a sweet pair of board shorts

Ben and I are heading on a trip with friends to Virginia for a July 4th long weekend tubing, BBQ-ing adventure, and he just informed me that he bought these new board shorts.... let's just say, Helen Hearts approved! Way to go, B.

Shorts via AMBSN

coachella-inspired looks from sole society

In 2012, I bought my first pair of shoes from Sole Society back when they first launched. Since then, Sole Society has partnered with 20+ influencers & bloggers to curate their shoe boutiques and collaborated with Julianne Hough on her own collections. Recently in 2013, they extended into bags and accessories. It's been so delightful watching Sole Society grow into a successful direct to consumer platform, stretching beyond shoes. Here's a peek at their fabulous selection, inspired by Coachella fashion which feels like a mix of Americana and Navajo (in my opinion!). What are your favorite Sole Society picks?

From top left to right: Millie tote, Xela wallet, Tori suede booties, Tali studded crossbody, Preston satchel, Printed infinity scarf, Jada large tote, Mandee lace up heel, Tanya ballet flat, Rose gold bangle

this kate spade surprise sale...

... Is speaking to me. Up to 65% off select sale items across all categories and wedding themed.  Sarah's wedding is coming up in less than two weeks and I have no clue what I'm wearing. So excited for it! Anyway, the Kate Spade sale is here, and these are some cool things that popped up...

A gold bag

 

A sparkly necklace

A book clutch

3 swimsuits that look like art

I'm so ready for summer (and for the beach again). I'm trying to organize a rental home in the Hamptons this summer with 10+ girls, which has been upping my cravings for more swimsuits and sarongs. (And I was just talking about trying to be minimal - urgh!) Currently, I'm really smitten with suits that have beautiful textiles like works of art, which Asos happens to be carrying a ton of inventory of right now! Here are a few of my favorites...

Seekers Floral Halter Bikini Set With Double Strap (Just bought this one!)

Minkpink Spring Break Bustier Bikini (Top and Bottom)

Seekers Red Floral Bikini Set 

back to basics: 5 workout items you need

Nowadays, my workout clothes have become my weekend clothes, lounge clothes, and errands-running clothes all rolled into one, due to sheer comfort and all the stylish options available. (Apparently, I'm not the only one who thinks this way, according to Business of Fashion.) So this means we have a free pass to invest well and often into our workout wardrobe, right? :) Anyway, here are a few of the favorite pieces in my fitness closet...

Colorful tanks that brighten your day and somehow make your shoulders look more toned (I don't know how they do it!). My favorite are the Lululemon Scoop neck and Power Y tanks.

Leggings are so flattering, I usually wear my Lululemon Wunder Unders with long sweaters too, outside of working out. These leggings are supposed to last to up to 10 years -- mine are certainly keeping up quite well so far.

These Old Navy bras are so comfortable and quality, yet ridiculously inexpensive. Score. 

I love how this GapFit Motion graphic T keeps me warm during an outdoor run. Also this grey pattern looks incredibly sleek (the curved side graphic nicely nips in the waist).

Asics are by far my favorite brand of sneakers. So comfortable! These running shoes have a rearfoot gel cushioning system which helps soften every step's impact. Also, coral and black is a badass color combination. 

What are your favorite workout pieces? Any items that you swear by? I'm obsessed with all things Lululemon because of their free in-store tailoring-- being 5'1" I literally tailor all of my tops and leggings!

$15 tops over at Nasty Gal

So this just happened... 150 tops for $15 at Nasty Gal. I just bought this sequin tank. Go, go, go!

PS: I'm also eyeing this sequin dress, on sale for $39. Would be great for New Year's!

must haves: snow boots & duck boots

New York just had its first snowfall of the season, and as I was walking to work this morning, all I could think about was how cold my toes were in my Hunter rainboots. I needed snow boots pronto! I especially like the duck boot design, so during lunch I conducted some research for the best ones out there for guys and girls. Here are some stand-outs...

For her: 

Sperry Top-Sider - Gosling (Black Quilted), $57.99

Lacrosse for J.Crew Duck Boots, $125

Tretorn Aspelina, $104

Tory Burch Jada Mid Shaft Duck Boot, $350

For him: 

Sperry Top-Sider Avenue Duck Boot in Camo, $75

SOREL - 1964 Premium T (Black), $140

 Sperry 'Cold Bay' Short Weatherproof Duck Boot, $120

Sperry Top-Sider Cold Bay Boot, $104

I ended up purchasing the black quilted Sperry's (such a great price!), but there were so many styles to choose from that it was hard just buying one -- I wanted them all! Do you own snow boots?

holiday gift guide #5: 8 gifts for the fashionable trendsetter

We all know her and love her: the most in-the-know stylish lady in our friend circle. Our fashionista friend is a trendsetter who makes looking glamorous look effortless, mixes her high-low wardrobe like a ninja, and somehow always knows what's on our Shopbop wish-list. Here are some gifts that are perfect for her...

 Because she is dying to try this latest nail launch: Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer, $18

Because she knows that metallics are the new neutral: Tory Burch 'Reva' Flats in Metal Luna Pewter, $235

Because this would make her laugh: Smooch Pillow, $58

Because leather jeans are on her to-try list, but these are on her must-have list: Blank Denim Coated Skinny Jeans, $88

Because she loves a little (okay maybe a lot of) sparkle: Limited Edition Bejeweled Vaseline, $45

Because she advises her friends' boyfriends to buy them this eternal "it" bag: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Clutch, $295 ("But not the mini one, the normal size!" she says)

Because she even shoots vodka in style: Perfect Destination Shot Glass Set, $26

Because she thinks a statement piece can brighten any outfit: Pim + Larkin Multi Disc Statement Necklace, $62 

26 amazing deals for cyber week

Working in e-commerce retail now, I have a whole new appreciation for all the hard work that goes into the big Black Friday/Cyber Monday push. But I also have a new appreciation as a customer for all of the options out there to save big! Here are a few Cyber Week deals from around the net (thank you, competitive research)-- hurry, most of them end on Cyber Monday!

Get up to 60% off women’s sale at Nordstrom.

Take 30% off designer handbags at Bloomingdales.

Get a Limited Edition Clarisonic Mia for $99 ($125 value) at Beauty Bar.

Up to 30% off at Asos.

Spend $250, Save 15% at Shopbop with code BIGEVENT13.

Take 20% off site-wide at Macy’s with code GOBBLE.

30% off full price tops at C. Wonder.

Take 60% off all Sale at Ann Taylor with code ANNFLASH.

30% off boots and flats at UGG Australia.

Get 30% off regular priced dresses at BCBGeneration.

Get up to 50% off on three items at NastyGal.

25% off at J.Crew with code GETGIFTING.

Take 30% off markdowns at Club Monaco with code THANKS30.

Get 20% off handbags at DKNY.

Take $50 off $250 at Beauty Bar with BBSPECIAL50

Extra 30% off at The Outnet.

15% off regular items, 20% off sale items at Lord & Taylor with code BIG.

30% off throws at West Elm, also free shipping with code SHIP4FREE.

Get 25% off side-wide and free shipping at Steve Madden with code THANKFUL25.

Get 20% off site-wide and free shipping at Hudson Jeans.

Free shipping with code HOLIDAY at Saks Fifth Avenue.

$25 off $100, $50 off $150 at Nine West.

Free secret reward card + Free Shipping on Orders $100+ at Victoria's Secret.

30% off outerwear at Express.

Get up to 60% off select items at Gap.

40% off when you use your Banana card at Banana Republic with code BRTHANKS.

Happy shopping xoxo

cut-out dresses: do or don't?

Stumbled upon this dress and was drawn to its interesting cut-outs. Of course, I absolutely do not need yet another little black dress to my closet, but regarding cut-outs....What do you think: do or don't?

(Dress from Asos by Solace London)

helen loves: edition #11 featuring Amazon!

Since working for an Amazon subsidiary, I think my relationship with Amazon has gone to a whole other level of dependency. Beyond purchasing consumables and books, I'm actually doing a fair amount of clothing/shoe/beauty shopping, thanks to the great deals (and free shipping -- thanks, Prime!). Do you find yourself cross-checking Amazon for all of your purchases? Here are a few items from my Amazon shopping cart history...

A simple grey mini-dress for Fall ($13)

Nars Blush in "Orgasm", a must-have classic ($29)

Asics running sneakers with gel cushioning system - so comfy ($45)

Cute printed Baggu nylon tote to carry things to and from work ($10)

I bought these clear drawers for my work desk to store samples and miscellaneous products ($14)

Short fiction is an impulse purchase of mine and Ann Beattie is a fantastic writer. ($9)

A cheapie, but a goodie. This pimple drying lotion really works ($10)

I took the plunge... let's see how these wedge suede sneakers actually look in person ($30)

PS: Other Helen Loves collections

fall fashion

I can't believe today is October 1st! The transition into fall always sneaks up on me, and now that I'm in working in e-commerce retail at Beauty Bar, we're already gearing up for Black Friday and the Holidays... nuts! As much as I love summer, I'm really excited about layering on the jackets, blazers, scarves, and riding boots. Leave it to Pinterest to provide all the fall fashion inspiration a girl could ever need...

Hope you're enjoying the cooler weather!

PS: Other fall/winter looks here. (Photos via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

spring forward with shift dresses

Up until this week, NYC weather has remained stubbornly cool and still required wearing a winter jacket -- yuck! Today feels so much better with lots of sunshine, which instantly makes me want to do some Spring shopping. My favorite seasonal transition piece is the 3/4 length sleeve shift dress, which I like to wear in colder weather with tights and boots, or dress down in warm weather with sandals. The not quite short or long sleeves are adaptable to any situation and cover just enough skin. Pretty close to perfect, right?

Make a statement in a patterned shift dress...

Or keep it simple in white lace...

Or wow the crowd in an embellished dress perfect for going out

For a long time, I stayed away from dresses because I wasn't particularly "girly" growing up. Now, I rely on them all year long! What's your favorite transitional piece into Spring?

(From top to bottom: gorgeous shift dresses by Tracey Reese, Yoana Baraschi, and Jessica Howard via the Amazon Dress Shop)

the CFDA & eBay present: you can't fake fashion

For the third year in a row, the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and eBay launched new You Can't Fake Fashion designer tote bags to fight counterfeiting. This year, some of my favorite designers contributed to the collection and the results are breathtaking. Take a look...

Aren't they all so creative? 90 designers including Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, Prabal Gurung, Rodarte, Kate Spade, and rag & bone each customized a canvas tote to create their own one-of-a-kind bag. While the designer bags have been auctioned off, the canvas tote is available for purchase here on eBay for $50. There's also a fun Tumblr contest (ending tomorrow) where you can submit your own digitally designed You Can't Fake Fashion tote bag image or GIF -- winners will win a $500 eBay gift card and their very own canvas tote. Read more about entering the contest here.

Which one's your favorite? I'm gravitating towards all of the sparkly and colorful designs -- I especially love the Sam Edelman bag. Browse through all of the bags here.

helen loves: edition #9

I'd never take off this Baublebar customizable charm ring.

This Kate Spade/Lake and Stars silk chemise is lovely.

Check it out: "Healthy Eatmore Fudge Chocolate Bars" - no refined sugar, flour, or chemicals are included... meaning I can eat as many as I want, right?

Ooh, the Armani Lip Maestro matte lip lacquers sounds luscious - want!

Are handset phones still being manufactured? The nostalgic me would so buy this fun gadget.

Expectations vs. Reality...so true.

Two-sided heart tote from Etsy.

PS: Other things Helen Loves (Editions #1-8)

spring, you couldn't come fast enough!

You guys, I think the weather is getting to me. It's so tough to leave work and be surrounded by pitch darkness. Remind me not to sleep in this weekend so that I can actually enjoy some sunshine, okay? In the meantime, here are some things to help shake away the winter blues.

A denim jacket over a white dress... perfect warm weather outfit in my opinion. (via Let it Be)

Whoa, spring bouquet popsicles! Almost too pretty to eat.

Isn't this photo of Phuket, India beautiful? I can't wait to travel this spring. (photo via Anne's Flickr)

This painting makes me feel alive... it's serious and moody, but full of energy too. (By Stricher Gerard)

Have a good week!

winter sleek, on the go!

During winter, all I want to do is wear black leggings and comfy large sweaters all the time... I'm in full hibernation mode which is not exactly the most stylish. So I'm trying to find some outfit inspiration that will take me from hum drum uniform to sleek and put together with the least amount of effort. Here are a few looks I'm planning to pull together from my closet and emulate all winter long....

For coffee with your girlfriends: 

Quirky statement sweater + worn-in jeans + lipstick (and preferably a latte)

For running errands and grocery shopping:

Soft Chambray top + black skinny jeans (and flats or boots, your pick)

For drinks with friends at a bar:

Boyfriend blazer + skin-tight jeans + killer heels

For a casual work day:

Bright silky blouse + high-waisted trousers + wedge heels

Any favorite go-to outfits that I'm missing? 

PS: More outfit inspiration:

Fall/winter coats

Quirky sweaters

Bright colors

Favorite winter casual looks, 

(Photos via: 1, 2, 3, 4)