While every look every day can't be inspired by someone as characteristic as Rachel Zoe, sometimes it's fun to borrow style ideas that work. I was in fact thinking of her–read: fur vest, wide-leg pants, and platform shoes– when I threw together this outfit. If your clothes themselves are going to be eye-catching, it's a good idea to keep your accessories more subdued. I love this necklace because it's just subtle enough to keep from clashing with everything else. By the way, although most of my these pieces look like they could possibly have come from the seventies, only the vintage clutch actually does.
p.s. As I'm sure you've realized by now, I adore makeup. I put together this eye and lip combo with some gorgeous mark cosmetics (see below) courtesy of the lovely Amanda Goodhue. And guess what? You can win your own amazing mark products right here on The Beautiful Things! Check back later today to enter to win x
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Pants: Wide Leg Jeans, Levi's [similar styles available here]
Vest: Fur Vest in Brown, H&M
Shirt: Perfect-fit long-sleeve tee, in Black, J.Crew [$24.50, available here]
Shoes: Tifanni in Black Suede, Steve Madden [were $129, available here]
Bag: Brown leather clutch [vintage]
Jewelry: Mixed Media Necklace, c/o Amanda Goodhue at mark [$18, available here]
Eyes: On The Dot in "Neutral," c/o Amanda Goodhue at mark [$16, similar style available here]
Lips: Juice Gems in "Juicy Snow Peach," c/o Amanda Goodhue at mark [$7.50, available here]
Some moments are made to be photographed. On the night I took these pictures it was unseasonably warm for New York standards, twilight was fast approaching, and the lights on this tree-stand were positively twinkling. I've never been more exited to be dressed for a holiday party. The first shot we snapped was the most perfect, as it faced down a decorated avenue in the city moments before the sky turned shades of purple and black with the setting sun. I felt happy and blessed, just as I hope all of you will this holiday season.
p.s. I've submitted the first photograph of this post to Saks Fifth Avenue holiday style contest…I'd really appreciate it if you could visit their Facebook page and show your support with a vote. Thanks for being so wonderful and Happy Holidays xx
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Dress: Homecoming Dress in Cognac [was $195, 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: Gold bangle [vintage]
Nails: "Bowery Black," N.Y.C. New York Color
It might seem silly to think of a ring as the focal point of a look but when it's as attention-grabbing as this one from Manu it definitely earns that distinction. I love druzy — it looks like loose glitter but is as hard as rock — plus this particular cut has the most gorgeous tones of black and silver. I kept my outfit's palette similarly steely in tone– after all, I wouldn't want to compete with my statement ring.
p.s. As I've been mentioning on Twitter all week, I'm so excited to be hosting a giveaway featuring Manu pieces. Check back tomorrow to enter for your chance to be one of three winners! xx
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Skirt: Pleated Maxi Skirt in Black, Missoni for Target [was $50, no longer available]
Shirt: Tissue long-sleeve V-neck tee in White, J.Crew [was $32.50, available here]
Shoes: Suede Boots in Brown, Banana Republic
Jewelry: Gold Bangle [vintage]; 30-Inch Link Chain in 14k Gold fill, Suzi D. Jewelry [$44, available here]; Luxe Titanium Druzy Ring, c/o Manu [$295, available here]
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
When I first saw this dress, I was worried that I might have acquired it during the wrong season. But then I considered it again and I noticed how decidedly autumnal its colors were: burnt orange, subtle reds, and a rich purple all interplay in a pattern that reminds me of fall skies and turning leaves. The cut is flattering with capped sleeves, a flared skirt, and empire waist. I added a few vintage pieces—my clutch was purchased (not by me of course) in Italy in the late 1970s and the intaglio ring is from an antique dealer who dated it to the 1920s—to play up the fun flower-child feel of the look.
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Maxi: Burning Man Dress in "Pink Hippie," Jen's Pirate Booty [was $189, available here]
Shoes: Kentaro Cage Heel Sandal in "Brown," Nine West [$89, available here]
Bag: Brown leather clutch,vintage
Jewelry: Intaglio Topaz Ring, vintage; Hammered gold bangle, gift; 14kt Yellow Gold Plated Cabochon Bangle in "Red," House of Harlow [was $180, available here]; Mini Script Initial Bangle Set in "Russian Gold," Alex and Ani [was $39, available here]