Proportion

Proportion is so important when putting an outfit together. I failed to understand this concept for years, and would often pair items together and end up with an outfit that was too over the top, too uncomfortable or not polished enough for everyday wear. But I suppose that is what your 20's are for, right? That and to wear ridiculously uncomfortable shoes, live in tinier than ever apartments and keep empty refrigerators. Since the weather hasn't dipped yet into the tights zone (once you put them on, you don't take them off until May), I had to think twice about what I was going to pair with this quilted mini and over-the-knee boots combination. Opaque tights can drastically take down the sass factor with short skirts and boots, but it's a fine line to walk when sporting a bare leg. A fine line for my conservative self, that is. So I figured a large over-sized cozy sweater would be the perfect partner. And though I know it goes against the blogger code of ethics (thou shalt always over-accessorize and add one more piece before leaving the house), I struggled with trying to add something to this sweater to give it a bit more excitement. I finally dug deep into my closet and pulled out this scarf that I've had for at least 10 years and felt it was perfect. I wore it almost every day when I first bought it, but over the years I have reached for it less and less. And then I was in the nail salon the other morning and a girl walked in with a blue one draped around the neck of her big chunky sweater. So I copied her. Sorry random stylish nail salon gal for jacking your style. But hey, at least I gave her credit, right?

Sweater - Tinley Road via Piperlime (on sale!) | Skirt - Topshop (similar here and here) | Scarf - Alexander McQueen | Boots - Stuart Weitzman (similar here and here) | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

Bits and Pieces: Black And Gray

If these leggings don't scream sass - I don't know what does. I found them recently during one of my daily online window shopping excursions and immediately pinned them to my must-buy pinboard.  While I have been wanting to invest in real leather leggings, I have such a hard time finding ones that fit me well as a gal under 5'4".  Most are too long, too short/high in the rise, and gape at the waist but fit me in the hips.  Le sigh - the trials and tribulations of being a NORMAL woman.  But I grabbed these faux ones the moment I saw them and while I am slightly in between sizes (S and M), I kept the M because they are a tad more comfortable.  I think 10 years ago, I would have kept the small instead and been uncomfortable every time I wore them, so it's a good thing I found them years later. The more ya know.  And topping it off is my new infinity scarf that I cannot get enough of, and wool fedora that surprisingly keeps me much warmer than a traditional beanie.  Finally we cannot bypass my favorite piece of all - the cape!  I have had this cape for at least 4 years and wear it without fail every year over and over and over.  It's so easy to throw on with a pencil skirt, jeans or leggings - it makes any outfit a bit more fancy.  I like to live by the motto - 'when all else fails, put a cape on it'.  Do any of you have leather/pleather leggings?  What brands/fit are your favorite?

Cape - Club Monaco (old but similar here and here) | Leggings - Trouve via Nordstrom | Turtleneck - Banana Republic | Hat - Urban Outfitters | Shoes - J.Crew (old but similar here and here) | Gloves - Club Monaco

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Bits and Pieces: Bell Sleeves

 

As a New Yorker, it is standard to have too many black pieces in your wardrobe.  However, after many years of working in the cosmetics industry and being forced to wear black, I rebelled for a little while.  I purchased only non-black clothing, until I realized that when I wanted something basic and classic to go to - it was the only answer.  So I began buying black pieces again, but my rule is to find things that have a little something different to them - like this blouse.  The bell sleeves give it an extra flair that makes it feel a little more exciting (yes, blouses give me a thrill, ok?).  A standard black pencil skirt is a non-negotiable for me, and this one from Ann Taylor has been worn so often I am concerned it just may fall off me one day.  But if I am going to wear an all black ensemble, then bold accessories are a must - even if just a few.  These silver J.Crew pumps are probably one of the best buys I have made all year - seriously.  When am I NOT wearing them?  It's ok if you don't remember, I pulled the posts for you - here, here, and here.  See?  They go with everything.  It's a shame I didn't buy a back up.  Oh, geez.  Would you listen to me?  

Blouse - Club Monaco | Skirt - Ann Taylor | Belt - Club Monaco (old but similar here and here) | Necklace - Ann Taylor (old but similar here) | Shoes - J.Crew (similar here and here) | Lips - Armani Rouge Ecstasy 503

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Have you entered my Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette Giveaway yet???? Well, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!! It's amazing - click here to enter. 

Bits and Pieces: Fall Colors

In hopes of seeing fall foliage this past weekend, I dressed for the occasion.  I felt that if I dressed for it, it would come. Unfortunately we didn't drive far enough upstate to really see any nature masterpieces, so hopefully it will migrate down closer to the city in the next few weeks.  Regardless I felt incredibly fall perfect in this weekend's outfit - a comfortable wool skirt, tartan printed button down and my favorite fall purchase so far - these Ash ankle boots.  Because I am always cold, I brought my Club Monaco infinity scarf to keep warm, as well as my J.Crew field jacket.  But nothing worked better at keeping me warm than a HUGE lunch at Tarry Lodge in Port Chester, NY.  If you follow me on Instagram, you would have known that it was simply gluttonous, and I feel so ashamed (no I don't) that I ate that much (it was mostly my husband) and I will never do it again (yes I will, and probably a few times this week). 

Shirt - J.Crew (old but love this and this) | Skirt - J.Crew (similar here and here) | Belt - Ann Taylor (similar here) | Scarf - Club Monaco | Bracelet - Giles & Brother | Boots - Ash |

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Bits and Pieces: Chambray And Camo

Walk down a dusty road in the middle of an apple orchard wearing silver pumps.  Bucket list - check.  But don't worry - no shoes were actually harmed in the making of this blog post.  This past Friday, my husband and I decided to go all 'fall n stuff' and head upstate to Fishkill Farms for some good ol' fashioned apple picking.  Yes, I did have a pair of flats with me, but in my defense we did go straight from the train to dinner so a girl must be prepared!!  I think I enjoyed the rolling hills and beautiful scenery more than the actual picking, so I simply scouted out the good trees and my husband harvested.  Yay teamwork.  But enough about the apples - let's talk clothes.  I don't care how 'in' or 'out' camouflage is from year to year, I will forever be a fan. I think of it as a neutral frankly - like leopard or even houndstooth.  I love the rugged look of a loose chambray shirt and pairing it with these pants seemed like the best option for being in the country.  For dinner (and strutting down a dirt road), I threw on my silver J.Crew pumps for a bit of flare.  Again - metallics are neutrals to me, so they are fair game to be worn with almost anything.  I debated on mixing my gold ray-bans, brown/gold belt and silver shoes but I love the final mash-up.  Maybe we can call this my city meets country look?  It's a bit of a stretch, but I am going to go with it.   

Shirt - J. Crew (and love this embellished one) | Pants - GAP | Belt - Madewell | Pumps - J.Crew (similar here and here) | Sunglasses - Ray Ban

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