Picks

Look for Less: Cult Gaia Ark Bag Dupe on Etsy!

Look for Less: Cult Gaia Ark Bag Dupe{This is the real deal Cult Gaia Ark Bag that I purchased earlier this season (also worn here and here)}

Because your girl is always looking out for you, I just had to pass this info along…

The Cult Gaia Ark Bag has been the ultimate status symbol for fashion gals for the past two summers and for good reason. It’s super-chic, and it comes in at a relatively wallet-friendly price-point as far as IT bags go. After much hemming and hawing, I finally pulled the trigger earlier this season and bought one for myself. It was on back-order, and took almost two months to arrive, and I couldn’t have been happier when it did… at least I thought that was the case at the time. Well because my bargain-hunting knows no bounds, I was poking around online and found some pretty cool dupes on Etsy for even cheaper – as in $50 a pop!

‘Lo and Behold…

While I’m still completely in love with my pricier version, I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge that I kinda wish I had waited and gotten the cheaper one. Normally, I wouldn’t advocate blatant designer ripoffs, but the Cult Gaia Ark bag gets a pass because the original design is actually based off a vintage Japanese picnic basket.

So if you were previously on the fence about jumping on to this bandwagon due to pricing, you’re officially OUT of excuses, lol.

Picks

The Shoes at H&M Are SO GOOD Right Now!

It’s no secret that I love me some designer shoes, buuuut…

The shoe game at H&M is KILLING IT right now, and that makes my heart (and pocketbook) so happy! I’ve already pulled the trigger on a few items that I can’t wait to share with you guys. But in the meantime, I had to share the love before some of these bad boys get sold out!

While I’ll always be a designer shoe gal at heart, there are a few time-tested features that I look for when scoring cute kicks on the cheap:

  1. Stick to real leather and suede if at all possible. These simple slides are made from real leather, and these adorable bow sandals and pearl flats are made from real suede. And the best part is that they’re all under $60.
  2. If real leather and suede aren’t an option, I personally find that faux patent leather and satin are your next best bets. I think these patent flats and gorgeous luxe satin mules prove my case perfectly.
  3. Since you’re not breaking the bank, you can go for extra fun details like bows, brocade textures, and faux-fur pom poms without worrying about the splurge on something frivolous that you may cringe at later.

Which pair is your favorite? Lemme know in the comments, and happy shopping!

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Everyday Outfits My Style

Pietro Nolita {A Study in How to Wear Pink}

Pietro Nolita, how to wear pink, nyc fashion blogger, h&m pink dress, pink off-the shoulder-dress{H&M Pink Off-the-Shoulder Dress, FOREVER 21 Straw Boater Hat, BAUBLEBAR Earrings, COACH Sandals}

Delicious (and healthy) Italian food, plus all pink everything..?

Well go ahead, and sign me up!

After seeing it’s bubble gum pink exterior pop up all over my Instagram feed for ages, I finally made my way downtown to Pietro Nolita. And of course, I just had to dress for the occasion in a fun, girly head-to-toe pink ensemble. Not gonna lie, I felt kinda basic when I strolled up and saw a line of women waiting outside to take pictures. But hey, sometimes a gal’s gotta do what a gal’s gotta do for the ‘gram…

In addition to having the cutest decor, the food was also pretty good. Their schtick is “healthy” Italian, and I will say that I felt much lighter and more energetic than I usually do after stuffing my face full of pasta. We started with the goat cheese and oat tomato crositini and split fusilli al limone and chicken on the brick for our main entrees. Everything was great, but the pasta especially knocked it out of the park for me. We left feeling full, but not overstuffed, and even saved room for dessert at the OddFellows Ice Cream Co. pop-up shop around the corner (they’re caramel popcorn cone is to die for).

If you ever find yourself in Manhattan and decide to give Pietro Nolita a whirl, be sure to dress the part. The dress I’m wearing is sold out in pink on H&M’s website, but it also comes in white and blue. But no need to fret, ‘cuz I’ve rounded up a few more options for you below to help you on your way to totally pinked out bliss!

About the Fit:
This dress fits like a dream, and it’s hard to go wrong. I got my normal size and was able to wear it straight off the rack with no issues. I LOVE the fact that it has pockets, and the shorter length is perfect on my 5’7″ frame without showing off all the goods. 😉

Pietro Nolita, how to wear pink, nyc fashion blogger, h&m pink dress, pink off-the shoulder-dress
Pietro Nolita, how to wear pink, nyc fashion blogger, h&m pink dress, pink off-the shoulder-dress

Pietro Nolita, how to wear pink, nyc fashion blogger

More Pink Dresses

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