"Feeling unique is a habit you shouldn't give up."

- Alberto Fermani



"Anyone can get all dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their off days that is the most intriguing."

-Alexander Wang



11.26.2012

Geek Chic Pour Moi? Mais Non!


Jenna Lyons (photo from People magazine)

Geek Chic


J.Crew knit top / Vero Moda short sleeve shirt, $24 / Citizens of Humanity slim fit jeans / Opening Ceremony suede wedge shoes, $465 / Hermès stainless steel watch / Alexis Bittar yellow gold jewelry



I love me some Leandra Medine from Man Repeller. She's smart, funny, uber stylish, and a phenomenal writer. She pulls off the geek chic look so well and so, well, not geeky. Just like Jenna Lyons, creative director of J. Crew. Tres cool.

Today, I tried my own hand at geek chic. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say... failure. I wore a navy cashmere cardi from J. Crew, a pair of straight leg jeans from Citizens, a vintage tee with a skull illustration, and a pair of wedge shoes (much like the MacAlister booties from J. Crew). You're probably wondering why I just don't post a picture so you can see what I mean. The answer is because I don't want you to see. What can I say? Everybody has a bad outfit day sometimes. This is not to say you shouldn't give it a shot. It can work but just not for me. And that's kind of the thing about fashion. You have to know what works for you and make sure not to force something that doesn't.

P.S.
I did make some minor improvements throughout the day to subtract some of the geek and add some of my usual boho. Case in point, a cool fedora by Hat Attack from The Shoe Hive and these awesome (and sparkly!) ankle boots by Matt Bernson from Bishop Boutique. Much better!


11.21.2012

Here Are the Party Outfits I Promised

Holiday Parties


J.Crew short cocktail dress / TIBI / Dune high heel pumps / Dolce Vita platform pumps / Clutch handbag / Diamante jewelry, $34 / Vince Camuto art deco jewelry / Statement ring / Dorothy Perkins gold bracelet / Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry


The prices on this stuff are great! One additional piece of advice from the post before last. Always walk the accessorie department of whatever store you're in. You can never have too many options when it comes to jewelry and, if worn well, the price doesn't matter. Even cheap stuff looks good when put together the right way.

11.20.2012

Thankful for a Laid Back Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving- One or the Other


Tory Burch tunic / rag & bone slim fit shirt / rag & bone slim fit jeans / J Brand wide leg flare jeans, $160 / Madison Harding western cowgirl boots / Mimi Loves Jimi wingtip oxford shoes, $73 / Isis pyramid jewelry, $11 / Pendant jewelry / ASOS zig zag ring / Feather earrings, $12 / Earrings / Chan Luu

I appreciate any chance to dress up but Thanksgiving is one holiday where I take it down a notch. Don't get me wrong... I would never go to dinner without making some sort of effort. But a family holiday filled with kids, football, food, wine, dessert, more wine- well, that requires lettin' loose just a little.

Here's how I keep it casual but still look cute.

Comfy jeans (boyfriend jeans with stretch of course or a softer, wide-leg pair)
Fun top- this translates to a soft sweater if it's cold or something silky if not
Cute flats (not for me- I always wear heels- but you can if you want!)
Great jewelry- always

Happy Turkey Day!

11.19.2012

Get Dressed Up and Have Fun Doing It!

As the holiday season comes galloping towards us, I have been getting ready to enjoy one of my favorite aspects of it- dressing up for parties. However, while I swoon at the thought of towering high heels, sparkling baubles, and festive ensembles, I know that for many more, there is dread at having to figure out what to wear. Back in the good ol' days of working in retail, I helped more women than I can count find a dress for something they were headed to in the next couple of hours. What a shame! How can you enjoy the evening if you're rushing around figuring out what to wear, not to mention the money pouring out of your pockets on something you haven't thought through? Here's how to handle it once and for all. Save money, look gorgeous (and unique!), and, most of all, be able to have FUN the night of your party.

Step 1- Choose your outfit a few days before the event. As a matter of fact, choose a few and then take pictures of them! If another party pops up unexpectedly, you'll have something figured out already.

Spend an evening trying on your options. Explore your closet. Think outside the dress and see what holiday options are hiding in your skirt, top, or trouser departments. Match shoes AND jewelry to each look that makes the grade. Take a picture of it all laid out on the bed so you don't forget. Put in your calendar to pick up a new pair of tights or bra or shoe pad if you need it so you can pop in somewhere before the day of the party.

Step 2- You don't have a thing. Truly. Your favorite dress really has been seen by everyone- three times. Allow yourself to buy something not under the pressure the impending party. If you want to know the truth, the BEST way to do this is to buy the perfect dress when you come across it even if that means it is in September and you haven't been invited to a thing. Then you'll have it. But if that hasn't happened for you, decide where you want to go and make sure there are other places nearby in case you need to go to a few. Remember, if you go to a large chain and choose something on their window mannequin, you just may see it on several ladies at the event. BETTER TO GO SIMPLE AND MAKE IT YOUR OWN!

Step 3- Make it your own. How? With accessories! This is the best way to mix up your looks and save money because you can wear this stuff again and again, with jeans and tees, or suits, or whatever. Don't fall victim to not thinking about your jewelry and then only have some small sparkly hoops to put on. You'll feel more fantastic if your jewelry stands out.

Step 4- You were so organized that you can actually enjoy the process of getting ready. If it's a big event, go get your hair and makeup done. (Have pictures from magazines if you haven't used the person before!) If not, give yourself an hour and have some wine while you're doing it. Got kids? No problem! Let your daughter come in and watch. She'll be thrilled to participate and to get the brush blush swiped across her cheeks. Your son can watch, too, but if he won't tolerate it, hand him a book or video game or turn on the cartoons. You deserve the hour off, I'm sure.

One final bit of advice. Make sure you are comfortable. There is nothing chic about a woman who can't stand in her heels or who keeps pulling on her dress. That is more important than anything else.

Now you know my secret to always enjoying a party! Outfit ideas to follow...

11.09.2012

The Princess and the Pea(coat)

The Perfect Pea



First of all, I'm no princess but it made a good title so I went with it. I consider myself to be more like a queen (At times, an evil one.Check out my pics on Facebook or instagram to see what I mean...) Second, I have been searching for the perfect pea coat for some time now. I wanted classic, edgy, and unique all in one. No shiny buttons. No bright colors. Tonight, I finally found it! The Queen is satisfied!

11.06.2012

Still Feeling Dark

Simple


MSGM leopard print dress / Matt Bernson boots / DANNIJO army necklace
I know. I suck. Sometimes you just don't feel like doing much of anything in the evening and, since that's when I write, the blog has suffered. But tonight the election was stressing me out so here I am.

I'm still feeling the love for all things dark and moody. I've been wearing lots of leather, black knit caps, dark jeans and boots...it's like I think I'm a downtown girl from NYC. Ha!

Anyway, this is a look I did for a baby shower this weekend. Comfy, slightly brooding but not too, and of course, mostly black. Plus, there is something extremely freeing about not giving a shit if you look skinny or not (which is yet another nice thing about being 40!)

Until next time... which hopefully doesn't mean another month!