Erranding

Errands is a noun meaning a short journey undertaken in order to deliver or collect something on someone else's behalf. The "errands" I did yesterday were all on my own behalf...DSW, Marshall's, Ulta, Target, and Kohl's. So, that would make what I did on Sunday a..."mision?" Yeah, we'll go with that. A mission for sales and deals on spring shoes and apartment stuff.

XXI stripe tee and bomber jacket, a.n.a leather jeans, Steve Madden wedge sneakers, Charming Charlie purse (similar here and here) and earrings (similar), New York & Co necklace (similar), Stella & Dot bracelet, Tory Burch sunglasses

BALI BOUND

Boohoo.com.au top / General Pants shorts / Tony Bianco heels

I post this, as I hurriedly pack the last of my tropical wardrobe for my first visit to Bali.

I've luckily enjoyed many trips to Asia - Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, as well as living in Vietnam for part of 2010, but surprisingly (especially to most Aussies), I've never visited Bali.

I'm really looking forward to checking out a new city, meeting some locals, savouring delicious Indonesian cuisine, and of course the shopping!

Of course, I welcome any tips, must sees/dos.

Be sure to follow @friendinfashion on instagram for all of the adventure.  

Photos / Tim Florea

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Laced

The Lucky Community started a contest entitled "Show Us Your Lucky" where the members (all fabulous fashion bloggers) interpret looks from this month's Lucky magazine. The story "Wear a Little...Wear a Lot" featured global and lace as two of the trends to try. For the lace look, I chose all different patterns of lace, but in classic black & white they don't compete. Yesterday, I rocked the global look, so check it out here! 

J.Crew coat, American Apparel tee (similar), XXI skirt (similar), Target belt (similar), Nine West pumps, Apt 9 fascinator headband (similar), Target tights (similar), Old Navy earrings (similar), vintage brooch (similar)

Escher

Growing up, we had a copy of M.C. Escher's "Day and Night" in our living room and whenever I wear graphic black & white, it reminds me of his work. The use of interlocking figures and mathematical perspective achieves dimensions and symmetry that trick the eye and keep you staring all day. I'll have to get a copy for our new apartment, which we found on beautiful Sunnyside Ave. in Lincoln Square!

Allen B jacket (similar here and here), XXI striped knit, Francesca's necklace (similar), Gap legging jeans, Nine West pumps

Fisherman's Net

As I shared in this post, one of my favorite looks for the holiday was an oversized fisherman sweater and a lace skirt. It's a perfect example of high/low, especially with a jewel drop earring. Speaking of, can we talk about the color emerald? It's the Pantone color of the year and I find myself reaching for these earrings with any neutral outfit to add a pop of color and feel fancy, like Elizabeth Taylor or something. Maybe I'm also really feeling emerald because it's the shape of the diamond in my engagement ring. Whatever the reason, I can't wait to purchase this and this to get the look without the hefty price tag of the actual gem.

Gap sweater (similar), XXI skirt (similar), American Apparel tights, Nine West ankle strap pumps, Stella & Dot drop earrings

Cold Shoulder

Well, I did it. I purchased an Equipment blouse and boy, oh boy, was it worth it! After realizing that peach is going to be my go-to neutral for fall (think of it with cognac, plum, mustard, teal, burnt orange, etc.), I had to start the search for a blouse that I could pair with all of those autumnal hues. So, I started scouring my usual suspects of XXI, ASOS, and J.Crew, but when I came up empty, I remembered this post by one of my favorite bloggers. And there it was, on shopbop.com, and the best part? It was on sale! The shopping gods smiled down on me and when that happens, you take advantage, my friends. Never turn a cold shoulder to an amazing blouse on sale, especially when it feels so exquisite on your skin. Literally, like butter

Equipment Nixie blouse, NY & Co skirt, Sam Edelman pumps, Target earrings, NY & Co necklace

P.Y.T.

There's something about wearing black and white that always makes me think of Michael Jackson (as seen here). Maybe it's because he sings a song about those colors (duh, Jenny). And even though the guitar riff in the beginning of that song jump starts my dancing engine, P.Y.T. is my absolute favorite. I mean, who doesn't want to hear that they'll be given TLC and taken "there?" Yeah, me too.

Steve Madden high tops, NY & Co jeans, H&M tee, vest via Crossroads, Target scarf, JC Penney snakeskin cuff, leaf cuff and earrings c/o my man's mom (Thank you, Martha!), Stella & Dot purse, Revlon Orange Flip lipstick

Black and white on a summer evening

Here's an outfit from yet another one of our evening strolls - we can't seem to stay indoors on these beautiful summer evenings, and we also can't stay away from Salt & Straw. (On this trip we shared scoops of double-fold vanilla and mixed berries - some of the more normal flavors there.)

Striped shirt: Target

Black and white shorts: Loft

Gold sandals: Asos

White purse: free from my aunt

White necklace: H&M

The other day I went to Pix Patisserie in SE Portland with my mom and brother. If you're in the area you really should stop by - the desserts may be expensive, but they're delicious little works of art. My mom got the Shazam, which is the wavy chocolate tower in the middle below, and I got the macarons pictured at the bottom (pistachio, blackcurrant, and salted caramel).

Life in black and white

Back in high school, I happened to mention to my friends once that my legs were my favorite feature. For months afterwards, they gave me no end of grief on the matter, in that lovingly mean way that only friends can manage. All the guys would whistle and jokingly say, "Wow look at those sexy legs!" whenever I would show up at a party, and all the girls just laughed because I thought my legs were my best feature, not, say, my eyes or my smile (which were apparently the more normal responses). I've moved past that now - while I appreciate my legs for all they do for me (walking, running, working, looking decent in shorts), I have other features that I like much better (like my eyes). I'd love to know - what do you think your best feature is?

For all my love of bright colors, sometimes I feel the coolest in black and white. It's such a timeless combination. Plus, this hat makes any outfit about ten times cooler.

White blouse: free from my aunt

Black and white shorts: Loft

Black blazer: Fred Meyer

White wedges: Sam Edelman (Kendall wedges) from Piperlime

Black hat: gift from my aunt

Black necklace: Urban Outfitters

Black bracelet: free from my mom

White bracelet: H&M

Black and White

[Maryann in Chanel and  Givenchy]

Maryann always looks meticulously coordinated in her wonderful outfits and great accessories. Watch the video below for some more style inspiration.

Advanced Style presents: Maryann from teenage peanut video productions on Vimeo.