What Should Be In My Closet

The holidays are over and we are all probably shopped out, right? Hahahahahaha - I almost typed that without laughing - almost.  Gift cards are burning a hole in pockets and the boring days of January seem to demand a treat for ourselves.  Or a few treats.  Though spring seems to be just around the corner, here in NYC it does not get warm until Memorial Day so cold weather clothing is still necessary.  Here are a few great finds I gathered from around the web this past week:

1. Theory Nikay Dress

2. Equipment Blouse

3. Tibi Lace Skirt

4. Sophie Hulme Mini Envelope Purse

5. Anthropologie Pearl Necklace

6. J.Crew Valentina Calf Hair Pumps

7. Tibi Zebra Skirt

8. French Connection Sweater

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Bits and Pieces: Let It Snow

When I texted my mother and said we were outside taking outfit shots in the snow, her response was "You are committed.  Or you should be committed."  Touche, mom. Touche.  But nonetheless, there we were, snapping shots amongst the kids trying to build a snowman (ugh, and the snowman trying to photo bomb me which was NOT going to happen), catching some moments as the first flakes began to fall.  Yes it was cold, but nonetheless so fun.  Denim on denim has become sort of a uniform for me at this point and I delight in acquiring different shades/colors to wear together and see how many combinations I can pull off.  I know some of you have commented that this look can be hard to wear, but I completely disagree. If you have a denim shirt and some jeans, it will work.  Do the tones need to match? Nope.  Does the texture of the denim need to match? Nada.  Part of the beauty of this pairing is putting any combination of denim together to create the look.  It's denim, after all.  It goes with everything.  And my new Rag & Bone boots made their maiden blog post voyage with this look, and in the snow as luck would have it.  But the distressed finish of the boot only looks better the more it is worn and weathered.  Now my hair on the other hand was not making it's appearance in this look so out came my trusty GAP wool fedora which has become one of my favorite purchases of all time.  The overall look is a tab urban cowgirl, but I just love it.  Giddy up, taxi. Giddy up.

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Shirt - J.Crew (similar here and here) | Jeans - Madewell (similar here) | Boots - Rag & Bone (in love with these too) | Belt - Madewell | Hat - GAP (similar here) | Scarf - Club Monaco (similar here) | Bracelet - Giles & Brother

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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: 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: All Business

A serious outfit for a serious season. Spring and summer are the fun and playful months, but when the cooler weather hits, clothing gets more serious - darker, heavier and worn in multiple layers.  It's still nice here in NYC, but I am always the gal in the room that complains "I'm cold".  I know, I know, I annoy me too.  This outfit made its original debut in the summer, and now it was time to 'fall-ify' it by adding a blazer, ankle boots and some heavier accessories.  There is nothing I love more than a new outfit, but sometimes it is nice to shop your closet, taking an older outfit and sprucing it up for the next season.  And when it gets really cold, I can see this outfit working perfectly with a big chunky sweater and tights.  The same easy transition can not be said for my mood and attitude during the cold weather.  Blah. Blabbity-blah.  But I am already planning on investing in some amazing coats for it so clearly I have found a silver lining.  

Blazer - Club Monaco | Silk Tank - Joe Fresh | Skirt - Club Monaco (old but similar here and here) | Belt - Club Monaco | Boots - J. Crew (old but similar here) | Necklace - Ann Taylor (old but similar here) | Ring - House of Harlow | Lipstick - Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte in Razzberry

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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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Bits and Pieces: Denim and Leopard

There are those days when deciding what to wear can take so much effort.  Staring blankly at my closet waiting for it to talk to me, trying to "shop my closet" as all those magazines say even though it never seems to make me as happy as doing it in a store, getting dressed and undressed and dressed again trying to find something that achieves the "oh I just threw this on" look....it can be maddening.  And then there are the times, when all that fades away and it seems so clear - DENIM ON DENIM.  Duh.  Add some leopard loafers, a scarf bigger than necessary, a bracelet that looks like a humongous nail and Voila!  An outfit fit for not thinking.  The key then is - find a random side street, use all surrounding buildings and railings as props and set up your own photo shoot.  Don't forget to pepper in the random strangers walking by awkwardly staring and pointing.  Then tell them you have a blog, wait for their confused expressions, and rush off because you have to finish shooting while "the light is still good!!!!"  Trust me.  It's super fun.  

Ok, fashion aside for a minute.....have you entered my giveaway???  I'm giving away my favorite Mario Badescu products to one lucky ALB reader - yay!  Click here for the post and follow the instructions needed to enter.  Your skin will thank you!  (and hopefully me, with a hand written thank you note and muffin basket)  

Shirt - J. Crew | Jeans - Madewell | Scarf - Club Monaco (similar here)  | Belt - J. Crew | Loafers - J. Crew (similar here) | Bracelet - Giles & Brother

Bits and Pieces: Mixing It Up

Here I go again - mixing patterns with simply no regard for any one's feelings.  This time stripes and florals - WHO AM I? Throwing caution to the wind like some rebellious teenager - wearing stuff to "express myself" - being all fashion-bloggery.  I know, I can hardly believe it myself.  But let's just go with it - if nothing more than for all the pretty colors in my skirt - it's hypnotic I tell you.  So here we have an outfit that definitely warranted an extra long stand in front of the mirror, with a "do you like this?" "what do you think of this outfit?" conversation had ad nauseum with my husband while he was still waking up.  Of course, his response first was "yeah" eyes half shut, but then when he did open them he was all "whoa" and I was all "I know" and then he was all "do it" and I was all "OK I will".  And then we discussed Einstein's theory of relativity for fun.  When the science chat was over, I applauded myself again for stepping outside that comfort zone, and was OK if it ended up being a hit or miss.  After all, it's just clothes.  

Do you have any outfits that have put you out of your comfort zone?  What are your favorite prints to mix? 

Sweater - J.Crew | Belt - Ann Taylor | Skirt - J. Crew | Bracelet - Cooee | Tights - DKNY | Shoes - J. Crew 

Bits and Pieces: Polka Dots

Getting my hair cut and wearing polka dots - that is what comprises my Saturdays.   And obviously it makes me super happy considering the goofy grin I am sporting in that top pic.  Actually the grin is from the removal of awful split ends that my trip to the salon provided me.  Here's a little diddy for ya - I actually have ridiculously curly hair.  I mean super curly.  I have been straightening it every morning for the past 8 years, so I think it has relaxed slightly but humidity is still my truth serum.  I can never hide from my roots (literally) when the precipitation sets in.  This pic was taken directly after my appointment so my locks were still smooth and shiny, but after about an hour walking around in NYC overcast mist - the curls become present.  Thank goodness for me, I had my polka dot pants on to distract people from my ever expanding hair.  And for a comfortable Saturday, I threw on a silk blouse and sweater with beaded details, which I adore because it means I can skip accessories since my clothes already have them!  Multi-tasking dressing.  The boots are a recent purchase from J.Crew (they truly make the best shoes for an affordable price), and I simply cannot wear them enough.  I recently featured them in my Boot Story, a few weeks ago, and think they are the perfect all purpose boot.  With a height of about 2+ inches and a chunky heel but slightly narrowed toe, I wear them with just about anything in my wardrobe.  Perhaps a second color is in order - Santa must be notified stat.  

Because what is a blog without a little before and after shots...... here is me pre and post hair appointment.  (please notice the ridiculously curly pony tail in the pre shot - told ya)

Sweater - Banana Republic | Blouse - J. Crew | Pants - J. Crew | Boots - J.Crew | Lipstick - Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte in Razzberry

Bits and Pieces: Weekend Prep

Here is a secret about me - I was never preppy.  Stylish, fashionable, maybe even a tad flashy - but not preppy.  Hell - I didn't even buy my first proper button down that was not uniform mandated until last year.  I will let that sink in for a moment.  Alright, are we back?  Good.  I don't know what my aversion was to it but as I wise up in my older years, I find myself gradually warming to the idea.  And this weekend seemed like a full on prep explosion.  I mean, I was wearing J. Crew head to toe (which I did not realize until I went to write this post - it had to be the influence of their recent catalog's appearance in my home).  But nonetheless, I quite enjoyed the look.  The blouse was a vibrant royal blue gingham and my loafers were glitter, so there was definitely some sartorial jazz hands going on in my outfit still. I did unfortunately match my belt to my shirt, so that was where I felt slightly disappointed in myself, but when you know better (see yourself in photos) you do better.  That utility jacket though, has been rocking my world.  Worn with jeans is the obvious choice, but I have paired with a pencil skirt and work attire and find it meshes nicely with lots of different looks.  Universal prep - I dig.  Evolving style - I dig.  Fashion always with a side of sass - I dig.   

Jacket - J.Crew | Blouse - J.Crew | Belt - J.Crew | Jeans - J.Crew | Loafers - J.Crew (similar here and here)

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)

Friday Fancies: Fall Prep

I understand the weather is still in the 80's and many people are holding onto Summer's leg like some pitiful toddler being dragged across the floor begging her not to go - but if our adolescent years taught us anything it is - be prepared! Oh - and social studies was a total waste of time.  Seriously - I have not used it once.  But being nominated for the "Best Dressed" superlative was, like, totally defining.  All my scholarly efforts however, were not lost and are now used for the betterment of all closet-kind.  Closets that need to be equipped to withstand season transitions, trend trials and tribulations and an active social calendar.  Your wardrobe should act as a sort of fashion conveyor belt slowly moving you from season to season, with minimal interruption and distraction.  As soon as that first chilly night falls - you will be happy to have that AllSaints pullover to throw on and keep you chic warm (being regular warm sucks).  And though you will not cease all pedicure activities - your polish choices may be a tad more subdued since they will be tucked away in those J.Crew ankle booties.  That Helmut Lang jersey dress is practically the poster child for season transition - mock t-neck yet sleeveless, lightweight jersey in a deep charcoal grey.  Hello? You are practically gliding your ass right into Fall like a champ!  Throw on that Vince Camuto trench and Jimmy Choos and work/after work/after-after work is covered.  A tweed pencil skirt and coated skinny jeans are your staples that will work with almost any tank, blazer, sweater that you pair with it - and when the wind really begins to pick up and good hair days are 24/7, that Etro cape will be just the finishing touch you need to really give Fall a welcome.  It's so close I can almost smell all those Pumpkin-spiced, cider-laced, cinnamon-dusted latte thingys at Starbucks.  I mean, who the heck can resist those?  No. One.

 

1. Vince Camuto Leather Trimmed Trench

2. AllSaints Galaxy Scoop Hem Pullover

3. Helmut Lang Sleeveless Dress

4. Etro Tweed Cape

5. J. Crew Emmett Boot

6. Ralph Lauren Tweed Pencil Skirt

7. Jimmy Choo Mermaid Boot

8. Current Elliott Coated Jeans

Fashion Bits: Blouses Du Jour

It's only been in the past year or so that I have rediscovered my love for the blouse.  Often I thought of this piece as old-fashioned, staid, and dowdy - everything I aspire NOT to be.  I used to envision women who wore blouses, also wore slacks and slips, and even perhaps set their hair in rollers before embarking on their day.  I just threw up in my mouth a little....I should be fine.  However, all rules and preconceived notions should be revisited now and again - if not for the sake of curiosity then do it for fashion.  Fashion thrives on reinvention - being your own renaissance woman - mixing shit up, for lack of a better term.  Well I did have some better terms - but I love a good curse word.  And so it goes - proving myself wrong became an advantage for my wardrobe, albeit a disadvantage for my wallet.  Prints or solids, a blouse is the ultimate piece that goes with everything - jeans, pencil skirts, shorts, leggings and dare I say it - goddamn slacks.  What do you wear it with?  I need to know.  I'll read your comments after my bridge/gin rummy game ends.       

1. Chloe Drape-Front Blouse

2. J. Crew Blythe Blouse

3. Giambattista Valli Zebra Print Top

4. Club Monaco Silk Shirt

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

Bits and Pieces: Spring/Fall Mash Up

It's officially spring, but temps here in the Big Apple are still preventing my spring wardrobe from making its full appearance.  Enter the above get up.  A fall palette of colors and a warm jacket coexisting among the sunshine and blossoming trees.  It's a wardrobe oxymoron I tell ya.  But I was happy to have a reason to debut my recent shopping haul purchases and take them for a test drive.  Both the jeans and flats are keepers and have quickly been put into regular wardrobe rotation - which is having me contemplate acquiring other colors.  I'm a "collector" - that's fashion justification at its best.

BCBG Jacket | Ann Taylor Blouse | Joe Fresh Jeans | J. Crew Flats