Spring into Summer Buys

1. Sam Edelman Gigi Sandal in Whiskey, $60

2. House of Harlow 1960 Textured Wrap Gold Ring, $30

3. Toms Classic Red Canvas, $44

4. Hive and Honey Maxi Dress, $74

5. J. Crew Short-Sleeve Selvedge Chambray Shirt, $88

6. Kelsi Dagger Linzy in Sand Patent, $119

7. Forever 21 Candy Hearts Romper, $22.80

8. Forever 21 Woven Snap Front Tank, $19.80

9. J Brand Kiki Flare Jean in Shadow, $196

10. J. Crew Silk Blythe Blouse in Poppy, $98

11. Urban Outfitters Tortoise Shell Hoops, $24

11. J. Crew Perfect Shirt in Neon Gingham, $72

12. Jack by BB Dakota Skirt, $48

Beauty Essentials Round Up

After working in the beauty industry for a few years, you start to learn which products are truly amazing and which are pure hype with a great PR team and loyal beauty editors to convince consumers to purchase. I tend to be a creature of habit, so I have a lot of go-to products that I have collected and become a fanatic for. 

Clockwise from top left:

1. TheBalm Balms Away, $20

2. Eve Lom Dynaspot, $30

3. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Rose, $22

4. Essie Jelly Apple, $8

5. Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Cheek and Lip, $24

6. Makeup Forever Concealer, $30

7. Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Wash, $6.89

1. One weekend when visiting my good friend Kimmie K, we came back from a (late) night out and got ready for bed. She whipped out a tub of vaseline and got to work on her eyes. I was confused as I took liquid eye makeup remover to a cotton ball and tugged at my lids - what is she, nuts? No, turns out she's genius. Vasoline is gentler on the skin around the eyes and easy swipes away at dark pigments for a clean face. My favorite is theBalm Balms Away due to its added vitamins and cute tin (i'm a sucker for girlie packaging).

2. BEST way to try out a testy zit. Just squeeze a little on your finger, dab to cover the zit (don't rub in), let sit overnight while sleeping, and BOOM, that zit will shrink down in no time. 

3. Smells like frosting and best pink color, not too bright and totally kissable. 

4. My nail color of choice when I feel like channeling Olivia Palermo. When I'm looking to go more Kardashian, I reach for OPI Black Onyx.

5. I prefer a cream blush to powder, just dab your finger a couple of times in the pot and then dab along the apples of your cheek. Rub in and rub slightly up your cheek bone. My favorite shades are Calypso Coral when I try a lady-like cat eye with my liner a la Lauren Conrad, and Pink Truffle when my makeup is a little more sultry.

6. Fantastic concealer, hides the red better than most I've tried. Make Up Forever is a a favorite brand for most makeup artists, anything they trust must be good.

7. This face wash has changed my skin. I have combination skin and need something a little stronger. If you have skin that gets too dry or irritated easily, then wash with this at night to remove your makeup and dirt from the day and immediately apply a light lotion or moisturizer after to keep skin hydrated. In the morning, use a light gentler cleanser like Cetaphil.

I Support Apple to Support Justin Long

That's right kids, I switched over from a PC and today is the first day of the rest of my life. Clearly I need to accessorize my new accessory, the MacBook. What's more frivolous than picking out a computer bag?  I feel less silly if I convince myself that summer is just around the corner and I could totally double duty the purchase as a beach bag.....right?

J. Crew Vogue Print Canvas Tote, $10

Heritage Leather Co. Canvas Utility Bag, $37

Mar Y Sol Valencia Bag, $98

Michael Stars Calypso Tote, $85

And the always classic, LL Bean Canvas Monogrammed Tote in Medium, $20.95

Obsession of the Moment: Long Sleeve Mini Dress

I've been thinking I'd like to pick out a dress or two with long sleeves to carry me through the next two months, when it goes from freezing to tolerable in the blink of an eye. This way I can get away wearing four times before I am truly called out from facebook photos. I can wear it twice with two different tights (perhaps a solid, then a pattern?) and then space out two times (MAX) where I banish tights and expose the gams before the dress is relegated to the back of my closet. Now I am not blind, I understand that one of the chosen dresses has only one long sleeve but just go with it people.

ASOS Scallop Detail Shift Dress, $62.76

Bat Your Lashes One Shoulder Dress, $32

ASOS Printed Bell Sleeve Dress, $62.76

Young Fabulous & Broke Angel Dress, $129.50

Madison Marcus Edge Long Sleeve Dress, $241.50

I Love Lamp

I must give props where props are due. Katie Clifford, I salute you. She purchased this lamp from Pier 1 and every time I am at her apartment, I can't stop lusting after it (strange, I know. But when you ain't got no man, these are the things that get your motor running). I love the soft ivory color, and the trim on the shade. For an object that can generally be pretty boring, there is nothing boring about this lamp. Totally makes me want to move just so I can have an excuse to decorate around it. While I have zero room in my tiny New York apartment for more objects, I hope one of you helps find this pretty lamp a nice home.

Ivory Tassel Table Lamp, $99

Brand Obsession: Elizabeth Cole

I was introduced to this brand through my stylish friend Katie Wright a couple of years ago, and I must thank her for helping me find the gorgeous crystal buckle bracelet that has carried me through countless cocktail parties. I love the heavy glam statement jewelry, full of chunky metals and crystals. For someone who tends to make her jewels the focus of an outfit when my closet seems utterly devoid of options, this brand is right up my alley. Easy outfits made with the slap of a bracelet to the wrist or sliding on a door knocker ring. Below are some of my current favs:

Dagger Earrings, $88

Mini Mohawk Posts, $118

Ram Head Ring, $173

Braided Chain and Black Crystal Bracelet, $338

Obsession of the Moment: Duck Boots

Lately, everyone around me has been talking about the desire to buy duck boots for those rainy/snowy days. Suddenly Hunter Boots are out and outdoor prep gear is in. I LOVE it. Back in college, a cutie sorority sister from Maryland rocked a pair and I remember thinking she looked adorably waspy in a non-butch way. She was more original then, you never saw someone rocking a pair, but in 2011 they have become all the rage again. I saw a girl wearing the below pair from L.L. Bean with shiny American Apparel black leggings, a navy hooded sweatshirt and an army green puffer vest over and I SWEAR she looked so casually cute on a dismal, wet afternoon. Another day, I was a total creep and tried to closely follow one girl JUST to be sure she got her boots from L.L. Bean, but alas, I couldn't read her heels and she scurried further away to get away from the schizo hunched over and squinting behind her. Sad news though, my beloved $84 pair from L.L. Bean won't be available until March 10 due to high demand, and the even cuter (and more expensive) shearling lined pair are also back ordered to late March. Always late to the party, damn.

Obession of the Moment: Cashmere Leggings

I wandered into BCBG last weekend knowing they would have a killer sale. The brand never disappoints on the bargain front, something is always marked down. I wasn't looking for anything specific, and to be honest I probably shouldn't have stepped in at all considering the state of my finances. I figured whatever was left of the post-holiday loot would be on deep discount, but holiday shoppers tend to descend on the merchandise like vultures to a carcass (usually me but I was busy sunning on the beach) and thin out the inventory. On that fateful day something drew me in, and I'd like to believe it was the fashion gods leading me to towards an item I so desperately need. I noticed on a table some cashmere items at 60% off. In an instant, I was all over it -circling with a glazed look in my eye and ready to lose my shit. I dove right in and held up what I belived to be a sweater, but no no, they were in fact cashmere leggings. Intrigued, I brought them to the dressing room. If there is one thing we all know, I love me something frivolous that simply makes me happy. AND BOY DID THEY EVER. One leg in and I was a goner. They are the most decadent thing I have ever put on my body and I knew I had to have them. Ridiculously cozy, those suckers kept me warm and snuggly during the blizzard this week in complete satisfaction. Oh, and the best part? The leggings, originally $198, were purchased for just a cool $80. DEFINITELY worth immediately investigating  at your local BCBG, they have already sold out online.....

Neiman Marcus Sale!!!

More than I love the excuse to buy holiday dresses and take paid vacation, perks that come with Christmas and New Years, are the sales that come with the season. Neiman Marcus is taking an additional 33% off majority of the same apparel and 25% off shoes until January 5th. While home over the break, I was lucky enough to FINALLY snag the black patent "Varina" flats that I have been coveting for three years. I am careful in stalking deals on my designer purchases, and my patience paid off. Rather than chancing the purchase of a fake pair from a Hong Kong vendor on Ebay, I was able to buy the shoes that never go on sale for less. Only because Neiman's is no longer selling the pairs in the Atlanta store, but whatevs - their loss is certainly my gain!

There are SO MANY other items I would purchase if I didn't make pennies for pay, but I can only dream about the DVF wood clogs, the Leifsdotter Crazy Intarsa Sweater, the Helmut Lang wool blazer, a 3.1 Phillip Lim bib necklace, metallic Christian Louboutin flats......the abstinance hurts my heart to no end.

 

Brand Obsession: Hunter Dixon

My love for Hunter Dixon started back in 2007, when girls from my first PR job pranced around the office in gorgeous dresses with bold ruffle shoulders.  I was new to the fashion PR world and craved to look just as fabulous as my fancy coworkers. I was then in a stage of my life where Forever 21 ruled my closet and the Nanette Lepore dress worn on my first day of the job was borrowed from my sister (my style was ready to blossom, I just didn't have the funds or the know how to help it flourish). I thought Hunter Dixon was incredible and right up my alley - structured dresses, fitted jackets, and silky tops in bright colors and patterns. It was all so fabulous and the style of the brand reminds me of my now fashion hero, Olivia "Perfection" Palermo.  Its over three years later, and I'm still just as in love with the brand. Unfortunately I never got to own one of the prized dresses they made back in the day, but I'm happy to report I own a few other pieces that have plenty of rotation in my closet.

I recently got the Hazel top ($285) in hot pink and my co-workers raved that the color "made their day" (I never lie about fashion, I received three comments of that nature). I also broke down and bought the gorgeous but more expensive Peppy coat, available in Saks stores but not online ($605). It was a splurge for sure that tested my shopping addiction but I am obsessed with the furry, cozy collar and the flutter of the bottom half. But I have AMAZING NEWS - right now enter code HDPROMO25 and you'll get 25% off and free shipping! Happy holidays, my lovely readers.



Snuggly Booties

I have been incorporating heels more to my work wardrobe, but not stilettos. More like the black boots from Forever 21 I mentioned here which I've already worn with countless fall outfits. I'm a fan of the sturdy heel or wedge for day to feel more professional since my 5'2" stature doesn't exactly scream "Woman in Charge." Since I sit at my desk in front of a computer for the majority of the day, pain from 12 hours of wear isn't really an issue. As the first snow of New York falls tonight, it is now officially too cold to venture out of the house without boots, so I found some adorable cozy booties that keep an outfit cute even with bulky layers.

 

Matt Berenson "Rogue," $133.20 on sale

BCBGeneration "Melo," $74.48 on sale

Matt Bernson "Bomber" Wedge Bootie, $220 but currently Tobi has a coupon for 30% off

Enter shop30 at checkout to make them $154!

Deena and Ozzy Lace Up Wedge Boot, $78

I love the idea of this bootie worn with heather grey socks scrunched down
over tights or with black knee high socks

Indian Summer

I saw this sweater by Left on Houston in Lucky magazine a few months back and put it on my fall wishlist. A few (ok, a lot) of miscellaneous purchases later and I had to shelf the dream of owning it. I am still thinking about the great navajo print and graphic black/white which keeps the sweater jacket interesting. I would wear this with grey jeans and my hot pink Giuseppe Zanoti python flats, or black skinny pants or leggings with my red Miu Miu mary jane pumps, or even with my Zara leopard flats and a big sparkly necklace - I always prefer to go bold with accessories.

The jacket went on sale at Saks.com down to $118, and just a tip - if you sign up for the saks.com newsletter, you'll get an email for 10% off a purchase.  *You could do what I did and create an email account just for junkmail from online shopping. That way you'll still receive coupons but they won't clog up your actual email or tempt you if you aren't looking for another reason to shop.

Funny enough, as I went to find other favorite items for a new post, I realized two of the items I have been continually lusting after are also from tribal influences:



Resin Denim makes the Lariat Super Skinny Jean with this cool, faint aztec print. Patterns don't work on a thick thigh like mine, but I am digging the effect on these jeans. I wish I controlled more than a few of my friends' wardrobes and wallets, I'd force these jeans on them in a heartbeat. $154

Lately, I have really been into the rings from House of Harlow 1960 but honestly the entire line is cool (and affordable). I love the Tribal Wrap Ring in the gold and am mesmorized by the look of the huge ring on a finger. $65

Bendel Girl

Ever since my Aunt Joanie first walked me through the aisles of Henri Bendel's as a young shopaholic, I have never forgotten the excitement of seeing the brown and white Bendel stripes. My sister and I took a Black Friday stroll through the new and improved (now accessories only) store and I quickly realized it housed all the things you don't need and never really knew you wanted until you see it. There were so many cute little items everywhere I turned, it was tough to keep a tight grip on my wallet. Now that the store has e-commerce available (www.henribendel.com), its the perfect place to buy gifts for friends or stocking stuffers.

Adorable and incredibly soft earmuffs, my favorite winter accessory, $68

(I refuse to ridge my freshly straightened hair with a winter hat)

Jewelry bag for travel, something you never think about until your

necklaces are tangled or an earring is bent, $55

I don't even own a pet, and this little bowl had me melting, $30

Who would want to fold this scarf?

I keep picturing it framed on my wall as a work of art, $58

Copy Cat

I despise everything about Jenny Humprey, the character as well as the girl who simply portrays her on TV.  BUT Eric Daman, the stylist from Gossip Girl, definitely knows his shiz. My girl Aubree and I agreed that the one good thing about her which ALMOST detracted from those God Awful extensions was this really fun sweater from Alice + Olivia. $365 from Net-a-Porter, currently sold out on ShopBop. 

Brrrrr

1. Juicy Couture Faux Fur Jacket, $269
2. MICHAEL Michael Kors Faux Fur Trim Puffer, $159
3. Mara Hoffman Shawl Wrap Coat, $660
4. TULLE Long Belted Coat, $115
5. MICHAEL Michael Kors Belted Camel Wool Trench, $250

Winter coats - we all need them. But who wants to be boring in black or built like the Michelin man (unable to put your hands at your side)? Not. I. So I have picked my favorite coats to snuggle up.

I love love love me a faux fur chubby.  Sometimes a cropped fur jacket can channel more Jenny from the Block and less every day wear, but I think this one from Juicy is adorable.  It looks super warm and perfect for nights out or a day full of errands. 

For the puffer, I say the MICHAEL Michael Kors jacket (that everyone and their neighbor has) is the best buy. There is a reason its so popular, it is warm and actually fairly slimming. I have the above version from Bluefly, but you can also get a similar one from Macy's for $120, act now!!

For color, I threw in the purple Tulle jacket. Two years ago I bought an emerald green wool Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket and I have yet to regret the high price tag. I get a MILLION compliments on my chic coat, and it doesn't matter that it won't go with all colors, the coat makes (and covers) the outfit no matter what. You don't have to be boring in black.

The Mara Hoffman coat I die for and wish I could make an addtion to my closet, but alas, I have no need for it this time around. Maybe next winter. Just had to put it up for all the bloggersphere to collectively swoon at its coziness.

Website I Love

I was lucky enough to meet Hanneli Mustaparta during Fashion Week when I was a minion stuck at the door for check-in. She is a stunning former model who takes street style photos of high fashion names, my favorite. Hanneli was so sweet and I couldn't help but admit my love for her blog. Normally I would try not to geek out so hard to someone I recognize, but she was so gracious and happy to learn I was a follower. All the pictures are of herself and friends in expensive designer or cheap vintage threads.

Hanneli has been everywhere lately, she was all over the Fashion Week scene and showing up in Vogue. Doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous and impossibly thin, but what a wonderful life she has, simply from a blog about pictures of interesting fashionistas.

Sigh, I have high hopes for this blog.

Obsession of the Moment

I tend to be a pretty plain dresser. I'm not so creative as, say, Emily from fav blog Cupcakes and Cashmere. My outfits aren't always inventive or colorful and I'm constantly looking for an easy way to tszuj up an ensemble. (Side note, I remember Carson Kressley from Queer Eye always used tszuj in reference to boosting an outfit a bit, adding a little oopmph. I had to google its exact spelling, who knew the spelling was quite so ridiculous)

I can't stop thinking about the Charmer boots from Kelsi Dagger.  These shoes are the ultimate for me right now.  Laser cut leather to look like snakeskin, they hit above the knee and are so sexy even without a high heel.  Any outfit I throw together with this pair will seem instantly cool and pulled together. Add these boots with a tunic and leggings, you'd swear I was a Kardashian (oh yes I went there, judge away).  You can get them now on sale in black for $196, they also come in dark brown and cognac at other retailers like Piperlime and Endless. I'm stuggling to decide what color to get!

Currently my credit card is on a spending freeze to keep priorities in check, like paying for health insurance and a recently purchased mattress. But that's no fun, its much more enjoyable to picture myself purchasing these boots and frolicking around the city.

Saving Lives For Fashion

I walked outside the other day wearing my (faux) fox fur vest and was very excited about my bomb.com outfit.  A woman watching her dog defecate in the street uttered "UUCCHHH" in a really disgusted tone, and naturally I imagined it was in reaction to her foul little creature. I heard her ask as I passed, "Is that real fur?" I gladly turned around, grinning like an idiot, and shared excitedly, "Nope! Totally fake, was only $80 from Rachel Zoe for QVC," thinking I was dropping some stellar insider fashion knowledge. I look up to see her face and realize her disgusted tone was directed at ME, not the mangy mutt.  "Thank God, thought I'd have to run out and grab some red paint," she quipped. Naturally, since I'm a sassy priss, I gave a big ol' fake smile and sashayed off.  Almost pissing off a Peta member,  now THAT'S how you know you bought a great fake fur. True story.

You can get my faux fox fur vest here from QVC.com, they also have a really cute one in coyote that I also dig.

small tip: the vest tends to shed big time, but I spray hairspray around the areas where my arms rub the vest and it kept the shedding minimal.



Fall Shopping at Forever 21

Cross Over Jacket - $37.80; Oversize Collar Jacket - $39.80; Contrast Lapel Jacket - $29.80

Army Green Twill Pant - $24.80; Zipper Trim Pant - $17.80; Knitted Sweater Legging - $14.80

Braid Trim Boot - $32.80; Studded Peeptoe Clogs - $34.80; Workman Laceup Bootie - $27.80

Boot Camp

As the weather turns frigid up north, I'm forced to accept the next six months with my legs covered and embracing boots. I have been looking at the boots in my closet lately and wondering why I wasted money on a few cheapies instead of consolidating the money into one luxe pair. Definitely missing from my line up are tall wedge and over the knee flat boots to dress up my day looks. Though I can probably only afford one new pair this time around, there are a few pairs that have caught my eye.

Clockwise from left:

MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Calista Vicuna' - $295

Kelsi Dagger 'Hattie' - $240

See By Chloe 'SB15063'- $475

Chinese Laundry 'Nitro' - $79

DV by Dolce Vita 'Bronson' - $159.50

Chloe Cutout Leather Boots - $1,295