Bits and Pieces: Metallic Sandals

I feel like the older I get, the more I need to work comfortable pieces into my wardrobe, the catch being that they must still be stylish and reflective of "me". I was totally that girl years ago hobbling around in heels that I could barely walk in, praying a cab would stop and save me from my ridiculous fashion choice. I've wised up a bit, and love clothes and shoes that are a bit more practical. These Loeffler Randall sandals seemed like the perfect summer sandal to wear casually and perhaps a bit dressed up, though they are not going to a black tie function anytime soon. I am leaving for Grand Cayman Island tomorrow and these are the first shoes I am packing. Dresses, pants, cut off shorts - they will all be fair game for wearing with these sandals. There are days that I miss those 5 inch 'bad choices', but at least I can say I wore them. Hell, I rocked them. And I have fond memories of the entire thing. 

Dress - Club Monaco (old but loving this one and this one) | Belt - GAP (similar here) | Sandals - Loeffler Randall (on sale!!!)

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Bits and Pieces: Spring Blouse With Boyfriend Jeans

Sometimes I want to thank the person who brought back the boyfriend jean trend, if for no other reason than making eating comfortable. It gives a bit of a break from skinny jeans where salads are inevitable. And another silk blouse from Equipment, you may be asking? Yup. The silk is unbelievable to the touch and they fall so effortlessly on the body. A tad on the pricey side, but they do go on sale often and that is when I pounce. A little secret I also have is I pin all my favorite items from around the web to this pinboard, and then go back and check them regularly to see when they are discounted. I find so many great things when I am online shopping, yet always forget what I actually want to buy when the time comes. So this pinboard (I have one for beauty too) makes shopping so much easier. And I can visually see what is missing from my closet as well, and pin some pieces I need to help round it out more. A tad on the hyper-organized side? Yes, but it works for me. (and maybe for you too - a little over organization never hurt anyone)

Blouse - Equipment | Jeans - GAP (similar here) | Belt - Madewell (similar here) | Shoes - Manolo Blahnik | Bracelet - Giles & Brother | Lips - Dior "Open Me" 

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Bits and Pieces: Black And White

I recently bought sneakers this year - actual sporty, get your workout on, yoga pants approved sneakers. And they replaced the old ones I had which actually fell apart.  I had them since 1998 and the sole legitimately just fell off. Yup, it's true. My point being - I do not wear/buy/like sneakers.  Don't know why - just don't. I was a figure skater growing up so my footwear of choice was skates naturally.  And then I became big into yoga/pilates where shoes are not allowed.  Hence, my need for sneakers was zero to none.  So you can imagine my surprise when I came across these Vince slip ons and fell in love.  Since I had back surgery a few years ago, I have a new found appreciation for flats - and now slip on sneakers.  These are ridiculously comfortable, and look cute with jeans, a dress, shorts, skirts - basically anything.  Truth be told, I am already contemplating another pair.  I know I have said this before but it needs to be said again.  My 25 year old self would be horrified by the present day me. 

Jacket - GAP | Blouse - Club Monaco | Jeans - Hudson | Shoes - Vince | Lips - Dior Addict Fluid Stick in "Open Me"

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Bits and Pieces: The Ease Of A Sweater Dress

What I miss most about the warmer weather is the ease that comes with getting dressed.  Throw on a cute dress, sandals, grab a clutch and you are out the door.  Bonus if you throw on a bangle or cute cocktail ring.  But winter requires so much more effort - and often so many more layers.  I can't believe this is one of the first times I am wearing a sweater dress on the blog because I own a ton of them.  Main reason - ease.  I love fashion as much as the next gal but to be honest, if an outfit gets too fussy, or has too many pieces/parts/layers I just lose interest.  I admire the girls from afar that layer like a champ, wear 13,000 pieces and manage to look chic.  But as you already know, I am a bit more pared down.  Frankly, I think it's so I can spend more time doing my makeup, but that's just a theory.  I could be wrong. (I'm not)

Dress - Design History (on sale too!) | Belt - Gap | Boots - J.Crew (similar here) | Tights - Simply Vera

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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: 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: Patterned Pumps

Oh don't mind me, just standing in the middle of a vineyard in heels - say wha????  I know, I know - the other guests visiting the winery were staring too.  #bloggerproblems  This was taken a few weekends back during my weekend getaway to Long Island - I can never resist a shot with a view.  Now onto the outfit - beginning with these shoes.  These. Shoes. They are the perfect height (for me) at a manageable 3 inches and some of the most comfortable pumps I have ever worn - even standing in grass!!!  When I first purchased them from the Shopbop sale, I was so proud of myself for getting something not neutral (I know you guys are proud too).  Then the immediate "what will I wear them with" thought began to creep in - until they showed up at my doorstep and I put them on.  I began grabbing things in my closet - solid colors and patterns - and they looked good with everything!  Especially this dress, which I purchased on final sale at the GAP and it quickly became a summertime favorite.  Though it is a drop waist style, I threw a belt on to create some definition and found it flattered my figure so much more.  As a curvy gal, wearing blousier styles always calls for a cinched waist.  That is until you have to sit down and eat your weight in seafood.  And then that great waist definer you so stylishly added, becomes a medieval torture device hell bent on making you pass on dessert.  But don't give in. You just unbuckle that bad boy, grab your fork and tell your dinner companion to back it up.  You are back in business.  

Dress - GAP | Belt - GAP | Pumps - Loeffler Randall

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

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