Black / Orange

Friday, October 31, 2014

If I'm not going to be dressed in costume, then the next best celebratory outfit would be to wear orange and black on Halloween. Hope you have a good one!

black boyfriend blazer, patterned ruffled top, orange clutch, black pants
black boyfriend blazer, patterned ruffled top, orange clutch, black pants
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: J.Crew Factory brass-plated crystal (sold here - on sale)
blazer: H&M boyfriend (similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Revolve Clothing; similar)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (sold here)
shoes: YSL Charlotte pumps in Millennium print (similar; similar; similar)

Fall Accessorized

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

As the temperatures drop every year, I patiently wait for that one last Indian summer day. Yesterday was that day. Low 50s in the morning creeped up to high 70s by the afternoon. Here's to one last hurrah to summer dresses before I put them away until next year.

green military jacket, coral cascade cardigan, floral printed dress, brown suede ankle boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Nordstrom / Bloomingdale's / NM)

Pattern on Pattern

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

plaid patterned trench, camel sweater, blue chain scarf, wooden heeled pumps
plaid patterned trench, camel sweater, blue chain scarf, wooden heeled pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: C. Wonder silk chain link printed (similar)
jacket: Coach Tattersall short trench (tag info - may be avail at the outlets; this season's sold here; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Revolve Clothing; similar)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (sold here)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned; similar)
shoes: YSL Charlotte pumps in Millennium print (similar; similar; similar)

Lilac + Gray (Take 2)

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Earlier in the month, I wore an even more casual version of today's outfit using a lot of the same pieces in the same color scheme. Comparing the two, I think I preferred the previous outfit in real life; today's is one of those that looked better in my head.

lilac leather jacket, gray tee, distressed jeans
lilac leather jacket, gray tee, distressed jeans, studded pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
jacket: Balenciaga original moto leather jacket in parme (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
tee: Vince Little Boy (sold at Last Call NM - extra 40% off / Nordstrom - 25% off)
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (this season's sold here)
bag: Balenciaga city (this season's sold at NM / Barneys)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud (sold at Nordstrom / NM / BG / Saks; similar)

Caped Crusader

Thursday, October 23, 2014

I called it. When DH saw me wear this trench cape for the first time, he suddenly stopped talking mid-sentence and gave me his patented WTF look. What, don't you like my Ugly Betty poncho? Then he started laughing... then went back to looking incredulous. He joked that he felt like that baby watching his mom blow her nose -- not looking cute, but alternating back-and-forth between facial expressions.

pink trench cape, striped top, distressed jeans, red crossbody bag, espadrilles
pink trench cape, striped top, distressed jeans, red crossbody bag
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
top: Gap stripe luxe boatneck tee (sold here - 25% off w/code HAPPY)
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (this season's sold here - 50% off w/code ALLMINE)
shoes: Tory Burch Beacher flat espadrille (this season's sold here)

Fall Florals

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

floral scarf, camel sweater, red crossbody bag, white wool skirt, suede ankle boots
floral scarf, red jacket, camel sweater, red crossbody bag, white wool skirt
floral scarf, camel sweater, red crossbody bag, white wool skirt
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: J.Crew (similar - on sale; similar)
jacket: Burberry lightweight belted parka (this season's sold here; similar)
sweater: Tory Burch Deanna (similar; similar - extra 25% off w/code TGIFALL)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Revolve Clothing; similar)
skirt: J.Crew Factory double serge mini (similar - on sale)
bag: Chanel camellia WOC (buy pre-owned; similar sold at Nordstrom / Kate Spade)
shoes: H&M suede ankle boots (similar - 25% off w/code TGIFALL; similar)

Changing Leaves

Monday, October 20, 2014

green swing trench jacket, pink striped button up shirt, white eyelet dress, red loafers
green swing trench jacket, pink striped button up shirt, white eyelet dress, red loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 chain (similar)
jacket: Everlane swing trench (sold here)
shirt: Polo Factory slim style button up (tag info; similar)
dress: Old Navy eyelet (similar; similar)
bag: Longchamp medium LM metal tote (sold at Bloomingdale's / Saks)
shoes: Gap driving moccasins (great dupe - on sale; similar - extra 20% off w/code BONUS)

Photos thanks to DH!

Gray / Poppy / Green

Sunday, October 19, 2014

If given the choice between hand washing or dry cleaning clothes, I usually opt for the latter due to laziness. The one time I decided to be pro-active, I shrunk my shirt. Face palms. The gray tee I'm wearing in today's outfit is pre-blunder, and though it's hard to tell, the fit is loose and tunic-like. It was perfect. After I hand washed the viscose top per the care label, I realized it shrunk about two sizes. Wtf. I was pissed off and walked around muttering to myself for two days before finally calming down. Curiosity led me to search Google for the possibility of unshrinking clothing. I found and thought this set of instructions looked promising so decided to give it a try... and it worked! I successfully unshrunked my top. I can now look back and laugh at how ridiculous I was being to be so mad during those two days.

15345440878green military jacket, gray tee, poppy printed scarf
green military jacket, gray tee, poppy printed scarf, black riding boots
green military jacket, gray tee, poppy printed scarf, black riding boots
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
top: Vince jersey slub tee (similar - extra 40% off w/code 40FORYOU)
leggings: Zella Live In reversible (sold here)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Nordstrom / Bloomingdale's / NM)

Trench Re-Belted

Friday, October 17, 2014

Today's outfit is inspired by Giovanna Battaglia's cute dress (or is it a coat?) with a little black bow. I've swapped out my trench coat's belt before and really liked how a new belt can transform an outfit. For today's look, I used a black sash from an old dress. The sash was too long, so I had to double up when tying the bow... and the result was sort of messy. I definitely had a better-looking version in my head. Ahh well, it was a fun experiment.

trench coat with black bow, lace clutch, studded heels
trench coat, black top + pants, lace clutch, studded heels
trench coat with black bow, lace clutch, studded heels
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: Forever 21 chain (similar)
sash (on jacket): via J.Crew Factory dress (similar - on sale)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop / Zappos / Revolve Clothing; similar)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (sold here)
clutch: Tory Burch Kerrington carryall (similar)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud (sold at Nordstrom / NM / BG / Saks; similar)

Sage Green / Leopard

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Sale alert: Take 25% off at Shopbop's F&F event through the end of tonight 10/16 with code FAMILY25.

Closet favorites include:
- Clu Too ruffled sweatshirt - $81.00 w/code (TTS - I'm wearing sz XS / outfits: here)
- Elizabeth and James Windrose ring - $71.25 w/code (one of my favorite pieces of jewelry ever; wear it with practically all outfits)
- Blank Denim spray-on jeans - $66 w/code (I sized up to 26 / outfits: here, here, here)
- Blank Denim vegan leather skinny pants - $73.50 w/code (I sized up to 26 / outfits: here, here, here)

Other picks: $81 Stateside knotted back dress (love the back), $223.50 Kate Spade Avalon cross body bag (a great alternative to my Chanel camellia WOC), $258.75 DVF New Jeanne Two wrap dress (classic dress in a classic print).

Also:
- Vince Little Boy tee - $45.00 at Nordstrom (no code needed) + Saks w/code FRNFAM (Went up 2 sizes to M for better fit across my broad-ish shoulders and longer length / outfits: here)

Happy shopping!

green swing trench jacket, coral necklace, black faux leather dress, leopard flats
green swing trench jacket, coral necklace, black faux leather dress
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
dress: Zara straight combination (similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop - 25% off w/code FAMILY25 / Zappos / Revolve Clothing; similar)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned; similar)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (sold at NW / Amazon; similar - on sale)

Striped with a Vest

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

It recently occurred to me that in the six months that I've owned this dress shirt, I've yet to wear it as it's intended to be worn, all buttoned up for work. I've worn it casually, as a cardigan substitute, and for extra layering purposes. Well, no longer! For today's outfit, I added a black vest and blue suede pumps so it's not simply the typical dress shirt and pants combo.

PS - Can I gush over these Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle pants real quick? I love LOFT jeans but never have quite the same luck with AT pants for some reason even though they're sister brands. The length is perfect and hits me right at the ankles. Yes, there is bunching around the knees, but no creasing anywhere else! With most pants, I usually look like a wrinkled mess around the thighs after a full day of sitting at work. Also, no butt sagging either. I'm loving the thick, stretchy knit material. There's a side zipper and the pants are dry clean only. For reference, I'm wearing size 00, my usual AT size.

striped dress shirt, black vest, black pants, blue suede pumps
striped dress shirt, black vest, black pants
striped dress shirt, black vest, black pants, blue suede pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklaces: Forever 21 (similar); Heirloom Finds (similar)
vest: Express sleeveless one-button jacket (similar - on sale; similar)
shirt: Ann Taylor striped perfect button down (this season's sold here)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Shopbop - 25% off w/code FAMILY25 / Zappos / Revolve Clothing; similar)
pants: Ann Taylor ponte skinny ankle (sold here)

Navy / Burgundy

Monday, October 13, 2014

I suppose you can say I'm channeling either Waldo or the Hamburglar today. I seem to always associate shirts with wide stripes with those two characters. I can understand Waldo because I loved those Where's Waldo? picture books growing up. But the Hamburglar? I didn't even know of his existence until seeing friends in Halloween costumes a couple of years back.

rugby striped top, burgundy sweater, navy lace skirt
rugby striped top, burgundy sweater, navy lace skirt, leopard flats
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
sweater (tied around waist): H&M (similar - extra 50% off w/code EXPLORE; similar)
skirt: J.Crew daisy lace mini (similar - extra 50% off)
bag: Longchamp large Le Pliage (sold at Nordstrom / Bloomingdale's / NM)
shoes: Nine West Shindig (sold at NW / Amazon; similar - on sale)

Lilac + Gray

Sunday, October 12, 2014

I feel like the top half of today's outfit works, but the bottom half...? I should've grabbed my gray purse instead of the white one. As for the shoes, I thought pink boat shoes were too matchy-matchy and didn't think any other pairs I owned worked as well as the red loafers (which isn't saying much if I'm second-guessing myself.) Perhaps simple low-top white sneakers or beige espadrilles? I shall mentally Photoshop in the replacement shoes.

pink cap, lilac leather jacket, gray tee, distressed jeans, red loafers
lilac leather jacket, gray tee, distressed jeans, red loafers
pink cap, lilac leather jacket, gray tee, distressed jeans
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
jacket: Balenciaga original moto leather jacket in parme (sold at Barneys / mytheresa)
tee: no name
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (this season's sold here)
shoes: Gap driving moccasins (great dupe - on sale; similar - on sale for $12)

Candy Colored

Friday, October 10, 2014

light pink trench cape coat, orange tee, white skirt, yellow bow pumps
Another one of my outerwear purchases from over the summer is the Stella McCartney trench cape coat (no longer available). I've loved it ever since spotting Anh and Wendy's camel versions from years past.

I'm wearing size IT 40, but really should've gone down to a 38 so it's more "fitted" like on the model (an oxymoron since it is a loose-fitting style.) From certain angles, it does look like there are too much fabric, and I certainly sometimes felt that way as well depending on how I "drape" the fabric. I keep changing my mind about taking the cape to the tailors because I just don't know if it's worth it. Ideally, I'd like the sleeves to be shortened to bracelet length and maybe slim the sides a bit to get rid of excess fabric. I also wonder if the cape needs to be shortened by 1-2". Any thoughts? Am I just over-thinking this?
15487713501_light pink trench cape coat, orange tee, white skirt, orange clutch
This was my first experience with the Stella McCartney brand and I'm underwhelmed. I should've stopped lumping amazing quality, $$$, and a "brand name" together long ago... I suppose the markup is still a hard pill to swallow. I was surprised to find the cape to be unlined on the inside and with loose threading in multiple places. The more I wear the cape, the more I find myself starting to come around to the lack of lining because of how easily the fabric moves and drapes. I suppose it would be unsightly to see lining peeking through? Then again, the pockets are visible in the first photo above.

Capes are very trendy this upcoming cold-weather season, but I think they're something only girls would like. DH hasn't seen me wear my cape yet, but I can already picture his WTF-face and liken me to wearing a garbage bag due to its bagginess. Girls on the other hand, I feel like can appreciate capes more. One of my female coworkers complimented me on my cape the first time I wore it to work. I then started effusing about how it's like I'm all wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Can you tell we've commiserated over the cold office one too many times.

I stumbled across a great "look for less" option in Rebecca Minkoff's Pierre cape coat. This cape is the closest I've seen as a dupe for Stella's (believe me, I've done my share of window shopping trying to hunt one down.) There are a few noticeable differences: RM's lack the shoulder epaulettes, has more buttons, and looks to have "real" sleeves which might make for a sleeker silhouette by cutting down on excess fabric. This cape retails for $498 and comes in two colors:
1) blush [photo left below] - available at Shopbop
2) noble green [photo right below] - available at Nordstrom, NM, Cusp, RM
Rebecca Minkoff Pierre Cape Coat
left image via Shopbop / right image via Nordstrom

When I was in London earlier this year, I inquired about trench cape re-releases because the camel and pink versions were from two different seasons. The SA at the Stella boutique said she doesn't know about this particular cape style, but capes in general are usually available every winter season. I don't know if the waiting game is worth it since RM's is such a great dupe. If I hadn't already gotten my hands on Stella's, I would snatch up RM's in a heartbeat. Patience is not always my strongest virtue.
light pink trench cape coat, orange tee, white skirt, yellow bow pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
coat: Stella McCartney trench cape (great dupe)
top: J.Crew Factory long-sleeve jersey tee (similar - on sale; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
skirt: J.Crew Factory double serge mini (similar - 50% off)
clutch: J.Crew Claremont perforated (similar)
shoes: Zara silk satin high heel court shoe (similar; similar)

Pinstriped

Thursday, October 09, 2014

striped button-down top, jeweled tweed dress, blue suede pumps
trench coat, striped button-down top, jeweled tweed dress, blue suede pumps
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
shirt: Ann Taylor striped perfect button down (this season's sold here - 40% off)
dress: Ann Taylor jeweled neck tweed (similar - 50% off; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
bag: Chanel reissue in 226 (buy pre-owned; similar)

Camel / Floral

Tuesday, October 07, 2014

In the last week or so, temperatures in the mornings have cooled considerably. I've already reached for my stash of jackets and am just starting in on my pile of sweaters. I can now officially welcome fall with open arms.

camel sweater, floral printed skirt
camel sweater, floral printed skirt, leopard heels
I showed DH the photo above and said I really liked how my face and hair looked, especially since the sunset glow hides that bald spot of mine on the right side of my head (lol). He said, Yeah I like it, too. You look more... womanly. Insert one raised eyebrow emoji. What else would I look like?! Err... girly?
camel sweater, floral printed skirt, leopard heels
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
sweater: Tory Burch Deanna (similar; similar - 25% off w/code SOSWEET)
bracelet: Madewell knot cuff (similar; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
skirt: LOFT abstract floral print (similar; similar - both on sale)
bag: Sole Society Shay textured vegan satchel (sold here - on sale)
shoes: Jones New York Harlem (similar; similar)

Gray / White / Orange

Monday, October 06, 2014

rugby striped scarf, gray ruffled sweatshirt, orange clutch
rugby striped scarf, gray ruffled sweatshirt, orange clutch, espadrilles
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
scarf: Forever 21 nautical striped (similar; similar)
top: Clu Too ruffled sweatshirt (sold here; similar - extra 40% off w/code SOSWEET)
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (this season's sold here)
shoes: Tory Burch Beacher flat espadrille (sold here, here - both extra 25% off w/code FRIENDLIEST)

Batter Up

Sunday, October 05, 2014

pink cap, green swing trench jacket, baseball tee, espadrilles
pink cap, green swing trench jacket, baseball tee, espadrilles
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: NYX round case lipstick in NYX (sold here)
top: J.Crew Factory stripe baseball tee (similar - on sale; similar - extra 25% off w/code STYLETIME)
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (this season's sold here)
shoes: Tory Burch Beacher flat espadrille (sold here, here - both extra 25% off w/code FRIENDLIEST)

Soft Pastels

Friday, October 03, 2014

What I'm looking forward to this weekend: baseball and more baseball -- both the Orioles and Nationals are in the playoffs! One can dream that they'll meet one another in the World Series, right?

Happy Friday!

pink scarf, gray draped blazer, colorblocked peplum top, lace printed clutch
pink scarf, gray draped blazer, colorblocked peplum top, lace printed clutch, studded heels
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Natural in N9 (sold here)
blazer: H&M draped (similar; similar)
top: LOFT colorblock modern peplum tee (similar - extra 40% off; similar)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
jeans: LOFT super skinny jeans in deconstructed garden blue (same style sold here - 40% off)
clutch: Tory Burch Kerrington carryall (similar)
shoes: Valentino Rockstud (sold at Nordstrom / NM / BG / Saks; similar)

A City Jaunt

Thursday, October 02, 2014

I dragged DH into the city over the weekend for a day date. With a Google map printout in hand, we played tourists like the locals we weren't. We started off with a late lunch at someplace new and an old favorite (iced chai tea latte never disappoints.) Then we walked it off by strolling through semi-famous and not-so-famous landmarks alike. I'm so glad we were able to enjoy the most perfect weather outside.

tweed jacket, gray tee, white shorts, red loafers
tweed jacket, gray tee, white shorts, red loafers
sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
jacket: UniQUEEN Malang tweed (similar; similar - both on sale)
tee: Vince Little Boy (sold at Last Call NM - on sale / Nordstrom / Lane Crawford)
ring: Elizabeth and James Windrose (sold at Zappos / Revolve Clothing / Shopbop; similar)
shorts: LOFT cotton shorts w/4" inseam (similar)
bag: Sole Society Shay textured vegan satchel (sold here - on sale)
shoes: Gap driving moccasins (great dupe - on sale; similar - 20% off w/code DEAL)

Photos thanks to DH!

30 for 30 abercrombie abercrombie & fitch accessories adidas adrienne vittadini agnes b alejandro ingelmo alexandre birman ali ro alternative apparel american eagle amrita singh ann taylor anthropologie apple aqua armani exchange articles of society asos award bag balenciaga banana republic barbour bath and body works bcbg bcbgirls beauty bebe bensoni biltmore for madewell blank nyc blog every day bloggers do it better bois du boulogne bp. brian nagourney burberry by malene birger c. wonder c/meo collective canada goose cara accessories carlos by carlos santana carolina bucci cartonnier caslon casual cb2 celebrities celine chanel chantecaille chelsea28 chicwish china glaze chloe christian louboutin citrus clothing clu too club monaco coach coffee shop cole haan collection collection 18 color brigade columbia crate & barrel crewcuts cuyana cynthia rowley david yurman dc deborah lippmann decor delman disney couture diy dogeared dressy dsquared2 ebay elizabeth and james elleme equipment esprit etsy everlane express featured fendi forever 21 frank & eileen free people gap gara danielle gibson giles & brother giveaway gorjana goyard grace gift gucci h&m halogen halogen x atlantic-pacific halston heritage haul hearth & hand heirloom finds hollister how to hue hunter ikea ilnp in real life inspired by iris & ink isabel marant ivanka trump j.crew jennifer chamandi jenny yuen jewelry jimmy choo john hardy jones new york joules julie vos kate spade kristin coffin l'oreal lanvin lanvin x h&m lesportsac levi's loeffler randall loft longchamp look for less looks like summer lord & taylor lou & grey love 21 lucy m.gemi mac macy's madewell maje make make up for ever manolo blahnik marc jacobs mary katrantzou massimo dutti maybelline mercedes-benz merona michael michael kors misc miu miu mlb modcloth mossimo moulinette soeurs msgm mvmt nadri new balance new balance for j.crew nike nina ricci nine west nordstrom north face nyc nyc new york color nyx old navy olivia burton opi oscar de la renta pfc pierrepont hicks piperlime plastic island pleione polene polo prabal gurung at j.crew proenza schouler ralph lauren ramblings raphaella booz reader mail rebecca minkoff red valentino reed wilson design review revlon river island robert rodriguez ross-simons rsvp saint james saint laurent sales sally hansen sam edelman schutz shashi shinhwa shoes shopbop shopping shopstyle simply vera vera wang sinful colors professional soia & kyo sole society sony sorel sorel for j.crew sperry sponsor spotted moth stella mccartney stephanie b strathberry stuart weitzman style file superdry t3 tadashi shoji tagged talbots target the container store the horse the limited theory tips & tricks too faced topshop tory burch tous colors toys travels ugg uniqlo uniqueen unknown valentino veque for j.crew vera bradley via spiga victoria's secret vince vince camuto vineyard vines walmart ways to wear west elm white house black market wishlist work xhilaration xoxo yearly summary ysl zac posen for target zara zella