{things i wore} boot-cut jeans
There's nothing like a good pair of jeans–the perfect fit, a unique wash, and the right length can really come together to make you feel comfortable and confident in an outfit. I love these pants by Cult of Individuality. They're my first pair from the brand (a celebrity favorite, as seen here) and I must say I'm impressed. I can be super critical of jeans but these have that perfect combination of sturdiness and softness to their denim. I'm so thrilled to finally have moved to a spring-time wardrobe–it's sandals and tank-tops from here on whenever I get the chance.
_____________________
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jacket: Severt Twill Anorak Jacket in Olive, Jack by BB Dakota [$82, available here]
Jeans: Vixen Curvy in 'Guru,' c/o Cult of Individuality [$129, available here]
Bag: Fringe Leather Wander Tote, Spool No. 72 [$158.00, available here]
Belt: Brown leather belt [vintage]
Shoes: Chantal Sandals in 'Cuoio,' Luxury Rebel [$130, 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]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]
{things i wore} statement ring
To say I love jewelry would be an understatement…okay, a massive understatement that falls only slightly behind "I love shoes" and "I love handbags." Yet I never let having a lot of pieces take away from appreciating my latest addition. This gorgeous ring comes from Meghna Designs, a unique and talented collection inspired by its creator's Indian roots. Their jewelry is handcrafted in her native country by artisans using luxury materials–for example, this white ring contains a gorgeously milky agate druzy. It's really no surprise that many Meghna pieces have made their way into both print and film features (for example Blake Lively and Kelly Rutherford wore the brand's earrings in an episode of 'Gossip Girl')–I must admit I feel pretty glam wearing this one myself.
What to score a Meghna Designs piece of your very own? Well you're in luck–check back tomorrow for a very sparkly giveaway!
________________
Jacket: Asymmetric Knit-Leather Jacket in Black, MICHAEL Michael Kors [was $475, available here]
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jeans: 'Iris' Flare Jeans, Buffalo David Bitton [were $119, available here]
Shoes: Balnit Peep-Toe Slingbacks in Black, Aldo [were $110, available here]
Bag: NM + Target Metallic Zip Clutch Bag in 'Gold,' Marc Jacobs [was $69.99, available here and here]
Jewelry: Sideways Cross necklace, Etsy [old]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Round Agate Druzy Ring in White, c/o Meghna Designs [$110, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Head Mistress'
{things i wore} cigarette jean
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]
{things i wore} leather shrug
A few weekends ago I went to a West Point 'Army' football game with a group of family and friends (check back tomorrow for some game-day pics). The crowds and fans were intense, and even though I am the first to admit that I'm not the biggest sports fan, the day was a lot of fun. I had however been looking forward to one thing from the start: fall fashion in the stands. For me that meant a leather jacket and boots. I bought this BB Dakota shrug last year and love it more every time I put it on. Not only is it a unique color for leather–as in not black or brown–it's got just the right amount of slouch to be comfy and stylish without too much effort.
ENTER MY CURRENT LINGE BALLET FLATS GIVEAWAY HERE!
_________________________________________
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jacket: Damon Leather Jacket in Gray, BB Dakota [was $225, 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: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198, 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]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold; Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, available here]
{things i wore} heeled suede booties
Like lots of other women–and more celebrities than I can think of (see here, here, here, and what seems like a pretty comprehensive photo gallery here)– I love Isabel Marant's 'Dicker' suede ankle boots. Of course they're pretty pricey (available here if you're willing to spend the $500 they currently cost), which is why I could not resist this pair that are nearly identical in shape and color when I spotted them in-store with my sister. Even though they're an 'inspired-by' shoe, the booties are everything I dreamed they would be: comfortable despite a small heel and easy to style thanks to a unique shape and a perfectly neutral color.
_______________________________
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Blazer: Tuxedo Blazer in White, H&M [$49.50, not available online]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Shoes: Suede Ankle Booties, Nine West
Bag: Dale Belted Hobo in 'Sky,' Kooba [$645, available here]
Jewelry: Venetian Link bracelet, Tiffany & Co. [$185, available here]; Evil eye bracelet [street vendor]; DKNY Unisex Stainless Steel Watch [$195, available here], Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [was $700, availablehere]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Licorice'
{things i wore} wood bead stretch bracelet
I love stacking bracelets–some mornings I could spend forever getting the collection on my wrist just right. My newest piece is exquisitely detailed–wooden beads complete with a ridged shark-tooth charm–and came to me courtesy of Kevia. Founded by Kevia Jeffrey-West while she was earning her bachelor's degree in Zimbabwe, the company is known for their hammered metal settings, irregularly cut stones, and motifs inspired by nature. All that makes the jewelry unique and completely perfect for summer.
ENTER MY CURRENT SUNGLASSES GIVEAWAY HERE.
____________________________
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]
Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in Black, Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]
Bag: Fringe Leather Wander Tote, Spool No. 72 [$158.00, available here]
Jewelry: Fauna Shark Tooth Wood Bead Stretch Bracelet in Black CZ, c/o Kevia [$75, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Assorted gold bracelets; Evil Eye Bracelet, Macy's [old]
{things i wore} color-blocked multi-chain necklace
While I think you can experiment with different colors all year round when it comes to clothes, there is no better time than the summer to make a statement with bright hues. Some days I just can't choose which direction I'd like to take an outfit and this necklace from LA NY Couture, a fun online retailer of trendy jewelry, provides an easy solution. A veritable rainbow of pink, blue, turquoise, purple, green and red chains, it is the perfect way to transform a look with just one piece.
ENTER MY CURRENT SUNGLASSES GIVEAWAY HERE.
______________________________________
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jeans: Bootcut Jean in 'Moonlight Wash,' J.Crew [$108, available here]
Shoes: Anja Platform Sandal in "Toffee Nubuck", BCBGeneration [$119, available here]
Handbag: The Garbo Large in 'Fuchsia,' M. Clifford [$310, available here]
Jewelry: Color Block Layer Chain necklace, c/o LA NY Couture [was $48, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Ballet Slippers'
{things i wore} gold collar necklace
I've always loved Cleopatra–yes, mostly the glitzy version that's come down to us via Elizabeth Taylor. I'm more than familiar with the historical inaccuracies of that portrayal but I think it's reasonably safe to say that Hollywood's creation and the real queen of the Nile both had their share of fabulous jewelry. The name of this 'Cleopatra' collar then, sent by the fabulous folks over at Karen London along with a matching 'Alexandria' ring, had me fascinated from the start. When I finally saw it in person I was floored. It more than deserves its title–there is something very regal about its broad hammered gold. Karen London is brand you should definitely check out. Loved by celebrities–Miley Cyrus has this same necklace and ring–and lots of other bloggers, her designs are bold, modern, and elegant but remain amazingly wearable.
What do you think? Do you have a favorite piece from Karen's line?
p.s. Get excited…I'm posting a brand-new giveaway tomorrow sponsered by Guess Eyewear and their 'Shades of Summer Playlist' event that launches July 20. Stay tuned–there will be THREE winners! x
_____________________________
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Sea Green,' Forever21 [no longer available]
Bag: Canvas and Leather Tillary Tote in 'Flax', J.Crew [$228, no longer available]
Shoes: Leather sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewelry: Cleopatra Collar in Gold, c/o Karen London [$208, available here]; Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
{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.
______________________________________________
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} 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?
_____________________________________________
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
{latest instagram}
