throw it in the bag.

The other night, I left my wallet at a local restaurant overnight... Luckily, people in my neck of the woods are the good ones.  I fetched my wallet the next day (after they called my Dad back in the Midwest to tell him that the wallet was safe) & everything was exactly where I left it!  After giving a quick thanks to Jesus, I realized there are a few necessities I can not live without...

holla for the holidays.

Not only is it Friday... but we also have a long weekend ahead of us! I have always loved Memorial Day since I was a little squirt. It reminds me of the neighborhood pools opening for the summer, red/white/blue combos, and most importantly, BBQ's. Now that I am more of a "grown-up," Memorial Day is also another excuse for the most wonderful sales of the season. And the day off...to hit up those hot spots! 

Here are some darling deals for the holiday weekend...

bootie bootie bootie bootie, rockin' everywhere.

I found you, miss new bootie. 

My girlfriends may say they believe I sleep in my booties. Which is almost true. I wear them whenever I can. And with whatever I can. They go with almost everything!

I have found that I love to wear my light brown booties with my white jeans, my black booties with my black skirt, and my tan booties with, everything. And we can't forget about denim...there is nothing that jeans won't go with! I don't believe that booties are just made for fall & spring. If  you style them right, you can wear booties any season of the year. Even for Californians who don't experience the Midwestern seasons...you are included in that as well. Shorts, dresses, skirts, skinnies, you name it. These booties sure do get around...

desk du jour.

While I was working yesterday from my office space, I got quickly distracted and wrapped up in a day dream. I looked around and realized I loved every desk detail around me. My boss, Jen, has the most "effortlessly chic" style...hence the blog name. We usually work from her dining room table // the perfect amount of natural light, enough space for our laptops & DIY projects, and most importantly, simple yet elegant surroundings. While she has a home office as well, this spot is where it's at. 

My mind began to wander...what do I want my organized chaos office to look like down the road...?

the greatest gatsby.

The Great Gatsby -- a film about a fashion fairytale coming to life...(get it, my blog's name!?) Not only are the Prada collaborated costume designs simply stunning, everything about the movie is perfect. While a huge part of my love affair with this amazing film has to do with the wardrobe, the soundtrack (specifically Jay-Z, Lana Del Rey, & Florence Welch), the Golden Twenties decor, and the over the top parties sure contributed to making GG my favorite as well.

Was it just me, or was everyones heart hurting (in the most non-concerning and romantic way possible)? The true and utter romance was absolutely breath-taking. I wondered why most of the jam packed movie theater wasn't on the edge of their seats like myself, and then I remembered I never completed the book when it was assigned to me it high school. Instead, I sparknoted it and didn't quite remember that summary...

sole searching.

Man, have I been busy lately! Not only have I been searching for the perfect soulmate... I have also been doing some sole searching as well. Some may say I have quite the foot fetish, but shoes clear the blues, am I right? 

My next task on my to-do list is to sufficiently stock my closet with some summer shoes. I made a list of some top picks that are desperately waiting for me to purchase them. It only seems like the fair thing to do...

{Isn't Jen just the cutest!? & her shoe collection isn't too bad either...}

hits for the heat.

So it has reached the 100's this week and this girl knows the perfect way to distract yourself from the fact that you are sweating like an animal. Crank the tunes. 

listen here! :: hits for the heat 

white on white.

I have always been so scared to try the white on white trend. There was something so off limits to me about pairing a white pair of jeans with a white top. I think it stems from my childhood when my mom wouldn't let me wear too much of one color. Whenever I wore all black, I was gothic. Now I like to think I look chic. When I wore all blue, I was teased for looking like a blueberry. Some things just always stick with you.

So, yesterday I decided to face my fears. Since summer is quickly approaching, I decided to go outside the lines and wear white on white. And let me tell you, I loved every second of it. If you go about it the right way and purposely show that you meant to wear all of one color, you can pull it off. As long as you bring some gold accessories & jewelry into the mix, you are good to go!

gala golden gazelles.

I have spent the majority of my week stalking the style and glamour that made up the Met Gala. With the trendy theme, "Punk :: Chaos to Couture," there was plenty of black leather, studs, and even a Mrs. Doubtfire doppleganger, who resembled Kim Kardashian to a tee. Although Gwyneth Paltrow said the event was "un-fun," I will totally take her place next year. 

dream destinations.

A girl can dream, am I right? But literally. After waking up from the most magical dream last night, I couldn't help but write a blog post about my top three dream destinations. My dream took me to Bora Bora last night -- and I wasn't too happy about waking up this morning. I contemplated all morning about dream honeymoons, vacations, and realized I am pretty lucky to live in a city that people travel across the country to see. BUT, that didn't stop me from wanting to travel to these three places as well ::

the cream of the crop catalog covers.

No one does a catalog cover quite like J.Crew. While I may be a bit biased since this is my absolute favorite store, even the magical matchbook mag wrote an article on strolling down the J.Crew memory lane here! You can always be sure to find the most sophisticated of men & women (who are always quite the eye candy!), beautiful locations, and the best of all accessories -- a stylish smile. These bright (and sometimes black / white) covers just scream class and make you want to dive head first in the magazine. Not to mention, what's inside is usually just as good :)

What is your favorite J.Crew catalog cover? Please share! xx.

tatted up.

I always wish I was the kind of girl that would get a tattoo. I went through a period of time of wanting a small, simple tatt on my wrist or someplace I could hide it in times of need (interviews, time with my grandmother, etc). Although I have grown out of that phase, I often wonder what I would have gotten if I followed through with this ink craving -- my mom's initials or the infinity sign are two possibilities. 

I came across an amazing idea for someone who can't commit to something so permanent but definitely wants to give it a try :: terrific temp. tatts! They are only $5 for a set of two & they have darling designs.

Which ones would you choose? I am ordering a few today and will post pictures soon :) xx

fiesta fever.

Happy Friday, y'all! Do you have big weekend plans? I know I sure do! One of my favorite holidays (and excuse to party on a Sunday) is this weekend -- Cinco De Mayo. I have been brainstorming different ways to celebrate the big 5th of May with my friends. Of course tacos, cacti, cute Mexican insprired outfits, margaritas, and a side of guacamole must be involved. I am planning on making margarita popsicles + finding a cute chihuahua to hang out with. Here is an inspiration board I made involving all of the favorite Cinco De Drinko must-haves. I hope you enjoy your fiesta filled day / holiday!

In the mood for a margarita w/ a twist? Check out the homemade Strawberry Basil Margaritas I made with Jen earlier this week! xx