Denim on demin–it's so hard to get right, but when the shades are different enough to make a good contrast, the resulting outfit can work. I found this shirt ages ago in Target and I still love its softness and faded color. The black and pale pink tote however is brand-new. I snagged it during J.Crew's last big sale and I'm so happy I did. The contrasting color is sold out now (solids are still available) and it's what I like best about the style.
_____________________
Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]
Jeans: Toothpick Ankle Jean in 'Classic Rinse Wash,' J.Crew [$125, available here]
Shoes: Leather Sandal in Black, Zara [$80, available here]
Bag: Tartine Tote in 'Blossom Black,' J.Crew [$298, similar styles 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 'Geranium'
With Valentine's Day less than one week away, I'd be lying if I said I haven't already thought of a few date-night outfit ideas (you can never be too prepared, right?). Since my one rule is to always include a bit of lace for the holiday, this ivory tunic dress would definitely fit the bill. FashForward Boutique, a carefully curated online shop of similarly-styled clothes and accessories, sent me the piece and it was love at first sight.I adore anything lace–the dress' frayed scalloped edges are to-die-for gorgeous–and I love how the piece can be dressed up or down and made appropriate for the winter or the summer with just a few accessories.
p.s. It's time for another giveaway and this one's pretty amazing…one lucky winner will be able to choose an of item of their choice from FashForward Boutique just like I did. Check back tomorrow for all the details on how to win! x
___________
Dress: Ivory Lace Dress, Sweet Rain c/o FashForward Boutique [$45, available here]
Jacket: Blazer with Faux-Leather trim, Anne Klein [was $179, available here]
Shoes: Heat High Heel Shoe in "Black Kid Suede," Pelle Moda [$140, available here]
Tights: Solid Opaque Tights in "Black," J. Crew [were $26.50, available here]
Bag: Lytton Tweed Clutch in Black and White, Diane von Furstenberg [$295, available here]
Jewelry: 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]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani [from set, $78, available here]
Nails: Essie "Head Mistress"
Oh how I love top handle handbags. I practically screamed in delight (okay I actually screamed in delight) when this one by Cuore & Pelle arrived at my door. The brand, which translates from the Italian to "Heart & Leather," makes gorgeously elegant purses in a wide variety of colors and shapes. I adore this one's trapezoidal angles and strong structure, not to mention its turnlock flap and snap-closure wings. These dalmatian shoes were a pretty amazing Christmas gift find courtesy of my sister. The 'smoking slipper' shape is a fun twist to a typical flat–not to mention they're in my favorite color combination of black and white.
_________________
Shirt: 1×1 Ribbed Long Sleeve V-Neck Top in Black, Splendid [$50, available here]
Scarf: Black Fringed Scarf, H&M [old]
Jacket: Moto Jacket, Black Rivet [was $198, available here]
Pants: Jeggings in Red, American Eagle Outfitters [$44.50, no longer available; similar style available here]
Bag: 'Caterina' Purse in Black, c/o Cuore & Pelle [$385, available here]
Shoes: 'Gale' Smoking Flats in Dalmatian Pony Hair, INC International Concepts [were $79.50, available here, similar style available here]
Jewelry: Starter Charm Bracelet in Gold, Juicy Couture [$42, available here]; Arm Candy in Black Onyx, c/o Beso Beso [$90, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Head Mistress'
When the prices of the Neiman Marcus + Target Collection took a sharp dive (70% percent off for those who may not have been following along), I ended up shopping the collaboration a lot more than I had ever intended. This Marc Jacobs scarf was one of those discounted purchases (along with the designer's leather pouch and Robert Rodrigez's lace dress). This is my favorite kind of weekend outfit: comfy jeans, an even comfier leather jacket (seriously, it's the best one I've ever owned), and simple flats. My arm party just recently got some new additions: you may be able to spot a gorgeous silver skull bracelet that was sent to me by LeiVanKash (who I partnered with back in December along with Nokia for a fashion quest challenge) and a delicate beaded bracelet by Beso Beso, a charming and unique jewelry line of pieces made to be layered.
ENTER MY LATEST GIVEAWAY for a statement ring HERE!
_____________________
Jacket: Asymmetric Knit-Leather Jacket in Black, MICHAEL Michael Kors [was $475, available here]
Shirt: 1×1 Ribbed Long Sleeve V-Neck Top in Black, Splendid [was $50, available here]
Scarf: NM + Target Metallic Border-Print Scarf, Marc Jacobs [was $69, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in ‘Bright Indigo Destroy,’ American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]
Jewelry: 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]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; old Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Venetian Link bracelet, Tiffany & Co. [$185, available here]; Decenario bracelet [old]; Purple Wax-Coated String Bracelet, Puravida [$5, available here]; Arm Candy in Labradorite, c/o Beso Beso [$120, available here]; Skull Bracelet in Silver and Fuschia Pink, c/o LeiVanKash [$150, available here]
I've admired this Zara plaited shopper from afar–as in on other bloggers and celebs–and up close–meaning on store shelves–for a long time. It's not hard to see why: super pigmented leather, simple lines, minimal hardware, and top handles make it pretty much my ideal handbag. Still, I never took the plunge to pick one up for myself. Lucky for me, my boyfriend likes buying me handbags as much as I like talking about them to him. A discussion one day about how long/hard I had been lusting over this one led to it arriving on my doorstep a few days later. Pretty amazing, right? (And yes I'm talking about both him and the shopper.)
P.S. As promised, I'm living in these Genetic Denim jeans from the Haden Reid Boutique (check out it's Facebook page here)–they're so fitted but oh-so-comfy.
ENTER MY LATEST GIVEAWAY for a statement ring HERE!
_______________________
Blazer: Boyfriend Blazer in Black, J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]
Shirt: 1×1 Ribbed Long Sleeve V-Neck Top in Black, Splendid [was $50, available here]
Jeans: Shane Cigarette in 'Chain,' Genetic Denim c/o Haden Reid [were $218, available here]
Shoes: Suede Ankle Booties, Nine West [no longer available, similar style available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Jewelry: Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Fauna Shark Tooth Wood Bead Stretch Bracelet in Black CZ, c/o Kevia [$75, available here]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here], Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie "Smokin' Hot"
Browsing through online boutiques is a dangerous pastime of mine–it's impossible not to fall in love with at least one piece when you're looking at a carefully curated selection. These jeans came from the incredibly sweet woman behind Haden Reid, an online retailer of truly fabulous–and luxe–clothes, shoes, and accessories (I can personally attest to this fact–these skinnies are so comfy and glam I never want to take them off). The boutique, which was established in 2008 and named after its founder's two sons, has a wide variety of merchandise and brands. My favorite section? 'Celebrity Picks'–there you can score lots pieces as seen on a selection of stars.
You can keep up-to-date with Haden Reid's latest finds–and sales–by following the boutique on Twitter and Facebook.
_______________________
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jacket: Bouclee Jacket in 'Lime,' New Look
Bag: Emily Eyelash Clutch in Silver, Club Monaco [was $130, available here]
Jeans: Shane Cigarette in 'Chain,' Genetic Denim c/o Haden Reid [were $218, available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, similar style available here]
Jewelry:Paloma Picasso 'Love' bracelet, [$175, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; 'Monica' Silver Chain Necklace, c/o Sole Love [$15, available here]; Decenario bracelet [old]; Purple Wax-Coated String Bracelet, Puravida [$5, available here]
I owned a pair of clogs when I was younger. Their purchase was the direct result of my mother's retro-inspired love of the style and had been very fashion-forward–it came at a time when everyone else my age was wearing what turned out to be much less interesting things like round-toed shoes, jelly sandals, and thick-soled sneakers. Of course that first pair was not as well-made or authentic as this one, which was sent to me by Sven Clogs. Although its base is made from real wood imported from Austria and Sweden, it is super lightweight making the soles completely quiet and the shoes insanely comfortable to wear. And speaking of comfy, I can't get enough of this sweatshirt by Proenza Schouler for the Neiman Marcus and Target holiday collection–it's so stylish and so very soft.
P.S. The people behind Sven Clogs are incredibly sweet and generous–they're offering a pair of clogs of your choice to one of you! Exciting right? Check back tomorrow for your chance to WIN and in the meantime start planning how you'd wear a pair (Rachel Bilson is a fun place to start looking for some style inspiration). x
__________________________________
Shirt: Proenza Schouler, Abstract-Print Sweatshirt, NM + Target [$29.99, available here and here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Shoes: Plain Clog with Leather Collar (High Heel) with Natural Base and Smooth Black Leather, c/o Sven Clogs [$225, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Jewelry: Ladies Classic Museum Watch 0604229, Movado [was $595, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here], Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'
I love scarves. I actually have a drawer dedicated to them in one of my dressers–arranged of course from solid colors (the majority) to the good number of patterned ones I've collected over the years. This gorgeous black and taupe scarf from Subtle Luxury has become my new favorite of the latter group. I was so happy to discover the Californian company: it's brimming with relaxed, lived-in clothing in neutral colors (read: made for me) with a large line of 'spun scarves' that are sheer, soft, and incredibly easy to wear just like this one. I was thrilled to become a part of the brand's 'how to style a scarf' blogger series (see more participants on their Facebook page) and decided to wear this piece un-knotted to better show off its subtle print.
p.s. This post offers a glimpse into my time spent Christmas shopping–it was shot inside the Time Warner Center's Shops at Columbus Circle. It's such a pleasure to browsing and buying there: from the gorgeous architecture to the luxe stores, after a visit, you'll never want to shop anyplace else.
_____________________________
Shirt: V-Neck Sweater in "Almond," Banana Republic [$59.50, similar colors available here]
Blazer: Open Front Blazer in Beige, Forever 21 [no longer available, similar style available here]
Scarf: Black Trevi Swirl Print Scarf, c/o Subtle Luxury [$40, available here]
Jeans: Super Skinny Super Low Jeans in Light Denim Blue, H&M [not available online, similar style available here]
Shoes: Suede Ankle Booties, Nine West [no longer available, similar style available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]; assorted Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Cornelian Expandable Wire Bangle for Haiti, Alex and Ani [$18, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'
When I wanted a jean jacket a few years ago, I knew that the one I finally bought should be from Levi's, America's quintessential denim brand. Their trucker jacket is after all an actual classic: invented in 1969, it has only been modified slightly over the years to tailor the fit. My way of avoiding a denim-on-demin fashion faux pas is to pair the jacket with an all-black look from head to toe–so comfy but so chic.
_______________________
Shirt: 1×1 Ribbed Long Sleeve V-Neck Top in Black, Splendid [was $50, available here]
Jacket: Authentic Trucker Jacket in “Shadowy Dust,” Levi’s [$78, available here]
Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]
Shoes: Wendall Boot in Black, DV by Dolce Vita [$169, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Jewelry: Assorted Bangles, Alex and Ani; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here];Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie's "Forever Yummy"
I've never before attempted to take outfit shots after nightfall. I'm going to blame Columbus Circle for the idea–it's just so glitteringly alive even after the sky's turned dark. I'd spent this day wearing my new–and amazing–pair of Linge Ballet Shoes. Super comfortable with soft leather inside and out, they're compact enough to travel well (a feature I love). The last time I had anything to do with ballet I was well under ten years old and five feet tall, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the attention to detail Linge Shoes (their name refers to the lines of the dancer's body) puts into their flats: how cute is that tiny–and completely functional–bow?
Plus I'm happy to announce that Linge Shoes has been generous enough to offer a pair of their flats to one of you…yay! Check back later for all the details on how to enter to win!
__________________________
Shirt: Gray Tee, Banana Republic [old]
Jacket: "Severt" Twill Anorak Jacket in Olive, Jack by BB Dakota [$82, available here]
Skirt: Delight Maxi Skirt in Black, MICHAEL Michael Kors [no longer available online]
Shoes: Ballet Shoe in Black, c/o Linge Shoes [$59, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Jewelry: Assorted Bangles, Alex and Ani; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here];Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Fauna Shark Tooth Wood Bead Stretch Bracelet in Black CZ, c/o Kevia [$75, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Licorice'