{things i wore} wood bead stretch bracelet
I love stacking bracelets–some mornings I could spend forever getting the collection on my wrist just right. My newest piece is exquisitely detailed–wooden beads complete with a ridged shark-tooth charm–and came to me courtesy of Kevia. Founded by Kevia Jeffrey-West while she was earning her bachelor's degree in Zimbabwe, the company is known for their hammered metal settings, irregularly cut stones, and motifs inspired by nature. All that makes the jewelry unique and completely perfect for summer.
ENTER MY CURRENT SUNGLASSES GIVEAWAY HERE.
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Shirt: Essential Sheer Racerback Tank in White, Forever21 [$12.80, available here]
Jeans: Janice Legging in Black, Not Your Daughter's Jeans [$98, available here]
Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in Black, Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]
Bag: Fringe Leather Wander Tote, Spool No. 72 [$158.00, available here]
Jewelry: Fauna Shark Tooth Wood Bead Stretch Bracelet in Black CZ, c/o Kevia [$75, available here]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]; Alexandria Ring in Gold, c/o Karen London [$50, available here]; Assorted gold bracelets; Evil Eye Bracelet, Macy's [old]
{things i wore} red skinny jeans
When I bought these jeans way back at the beginning of the year, I did have a moment where I wondered exactly how I'd wear them. Luckily I didn't let the thought bother me or prevent me from making the purchase (confession: I'm not always the most practical shopper). Not only are they amazingly comfortable, I love their perfect shade of red– it looks great paired with the classic combintion of black and white.
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Shirt: White Tie-Front Blouse, H&M [no longer available]
Jacket: Black Fitted Blazer, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Bag: Top handle satchel in Black, Cole Haan [no longer available]
Nails: "Revlon Red," Revlon
{things i wore} outline pendant
Maya Brenner hit a design home-run when she dreamed up a series of pendants in the shapes of states (they're a hit among celebs–check out Katy Perry with California, Eva Longoria with Texas, Jessica Simpson with Texas, and Anna Kendrick with Maine). The necklaces were so popular that Ms. Brenner recently expanded the collection to include outlines of countries as well. I was beyond thrilled when the brand sent over a gorgeous pendant in the shape of Italy, which I proudly sport in honor of my Italian-American heritage. I can't say enough about how spectacular this piece is in person: it's so dainty and understated and yet when the light hits it just right, it really pops. For this look I glammed up the necklace with my (faux) fur vest and platforms, but I've been wearing it with blazers and flats ever since.
What do you think? If you were to purchase a Maya Brenner pendant, what shape would you chose to show your home-town (or country) pride?
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Shirt: White Button Down, H&M
Vest: Faux Fur Vest in Black, J. Crew
Jeans: Claudia Low Rise Bootcut Denim, MNG by Mango [similar style available here]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in Croc-Textured Black, Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in Black, Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]
Jewelry: Tiara Diamond Band, Micro Pave Diamond Band [gifts]; Signature World Necklace, c/o Maya Brenner [available here]
{things i wore} lace camisole
For this Valentine's Day, I needed an outfit that could go from a busy day to a late night. Nothing makes that transition easier than heels, a blazer, and a little lace. Of course I couldn't forget some sparkle, which I incorporated with a shiny cross and a textured clutch. Thanks to some perfect nail polish I even managed to sneak in a bit of red in honor of the holiday. Valentine's Day in New York wasn't too cold and although it was overcast for most of the morning and night, the clouds parted long enough for my boyfriend and I to enjoy some sunshine.
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Pants: Bootcut 'Sadie' in 'Ink', Raven Denim [$176, available here]
Shirt: White Lace Camisole; White Tie-Front Blouse, H&M [no longer available]
Jacket: Black Fitted Blazer, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Bag: Emily Eyelash Clutch in Silver, Club Monaco [was $130, available here]
Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in Black, Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]
Jewelry: Diamond and White Gold Cross, Donna Oro [no longer available]; Tiara Diamond Band, Micro Pave Diamond Band [gifts]
Nails: "Revlon Red," Revlon
{things i wore} tiered maxi dress
I love being able to transform one piece in my wardrobe with another. Case in point: this black tiered maxi dress. Its thin straps, v-neckline and dropped waist aren’t appropriate for every situation or weather forecast. Enter this white button-down shirt with front pockets and rolled sleeves. It covers up the aforementioned problems and gives dress a whole new look. I also love the addition of colorful accessories to the black and white combo. They make the clothes feel exotic and almost summery, an accomplishment in the heart of fall.
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Dress: Tiered Maxi in "Black," H&M
Shirt: Button-Down Camp Shirt in "White," J. Crew
Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in "Black," Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]
Bag: Fringe Leather Wander Tote, Spool No. 72 [$158.00, available here]
Jewelry: 14K Gold-Plated Red Cabochon Stone Bangle, House of Harlow [was $180, available here]; Cabochon Studded Bracelet in "Pine Green," Banana Republic [was $39, no longer available]
{things i wore} white trousers
I’ve never really followed the "no white after Labor Day" rule. Sure, white is undeniably a summer color, but for me the connection is more about temperatures than dates on a calendar. So when the weather got unseasonably warm this week, I grabbed my favorite pair of white pants to head out for lunch. They’re the perfect length (no alterations required) and they have lots of chic details: cuffs, undersized pockets, and double buttons at the waist. To keep things within reason I steered clear of bright colors for the rest of the outfit— summer is officially over after all.
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Pants: Martin Fit Trousers in "White," Banana Republic
Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in "Black," Banana Republic
Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in "Black," Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]
Bag: Amber Spiral Notebook Clutch in "Croc-Textured Black," Alexander Wang [$625, available here]
Jewelry: Diamond Micro-Pave Band, gift; Assorted Sterling Silver Bangles, from Mexico; "Words are Powerful – Live" Set of Three Expandable Wire Bangles in "Silver," Alex and Ani [was $39, available here]; Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Ring in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [no longer available, similar style here]
{things i learned} piperlime’s wit
I’d never shopped Piperlime before despite their heavy web presence. Founded in 2006 as a spin-off of Gap, Inc., I'd always seen the site linked with the company's others divisions like Banana Republic. They carry an ever-expanding list of brands (Rachel Zoe and Cole Haan among my current favorites) and I recently found myself ordering a pair of shoes– all hardly noteworthy until the shipment arrived. The packaging was so unique and thoughtful that I had to share. The shoebox itself came wrapped in tissue paper secured with a sticker version of their cute logo and a shopping bag was included (I’ve since reused everything in an effort to be green). But the most amusing part? A card addressed to the buyer that congratulates them on their "great taste" and warns of soon-to-be jealous admirers. Other online retailers take note: shoe shopping is even more fun when the arriving package cracks jokes.
Oh and In case you’re wondering, I purchased those lovely (and surprisingly comfortable) sling-backs from Sam Edelman.
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