Bits and Pieces: Shorts in Fall

I almost titled this post - "Trying on Hipster" because I felt my hip-meter go up a few hundred points when pairing boots with shorts.  I know, I know - I am certainly not reinventing the wheel, breaking fashion boundaries nor beginning a blossoming trend.  Its just boots with shorts, but for me it was like a whole new world.  My comfort zone is styling these shorts with a tank and sandals, ala this post, but what is the point of having a fashion blog if not to push your style limits?  My personal style limits, not any style limits.  These aforementioned and featured boots were a buy last year that quickly became my best investment all year.  And now with my current pairing, the shelf life of these bad boys just got an extended warranty.  How silly I was to think boots are only for winter.  Last year me got a schooling from now-I-have-a-fashion-blog this year me.  But naturally the color story is still neutral, except for a neon pop with the belt - after all, conservative me is still lurking there somewhere underneath.  

Jacket - Kenneth Cole (similar here) | Tee - Madewell | Shorts - Madewell (similar here) | Belt - Ann Taylor | Boots - J.Crew (similar here)

Bits and Pieces: All Season Jersey

 

 

Wardrobe pieces that can be worn year round are the holy grail.  Pilgrimages are made each season to such Meccas as Barneys, Saks and Bergdorfs in hopes of finding pieces to add to your wardrobe that can withstand the test of season changes.  I know what you are thinking - Maree, come on, this is a tank dress - ala summer staple.  But my young grasshoppers, I see something much more far reaching than that.  I see blazers and booties, tights and turtlenecks, large sweaters and flat riding boots - this piece can be mixed and matched with all the aforementioned items to glide through season after season.  Jersey is one of those materials that fits all climates and doesn't seem out of place in any weather condition.  It's the jack of all fabrics.  And we all know my propensity for wearing neutral colors, so it should come as no surprise that I chose this dress in a navy shade and paired it with my trusty nude pumps.  But what inevitably makes this not a total snoozefest - is the interesting fit of the frock.  A blousy top with a ruched, fitted bottom gives an interesting play on proportion which I find quite amusing.  The neon belt is just because I was feeling frisky and wild.  Imagine what my Friday nights look like.  Regardless of my social activities' place on the wild-o-meter, outfits like this make me feel good in my own skin.  And frankly with all the messages out there dictating otherwise, isn't that the riskiest move of all?

 

 

Dress - Kain | Belt - Ann Taylor | Pumps - Manolo Blahnik

 

 

Bits and Pieces: Dressed Up in Shorts

I know what you all are thinking - is she in shorts, AGAIN?  Yes, yes I am.  I have had prior deliberations on my affinity for shorts a few posts ago, wondering how to pull off polished in a non-pants, non-skirt fabrication, but my pride abounds with this above look.  A silky textured short and a peplum-like silhouette courtesy of a blousy tank and belt, made for a perfect "casual Friday" look this past week.  Paired with my new shoe crush as discussed here, I feel the pointy toe and patent leather dresses it up a smidge so that my "casual Friday" edges slightly towards - still maintaining my weekly office attire dignity.  The ballerina like hair do? Courtesy of a non-wash day, and my hesitant foray into the world of dry shampoo.  And what would an outfit post in the summer time be without my ever trusted, pasty, pale, alabaster skin.  (Throwing in alabaster makes me feel better about my inability to tan - like I'm some disney princess)  This whole shorts thing is starting to grow on me.  I suppose almost any fashion choice can be styled to reach your desired comfort and polish level - except overalls.  And crocs.  And  clear lucite, stripper heels.  You are on your own with those. 

Tank - Kenneth Cole | Belt - Ann Taylor | Shorts - GAP | Shoes - Jean Michel Cazabat

A Bit Obsessed: July 2012

1. My New I-phone
2. GOSH Nail Polishes

3. Madewell V-Neck Tees

4. Ann Taylor Patent Belt

5. Loreal Magic BB Cream

6. MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator

7. New York Skyline

  

Bits and Pieces: Spotted in Shorts

Don't you just wanna brush that hair away from my cheek? I do.

Pale but breezy. No other way to be.

I was undecided on shorts for quite a long time.  I am super pale, have short legs (ugh, need I go on?) and find them very hard to look "put together" when wearing.  But then every summer,  Mother Nature gets really mad at New Yorkers for not recycling enough or jay walking during rush hour or something, and hits us with heat that makes you swear that you will compost for the rest of your life to make it go away.  It's in these moments, while contemplating the fate of my job if adorned in a bathing suit at my desk Monday morning, that I storm the racks at my closest retailer in a desperate search for.....shorts.  Will this be the year of the shorts for yours truly?  Well I am not convinced that my entire wardrobe will migrate away from pants and skirts, but I am in possession of more pairs this year than ever before.  This could just be my fashion addiction you may say, but who asked you anyways?  My legs needed to breathe and these polka dot pretties from Madewell fit the bill perfectly.  Throw on a basic tank and neon belt, and we are in business.  The business of being cool - in all senses of the word.   

Tank - Joe Fresh | Belt - Ann Taylor | Shorts - Madewell | Sandals - Rachel Zoe

Bits and Pieces: Sun and Stripes

I have a love affair with stripes.  If I am in a store, and there is something striped - most likely it is going home with me.  Thank goodness people are not striped, or else I would have had quite the reputation in my single days.  Um...an appropriate transition is probably necessary here to erase your images of me tramping it up around Manhattan with hoards of striped men but I'm at a loss so - deal with it.  During the summer, the temps in NYC can be almost unbearable (ok, it's like living in the tenth circle of hell somedays) and with a city whose entire transportation structure is underground - you must dress accordingly for weekend wanderings.  A mini striped tank dress seemed to fit this bill perfectly, and so when I happened upon this one in Madewell, it seemed like kismet for our sunday outing.  And it has this adorable neon detail stitching on the front pocket - so feel free to inappropriately stare are my chest in this picture - it is for fashion.  Noone will fault you.  Well they may have their judgements at a public internet cafe, but my propped hand-on-hip pose in front of a cargo/ship thingy will hopefully convince them it's legit voyeurism.  And if not, well then you are probably creepy to begin with - brilliant because you read my blog, but nonetheless creepy.  Congrats.  But back to the matter at hand - my sartorial choices for a water taxi ride to Brooklyn.  A straw hat and cork print belt round out the breezy look.  Pasty white skin?  Well that is just a bonus.  

What did you do this weekend?  And more importantly - WHAT DID YOU WEAR???   

    

Dress - Madewell | Belt - Ann Taylor | Hat - Banana Republic | Sandals - Coach

Bits and Pieces: Chambray Love

For years, I never caught on to the worn chambray shirt bandwagon because I never found one worth getting excited over.  Recently, I have been bombarded by them when in stores, and finally caved under the pressure.  To my surprise, I absolutely adore it and didn't know how I lived for so long without one.  And to pair it with white jeans, bright sandals and a summer hat, seemed like a perfect way to break it in.  An afternoon BBQ was just the occasion I was looking for to wear my proud new purchase, and this past Sunday I got that chance.  My friends live on a beautiful tree lined street with statuesque brownstones that have such character, so we couldn't resist taking pictures in the neighborhood.  What other ways do you wear a chambray shirt?  I would love to know and get some inspiration ideas for my next pairing with this piece. 

J. Crew Chambray Shirt | Madewell Jeans | Belle by Sigerson Morrison Sandals | Club Monaco Hat | Ann Taylor Belt | Cambridge Satchel Company Purse

Bits and Pieces: Patterned Relaxing

 

Sundays are made for relaxing - though sometimes a bolder, more "I've got things to do today and

let me put an outfit together" ensemble makes its way into weekend rotation.  Typically, as evidence in my prior and past outfit posts, I do sway towards a neutral palette - one that is laden with solids and basics.  But when throwing this outfit together, I felt out of my comfort zone, but in a great way.  I was proud of mixing stripes, animal prints and color - fashion can make you feel brave, and sometimes that is all you need to really relax.

Banana Republic (also here) Blazer | Ann Taylor chambray shirt | J.Crew Chinos | Ann Taylor Belt | J. Crew Loafers

Bits and Pieces: Staying in Neutral

While many consider neutrals the death of their wardrobe, mine is sustained by these basic tones and shades.  It allows me to create a polished look with ease by mixing and matching almost anything and everything that I own.  The outfit possibilities become endless and somewhat seasonless.  This utilitarian jacket gives the look a casual edge - great for weekends, but the wool cropped trousers make it 9-5 workplace appropriate.  Adding the sheen of a silk tank underneath creates a textural difference that gives the outfit dimension.  Mixing fabrics and textures is a great way to invigorate the standard "neutral" toned outfit.  A metallic shoe finishes off the outfit and rounds out the textural spectrum.  Sometimes my closet is like my own craft corner - martha stewart who?   

Kenneth Cole Jacket | Kenneth Cole Tank | J. Crew Pants | Ann Taylor Belt | Ann Taylor Necklace | Gucci Pumps