{things i wore} bandage skirt
For the briefest of moments last week the weather was warm enough to pass for spring. I of course didn't hesitate for a second and put on a skirt I've been dying to wear–a neon bandage mini sent to me from Shop September. The online boutique has a great concept: they listen to their shoppers through polls and chats in order to stock items that people actually want to buy. The result? Merchandise that's popular but also relevant and up-to-date. I for one am still loving the neon trend (I'm mentally planning more outfits for this piece) and can't wait to enjoy it more fully as temperatures get higher and skies get sunnier.
P.S. Don't forget to check back later for your chance to win something for yourself from Shop September and for the winner of last week's giveaway!
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Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
Skirt: Neon Bandage Skirt in Yellow, c/o Shop September [$55, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Jewelry: Arm Candy in Black Onyx, c/o Beso Beso [$90, 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]; The Bosworth' Black and Gold Enameled Bracelets, set of 2, c/o K.Amato [$48, available here]; Triple Black ONYX on Gold Tiny Bead Bracelet, c/o Ettika [$45, 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 'Licorice'
{things i wore} ripped jeans
This backdrop was too good to pass by without stopping for a mini-photoshoot. I love it when temperatures warm up after a flurry and you can go outside without freezing to enjoy the sight of (mostly melting) snow. A mild fall day means I can still wear my favorite pair of torn jeans–I can't recommend these enough they're so comfortable. I love pairing polished accessories like these oversized plastic-framed sunglasses, structured blazer, and patent-capped flats with the light and worn denim. A little bit of contrast goes a long way for a relatively simple casual look.
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Jacket: Blazer with Faux-Leather trim, Anne Klein [no longer available online]
Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in 'Bright Indigo Destroy,' American Eagle Outfitters [were $49.50, available here]
Bag: Rocco Duffel Bag in Black with Pale Gold Hardware, Alexander Wang [$895, available here]
Shoes: Pamm Two Tone Python Print/Black Flats, Calvin Klein [were $99, available here]
Sunglasses: Charlton in Black, Michael Kors [were $160, available here]
Jewelry: Venetian Link bracelet, Tiffany & Co. [$185, available here]; Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: Essie 'Sand Tropez'
{things i wore} black pumps
I have a habit of always tucking in my shirts. For some reason I think it creates a more flattering, more dressy, and more polished look. This button-down is so comfy that I could wear it everyday–and sometimes I feel like i do–so to change things up a bit I decided to wear it untucked. The result? The shirt felt reinvented and I had a whole new look to sport on a date-night.
What do you think? Tucked or untucked–which do you prefer when it comes to shirts?
p.s. Thank you for all your kind words on Facebook, Twitter, and this site regarding my One-year Blogiversary (click here to see the post celebrating that day)–they meant so, so much to me. Stay tuned–there are a lot of exciting things in the works for The Beautiful Things! x
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Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [no longer available online]
Pants: Lynx Stretch Twill Leggings in "Sky," Stitch [$128, available here]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in Croc-Textured Black, Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, 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]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Beaded bracelet [old]; Assorted silver bangles [old]
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.
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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} 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} snake-print satchel
I love it when dressy clothes–a.k.a. these cropped pants and platform heels–wind up being more comfortable than casual ones. Relaxed, slouchy trousers are easily worn and styled and even though I swore I'd stop buying shoes for some time (a promise which never lasts), I couldn't pass up a pain-free pump. My favorite way to set off a fabulous handbag is an all-black look, and this satchel from Lodis certainty deserves the spotlight. I love snake-print–it's so summery and it matches with anything. Feel like testing that theory out? Well you're in luck–check back later today for your chance to enter to win this bag for yourself!
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Shirt: Ruffle Tank in Black, New York & Co. [no longer available]
Pants: Café Pant in Black, J.Crew [$89.50, available here]
Shoes: Court 2 Platforms Shoes in Black, BCBGMaxAzria [were $98, available here]
Bag: Olympus Cory Satchel, c/o Lodis [$298, available here]
Jewelry: 'The Bosworth' Black and Gold Enameled Bracelets, set of 2, c/o K.Amato [$48, available here]; Erilo Bangle Set, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; Black enamel bangle, J.Crew [old]
Nails: 'Stiletto Red' by Rimmel
{things i wore} envelope clutch
Rain clouds have settled over New York, but this past weekend was gloriously sunny–perfect for a fun beach-side excursion and an outfit that matched. I bought these shoes and skirt a few weeks ago after deciding they were irresistibly summery. Its bright pattern had me thinking of Gucci or Roberto Cavalli silk scarves, while the woven platforms of the pumps–which measure an incredible 5.8 inches–seemed like a dressier espadrille. Camille Zarsky's Portfolio Clutch is a dream to wear. It's so sleek and polished that it finishes a look instantly. I was thrilled when they sent me this gorgeous one in brown–I just love that the brand is handcrafted in NYC–and I can't stop thinking of ways to wear it.
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Shirt: Ruffle Tank Top in White, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Skirt: Tropical Print Handkerchief Hem Maxi Skirt in 'Caribbean Green', New York & Company [$47, available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Jewelery: Cabochon Sagaponack Cuff in 'Turquoise,' c/o Amrita Singh [$100, available here]; Studded Bracelet in 'Pine Green,' Banana Republic [was $39, no longer available]; Gold bangle [old]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
{things i wore} linen clutch
Sometime recently I discovered that I can never have enough clutches. It's funny: a few years back, I was all about oversized bags and thought getting anything too small would be a waste of valuable shopping. Now I grab clutches constantly to wear with all sorts of outfits. While this means I have to whittle down my purse's contents to the essentials (which is a lot harder than it may seem), it's completely worth it to finish a look. I was thrilled when Twisted Orchid sent me this linen clutch (they have so many fun statement bags and their Facebook page has its own built-in store– so convenient). The bag is wonderfully summery and its black silk buckle paired perfectly with this airy button-down shirt.
P.S. I'm so happy to report that Twisted Orchid wants one of my readers to win their own choice of bag from their current offering (worth up to $75)….check back later for your chance to enter to win!
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Shirt: Silk Button-Down in Black, New York & Company [not available online]
Jeans: Bootcut Jean in 'Moonlight Wash,' J.Crew [$108, available here]
Shoes: Balnit Peep-Toe Slingbacks in Black, Aldo [were $110, available here]
Bag: Linen Clutch Purse in 'Wheat', c/o Wild Orchid [$27, available here]
Jewelry: Gold bangle [old]; Black and Gold Enamel Bangle, J.Crew [no longer available]; Gold Plated Erilo Bangle, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; Ladies Classic Museum Watch 0604229, Movado [was $595, available here]; 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], Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
{things i wore} ruffled trench coat
When Kate Middleton visited Northern Ireland with Prince William way back in March of this year, I immediately fell in love with her Burberry coat and black-on-black tights and heels (see here and here). I couldn't have been happier when I found out a similar style trench was available for a much cheaper price and after a very funny exchange with a saleswoman–she nodded at me profusely but didn't seem to have any idea who Kate was–I snagged the store's very last one in my size. Even with a smaller price tag, it doesn't skimp on the details. I'm glad the buckles, epaulets, wide cuffs, and high belt were all reproduced because to me they're just as important as the ruffled bottom in making the coat so special.
And yes, I'm attempting my best Kate impression– all it takes really is holding a clutch, moving your hair, and beaming like you're in love with a prince.
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Coat: Ruffle Trim Classic Trench in "Gold Champagne," New York & Company [was $90, available here]
Tights: Solid Opaque Tights in "Black," J. Crew [were $24.50, available here]
Shoes: Heat High Heel Shoe in "Black Kid Suede," Pelle Moda [$140, available here]
Bag: Grosgrain Clutch [vintage]
Jewlery: Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold [gift]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$525, available here]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [from $425, available here]
Nails: "Stiletto Red," Rimmel
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