{things i wore} pashmina scarf
When the lovely women behind Posh'mina–an innovative company that puts slits or sleeves into oversized scarves so they can be worn effortlessly draped with any outfit–said they'd be sending me one of their creations, I for a very unfounded second pictured causal spring/summer type layering. Unfortunately the reality of New York in February is more about function than fashion so I've been enjoying this particular version–in a luscious black aptly named "Midnight"–slung over my shoulders or wound around my neck. It will have to hold me over till things get warmer–and then I can wear this gorgeous print with lighter colors and–gasp–bare arms.
___________________
Shirt: Perfect Fit Long-Sleeved Tee in Black, J.Crew [$26.50, available here]
Sweater: Long Sweater Jacket in Gray, ESPRIT [old]
Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]
Scarf: Slotted Pashmina in 'Midnight,' c/o Posh'mina [$30, available here]
Shoes: Wendall Boot in Black, DV by Dolce Vita [$169, available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Jewelry: Sunburst Necklace, House of Harlow 1960 [$63, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here], Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie "Head Mistress"
{things i learned} my week through instagram
1. well it was a tough weekend but we've almost made it through #brr #coldsnap #newyorkcity
2. #wishfulthinking @victoriassecret #swim #bikiniseason #indenial #brr
3. homemade chicken noodle soup #dinnertonight #yum #cozy
4. yes please @jcrew #armparty #sparkle #bloggerlove
5. in love with my new handbag from @cuorepelle #leather #bloggerlove
6. buffalo chicken nachos #superbowl #snacks #imayneedtogoonadiet
{things i wore} shopper tote
I've admired this Zara plaited shopper from afar–as in on other bloggers and celebs–and up close–meaning on store shelves–for a long time. It's not hard to see why: super pigmented leather, simple lines, minimal hardware, and top handles make it pretty much my ideal handbag. Still, I never took the plunge to pick one up for myself. Lucky for me, my boyfriend likes buying me handbags as much as I like talking about them to him. A discussion one day about how long/hard I had been lusting over this one led to it arriving on my doorstep a few days later. Pretty amazing, right? (And yes I'm talking about both him and the shopper.)
P.S. As promised, I'm living in these Genetic Denim jeans from the Haden Reid Boutique (check out it's Facebook page here)–they're so fitted but oh-so-comfy.
ENTER MY LATEST GIVEAWAY for a statement ring HERE!
_______________________
Blazer: Boyfriend Blazer in Black, J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]
Shirt: 1×1 Ribbed Long Sleeve V-Neck Top in Black, Splendid [was $50, available here]
Jeans: Shane Cigarette in 'Chain,' Genetic Denim c/o Haden Reid [were $218, available here]
Shoes: Suede Ankle Booties, Nine West [no longer available, similar style available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Jewelry: Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Fauna Shark Tooth Wood Bead Stretch Bracelet in Black CZ, c/o Kevia [$75, available here]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, available here]; Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here], Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie "Smokin' Hot"
{things i wore} skinny jeans
If anyone is having "new year, new wardrobe"-type thoughts I highly recommend adding a camel-colored blazer to your closet (and so does this InStyle feature–it made their current list of five must-have pieces). I agree with all their points: the hue makes any outfit–even skinny jeans–look smarter and it works during every season.
p.s. Thanks to everyone who entered the Sven Clogs giveaway…I'll be announcing the winner soon! x
_________________
Shirt: Tissue long-sleeve V-neck tee in White, J.Crew [was $32.50, available here]Shoes: Court 2
Sunglasses: Oversized Plastic Frames in Black, Guess, c/o Guess [no longer available]
Jeans: Super Skinny Super Low Jeans in Light Denim Blue, H&M [not available online, similar style available here]
Blazer: Open Front Blazer in Beige, Forever 21 [no longer available, similar style availablehere]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in Croc-Textured Black, Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold
Nails: Essie 'Head Mistress'
{things i wore} belted wool coat
It just had to get cold here in New York. I'm talking freezing–enough to make you start shivering the second you step outside (taking these pictures was truly an endurance test), enough to make you wish you had put on boots instead of flats (not a smart decision on my part but I just had to wear this new pair from Lucky Brand–so comfy), and enough to make your eyes water and wash away what was once carefully applied eyeliner (true story). Fortunately it was an "unseasonable" day–things will get back to somewhat warmer temperatures by the end of the week.
What do you think? Are you ever in denial when it comes to the season and the appropriateness of your fashion?
_______________________
Coat: Belted Wool Coat in Black, Kenneth Cole [no longer available]
Shirt: Perfect Fit Long Sleeved Tee in Black, J.Crew [$26.50, available here]
Jeans: Toothpick Ankle Jean in 'Classic Rinse Wash,' J.Crew [$125, available here]
Bag: H World Studded Bag in Black, Bag Inc. [$179, available here]
Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]
Jewelry: Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Ring in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [no longer available, similar style here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's
Nails: Essie's "Wicked"
Bag Inc, coat, cold, Essie, fall, J. Crew, Kenneth Cole, Lucky Brand, NYC, Tiffany, winter | 
2 Comments{things i wore} riding boots
Pumpkin picking is an annual tradition for my boyfreind and I so I'm glad we were able to squeeze it in before Hurricane Sandy hit New York (although my wind-swept look in these pictures is all her fault). This outfit was less of a "I really had a chance to style it until it's perfect" and more of a "there's a hurricane coming so let's hurry before things get worse" type of invention. Still, I couldn't have been more comfortable, cozy, and pumpkin-patch appropriate in my favorite oversized blazer, skinnies, and flat boots.
_________________________
Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available, similar style available here]
Blazer: Boyfriend Blazer in Black, J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]
Jeans: Super Skinny Super Low Jeans in Light Denim Blue, H&M
Shoes: Riding boots in Black, Banana Republic
Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]
Jewelry: Onyx & Diamond Accent Ring, Macys [no longer available online, similar style 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
Nails: Essie's "Forever Yummy"
{things i covet} medium isis tote by valextra
[Photos from Barney's - $3450, available here]
A bag like this–smooth leather, sharp edges, retro shape, lady-like silhouette–is missing from my closet. This one by Valextra is of course completely top-of-the-line: the Italian leather goods company isn't a full-fledged design house but is famous–and beloved by enthusiasts–for their flawless luxury creations. The 'Isis' tote, with its flap front, push lock closure, and removable shoulder strap, has always caught my eye as both modern and timeless. Of course anything Valextra is a more than a little out of my price-range, but a fun alternative lies with J.Crew's super popular 'Edie' purse. Most of the same details are there–smooth leather, sleek lines, long strap–but with the added bonuses of affordability and the brand's always stunning expansive color palette.
There's still time to ENTER MY CURRENT LINGE BALLET FLATS GIVEAWAY HERE!
Want to get the look for less?
[Photo from J.Crew - Edie Purse in 'Shallow Sea,' J.Crew - $238, available here]
{things i wore} button-down cardigan
It's been a cold and rainy few days here in New York–and the forecast for the beginning of this week predicts more of the same. While I'm not sure that I'm ever ready for dipping temperatures, I do know that the perfect way to spend a rainy weekend involves throwing on a pair of cute flats and a light cardigan and exploring the Upper West Side. The place manages to look beautiful even while under gray skies and dotted with puddles.
_______________________________
Sweater: Jackie Cardigan in Black, J.Crew [$62, available here]
Jeans: Toothpick Ankle Jean in 'Classic Rinse Wash,' J.Crew [$125, available here]
Shoes: Pamm Two Tone Python Print/Black Flats, Calvin Klein [were $99, available here]
Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198, available here]
Jewelry: Venetian Link bracelet, Tiffany & Co. [$185, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; plain silver bangle [old]; 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];Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Licorice'
{things i wore} skinny jeans
I suppose there are worse fashion crimes than dressing in head-to-toe black, but I know for me a monochromatic look signals that I'm being both indulgent and a little lazy. It's my 'go-to,' the easiest way to make accessories pop, take the guesswork out of matching, and look put-together in an way that doesn't seem to try too hard. In the end I hardn't pay attention to my own thoughts: despite it being a very unoriginal preference in New York City, black definitely remains my favorite color when it comes to clothes.
___________________
Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]
Sunglasses: Large Metal Aviators Gold Frame, Ray Ban [$145, available here]
Bag: Canvas and Leather Tillary Tote in 'Flax', J.Crew [$228, no longer available]
Shoes: Prince Stretch Flat in Black Python, c/o Ballasox by Corso Como [$60, similar style 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]; Jordan Expandable Wire Bangle in Yellow Gold, Alex and Ani [$38, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Lollipop'
{things i wore} studded purse
I've been looking for the perfect pair of skinnies ever since I felt the air get the slightest bit cooler–the end of summer always makes me panicky about the state of my fall staples. I've fallen in love with the fit and wash of this pair from J,Crew. At first I thought the cropped ankle-length would be limiting, but now that I've worn them with my highest heels (for the record they're a glorious five-and-a-half inches tall with a one-and-a-half inch platform), I'm not worrying anymore.
_____________________________
Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever 21 [$12.80, available here]
Jeans: Toothpick Ankle Jean in 'Classic Rinse Wash,' J.Crew [$125, available here]
Bag: Hudson Quilted Shoulder Bag in "Stone," Gorjana [was $298, available here]
Shoes: Heat High Heel Shoe in "Black Kid Suede," Pelle Moda [$140, available here]
Jewelry: Starter Charm Bracelet in Gold, Juicy Couture [$42, available here]; Fauna Shark Tooth Wood Bead Stretch Bracelet in Black CZ, c/o Kevia [$75, available here]; Beaded Bracelets, SEEN Global [similar styles available here] Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Lollipop'
{latest instagram}
