Red Dresses

Red dresses will always make others take note - perfect for occasions when you don't mind a little extra attention.

Left to Right:

Draped Jersey Dress,

Cap-Sleeve Ruched Printed Dress,

City Style Jersey Dress.

Cute Hoodie - Now on Sale!

The Semaphore Hoodie from this post is now on sale (now $39.95, was $68.00).

Cute Hoodie

Hoodies are great for everyday casual wear. Easy to throw on and always comfortable, no wardrobe is complete without this simple cover-up.

The Semaphore Hoodie is dressy as far as hoodie goes - the perfect casual-chic piece. It looks so pretty when open with the drape-front, and looks equally good buttoned up too.

Extra 20% Off Sale @ J.Crew

Picks from the J.Crew sale section (which is an extra 20% off through May 17th, 9:59pm ET).

Left to Right:

Byzantine-Print Merino Cardigan (J.Crew print cardigans are always so pretty),

Wavy Double-Link Bracelet (a unique take on a basic piece),

Kaleidoscope Bracelet (as seen in this previous post),

Enameled Tile Necklace (perfect for sprucing up boring neutral tops or dresses).

Canvas Tote for Summer Essentials

I love the oversized bow on the side of this Cross-Body Tote.

This is the perfect toss-in-everything-and-go type of bag for when you're heading out to enjoy the warm weather.

BirkaScandinavian Jewelry

Left to Right:
Flower Earrings, Amber Ring (available in sizes 2 - 15), Midsummer Bracelet

Etsy is a fantastic outpost for anything handmade. One of our favorites is BirkaScandinavian, a store that strives to create "elegant designs at affordable prices." The quality of the jewelry is outstanding, and the designs strike the perfect balance between classic and modern.

We simply love the stacking rings that come in a plethora of colors AND sizes, which allows for mixing-and-matching on all fingers. Simple basics that are perfect for all occasions and outfits.

Recently, we caught up with Marie Maciel, the designer behind BirkaScandinavian.

shopaphilia: Can you tell us about your biggest inspirations for your designs?

Marie Maciel: Being from Sweden I grew up with Scandinavian design. Being homesick makes me appreciate it even more. I want to make functional jewelry with Scandinavian simplicity and clean lines.

shopaphilia: What got you started with creating your own line of jewelry?

MM: I started making jewelry in Sweden. My mother was an avid knitter and it was natural to fall into jewelry chain-making since it is very similar to knitting. I then got deeper into silver smithing and developed the skills I needed to express the ideas I was having at the time. When I moved to the US six years ago, I expanded my business. I began selling my jewelry to Scandinavian stores in the US. The business grew and developed into what it is today.

shopaphilia: You've lived in Sweden and studied as an archaeologist - how has this exciting background influenced you as a jewelry designer?

MM: I try to have a historical perspective when designing. I’m drawn to old artifacts and I try to incorporate these ancient influences into my designs as much as I can. When I design, I seek to remain grounded in the classic at all times while I explore the modern. This keeps me from creating anything too crazy, but I always try to remember that the new and modern is what I am truly after. It is a push and pull, and a little knowledge of the past is always a great help!

shopaphilia: Marie, thanks so much! We look forward to exploring any new designs you come up with at BirkaScandinavian!

ON does Suits?!

Old Navy has 3 Suit Collections available now: Linen, Railroad Stripe, and Classic. The only collection with a blazer is the Classic, but the skirt option is a mini, which is not very professional.

Not quite sure where ON was headed or who they were targeting with this collection since I don't think anyone who needs a suit would find these sufficient. Yet, nobody I knows would wear a suit to just chill out either. Nonetheless, as separates, these would be fine for a business casual environment.

Left to Right:

Classic Cropped One-Button Blazer,

Classic Pleated Miniskirt,

Railroad Stripe Wide-Leg Pant,

Linen Pencil Skirt

Review: Work Tops for Spring/Summer

When the weather gets hot, light tops that are office appropriate are essential. Recently, I tried these on.

If your office is ok with showing shoulders, this Sleeveless Ruched Top would work on it's own since it has thick straps that make sure bra straps don't peek out. For a more conservative office, add a little cardi (a short-sleeve or 3/4-sleeve version would work perfectly).

For a little more coverage, a simple Crewneck with Tucking Details made of silk-viscose is an easy-to-wear silhouette that is definitely office-ready.

The Pleat-Front Blouse is a traditional shape that is made feminine with an airy cotton-silk blend and pretty pleats. Despite it's breezy qualities, it's not see-through so it doesn't require a layer underneath.

Sweltering workdays are infinitely easier with tops like these that help you stay cool and still look professional.

Martin + Osa Review

Martin + Osa is a store from American Eagle Outfitters Inc targeting the 28 to 40 year-old demographic.

From Left to Right:

Scarf-Neck Top

The Osa Flower-Print Tank

Cashmere + Silk Cardigan

Extend Tab Trouser Jean

I loved the simple, unpretentious wardrobe basics that had soft, luxurious fabrics. The prices were fairly reasonable.

The store itself is fine - nothing striking, but nothing off putting either. The bright lighting on the sales floor was a little stark for my liking. Conversely, the dressing room felt like it wanted to be a sauna with lighting so dim, it was a challenge to get a true idea of how the items looked on.

Currently, there are only 20 Martin + Osa stores, and surprisingly, 2 of them are here in Massachusetts (usually more "fashionable" places get new stores first, but I guess good ol' MA was identified as a haven for the M+O demographic).

More Nude Pumps

Quick update to the "Nude Pump Post" (left to right):

Bandolino Aveline Pump

Stuart Weitzman Truist Pump

Charles David Women's Galant Pump

Marciano Adinna Slingback Platform Pump

Nude Pump Post

Top Row (left to right):

Tetra Peep Toe Pump, Report Vivian Patent, Nine West Women's Testino Pump, Max Studio Marais, Gabriella Rocha 1492 Renira, AK Anne Klein Women's Blush Wedge Slingback

Second Row (left to right):

Fitzwell Valentine, Nine West Women's Barbe Pump, Franco Sarto Women's Sauna Pump, Moda Spana Women's Edda Pump, AK Anne Klein Kahn, AK Anne Klein Women's Lexine Dress Sandal

Bottom Row (left to right):

AK Anne Klein Women's Nara Slingback, Diego Di Lucca Women's Maddie D'Orsay Pump, Nine West Women's Jesella Sandal, Nine West Women's Zanja Sandal, BCBGirls Nice, Enzo Angiolini Women's Lainy Pump

When paired with skirts or dresses, nude pumps or sandals can make your legs look miles long making them wonderful wardrobe staples (which is why all of the shoes shown here are clean, basic pumps or sandals).

It can be very frustrating to find the right pair of flesh-tone shoes and while we've tried to include some variation in color and while these may not include your ideal color/silhouette, hopefully this is a good starting point.

To aid you in your nude pump search, here are some of the colors to search for: beige, brown, ivory, natural, neutral, nude, sand, tan, taupe.

The good thing about shopping on the Internet is that you can search a lot of sites quickly which is way easier than running to all the shoe stores in your neighborhood and asking for nude pumps.

Not Too Basic White Shirt

A basic white shirt is an essential for any wardrobe and this Striped Shirt is a great take on the white shirt.

The textured stripes and pleated bib front make this staple item a little more interesting and the tailored hem allows you to wear this pretty blouse untucked.

A white shirt is a great piece to add layers too (vests, sweaters, cardigans, blazers, jackets) and will always add a little polish and sophistication to an outfit.