Ivy Covered Halls

Happy Monday! Over the weekend I journeyed back to Gainesville, FL...home of the University of Florida, the Gator Nation, and my beloved College town. This was the first time I had spent any real amount of time there since my graduation in the Spring of 2011. The nostalgia I felt was overwhelming. I strolled though UF''s beautiful ivy covered campus and reminisced about particular routes I would walk to class, living in my sorority house, and of course game day at our stadium the Swamp. It was truly a bittersweet experience... and I can't wait until I am officially a Florida resident again, and can make it back every weekend during football season.

 One thing I did get the pleasure of remembering is how unbelievably hot it can be in Gainesville during August. I wore this emerald green crepe dress, and I was really happy I did. Its swingy shape and breathable fabric allowed me to remain cool enough to fully enjoy my afternoon of exploring. I hope everyone had a equally great weekend, and as always... thank you for reading. 

xo Christina 

 "Oh hey there Gator, you look like you need some sunnies too!"

Dress: JCrew; Necklace: JCrew; Shoes: JCrew (on sale!); Bag: Tory Burch; Sunnies: Karen Walker; Bracelets: David Yurman; Watch: Michael Kors

Rainbow Mod

Last week I posted about my trip to Tibi heaven on St. Simon's Island (see post here). Well, this dress is one of my favorite finds of the trip. I love a good shift dress, and this one feels so 1960's mod to me. I also love that the colorful graphic pattern is summery without being floral, thus giving it a lot of potential to transition into the fall season. My little purse is also a new favorite of mine. Small enough to take out on the town, and big enough to fit an actual wallet inside...hello perfect! Thank you as always for stopping by, and have a great rest of the week. 

xo Christina

 Dress: Tibi; Bag: DVF; Shoes: Tibi (similar here); Sunnies: Karen Walker; Bracelets: J.Crew and David Yurman; Watch: Michael Kors; Lips: NARS Schiap

Animal Print: Trend Spin Link-Up

Happy Tuesday! Animal Print is this week's trend on the Trend Spin Link-Up. Animal prints are undoubtedly a personal favorite of mine. In a previous post, I wore this leopard peplum piece buttoned up with a black pencil skirt. Though I love a ladylike look, this cat inspired number feels so at home with distressed denim and a top knot. My one cardinal rule with the trend... only one animal printed item should be worn at a time. This will keep your leopard ensemble chic and prevent you from looking like Fran Drescher's character on the 90s sitcom 'The Nanny'. Head over to Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas to see other bloggers go wild with animal print! Have a great week and thank you for stopping by. 

xo Christina

 Peplum Jacket: BCBG; Jeans: JBrand; Cami: JCrew; Shoes: Zara (similar here); Bag: Celine (loving this similar style here); Sunnies: Karen Walker; Watch: Michael Kors; Ring: Forever 21; Bracelets: David Yurman and JCrew

Where to Shop: Tibi Outlet St. Simon's Island

I have always been a huge fan of Tibi's simple, feminine, and modern designs. Unfortunately, their most covetable items are typically out of my price range. That is when I discovered the Tibi Outlet on St. Simons Island, Georgia. Now you may be asking yourself "Why does the chic New York brand have their only outlet in the country on a sleepy little island  in Georgia?" The answer: Tibi's owner and designer Any Smilovic hails from St. Simons! Though the company does all of its designing in Manhattan, the distribution center is located in Brunswick, Georgia...only a short ride away from St. Simon's. Upon entering the store I was instantly impressed. Unlike some outlets where the clothes pale in comparison to the designer's retail priced stock, this outlet was full of the real deal, only a season behind. The discounts were insane. For example: I managed to pick up a $485 dress for $129 and a $285 pleated leather skirt for only $75! In addition, all of their shoes were on sale for $50...yes you read that correctly! So the verdict? Make the trip, it was unbelievably worth the drive. I am looking forward to making a seasonal visit to this shopping paradise to score more loot of my own. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend, and as always thank you for reading. Check out Tibi online here.

xo Christina

A peek into my dressing room!

 All of these shoes were only $50!

Bows: Trend Spin Link-Up

Bows are this weeks trend on the Trend Spin Link-Up! A bow clutch is an easy way to approach the bow trend without feeling like you are back in elementary school. Not only is the bow on this clutch an adorable accent, but it also functions as a useful hand strap. I also love the watercolor floral print against my solid silk dress. Though the silhouette of this dress is ladylike and garden party worthy, it remains modern with its neon citrus hue and unique three dimensional pleating. Head on over to Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas to see how other bloggers brought out the bows. Hope you are having a great week, and as always thank you for stopping by! 

xo Christina 

 Dress: Ted Baker; Bow Clutch: Ted Baker; Shoes: Zara (old but similar here); Sunnies: Karen Walker; Bracelets: J.Crew and David Yurman; Ring: Forever 21; Watch: Michael Kors; Lips: Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu

Asymmetrics

 Being a fan of structure, I usually do not gravitate towards scarf hems. When I found this asymmetric printed dress, my mind was changed. The linear print and color blocking gave the fluid silhouette visual structure. I love this piece so much, I am excited by the fact it is going to look great in the cooler months with a leather jacket and ankle boots. I hope everyone is having a great Friday! Thanks for reading.

xo Christina 

 Dress: BCBG; Shoes: Zara; Bag: Celine; Sunnies: Karen Walker; Bracelets: J.Crew and David Yurman; Watch: Michael Kors; Lips: Nars Schiap

Trend Spin Link-Up: Prints and Patterns

Stripes and florals are by far my favorite way to pair prints, and this combo is perfect for summer. In addition to summery, I feel ultra feminine with a flounce hem skirt, tie blouse and magenta pointed-toe pumps. Make sure to check out Walking in Memphis in High Heels and The Fashion Canvas to see how other bloggers mixed and matched prints and patterns. Hope everyone is having a great start to their week, and as always thank you for reading.

xo Christina

Skirt: Ann Taylor (old but similar here); Blouse: JCrew (old but similar here); Shoes: Juicy Couture;  Bag; Coach; Sunnies: Karen Walker; Necklace:e Max and Chloe; Bracelets: JCrew and David Yurman; Watch: Michael Kors: Lips: Nars Schiap