Paper Doll Vintage Boutique

I've talked about my favorite local vintage shop...a lot.  As a history major/fashionista I absolutely love vintage fashion from previous eras; one of my favorites is the 40s and 50s. 

A year of two ago my younger sister introduced me to Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, a little vintage shop on Main St., in Sayville, Long Island. 

Now, Rachel and I go at least once a month (sometimes we'll go two or three times!).  We actually go so often, and I'm forever tagging or posting about the shop, that they recognize me from my Insta posts (insert blushing emoji and fangirl squeal of excitement, here haha) when I walk into the store!

I think the reason why we go back (and so often!) is because it's such a fun and inviting place to be!  The staff there, especially owner, Dominique, are so sweet to everyone that walks in; and they're so passionate and knowledgeable about their products and vintage fashion in general. 

They have everything; both vintage and vintage inspired!  Hats, bags, clothes, shoes; you name it, they've got it!  I'm addicted to their sunnies, and I just picked up the cutest turban (totally the new beanie); I plan to go back to get more of each!

So, I think a post, sharing this treasure is overdue!

I LOVED this gingham romper, but alas, it was not meant to be (AKA, my butt was too big for it, haha).  Even though it didn't really fit right, I felt like a pin up star in it!  I'm definitely keeping my eye out for another (slightly bigger) one to put away for next summer!

Peace!  I'm not really sure if I can rock these round sunnies, but they're bubblegum pink and I think I'd wear them anyways--they're too fun not to wear!

I've gotten quite a few things from the shop over the past few months that I absolutely adore.  I've also tried on a few things as well, that I loved, but couldn't justify buying because I had nowhere to wear them (*sigh* broke girl problems), but I had a ton of fun trying them on and daydreaming regardless!

1. Tortoise shell cat eye glasses

Like my pin-up wannabe pose? haha :D

2. Black cat eye sunnies

If you follow me on Insta (here!), then you know how much I love these sunnies.  They've been my summer staple, and I wear them everywhere!  I like their plain black matte color, because it's classic, and the shape is just to die for.  As a devoted winged-liner girl (going on ten years!), I also love a good cat eye.

pic from this post here; also feat. in this post here, here, here, here, annnnd here...so far!

3. White Heart shaped sunnies (sadly, broken)

pic from this post!

4. Kate Spade Blazer!  I haven't seen too many blazers in this gorgeous green color, and the shape is awesome; the asymmetrical collar, and the longer length...I'm in love.

pic from this post here, and also feat. here!

5. Straw hat with black ribbon, A.K.A. Madeline's hat, plus a ton of other vintage hats that I wish I had somewhere to wear!

This straw hat in particular has been one of my favorite pieces I've seen at the shop!  It reminded me of vintage French fashion...which I guess is why I refer to it as the Madeline hat.  The little bow in the back is just darling, and the simple shape of the hat and it's straw material, makes the hat great for summer/spring...or a great vacation hat (a vacation to France!!!).

6. Swan print skirts and petticoats!

7. Peep that chandelier action!  The whole shop is so beautifully decorated; filled with art from local artists, a gorgeous chandelier, and racks and displays filled with vintage treasures!

So if you're ever on the Island (Long Island, for all you out-of-staters!  lol), make some time to stop by!  And if you're too far to make a trip, check out their site (and their Etsy shop!)!  :)

Do you have a favorite local shop that you can't get enough of? :)

Layers on Layers

Even though it's still summer it doesn't mean that you can't layer (I layered clothes and accessories today)!  Which also means, it's back to basics.  If you layer your accessories, I would say to keep your clothing layers more on the simple side, otherwise your outfit could become a circus (I love me some basics!).

Layering necklaces adds a lot of interest to an outfit; especially if you're keeping it simple like I did today.  A plain white tank is like a blank canvas, and adding a couple of special necklaces takes the outfit from plain and blah, to ooh-la-la sparkly.

If you haven't noticed yet, I'm obsessed with these cat eye sunnies (from Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, which I talked about here)!

P.S. My Princess Leia buns are a throwback to my 90s childhood (although one of the older librarians at work told me I look like a little Dutch girl, haha), a.k.a my Spice Girls phase (which I pretty sure any 90s girl went through and rocked this hairstyle at least once!).

I'm seriously in love with these druzy dainties (mentioned in this post last week) sent to me by the lovely Angel, of August Jewelry Chicago.  She was so lovely to work with, and I can't say enough good things about my new necklaces.  Plus, they go perfectly with my long J. Crew tassel necklaces (they were obviously made for each other!)!

Check out Angel's Insta, @augustjewelrychicago, and make sure to snag your own druzy necklaces before they're all gone!  (You can order through: augustjewelrychicago@gmail.com).

Layering tanks and sweaters is perfect for where I work; I do a lot of running around so sometimes I get really hot, and then other times if I'm in one spot for a while, I cool down in the AC and start to freeze.  A cute and simple tank under a simple sweater is the solution to the constant temperature change.

And, bonus!, throwing on a sweater gives you a whole other look!  It's basically two outfits in one (#score!).

And don't forget your Sperry's!  These white canvas ones make any outfit more summery (especially since my entire wardrobe consists of winter colors, lol).

Shop my look (and similar pieces) here!

How do you guys feel about summer layers?  :)

Style Inspo: Jessica Alba

There's always a few days where I find myself in a style rut.  I look into my closet and in my dresser and I can't seem to find anything I like enough to put together into an outfit, #strugs.  One of my favorite ways to get some style inspirations is looking to celebrities.  Jessica Alba is definitely one of of my favorite celebrities to look to for fashion inspiration.  What I love about her style is that, like Kate Middleton and Emma Watson (two of my other favorite style inspirations), her style is so accessible because it's easily duplicated on a broke girl budget!

Sometimes being able to duplicate a celebrity look (or even something close to it), makes me love my outfit even more that day, because I was able to create a similar for hundreds of dollars less!

Pic. from Daily Mail

Seriously, casual yet fancy and chic at it's finest.  Classic LBD, paired with this uh-mazing bomber jacket and black pumps.

Pic. from Boutique to You

I need this entire outfit in my closet, stat.  I've really been digging these flared jeans lately, and have been keeping my eyes peeled for a pair flattering to my shape because I just love them!  Plus, jeans and a white tee combo?  Check and check.

Pic. from Daily Mail

I am an absolute sucker for a good blazer; so much so that I may actually have a problem (totally picked one up last weekend at the J. Crew Factory store...#sorrynotsorry!).  Like the flared jeans, I'm also loving long blazers (with and without sleeves...although I guess that would make them vest...so I guess long vests are also on my list!  lol), and have been searching for one to rock myself.


Seriously though, how can one person be so perfectly and effortlessly chic?!  If I could just copy and paste her wardrobe into my own, I'd be such a happy camper.

Shop the look-alikes here!

What do you guys think of Jessica Alba's style?

Grown Up Barbie Dress + WIWW Link Up

Guys, I'm gushing over my new dress from eShakti.  I've done a few collaborations with them in the past (check 'em out here & here).  The cut, the colors, the shape!  I'm loving it all!  It's the perfect dress for summer.  Depending on the occasion and the accessories you can dress this up or down.

Colorblock Stripe poplin dress

My sister calls this dress the "Barbie dress" (I think it reminds her of retro Barbie, and I'm totally fine with that!) and I think it's gonna stick. But it's not typical Barbie, it's grown up, sophisticated but still super fun Barbie.

I feel great in this dress; it's easy to wear and it's super flattering on my figure!

I love the big, bold stripe pattern for summer (and it looks great with my early summer tan!).

I'm beyond in love with these retro sunnies I recently picked up at one of my favorite local vintage shops, Paper Doll Vintage Boutique (if you're ever on Long Island and love all things vintage and retro, definitely, check them out!  If you can't make it out to the Island, check out their Etsy page, here).

I love layering my Bip and Bop initials necklace that Richie got me for my birthday a few months ago. It's delicate and the perfect shade of gold (and rose gold!) to layer with pretty much anything (which is great because I never take this necklace off).

Does anyone else love mixing their lipsticks to make new shades?  This MAC 'Fusion Pink' with this NYX 'Shocking Pink' layered on top makes the perfect shade of Barbie pink without being too over-the-top or babyish. 

One of my favorite things about this dress?  It has pockets!  I repeat, it has pockets!!!  eShakti knows how important pockets in a dress are to a girl (seriously, how do people wear dresses without pockets?!).

You can shop my look (and similar pieces) here!

P.S.: Blogger Bloopers!!!

I always love looking through all the pics my sister takes for my blog posts and seeing the blooper shots. Pretty much all of them are me mid-conversation, looking super confused, lol.

Don't forget to join the fun and link up!

Check out the fabulous hosts!

Book of Leisure

Chic Street Style

Gracefully Made

Trends I Love: Spring Booties

Say bye bye to snow boots and hello to spring booties!

Booties are my new favorite shoe trend.  I love them with boyfriend jeans for a casual vibe, or paired with a spring dress for a fun and flirty look!  Best of all, you can have them with heels, or flat, and typically they're more comfortable than a pair of high heels.

I love the desert color in particular (if you couldn't tell by my picks, lol) because they're so versatile and can be paired with pretty much any outfit.  They're a great neutral that can still add a lot of flair to whatever you're wearing.

What are your favorite spring booties?

April Faves

April was a pretty good month for me. I turned 24 (guess that means I'm kind of an adult now, lol)!  

I'm starting to become more confident as a blogger and really getting into the swing of things (posting more regularly, getting/taking more quality photos).  My personal style has also come a long way since I started blogging; I like how I look and feel good in the things I wear, which has definitely helped with my self-confidence and overall made me happier with myself! :)

I'm positive May is going to be a great month and I'm confident I'm going to improve my blogging even more!

Unfortunately, I'm still pretty sick, but I still wanted to share my roundup with you guys anyways (I promise I'll try and get the rest of the links up as soon as I'm feeling better!) :*

Old Navy | Eyelet dress | $44.94

Savers | Ralph Lauren belt | thrifted

Marshalls | Lace-up Booties | old purchase

Marshalls | BCBGeneration Moto Jacket | old purchase  

Marshalls | BCBGeneration Moto Jacket | old purchase 

Call It Spring | 'Hey You' flats | sale find

Target | Striped Skirt | purchase from 2 summers ago

Ann Taylor | Faux Leather sleeve striped top | old purchase

Savers | Ralph Lauren belt | thrifted

Fossil | Cecil watch | c/o Fossil

Kate Spade | Glasses bangle | $78

Lokai | Lokai bracelet | gift from Richie

Old Navy | White tunic top | on sale, $22

Forever21 | Abstract Frond Print Skirt | $23

Michael Kors | Selma bag | gift from Richie (not available online in navy, but they have some other color options, here, or this gorgeous color block option, here)

Old Navy | Classic Blazer | on sale, $35

Old Navy | Graphic tee | (an old purchase, but Old Navy has a ton of graphic tee options, here!)

GAP | GAP 1969 Authentic Boyfriend Jeans 

Target | Leopard print flats | purchase from last year

Old Navy | Striped tunic top | on sale, $14.99

Old Navy | jeggings

Nine West | Riding boots | gift from mama

Fossil | Cecil watch | c/o Fossil

Forever21 | Pearl & Bow bracelet | old purchase 

Lokai | Lokai bracelet | gift from Richie 

Fossil | Cecil watch | c/o Fossil

Forever21 | Bow bracelet | old purchase 

Lokai | Lokai bracelet | gift from Richie

Marshalls | Sperry boat shoes | (similar here)

Old Navy | Magenta Pixie Pants | (the magenta was a clearance find, but there's a ton more prints and colors, here!)

Old Navy | Striped tunic top | on sale, $14.99

Michael Kors | Selma bag | gift from Richie (not available online in navy, but they have some other color options, here, or this gorgeous color block option, here)

Etsy | Monogram necklace | $36

Etsy | Love Initials necklace | gift from Richie

What were your April favorites?

Weekly Pin-spirations 4/29

Another week, another round up of my weekly pin-spirations (although truthfully, I could probably do this everyday!  LOL)

I've got a little bit of fashion inspiration and a little bit of foodie fare. Usually when I pin I start with one thing and after some time I wind up in a completely different spot!

Pin | Site

Emma Watson makes going to the airport in sweats look so effortlessly chic! I'm jumping on this bandwagon and if this entire outfit could just magically appear in my closet, that'd be great!

Check out my post, here, for the Save vs. Splurge for this outfit (my finds are a fraction of the originals!)!  (And, here, for some more jogger options!)

Pin | Site

Insects have never looked so chic and fashionable before!  Seriously, how cute is this print?

Pin | Site

I'm a sucker for boat shoes (I have about 5 pairs already and I'm not even a little bit sorry about it)!  They have a bunch of different colors, and I'm completely hooked on the coral ones!

Pin | Site

I'm always the only one who gets noodles at hibachi. There's always a huge pile of fried rice for everyone else and then, off to the side is my little pile of noodles. And I don't even care because hibachi noodles are absolutely heavenly. And now that I've found this pin, teaching me how to make them, I'm much more eager to learn how to cook like an adult. 

Pin | Site

If I'm not craving hibachi, I'm most likely craving bruschetta. And I'll admit, I'm a bit of a bruschetta snob. I like when the toast is thick, crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and the balsamic has soaked the bread. 

You can follow along for all my other pin-spirations here!


What were your favorite pins this week?

You Are the Pine-Apple of My Eye!

Pineapples (especially in sunglasses) are still definitely a major trend; and I'm totally okay with that.  It's cute, it's fun, and when the picture's been taken you can turn it into a pool drink or a tasty snack!  Inspired by this trend are a lot of pineapple accessories, clothing, decor, you name it!  I've rounded up a few of my favorite picks (thank you Pinterest!) to share with you guys!

DIY Pineapple Lamp

This lamp is made out of plastic spoons and plastic bottle!  Can you believe it?!

Pineapple Moon phone case

This is definitely my next iPhone case for sure; I love the mix of playful prints and the color palette!  (Plus it's only $20.25 and you can get it for the iPhone or Samsung Galaxy)

Pineapple Bottle Stopper

Waaaaay better than your ordinary (and boring) wine cork.

Gold Pineapple wine glass

And what goes better with your pineapple bottle stopper than a matching stemless wine glass?

Variety is the Slice of Life necklace

I would wear this with all of my sun dresses!

Pom-pom trim Dolphin shorts

I love the print and the pom poms together; it's so fun!

Ked's Pineapple print sneakers

Nice, bright statement shoes that are also comfortable (it's a win win!)!

This Anthropologie Pina Lace top is definitely a splurge piece; but there's no shame in the mantra: "Treat yo self"!

What do you guys think of the pineapple craze?