• Highlight your waist and legs by pairing a cropped T-shirt with the gingham mini skirt. It's a young, laid-back look that's perfect for exploring the city.
• Add a retro, school-girl vibe by pairing it with white sneakers, a backpack, and some hoop earrings.
• If you want it to look a bit more modern, opt for accessories with modern details like exposed zippers.

• This is definitely a bolder ensemble, with the bright yellow and the bell sleeves, but it would be stunning for a photoshoot on the blog, brunch at a fancier restaurant, or for a date!
• Add a clean white crossbody bag and some gold earrings to play off the white and yellow tones of the outfit.
• Top it off with black mules for a powerful, chic, and feminine touch. It's also a great alternative to your standard stilettos, which can come off more formal.

• For a girls' night out, pair this skirt with a fitted number. The velvety and satin textures make both the top and the clutch evening-friendly. 
• To amp up the sexy factor, throw on a black choker and sky high strappy heels. 
• Now, if the outfit is too revealing or overdone, feel free to switch out the stilettos for a shorter heel or even a heeled boot. You can also wear a motorcycle jacket for warmth (it adds to the sexy/badass vibes). 

If you've been following me for a while, you'll know that I do a lot of shoe posts because that's just what I'm into. So, today I decided to start a series called Obsessed (although I'm still tentative about it so if you guys have any suggestions for another name, please let me know!). Basically in this series, I will go through a list of must-haves in each shoe category, like heels, sneakers, boots, etc.


[1] United Nude Slip Ons in Navy Black White[2] Nike Toki Slip-On in Black White[3] Nike Roshe Run Print Sneaker in White Silver Black[4] Vans SK8 Hi Reissue in True White Premium Leather[5] Vans Classic Slip On in Khaki True White[6] Puma Classic Suede Sneaker in Grey Pink
I'm kicking it off (ha ha ha) with sneakers for the fall!

You don't need me to tell you that sneakers can be worn year-round and it's true for the ones I've selected above. But, I've chosen those specific ones because I think they'll be absolutely perfect for a cooler autumn. THESE ARE NOT NECESSARILY TRENDS. These are just sneakers that I love and wish I had (insert crying laugh emoji).

Black slip-ons are a MUST for fall. Why? You can wear them with ripped jeans, dark denim, light denim, leather shorts, leather skirts, white skinny jeans, flowy midi skirts...you name it! Go for either a leather/leather looking pair for a sleeker look or pick a sporty pair to add that down-to-earth vibe.

Next, white sneakers. Good for most of the year, though I don't recommend wearing them if you're in New England like me and winters = death piles of snow and slosh. However, for fall, choose a pair with a dark pattern or again, the leathery look. I find that the leather material makes the outfit a bit "heavier" and more fall appropriate.

Last but not least, suede! You'll either LOVE or HATE it. I think it adds a nice, warm texture to outfits, especially for colder months. If you opt for a taupe colored pair, you can wear them virtually all year. Throw them on with a white denim skirt and sweater or wear your favorite jeans and t-shirt to let the shoes do the talking!


What are your favorite sneakers for the fall? Let me know down below!!


Bye for now,
Jenn

For those of you planning to celebrate July 4th, here are a few outfit ideas that incorporate the Independence Day spirit! These are perfect for sitting on the grass watching fireworks or mingling with friends at a bbq.



If you'd like more details about each specific piece of clothing or accessory, please visit my polyvore at asmallbit.polyvore.com!

(From left to right)
OUTFIT #1
a) Super casual! The denim skirt gives it a down-to-earth feel while the tucked in t-shirt and belt still help maintain your womanly silhouette.
b) The cute American flag graphic is slightly faded, making it look worn in and comfortable!
c) The color of the sneakers helps brighten up the look a bit, making it more appropriate for the summertime.
d) If you find that it starts getting chilly at night, throw on a navy cardigan! The color will complement the yellow and the denim perfectly.
e) Star shaped earrings are a cute way to incorporate that aspect of the flag into your outfit if you're opting to wear a plain t-shirt.

OUTFIT #2
a) This outfit was inspired by the colors of the flag but rather than using the normal red and royal blue, I chose colors that were more summery and more in trend.
b) The polka dot pattern gives the look a bit more umf and is also kind of retro.
c) To pull the outfit together, I added polka dot flats but using a polka dot pattern that's subtler and has a solid color tip to mimic the match between the polka dot top and solid color shorts.
d) To bring out the white dots in the blouse, I chose pearl earrings.

OUTFIT #3
a) Kind of a stretch from the original American flag theme but I decided to use striped shorts in a light lavender color to represent the stripes on the flag.
b) The denim corset creates a nice solid contrast to the lighter colored shorts.
c) Since it's denim, the corset looks less risque and can be worn to many events but you can always throw something over it if you think it's a bit too inappropriate for family events.
d) I opted for JC wedges because they elongate the legs and the mint color complements the lavender quite nicely. To me, this color combo is supposed to be reminiscent of the red and blue found traditionally in the flag but that might be a little too off?
e) I added a bracelet that did have the traditional colors, just in case it didn't look patriotic enough! :)

OUTFIT #4
a) Crop tops are the epitome of summer and this pinkish reddish colored one is a great option for those who like it simple.
b) Instead of going for stripes, I decided to pair this solid tee with a small polka dot skirt that has bows going down the front. It's extremely girly!
c) Nude pumps with an ankle strap will elongate your legs and make it a little easier to walk while the peeptoe adds a feminine touch to the outfit.
d) The outfit can't be complete without matching bow earrings, of course!

OUTFIT #5
a) This last outfit is one of my favorites because it does use the classic red, white, and blue color combo.
b) I wanted it to look a bit edgier so I thought the silver skull ring would work nicely.
c) The silver tone of the jewelry matches the silver hardware on the shorts.
d) The black wedges bring the bright colors together but I will advise people to be careful when walking in these types of shoes! You can always switch this for black flats!


I sincerely hope you guys enjoyed this post! Be safe and have fun on Independence Day! :)


Until next,
{kiss kiss kiss}
~Jenn

P.S. If you'd like to see what I'm wearing for Independence Day, please check back on my blog next week :D!

It's not quite summer yet but stores and bloggers have begun whipping out the swimsuits and swimwear posts like mad recently.

Swimwear isn't my forte nor do I shop for bathing suits...ever. But I thought I'd just share with you guys some cute ones that I've found online and hopefully, if you're stuck and not sure what to buy, these pictures will give you an idea!

Oh! Just a quick tip. Different patterns/shapes/cuts of swimsuits will emphasize different body parts. If you're looking to take the attention off of your chest area, I suggest something solid and neutral colored paired with a bold patterned bottom. Likewise, you can flip this combo if you're trying to tone down your lower bum region! If it's your hips you're worried about, try a one piece but with a solid black color block on both sides of the hips. The black will give the appearance of a slimmer waist/hip area.

And like anything else in fashion, you don't have to stick to the "rules". Just wear what you feel is comfortable and what you think looks good on you!

F21 Leopard Trapeze Swim Top and Leopard Hipster Swim Bottom $12.80, $9.80

Vitamin A "Cosmo" Ruched Bikini Bottoms $76

Asos Lemon Print Spaghetti Strap Bikini Top and Lemon Print Hipster Bikini Briefs $24.35, $20.87

Asos Geometric Enamel Cut Out Swimsuit $48.71

Asos Color Block Wrap Swimsuit $52.19

What are some of your favorite swimsuit trends for this summer?? Let me know in the comments below!


Until next time,
{kisses!}
~Jenn

I'm sure if you're my age or older than I am, you'll understand that backpacks were an essential that we grew up with. Shopping for a new backpack for school meant looking for features that made it the ultimate bag, whether it be having the most pockets or being the most weatherproof. Moms worried about that stuff more than we did, I'm guessing, but now that I'm becoming more of an adult and spending my own money to purchase bags, I've begun to seriously consider what makes a bag worth buying.

Rather than talking about those heavy duty backpacks that we used to cram textbooks into, today I'll be discussing the trendier looking ones. They're very chic and, depending on the material, can dress up or down an outfit.

Backpacks come in a variety of styles: casual, canvas, printed, leather, faux leather, etc. Recently, I've begun to see an increase in horizontal shaped backpacks. They resemble the shape of a messenger bag but equipped with shoulder straps. I personally really enjoy the way they look but I find that the shape and design of many of those types of backpacks make it difficult for the bag to lay nicely against my back. It could also be because the bags are usually empty prior to the purchase. Keep in mind, like anything else, prices will range!

Before I go into the pros and cons of using backpacks as an accessory piece, I will list a few examples below, just as a reference point (and also so you guys can take a look around and get some ideas for yourself!).

Peter Jensen "Rabbit Backpack" $187.87 from Asos.com

Deena and Ozzy "Acid Wash Patch Backpack" $42 from Urban Outfitters

Levi's "River Rock Backpack" $150 from Nordstrom

Nillie Shop "Faux Leather Backpack" $35 from Yesstyle.com

ASOS "Leather backpack" $208.74 from Asos

Theyskens Theory "Black Leather Backpack" $575 from Theory.com

The Row "Leather backpack" $3900 from net-a-porter.com

The following list isn't in order of importance, just random order!
PROS
1. Storage: for a while, big purses were "in" and one of the greatest things about them were the space inside the bag. The bad thing is that it gets too heavy to carry around if you're the type of person who likes to keep a lot of crap in their bags. The good thing about a backpack is the two straps that keep the weight balanced on your shoulders instead of weighing down just one arm. The load seems much lighter and is great for travel, shopping, school, etc.

2. Design: similar to any other bag, backpacks come in a variety of patterns, graphics, fabrics, shapes, and sizes. As an accessory piece, it can be used to add texture or tone down an outfit.

3. Adds a "School Girl Umf": not everyone is going to like this pro or agree with it but I think backpacks have a certain innocent and casual quality that differs from other purses/bags. This kind of branches off from the "Design" pro but depending on what the backpack looks like, the outfit's aura can really change.

4. Hands free!: cross body bags have this same advantage too. I used to own a shoulder bag and it was always a pain in the hole to go shopping or to school. It's nice being able to rush through a crowd without worrying that the backpack will fall off. I also imagine it'd be harder to steal a backpack than a shoulder bag.

CONS
1. Waterproof vs non: this really depends on whether or not you get a canvas or leather one. Canvas backpacks have become quite popular though so I think consumers have greater access to these types. With that said, I find it annoying to have a bag that isn't waterproof or water resistant because of the crazy weather we have here. I also like having bags I can use year round!

2. Straps: if you plan on putting a heavy load in your bag, I suggest looking for one with thicker straps. After a while, thin straps will hurt your shoulders and make it uncomfortable to wear. I also worry a lot about the straps falling off, especially if the bag is heavy and weighs down. I've had it happen before! Broken straps :( and most are sewn in at the top, so they aren't 100% secure.

3. Open and Close: sometimes, it's not super convenient to get things out of the bag, just because of how the bag is usually worn. It's a whole process of taking both straps off, balancing the bag on your knees, rummaging for what you need, closing it, and putting it back on again. With a cross body bag or shoulder bag, reaching it for what you need to get is much easier.

4. Position: this is more of a concern in other countries but because the backpack is worn on the back, you can't really monitor what goes on. It could just be my paranoia but in a crowded area, it's difficult to detect when someone reaches into your bag or front pocket of the backpack. Must be cautious in those situations!


...and that's about it! Those are my opinions/tips about backpacks. I'm still on the search for a nice faux leather one for everyday use so please leave some suggestions if you have any! Thanks!


Until next time,
{kiss kiss}
~Jenn

I love a lot of shoes, if that isn't already obvious. But some shoes really irk me.
Sometimes it's the shape, sometimes it's the height...

Jeffrey Campbell "Coltrane" $184.95
The shape of the shoe near the toe area bugs me. It's too round and too bulky. I'm not feeling the color combo either. I think if the front side parts had cut outs too, it would look much better.

To Be Announced "Bound" $159.95
The color of the shoe is horrendously cheap looking. But that's pretty much all I dislike about it.

To Be Announced "Whips" $299.95
I'm not the biggest fan of cowboy boots because I find that there's a fuzzy line between cute and rodeo-esque. The studs kind of just...killed it.

Substitute "Floam" $129.95
There is nothing more that I hate than a pair of shoes that remind me of hookers. But that's not really even the issue here. I just can't stand this overwhelming excessive height. The heel is a block because it's more of a flatform than a wedge. It just looks very odd to me.

Underground "Quad Shoe" $274.95
Same deal as the previous one. Creepers are okay. I don't think I'd ever wear them but they do look good on some people. The problem I have with this is that the height is at an awkward place...not too tall but it's not that short either.

See by Chloe "SB18070" $194.95
I hate these shoes. I hate them a lot. I'm okay with espadrilles in wedge form, occasionally. But these just look cheap and raggedy.

Fendi "Bow Slide Sandal" $475
I love the color combo and the bow but I can't stand the sandal shape. These types of sandals just... ack.

Manolo Blahnik "Irie" $645
The first thing I noticed was the heel shape. It's almost... curvy? I hate that. Second, I really don't like the combination of slingback and pointy toed...This shoe just screams prim and proper and it's just not my thing.

Ivanka Trump "Aida" $134.95
Color is okay for summer. Again, the pointy toe. And kitten heels just bother me. The shoe itself looks pretty stiff too. Ouchies.

Attilio Giusti Leombruni "Platform Slide" $365
I don't even know how to describe why I dislike this shoe. The shoe is a little too wide and the straps are too wide. I think this type of shoe would only end up "fattening" the size of your foot.

Minnetonka "Concho Feather" $49.95
I don't have anything against Minnetonka moccasins but this is just really ugly. {lol} There's no shape to this shoe. It really just looks like a suede pillow case for your feet.

Paloma Barcelo "Sandal" $249.95
The straps are too busy (the design) and they look like they would hurt to wear. Like it would rub against your foot the wrong way. Second, the colors are all over the place and I don't think they're very complementary. It's just too much.

Now, I don't hate all shoes that have those certain qualities.

Kate Spade New York "Ginger" $345
This is one example. I love the shape of the shoe and the heel. Suede is always amazing and the color combination is beautiful. I normally don't like overly strappy shoes but this works. The criss-crossing is done more near the front of the foot and the size of the straps are good.

Jimmy Choo "Vega" $525
Again, this is totally okay. I would love to own this shoe even though the toe is a bit on the pointy side and the heel is a bit short. It's just enough to be classy and not short enough to be considered a kitten heel. The front is pointy but it has a rounder quality. The leather also tones it down a bit. If it were patent, I might have other thoughts.

Jeffrey Campbell "Homg" Sneaker $64.95
This is also acceptable. The height is in that middle area but I think because it's a high top sneaker, and one solid color, it doesn't feel quite as strange. Rather, I think worn with black bottoms it would elongate the leg.

What do you guys think? What types of shoes would you die being seen in?


Until next time,
{kiss kiss}
~Jenn