January 31, 2012

Weekend Wear: Snake Skin





 Shirt: Zara
Jeans: Zara
Boots: Urban Outfitters
Jacket: Michael Kors
Vest: Ebay
Bag: c/o R&Em
Necklaces: Forever21 and Aldo
Rings: H&M
Bracelets: Juicy Couture, DIY studded friendship, and gifted layered bracelets

Saturday night we went out to celebrate my co-worker's birthday. I had picked up these snake skin printed jeans from Zara since they were on sale. I've never been a fan of snake skin print but lately I def. have been feeling this print a lot more (if done right). I just loved the way these jeans felt and looked. They are super soft and have the worn in feel which goes with the worn look they have.

What do you think of the snake skin print?

January 30, 2012

DIY: Studded Friendship Bracelet

One day I was doing my usual online browsing when I came across Urban Outfitters Studded Friendship Bracelet. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that they were trying to sell this bracelet for $14! I loved the idea of this bracelet but was not willing to drop $14 on it when I knew I could do it myself for much less (I already have the friendship bracelet floss)...so what did I do. Order some studs online and DIYed it!

What you'll need: 

- Embroidery Floss (12 set from Blick Art $5.99)
- Studs (bought mine from StudsandSpikes.com for $2.06 for the Standard English 77 cones bag of 50)
- Safety pin
- Something to pin your bracelet to like a pillow...your jeans that you are wearing...whatever is easiet for you so that it doesn't move when making your bracelet. 
- Scissors


1. Start with friendship bracelet pattern. I started with a Chevron pattern bracelet. If you need a to learn how to make them I used this site...if you're more a visual person this video is also very helpful (there are  a lot of sites out there trust me I had to look them all up to relearn how to make them). Make sure to pin down your bracelet to a working station. **Remember to measure out your bracelet as you go along to the size of your wrist**




2. Once you have your bracelet measured out tie the ends and cut the extra floss off...leave enough tail behind to be able to tie it around your wrist.




3. Before pushing your studs through figure out where you want to place them.


4. Once you figured out your placement start studding! Remember to push the backs in if you are using push pin ones.


VIOLA! You have a studded friendship bracelet.




Just an FYI this is probably something that won't take you one day to do unless you really sit down and do it OR have fast fingers. Making friendship bracelets is a great project to do while traveling, that's for sure!


What do you guys think of this DIY? Are you going to give it a try? 

January 28, 2012

Outfit Post: Date Night



Shirt: American Apparel
Sweater: Ann Taylor
Skirt: H&M
Coat: Elie Tahari
Tights: American Apparel
Shoes: H&M
Bag: Zara



The boyfriend and I had our date night last night on the east side (hence the photos in front of the Bloomingdale's window) at a steakhouse that was participating in restaurant week. The bf and I try to have date nights at least once a month. It's nice to just have that time together outside of the apartment since usually when we are home we are both usually working on other stuff. It's a;so nice to reconnect and not over the DVR. I think it's so important to have that time together. This is the reason why I dislike Valentine's Day. I think if you are with someone that you love you should always make time for that person and show that you love them everyday. It shouldn't be one day out of the year. Relationships are hard and are work but if you love someone then you'll want to make the special time for them. I always look forward to our date nights.

January 27, 2012

Friend Friday: New Trends

Have you guys missed Friend Friday? I miss it but the community has now changed up it's course and we are doing question once a month, fourth Friday of every month. 


This Friday is all about New Trends and let me tell you I can not wait for this spring's trend. Even so excited that I might have already started breaking them out. WOOPS! What can I say I'm just a sucker for color....and wishing for warm weather!


FRIEND FRIDAY: NEW TRENDS


1. With Fashion week just around the corner, we are all beginning to focus on the upcoming trends for fall. But what about the trends hitting stores now? What are you coveting? 



Pastel Heaven


SPRING!!! I'm LOVING the pastel and brights for this Spring season. Pastels are my favorite...they are girly, feminine and romantic yet can still be dressed with harder pieces. Some pieces I'm really wanting is the Karen Walker Peg Sunglasses in Neon Orange/Cream and Lela Rose Reversible jacket (and since I don't thousands of dollars to drop on a jacket I'll take the Ann Taylor jacket).

I'm also loving the tribal prints...you can read all about my obsession with it from in my Inspirational Monday post (here).

2. How do you incorporate new trends into your wardrobe? 
Since trends tend to come and go I like to buy pieces that will become a stable in my closet. Like with pastels I know that with a simple button down pastel shirt- I will wear that again and again. Plus liking trends that will stick around often helps. I try not to buy pieces that are just "fad trends" and will go out of style. Like crop tops- I'm not going to go out and buy a bunch of crop tops since I feel like this can be out very quickly also I don't like exposing that much of my stomach out in the streets of NYC. If I do fall in love with a trend that might go out (maybe the color jean trend?) I won't splurge on an expensive piece I'll go to stores like H&M or Forever21 and buy it for less. But you can never go wrong with going for basics of your favorite trend.


3. What trend are you seeing and not loving? 
As Style.com called it the "Cristobal Method." Okay some that fall into this category I can get into like Jason Wu and Jil Sander but some of the other dresses that have the fish tail bottom like Dries Van Noten I just can't. It seems so outdated to me...and not flattering. Also I love drop waist dresses but I don't know many woman that ACTUALLY look good in them. For the "real" woman we don't look too flattering in them since sometimes they tend to make us look wider then we really are. I know I do. 


4. Do you feel the pressure to constantly update your closet with the latest trends? 
Pressure no. Do I want to? Yes. I don't feel a pressure from the outside world or from even being a fashion blogger to keep my wardrobe up to date. But I can't look at collections without finding something that I WANT to have....or well want to steal for a bit less. 


5. Where do you find inspiration that takes the trend and makes it accessible to you and your personal taste?
I must say stores like H&M, Zara, and Forever21 make it easy to take a trend and make it a lot more accessible not only money wise but for my own personal taste. They more so have in mind the everyday woman or girl who goes into their store looking for the latest trend. Meanwhile keeping their body, style, and budget in mind. Also if your crafty doing your own DIY projects often help...esp when it comes to accessories. If you see it on a store shelf or in a collection you can often make it for a lot less then they are selling it for. It's nice when you can say that you did it yourself. 



Want to Participate in Friend Friday? Check out Modlychic's blog for all the info!!

January 25, 2012

A Lesson in Wearing a Button Down with a Maxi Skirt

We've seen the maxi skirt with sweaters, t-shirts, tank-tops, crop tops, and bandeau tops. Celebrities like Jessica Alba, Diana Agron, and Kim Kardashian have been spotted out and about in their maxi skirt paired with a button down top.

 photo from people.com

With a button down top you can express different looks: the casual look, work appropriate, and going out. Like button downs maxi skirts can be worn in different ways to express different looks. Here's a mini guide on dressing maxi skirts:



Casual Dressing:
How To Wear Button Downs with a Maxi: Casual Dressing



Start with a top that is casual looking like a chambray, denim or even a plaid top (if doing a basic maxi skirt). To pull off the Jessica Alba look make sure it's a top that you can tie in the front. Sometimes maxi skirts can make us look smaller then we really all so to give you some height but still keep it casual looking pair the look up with a pair of wedge booties like the ones from H&M pictured above. Keep your accessories just as effortless as you look do a basic nude satchel like the ASOS leather bag ($90).

Business Casual:

How to wear a button down with a maxi



Maxi skirts are perfect to take to the office since they are quite modest...if you aren't doing a sheer maxi (make sure of that!). Pair your maxi up with a simple button down top but if you're to scared of looking to Amish (sorry Amish) take your look to new heights with a printed button down like the H&M polka dotted top. If you are doing darker top and button brighten your look my introducing playful colors. Don't go to bright since you don't want to shock the look to much but try pastel colors and light bright pieces like the Zara Two Tone Platform ($90).

Date Night:
Maxi: Date Night



A sheer maxi skirt is exactly the little peek-a-boo show you can give your date. It's just enough sex appeal without giving it all away. Play with soft colors like a pink pastel skirt like the one from Threadsence ($32). Keep your button down just as light and playful, mix in lace and pastels like the Yesstyle top. Keep your accessories nude to not over bear the whole look. This look is also great for Valentines Day!

Okay so they aren't the first gals to wear button downs with maxi skirts I did rock my chambray shirt with a printed maxi skirt back in August (see the post here):

But seeing these ladies rocking the look helped encourage that it's a great way to mix up a maxi skirt and get more mileage out of your button downs.

What do you think about this look?

January 24, 2012

Weekend Wear: Reindeer Kisses






Shirt: T by Alexander Wang
Cardigan: Target
Skirt: H&M
Coat: Elie Tahari
Tights: Zara
Socks: Urban Outfitters
Boots: DV by Dolce Vita
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Necklaces: Marc by Marc Jacobs
This is what I wore to my Grandma's surprise 80th birthday party on Sunday. Being that her party was held at my aunts house and it was a Sunday (I don't usually dress up on Sundays) I went with something relaxed and comfortable. These socks from Urban Outfitters were a new pick up since they are having buy two pairs for $20 and since I seem to be lacking a lot of just basic wardrobe needs I picked up two pairs. I mean how could you pass these up? They are way to adorable!!

What is your usual Sunday wardrobe like?

January 23, 2012

Inspirational Monday: Tribal Prints

Tribal






I've always been a fan of the tribal print trend but it really kicked into full gear after seeing Nicole Miller's Indego Africa Shorts (a collobration that she has done with Indego Africa). I NEED to get my hands on these shorts...it's a MUST! I can't believe they are only $65! That's an amazing price for a Nicole Miller piece and for something SO beautiful. I love all the other prints that these shorts come in, but I really can't get enough of the one featured above. It's so perfect for my trip that I have planned to Punta Canta and to run around in NYC in during the summer. Also the Mara Hoffman embroidered top (also featured above) is to DIE for! At $207 it's a little steep for my bank account-- which doesn't stop me from drooling over it. Combined the Mara Hoffman top with the Nicole Miller bottoms and you got yourself tribal perfection! I'm now in the midst of trying to find the perfect bathing suit-- even though I saw that Oracle Fox (<-- I want to live her life..beachy boho living in Australia! YES PLEASE) teamed up with Billabong to do a line and I'm loving the one the Mandy bathing suit  and the Gyspetty shorts. *drools* I'm going to have to hit up Billabong closer to my trip.


What do you think about the tribal prints? 

January 21, 2012

Activist Eyewear X Alfred Julius

Back in December I was invited to go to an event by Activist Eyewear for their launch of their collaboration project with Alfred Julius....bowties + sunglasses who could pass up on that....WELL unfortunately work has been crazy busy for me and I spend most nights in the office on the weekdays then outside so I had to miss the launch party. Thankfully the Creative Director at Activist Eyewear, Mark Craig, shot me over the lookbook to share with you guys! Just hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen because ladies I'm sure you are going to want your man in these shades and bowties and guys prepare to shell out some cash.


 



The whole idea behind this collaboration is fantastic to me. I love that it's branding a name that has just launched, Alfred Julius, with an eyewear company that looks at the bigger picture. Activist Eyewear isn't only just about making sunglasses but are about making sunglasses fit for you. They have crafted form fitting technology which they call Split Fit (so that you don't feel the weight of your sunglasses just on your ears or the bone behind your ear) and they also custom design nose pads (each frame has a different type of padding for the right amount of softness and grip). They also take in consideration of your glasses being well kept. Their case is made of waxed canvas and "with a double-snap closure and a neoprene gasket to seal out dirt..." (activisteyewear.com) and their microfiber handkerchiefs are not only meant for keeping your glasses clean but also your pockets colorful and bright. Now with this collaboration your neck can get in on the fun with a funky bow tie.

I'll be honest I'm in TOTAL love with this man in the lookbook. If I saw him sitting across from me on the train I would def. stare at him...because I'm a creeper like that and I love well dressed people....I'm also in love with the Walkabout frames (second picture on the right)! The lens are out of this world. It's a nice twist on your usual aviators.

So where can you buy this combo: ActivistEyewear.com or if you live in New York the Tina Catherine Eyewear and Optical Boutique.

What do you guys think of the combo?

Now I leave you with a video from the event.

January 18, 2012

Peachy Jeans Part 2

A few months back I did a post on how to get the peachy jeans trend look for less (you can read it here)-- which from then on I have found myself on a colored jeans kick. Mostly obsessed with nabbing a pair of peachy pink jeans then finally I found not ONE but TWO pairs of pink toned jeans that I fancied for myself (it only took me 6 months...). One pair from H&M and another from Forever21.

Being that I can't wear both jeans at the same time unless I did a photoshoot-- but since I'm short on time these days you'll just have to see them one at a time on my daily outfit post. So here is how I went about styling my Forever21 jeans (similar pair here).






Sweater: H&M
Jeans: Forever21
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Ring: Forever21
Bracelets: Juicy Couture and gifted wrapped bracelet
Sunglasses: No Name (from NYC street vendor)


I took my own winter twist to the summer peachy jeans by pairing them up with my newly bought H&M sweater and my year old Litas with chunky wool socks. Threw on a beanie to give it a downtown feel but also to keep my head warm in the 30 degree New York weather. To not just keep it so basic I put on my big Forever21 gold ring, Juicy Couture Bracelet, and a another gifted bracelet. This has become my new favorite outfit along with being one of the most comfortable ones too. Told you I was digging the bright colors this winter.

What do you guys think about these colored jeans?

January 17, 2012

Outfit Post: Shopping Spree





 Coat: Elie Tahri
Sweater: H&M
Shirt: American Apparel
Shorts: H&M
Boots: Urban Outfitters

Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Sunglasses: Ray Bans
Socks: The Gap
Tights: H&M

Yesterday I went on a mini shopping spree with my giftcards and money that I got for Christmas. Thank you family and work! I hit up the Alexander Wang store where I had the hardest time-- if you've been reading this blog for awhile you know I'm crazy obsessed with A. Wang and his bags. I've had my eye on the Rocco bag ever since it came out but since I had this money in my pocket since Christmas I had been seriously thinking of spending it all and then some on this bag or the Diego bag. I did however do some heavy investigation into both these bags before going to the A. Wang store I went to Barneys Coop to check them out and after feeling them I really had second thoughts. These bags are BEAUTIFUL but practicality seriously comes into play. These are HEAVY bags (which I guess is why the have such a big price tag). So with this in mind I still strolled into A. Wang and headed straight to the bags looking them all over picking each one up and testing them. I honestly came VERY close to buying the Black Angela Clutch bag....my problem is it isn't an every day bag and online kinda fakes you out-- it looks like it can zipper from the top side but it's more cylinder and really opens weird. It came down this bag and the Zest Hoodie Poncho. Which one would I use more? (since I loved both and did have a serious commitment problem...I almost bought both). But as usual it came down to being practical and use. I already know that I'm going to live in the hoodie. It's so comfy and has that lime green that I love. Can't lie though- I do sort of wish I bought both. WAH damn me and my practical thinking! I'm thinking that I can save on each of my paychecks and I still have some money left over I might have to go back and buy it *break down*

Anyway then went to Bloomingdales where I found a poncho-esqu t-shirt from DVF in the most perfect bubble gum pink shirt! Yes more brights! I tried it on and instant love! It felt so spring! You can see what I looked in both here and here (gotta love changing room photos!). O the shopping didn't just stop there then had to spend my Sephora gift card on some much needed make up (blush, eyeliner, and eye-shadow). Then Victoria Secrets was my last stop and as I thought VS would they pissed me off. First and foremost why do they they think everyone is a B cup and up! They have VERY limited bras in A cups (yes ladies and gentlemen I am a A cup and proud of it!). This trip reminded me why I hate bra shopping and why I dislike VS so much.

Here is a picture of the goodies:


When you go shopping for investment pieces do you thinking about practicality?

January 16, 2012

Inspirational Monday: Beanies

Beanies



Is there anything I love more then beanies? Probably not. Beanies are my favorite winter accessory by far. Even though I need more of them in my life. They are totally comfortable and give any look a cool edgy effect.What can I say I'm a sucker for comfort...and hats. The slouchier the beanie the better it is (ie the All Saints Trek Beanie). With beanies you can pair them up with a total relaxed look or even a cute little dress.

Are you guys suckers for beanies too?

January 13, 2012

Chloe Pre-Fall 2012

Chloe Pre Fall 2012



Designer Clare Waight Keller of the line Chloe once again killed it in her Pre-Fall 2012 Collection. Straight cut lines, timeless and classic pieces, feminine, and versatile clothing. I can't express enough how much I love this collection. When looking through collections I always look for pieces that stand out and have a timeless effect to them. This especially holds true when looking for an investment piece, I want something that won't just die but something that will stand the test of time...and trends. Pieces in her collection that stood out the most to me were the pastel yellow over-sized blazer, red pants, the cigarette pants cut, fur vest, clean long white dress and the over-sized knit sweater. These pieces are not only stand the test of trends but also are completely versatile. As I get older and spend more days in the office then outside I often look for pieces that can go from the office to weekend wear. Take the over-sized red knit sweater: paired with a skinny pants and high heels you have your office ready look (ie the look Keller paired it with) but for a weekend wear you can pair the knit with skinny jeans or cut-offs. Okay okay the white long dress is a little harder to pull of for everyday wear but I believe every woman should have some grown up pieces in their closet. This dress can become a staple or your go to dress when you have a dressy event. The fun part about this dress is that it is a clean slate so you can play around with your accessories like switching out different belts and playing with jewelry: going from chunky pieces to feminine jewels. This collection is a great jump start to what I'm sure will be an amazing Fall 2012.

What do you think of the Chloe Pre-Fall 2012 collection?

January 11, 2012

How to Wear Neons in the Winter

During September Fashion Week you couldn't flip through street style blogs without spotting someone like Miroslava Dum and Shiona Turini in bright neons. I'm sure many of us have put away our bright clothing in exchange of the winter darks, but with the neon trend you just might want to dig out that neon skirt.
How to Wear Neons in the Winter







Romwe Puff sleeve top, $26.99
ASOS body con skirt, $18
Opaque stocking, $9.99
TopShop high heel boots, $124


Wearing neons during the winter is not as tricky as you might think. When wearing bright colors during the winter months you might want to tone it down a notch...so with that in mind pair up your neons with nude and neutral colors. A nude knitted sweater like the Romwe Puff Sleeve Top ($26.99) added with a neon bottom can give the whole look a winter feel do to it's chunkyness. Knitted sweaters are the essential winter piece that can pretty much go with anything. Sticking with the rule of dark accessories still with black tights and black booties. If you want to add pops of color play around with colorful small accessories like the TNA belt from Aritzia ($20...on sale in store). Doing a belt over a sweater and skirt can also help show off your shape by show casing your hips. There is no need to hide your figure in chunky knits!

Here is my take on the look:



Sweater: Romwe
Skirt: ASOS
Belt: TNA from Aritzia
Shoes: Deena and Ozzy from Urban Outfitters
Tights: H&M
Have a pose account? HEART my neon look here.

What do you think of neon for winter? Will you give it a try?

PS. If your looking for some neon skirts here are a few of my favorite from ASOS: here, here, here, and here.

January 10, 2012

Outfit Post: The Classic Look





 Sweater: J.Crew
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Shirt: H&M

Coat: Elie Tahari
Shoes: Target
Tights: H&M
Bag: c/o R&Em

Sunglasses: No Name (bought from a NYC street vendor) 
Necklace: H&M


What is more classic then Ann Taylor and J.Crew? Both companies are extremely classic and hard to top when they come to feminine adult preppy pieces. They fit into everyday life style and into your work wardrobe as well...who doesn't love versatility! When I crave a little prep in my step I turn to these two labels to give me preppiness that I need. This skirt was another pick up that I got while I was on a mini shopping binge at Ann Taylor (also another item that was on sale!). The pairing of this skirt and sweater just came naturally. A little bit a sparkle and a whole lot of color.
Fashionista New York Girl © . Design by FCD.