{things i wore} lace clutch
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} 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} belted coat
Every once in a while I think back to July or August in New York and how wonderful it is to walk on crowded sidewalks that radiate heat in sandals, tank tops, and skirts. As those days seem long gone (I'm looking at you gray skies, lows in the 30s, and brisk winds), my "street style" is driven in large part by the art of layering. With all the knits buried under my wool coat in this outfit, I couldn't have been more cozy–by the way, wearing my fleece Hunter socks tucked into my favorite pair of flat leather boots was one of my best ideas as of late.
p.s. Check out yesterday's special weekend post–I collected some of my favorite shots from my Instagram account this past week.
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Coat: Belted Wool Coat in Black, Kenneth Cole [no longer available]
Sweater (visible at neck): Long Sweater in Gray, ESPRIT [no longer available]
Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]
Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198, available here]
Shoes: Riding boots in Black, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Socks: Basket Knit Welly Socks in Charcoal, Hunter Boots [$40, available here]
{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?
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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} 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!
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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} 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.
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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} lace tank
Have you ever impulse-purchased something without so much as a clue as to how you'd style or wear it? That was me with this shirt. When I spotted it on a clearance rack at Target, my first thought was: "Of course it's marked down–it's a sheer lace tank top." My second thought, not far behind, was markedly different in tone: "I've got to buy it–it's marked down and it's black lace" (look at my blog's layout and you'll understand the obsession). Still, the shirt languished unworn in my closet for some time. Here I paired it with some less delicate pieces–like ripped jeans and a studded handbag–to temper its lovely but lady-like lace.
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Shirt: Lace Tank in Black, Target [old]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198, available here]
Shoes: Black thong sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Beaded bracelet [old]; Evil eye bracelets [street vendors]
Nails: Essie 'Lollipop'
{things i wore} blue trouser-fit shorts
I couldn't have been more excited when I spotted these bright blue shorts on a sales rack in Banana Republic. My only regret is that I hadn't found them earlier in the season (although my wallet thanks me–they would have probably been full price and I would have had to have them). I love their pop of color and structured fit. They're attention grabbing but in smart way.
ENTER MY CURRENT BRACELET GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
Shorts: Trouser fit shorts in Blue, Electric Blue [no longer available online]
Shoes: Black thong sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198,available here]
Jewlery: 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]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Miscellaneous silver bangles [old]
{things i wore} color-blocked maxi dress
I tend to shy away from bright colors and I rarely mix different shades on my own. This red and blue maxi dress, sent to me by the lovely lady behind the shop Bella Fusion, has convinced me otherwise. Combining two primary colors seems so simple that I can't believe I never thought to do it on my own. Bonus? Bella Fusion is all about giving back, and so for every piece purchased from their site $1 is donated to the Because I Am A Girl foundation, which address the issue of gender discrimination around the world by promoting female rights. I just love shopping for a cause, don't you?
ENTER MY CURRENT BRACELET GIVEAWAY HERE –
and check back soon after because Bella Fusion will be hosting their very own giveaway on The Beautiful Things!
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Dress: Kazia Maxi Dress, c/o Bella Fushion [$40, available here]
Bag: No Slouch Faux Straw Dome Satchel in Black, Kenneth Cole New York [was $198,available here]
Shoes: Black thong sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Decenario bracelet [old]; Miscellaneous silver bangles [old]
{things i wore} aluminum and plastic chain necklace
Ready or not, the temperatures are climbing again (it's supposed to hit 105 degrees on Saturday). One of the ways I fashionably beat the heat is to layer whites. This necklace from Katy Rolly Designs couldn't be more perfect to finish a monochrome look: I love the combination of gold with black (it comes in more eye-catching colors) and because it is so lightweight it's easy to wear even when it's hot. This weekend will be an exciting one–I'm heading out of town for what promises to be an amazing wedding of some friends. I can't wait to share the details of the party and my look with all of you next week!
Are you thinking about shopping Katy Roll Designs? Be sure to use the unique coupon code 'beautifulthings' to receive 20% off your order (and follow Katy on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to keep up-to-date with all of her designs).
And DON'T FORGET, you can ENTER MY CURRENT HANDBAG GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Shirt: White Button Down, H&M [old]
Shorts: H&M [old]
Bag: Satchel, Kenneth Cole [old]
Shoes: Leather Capri Sandals in 'Weathered Wood,' J.Crew [$49.50, available here]
Jewelry: Initial ‘Identity’ Ring in Gold, c/o Nashelle [$55, available here]; Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; The Katy Necklace in Gold & Black, c/o Katy Roll Designs [$20, available here]
Nails: Essie "Ballet Slippers"
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