stripes look stylish on everything, test it out with a handbag or go all out in a pair of pants - you can even seat a sofa to match. this color duo will be sure to snag a few street style shots, or at least a couple double-takes! so tell me, are you seeing stripes yet? 

seeing stripes

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

24.8.12

fancy fingers

recently I've been especially into fancy fingers of multiple modish rings. a diversion from your typical arm party (a la man repeller) makes for a fresh way to wear your jewels. mixing metals, serious stacking and overly oversized : nothing is off limits! fixed with your own favorites, each hand becomes as unique as its fingerprint. whether you're feeling edgy, earthy, silly or sweet, there's always a stylish stack of rings to flaunt on your fingers!

fancy fingers

1. 23 . 4 . 5 . 6 

15.8.12

leading ladies

alongside the dwindling heat, new notebooks and layered looks of early fall comes one of my favorite things : september issues! there's something vastly more special about the thicker binding, fresh fashions and seriously stylish spreads that take over these books. while scoping out this years leading ladies, I found a few overseas that looked extra luxe like vogue australia's joel edgerton and kiera knightly on harper's bazaar uk. I'm not sure if anyone can quite outshine kate on vanity fair : poised, posh and personable : she makes one fashionable figure!

leading ladies

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7.

9.8.12

schoolgirl style

with august well underway, it's time to squeeze in our last bits of summer fun as the season ends early for those of us still in education. I'm not-so-secretly dreading the return of dreary classes (I prefer fashion to finance) but am eager to embrace a few fads of campus life. when it comes to peter pan collars, pleated skirts, satchel bags, quirky accessories and classic white shirts: schoolgirl style is back! I credit a bit of spring/summer's fifties revival and a bit of "adorkable" zooey deschanel/emma stone for bringing the look back to business. personally, I'm obsessed with the idea of being beyond girly, current yet classic and acutely accessorized this fall. fashion is fun and I will always embrace a look that doesn't take itself too seriously, as none of us ever should...

"I've never let my schooling interfere with my education" mark twain

schoolgirl style

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8

30.7.12

little luxuries

somehow, we've arrived at my last week in new york... these fast few months at marie claire have left me tremendously inspired and ready to return in september for fashion week! in the most cliche sense, I have fallen head over heels for the city and officially can't imagine myself anywhere else. there's something terrific about how easily and endlessly inspired you can be just roaming random streets, visiting famous flagships, staring at shoe shelves and enjoying tasty treats. what will I do without weekends spent reading on the pier and searching for apartments above any reasonable reality? the whole summer seems like such a dream! 
but these little luxuries are everywhere as long as we make a moment to stare, enjoy and instagram. even while not in new york, we can always find the pearl in everyday

little luxuries

23.7.12

lovely london

july twenty seventh and we'll be off to the races! the olympics will begin in lovely london, where team spirit is as classy as your classic chanel and mixing metals isn't a fashion faux pas in the slightest. gymnasts balancing on beams, runners falling through finish lines and male swimmers strutting shirtless... it's impossible to pick a favorite event! though I won't be front row for any of the action, I can still cheer on our teams while daydreaming about luxe looks for the streets of london: ralph lauren personalized polos, first prize sweaters and naturally... ruby red hunters


lovely london

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6


16.7.12

shots of chapeaux

this weekend, in between a slow jog along the seaport and large pasta plates in little italy, I found myself wandering whimsically into any stylish soho storefront I came across. my favorite, feet down, being the hat shop : an adorable boutique of handcrafted hats! as the shop lady asked if I was looking for anything in particular, I said I never could find the courage to wear a hat. the beautifully aged woman simply stated, "it all started for me with a beret. because it was cold." 


one beret and she was whisked away to a hat haven : one she shares with old friends (pleasantly pictured around the shop), audrey hepburn, alexa chung and kate middleton... these talented top ladies find a classic case of cool underneath each straw, felt, floppy, basic and adorned hat they sport. I left without a chapeau but haven't stopped thinking about her entirely believable, bold statement as I returned to the street:
 "you have more fun in a hat." 

shots of chapeaux

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6


13.7.12

couture club

sadly couture week seems to be an invite only event. so sitting in the states I stay, pouring over pictures of the lovely ladies that do get to attend (or at least walk around pretending they do...) the shows themselves may lend endless inspiration, like elie saab's romantic gowns and chanel's classic tweed, but I always feel more attached to the street style shots from the likes of tommy ton and phil oh. no stylists, no casting, no wardrobe check: just women wearing their wardrobes of amazing and adventurous ensembles! 


even if only for an event like fashion week, each statement of extreme personal style is a source of motivation to experiment in your own closet. it's a reminder to "wear what you want," to express your glamorous daydreams and quirky personality all at once. so sport the outfits of leopard-on-leopard, mint green hot pants and dapper top hats you've been piecing together in your head at night! whatever makes you feel like you're strutting down your very own couture club catwalk...


couture club

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 

5.7.12

sights and stripes

in true americana form, I made sure to sport three very distinct shades of red, white and blue yesterday. there's something 
about those fourth of july festivities that leave everyone feeling a bit nostalgic for many years of lake swimming, dock tanning, 
flag waving and firework watching. I felt the retro stripes of these two girls on the water was an all too perfect representation 
of what I was craving all yesterday! since the lake house was far away in minnesota, I made up for the family barbeque I was 
missing with a quick trip past the statue of liberty, watermelon cups off the street and ice cream cones off the truck. who knew 
three colors could catch so may memories when presented in stripes and paired with sparklers?

sights and stripes

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24.6.12

trendy tropics


As the spring/summer runway shows rolled in like ocean waves they brought with them prints inspired by the tropical 
destinations we spent all winter dreaming about. Each piece offers a unique mix of oversized palm fronds, oceanic images and 
equatorial flowers that create an escape, only to be found by the girl who's bold enough to wear it! There is a surprising versatility 
in wearing these prints though my favorite is simply pairing with neutrals, like black or navy, and really letting your vacation-
inspired textile be the center of the instagram snapshot. Add a pair of stellar shades, a summer cocktail (with an umbrella) and 
dig your toes into the imaginary sand - it's summer!


p.s. [pearl snippet] I love the playful attitude of those tibi resort lobsters and realized today, while at the prada/schiaparelli 
exhibit at the met, their seriously classic nod to the iconic lobster dress! Even if unintentional, finding these threads that connect 
designers, details and decades add such depth to the fantasy that is fashion. As if I needed another reason to love it...


trendy tropics


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 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6

17.6.12

wandering ways

I have officially been in the city for three weeks and I have never felt more endlessly excited, overwhelmed and inspired! Waisting away lazy afternoons has been all too easy as I could take gold in Olympic Wandering these days. I love peering into designer windows  on Madison Avenue, gazing up at intricate architecture downtown, losing all sense of direction in Central Park, drifting through museums and people watching from random coffee shops. 

Marie Claire has been an exhausting but incredible adventure so far as I'm mastering the subway and my iPhone gps on excursions to endless PR firms and designers to collect the beyond glamorous wardrobe that makes up the fashion closet! I admit it can be quite heart breaking when the purple Louis Vuitton handbag and crystal-adorned Chanel pumps can't come home with me, but at least we get to spend the day together! 



a few of favorites so far...


10.6.12

peplum party

I've been quite the fan for a while. Since seeing them pop up in profesional runway pics and paparazzi snapshots, peplums have 
transformed from a statement of sophisticated, fifties femininity (think Mad Men / Pan Am era) to become a mini revolution 
of modern silhouettes. The best part of turning up the volume is the perfect balance between classy cocktails and stylish street
We can all look like Emma Watson on the red carpet and Blair Eadie in San Fran with a peplum top + jeans, my new go-to with 
this weekend's closet addition! (a plain white peplum tee from zara
Print, color and texture to your taste to be dancing in a peplum party in no time!


peplum party

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

31.5.12

our dear denim

Only a few fabrics can truly bridge the river that runs between Fashion-land and Comfort-ville. Denim just so happens to be 
the queen of this bridge! Unlike any queen before, she is not stuck in the past and strives to be modern and cool in every 
ensemble. She's expanded her territory past pants this year to focus on the denim shirt by signing treaties with chunky jewelry, 
fur vests, flirty skirts and tailored suits. If the fresh attitude of the light wash shirt isn't quite to your taste, denim suggests 
you try her dip-dyed to add extra flare! 


ps (pearl secret) : as much as I adore the classic denim top, there's something even more incredible about the threads in 
overall form - officially hunting for the perfect pair!

do it denim

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24.5.12

new to new york



There is officially one day separating adventure and I. In a handful or so of hours, I will embark down the city sidewalks 
not-so-less traveled by the young and inspired: those of downtown New York City! Beyond excited? Yes! Terribly nervous? Yes! 
Not only will I be discovering NYC and city life for the first time but also testing my fashion fever and style sense as a "Fashion 
Intern" at one of my favorite publications, Marie Claire! So here's to sight seeing, direction losing, over-packing, closet lusting 
and dream living! I'll update you soon...

                          new to new york









































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16.5.12

scarlet statements

Quite certainly you've noticed. If you're not living in 1930s black & white cinema, there is no denying the peeks, prints and 
pops of color that are so stylishly ubiquitous maintenant! My closet has always veered towards the blues and greens of the color 
wheel, leaving that rare red dress for statement occasions. Where an LBD has always been a quick and easy decision, the LRD 
(little red dress) has been saved for the truly confident or attention grabbing girls in the room. Well no longer! 

I'm reforming to consider red hues as another go-to neutral, so move over navy blue! It is perfectly acceptable, and 
enthusiastically encouraged, to wear scarlet shades anywhere, anytime and in any unexpected color combination you deem fit. 
I admit though, I may have to revert back to blue just long enough to find that enviable envelope clutch...

street statements

1 . 2 . 3
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9.5.12

printed paws

This summer is more than sweet pastels and youthful florals: there's also a touch of something fierce! Feet will be lost in the 
jungle as they sport cheetah and leopard of all shapes and sizes. The studded loafers add an extra edge while those perfect 
pumps look forever sophisticated! I recently stumbled upon a pair of one-inch, ankle-strap wedges that are decked out in this 
classic print and seriously can't wait to give them a run. So while prowling for accessories this month, I'd say going wild is a 
great way to show off your personal spots!


printed paws

                                                                                           1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7

26.4.12

study with style

Books, pens, text and type... finals week is coming up so its time to stock up on necessities! Besides the usual fresh pack of felt 
tip pens, clean pad of paper and pretty pack of sticky notes, I like to keep plenty of coffee and chocolate treats around for
motivation. I honestly believe I learn my best sporting a cute yet comfy outfit and working at an adorably adorned desk! Keeping 
bulletin boards of fashion trends and tricks, recent tickets and timeless trinkets provides endless inspiration for every educated 
girl. Simply look smart and you'll do smart as well!
study with style
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22.4.12

mother daughter

Exciting times: my first guest appearance on a blog other than my.pearl! For Vera Bradley's blog, insidestitch, my mother and 
I were asked to style a bag of our choice for how each of us would wear it. A fun experiment for Mother's Day! While I went 
for bright jeans and quirky accessories (like fredflare heart sunglasses) my mom went for leopard print flats and her classic 
aviators! I thought her look was very anthropologie while I was more modcloth meets jcrew. I truly believe there is no better 
fashion inspiration than your mother's closet, so how lucky am I to have such stylish heritage?
mother daughter style                                                                                         insidestitch




16.4.12

eclectic electronics

There is something incredibly special about vintage pieces. Not just the strand of grandma's pearls or the thrifted waist-cinching 
dress, but also those accessories that make their practical use a little less boring... I dream of one day filling a house with such old 
school technology like pastel, spin dial phones and brightly painted typewriters! They seem far less daunting than today's touch 
screens, mobile apps and tablet gadgets. The style of simplicity!
eclectic electronics

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5

7.4.12

hippity hop

It's by some miracle already that time of year again, where eggs aren't for omelets and bunny ears are cute rather than 
promiscuous. This year rather than being nostalgic for yesterday's egg hunts and easter bunny snapshots, I was inspired by a 
grown-up version of the holiday. While flipping through Vogue's slideshow of designer easter bunnies, I realized this Sunday 
can be both childishly fun and quite glamorous! So embrace pastel pinks adorned with gold, faux fur, fancy cupcakes and 
decadent treats! Happy Easter!
hippity hop
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25.3.12

delightful dots

I am happy to announce it is officially Spring! This season I tempt you to break out of your solids and make a simple statement 
of classic class: wear polka dots! Whether large or small, a full dress or square clutch, these dots radiate an easy sense of 
optimism. Black on white is my personal favorite, but they look just as great dancing across tulle and paired with other quirky 
prints. How do you plan to show your spots this week?


                                                                                              1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6
delightful dots


15.3.12

pretty in patrick

Rainbows to gold,  clovers for luck, leprechauns with cocktails... what's on you calendar for this St. Patricks Day? I am still soaking 
up my spring vacation so I will be hosting a grande soirée for Boca Grande's senior crowd. Through their old time tales and 
current complaints, I plan to focus extra energy on how to incorporate the holiday's iconic color into my ensemble! I'm between 
kelly green button downs, bold cropped pants, statement heels or simply adorned nails... Whichever I choose, I'll be sure to 
pair it with a handful of lucky charms!


pretty in patrick

1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8

8.3.12

travel time

It's about that time! Where we fill every inch of our suitcases with bikinis, shorts and floral dresses. After jetting off to a 
sandy shoreline, we get to lay out our beach towels and let the waves lap at our toes while working on the perfect tan. So 
whether it's a pink duffle, a vintage box or a polka dot roller: pack it up, get going and spring break in style!
                                      
                                                                                                            1 . 2 . 3
travel time

2.3.12

stylin' salmon

With March finally showing up, we're all left day dreaming in everything but black and white. No, we're not stuck in a classic Audrey film, but rather in scoops of sorbet ice cream ranging from mint green to soft purples. I've found pastels on every blog and Twitter post and find myself smiling at every sight of this salmon pink! There's something warm and fresh about it that shouts "Spring" and yells "cool." Inspired to try those natural peach lips, I'll be sure to pair them with an ensemble just as bright. 
                1 . 2 . 3 . 4
stylin' salmon





24.2.12

street style structure

Flipping through slideshows of Fashion Week Street Style, one look I've been quite drawn to is structured handbags! I've seen everything from classic neutrals to wild neons with structured handles and long chain straps. The sophisticated rectangular shape is always given some personality with little details and new textures. Add some daring shades and an oversized watch and you're ready for your street style close up!
handbag structure

14.2.12

valentines

February fourteenth marks the day: date nights, elaborate chocolates, grand gestures, cheesy chic flics and floral arrangements... 
This year I'm taking the day with a a bit of optimism (and a lot of pink, frosted cookies) because even though I'm not on fancy 
date and the flowers are actually my roommate's, I have plenty to keep me preoccupied! You will find me home tonight, 
wearing my new heart-adorned nightgown munching on a box of cinnamon graham crackers, simply glad there's love out there 
somewhere... 
valentines

9.2.12

daring details

There's something about wearing a tough piece of jewelry. It's an instant source of attitude. A hint of your dangerous side. A 
statement piece that says, "hey! are you sure you want to mess with me?" Mixed in with an everyday wardrobe of feminine, 
classic and slightly retro pieces - these daring details add an air of edge to your otherwise sweet persona!sweet spunk

4.2.12

true tulle

You probably remember your first ballet class too... ring-around-the-rosie followed by a mix of slightly coordinated skips and 
stretches, all of course while adorned in nothing but a fabulous tutu! Well there's no reason we can't still have those dreams 
of dancing ballerina slippers. Paired with a baseball t. and feminine flats, a full tulle skirt can take center stage in your closet 
as you do on the street! 

tulle love


29.1.12

map maker

The busier I get the more I think about far off destinations. Since actually escaping to somewhere exotic is a little out of the 
question, I've been drawn to mapping out future adventures instead! With a growing list of go-to destinations, I will have a lot
of ground to cover  in the years to come, ranging from sophisticated London to tropical Fiji. With cute luggage, postcard stamps
and a couple street maps - I think I'll be quite unstoppable, don't you?

on the map

27.1.12

pretty pants

It's been a dark and stormy week here making any remaining color seriously pop. So onto my never-ending and always-
changing shopping list have floral pants found their way to the top. The bold prints simultaneously say "I'm fun" and "I'm 
fearless." Just the right attitude to keep gray skies out of your closet!               jcrew . urbanoutfitters . petersom
pretty pants