Lace Up

 On Whit: Laced Up High Shift Dress c/o Tobi, Who What Wear x Target Slouchy Utility Jacket, Mansur Gavriel Mini Bucket Bag, Zara Glitter Gladiar Sandals (old),  Quay Highly Strung Round Half Frame Sunglasses

I'm loving the high neck lace up detail of this dress (on sale!).  It's my turtleneck fix for the summer.  Find more trendy shift dresses on Tobi here. 

INSPO// Trumpet Sleeves

Click images to go to source.

A white top is always in style, but that doesn't mean that it can't get an upgrade.  Oversize trumpet sleeves add some drama to a wardrobe essential.  Shop some options below!

#BTS with The Great Mall

On Whit: A'Gaci Sincere Off Shoulder Top (color no longer available online) $18.90, Banana Republic Leggings (not available online) $9.99, Zara Sandals (old, similar below) $29.99.
TOTAL = $58.88

On Mal: A'Gaci Stripe Poplin Shift Dress $29.90, Forever 21 Choker $3.90, H&M Espadrilles $14.99.
TOTAL = $48.79

We are no longer in school, but we still remember that back-to-school shopping excitement.  When the Great Mall offered $100 to complete an outfit, we were slightly skeptical.  Little did we know, we would manage...and then some!  Everything had sales. Here's how our $100 broke down:

Whitney:
  A'Gaci Sincere Off Shoulder Top $18.90
  J. Crew Factory Striped Lace-Up Espadrilles (also in ikat)not pictured (extra 60% off in store) $7.99
  Banana Republic Distressed Denim Leggings, White (extra 50% off in store) $9.99
  Banana Republic Denim Leggings, Dark Wash not pictured (extra 50% off in store) $11.99
  Guess Off-The-Shoulder Top not pictured (Extra 30% off in store) $20.99

Total: $69.86

Mallory:
  A'Gaci Stripe Poplin Shift Dress $29.90
  H&M Espadrilles $14.99 
  Forever 21 Choker $3.90 
  A'Gaci BodySuit not pictured $17.90
  Forever 21 Crochet top not pictured $29.99

Total: $96.98

You might notice we both gravitated towards off-the-shoulder.  We are 90s babies, so this trend (and the choker revival) are welcome news to us!

After shopping in a mall for the first time in a long time, we understand the meaning of 'shop-till-you-drop.' The mall is organized as a giant circle, so it is basically like running laps, right?

The mall has some notable stores we love: H&M, Forever 21 (a huge one that is slightly overwhelming), J. Crew, Saks Off Fifth, Neiman Marcus Last Call, Coach Factory, UNIQLO and Columbia . There's also a Dave and Busters! We were too exhausted after shopping, but can't wait to go back and get in some arcade time :D

Shopping Guide: Conscious Consumption

With the world of fast fashion (which we both admittedly participate in), it is easy to forget about where the products we buy come from.  With that in mind, here is a short list of some great products and brands that work great, and do their part to be socially or environmentally conscious.

1. Luna Foreo Mini 2 Special Edition: 100% off the net proceeds go towards marine conservation!  The Foreo is a cleansing brush that uses T-Sonic vibration to clean out your pores and improve your complexion.  Plus it's made out of hygienic silicone that resists bacteria.  It feels pretty luxe to deep-clean every morning and night.

2. Soko Jewelry: Soko is headquartered in San Francisco, but production is by Kenyan artisans. Soko provides market access to marginalized artists who quadruple their annual income by working with Soko.  All of the jewelry is extremely attractive and well-made (we both own bracelets and necklaces).

3. Amour Vert:  Another SF-based company! Amour Vert uses sustainable fabrics and non-toxic dyes to create modern, minimalist pieces that will last you from season to season.  

4. Matt & Nat: Vegan and eco-friendly. Neither of us are vegetarian, and love the quality of leather.  But, there is something to be said for Matt & Nat's eco-philosophy. The brand uses recycled materials, including tires and plastic water bottles to reduce waste while making bags that any blogger would be happy to wear.

5. Tarte: They aren't kidding when they say 'High Performance Naturals.'  Tarte uses eco-friendly (and skin-friendly) ingredients to make long-lasting cosmetics. Mal personally loves the Smooth Operator Clay Powder...it makes your makeup look really smooth!

Breezy Sleevies with Banana Republic

On Mal: c/o Banana Republic Short Sleeve Lace Top  (also similar linked below) and Denim Skirt, c/o Soko Rembo Wishbone Cuff (Get 20% off with code READYTWOWEAR), Gucci GG Marmont Small Leather Shoulder Bag, c/o Public Desire Lace Up Karis Flats (old, similar)

Photos by Annie Hall 

Ok, ever since I saw this post by Happily Grey, I have been obsessed with Self Portrait.  Unfortunately, the price point is too high for me to justify, so I was super happy to find this much more reasonable (and equally unique) lace top from Banana. The fluttery sleeves really set it apart.

Also, as you have probably also noticed, we have been on the hunt for denim skirts. This one (I ordered in petite), is perfect for short girls.  Order a size (or even a couple sizes) down to have it sit at the waist.

INSPO // Thick Laces

Click the image to go to source.

Lace-up tops have been everywhere for a while now, so it is refreshing to see a fresh take.  Thick lacing gives a more utilitarian feel that is completely different from the gauzy lace-up shirts from last season.