{things i wore} flared jeans
I never loved the skinny jean trend so I'm somewhat happy that it's become for the most part passé. Flared denim is another story–I've found it flattering and comfy for years, mostly because they hide super high heels so well, allowing my legs to acquire the extra couple of inches I wasn't born with. The wide-leg jeans/heels combo is exactly what I wore for my visit to Botkier's showroom (you saw glimpses of it in yesterday's post). I figured it made sense to also carry my favorite handbag since the company creates such perfect purses. Speaking of bags, you might be wondering what's inside the big brown one I'm holding here. The amazingly sweet folks at Botkier sent me home with a gift, the 'Honore' hobo in a gorgeous caramel brown color that's perfect for summer. Thanks again to Botkier for such a wonderful visit.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a leather and brass bracelet here!
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Shirt: Sleeveless Drape-Back Blouse in Black, L'Amour Nanette Lepore [no longer available]; Lace Bralet in 'Black,' Cosabella Amore (underneath) [$24, available here]
Jeans: 'Iris' Flare Jeans, Buffalo David Bitton [were $119, available here]
Shoes: Balnit Peep-Toe Slingbacks in Black, Aldo [were $110, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available
Jewlery: Gold Bracelet with Spiked Ends, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$675, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's [old]; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Forever Yummy'
{things i wore} denim vest
I've been talking about how much I've wanted the perfect denim vest a little too much and a little too long. Case in point: the second I spotted this one at Macy's, my boyfriend walked up to the rack, silently located my size, and held onto it for me like he'd discovered the Holy Grail. I always want my denim outerwear to be from Levi's. Not only do I love their branding, but I feel confident entrusting a company that's been handling denim since 1853 to provide me with the perfect fit and wash.
Happy weekend & enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a leather and brass bracelet here!
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Vest: Trucker Vest, Levi's [$68, different wash available here]
Dress: 'Renee' Maxi Dress in Black, c/o House of Maxi [available on the House of Maxi site soon]
Shoes: Crisscross Sandals in Black, J.Jill [$89, available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, available here]; Metallic Black Intertwined Gold Chain Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$40, available here]; Custom Knotted Vintage Ribbon Adjustable Bracelet with Cross Charm in Gold Finish and Black Ribbon, c/o Ettika [$63, available here]; Gold Bracelet with Spiked Ends, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]
{things i wore} gemstone pendant
There's something fun about wearing a piece of jewelry around your neck that looks like it was recently unearthed. This polished piece of hematite, the mineral form of iron oxide, is gorgeous in its unique texture and shape (look closely and you'll find an irregularly-bordered hunk of glass-like black glitter). Henri Lou designer Reagan Rowland is all about unique pieces with unexpected origins; born in Texas, she got her early inspiration from a saddle shop. Speaking of leather, be sure to come back later today for your chance to win one of Henri Lou's most iconic pieces for yourself. So exciting!
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Shirt: Drape Tank, American Eagle Outfitters [not available online]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in ‘Bright Indigo Destroy,’ American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Shoes: Leather Sandal in Black, Zara [$80, available here]
Bag: Slashed Leather clutch in Brown, Romygold [$128, not available online (similar style here)]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, available here]; Metallic Black Intertwined Gold Chain Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$40, available here]; Hematite Necklace, c/o Henri Lou Jewelry [$132, available here]
{things i wore} long-sleeved tee
This outfit's hiding something at first glance–the unbelievable comfort of its individual pieces. Both the skirt and the shirt are so soft and so stretchy that I could wear them all day long. The shirt's secret is its fabric. It's made of modal–in America, as is all Bullet Blues Apparel clothing–a material that's smoother and more durable than regular rayon (fun fact: it's spun from beech trees). The wide bracelet sleeves are perfection–while I'm not used to wearing something that's so loose and cropped on my arms, I adore that fact that they end at the same place the waist of the skirt begins.
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Shirt: Odile in 'Noir,' c/o Bullet Blues Custom Apparel [$60, available here]
Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Dark Gray,' H&M [$18, available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Shoes: Crisscross Sandals in Black, J.Jill [$89, available here]
Sunglasses: Large Metal Aviators Gold Frame, Ray Ban [$145, available here]
Jewelry: Gold Bracelet with Spiked Ends, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's [old]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, available here], Custom Knotted Vintage Ribbon Adjustable Bracelet with Cross Charm in Gold Finish and Black Ribbon, c/o Ettika [$63, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]
{things i wore} striped maxi dress
I'd been looking for the perfect all-over striped maxi for a long time before I found this one. Every time wear it, I'm reminded of why I wanted one so badly in the first place. For starters, wide stripes somehow seem both attention-grabbing and simple at the same time–more visually interesting than a solid color and yet more subdued than a busy pattern. I have a weak spot for anything black and white, so combine that with chevron-ed lines and I'm able to permanently check this specific type of maxi dress off my 'want' list.
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Dress: Striped Racerback Maxi Dress, H&M [no longer available]
Shoes: 'Archer' Sandals in Black, DV by Dolce Vita [$69, available here, here, and here (on sale)]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Sunglasses: Oversized Plastic Frames in Black, Guess, c/o Guess [no longer available]
Jewelry: Gold Bracelet with Spiked Ends, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's [old]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, available here], Custom Knotted Vintage Ribbon Adjustable Bracelet with Cross Charm in Gold Finish and Black Ribbon, c/o Ettika [$63, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]
Nails: Essie's "Eternal Optimist"
{things i wore} braided belt
Fun fact: the majority of the pieces used in this outfit were purchased more than a few years ago. The skirt and bag–both from Zara, and I couldn't love them more with their perfect simplicity–are the only recent additions. I always find that it's worth investing in basic, quality items that won't quickly go out of style. While I love nothing more than browsing racks upon racks of clothes in stores, the best shopping is always the one you can do within your own closet.
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Shirt: Silk Tank in Black, Banana Republic [old, similar here]
Skirt: Silk Maxi Skirt in Black, Zara [no longer available, similar here]
Belt: Braided Brown Leather Belt [vintage, similar here]
Shoes: Crisscrossed Brown Leather sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Sunglasses: Large Metal Aviators Gold Frame, Ray Ban [$145, available here]
Jewelry: Expandable wire bangles in 'Russian Gold', Alex and Ani; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]
Nails: Essie's "Miss Fancy Pants"
{things i wore} peplum top
This is the outfit I wore while visiting the Met this past weekend (check out my review of the museum's fashion exhibit 'Punk: Chaos to Couture' here). I've loved the peplum trend since it recently took root–feminine, structured, forgiving, it would be impossible for me to not be a huge fan. I own two other examples of the fitted and flared style (see here and here), but this one's my favorite with its black and white stripes, wide ruffle, and exposed zipper.
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Top: Striped Peplum Top, The Limited [$45, available here]
Jeans: Slim Boyfriend Jeans, H&M [not available online]
Bag: 'Holly' in Black, c/o Oushka London [was $240, available here (on sale!)]
Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]
Jewelry: Gold Bracelet with Spiked Ends, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$675, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's [old]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]
Nails: Essie "Russian Roulette"
{things i wore} printed tank
With everything finally in bloom–I'm crazy excited to see trees with ever-thickening leaves–it seems more appropriate than even to wear this brightly colored floral shirt from the Prabel Garung for Target collection. I wrote all about my shopping experience months ago here, but long story short, this tank was the piece I wanted most from the designer's line. Today's outfit explains why: it's hard to find the perfect shirt to pair with a maxi skirt but this one's so versatile with its contrasting color, sheer panels, and fun print that it works as well here as it would with jeans.
(PSST…FEELING LUCKY? CLICK HERE TO WIN THIS:)
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Tank: Sleeveless Blouse in First Date Print, Prabal Gurung For Target [$27, no longer available]
Skirt: Silk Maxi Skirt in Black, Zara [no longer available]
Bag: 'Caterina' Purse in Black, c/o Cuore & Pelle [$385, available here]
Shoes: 'Mali' Sandal in Black, Miz Mooz [$90, available here]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Gold Cuff with Spikes, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o; Ettika [$45, available here]; Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]
Nails: Essie's 'Russian Roulette'
{things i wore} boyfriend jeans
I love pairing a polished piece (like this faux-leather trimmed blazer) with a more relaxed one (like these boyfriend jeans). It's a look that can go from casual to more polished with just your choice of handbag and shoes. I dressed things up this time with my dream DVF clutch–I had been browsing the brand's color/material combinations for ages until I fell in love with this black and white beauty–and my new go-to heels from Zara.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a gold and turquoise necklace here!
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Top: Scalloped Sleeveless Chiffon Tank in White, The Conscious Collection at H&M [$25, available here]
Jeans: Slim Boyfriend Jeans, H&M [not available online]
Jacket: Blazer with Faux-Leather trim, Anne Klein [was $179, available here]
Shoes: Leather Sandal in Black, Zara [$80, available here]
Bag: Lytton Tweed Clutch in Black and White, Diane von Furstenberg [$295, available here]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Gold Cuff with Spikes, 'The New Icons' at H&M [not available online];Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$675, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, available here]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Metallic Black Intertwined Gold Chain Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$40, available here]
Nails: Essie's 'Russian Roulette'
{things i wore} tie-front shirt
When I was younger–insert '90s fashion alert here–I used to love tying the front of my shirts in knots at my stomach. It was win-win in my opinion: you instantly got a custom fitted top (nothing nips in the waist better) and through some semipermanent D.I.Y. you were able to alter a piece enough to bring a sense of variety to your wardrobe. This shirt brought back those memories, with something of an upgrade. This time around, the tie-front is built in, the pattern is elegant (love the pale blue stripes), and the feel is luxuriously soft.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a gold and turquoise necklace here!
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Shirt: Stripe Front Tie Blouse in Blue and White, The Limited [was $40, available here, different colors available here (on sale!)]
Jeans: Skinny Leg Cropped in 'Coolidge Wash,' Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Jeans [were $79.50, available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Shoes: Chantal Sandals in 'Cuoio,' Luxury Rebel [$130, available here]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Classica Medium Bangle in 'Beige Stone', $22, available here]; Gold Bar White Bracelet, Pura Vida [$20, available here]
Nails: Essie "Bachelorette Bash"
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