{things i wore} turquoise cabochon ring
It's one of my favorite times of the year right now–the weather is breaking in NYC and spring is just close enough that you can literally sense it hovering in the air. I'm ready–and so is my wardrobe. Turquoise will always mean summer to me so wearing this gorgeous statement ring from the brand Bitchy Gypsy makes me think warm thoughts. I'm so happy they sent it to me–they're really too sweet–but anything from their line would have made me smile. Check out all their products here and keep dreaming of sunny days along with me.
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Sleeveless Drape-Back Blouse in Black, L'Amour Nanette Lepore [$17, available here]
Pants: Café Pant in Black, J.Crew [$89.50, available here]
Blazer: Tuxedo Blazer in White, H&M [$49.50, not available online]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Bag: ‘Cordoba’ Clutch in Black Onyx, Elliott Lucca [$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]; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, available here]; Expandable Wire Bracelet, Alex and Ani; Trio Jewel Ring in Turquoise, c/o Bitchy Gypsy [$10, similar style available here]
Nails: Essie's 'Licorice'
{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} black pumps
I have a habit of always tucking in my shirts. For some reason I think it creates a more flattering, more dressy, and more polished look. This button-down is so comfy that I could wear it everyday–and sometimes I feel like i do–so to change things up a bit I decided to wear it untucked. The result? The shirt felt reinvented and I had a whole new look to sport on a date-night.
What do you think? Tucked or untucked–which do you prefer when it comes to shirts?
p.s. Thank you for all your kind words on Facebook, Twitter, and this site regarding my One-year Blogiversary (click here to see the post celebrating that day)–they meant so, so much to me. Stay tuned–there are a lot of exciting things in the works for The Beautiful Things! x
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Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
Pants: Lynx Stretch Twill Leggings in "Sky," Stitch [$128, available here]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in Croc-Textured Black, Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, 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]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Beaded bracelet [old]; Assorted silver bangles [old]
Nails: Essie 'Licorice'
{things i wore} body-con dress
This weekend I went to a friend's daughter's sixteenth birthday party. It's been a while since I turned sweet sixteen and though a lot of what I wear has in theory remained the same, I don't think I would have worn a dress like this back then. Now I adore its bright colors, exposed zipper, and close-fitting silhouette. Boulee is celebrity favorite–check out this 'Serena dress' on Giuliana Rancic and Jenna Lee Dewan-Tatum–and I can totally see why. The brand's clothes are fun–and do a pretty good job of making you feel like a teenager again.
ENTER MY CURRENT BRACELET GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Dress: Serena Dress in Fuschia, Boulee [$209, available here]
Bag: 'Cordoba' Clutch in "Black Onyx," Elliott Lucca [$98, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelry: Ready Bangle, gold-plated, Medium, Swarovski [$55, available here]; Ready Bangle, stainless steel, Medium, Swarovski [$55, available here]; Diamond Accent Hoop Earrings, Macy's Fine Jewelry [$650, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]
{things i wore} column maxi skirt
I've been looking for a simple black maxi skirt for ages. I had two qualities in mind: comfort (soft and stretchy) and versatility (to be dressed up or down). I got them both in this one by Michael Kors. Affordability was thrown in too–it really pays to scour those sales racks in Macys. With a clutch, heels and sparkly jewelry, I found the perfect look for late summer dinner and drinks.
p.s. Check back later today for my announcement of the Kevia giveaway winner…and a whole new giveaway from Bella Fusion! x
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Shirt: Perfect-Fit V-Neck Tee in White, J.Crew [$25, available here]
Skirt: Delight Maxi Skirt in Black, MICHAEL Michael Kors [no longer available online]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in Croc-Textured Black, Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelry: Thin Marcasite Hinged Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet by Judith Jack [$60, available here]; Sting Ray Leather Cuff Bangle 1" in Red, D'Haute Collection [was $600, 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]; Diamond and White Gold Cross, Donna Oro [no longer available]
{things i wore} snake-print carryall
While we haven't had gray, rainy days lately here in NYC, it was nice to have had a piece of London with me this weekend. Nadia Minkoff's Liverpool St. satchel–which was inspired by the bustling Liverpool Street Station in the city–is definitely metro enough to feel right at home in New York and with my all black outfit. The bag is incredibly unique with its turn-lock, double top-handle, and bright faux-snake skin paneled flap. While Nadia's entire line is vintage-inspired, I love the bag's modern functionality: it may seem compact, but I fit all of my essentials with room to spare among its many pockets. Check out the brand's Facebook page–a few of their staff have the same bag and it's fun to see it travel around their office.
What do you think? Do you have a bag that always seems to magically hold everything you need?
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Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
Skirt: Black Silk Skirt, Banana Republic [no longer available online]
Bag: Liverpool St. Carry-All, c/o Nadia Minkoff [$285, available here]
Jewelry: Women's Orchestra Stainless Steel and Crystal Bracelet, Breil [$375, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Sunglasses: Oversized Plastic Frames in Black, Guess, c/o Guess [no longer available]
Nails: N.Y.C. New York Color's 'Black Lace Creme'
{things i wore} snake-print satchel
I love it when dressy clothes–a.k.a. these cropped pants and platform heels–wind up being more comfortable than casual ones. Relaxed, slouchy trousers are easily worn and styled and even though I swore I'd stop buying shoes for some time (a promise which never lasts), I couldn't pass up a pain-free pump. My favorite way to set off a fabulous handbag is an all-black look, and this satchel from Lodis certainty deserves the spotlight. I love snake-print–it's so summery and it matches with anything. Feel like testing that theory out? Well you're in luck–check back later today for your chance to enter to win this bag for yourself!
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Shirt: Ruffle Tank in Black, New York & Co. [no longer available]
Pants: Café Pant in Black, J.Crew [$89.50, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Bag: Olympus Cory Satchel, c/o Lodis [$298, available here]
Jewelry: 'The Bosworth' Black and Gold Enameled Bracelets, set of 2, c/o K.Amato [$48, available here]; Erilo Bangle Set, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; Black enamel bangle, J.Crew [old]
Nails: 'Stiletto Red' by Rimmel
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