Under $50 Easy Summer Pants...

J.Crew Broken-in Chino on sale for $49.99


J.Crew 484 Slim-fit Tompkins Pants on sale for $49.99


Old Navy Broken-in Khakis $29.99

In my continued quest to retire my beloved 510 Super Skinny jeans until the weather permits, I've been on the ultimate hunt for simple, yet chic pants that can be worn in the office and on the weekends that don't look too frumpy, and most of all won't break my pockets. The above selections are exactly what I'm looking for. Versatile, classic, and inexpensively chic.

These would be perfect with polo shirts, black v-neck tees, and rolled up oxford shirts. Seriously going for easy and effortlessly chic all summer long...so far so good! I'm also learning more and more that the label inside of the garment (for the most part) is just that, a label. The same cotton in a pair of $150 khakis is the same cotton in the $30 pair at Old Navy. True style is void of fashion (although fashion does provide the arsenal to pull off a lasting look) its just that style comes from within and has more staying power than any label could ever provide - in my opinion at least.

Drinking The Kool-Aid...

Silly Bandz


Silly Band gift from Senior Fashion Market Editor at Vogue

So I'm sure you're all very much aware of the silicone, oddly shaped craze that's sweeping the nation faster than a play by play of a good ole' American Ball Game. Silly Bandz as they're called, are the latest accessory to adorn what was the coolest kid on the playground's arm...well that was until adults, hippies, and fashionistas hopped on the trend.

It's actually quite funny how something that retails for $3.99 and is made out of silicone, that's pretty much a rubber band at the end of the day, is the coolest, illest, sickest accessory on the market - in my opinion, of course :-). Style.com recently posted on style icon herself, Mary-Kate Olsen, donning a Silly Band at a press appointment for The Row. I really didn't get what the hype was all about until I went to a friend's party one day and was given one as a party favor. I wore it mostly with everything because I thought it looked great with my normal line-up of MK watch and bracelets combo. The pop of color was pure perfection actually. I definitely had no idea that true fashionistas were running through the offices at top fashion bibles wearing them either, until I met with one said fashionista this week and she basically gave me her "WILD" shaped Silly Band. Wild I know...how's that for irony. The editor was Meredith Melling Burke, Senior Fashion Market Editor at Vogue (yes, that Vogue).

The conversation went a little like this...
Me: You're wearing Silly Bandz?! Which ones are they?
MMB: (Taking them off her wrist) This one's a shark, this one's a sword, and this one is pretty cool, it says "WILD".
Me: Oh that's really cool...I mean wild!
MMB: Yea...do you want it?
Me: Are you sure (Almost reaching for it before hearing her confirmation).
MMB: Sure! You can have it!

Yep, and that's pretty much how someone I idealize in the industry gifted me her Silly Band. The entire experience was life changing...yes, receiving a Silly Band from a Vogue Editor is that big of a deal! I mean, you can trade em with your friends and other people...but how many can get one from Meredith Melling Burke? I now have a total 4 Silly Bandz that I wear everyday - a pair of sunglasses, a guitar, a walrus, and the word "WILD".

Anyone else sipping the kool-aid...

So Simple...

Oxford: Ben Sherman; Jeans: Uniqlo; Loafers: Zara; Belt: Uniqlo; Watch: Michael Kors

With the temperatures in FL reaching well above 90 everyday, I've decided to no longer where my Levi 510 Super Skinny jeans. Honestly, jeans in the summertime are a complete death wish that wouldn't wish my greatest enemy. Skinny jeans especially do nothing for you sartorially because the slim cotton acts like a legging almost allowing little to no air to circulate to your dying legs. I've dropped my last bead of sweat due to skinnies in the summer! Period!

I wore these jeans on Tuesday of last week, and although they have somewhat of a slim fit, they are the perfect alternative to my favorite denims. Basically speaking, they're not as fitted as the Levis and allow me to let a little air hit the back of those knees from time to time.

A nice roll gives them an updated look and is very J.Crew - I'm loving what they're doing with their recent men's Fall 2010 collection. Oxfords half tucked in the front with a great belt, roled jeans, and loafers or lace-up oxfords is strongly becoming my uniform...and I absolutely love it! It's easy, it's simple, and it's 100% me!

Sea Shells by The Sea Shore...

Amazing homes are a dime a dozen in East Hampton


What a beautiful sunset...


Living quarters for the weekend


Toppings galore


Always in the mood for lemon sorbet on a hot Saturday afternoon


Something made me want to insert 50cent and relive my childhood...I didn't


Such a pretty sign for an amazing ice cream shop...


Another lovely manicured home...


The best kettle chips hand down...a little pre-dinner snack at 2nd House Tavern Grill in Montauk


Dayna's bag...


Love Dayna's nail polish...she always has great nail polish...it's borderline obsession


Outfit for the Clambake
Oxford: Banana Republic; Pants: H&M; Shoes: Sperry Topsiders; Necklace: Chico's; Watch: Michael Kors


The hotel bar is clearly well stocked...just saying


Most amazing chandelier I've seen in a while...


Dining room at the yacht club


Lighthouse above the hotel bar

Last week I traveled to Montauk, NY for the annual Hamptons Magazine Clambake at the Montauk Yacht Club & Resort. The experience was absolutely amazing and one I will cherish forever (a bit cliche I know but definitely something I will truly remember forever). My coworker and I made the best out of the 2 days we were there and we left no stone unturned - hence the reason there are no photos from the yacht club...a little to much fun :-).

Although it was upsetting to see that East Hampton was a little too pretentious and absolutely absurd at times for my liking, overall, Montauk is clearly the Williamsburg of the Hamptons. I'm seriously considering quitting my job and selling sea shells by the Montauk seashore...but I don't think Mama would approve.

The best part of my whole trip was meeting Scott Schulman and Garance Dore outside of 2nd House Tavern Grill. Dayna and I were parking the car to head in to dinner when I noticed the effortlessly chic couple exiting the restaurant. I immediately yelled to Dayna to stop the car and jumped out to introduce myself. They were so nice and honored to hear me profess my love to them about their blogs and how they're my biggest inspiration...thinking about it now, even if I forget that I ever went to Montauk, I definitely wont forget meeting my two biggest fashion blogger icons!

Comfortable...

Sweater: H&M; Pants: H&M; Shoes: Zara


Watch: Michael Kors; Bracelets: Disney Animal Kingdom gift shop

I've never been a fan of short sleeve sweaters. Always felt like they were an oxymoron of sorts. Sort of like those sleeveless turtlenecks which still don't make too much sense to me. Anyway, fan or not, when I saw this one during my last trip to NY back in April at H&M something about it felt more fashionable and not gimmicky. I love the wide knit and the roll in the sleeves, which I think helps the overall aesthetic of this sweater.

For some really weird reason, I've gone into this mode of only wearing the same pieces over and over again. Definitely not one to waste a garment...hello, countless rants regarding CPW (Cost Per Wear for my first time readers) can be found in blog posts of past. I've seriously worn these pants for a few days now and can really see why some people fall into a funk of only wanting to reach for their true blue pairs of denim or their favorite sweat pants crumbled in the back of the closet. In a way that's what fashion...better yet, what style is all about. Being comfortable in your own skin and allowing the clothes to tell the overall story.

What are some of your favorite pieces in your wardrobe that you can't dress without...

Oreos Anyone...

Shirt: Banana Republic; Pants: H&M; Shoes: Zara; Watch: Michael Kors

Pretty simple outfit for an anything but simple day in the office. Sometimes I really feel that when I can wear something to work that makes me feel confident and didn't require too much thought, I perform to the BEST of my ability - EVERY SINGLE TIME. I always seem to forget how simple and chic a black and white ensemble can be.

The classic cookie being the Oreo, it would only make sense that the classic ensemble would be in the same hue. Simple, classic and chic is my motto for work wear and for beating summer heat!

Stylishly Independent...

Polo: J.Crew; Jeans: Levi 510 Super Skinny; Suede Moccasins: Zara; Watch: Michael Kors

Finally!!!! The end of the week is here, and I can hardly contain myself. To celebrate my style independence, I wanted to be colorful and a little abstract at the office. What do you think? Mission accomplished?

Tomorrow is the first summer Friday in the office and I can hardly wait for the imaginary school bell to ring and release the "kiddies" to enjoy their 3 day weekend. I'm hopping on the road tomorrow with my boy James to enjoy some fun in the sun in Orlando. I'm in charge of bringing snacks for the road trip and since I do everything last minute, I have to leave work and go hit up World Market and Target. I also need to buy some shorts - khaki and navy colored for during the day. Skinny jeans in 90 degree weather, no bueno!

Happy Thursday...