{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 shopped} h&m conscious collection
I didn't actively stalk the arrival of this year's H&M Conscious Collection (the brand's annual stab at sustainable fashion through recycled materials) –I guess its online presence wasn't strong enough or I was just a tiny bit tuned out. Instead I fell for the event the old-fashioned way: a pretty dress in a window display. The piece in question was a sleeveless maxi with a v-neck, tie at back, and double-tiered ruffle hem ($20, here). It was love at first sight–and at first try-on for both me and my sister (we're partners in crime when it comes to shopping). Though I have a soft spot for maxi-length dresses, this one was especially comfortable and flattering (Don't believe me? Just try one on in store yourself). We both also picked up the line's floaty scarf ($15, here)–its incredibly detailed jungle print was hard to resist–and my sister snagged the store's last slouchy floral tee in her size ($10, here). Some misses in my book? These floral pants, which were unflatteringly cut, this printed tank, with a pattern that was too washed out, and this short dress, whose beaded collar looked cheap.
What do you think? Where you tempted to shop the Conscious Collection? What do you think of the lookbook?
{things i wore} statement necklace
I have a problem: as soon as I buy something new, I want to wear it almost immediately. This habit helps me justify purchases–if I'm not excited, then I can pass–but it's also why I may have rushed things a bit here. You see I saw new sandals in Zara, I bought said sandals, and soon after began styling them in my head and in reality. Was it warm enough for them? Yes, but just barely. Did I care? No, not fully. But that's enough about my shoes–I love this black and white (my favorite) necklace from Sira & Mara just as much. The brand was founded in 2011 by Sandy Bodeau in honor of her own love of fashion and traved–now that's a passion that knows no season.
Enter my latest GIVEAWAY to win a pair of jeans here!
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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]
Pants: Brocade Jeans, Bisou Bisou [no longer available online]
Shoes: Leather Sandal in Black, Zara [$80, available here]
Bag: 'Caterina' Purse in Black, c/o Cuore & Pelle [$385, 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]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Expandable Wire Bracelets, Alex and Ani; Necklace 71, c/o Sira and Mara [$9, available here]
Nails: Essie "Head Mistress"
{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} 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} plastic-rimmed sunglasses
Not much has changed: it's still freezing in NYC and I'm still longing to ditch the layers for my spring/summer clothes. These new sunglasses from Benji Frank have however been a bright spot in the midst of all the out-of-doors shivering. To start, they're polarized—the Carl Zeiss lenses actually protect your eyes– which came in handy after Friday's snowfall. But more than functional, they're comfortable and super chic. Even though the slightly oversized frames are named 'Monroe' after U.S President James, I couldn't help but picture Miss Marilyn herself stepping off a plane à la Michelle Williams in 2011's biopic while I was wearing them. Benji Frank's mission is of course a lot less frivolous: the brand was founded to help the underprivileged take better care of their vision by providing affordable glasses and making donations to support eye health worldwide. "One pair, one vision"—goodwill through shopping is always something I can support.
p.s. Thanks to everyone who entered last week's giveaway. Be sure to check back tomorrow to find out the winner! x
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Sweater: Waffle-Knit Cowl-Neck Sweater, H&M [was $34.50, not available online]
Jacket: Severt Twill Anorak Jacket in Olive, Jack by BB Dakota [$82, available here]
Jeans: Shane Cigarette in 'Chain,' Genetic Denim c/o Haden Reid [were $218, available here]
Sunglasses: 'Monroe' in Brown, c/o Benji Frank [$100, available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Shoes: 'Big Date' Tall Boots in Gray, Kenneth Cole [old]
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]
{things i wore} peplum top
So it's cold. How cold you ask? Frigid, arctic, biting, numbing…the list goes on and on but ends with "too cold to stay outside long enough to take any pictures that would be interesting enough to share." The solution to this problem was an indoor shoot of an outfit that subsequently got buried under layers of outerwear–and this was earlier in the week before the temperatures started registering in the teens. Since I like to talk more about clothes and less about the weather, I'd like to discuss my new Diane von Furstenberg clutch (!!!). I've been dying to post about it–it was easily my favorite Christmas present this year. I've loved the DVF "Lytton" shape for forever and my boyfriend found me the perfect one: it has my favorite color combination of black and white, the back is a gorgeous patent leather, and the hardware looks stunning in gold. I'm not surprised it's sold out everywhere–there's only three left on Shopbop–but I'm so happy to have mine.
Hurry: there's just a few more days to ENTER MY LATEST GIVEAWAY for a statement ring HERE!
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Shirt: Peplum Top in White, Cable and Gauge [$29, available here]
Pants: Faux Leather Pants, H&M [$34.95, available in stores, see here]
Bag: Lytton Tweed Clutch in Black and White, Diane von Furstenberg [$295, available here]
Shoes: Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelry: Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Golden Fringe Necklace, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store [was $325, available here]; Gold bangle [old]
{things i wore} striped tote
The second I set eyes on this gorgeous tote from Massi the first word that came to my mind was "summer." Skirts, sandals, vacations, bikinis–wouldn't it make a gorgeous beach bag? Of course summer it's not–today's high temperature will be a whopping 34 degrees–so I had to shelf those day-dreams and face reality. The next best thing to a summer outfit is a cozy winter one, which is exactly what I got with this comfy oversized sweater from H&M. If you haven't yet checked out Massi you should–all of their products are luxe and chic (two of my favorite adjectives) and this handbag is a perfect example. Everything from its yarn-dyed herringbone cotton exterior to its sleek leather handles screams well-made and stylish.
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Sweater: Waffle-Knit Cowl-Neck Sweater, H&M [was $34.50, not available online]
Jeans: Toothpick Ankle Jean in 'Classic Rinse Wash,' J.Crew [$125, available here]
Shoes: Pumps in Nude, Target [old]
Bag: Cestino Tote in Caramel, c/o Massi [$180, available here]
Jewelry: Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Initial ‘Identity’ Ring in Gold, c/o Nashelle [$55, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]
Nails: Essie "Smokin' Hot"
{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”
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