{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} cable-knit sweater
This is the sort of winter-weather dressing that I can tolerate–sweaters not layers of coats, flats not boots, scarves not gloves–and all in a fairly monochromatic color scheme that I absolutely love. This cable-knit piece is something I bought ages ago from J.Crew and I'm happy I invested the money in it then. It's warm, tailored, and super soft without being itchy or uncomfortable–aka the perfect sweater.
Enter my GIVEAWAY to win a $50 gift certificate to Ettika Jewelry here!
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Sweater: Cambridge Cable V-Neck Sweater, J.Crew [was $88, available here]
Jeans: Skinny Leg Cropped in Coolidge Wash, Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Jeans [were $79.50, available here]
Scarf: Slotted Pashmina in 'Midnight,' c/o Posh'mina [$30, available here]
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]
Sunglasses: Large Metal Aviators Gold Frame, Ray Ban [$145, available here]
Jewelry: Ladies Classic Museum Watch 0604229, Movado [was $595, available here]; Gold Bar Bracelet in Black, Puravida [$20, 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 'Skirting the Issue'
{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} crochet skirt
While I'll almost always choose a maxi length over a mini, I've wanted a white crochet skirt for so long that I didn't care about the hemline when I spotted this version in Banana Republic. I loved the delicate scallops on this piece but crochet can be tricky: if the pattern is even slightly imperfect, its entire look can seem tacky. My pairing of this skirt with a denim shirt came a few days before the current heat wave: any time it's 95+ degrees in NYC, sleeveless tops are a must.
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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]
Skirt: Crochet Mini in White, Banana Republic
Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer RB2140 – 824/51, Frame: brown faded grey transparent, Lens: faded brown, Ray-Ban [$149, similar style available here]
Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]
Shoes: Leather sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewelry: Assorted Sterling Silver Bangles [bought in Mexico]; Expandable Wire Bangle in 'Silver,' Alex and Ani; Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Ring in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [no longer available, similar style here]
{things i wore} button-down shirt dress
When I was younger, I never liked jeans–I always wanted to be in dresses. To be honest, not much has changed (except the amount of empty space left unoccupied in my closet). If given the choice and if weather or occasion weren't factors, I think I'd always choose skirts over pants. They're comfortable, versatile, fun to wear, and feminine. This shirt dress is all those things, and on a recently overcast day I wore it with a blazer and flats for a look that was both city- and workplace-appropriate.
REMEMBER TO ENTER MY CURRENT NECKLACE GIVEAWAY HERE….it ends tomorrow night!
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Blazer: Open Front Blazer in Beige, Forever 21
Dress: Button-Down Shirt Dress in Black, Forever 21
Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer RB2140 – 824/51, Frame: brown faded grey transparent, Lens: faded brown, Ray-Ban [$149, similar style 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: Ladies Classic Museum Watch 0604229, Movado [was $595, available here]; Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; 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} enameled bracelets
I adore enamel bangles–see here, here, and here–so I was beyond thrilled when I received this gorgeous black and gold set from K.Amato. The luxe jewelry line is designed by its namesake, Kathleen Amato, who studied Chemistry in college but followed her passion for design post-graduation. Chemistry was one of those subjects that just didn't make sense to me back in high school–if jewelry had been involved, maybe I would have retained a bit more (I'm kidding…slightly). Black and gold is such a classic combination, and I loved matching accessories that shared the pairing.
While I'm currently hosting a Twisted Orchid handbag giveaway, I'm happy to let you know that there will be another TWO separate giveaways in the near future on The Beautiful Things: you could win this same bangle set that I'm wearing here (!!!) and a piece from another great jewelry line, Robyn Rhodes, who I'll be featuring soon. What a fabulous way to kick off the summer right?
Don't forget to ENTER MY CURRENT HANDBAG GIVEAWAY here.
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Shirt: Silky Double-Pocket Tank in Taupe, New York and Company [no longer available]
Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]
Shoes: Prince Stretch Flat in Black Python, c/o Ballasox by Corso Como [$60, similar style available here]
Bag: Cordoba Clutch in 'Black Onyx,' Elliott Lucca [$98, available here]
Sunglasses: Large Metal Aviators Gold Frame, Ray Ban [$145, available here]
Jewelry: 'The Bosworth' Black and Gold Enameled Bracelets, set of 2, c/o K.Amato [$48, available here]; Ladies Classic Museum Watch 0604229, Movado [was $595, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
Nails: "Stiletto Red" by Rimmel
{things i wore} harness boots
These harness boots are easily the most effortlessly stylish shoes I currently own–and that's coming from a girl whose closet is stuffed with more pairs of 4-5 inch heels than she cares to admit. Durango is an iconic brand–it's been in operation since 1966–and their legacy shows in the quality and level of workmanship present in their footwear. This pair in particular is incredibly well-made, perfectly detailed, and unbelievably comfortable. Miley Cyrus practically lives in similar boots and while I won't exactly be copying how she styles them, I'd be lying if I said I haven't contemplated whether or not I could pull off wearing mine with shorts.
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Sunglasses: Polarized Large Metal Aviators, Frame: Gunmetal, Lens: Crystal Polar Blue Gradient, Ray-Ban [$195, available here]
Sweater: MNG by Mango
Shirt: Short-sleeve V-neck Tee in 'White,' Victoria's Secret [$24.50, available here]
Jeans: H&M
Bag: Cross-body satchel in 'Black,' Coach
Shoes: Harness Western Boot in 'Black,' c/o Durango [$135, available here]
{things i wore} studded spiked bag
When Lady Gaga stepped out carrying an Hermès Birkin bag with spikes pushed through its costly leather, the fashion world cringed. I did for a moment–after all black with silver hardware is my choice for that particular dream bag–but I soon after recognized the appeal of its edgy luxury-look. I couldn't resist this bag inspired by her modifications. I love the addition of so much metal to such a structured form (not to worry, its proportions are off just far enough to ensure that no one would mistakenly think it was the real thing). The tote is a real conversation starter too: so many people have asked me where I bought it, if I've ever used it as a weapon, and whether I feel safe riding the subway when I have it on my arm.
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Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer RB2140 – 824/51, Frame: brown faded grey transparent, Lens: faded brown, Ray-Ban [$149, similar style available here]
Shirt: Tee in "Heather," Levi's
Blazer: Boyfriend Blazer in "Black," J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]
Jeans: "The Rocker" Lean Flare in "Aniston Wash," Joe's Jeans [$167, available here]
Shoes: Wendall Boot in "Black," DV by Dolce Vita [$169, available here]
Bag: H World Studded Bag in Black, Bag Inc. [$170, available here]
Jewelry: DKNY Unisex Stainless Steel Watch [$195, available here], Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold, gifts, Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$395, available here]
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