{things i wore} crochet skirt
While I'll almost always choose a maxi length over a mini, I've wanted a white crochet skirt for so long that I didn't care about the hemline when I spotted this version in Banana Republic. I loved the delicate scallops on this piece but crochet can be tricky: if the pattern is even slightly imperfect, its entire look can seem tacky. My pairing of this skirt with a denim shirt came a few days before the current heat wave: any time it's 95+ degrees in NYC, sleeveless tops are a must.
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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]
Skirt: Crochet Mini in White, Banana Republic
Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer RB2140 – 824/51, Frame: brown faded grey transparent, Lens: faded brown, Ray-Ban [$149, similar style available here]
Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]
Shoes: Leather sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewelry: Assorted Sterling Silver Bangles [bought in Mexico]; Expandable Wire Bangle in 'Silver,' Alex and Ani; Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Ring in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [no longer available, similar style here]
{things i wore} paisley maxi dress
When I purchased this dress back in March (see this post), Spring was only seven days away. Now Summer is the season that's just around the corner (the solstice is next Wednesday, June 20) and I can finally wear it as much as I like. While black and white are my absolute favorite colors when it comes to fashion, purple is my (sometimes) guilty pleasure. This paisley dress incorporates all three in a fun print. In keeping with the color scheme, I also reached for my Louloubelle clutch with its eggplant trim–remember to shop Roztayger, a sleek online boutique, for more of the the up-and-coming designer's pieces.
ENTER MY CURRENT NECKLACE GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Blazer: Tuxedo Blazer in White, H&M [$49.50, not available online]
Dress: Paisley Maxi Dress, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Bag: 'Robyn' Acacia Leather Clutch Bag in Olive/Eggplant, Louloubelle, c/o Louloubelle and Roztayger [was $310, available here]
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]; Double Pearl Ring [old]
{things i wore} envelope clutch
Rain clouds have settled over New York, but this past weekend was gloriously sunny–perfect for a fun beach-side excursion and an outfit that matched. I bought these shoes and skirt a few weeks ago after deciding they were irresistibly summery. Its bright pattern had me thinking of Gucci or Roberto Cavalli silk scarves, while the woven platforms of the pumps–which measure an incredible 5.8 inches–seemed like a dressier espadrille. Camille Zarsky's Portfolio Clutch is a dream to wear. It's so sleek and polished that it finishes a look instantly. I was thrilled when they sent me this gorgeous one in brown–I just love that the brand is handcrafted in NYC–and I can't stop thinking of ways to wear it.
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Shirt: Ruffle Tank Top in White, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Skirt: Tropical Print Handkerchief Hem Maxi Skirt in 'Caribbean Green', New York & Company [$47, 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]
Jewelery: Cabochon Sagaponack Cuff in 'Turquoise,' c/o Amrita Singh [$100, available here]; Studded Bracelet in 'Pine Green,' Banana Republic [was $39, no longer available]; Gold bangle [old]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
{things i wore} long beaded necklace
I can still remember having what I imagined was a foolproof DIY idea during one summer while I was still a teenager–how amazing would it be if I made my own extra-long beaded necklace? So I dug out my craft supplies and strung together lines of beads on fishing-wire until the strands reached the perfect navel-grazing length. The results of this project were not exactly spectacular–I had been limited by the beads I had on hand and it is really difficult to lastingly knot plastic string–but the sentiment still applies: extra long necklaces are so much fun to wear.
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Shirt: Silk Tank in White, Banana Republic [old]; Sheer Button-Down Tank, Banana Republic
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in "Bright Indigo Destroy," American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Bag: Belted Satchel, Cole Haan [old]
Jewelery: Long Bead Necklace, MNG by Mango [was $30, available here]
Nails: "Park Avenue," N.Y.C. Color
{things i wore} white blazer
When people ask me what my favorite area in New York is, I usually name the Upper West Side. Lincoln Center, with its dining, shopping, and gorgeous public spaces, is a particularly perfect spot. While there always seems to be something happening in the opera house's front plaza, on this rainy afternoon most people were avoiding the open space. I took the cloudy weather as an excuse to wear my favorite new white blazer. I love the way its brightness pairs with the colors mint green and luggage brown–almost as much I love spring showers.
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Shirt Silk Tank in White, Banana Republic [old]
Blazer: Tuxedo Blazer in White, H&M [$49.50, not available online]
Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Sea Green,' Forever21 [similar style available here]
Shoes: Chantal Sandals in 'Cuoio,' Luxury Rebel [$130, available here]
Bag: Canvas and Leather Tillary Tote in 'Flax', J.Crew [$228, available here]
Jewelry: Gold Plated Erilo Bangle, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [from $795, available here]
Nails: "Park Avenue," N.Y.C. Color
{things i wore} high-rise trouser jeans
I love finding variations on traditional denim. My sister dug this pair of jeans out of a sales rack at the Gap–luckily in my size–and when I realized they'd ring up for less than $20, I knew I'd be leaving the store with them. The color is a unique blue, the fabric holds its shape, and the fit is surprisingly comfortable for a high-waisted cut. Warmer weather means that all I need is a light scarf and tank to finish a look and I'm ready to enjoy a day in the sunshine.
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Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in Black, Banana Republic [old]
Jeans: 1969 Mid-Weight High-Rise Trouser Jeans in 'Hermosa,' Gap [were $79.95, available here]
Scarf: Leopard Print Scarf, Gap [old]
Shoes: Balnit Peep-Toe Slingbacks in Black, Aldo [were $110, available here]
Bag: Freeport Medium Satchel in 'Taupette,' Banana Republic [old]
Jewelry: Leather Bangle Bracelet in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Decanario bracelet, Sea Glass bracelet [street vendors]
Nails: "Park Avenue," N.Y.C. Color
{things i wore} cargo jeans
I may or may not have mentioned my season-long search for a white blazer, but needless to say it has been a bit all-consuming whenever I've stepped into a store lately. That's why I swear I must have heard cheering, whistles, and a heavenly choir when I saw this jacket last weekend at H&M. I let the celebration last only a spilt-second before I dashed to secure the last one in my size. While I can't take full credit for spotting the blazer since my boyfriend saw it first–yes, things had gotten so bad that I enlisted his help–now that the hunt has finally ended I can move onto styling it. I've been looking for ways to wear an old pair of cargo skinnies for ages, so I threw it on with my favorite sling-backs and silk tee, wore my red satchel as a clutch, and was set for a perfect night out.
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Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in Black, Banana Republic [old]
Blazer: Tuxedo Blazer in White, H&M [$49.50, not available online]
Jeans: Angelina Skinny Cargo in '5 Years Wash,' H.A-67 [$145, similar style available here]
Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]
Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in Black, Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]
Jewelry: Yellow Cuff, Power Beads, Evil Eye Bracelet in Black [Street vendors, NYC]; Black and White Enamel Bangle, J.Crew; Sting Ray Leather Cuff Bangle 1" in Red, D'Haute Collection [was $600, available here]
{things i wore} twill pants
This probably sounds familiar: you're trying to put together an outfit but in the moment, despite the fact that you have a nice selection of pieces, it suddenly seems as though you've completely forgotten which colors work well together and which completely clash. This day started out like that. In my mind gray, beige, and brown didn't match at all (not to mention that I was sporting a–gasp–black manicure). It was only after I had put everything on that I realized the neutral palette appeared spectacularly coordinated. Let that be a lesson to anyone suffering from a similar mental block: when you're sartorially stuck, try on your best effort, look in the mirror, and walk out the door with a smile on your face.
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Shirt: V-Neck Sweater in "Almond," Banana Republic [similar style available here]
Pants: Lynx Stretch Twill Leggings in "Sky," Stitch [$128, available here]
Shoes: Leather and Cork Sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewlery: Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [from $425, available here]; 30-Inch Link Chain in 14k Gold fill, Suzi D. Jewelry [$44, available here]
Nails: "Bowery Black," N.Y.C. New York Color
{things i wore} snake-print flats
If you've been to New York and for some reason decided not to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art, you really missed out on what is arguably the best museum in the United States (these shots were taken in their spectacular Greek and Roman wing). However if you have visited the Met then you know how huge it is and the importance of wearing comfortable shoes for the day you choose to spend perusing art. I was set with my Ballasox flats by Corso Como. They're of the bendy sort–they come in the cutest little pouch–with an soft inside lining and cushioned sole. I'm getting quite a bit of use out of them: they look great with jeans but I also love paring them with my favorite maxi-length dresses and skirts.
What do you think? Do you have a favorite tourist spot in NYC? And what would you wear for a trip to a museum?
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Sweater: Featherweight Cotton Cardigan in Charcoal, J.Crew [$68, available here]
Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in Black, Banana Republic
Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Sea Green,' Forever21 [similar style available here]
Belt: Shiny lizard belt in Gold, Banana Republic [$34.50, available here]
Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198, available here]
Shoes: Prince Stretch Flat in Black Python, c/o Ballasox by Corso Como [$60, similar style available here]
Jewelry: Alex and Ani; Evil-eye bracelet [street vendor, NYC]
Nails: 'Elegant' by Revlon
{things i wore} spiked bracelet
Certain pieces of jewelry become like an old pair of jeans to me: comfortable, easy to throw on, and yet still stylish. Case in point: this Stella & Dot bracelet has been a fixture on my arm since I received it courtesy of independent stylist Katie Cramer (check out her shop here). Not only does it seem to match with everything, it's made incredibly well and is so eye-catching that a salesperson in a jewelry store actually asked me where it was from–score one for Stella & Dot's design team. And I'm not its only fan: check out Kelly Ripa and Katy Perry also wearing the bracelet with two completely different looks. If you still don't own anything by Stella & Dot, you're really missing out: all of their pieces are unique, affordable, and so very stylish.
What do you think? Have you ever shopped Stella & Dot? Do you have a wish-list of favorite pieces?
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Shirt: Layered Silk Tank in Tan, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Blazer: Open Front Blazer in Beige, [$28, Forever 21, similar style available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in "Bright Indigo Destroy," American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Bag: Canvas and Leather Tillary Tote in 'Flax', J.Crew [$228, available here]
Shoes: Ballet flats in Nude, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewelry: Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Alex and Ani bangles; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here], Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: "Revlon Red," Revlon
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