Chic in the City Part 2: Mad for Ruffles

If I lived in New York I would NEVER have money. Not only are basic living expenses so high, and eating out definitely adds up, but the SHOPPING! Oh the shopping. I makes sure to basically stick to H&M and Forever 21, the two stores you can get the most bang for your buck. But I did find myself wandering into Bloomingdales yesterday and the shiny newness of the store and everything in it brought out the materialist in me that is drawn to expensive, beautifully made things. On the floor with all the couture and designer clothes that I could barely afford to breath on let alone buy was an amazing display of Vera Wang wedding gowns. I took pictures of almost every one but this particular one above, adorned with layers upon layers of ruffles, sums up the theme of this post: my current fascination with ruffles. I didn't intend to revolve my entire shopping excursions here around ruffles...but it just sort of happened. After laying out every one of my purchases (all from H&M with the exception of a pair of shoes from Steve Madden), I realized they all involved ruffles of some sort). Clearly, I have a thing for ruffles this season. To me, the flowyness of them evokes the carefree, easy-breezy spirit of summer, which I hope to soon be feeling post graduation.

The cascading ruffles from the back view of the Vera Wang wedding gown.

This top from H&M looks straight off the back from Carrie Bradshaw or Sarah Jessica Parker. I had to make it my own.

I didn't quite know what to think when I first held up this dress, but then I saw it on the mannequin with a waist belt and really liked the relaxed, sophisticated look so I decided to give it a try.

With a waist belt I looooved it on so I got it and this stacked, black studded waist belt to pair with it. I can picture wearing it with my nude platform pumps. I can't wait!

I loved the breezy, flowyness of this top and the summery floral pattern so much that I bought two...

I couldn't resist getting it in this pretty purply print too. Both are from the Garden Collection.

Also from the Garden Collection, I was so happy to find this dress in my size! I love the vibrant cobalt blue color and the romantic ruffles that go down the sides. Perfect for a hot day like today.

There was a layered, flowy graphic print skirt at H&M that I had my eye on so if I end up purchasing that I STILL wouldn't be straying too far away from my ruffles theme.