Warby Parker – Palm Canyon Collection

Lush desert landscapes, color pops of lush green foliage, cascading palm trees rustling with the dry breeze; this is the picturesque scene of what I have come to love about Palm Springs, CA. While I haven’t been for years, I still manage to get that old Hollywood glamour vibe from the surrounding deserted car washes, theaters, and restaurants every time I can visit. These inspirational landmarks have inspired a new collection of eyeglasses & sunglasses by Warby Parker.

There are four frames within the collection that took over a year to design and construct with no two frames exactly the same. I have to say my favorite pair would have to be the Duckworth Painted Desert eyeglass frames. The woodworked texture is phenomenal and the round shape is something I am becoming more and more accustomed to when looking for new eyewear. The Wheeler sunnies in Revolver Black remind me of a smaller version of Celine’s with it’s overly thick black frames. I have been lusting for a pair similar to that of Celine but without the Celine price tag attached and these are the perfect compromise.

What I love most about Warby Parker is their at-home try-on functionality. You can pick 5 pairs of eyeglasses or sunglasses to try on at home 100% free for 5 days! I have always been hesitant to purchase any type of eyewear online without trying on something similar beforehand and Warby’s at-home try-on eliminates all risk. Not to mention the price of frames INCLUDES your prescription lenses. I know, I was just as shocked to find that out as well! Kudos must also go out to their online marketing approach. Their simplistic design almost makes you want to purchase something outright, by far the best website I have yet to visit for trendy eyewear at reasonable prices. For those of you who (like me) want to make your eyewear selection as large as your overflowing shoe collection this is the way to go.

View some additional shots from the Warby Parker Palm Canyon Collection below and be sure to visit their website here for more information! I will be sending off for my 5 day try-ons ASAP.

Time for Tartan

Time for Tartan by shhtephs featuring black tops

I have a mean case of Tartan on the mind. These pieces are such great essentials for winter and fall. If I could buy the middle look in time for Thanksgiving I definitely would but alas, I think time has been cut too short for this one. I’ll hopefully find a different alternative but I believe I will be sporting as similar a skirt as I can find and pairing it with a nice warm sweater.

What will you be wearing this Thanksgiving?

Totally Barbaric

As I have graduated college and moved into the working world you finally get a feeling of what monotony really is. Getting up every morning at the same time, sitting at the same desk, and using your brain to complete the same tasks. While my job isn’t always monotonous, sometimes you can’t help but get in that rut. What I love as of late is seeing some of my old classmates, friends, and co-workers pushing their entrepreneurial spirits into high gear. Take for example the above handmade embroidery for my blog Unconscious Style made by one of my old co-workers Meghan Foster. She creates the cutest and geekiest embroideries that are perfect for your room, home, or office.

Her Etsy shop Totally Barbaric is something that while starting off small can grow huge with the right amount of spirit and dedication. This is one of the reasons I wanted a custom embroidery for my blog, almost as a reminder to keep pursuing what you love to do.

Be sure to check out her shop for more designs, she also takes custom orders!
Totally Barbaric

Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland by shhtephs featuring a long sleeve crew neck sweater

I’m really getting into the fall mood lately. I just purchased this MinkPink Zippora Jumper (shown above) and I can’t wait for the air to feel crisp again. Currently I am lusting over tan and dusty pink over coats and baby blue fuzzy sweaters. Who would have thought baby blue would be such a fall color but it makes me even more excited for winter to come. I am also thinking of getting a sherpa lined moto jacket in the near future. My favorite piece I own is my H&M leather jacket but I would love to have one more winter appropriate.

For those of you who don’t use Polyvore I would highly recommend it. If you are like me and cruise around online sites getting inspiration or window shopping it helps to get all of your ideas down onto something legible. PLus it makes it easy to share with others 🙂

Insta-Shhtephs

Ever since my introduction to Instagram it has been a complete addiction. The clean layout, perfectly portioned pictures and the ability to visually follow the lives of friends, family, and fashion idols seems to have created an Instagram trigger finger in me. Checking the app has almost turned into some sort of strange ADD tick where I can’t help but flip through pictures every 5 minutes (I know many of you can attest to this). The world is ever increasingly (due in part to the internet) becoming stimulated by visual imagery.

Working full-time and maintaining my blog can sometimes put a lot of creative restraints on me. What I can always count on is capturing my life through my iPhone lens. So if you want to get a peak into my world feel free to follow me!

Birthday Wish List

Birthday Wish List by shhtephs featuring a cable turtleneck sweater

And it’s not even my birthday…yet. Been lusting over these pieces this past week and I believe with my birthday coming up it is the perfect opportunity to pump up my fall wardrobe. I am in love with cowl neck sweaters and this UNIF piece gives me everything and more. Versatility is the most important part of my wardrobe, I desperately need clothes that can be worn to an office (business casual) as well as Disneyland on the weekends. The heels would most likely be limited to the office or a nice evening out but I must say they are some classy looking boots. I can just see my legs becoming skyscrapers in them! Lingerie style dresses have been on my want list for awhile (ahem Reformation everything) and this Zara piece is right within my price range, I might have to treat myself to this baby.

What staples are you looking to purchase this fall?

NYFW Favorites

Opening Ceremony (Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear)

I’ve currently been lusting over my computer and Instagram at all of the beautiful pieces being shown during NYFW. I love seeing all the Ready To Wear items, it really gives me hope that one day I might be able to grab a few of these gorgeous pieces for myself. My favorite shows thus far have been BCBG Max Azria, Alice + Olivia, Alexander Wang, & Opening Ceremony.

Dreamy pastel fabrics draped delicately over one another, starched wide shoulder’d sweaters & blouses mixed in with the edge of leather pieces are what make me excited for Spring 14′. Not to mention all white everything and cropped tops are still completely accepted. BCBG by far has to be my favorite, I love the subtle mesh & floral inserts they have snuck into the hemlines of their dresses and throughout their printed pants. What were your favorite shows thus far?

Alice + Olivia (Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear)

BCBG Max Azria (Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear)

Alexander Wang (Spring 2014 Ready-to-Wear)

All photos courtesy of Style.com

Zara All Black Everything

Zara All Black Everything by shhtephs featuring black boots

I’m currently lusting over these Zara black basics. Definitely purchasing all of these come my next paycheck. Although I am still aching for some summer threads I know that Winter Is Coming (for those GOT fans) and I need to prepare. I have been looking for a pair of laced up leather pants and these Zara look-a-like pair are giving me everything. A dainty black camisole and these patent open ankle boots will not only go with everything in my wardrobe, but look how well they already compliment each other! For every colored item in my closet I think I counter act it with at least 4 black pieces but hey, who doesn’t love the way black looks on?

Current Obsessions: My Fall Trends

So Cal Fall Trends by shhtephs featuring RVCA

I’ve never been one to be completely capable of recognizing trends, mainly because I just like too many things. My particular style for the day depends on my mood, what time I wake up, and many other variables. Here are a few of my favorite pieces I am obsessed over for this coming fall. These RVCA pants have taken over my mind, body, and soon to be wallet. Not only are they an amazing print but the cut is exactly what I was looking for. If you’re like me and stare at Novella Royale’s amazing pieces for hours on end but cringe at the thought of passing up eating for a pair of pants these are a definite go-to. The 2020ave romper has the faint appearance of lingerie which might be why I like it so much for the upcoming fall season. Luckily the So Cal weather will permit wearing shorts up until late October. The Isabel Marant sandals and Celine sunnies are just a “lust” part of the list, I’m sure until the time comes where I can afford these without feeling super guilty I will indulge, until then I will find something else to fill the void. Happy Tuesday!

Current Obsessions: Subtle Textures

Leather & Lace by shhtephs featuring pastel shorts

Theres something about silky shorts and leather that makes me crazy. I’m on a hunt for a pair of shorts similar to the beautiful ones by Lover but are unfortunately not within my budget constraints. Along with pairing it with something structured like the leather top above, I would love to pair it with a few of my soft flowy tops from say Brandy Melville. These boots from Zara are on my “to buy” list and should be mine within the next few days.

Basics with a little flair are especially great to buy if you are running on limited funds. The pieces above may appear basic but the various textures and subtle details are what make them perfect additions to your closet. Happy Thursday!