Marks & Spencer AW13

Okay, kind of freaking out. On 19 August, British retailer Marks & Spencer-- M&S-- issued a press release revealing their autumn collections campaign. And, well, its RIDICULOUSLY amazing.

It's kind of surprising for M&S, which I knew as a mostly-grocery store. You could always find a couple of gems in their clothing and housewares sections, but this? This is insane. The gorgeous campaign is shot by ANNIE FREAKIN' LEIBOVITZ and features a dozen of Britain's strongest and most inspirational women. The lineup:

        Nicola Adams Olympic Gold Winning Boxer

        Monica Ali Award-Winning Author

        Helen Allen Nurse of the Year 2011

        Darcey Bussell Retired Principal Ballerina at The Royal Ballet

        Grace Coddington Creative Director of US Vogue

        Karen Elson Supermodel and Singer

        Tracey Emin Artist and Professor of Drawing at the Royal Academy

        Ellie Goulding Multiplatinum global recording artist/Brit Award winning Singer/Songwriter

        Helen Mirren Multiple Award-Winning Actress

        Laura Mvula Breakthrough Singer/Songwriter

        Katie Piper Burns survivor, television presenter and charity campaigner.

        Jasmine Whitbread CEO of Save the Children International 

The campaign hits M&S's website on 13 September... P.S.... They offer free shipping to the USA and Canada- score! For more info on the collection, as well as full outfit details for each of the ladies, check out their press release!

 

photos via Marks & Spencer

xoxo, Molly

Molly Dressing 101: Lots of Grey, Even More Black

 

Shirt - Gap / Skirt - Topshop / Sandals - Zara (sold out, similar here) / 

Bag - Mulberry via Second Time Around

My first ever outfit post!

Apologies for the crappy iphone pictures and even worse editing-- these are skills I have not been blessed with. Hopefully I'll get some learnin' in the near future and my pictures will mature a little... hopefully. Literally I'm at like, second grade level when it comes to photography/editing/etc/etc. 

But onto the outfit! I've worn this tee an embarrassing number of times since I bought it two weeks ago-- so much so that I haven't even taken the tags off the second one I got in white. These sandals are also a dream. If you couldn't tell from the incredibly exciting outfit above, I like simple and minimal-- the skinny straps of these babies are right up my alley. They alllllllso have little gold studs hiding at the heel, which I love.... Love so much I bought another pair in white.

Apparently this is a pattern.

xoxo, Molly

Another Impractical Gorgeous Heel

Just spotted these on The Real Real- an amaaaaaazing designer resale site- this morning and I HAD to share. Aren't these incredible? I'm really thinking of nabbing them... totally impractical, but aren't those the most fun?

ASOS Wishlist #1

I have a major weakness for ASOS. Like, MAY-JOR major. My Saved Items page is embarrassingly long, and I religiously check the new arrivals every morning. Needless to say, I spend a good chunk of change (and time) on ASOS finds, so in an effort to ease the temptation, I thought I'd share this week's most loved with you!

ASOS Skater Dress in Leather Look  -  Leather and I have a longstanding love affair. After spotting Lauren in this gorgeous DVF dress, I can't stop thinking about nabbing one for myself. I also love that this is vegan leather-- cruelty-free and maybe a little more breathable?

ASOS Azora Chelsea Ankle Boots - Like everyone and their mother, I die for Isabel Marant's Dickers, but those are a bit out of reach right now... not to mention, sold out practically everywhere. I love the aged look of these babies, and they look like they'll go with everything.

Lavish Alice Skater Dress - I'm a sucker for a good LWD and I'm loving the lines on this one. I'm thinking it'll be perfect for winter!

ASOS Apollo Studded Ankle Boots - These remind me of these Gucci heels that I've loved for ages, but better for my wallet, and a boot is a bit more sensible than a sky-high heeled sandal.

ASOS Boudoir Lace Demi Cup Bra - Reminds me of a bra my beloved Gemma Arterton sported for a GQ spread a couple years ago. The delicate lace and edgy straps above the cups will be so fun and feminine peeking out of a slouchy tee.

Modalu Kirsten Satchel Bag - Pippa Middleton is a fan of Modalu. Enough said.

A Question Of Tee - I don't know any boys, nor do I know how to make them cry with my kisses, but this cheeky graphic tee will make me feel like the most popular middle school girl ever.

Lulu Guinness Coin Purse - Oh, Lulu. The things you do to me. Woman knows the way to my heart, which is a red patent-leather lip-shaped coin purse.

ASOS Pixel Heels - With a BFA now under my belt, I've got to get serious about the job hunt. I think these are an edgy, flirty take on the innocent Mary Jane, and perfect for any interview or office.

So that's it! Do you love ASOS as much as I do? What have you got saved in your cart?

xoxo, Molly

Spending Freeze Temptations

For now, I am not allowed, under any circumstances, to spend a single cent. This is incredibly painful and saddening, but it must be done. To help ease the heartache (or just to share my misery with others) I rounded up a few of the lovely things that are tempting me the most on this snowy morning.

French Connection Hawaiian print dress / Topshop Boutique rouched dress / Queens Guard Mug / 
Dior Gel Top Coat  / Forever 21 pointed flat shoes / Topshop Lipstick Print Headwrap / 
Lipstick queen invisible liner / French Connection Sequined Bulldog Tee 

 What's struck your fancy today? 

xxoo, Molly

Grad Garb : The Hunt for the Perfect Dress

I haven't been all that excited for my upcoming college graduation in May... until I realized it was the perfect excuse to buy a new dress. Pathetic? Absolutely. Excited? Definitely.

Luckily I only have about thirteen dollars in my bank account right now (not lying), so I haven't had the opportunity to impulse buy. Instead, I spent a ridiculous amount of time browsing online and collecting dresses that might fit the bill.

It's important that I (try) to remember the 12 May date, which is a struggle because I usually gravitate towards dark colours and heavy fabrics... not gonna fly in warm weather. I also want to make sure I buy a dress I'll get a lot of use out of for years to come-- so I'm mainly looking at higher-priced pieces in hopes they'll go on sale in a month or two. Ideally, I don't want to spend more than $200, buuuuut I've never been too good at following rules.

The printed Acne dress it tooootally not my usual style, but I spotted it in the last Net-a-Porter sale and fell inexplicably in love with it. When I spotted it again on the Outnet, I couldn't help but think it might be perfect.  

As for the cream lace Mulberry, well... you all know the intense relationship I have with Mulberry. This dress is certainly the most versatile of the lot-- I can even throw a sweater over it and wear it in the winter. And the belt? That's like a free gift with purchase.

Alice Temperley is another one of my designer crushes, and I can't get over the cuteness of this cheetah print dress. I think the neckline and snipped-in waist will be super flattering, and the jacquard fabric just looks so expensive and girly.

I saw this colorblocked Mara Hoffman on Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere a couple days ago and promptly died. I'm absolutely terrified of the side cut-outs (I'm a size 10, so I'm not sure if they will be flattering), but the pink-and-red colorblocking and midi peg skirt are insane. I've been dying to try a pink and red ensemble since Emma Stone wore that incredible Giambattista Valli get-up.

I think the printed See by Chloe dress is my favorite of the bunch. I don't have a lot of printed things in my closet, but this instantly caught my eye. I absolutely love the soft v-neck and the draping at the waist, but the fact that this dress is jersey sealed its place in my heart. Bright, different, AND comfy? Sign me up.

My hopes are that some (or all, whateva) of these gorgeous dresses will go on sale soon and I'll be able to grab one to wear to graduation. Of course, that means I have to put my credit card away for a while in order to save up, but... well, I'll try. I also set up a Pinterest board to keep track of my favorites, and you'll find a few more of my picks there.

Which is your favorite? Have you spotted a gorgeous dress you think I should add? Help me choose!

xxoo, Molly

Take Three : Three Floor Bare Neath Peplum

I was recently introduced to a fabulous new fashion brand called Three Floor. Just launched this past November, Three Floor's incredibly detailed, innovative, and feminine designs are making waves across Pinterest and the bloggosphere. After spotting Kristina of Kayture in a Three Floor dress, I had to check it out.

... And fell. in. love. Seriously. I'm obsessing over evvvverything.

One of my most favorite pieces was this adorable pastel and nude peplum top. At first, I had absolutely NO idea if such a unique statement piece could really be made versitile and workable in a wardrobe, so I played around a little and came up with some styling ideas!

Obviously, some of these fab shoes and bags aren't so fab for the college student's budget, but are representative of a lot of pieces many women already have! Black pencil? Check. Patterned trousers? Hello H&M. Leopard clutch? Ca-Learly a 2012 staple.

Take Three : Three Floor Bare Neath Peplum by thoresby

Now if you, like me, are craving more Three Floor, they are currently having a sale on their website!! I'm going to try not to cry/die/spend all of my money. Also, find them on Facebook!

Have you bought anything from Three Floor? What do you think? I'm dying to know if its as incredible as it looks!

xxoo, Molly

Fabulous Footgear - Help!!

For the LONGEST time I have been searching for the perfect summer sandals. With the weather getting sunnier and muggier and hotter every day, I needed to buck up and finally make a decision on which pair would be gracing my feet for the first summer soiree.

The thing is, I'm incredibly, annoyingly, hazardously picky when it comes to footwear. In order for me to whip out my wallet and commit, shoes basically need to stun me senseless... which is difficult, usually, because I get so overwhelmed by the sheer amount of pretty options.

SO. I developed a little list of guidelines to help keep me focused and goal-oriented:

1. Budget. Must be under $50 USD.

2. Style. Flip flops are definitely out. I adore the look of t-straps, bows, buckles, glitter, mixed metals-- but versatility and wearability are essential.

3. Comfort. By the end of last summer, my feet were WRECKED by my old sandals, which had no cushioning and no ability to mold to my feet. In an effort to protect this summer's pedicures, I'm avoiding any pair without padding.

 Halogen Softy Sandals $56 USD / Hint Cross-over Glitter Sandal $50 USD

I absolutely adore the soft, buttery look of these Halogen sandals, and the metallic patches are a great little detail... they're juuuuust barely over my budget, though, and I'm trying to stay strong!

Glitter. Oh, glitter. I think its obvious why these Hint sandals are a favorite. However insanely adorable they are, I do worry about how well the glitter will hold up, and I'm TRYING to go for a neutral that will work with every outfit, so unfortunately the pink is out. Wah.

JS by Jessica Jonny Sandal $49.95 USD / Michael Antonio Dryden Sandal $34.95 USD

I really like the simple look of these Jonny sandals by Jessica Simpson, and LOVE the colorblocked straps, but I'm still not completely sold!

This pair by Michael Antonio appealed to me as an update of the classic gladiator style. The smaller bands of leather and plaited t-strap are feminine and subtle, and the price is definitely right! But I do have one concern-- will my heels get sweaty in these?! I know, I'm a freak, but who wants sweaty, covered-up heels in the middle of summer?!

ASOS FLOSSY Leather Sandals $31.31 USD / Oasis Snake Print Flat Sandals $45.23 USD

Obviously color-blocking is wonderful and fabulous in every way, and I have an unnatural obsession with all neutrals... so clearly, these Flossy sandals by ASOS were made for me. The price tag doesn't hurt too bad either!

I'm currently OBSESSED with snake print-- blouses, bags, brassieres, everything. I did kind of gasp a little when I saw these simple, perfect, nude-and-snake buckled sandals by Oasis. ... I think I need them. However, even though they fit in my budget, they're still a wee bit pricey for such a teeny bit of leather and rubber. Am I the only one who has so much trouble forking over my wallet for such a teeny amount of shoe?!

And, of course, because I am weak, I couldn't help but find a couple pairs of sandals I would seriously debate selling a couple of organs on the black market for. I mean, one girl doesn't need TWO kidneys, does she? I'll need to think about this... while gushing and crying over these incredible shoes.

See by Chloe Scallop-Strap Flat Sandal On Sale for $165 USD

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Clous Studded Flat Sandals $617.52

Miu Miu Studded Starfish Flat Sandal On Sale for $483 USD

UGH. So many choices! With the weather getting warmer and warmer every day-- and my toes practically SCREAMING for a pedicure-- I've got to make a purchase soon. What do you all think? I'm totally leaning towards the Flossy pair by Asos... but  I can't make up my mind! 

Any opinions? Which pair should grace my outrageously neglected feet this summer?

---

xxoo, Mollly

Jigsaw Says LOVE ME.

I received quite the exciting surprise in my inbox this morning-- an email from Pinterest, my beloved, informing me that Jigsaw London started following me! Now, for those of you not familiar with Jigsaw, it is one of my most favorite UK stores-- even if I could only stare and cry longingly into its windows, tethered to my poor college student's nonexistent budget.

Jigsaw's collections are always classic and elegant, timeless with just a touch of edge and intrigue. It's a perfect shop for high quality staples, versatile dresses, and chic statement pieces easy to slip into any woman's wardrobe. For those of you lucky enough to have a Jigsaw or two near you-- go in EVERY store you can! Each location is completely different, stuffed full of antique decorations that highlight preexisting architecture, which makes every trip to Jigsaw beautiful in more ways than one.

To celebrate and thank my new follower, I've complied a list of some of my most favorite Jigsaw pieces! Ah, to dream.

Silk Georgette Wrap Dress - On Sale for $210 USD

Leather Wedge Shoes - $235 USD

Sequin Cropped Jacket - $485 USD

Pleated Silk Belt - On Sale for $18 USD

Basket Weave Beaded Shift Dress - $325 USD

Campomaggi Small Union Jack Bag - $620 USD

Military Wrap Skirt - $158 USD

Striped Breton Top - $75 USD

To be honest, it was probably a mistake to visit Jigsaw's US website... again. For about the third time this week. I just want everything! I'll definitely have dreams about that Sequined Jacket, which totally reminds me of Chanel's Peridot nail polish... will definitely need to run out and buy a BAG full of lottery tickets, ASAP.

Have you stopped by Jigsaw? What are some of your favorite pieces?

- Molly, xxoo

Happy Diamond Jubilee!

via Nando Machado/Shutterstock.com

Although I was born and raised in the United States, I've always fancied myself a Brit at heart. Yes, okay, I always wake up wishing I was in London, but today especially! For any Londoners or Anglophiles out there-- what are your plans for the Jubilee? Trying as hard as I am to force my wallet away from Liberty of London's Jubilee inspired collection? I literally want every. single. thing.

UPDATE: After spotting it on one of my favorite blogs, A Diary of Lovely, I stopped breathing, died, and managed to whip out my credit card in time to snag this amazing, adorable Cath Kidston skirt in honor of the Queen's big day. Thank you so much to Helena of A Diary of Lovely for posting about this little beauty!!

Cath Kidston Guards Skirt $55 USD