Now & Later

Well, it is officially the last day of August. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? I guess I lost track of time with the awful weather we had day in and day out here in NYC. Now it is basically fall, back to school time, football season, leaves are changing, etc etc.

I know not everybody is on board the harem train, but I certainly am. I mean, no one wants to look like MC Hammer. These F21 harem pants are fantastic and cut just right to look more chic then schlump.

To wear them in the last days of summer, pair them with a fitted blouse and statement sandals. Fun accessories keep it from looking like you are trying too hard. One trend at a time.

To keep the harem pant in rotation come September and beyond, pair them with a casual t-shirt and sequin blazer. A classic bag and a splash of color on your feet and you are ready to meet the coming of fall with style.

Added bonus - you can even wear these to the gym if you are so inclined! I plan on wearing mine to yoga & pilates:)

Kate Moss for Topshop

um. yes please. headed there now to blow some money!

{Images Monica Rose}

OMG

So, you guys are probably like, enough with the sequins already.

But seriously, damn. My boyfriend just keeps kicking out the bad ass sequin gear. If I had $1,500 lying around.........

{3.1 Philip Lim Sequin Embellished Frock Coat, $1500}

Hunter Wellies DIY

When I first saw these shockingly white Hunter Wellies, I was actually blinded. So. White. My first thought was, boy those would get SO dirty. My next thought was to draw all over them! I'm new to the whole DIY scene, but seeing these gave me inspiration. I have yet to actually try it out, but I thought I should share my idea with the blog world.

Step 1: Take a pair of white Hunter Wellies.

Step 2: Draw, Design, CREATE. Anything will do. I would use sharpies and just start doodling.

Step 3: Spray with clear acrylic spray.

*This particular spray is a matte finish, but a gloss would look nice too.

VIOLA. Your very own pair of unique rain boots.

**It would be wise to do a test spot first. Hunter boots don't grow on trees.

Charmed I'm Sure

Jewelry. Costume, Fashion, Fine. All kinds are accepted here. I always find myself drawn to pendant necklaces, I always find one I love and plan on making it my 'signature' necklace. That is, until I find another quirky, interesting charm. It's a vicious (expensive) cycle. Some of the ones I am contemplating:

{Lena Wald Wing Necklace, $380}

{Kimberly Baker Aries Necklace, $88}

{Gara Danielle Evil Eye and Diamond Necklace, $165}

{Gara Danielle Key Necklace, $165}

Now & Later

All things being equal - I am a dress gal. I love that the femininity of a dress and that it is an effortless outfit in one piece. However, I do have to wear something other than a dress every now and then. This is why I love leggings. In college I used to be casual and *gasp* wear sweats outside of the house. A light bulb went off and I soon figured out that leggings are the formal sweats. I wear leggings with boots, flats, flip flops, tanks, blouses, sweaters. Comfy and cute (there is a small anti-legging population, if you are one of them please skip this post........)

Leggings PLUS sequins = BEST IDEA EVER.

{Alice & Olivia Sequin Leggings, $298}

Granted, you can't wear these babies every day. But they sure as hell add a little something extra to whatever you pair them with.

To ease out of the August heat pair them with a long-ish neutral colored tank (white, black, gray) and flat sandals.

To ease into the Fall wear them with flat boots and a long, drapey cardigan.

It is items exactly like this that get me ready for the change in season!

Shine On

I know I've mentioned my feelings towards sequins. Love. Can't get enough. If it didn't solicit stares I would wear them morning, noon, and night. Have a fabulous weekend - and wear something shiny! xo

{First two images Simply Seductive, Elle UK, flickr, all others we heart it}

The September Issue.

O.M.G.




Her Royal Highness, Queen Anna.

Daydreaming.......

You know the feeling when you are so obsessed with fashion, clothes, and accessories, it is literally painful to see some of the more gorgeous, expensive, designer pieces you know you will never own. Lucky for me, I love trolling vintage stores and sample sales for great deals, and they do make up a good portion of my closet. BUT, if money were no option, I think I could easily blow a lot of dough on Net-a-Porter every day.

{Oscar De La Renta Plaited Fabric Necklace, $890}

{Proenza Schouler Sequin Cutout Dress, $2,300}

{Matthew Williamson Mohair-blend Cocoon Coat, $1,820}

{Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platform Pumps, $995}

{3.1 Philip Lim Beaded Silk Flapper Dress, $975}

Splurge vs Save

Which one is the splurge?

Okay, you got me. This weeks Splurge vs Save items are not identical. But, the resemblance is uncanny, as are the savings.

Costume jewelry can really make a statement. Let your jewels do the talking, and not your credit card statement.

Thoughts? Personally, I've had some of my Banana Republic jewelry for years and it has really withstood the test of time (and my clumsiness!) I cant say the same for my recently purchased Lee Angel necklace from Gilt, which has, sadly, already started to fall apart.

#1. Banana Republic Braided Bead Necklace, $48

#2. Lee Angel Twisted Chain Necklace, $365

Now & Later

I went out this weekend and all I wanted to wear was a white boyfriend blazer. The only problem : I don't own one yet! Thus the inspiration for today's Now & Later post. All of the September glossies assert that the boyfriend trend is here to stay, which is good news for me seeing as I love the slouchy style of blazers and denim.

{Elizabeth & James Blazer, $395}

For a summer look, pair it with uber casual pieces.

Be a rule breaker and wear white after Labor Day with pride (Biker chick booties mandatory).

Mad, Mad, Men

Eat your heart out, Don Draper.

Mad Men Yourself here.

TGIFF.

An homage to Kate Moss, just because.

{Longchamp}

{Missoni}

{Agent Provocateur}

{Calvin Klein}

{Just Cavalli}

Ed Note: How awesome are the CK ads? I can't get enough of them.

Euro Trip

I'm planning something big. So big. I'm going to Europe - for one whole month!! I couldn't be more excited about the places I will see, people I will meet, wine I will drink, and food I will eat. I 'm in a constant state of euphoria, I don't expect that to change anytime soon. Aside from picking my destinations and places to stay, I am more focused, naturally, on what I will wear!

October is a tricky month, so I have to pack layers. Walking everyone means comfortable shoes, but I would rather go barefoot than wear running shoes. It may rain, so I have to be prepared for that. So.much.to.think.about.

I'm thinking lots and lots o' leggings, various things to pair with said leggings like basic tee's and wrap sweaters, scarves, hats, this list is already gaining too much momentum. I have a penchant for overpacking. #1 on the list is a pair of comfortable yet stylish flat boots that look as good wandering around as they do after a late night of trop du vin. Oh boy.

I will have this to compete with, after all......

{All images via The Sartorialist}

Snap Happy

I think Polaroids are one of the best ways to catch an honest moment. With the technology we have now we can take videos, reduce red eye, even photo shop in a background or a beauty mark, Polaroids are a dying breed. Polaroids have a certain authenticity that sucks you into that moment in time. I came across She Hit Pause Studios and immediately fell for their whimsy and charm.

PS - my new found obsession with Shark Week definitely added to the intrigue with all the surfing shots and I recently survived a ride on the Cyclone at Coney Island. That roller coaster is not for the faint at heart :)