swanepoel the supermodel?

Everyone in the blog-o-sphere (ugh, that term) has been melting down over these photos featuring Candice Swanepoel for Vogue Spain. While most are from an editorial entitled "Tan Sexy," there is one page (the four shots wit the curlers) that is from a separate editorial entitled "Ha pasado un Ángel." Both appear in the April 2013 issue and were shot by Mariano Vivanco. What is most striking about these photographs is the pure essence of 90s supermodel that Candice is sending to the camera. I could imagine Cindy Crawford doing this shoot, and trust me, she did many like them. So does this mean that the era of the supermodel really isn't over and Candice may be the new queen? Only time will tell, but I think everyone enjoys her editorials and work, whether on the VS catwalk or high fashion. And damn, have you seen anyone wear cutoffs as well as her?

in the twilight of these white nights.

Like most others, my wardrobe is dominated by the color black. I have pants, cardigans, dresses, tops, bags, shoes.. the list goes on. White has also been a major player in my closet, but in more subtle ways -- undershirts, mostly. But I've been trying to be more bold with it. Now I have white, leather loafers with spikes (actual), a white peplum dress I wore for my graduation (similar), and a beautiful portfolio style clutch in the clean shade (similar). In the past few seasons, we've seen white become one of those colors that one must consider when wanting to try out the monochromatic look (see: Candice Swanepoel's look while filming extra earlier this month.) Forget leaving those whites behind after labor day, I think white has become a color that you can and must wear all year round. Monochromatic looks may seem easy while wearing black, but I have to say, you need to be careful when going in this direction. Your look can easily fall from chic to Morticia Addams (unless that's the look you're intentionally going for?) with a little too much of the dark color. So pick fun pieces. Don't wear a black turtle neck with black pants if you aren't going to play with the look -- add a belt with a strong gold buckle or a shoe that lengthens your leg and lets a little ankle show. Note: I apologize in advance for not having a polyvore link here, apparently the site ate my draft and no one wants to cry about it more than I do! Maybe if I can find some motivation, I can remake a similar one and link it in the future. Last but not least, my favorite thing to do with these two colors is a strong contrast. Olivia Lopez does it best on her blog, Lust for Life, and I am dying to go for a contrast this wild. Black and white striped ankle pants with a barely there shoe and a leather jacket? Don't forget the sharp, clean white bag. I think my ideal black and white contrast would be a skater skirt with a bold, floral print (white on black) with a fuzzy, and very 90s, black angora sweater and one of those transparent, box clutches that only encases cosmetics with black cases. Oh, to be able to snap any outfit into life! But this may be a nice alternative..

keep the wind at your back and the sun on your face.

I've had this shoot that Kate Upton did for Elle France saved on my computer since the new year, trying not to obsess over it because it is making me desperate for sunny days and warm enough weather to lounge by the pool, even if I still have to wear a cosy sweater to get away with it. The whole shoot, shot by photographer Matt Jones, has Kate romping around outside in her skivvies, wearing a panda hat, washing a car and canoodling with a teddy bear. What could be better? And if I don't get a chance to put on a pair of roller-skates this spring, there will be hell to pay. There is nothing I miss more than a full day at the roller rink, skating to the tunes of the Spice Girls and doing the chicken dance. Sorry winter, the grayness and snow has got to go. Spring, please hurry up!

it's all in the bag.

I'm on the hunt for a new purse. If you knew me a few years ago, this would be something that I would say every week. These days, I don't hunt for purses with quite as much vigor as I used to. Blame it on the fact that I have been so overwhelmed with school that I use nothing but a backpack Monday through Friday or maybe the blame could be placed on the fact that I have learned that a good purse is worth splurging on. I've found that the items that I need to last the longest are purses and shoes, so I choose to spend more money on those than sweaters and tops that may only get a few wears per season (and who knows if said top will even be wearable next year). So I tend to go for purses that are neutral (even though I find that colorful bags are usually my absolute favorites when I'm shopping). I have a great brown cross body bag that I use casually, which I purchased from Urban Outfitters well over a year ago. However, besides my backpack, this is the only bag I have that seems to be standing the test of time!

Over Christmas, I received a snap clutch in the shape of a heart, covered in spikes which gets looks and questions and people grabbing at it constantly. While I love this bag as well, it's not exactly appropriate for day, and I need some more options that will either work solely for daytime or carry me from day to night. I was mostly looking for medium sized shoulder bags at first, since I somehow have managed not to purchase one since high school it seems, but as you can see from my little collage, there are only one or two of those that I'm eyeing right now. For some reason, I am always drawn to the absurdly small, whether a clutch or a chain bag, or something so gigantic that I could fit my entire life inside (which, I have to say, would be veeery convenient for me for school days!).

In this set, I am the most drawn to the lone black bag, the sequin clutch, and tan handbag with the adorable horse emblem on it. Of course, right now my bank account can only afford getting one new bag, so I will probably be weighing my options until these nearly go out of stock on ASOS! Which bag is your favorite?