A Novel Companion

[Emma Book Clutch, $325: Any English major or fashion enthusiast's dream]

Every girl appreciates the importance of a clutch; petite and handy (no pun intended), it offers a touch of whatever you're looking for--whether it be quirk, polish, vivacity--without competing for the spotlight. Needless to say, the "power clutch" didn't get its name for nothing. But a clutch that showcases your astuteness? Enter Kate Spade, much like counterpart Olympia Le-Tan, reaching new heights of design ingenue with the creation of the book clutch. Compact, unquestionably cute, and classy as the classic itself, this Emma version has everything you crave in a pocketbook. Except for the text itself, that is, which is kind of a bummer if you find it in your hands at a yawn-inducing event. 

P.S. Remember that all bookishness is lost when you whip out your phone for a time-killing session of Angry Birds.

xo Heidi

Tiny Dancer

Confession: I was somewhat of a "dancer" for 10 years. The reason I belittle my role with air quotes is that I completely sucked, for lack of a better word. Seriously. I mean, this is a kid (and now adult) who can't even perform the common, right-of-passage childhood trick of a cartwheel. But it never stopped me from dancing. I kept on tour jeté-ing and chassé-ing my clumsy little body for a decade.  

And I think the reason for my perseverance (besides having quite a few friends in my classes) was my love for the costumes. The sequins, tulle, bedazzled everything--these things alone made dance class every little girl's fantasy. So before you go giving all the credit for ballet's impact on recent fashion trends to the torrid Black Swan, remember that. I believe every Homo sapien with two X chromosomes has a soft spot somewhere for dancer clothes, and just in case I'm correct, here are a few outfits I've put together to satisfy your urge to wear a tutu, all well-balanced in that they have the perfect hints of ballerina. 'Cause let's face it, only Carrie Bradshaw can pull off a tutu. And even she's pushing it.

1. Demi Cropped Graphic Tank, delias.com// Linen Wrap, jcrew.com// Pleated Dip Back Skirt, topshop.com// Ballet Flats, hm.com for locations

2. 81 Hours Grace Bodysuit, mytheresa.com// Sheer Hem Maxi Skirt, topshop.com// Cooperative Applique Flat, urbanoutfitters.com// Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Pink Ballet, sephora.com

3. Beige Dress, hm.com for locations// Aerie Lace Back French Terry Tank, aerie.com// Kimchi Blue Sweetheart Ankle Tie Skimmer, urbanoutfitters.com

4. Splendid Cotton and Modal-blend Top, net-a-porter.com// Aerie Slim Gym Skinny Pant, aerie.com// Shimmer Skater Skirt, topshop.com// Colin Stuart Patent Elastic Pump, victoriassecret.com// Rhinestone Swan Brooch, forever21.com

And just because you asked so nicely...oh you didn't? Well here you go anyway:

My sister and me before a recital, circa 1996

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Midnight City" by M83. Available on iTunes.]

Majoring in Anthropologie

Tied Spicifera Dress, Almagest Floppy Hat, Pointed Persica Necklace

I think it's safe to say Anthropologie has swept me off my feet. Or that I'm whipped. By a middle-to-high-end retailer. I only walked into the store for the first time 3 years ago, and since that very day, we've had an on-off relationship. When I sometimes decide that the hemlines are a little too "mommish," Anthropologie immediately puts out a stunner and I take back my unsaid insult. Or when I figure I won't purchase the $300 dress, so why even bother trying it on, that notion passes and I find myself pantless (in the dressing room, duh). And when I begin to stray from the store's whimsical window displays due to its price range being a bit too much for a college student, I always return shortly after, even if it's just to ransack the sale section. Because it isn't just the store's romantic artsiness and vanilla-y, pomegranate-y, olive leaf-y scented entranceway that lures a girl in and makes her take her clothes off. What is it, then? Well, I think these picks of Anthropologie's merchandise speak for themselves. 

Fun Fact: Since becoming acquainted with the store, my birthday wish as I blow out candles has become for Anthropologie to have a ridiculously huge going-out-of-business sale, but then, of course, for them to announce they were just kidding, but yeah, you can keep the scored clothes. Hey, it's my birthday. Let me dream.

Revisited Impressionist Bow Dress

Parvati Maxi Dress

Divination Asymmetric Dress

Alchemy Mini Dress

Botanical Patchwork Dress

Scattered Wing Romper

Cloud Curves Set

Searing Neon Set

Divided Tapestry Bikini

Juliana Patent Pumps

Revelry Mary-Janes

Mirela Fringe Necklace

Kuychi Necklace

Brilliant Haze Clutch

Multitude Hair Ties

Gila Bedding

Tea Time Chandelier

Good Evening Dinner Plate

Inspiration Dior Book

P.S. Anthro, if you're reading this, I'm sorry about the "mommish" comment. I was probably just taking lingering frustration out on you at the time. You know I love you. You're beautiful, baby. Let's not fight. <3, H

xo Heidi 

Get Ready for the Drop

[Prada's retro spring looks were completed with cateye shades and ultra-feminine cocktail earrings.]

As I've mentioned before, I truly don't consider myself much of a girlie-girl. I wear a lot of t-shirts and my nails are more often unpainted than painted (I blame laziness). But one sector of femaledom I do heavily indulge in is jewelry. Chunky necklaces, layered bracelets, and mismatched rings overflow my jewelry box right now, but I have the greatest weakness for earrings. From tiny studs to super long tassels to colorful metal pendants, my ears are typically bedecked in any style under the sun. That's why I'm so excited about the comeback of drop earrings (sometimes called cocktail earrings). And this season's take on them is still undeniably ladylike but a bit ballsier, very I-drink-tea-with-my-breakfast-but-can-do-a-kegstand-as-well. Or maybe that's just how I see them.

Left-Right from Top Row: Imperial Ice Drops, $24, baublebar.com// ASOS Heart and Pearl Drop Earrings, $14.32, asos.com// Sweet Zinnia Chandelier Earrings, $98, katespade.com// MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Bonkers' Statement Earrings, $78, nordstrom.com// 3D Point Drop Earrings, $20, topshop.com// Dannijo Silver-plated Swarovski Crystal Drop Earrings, $99, theoutnet.com// Dangling Flower Earrings, $4.80, forever21.com

xo Heidi

[PRESS PLAY: "Kiss with a Fist" by Florence + the Machine. Available on iTunes.]

Split Purse-onalities

GOOD HEIDI

1. Marshmallow Puff Clutch, $29.97, charmingcharlie.com// 2. Clarkeye Readers, $14, urbanoutfitters.com// 3. Tazo Decaf Chai Tea, available at grocery stores// 4. L'Oreal Paris Nail Color in Butterfly Kisses, $5.99, available at drugstores// 5. Anthropologie Bow Hair Tie (old)// 6. Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Nail Color in Blue-Away, $4.99, available at drugstores// 7. Candy: Fun Dip and a leftover Christmas candycane.// 8. Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick in Orange Flip, $6.99, available at drugstores// 9. 6-Pack Fruit Earrings, $4.95, hm.com for H&M store locations

Marc Jacobs said it best in this month's InStyle: "Why should you have a look you stick to? Fashion should be bold colors and bright prints one day, and soft pastels and lace the next day. Really--indulge your mood and whims." And I couldn't agree more. While I often feel like throwing on my Sperrys, a t-shirt, and jean shorts, I just as often get a hankering to don my leather skirt or lace-up combat boots. I avoid limiting myself to one style. My signature look? However I'm feeling that day. 

A-LITTLE-LESS-GOOD HEIDI

1. Charming Charlie Metallic Multicolor Clutch (no longer available))// 2. Urban Outfitters Sunglasses (no longer available)// 3. Target Ring (old)//4. Revlon Color Stay Eyeshadow in Sultry Smoke, available at drugstores// 5. Essie Nail Color in Licorice, $4, amazon.com// 6. White Zinny Wine (B-day present from parents)// 7. Revlon Nail Color in Ruby Ribbon, available at drugstores// 8. Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella, $24, sephora.com// 9. Forever 21 Earrings (old)

xo Heidi

P.S. I don't actually carry wine around with me in my purse. It's just such a cute little bottle that I had to feature it somewhere. I swear!

[PRESS PLAY: "Hang Me Up to Dry" by Cold War Kids. Available on iTunes.] 

Bits & Pieces

[St. Patty's Day cake ball--recipe here]

With St. Patrick's Day this weekend and my 21st on Monday, I can't wait for this week to just be over. The weather in Madison is unbelievable--in a good way. 75 degrees and sunny is predicted for the next few days, and I'm taking advantage by going for runs outside, digging out my hibernating sundresses, and wearing sunglasses in between classes. But here are a few things I can enjoy even if the weather takes a nasty turn. Let's hope that if it does decide to do so, it waits until Tuesday.

[Revlon yellow eyeshadow; excited to try just a bold sweep along the lashline with mascara.]

[An adorable Home Goods find. Okay, I like weird things.]

[Inexpensive treasures: Forever 21 earrings and a Charming Charlie's necklace]

xo Heidi

Grecian Getaway

[Beach hair and a good tan--that's the dream!]

With Spring Break around the corner, all that's on my mind right now is lounging. On a beach. In the sun. And although I won't be partaking in such activities, there's no reason I can't appear that I was in, say, Greece (I recently watched Mamma Mia!) over break. Bronzed skin, a carefree mane, and a suitcase full of beachy, boho pieces are just as attainable in a chilly Midwest city as they are in the Mediterranean. Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried breaking into ABBA song and dance, on the other hand? That'll only happen in Hollywood.

[An easy vacay combo: a one-piece swimsuit under an eyelet skirt.]

[When in doubt, braid, braid, braid.]

[Intricate beading and a rustic adorned head wreath complete this delicate, heirloom-inspired ensemble.]

[A tribal print bathing suit in cool blue hues complements crashing ocean waves.]

1. Lace Stripes Maxi Dress in Soft Grey, $168, freepeople.com// 2. AEO Braided Ankle Cuff Sandal, $29.50, ae.com// 3. Watered Kaleidoscope Maillot, $178, anthropologie.com// 4. Vintage Lace Crop, $48, topshop.com// 5. Pretty Vacant Aztek Print Dress, $53.72, asos.com// 6. Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, $24, sephora.com// 7. Multi Strand Bead Headwrap, $16, urbanoutfitters.com// 8. Scalloped Lace Maxi Skirt, $22.80, forever21.com

xo Heidi 

Spring Staples

Spring moves way too fast for a season with so many lustworthy trends. I tend to make lists of the seasonal must-haves as I sift through monthly magazines, and here are the pieces that I consider essential for spring. 

1. The Easy, Fringe Tee

Perfectly encapsulating the essence of spring and its carefreeness, a loose-fitting fringe t-shirt in a fun print is equal parts boho and grunge, a suitable balance to the season's ultra-feminine pencil and midi skirts.

Fringe Tribal Top, $15.80, forever21.com

2. The Fun yet Versatile Clutch

A neutral pouch purse with a quirky punch adds interest to your wardrobe without throwing practicality out the window. Bonus points for hints of neon snuck into otherwise simple designs, an up-and-coming Spring 2012 trend.

Zipped Clutch, $89.90, zara.com

3. The Tropical Print Skirt

Okay, so this look screams summer, but it undoubtedly displays enthusiasm for the spring months as well. Bright, botanical, and a little bit kitschy, a scenic tropical skirt plays up the I-don't-care-and-just-threw-this-on vibe of the warming temps.

Asymmetric Chiffon Skirt, $49.90, zara.com

4. The Lively Shorts Suit

Take it from me: you don't have to be a working girl to wear a shorts suit. Especially one as vibrant as this. Think of the style as merely an alternative to a skirt and sweater. I'll attempt to bust one of these out when I'm having a "classy" day and a t-shirt and shorts just won't suffice. Best part is, mixing and matching is completely encouraged.

ASOS Premium Biker Jacket in Boucle, $107.43

ASOS Premium Knicker Short, $53.72

Both at asos.com

5. The Sheer, Non-Black Tights

Let's face it--we won't be seeing the thermometer hit 80 degrees (or even seventy) for another couple months. But that's no reason to keep your shorts, skirts, and dresses locked up in the back of your closet. The solution: sheer tights, a springy update on the usual opaque kind. And retailers like American Apparel offer plenty of colors to choose from, ensuring that every outfit you put together keeps your legs a tiny bit toastier.

Sheer Luxe Pantyhose, $20, americanapparel.com

6. The Tortoiseshell Wayfarers

Wave buh-bye to bug eyes and open your pockets to the latest It-shades: the wayfarers. These sunnies have been around for some time now but are reentering their heyday now. And a light tortoiseshell color complements the greater abundance of daylight coming our way.

Aerie Icon Sunglasses, $15.50, aerie.com

7. The Midi Wrap Dress

             Nope, it's not a bathrobe, I swear. But it is as comfortable as one. A wrap dress in the currently hot midi length is non-fussy yet ladylike. For day, flat sandals and a sunhat complete the ensemble; when the sun goes down, just add a pair of heels and some loud jewelry for a pluckily unique look.

Wrap Dress, $100, TopShop stores, topshop.com for locations

8. The Simple Chain Necklace

                       Think a little extra shine, not a whole hip-hop star's worth of bling, when you picture this trend. A long, slightly thicker gold or silver chain infuses a breezy white blouse with polish or acts as a layering base for other thinner necklaces if you're into heavy accessorizing. Just be sure to alternate thicknesses and colors to avoid looking like you're in a rap video.

Curb Chain Necklace, $6.80, forever21.com

9. The 90's Floral Wedge

              Ah, remember the 90's and all those oddly colored floral patterns? Well they're back. And I'm kinda glad. Not only does the time period bring back fond memories of being a kid, but there's something darkly feminine about 90's floral. It's graphic yet elegant, dainty yet brazen. Full of contradictions, this somewhat grungy and totally nostalgic look will ground even the most diaphanous sundress.

Kimchi Blue Quarterstrap Wedge, $49, urbanoutfitters.com

 10. The Basic Denim Vest

                   This unassuming topper also acts as a sturdy balance to the femininity of spring dressing. Layered over a delicate dress or a sheer t-shirt, its boxiness downplays girlishness for a tough-chick air that I'm so into right now. Because let's be honest--one can only handle so much pastel pink and intricate lace in such a transient season.

Levi's Denim Trucker Vest, $68, urbanoutfitters.com

xo Heidi