{things i wore} open-knit sweater
I don't think I've ever been compelled to use the phrase "comfiest sweater ever" in my life before I felt the incredible softness of this beautiful knit creation by Margaret O'Leary–I'm pretty sure I'd wear it to sleep if I wasn't afraid of ruining it. The quality here is no accident: Margaret was born in County Kerry, Ireland where she learned the art of knitwear from her mother. The talent came with her to San Francisco where the brand expanded to include eight West coast shops. The shape of the sweater alone makes it special: a high-low hemline, drop sleeves, and wide boat neck provide the perfect amount of lived-in slouch. Add on that it's hand-knit, made of an Italian milled cotton, and open enough to feel the perfect combination of cozy/cool and I'm in heaven.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER MY CURRENT GIVEAWAY…but hurry, it closes tomorrow night!
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Sweater: Open Mesh Crew in White, c/o Margaret O'Leary [$330, available here]
Tank: Essential Ribbed Racerback Tank in White, Forever 21 [$4.80, available here]
Skirt: Delight Maxi Skirt in Black, MICHAEL Michael Kors [$80, 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: Expandable Wire Bracelets, Alex and Ani; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's [not available online]; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]; Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]
Nails: Essie "Bachelorette Bash"
{things i wore} striped sweater
H&M and I have a weird relationship. Many times I can walk through the store and not find a single thing I'd want (even if it was being offered for free–I know, crazy right?). Then randomly I can spot something that's too perfect to even consider passing up. This black-and-white striped sweater falls in the latter category. It's soft, light-weight, and looks like it cost a lot more than the brand's relatively low pricing. Plus, it looks great with everything from jeans to shorts to skirts. Case in point: this outfit, which also features my favorite–and comfy–maxi skirt. It's my idea of a perfect early spring look.
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Sweater: Striped Sweater, H&M [not available online]
Skirt: Delight Maxi Skirt in Black, MICHAEL Michael Kors [$80, available here]
Scarf: Slotted Pashmina in 'Midnight,' c/o Posh'mina [$30, available here]
Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Jewelry: Expandable Wire Bracelets, Alex and Ani; Arm Candy in Black Onyx, c/o Beso Beso [$90, available here]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's [not available online]; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]; Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]
Nails: Essie "Bachelorette Bash"
{things i wore} plastic-rimmed sunglasses
When I found these MNG by Mango pants in store, they were not my size (and therefore way too oversized) so I had to pass. A bit mesmerized by their comfy fabric and slouchy silhouette, I evetually caved and ordered a pair that would fit while they were still in stock online. It was definitely a win: they're so much fun to wear and style. I'm also completely in love with these new sunglasses courtesy of Firmoo. Not only are they stylish (love the gold accents), they're sturdy and well-made with thin lens. The brand is super accommodating–they offer a pair of free RX glasses to first time customers who sign up here, perfect for someone like me who always worries about buying glasses I can't try on first.
P.S. I can finally announce the winner of last month's Ettika bracelets giveaway…it's Jackeline! I'll send you an email soon. There's still time to enter my latest giveaway, so be sure to do so by clicking here!
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Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available]
Pants: Soft Pants in Vertical Zebra, MNG by Mango [no longer available]
Shoes: Leather Sandal in Black, Zara [$80, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Sunglasses: #OTO3574 in Black/Gold, c/o Firmoo [$49, 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 [$45, available here], Custom Knotted Vintage Ribbon Adjustable Bracelet with Cross Charm in Gold Finish and Black Ribbon [$63, available here], Metallic Black Intertwined Gold Chain Bracelet [$40, available here] c/o Ettika; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Head Mistress'
{things i wore} shawl-collar coat
I couldn't resist this coat when I spotted it in Macy's a few months ago. Calvin Klein just knows how to get it right with outerwear. Super soft and easy-to-wear with its belted wrap-around style, it helped round out my winter wardrobe. As a side note, I never realized how great the color combination of gray, white and black is . Elegant and classy, the grouping is a easy way to update same-old black and white dressing.
Enter my GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!
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Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]
Shirt: Silk Button-Down in White, Banana Republic [similar style available here]
Coat: Shawl Collar Wrap Coat in Gray, Calvin Klein [no longer available online]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macys; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]
Nails: Essie's 'Size Matters'
{things i wore} cable-knit sweater
This is the sort of winter-weather dressing that I can tolerate–sweaters not layers of coats, flats not boots, scarves not gloves–and all in a fairly monochromatic color scheme that I absolutely love. This cable-knit piece is something I bought ages ago from J.Crew and I'm happy I invested the money in it then. It's warm, tailored, and super soft without being itchy or uncomfortable–aka the perfect sweater.
Enter my GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!
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Sweater: Cambridge Cable V-Neck Sweater, J.Crew [was $88, available here]
Jeans: Skinny Leg Cropped in Coolidge Wash, Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Jeans [were $79.50, available here]
Scarf: Slotted Pashmina in 'Midnight,' c/o Posh'mina [$30, 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]
Sunglasses: Large Metal Aviators Gold Frame, Ray Ban [$145, available here]
Jewelry: Ladies Classic Museum Watch 0604229, Movado [was $595, available here]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]
Nails: Essie's 'Skirting the Issue'
{things i wore} bandage skirt
For the briefest of moments last week the weather was warm enough to pass for spring. I of course didn't hesitate for a second and put on a skirt I've been dying to wear–a neon bandage mini sent to me from Shop September. The online boutique has a great concept: they listen to their shoppers through polls and chats in order to stock items that people actually want to buy. The result? Merchandise that's popular but also relevant and up-to-date. I for one am still loving the neon trend (I'm mentally planning more outfits for this piece) and can't wait to enjoy it more fully as temperatures get higher and skies get sunnier.
P.S. Don't forget to check back later for your chance to win something for yourself from Shop September and for the winner of last week's giveaway!
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Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
Skirt: Neon Bandage Skirt in Yellow, c/o Shop September [$55, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelry: Arm Candy in Black Onyx, c/o Beso Beso [$90, 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]; The Bosworth' Black and Gold Enameled Bracelets, set of 2, c/o K.Amato [$48, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]
Nails: Essie's 'Licorice'
{things i wore} leather jacket
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!
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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]
{things i wore} skinny jeans
If anyone is having "new year, new wardrobe"-type thoughts I highly recommend adding a camel-colored blazer to your closet (and so does this InStyle feature–it made their current list of five must-have pieces). I agree with all their points: the hue makes any outfit–even skinny jeans–look smarter and it works during every season.
p.s. Thanks to everyone who entered the Sven Clogs giveaway…I'll be announcing the winner soon! x
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Shirt: Tissue long-sleeve V-neck tee in White, J.Crew [was $32.50, available here]Shoes: Court 2
Sunglasses: Oversized Plastic Frames in Black, Guess, c/o Guess [no longer available]
Jeans: Super Skinny Super Low Jeans in Light Denim Blue, H&M [not available online, similar style available here]
Blazer: Open Front Blazer in Beige, Forever 21 [no longer available, similar style availablehere]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in Croc-Textured Black, Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold
Nails: Essie 'Head Mistress'
{things i wore} faux leather pants
A few months ago, I read an article that said leather pants were women’s number one most-regretted fashion-related purchase (to be exact, 46% percent of 2,000 women polled said they were afraid they’d look tacky or cheap when wearing a pair). I don’t share this opinion, although my version from H&M seen here isn’t crafted from genuine leather so there was no major monetary investment made on my part when I snagged a pair earlier this fall. I will admit that they can be a little tricky to wear (my tip is to leave your shirts un-tucked and keep other styling to a minimum), but they effect they produce–they’re a look that is somehow both trendy and sexy–is well worth it.
YOU CAN ENTER MY CURRENT SVEN CLOGS GIVEAWAY HERE!
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Tank: Black Tank, H&M
Blazer: Tuxedo Blazer in White, H&M [$49.50, not available online]
Pants: Faux Leather Pants, H&M [$34.95, available in stores, see here]
Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]
Scarf: Black Fringed Scarf, H&M [old]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, 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]
Nails: Essie’s “Wicked”
{things i wore} colorful necklace (+ my ‘send the trend’ style challenge entry)
This photo shoot was part of Send the Trend's "Style Challenge," an styling event featuring outfits put together by bloggers with jewelry they hand-pickeded from the brand's extensive collection. I selected a bunch of amazing accessories (which will all eventually find their way into my upcoming outfit posts), but for the look I submitted I wore my favorite piece, STT's "Candy Briolette Necklace"–it's hot pink, sparkly, and fabulous. This is a pretty exciting competition–one look (as chosen by readers) will receive even more prizes and a chance to appear on TV. Voting will go live here sometime today, but in the meantime you can register to shop your own favorites here. The best part? You'll get a $5 credit toward any purchases by using that link!
What do you think? Would you cast your vote for my STT Challenge look?
p.s. I've finally upgraded my phone–goodbye Blackberry, hello iPhone5–and with it I've started using Instagram…be sure to follow me here for even more beautiful things! x
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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]
Skirt: Tiered Maxi Skirt in Black, Macy's [no longer available]
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: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Erilo Bangle Set, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; 'Brainy Bimbo' Gold Chain Necklace c/o Astrid & Miyu [$50, available here]; Candy Briolette Necklace in "Fuschia", c/o Shop The Trend [$28, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'
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