{things i wore} shearling boots
The winter's been a cold one, but I've figured out a formula that works: warm flat boots (this was the year I caved and splurged on a pair in real shearling), oversized chunky knitwear, and, depending on how low the temperatures have dipped, a few more sweaters or jackets layered in addition. Sure it's not as pretty as a dress with sandals, but it's gotten just as comfy and as practical to me.
Enter my GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!
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Sweater: Waffle-Knit Cowl-Neck Sweater, H&M [was $34.50, not available online]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in ‘Bright Indigo Destroy,’ American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Boots: Ellee Fleece-Collar Boots in Chestnut, UGG Australia [not available online, similar styles available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Jewelry: Expandable Wire Bracelets, Alex and Ani; Arm Candy in Labradorite, c/o Beso Beso [$120, 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's "Skirting the Issue"
{things i wore} top handle purse
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.
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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'
{things i wore} heeled clogs
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
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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'
{things i wore} utility jacket
This jacket was one of my favorite Christmas presents last year (thanks to my sister, who spread the love after she bought her own similar version of it). Its array of buttons, zippers, ties, and straps remind me of a few fall jackets I used to have when I was younger. It's comfy and practical but also so easy to style. This is my favorite way to wear it, with slouchy jeans, flats, and an equally rugged bag.
p.s. I have some exciting news: I've joined up with Nokia Connects–the social home of Nokia–and LeiVanKash Jewellery–a fabulous line based in London–for a fun new project. Using a Nokia Lumia 900 I'm capturing my day-to-day life here in NYC–and a bunch of other bloggers are doing the same. In the end, one will inspire a new piece of jewelry but till then, I can't wait to share my experience with the phone and all the photos I've taken with it. Stay tuned next week & have a fabulous weekend! x
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Shirt: 1×1 Ribbed Long Sleeve V-Neck Top in Black, Splendid [was $50, available here]
Jacket: Severt Twill Anorak Jacket in Olive, Jack by BB Dakota [$82, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Bag: Black Satchel, Kenneth Cole [old]
Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]
Jewelry: Ladies Classic Museum Watch 0604229, Movado [was $595, available here]; Cornelian Expandable Wire Bangle for Haiti, Alex and Ani [$18, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'
{things i wore} ripped jeans
This backdrop was too good to pass by without stopping for a mini-photoshoot. I love it when temperatures warm up after a flurry and you can go outside without freezing to enjoy the sight of (mostly melting) snow. A mild fall day means I can still wear my favorite pair of torn jeans–I can't recommend these enough they're so comfortable. I love pairing polished accessories like these oversized plastic-framed sunglasses, structured blazer, and patent-capped flats with the light and worn denim. A little bit of contrast goes a long way for a relatively simple casual look.
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Jacket: Blazer with Faux-Leather trim, Anne Klein [no longer available online]
Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
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: Pamm Two Tone Python Print/Black Flats, Calvin Klein [were $99, available here]
Sunglasses: Charlton in Black, Michael Kors [were $160, available here]
Jewelry: Venetian Link bracelet, Tiffany & Co. [$185, available here]; Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'
{things i wore} silver chain necklace
I've been looking everywhere for the perfect peplum top. It's much more difficult than it seems: the sleeves, bodice and flare all have to be just right otherwise the style's somewhat specific effect is ruined. The fit on this one is perfect (I snagged the last one in my size at the store–don't you just love it when that happens?). I wanted to dress down the top's tapered lines, which for me meant reaching for my favorite pair of torn jeans and lots of accessories. This thick chain necklace sent to me from Sole Love finished the look perfectly. It's a great piece (even though it looks heavy its super light thanks to aluminum links) that's both affordable and trendy. It's customizable too–the length is made-to-order by owner Kristal Holmes, an Atlanta lawyer and mom who actually designs and hand-crafts several of the brand's pieces of jewelry.
Don't forget to ENTER MY CURRENT LINGE BALLET FLATS GIVEAWAY HERE!
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Shirt: Peplum Scoop-Neck Top, New York and Company [was $45, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Bag: Emily Eyelash Clutch in Silver, Club Monaco [was $130, available here]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold; Paloma Picasso 'Love' bracelet [$175, available here]; 'Monica' Silver Chain Necklace, c/o Sole Love [$15, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'
{things i wore} tattered sweater
I love fall fashion for outfits like this one. Lots of layers, cozy sweaters, long scarves–it's all about staying warm the easy way before heavy, bulky, and uninteresting jackets and coats are a necessity. I fell in love with this sweater when I first saw it (I'm such a huge fan of anything Rachel Roy). Slouchy yet detailed, it's a updated take on chunky cable knits that ended up being well-suited for a gray autumn day spent seaside. The "Rocco," structured but edgy with its studs, was a perfect fit too–not that I really needed to find a reason to wear a birthday gift of my dreams.
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Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in Black, Banana Republic [old]
Sweater: Tattered Cardigan in Burlap, Rachel by Rachel Roy [was $119, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Shoes: Prince Stretch Flat in Black Python, c/o Ballasox by Corso Como [$60, similar style available here]
Scarf: Fringed Scarf in Black, H&M
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Jewelry: Venetian Link bracelet, Tiffany & Co. [$185, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; plain silver bangle [old]; 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 'Licorice'
{things i wore} lace tank
Have you ever impulse-purchased something without so much as a clue as to how you'd style or wear it? That was me with this shirt. When I spotted it on a clearance rack at Target, my first thought was: "Of course it's marked down–it's a sheer lace tank top." My second thought, not far behind, was markedly different in tone: "I've got to buy it–it's marked down and it's black lace" (look at my blog's layout and you'll understand the obsession). Still, the shirt languished unworn in my closet for some time. Here I paired it with some less delicate pieces–like ripped jeans and a studded handbag–to temper its lovely but lady-like lace.
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Shirt: Lace Tank in Black, Target [old]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198, available here]
Shoes: Black thong sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Beaded bracelet [old]; Evil eye bracelets [street vendors]
Nails: Essie 'Lollipop'
{things i wore} linen shirt
I finally caved this weekend and bought a new white button-down shirt–and of course promptly wore it out to dinner soon after (the tags on new purchases don't stay attached for too long in my closet). By wearing it I learned that J.Crew doesn't call it their 'perfect shirt' for nothing: while my last button-down is no longer as fitted as I'd like it to be, this one had all the tucks and tapering I needed but was still very comfortable. I'm so happy to finally be getting use out of my Jason Wu for Target clutch–straw bags and summer are a perfect combination.
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Shirt: Perfect Shirt in Linen in White [was $79.50, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Bag: Straw and Canvas Envelope Clutch in Cream, Jason Wu for Target [was $30, sold out]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, 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]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$525, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Ballet Slippers'
{things i wore} slashed-back shirt
It's silly, but I just love it when I craft an outfit that can transition from day to night just through the swapping of some accessories. This weekend I started out by wearing this look with flats and one of my favorite shoppers–Hayden Harnett's Welles Hobo in 'Dusk' (last seen here)–and then switched to a pair of heeled sandals and a clutch for the rest of the evening. With its spectacular neon color, this shirt is so much fun to wear–plus from the front it is hard to suspect its slashed-back detailing.
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Shirt: Chiffon-Overlay Top in 'Dragonfruit," Sofia by Sofia Vergara [was $25, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in "Bright Indigo Destroy," American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Jewelry: Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Green and Pink Beaded Expandable Wire Bracelets, Alex and Ani; Evil Eye Bracelet in Teal [no longer available]; Leather Bangle Bracelet in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Gold Plated Erilo Bangle, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]
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