Silk And Denim

When I first ordered these Equipment shorts, they felt like pajamas. Actual flimsy-flamsy silk pajama shorts that when you hold them up to the light become 100% transparent. I showed them to my mom, who was up visiting at the time, and she was as confused as I was as to how one wears these thin, yet ridiculously comfortable shorts in public. And then I put them on and it was like magic! They were not even remotely see through nor did the material seem too thin. They run a bit big so I recommend sizing down but nonetheless they feel easy and effortless. And nothing pairs better with leopard than denim, right? I'm convinced that no one does denim or chambray quite like Madewell, except maybe it's sister store J.Crew. I have quite a few denim/chambray long sleeve button downs that make their rounds in my wardrobe but this is my first sleeveless and has probably been my most worn shirt this summer. It may rival my L.L Bean tote, shown above, for the most worn item. I bought this tote in hunter green and camouflage a few years back and I swear it has been a lifesaver. I carry it everywhere - to work, on vacation, to the beach and it holds everything. The only down side is that it doesn't have any inside pockets so I end up carrying tons of little clutches inside to help divide everything up neatly. Who's a tad OCD? Certainly NOT me.

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Shirt - Madewell | Shorts - Equipment | Shoes - Loeffler Randall (similar here and here) | Hat - Club Monaco (similar here) | Sunglasses - Ray-Ban | Bracelet - Giles & Brother | Tote - L.L. Bean (I have the medium size)

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Bits and Pieces: Zebra

Whoever made up that ridiculous rule about no white jeans after labor day or not in the winter or only on a full moon in July (ok, I made that last one up) clearly was never able to style them properly.  Nothing looks more crisp or classic than a great pair of white jeans, a big cozy sweater and boots.  Bonus points if the whole outfit is white, but in my case I went with the next best thing - gray.  This is my second piece from Torn by Ronny Kobo (this striped number was my first) and I am loving the fit of the entire line.  The zebra pattern seemed interesting to me, but what completely sold me was when the sweater arrived and I tried it on - the material and texture was so soft I just didn't want to take it off.  And naturally it went with my ridiculously large (but awesome) gray infinity scarf so it was a win-win all around.  Elbow length gloves can seem so formal but I love wearing them over a sweater to bring a little color blocking effect to an outfit (plus they keep me extra warm).  Now suede heels in newly fallen snow?  That is a rule I can say I definitely don't recommend breaking.  Sigh. 

Jacket - Club Monaco {similar here and here) | Sweater - Torn by Ronny Kobo (also love this super affordable option) | Scarf - Club Monaco (similar here and love this one) | Jeans - Madewell | Boots -
Gucci (similar here and here) | Gloves - Club Monaco (similar here)

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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: Overcoat

Sometimes I wear an outfit and feel that it is just too comfortable to be allowed in public.  Do you have those outfits?  Ones where you put it on and think "I seriously feel like I am my pajamas - how can this be suitable for the outside world?"  For this look, it is really the boyfriend jeans that make it so easy to wear - getting a break from skinny jeans is a welcome change.  And we already know I have a thing for these super cozy Club Monaco turtlenecks, so it's no surprise that I threw one on with this look.  My trusty Zara overcoat has been going strong for a few years, and these Manolo Blahnik pumps get worn any season - they are that timeless.  I wasn't sure I would like a baggy-on-baggy look, but for me throwing on a fitted shirt helps to make the outfit not as shapeless.  I love a good casual, downtown look, but I need it to still fit my figure and have a slight feminine edge.  My curves aren't going anywhere so I have learned how to work with them and adapt looks to work for me.  Even boyfriend jeans and overcoats. 

Overcoat - Zara (similar here) | Turtleneck - Club Monaco | Jeans - Gap (similar here) | Belt - Madewell | Shoes - Manolo Blahnik

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Bits and Pieces: Stripes And Fringe

I may not be in school anymore but there is something about the beginning of fall that makes me want to start fresh, try a new look, sharpen some pencils and take a calculus exam (kidding on that last part, can you imagine???? SHUDDER).  Even though every year around this time I cut layers into my hair bringing back the fringe, it still feels new and exciting each time.  Since my hair is very curly, summer humidity is the bane of my existence and long hair that can be worn in a ponytail/bun is essential to maintaining some semblance of dignity.  But as soon as the swamp-like temps lift, I run to the salon and give my hair some life - bangs and face framing layers to be exact.  With my new hair and this new Madewell dress, I feel sassier than ever.  The fabric on the dress is quite heavy, so it makes for a great transitional piece that I can wear from now until the spring. Tights and a sweater will make this even more cold weather friendly, and then back to bare legs and ankle boots come April.  And speaking of ankle boots, I cannot simply skip over these new Ash suede beauties.  Perfect for either dresses or pants, the low heel and roomy fit make these some of the most comfortable boots I own.  I will apologize now for the amount of times you may see them over the next few months - we can all just pretend it's the first time each time, deal?

Dress - Madewell | Belt - Ann Taylor | Boots - Ash

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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: 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: Polite Fall Boots

With boots like these - how could you not wish it was Fall every single day?  Just looking at them makes my neck itch for a scarf - and my arms long for a wool blazer.  I can see these boots worn with almost anything in my Fall wardrobe - dresses, pencil skirts, jeans, wool trousers - they play nice in the sandbox with just about everything in my closet.  How polite.  They were raised well.  Unlike some other boots out there which may clash with everything or only get along with one piece in a wardrobe.  Just plain selfish, I tell you.  While I feel it's nice to add something fun every once in awhile, stocking your wardrobe with items that only wear with one other piece or must be paired with a certain look seems frivolous to me.  That's right - frivolous - says the woman that has 723 lipsticks in varying shades of nude.  I own my hypocriscy.  But judgements aside, there is nothing more rewarding that buying an item of clothing or accessory and wearing it season after season, year after year.  And a leopard print boot, with a wooden stacked heel embodies this perfectly.  Let the repeat wearing begin. 

Madewell Old Town Boot

 

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: Primary Color Blocking





I can sum up this post in one word - ROYGBIV.  Color blocking with primary colors - how elementary - yet so daring.  I did waiver slightly when putting this outfit together - as I thought I may look a little skittle-ish - but fashion is about taking risks and having fun, si?  And having fun could not be had in the obligatory photo poses of standing and smiling at the camera - I am trying to push my experimental limits - how natural can I make staring off into the distance?  How casual can I make crossing my feet and staring at them?  Let me tell ya - not too casual - enter the above captions.  We did take some of the aforementioned shots of cheesy grinning and a standardized hand-on-hip tilt, but for the sake of fassss-hion, these were the gallery winners.  Thoughts?  Two cents? 

Madewell Blazer | zara Blouse | zara Trousers | Ann Taylor belt | Gucci shoes

Bits and Pieces: Pretty in Pastels

 

Spring has arrived for a brief moment in NYC, so I took advantage and threw on my new colored jeans.  Paired with a crisp white blazer, patterned scarf and nude flats, its a great way to bridge the winter gap.

Gap blazer | Madewell white tee | Gap scarf | Madewell jeans | J.Crew flats