{things i wore} perforated tank
I'm really desperate for spring temperatures–I mean New York's barely breaking/sustaining 65 degrees as of late. But a warm morning was all the excuse i needed to wear this drapey Pima Doll tank top. I had never heard of Pima cotton before I learned about this brand: grown primarily in Peru, it's extremely durable, absorbent, and (at least in the case of this shirt) soft. The fabric is so uniquely textured that it's almost memorizing to touch. The best part? Even though Pima Doll has roots in South America it's designs are born in NYC–and I really love to support amazing local products.
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Shirt: Perforated Tank in 'Vanilla,' c/o Pima Doll [$55, available here]
Jeans: BB Doll in 'Vert', c/o Bullet Blues Jeans [$160, available here]
Bag: Braided Shopper in Brown, Zara [$149, available here]
Shoes: Arlette Thong Sandal, Pour La Victoire [$182, available here]
Sunglasses: Large Metal Aviators Gold Frame, Ray Ban [$145, available here]
Jewelry: Arm Candy in Labradorite, c/o Beso Beso by Luka [$120, available here]; Expandable wire bangles in 'Russian Gold', Alex and Ani; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Diamond Band in Rose Gold, Bloomingdale's [$1400, available here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]
Nails: Essie's "Miss Fancy Pants"
{things i wore} cigarette jean
Browsing through online boutiques is a dangerous pastime of mine–it's impossible not to fall in love with at least one piece when you're looking at a carefully curated selection. These jeans came from the incredibly sweet woman behind Haden Reid, an online retailer of truly fabulous–and luxe–clothes, shoes, and accessories (I can personally attest to this fact–these skinnies are so comfy and glam I never want to take them off). The boutique, which was established in 2008 and named after its founder's two sons, has a wide variety of merchandise and brands. My favorite section? 'Celebrity Picks'–there you can score lots pieces as seen on a selection of stars.
You can keep up-to-date with Haden Reid's latest finds–and sales–by following the boutique on Twitter and Facebook.
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Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jacket: Bouclee Jacket in 'Lime,' New Look
Bag: Emily Eyelash Clutch in Silver, Club Monaco [was $130, available here]
Jeans: Shane Cigarette in 'Chain,' Genetic Denim c/o Haden Reid [were $218, available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, similar style available here]
Jewelry:Paloma Picasso 'Love' bracelet, [$175, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; 'Monica' Silver Chain Necklace, c/o Sole Love [$15, available here]; Decenario bracelet [old]; Purple Wax-Coated String Bracelet, Puravida [$5, 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"
{things i wore} striped tank
The weather was absolutely sweltering this past holiday weekend and with lots of scheduled outdoor time that meant one thing for me: building an outfit around my breeziest maxi skirt. Before spring completely disappears, I'm trying my best to work with pastels. I was completely inspired by Revlon's pale lavender nail polish shade and the sea-foam green color of my skirt. The result was a look perfect for an outdoor BBQ.
What do you think? How did you spend your Memorial Day– and more importantly, what were you wearing?
ENTER MY CURRENT HANDBAG GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Shirt: Gold Striped Tank, J.Crew [old]
Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Sea Green,' Forever21 [no longer available]
Bag: Envelope Clutch in Taupe Embossed Python, c/o GiGi New York [$180, available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
Jewelry: Leather Bangle Bracelets in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Luxe Titanium Druzy Ring, c/o Manu [$295, available here]
Nails: "Provence," Revlon
{things i wore} draped vest
If I could, I'd wear this vest every day–eventually someone would try to stop me from being so repetitive but really it's the sentiment that counts. I'm sure you know what a perfect knit feels like–so soft and cozy without being itchy or too heavy–and that's exactly what Vkoo managed to capture with their cashmere. I've worn this piece in the winter but right now I'm content to throw it over a light shirt and just head outside.
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Shirt: Tissue long-sleeve V-neck tee in White, J.Crew [was $32.50, available here]
Vest: Cashmere Draped Vest in 'Frost,' Vkoo [was $338, available here]
Jeans: Barely Bootcut in 'Nite Wash,' Skinny Jeans [$178, available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
Bag: Python Print Drawstring Shopper Tote in Beige, Cole Haan [no longer available]
Jewelry: Jewlery: Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [from $795, available here]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Bracelet in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [$525, available here]; Rings [gifts]
{things i wore} chain necklace
A chunky gold necklace has been on my wish-list for a very long time, which is why I was so happy to receive this one from the fabulous duo (Connie Nam and Jenny Orlova) behind Astrid & Miyu. The company sells jewelry they hand-select from retailers around the world. All their pieces are limited stock meaning their online collection is always fresh and on-trend. The weather has been pretty fabulous in NYC, so for some time spent near Central Park I was happy to pair the chain with my favorite striped tee from J.Crew and a brand new tote from their spring collection (courtesy of my amazingly sweet boyfriend). The combination of canvas and light brown leather has me thinking of summer already.
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Pants: Bootcut 'Sadie' in 'Ink', Raven Denim [$176, available here]
Shirt: Navy and White Striped Tee, J.Crew [similar style available here]
Bag: Canvas and Leather Tillary Tote in 'Flax', J.Crew [$228, available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
Jewlelry: 'Brainy Bimbo' Gold Chain Necklace c/o Astrid & Miyu [$50, available here]; Single Expandable Wire Bangle in Russian Gold, Alex and Ani
{things i wore} sienna ray & co.’s makayla bag
And here it is…my contribution to Sienna Ray & Co.'s [wander]lust project. For those of you not familiar with this endeavor, the designers behind the gorgeous line of handbags have selected bloggers from across the country to spend a week or so with their soon-to-be released SS12 "Makayla." Part clutch and part cross-body, I had so much fun using and styling this versatile studded purse.
I love maxi skirts for so many reasons. Besides their fun silhouette, they can be transformed with accessories–flats or heels, tanks or sweaters, etc.–and in doing so be made to suit almost any occasion in any month. A normal New York winter would never allow for bare legs and sling-backs, but when the weather got unseasonably warm this past week I took my chances, putting together this look and getting an early start to a date night with my boyfriend. I built the outfit's color palette around the buttery yellow of the "Makalaya," layering nudes and neutrals for a look that suited the pale lighting of a somewhat spring-like January day.
I've left out one last but super exciting part of the [wander]lust project: in March of this year, Sienna Ray will gather the participants' posts and let all of you–our fabulously stylish readers–vote for your favorite look. The winner will get the chance to design their very own Sienna Ray handbag with the brand's founder and creative director, Natalie Kathleen. I'd die for the opportunity to work on my own bag–every girl's dream right?–so if you love my look, please let me (and Sienna Ray) know in the comments below! As always, thanks for your support! x
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Skirt: Chiffon Maxi Skirt in Taupe, h.i.p. [was $42, available here]
Sweater: Heavy-knit sweater in Cream, American Eagle Outfitters [similar style available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
Bag: 'Makayla' Bag in Mimosa, Sienna Ray & Co [not yet available]
Jewelry: Beaded expandable wire bangle, Alex and Ani; Channel-Set Diamond Band [gift]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Luxe Titanium Druzy Ring, c/o Manu [$295, available here]
Nails: "French Lingerie," Rimmel
{things i wore} neutral blouse
I love that you can never be over-dressed on Manhattan's Upper East Side– your heels could never be too high, your accessories too expensive, your overall look too fancy– because just when you think you've figured it all out a woman (or women) will walk past you carrying a Birkin. Yet rather than feeling restrictive, I find this sartorial condition freeing. I always have fun dressing up outfits as much or as little as I like, especially when they start with something as basic as a pair of jeans. This button-down shirt is older than I am but its texture and pale color prove to be timelessly chic.
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Shirt: Button-Down Blouse in 'Blush,' Elena Miro [vintage]
Jeans: 'Claudia' Low Rise Bootcut Denim, MNG by Mango [similar style available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
Bag: 'Stevie' Beachcomber Wave, Kate Spade [was $295, available here]
Nails: "French Lingerie," Rimmel
{things i liked} ashley tisdale & a lace dress
[photos from Hot Celebs Home]
We've seen a much tamer version of this look before: the all-over lace dress, the nude platform pumps, the wavy partial up-do were worn by Kate Middleton this summer when she toured Canada with her husband Prince William. Ashely Tisdale may be a Disney princess but she luckily doens't have to follow any royal rules. Her take on the outfit, which she wore to a premiere in Los Angeles on October 3, is as a result much sexier. While I thought Kate looked beautiful, I'm really loving Ashely's red lip, the higher arch on her pumps, and most of all, the unexpected cut-out on the back of her Lovers+Friends dress.
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SHOP THE LOOK:
[Photo from Shop Planet Blue - Lovers + Friends Sway Open Back Dress in Black Victorian Lace, available here]
[Photo from Amazon - Pour La Victoire Women's Irina Platform Pump in Nude Patent, were $250, availble here]
{things i wore} eyelet pencil skirt
Sandy earth tones are one of the easiest color palettes to work with. When layered together not only do they match effortlessly, they complement each other too. This skirt is one of my favorite hues, a purple so deep that it’s almost brown. I also can't get enough of this cashmere drape vest. It’s amazingly soft, falls just right, and is a perfectly neutral color. Plus it is light enough to wear on just about any day that isn’t sweltering and yet still keeps you comfortable indoors where temperatures always seem to vary.
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Skirt: Eyelet Pencil Skirt in "Black Plum," J. Crew [$138, available here}
Shirt: Layered Silk Tank in "Tan," Banana Republic
Vest: Cashmere Draped Vest in "Frost", Vkoo [was $338, available here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in "Nude Patent," Pour La Victoire [were $250, available here]
Bag: Freeport Medium Satchel in "Taupette," Banana Republic
Jewelry: Frosted Gold Bangle, Amethyst and Diamond Ring, Diamond Micro-Pave Band, gifts
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