Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's

I feel so blessed to have been able to call New York City's upper east side my home for these two weeks. New York is one of the most exciting and exhausting places in the world. The city is filled with Type A personalities willing to do anything to fight their way to the top. On Tuesday, I was ready to call it a night at like 5 pm! The exhaustion of the city that never sleeps got to me. However, I knew if I went to bed that early I would be up at 2 am. Instead my roommate recommended I watch "Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's," a documentary about the little piece of perfection lives on the corner of 58th street and 5th avenue. If you have a Netflix account, finding this documentary is easy.  

Did you know there was once a seventeen-room penthouse on the top floor, that overlooked Fifth Avenue and Central Park? American dream, right! After watching the documentary I desperately wanted to visit the store (well done Bergdorf's PR team).  

Welcome to New York

This post is in honor of the new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II that will be available in just 4 hours! Thank you to my awesome friends for modeling their Converse shoes for me. These pictures were taken outside the Dover Street Market  in New York City. If you haven't visited Dover Street Market before, you must!

Inside Dover Street Market: 

All pictures featured in this post are my own. 

Why It Pays To Stand Out

Happy Saturday!
(I originally wrote this article for the fashion and beauty section of a website, but I thought it would be fun to share on my blog as well.) Individuality is something we are proud of over at What the Clique. Making it in the fashion industry entails marching to the beat of your own drum, and almost nine times out of ten taking fashion risks pay off. Here are my rules to finding your style and standing out.

Wearing A Jacket Draped Over Your Shoulders: 

This might sound like a silly thing to do, but it really does make an outfit. I started doing this a couple years ago just because it was too hot outside to wear a jacket, but too cold inside to not have it at all.

 

Picture via: Elle España ~ Who What Wear 

 

StyleCaster ~ Miranda Kerr

Wear Heels,  but Only Platform!

The right pair of heels have the ability to transform any look, but there is no point in wearing heels at all if they kill your feet. I've found that the most comfortable heels have a hidden platform in the front. There is also no point in wearing heels any higher than 3 inches if you're uncomfortable. Any higher and they will detract from the outfit instead of adding to it.

Vince Camuto 'Totsi' Peep Toe Espadrille Wedge ~ Diane von Furstenberg Leather Mary Jane Heels

Toms Dark Grey Suede Desert Wedges ~ Givenchy 105MM Ankle-Strap Leather & Wood Sandals

Always Layer: 

Layering is always so much fun. Jeans and a simple blouse always look more professional when paired with jacket and scarf. I firmly believe that a basic t-shirt can be transformed if it is paired with the right jacket or sweater.

 

Pinterest ~ Pinterest 

 

Little Blonde Book ~ Pinterest 

Fit Is Always More Important Than Brand-name:

If something is tailored properly for your body it will always look more expensive. Fit is everything, and has the ability to turn a $5 thrift store find into a bombshell piece. If a brandname piece doesn't fit you properly don't even bother, it's not worth the money!

Some Pieces Just Don't Work:  

Everyone is built differently, if you think of it in terms of celebrities, what works for Karlie Kloss won't work for Miley Cyrus. Not only do they don't have very different styles, but they also have different heights and fit preferences. Everyone is beautiful! Find what works for you in terms of fit and style.

There Will Always Be A Look For Less:

There will always be replications of expensive items, especially if they are trendy that season. H&M and Target are two of my favorite places to look for bargain deals.

Rebecca Minkoff $368 ~ H&M $39.95

Carven $395 ~ H&M $34.99

Saint Laurent $2150 ~ H&M $34.95

Invest In Staple Pieces:

There are a few staple pieces that should be in any women's wardrobe. These staple pieces include black heels, tan heels, a black tank top, dark wash jeans, a trench coat, tall black or brown boots and a blazer. Think of items with versatility.

Banana Republic Drapey Tweed Blazer ~ Seiko USA ~ Cole Haan Black Patent Leather

Burberry Long Heritage Trench Coat (Similar for less) ~ Cole Haan Maple Sugar Patent Heel

WHBM Wide Lace Cami ~ KUT from the Kloth 'Diana' Stretch Skinny Jeans

Bendel Bash

Tonight my roommate Lauren and I joined Henri Bendel, NYC Pretty's Christine Bibbo Herr, and Ladies NYC for a night of shopping and talk about fall must-haves.

How cute is Lauren? She's new to the blogging game, but you can follow her blog here: Rogue to Runway.

Quick stop at Prada to check out their fall collection before heading down the street to Henri Bendel. 

With our tickets for the event we got a $40 gift card and 20% off. The perfect ammunition to do some damage! 

Even though there was a huge snafu with the gift cards, it still turned out to be a fun night. I ended up getting the Luxe Asscher cut short pendant necklace in rose gold. On our way back to the dorms we even stopped at Sprinkles Cupcakes for a little treat. How good does this chocolate chip cookie sundae look?!

Special thanks to NYC Pretty, Ladies NYC and Henri Bendel for this event. 

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (Round 2!!)

Happy Friday!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is on!! I wrote a post earlier this week (see here) about my finds from the preview sale. With all the amazing finds form this sale I couldn't help but write another post. Here is a more in depth guide to my Nordstrom sale loves!

{Josie Print Woven Happi Coat ~ Tory Burch Eau de Parfum Set ~ CLARISONIC 'Mia 2 }

{Dooney & Bourke 'Cara' Snake Embossed Leather Satchel ~ Rag & Bone 'Margot' Bootie ~ Nike 'Free Flyknit 5.0 TR' }

{Burberry Brit Check Cuff Cashmere & Cotton V-Neck Sweater ~ C.O. BIGELOW Rose Salve Lip Balm Trio ~ Halogen® Cowl Neck Merino Wool & Cashmere Tunic Sweater}

{Zella 'Live In - Inspire' Reversible Capris ~ Halogen® Long Bouclé Open Cardigan}

 Happy shopping!

Pura Vida

Happy Thursday!

Ok, call me crazy but I've been noticing a lot of anklets on Instagram and Pinterest lately. Some think it's tacky, but I genially really love this trend (I wear one everyday). If you keep up with my blog you'll know I just went to Costa Rica for a service trip last week. It was such an amazing experience and I can't wait to go back. I came across this website Pura Vida a couple days ago, and if you have spent anytime in Costa Rica you'll know that, "Pura Vida" has a very profound meaning for the people of Costa Rica. Whether it is to a family member, a friend or a random stranger everyone greets each other with the saying. In english it translates to "pure life." In honor of pure life here are some of my favorite anklets from +Pura Vida Bracelets.

B.E.A.C.H. - Marine Debris Solutions Anklet ~ Plentifully Pink Anklet ~ Frozen Frontier Anklet

Certain bracelets represent different charity organizations, with this bracelet $1 of the proceeds go to B.E.A.C.H. 

Gold Metal Cuff Seafoam ~ Gold Hammered Triangle Cream ~ Seed Bead Tides 

Joyful Heart Foundation Ten Year Anniversary ~ Gold Anchor Peach ~ Flat Braided Salmon

$3 of this bracelet is donated to the Joyful Hear Foundation

If you want 20% off, visit their website and sign up to be on their email list.

xoxo,
Erica

Product review: Merle Norman

Happy Wednesday! 
{I'm trying something new on the blog today. This is my first every beauty post so please bare with me!!}

I've been using Merle Norman products since my freshman year of high school when I was 15. I went to Merle Norman before my first ever winter formal for a makeover, and left with bags full of goodies to try. I'm the third generation to wear Merle Norman products in my family (my grandma, my mom, and myself), and have a hard time trusting any other products with my sensitive skin. Today I'm focusing on the Merle Norman Powder Brow Pencil in Taupe. This was my first attempt at eyebrow etiquette so I tried to keep things as natural looking as possible.

A few of the many Merle Norman products I use on a daily basis...

Top (L to R): Renew Serum ~ Clarifying Clay Mask ~ Expert Touch Finishing Spray

Middle:  Powder Brow Pencil in Taupe 

Bottom (L to R): Flawless Effect Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum ~ Gentle Solutions Eye Cream ~ Clear Complexion Moisturizer

What I'm Wearing: Makeup 

 Merle Norman Powder Brow Pencil in Taupe 

Flawless Effect Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

"I'm Peachless" Lip Glaze

Wicked Lash Mascara

What I'm Wearing: Clothing and Accessories

Earrings: +ALEX AND ANI (Similar)

Dress: +H&M old (Similar)

3 Things I Learned 
1. Less is more! Don't over apply to your brows. Try for a more natural look.
2. Always get a shade lighter than you think you need. Unless you get shade tested by a professional.
3. No matter how hard I try I will never be Cara Delevingne...

What is your favorite eyebrow makeup brand/product? 

Special thanks to my Mom! Helping me to take these pictures was her first time behind the lens.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Happy Tuesday!
It's that time of the year again for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Here are my loves from the sale.

1:  {Mackage Wool Blend Coat with Leather Sleeves}

Although I hate to admit it, the cold weather will be back upon us soon. This coat from Mackage is perfect for beating the cold weather in style.  

2: {Vince 'Aren' Open Toe Bootie}

Open toe booties are one of the most versatile shoes for fall. These booties from Vince are too cute for words. I can see them with jeans, dress pants, or even paired with a skirt. 

3: {Woven Heart Plaid Blanket Poncho}

I love ponchos! If I had it my way, I would walk around all winter with a blanket wrapped around me, but ponchos offer me this luxury in a more chic way. 

4. {Sam Edelman 'Alaine' Scalloped Topline Flat}

How fun are these? These eye-catching Sam Edelman flats are the perfect way to brighten up any outfit.  

5. {Rebecca Minkoff 'Sander' Sneaker}

Sneakers are a comfy way to complete any outfit, with these sneakers from Rebecca Minkoff you can be comfortable and stylish at the same time. 

6:{Halogen® Leather Card Case}

From business cards to credit cards, this Halogen® leather card case is such a fun pop of color to hold   any of your card needs.

7: {Tory Burch 'Joanna' Riding Boot}

I've always loved Tory Burch riding boots. They are not only versatile in design, but they are also high quality and reliable. 

8: {Sperry 'Saltwater' Waterproof Rain Boot}

It gets wet and gross in Charlottesville during the fall/winter. These Sperry rain boots will help to beat any weather in style. 

9: {Versace 'V Sport II' Guilloche Dial Bracelet Watch, 42mm}

Watches are my weakness. From Michael Kors to my favorite Seiko I own, I love, love, love watches. This watch from Versace is eye candy and completed with a beautiful design. 

10: {Tory Burch 'Melinda' Flat Sandal}

I saw someone wearing these sandals the other day on Greenwich Avenue and fell in love with them. They are the perfect statement piece for any summer outfit. 

11: {Nadri Ear Jacket}

I am pretty boring when in comes to jewelry. I either wear my pearl earrings or +ALEX AND ANI gem studs every single day. BORING! I love this Nadri ear jacket however, I feel like it's the perfect piece to get me out of my comfort zone. 

What are your #NSale favorites?