J. Crew

{things i wore} chambray shirt

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Denim on demin–it's so hard to get right, but when the shades are different enough to make a good contrast, the resulting outfit can work. I found this shirt ages ago in Target and I still love its softness and faded color. The black and pale pink tote however is brand-new. I snagged it during J.Crew's last big sale and I'm so happy I did. The contrasting color is sold out now (solids are still available) and it's what I like best about the style. 

 

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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]

Jeans: Toothpick Ankle Jean in 'Classic Rinse Wash,' J.Crew [$125, available here]

Shoes: Leather Sandal in Black, Zara [$80, available here]

Bag: Tartine Tote in 'Blossom Black,' J.Crew [$298, similar styles available here]

Jewelry: Expandable wire bangles in 'Russian Gold', Alex and Ani; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]

Nails: Essie's 'Geranium'

 

{things i shopped} j. crew’s edie purse

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[in 'Burnished Rose' (also in 'Black,' 'Vintage Navy,' 'Vintage Violet,' and 'Neon Orange' - $238, available here]

 

I love J.Crew handbags for three reasons: their shapes (which are usually pretty sharply delineated), their colors (always a very current rainbow of choices), and their leather (imported, Italian, and gorgeous). While I've yet to regret or stop wearing any of my purchases from the brand over the years (see here and here for example), this Edie purse felt special. Small and lady-like with a vintage feel, it's unlike any other bag I own. The pale color has proven more versatile than I first thought, complementing everything from similarly pastel looks to darker-toned outfits. Of course the very best thing about J.Crew is the fact that they frequently have sales (right now 25% off tees, shorts, and swim)–I love nothing more than fashion perfection at the perfect price.

 

P.S. Congrats to Valerie who's won the Skinny Jeans giveaway–wear them well! Didn't win this time? Not to worry, check back tomorrow for a brand new giveaway (and here's a hint: this one's sparkly)! x

 

 

{things i wore} boucle jacket

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I have such a weak spot for jackets. They're a little bit of a trap for me–they could be pricey, specific, and I always want good fit–but I just can't help loving the way they can instantly complete a look. I spotted this one hanging on the edge of a sales rack in Macy's and immediately loved its Chanel-esque frayed seams. It was a petite size, but I didn't mind–it accentuated the snug, cropped look of the sleeves and bottom. It's hard to believe that this bag–J.Crew's 'Uptown Tote'–is around five years old and that I still get compliments on it almost every time I wear it. It was one of the first handbags I really coveted and that my boyfriend went out of his way to snag for me before they all sold out (I swear I love him for more reasons than the fact that he totally gets–and indulges–my purse obsession).

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Jacket: Three-Quarter-Sleeve Cropped Tweed Jacket, INC International Concepts [$50, available here

Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]

Jeans: Toothpick Ankle Jean in 'Classic Rinse Wash,' J.Crew [$125, available here]

Bag: Uptown Tote in Yellow/Maple, J. Crew [no longer available]

Shoes: Pumps in Nude, Target [old]

Jewelry: Ready Bangle, gold-plated, Medium, Swarovski [$55, 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]; 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]; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]; 

Nails: Essie "Bachelorette Bash"

{things i learned} my week through instagram

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1. sfinci di san giuseppe #saintjosephsday #italian #holiday #food #yum #yummy #imayneedtogoonadiet

2. #jcrew #eyecandy #white #fashion #shopping #clothes #summer

3. #macarondaynyc2013 was dangerous #chocoholic #yummy #newyorkcity #food #sweettooth #imayneedtogoonadiet

​4. #wordstodressby #jewelry #jcrew #fashion #icon #spring

5. today is not very spring-like #newyorkcity #snowsnowgoaway #gray #cloudy #weather

6. curls, pale lip, and sweater #bored #cozy #me #selfie #instamood

​7.  just one little bite… #chocoholic #chocolate #seasalt #yummy #food #vice #lindt

8. for god so loved the world #palmsunday #family #faith #holiday

{things i wore} turquoise cabochon ring

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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} cable-knit sweater

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This is the sort of winter-weather dressing that I can tolerate–sweaters not layers of coats, flats not boots, scarves not gloves–and all in a fairly monochromatic color scheme that I absolutely love. This cable-knit piece is something I bought ages ago from J.Crew and I'm happy I invested the money in it then. It's warm, tailored, and super soft without being itchy or uncomfortable–aka the perfect sweater. 

 

Enter my GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!

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Sweater: Cambridge Cable V-Neck Sweater, J.Crew [was $88, available here]

Jeans: Skinny Leg Cropped in Coolidge Wash, Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Jeans [were $79.50, available here]

Scarf: Slotted Pashmina in 'Midnight,' c/o Posh'mina [$30, available here]

Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]

Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]

Sunglasses: Large Metal Aviators Gold Frame, Ray Ban [$145, available here]

Jewelry: Ladies Classic Museum Watch 0604229, Movado [was $595, available here]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, 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 'Skirting the Issue'

{things i wore} statement necklace

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I love statement necklaces–they're an easy way to dress up or dress down a look. What I don't like? Spending a fortune to achieve the trendy effect. Go Favor is a perfect solution: lots of necklaces at perfectly affordable prices. This was one of my favorites, with its row of gold links, sparkly rhinestones, and inky black enamel.  Check out their whole line here!

 

Enter a brand-new GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!

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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]

Vest: Faux Fur Vest in Black, J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]

Pants: Faux Leather Pants, H&M [$34.95, available in stores, see here]

Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]

Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]

 Jewelry: Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet [$45, available here] and Custom Knotted Vintage Ribbon Adjustable Bracelet with Cross Charm in Gold Finish and Black Ribbon [$63, available here], c/o Ettika; Arm Candy in Black Onyx, c/o Beso Beso [$90, available here]; The Bosworth Black and Gold Enameled Bracelets, set of 2, c/o K.Amato [$48, available here]; Black Gem Rhinestone Bib Necklace, c/o Go Favor [$6, 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]

Nails: Essie's "Skirting the Issue"

 

{things i learned} my week through instagram

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1. l'amour by nanette lepore @jcpenny#isitspringyet #cantrisist #shopping

2. blackened mahi mahi + poblano rice@Nordstrom cafe #yummy

3. s'mores cupcake #sweettooth #yummy #alwaysorderdessert

​4. #truelife #butonlysometimes@Rachel_Roy

5. look what was waiting for me at home #jcrew #handbag #pink #ediepurse #bloggerlove #shopaholic #bestboyfriendever #ineedabiggercloset

​6. chocolate chunk cake #diedandgonetoheaven

7. i like a good challenge @zara#shopping #shopaholic #sale

8. second pizza night in one week #notcomplaining #imayneedtogoonadiet

 

For more, follow me here:

INSTAGRAM @thebeautifulthngs

BLOGLOVIN‘ | TWITTER FACEBOOK

 

 

{things i wore} lace clutch

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I've mentioned my "wear something lace" rule for Valentine's Day, and this year that took the form of an amazing Clare Vivier clutch my boyfriend surprised me with from a recent Shopbop sale. I also snuck in a touch of red–I rarely do a bold lip (I'm always more interested in playing up my eyes with lots of eyeliner and shadow shading) but on a special night it always seems like a fun way thing to do.

 

What do you think? What did you wear on Valentine's Day night? 

 

To enter to WIN my LATEST GIVEAWAY–an item of your choice from FashFoward Boutique– click here!

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Dress: Sheath Dress in Black, J.Crew [similar style available here]

Coat: Belted Wool Coat in Black, Kenneth Cole [no longer available]

Shoes: Heat High Heel Shoe in "Black Kid Suede," Pelle Moda [$140, available here]

Tights: Solid Opaque Tights in "Black," J. Crew [were $26.50, available here]

Bag: Lace Fold Over Clutch, Clare Vivier [was $180.00, available here]

Jewelry: Diamond Accent Hoop Earrings, Macy's Fine Jewelry [were $650, available here]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [from $795, available here]; Diamond Ring in Rose Gold, Macy's [not available online]; 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]; Metallic Black Intertwined Gold Chain Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$40, available here]Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet [$45, available here]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$600, available here]; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]

 

Nails: Essie's 'Licorice'

Lips: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Stars Collection Lipcolour in 'Beyonce Red'

 

{things i wore} fur vest

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I never thought I'd miss the days when it was cold but there wasn't mounds of snow–and patches of ice–everywhere but after Friday/Saturday's blizzard that's exactly the way I'm feeling right now. These photos were taken before the latest bout of winter weather happened so I was able to wear my favorite faux fur and flats without any other protective gear. When I first bought this vest I wondered exactly where/when/how I'd wear it, but it's so versatile and fun that now I can't imagine not having it my closet during the year's coldest months.

 

To enter to WIN an item of your choice from FashFoward Boutique, click here!

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Vest: Faux Fur Vest in Black, J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]

Jacket: Blazer with Faux-Leather trim, Anne Klein [was $179, available here]

Shirt: Perfect Fit Long-Sleeved Tee in Black, J.Crew [$26.50, available here]

Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]

Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]

Bag: 'Caterina' Purse in Black, c/o Cuore & Pelle [$385, available here]

Jewelry: 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]; Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]

Nails: Essie 'Head Mistress'