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We've got two more months of summer and nothing screams "I'm ready for 90 degree weather" more than wearing a pair of espadrilles (above pair are sold out at Aldo).  I've been a sucker for the braided sole style of shoe since college. It's probably because I grew up in Ghana because I love an easy slip on shoe that can tough it out on the hot concrete sidewalks of NYC or the tropical parks in Cuba.  My go-to brands for espadrilles are Soludos, Toms and Sperry Topsider but I have been eyeing a few other brands as of late.  One being the Louis Vuitton Savanna Espadrille in red.  I love the lace-up detail, which can be dressed up or down.  Below are eleven of my favorite pairs this summer.

Louis Vuitton 'Savanna' | Superga '2790' Linen Rope | Soludos x Vogue 125 Mules | Christian Louboutin 'Madcarina' | Loaffler Randall 'Alfie' | Manebi Striped Tweed Espadrilles | Sam Edelman 'Lynda' Slides | Soludos x Jason Polan Wink Smoking Slipper | Castaner 'Carina' Wedge | Toms 'Yellow Lemons' | Jimmy Choo 'Nixon' Knotted Slides

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There are only three (3) days left for early access shopping for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  I hope card holders have been grabbing the unbeatable sales deals before the sale opens to the public.  Again, this is your chance to nab pre-fall merchandise at steep discounts. I know it's only July so the thought of cold weather wear is far out of your mind but c'mon this sale is unreal.

I created my wish list of coats and dresses I'm lusting after. Make sure to check those out here and here.  Now here is my list of accessories to fill in the gaps in my closet.  I really need some over the knee boots and a block heel sandals I can wear for evenings out so the Dolce Vita Hendricks Studded Heel fits that bill.  Shop my picks below.

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It's no secret! I'm a sucker for dresses.  In fact, I didn't have any pants in my closet until this summer when I got some NYDJ jeans (that I live in) and some rompers from Eloquii.  Dresses are my go to simply because they are effortless and I don't need to think so hard about coordinating my outfits.  With that said, we're in the thick of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Early Access for card holders and I am eyeing some dresses that will fill in the gaps in my closet.

What I am looking for in particular are dresses to transition from late summer to early fall, brunch outfits one or two sheath dresses for client meetings and one or two items I can wear for parties.  I am crushing on the pleated velvet dress here. Early access for the #NSale goes until July 20th, then opens to the general public until August 6th.  Shop my fall coat picks here.

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It's finally here! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale kicked off last Thursday for cardholders with deep discounts on brand new merchandise until July 20th.  Don't fret if you aren't a card carrying member. You'll still get access to discounts when the sale opens to the general public July 21st until August 6th.  It's your chance to get your hands on pre-fall clothing, shoes and accessories.  Nothing is off limits.  You can even stock up on your beauty favorites.  It has been my mom's favorite sale for years and sure enough, the NSale has quickly become a favorite of mine as well.

So what am I shopping for this year? I have my sights on a few coats to update my cold weather closet, some dresses and separates for work and date nights and accessories to breath some life into my wardrobe. Check out my favorite coats from the Nordstrom #NSALE Early Access below.

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I am in the process of purging my closet to make room for new items I've acquired over the past month and I couldn't help but notice how higher of a value I place on my stiletto heels than my flats. Aesthetically, the stilettos are more pleasing to look at perched on my IKEA Billy bookcase we've installed in the closet.  Over the years, I've collected some pretty gems at the Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo sample sales so it's only fair that I display my favorites proudly.  All the flat shoes in my closet have been demoted to the bottom shelves. Quel dommage!

For Valentine's Day this year, Le Boyfriend decided to gift me with a pair of red Louis Vuitton Lady Square Ballerina flats - a 1960s inspired shoe made with the LV Epi calf leather - because he said I lacked any "classy" flats in my closet.  What does "classy" mean I asked.  He said, "You need lady like flats that you can wear to a meeting without looking frumpy or a total d-bag."  This was such a dig at my pretty espadrilles and my loafers.  I do agree there are appropriate occasions for certain shoes and I certainly have worn my loafers to informal meetings but am I to understand that it makes me somewhat of a douche bag to wear my loafers? No! I say.  It makes me preppy.

Looking through my collection of flats, I realized most of the shoes I have will never go out of style.  Sure I love nabbing trendy pumps each season but my closet staples are just that, staples. I categorized the flats in my closet and came up with ten solid pairs every woman should have in their closet.  These are my "classic flats" that have been my must wear all year round, especially when door-to-door car service isn't available.   It's worth noting that flats will never go out of style as long as there are aching feet from wearing vertiginous heels.  They look amazing with skinny jeans, maxi skirts and dresses or even a shift or sheath dress for work or brunch.

1. Keds Champion Originals
2. Sam Edelman Talia Buckle Loafer
3. Chanel Ballerinas
4. Vince Camuto Emmari Suede Lace-Up Flats
5. Soludos Platform Smoking Slipper   
6. French Sole Vixen Woven Leather Slingback Flat 
7. Sam Edelman Gigi Thong Sandal 
8. Louis Vuitton Lady Square Ballerina
9. Sam Edelman - Brandie Satin Point-toe Flat
10. Giuseppe Zanotti - Crystal-embellished Metallic Leather Sandals 
11. Stubbs & Wootton Bridle Snaffle Slipper 
12. MR by Man Repeller - Satin Slides 

And there you have my favorites! How about you guys? Are there any shoe styles that you’d recommend and you can’t live without? I would love to hear! 

We just got back from an amazing yet short vacation to San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was my second time there and the boyfriend's first visit. I didn't get to see much of the island on my first visit because I was there for my friend's wedding so this time, I vowed to see and eat as much as I could. Since the point of the trip was to unplug and unwind, we didn't have an extensive to-do list. With that said, that meant I was only taking a carry-on bag and filling it with low key items perfect for lounging on an island. Here are my essentials for a five day trip to Puerto Rico. Check out my sun essentials here.  

THE TRAVEL OUTFIT

An easy shirt dress is the perfect no-fuss piece to wear for the four hour flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Add a scarf just in case it gets cold on the plane. I prefer flats over boots because unless you have global entry, you'll have to take off your shoes during the security check in. The Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM is the perfect bag to fit all the essentials you might need on the flight. Dorothy Perkins Shirt Dress, $28, DorothyPerkins.com; MARC JACOBS 'Pop Bouquet' Scarf, $195, Nordstrom.com; Rag & Bone Wool Fedora, $195, NeimanMarcus.com; Le Specs Sunglasses, $60, Net-a-Porter.com; Zara Lace-up Ballet Flats, $39.99, Zara.com; Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM, $1260, LouisVuitton.com  

THE CARRY-ON

Away 'The Carry-on' Luggage, $225, AwayTravel.com; Steamline 'The Editor' CarryOn Luggage, $485, SteamlineLuggage.com; Louis Vuitton Keepall Bandoulière 55, $1760, Louis Vuitton.com; LeSportsac Classic Extra Large Weekender, $200, Bloomingdale's

THE EVENING ESSENTIALS

Puerto Rico is still an island with the locals enjoying sun year round. Their style is non-fussy and infused with Latin flavor. If you plan on venturing into Old San Juan, Fajardo, Rio Grande or other parts of the island, make sure you pack practical pieces. First of and foremost there are a lot of cobblestones so you're sure to ruin your vertiginous stilettos walking through La Placita. Opt for chunky heels, wedges, flats or a block heel, which is what most of the locals wear on Friday and Saturday nights.

 L'Agence The Chantal Skinny Jeans, $225, ShopBop.com; Intermix Terrence Striped Top, $119, Intermix.com; J.Crew Chambray Shirt, $80, Net-a-Porter.com; H&M - A-line Denim Skirt, $29.99, HM.com; J.Brand 811 Mid-Rise Skinny Jeans, $160, Net-a-Porter.com; Equipment 'Layla' Washed-silk Camisole, $100, Net-a-Porter.com; TWO by Vince Camuto Embroidered Dress, $80, Macys.com; Stuart Weitzman NearlyNude Sandals, $395, LaneCrawford.com; Sam Edelman GiGi Sandals, $75, Lord & Taylor; Aquazzura Tulum Fringed Suede Sandal, $325, NeimanMarcus.com  

THE POOL & BEACH ESSENTIALS

Joe Fresh Bikini Bottom, $8, JoeFresh.com; Joe Fresh Stripe Halter Bikini Top, $8, JoeFresh.com; Patagonia Kupala Top, $55, ShoeBuy; Gigi Burris Breakaway Straw Floppy Hat, $169, Neiman Marcus; Topshop Sequin Pineapple One-Piece Swimsuit, $52, Nordstrom; Solid and Striped - The Ballerina Color-block Swimsuit, $160, Net-a-Porter; Tommy Bahama Lace-Up Chiffon Caftan, $118, Nordstrom.com  

DAY TIME ESSENTIALS

Finally grab three day time looks that can go from poolside to lunch for the five day vacay. I love a long maxi that can double as a beach coverup, a romper that can go from poolside to site seeing and a caftan versatile enough to double as a dress. Rachel Pally Long Cutout Dress, $238, Shopbop; Yumi Kim Liz Romper, $239, Shopbop; Yumi Kim St Tropez Caftan, $124, Shopbop