{things i wore} boucle jacket
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 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} 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”
{things i wore} colorful necklace (+ my ‘send the trend’ style challenge entry)
This photo shoot was part of Send the Trend's "Style Challenge," an styling event featuring outfits put together by bloggers with jewelry they hand-pickeded from the brand's extensive collection. I selected a bunch of amazing accessories (which will all eventually find their way into my upcoming outfit posts), but for the look I submitted I wore my favorite piece, STT's "Candy Briolette Necklace"–it's hot pink, sparkly, and fabulous. This is a pretty exciting competition–one look (as chosen by readers) will receive even more prizes and a chance to appear on TV. Voting will go live here sometime today, but in the meantime you can register to shop your own favorites here. The best part? You'll get a $5 credit toward any purchases by using that link!
What do you think? Would you cast your vote for my STT Challenge look?
p.s. I've finally upgraded my phone–goodbye Blackberry, hello iPhone5–and with it I've started using Instagram…be sure to follow me here for even more beautiful things! x
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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]
Skirt: Tiered Maxi Skirt in Black, Macy's [no longer available]
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]
Jewelry: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Erilo Bangle Set, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; 'Brainy Bimbo' Gold Chain Necklace c/o Astrid & Miyu [$50, available here]; Candy Briolette Necklace in "Fuschia", c/o Shop The Trend [$28, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'
{things i wore} moto jacket
I'm finding it difficult to believe that I wore this outfit and took these pictures only one day before the City was blanketed with 6+ inches of snow. It's been one heck of a past two weeks weather-wise–from a hurricane to roller-coaster temperatures to a Nor'easter–welcome to life with climate change I suppose. As long as I still have the chance to put together transitional outfits like this one I'll keep smiling. I can still wear my summer maxis if cropped jackets and booties are involved.
P.S. The wait is over….Erica is the winner of the Linge Shoes ballet flats giveaway! Look out for an email from me! x
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Dress: Wrap Maxi Dress in Black, c/o Karen Kane [$128, available here]
Jacket: Moto Jacket, Black Rivet [was $198, available here]
Suede Booties in Taupe, Nine West [no longer available, similar styles available here]
Bag: Isabelline Nouveau, c/o Hudson+Bleecker [$34, available here]
Jewelry: Onyx & Diamond Accent Ring, Macy's [no longer available online, similar style available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's
Nails: Essie's "Sand Tropez"
{things i wore} open-back tank
When the weather is swelteringly hot you can usually find me somewhere inside, not only in an air-conditioned room but stationed near the strongest cold air vent. This is impossible to sustain in Florida–you need to be outside to enjoy yourself, and that's where the heat, humidity, and mid-day sun are opressive and pretty much impossible to avoid. I tried my best to cope by wearing short shorts and a light tank–although the cute ties on its open back were for fun more than function.
p.s. These shots were taken in Epcot, my favorite of the four theme parks that make up Walt Disney World. For those of you who might not be familiar with its concept, the park features a "Future World" and "World Showcase"–eleven pavilions representing various nations arranged around a lagoon. I could spend forever in this international part for two reasons (both of which you could probably guess)–spectacular food and shopping (but more on that tomorrow).
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Shirt: Open back tank in Black, Belle Du Jour for Macys [not available online]
Shorts: Trouser fit shorts in Electric Blue, Banana Republic [no longer available online]
Bag: Medium Travel Tote in Black, LeSportsac [$78, available here]
Sandals: Sagitar T-Strap Sandal in Black, Hush Puppies [was $75, available here]
Jewelry: DKNY Unisex Stainless Steel Watch [$195, 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]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani
{things i wore} floral silk scarf
A while ago I saw someone wearing a silk scarf tied to a tank top on thier blog and finally decided to give it a try. Not only is it now my new favorite way to add some color and style to an otherwise simple look, it's so easy to do: just fold a scarf in half, allow two ends to form a point in the front, and tie the other two ends onto each of your shoulder straps. Use your hair to hide where you've attached the scarf, and voilà–a completely casual way to wear a piece that's sometimes hard to style.
p.s. The sunglasses I'm wearing are the same model three lucky readers can win in my latest giveaway! Remember, today is your last chance to ENTER….click HERE for all the details!
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Tank: Ribbed tank in Black, J.Crew [not available online]
Scarf: Silk Scarf in 'Passione,' Missoni for Target [no longer available]
Pants: Café Pant in Gray, J.Crew [$89.50, available here]
Bag: Belted Satchel, Cole Haan [old]
Sunglasses: GU 7107 Sunglasses in Black Crystal Grey Gradient, Guess – $82 [no longer available]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelery: Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Gold, Diamond, and Garnet Ring, Macy's [was $600, available here]
{things i wore} asymmetrical gown
As promised, here's what I wore to our friends' wedding this past weekend. The dress code for the reception was summer black tie and I must admit its guidelines proved more challenging than I thought they would. The color black felt out of the question (too wintry), most fabrics won't work (too heavy), and bright prints seemed inappropriate (too casual). In the end, I settled on this slinky BCBG dress. I loved its bright green color (someone at the party compared it to Keira Knightley's 'Atonement' gown), draped detailing, and slit : paired with my favorite simple (but sparkly) jewelry and nude sling-backs, it stood out without being too attention-grabbing. And no, you're not seeing things in those last shots–my boyfriend looked so handsome in his tuxedo that I couldn't help but include his look too (although it took him a whole lot less time to get red-carpet ready).
What do you think? What do you wear to formal events in the summer?
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Gown: Snejana One-Shoulder Evening Gown in 'Ultra Green', BCGCMAXAZRIA [$298, available here; available here in 'Red Berry'; similar styles available here and here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, similar style available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Jewelry: Ready Bangle, gold-plated, Medium, Swarovski [$55, available here]; Ready Bangle, stainless steel, Medium, Swarovski [$55, available here]; Diamond Accent Hoop Earrings, Macy's Fine Jewelry [$650, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]
Nails: Essie "Ballet Slippers"
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