A Seasonal Update

Early in September, I made a deal with my husband. The deal was that I was going to purchase a bag and pair of boots that I was MADLY IN LOVE WITH (to the tune of a few hundred dollars-no small purchase understandably) and in exchange, I would not be purchasing another pair of shoes or bag until January 1, 2016 (you can bet your top and bottom dollar that I have a pair of shoes picked out for my new year purchase).

This deal was made in conjunction with a desire to have only things that I LOVE in my life. For me, it was a bit nerve wracking to think that I would not bring another bag or shoe into my wardrobe until the new year, but honestly, it's been freeing. Now, I don't even waste time looking at new bags/shoes because I feel really fulfilled with what I have. As an undiagnosed shopaholic, I'm very surprised to be sharing these words, but I think this could become a new way of life for me. I experienced the same feeling of freedom when I stopped eating meat and started purchasing only cruelty free products. When your choices are limited, it's so much easier to a. make a decision and b. stay on track with clear cut yes/no "rules".

Novel concept: buying 1 pair of shoes and 1 bag per season to freshen things up and to ensure you only buy what you love. I highly recommend giving it a try!

You're probably wondering what shoes and bag I grabbed, right?

Coach SHADOW Crossbody 

Donald J Pliner "Volt" Boot 

*Editor's Note: In the end I returned the boots. I loved them, but I had a really hard time pairing them with pants that I already own due to the higher piece of leather around the ankle in the front. With the whole philosophy of having only items that I love, I had to let them go. I loved them, but I wasn't going to wear them. In their place, I purchased a pair of custom Adidas sneakers that I will be sharing soon!

Week Long Style Challenge

I would say that I am generally a stylish person, though not so much a slave to fashion. Most days you can expect to find me in a pretty neutral/casual outfit with killer accessories. I really subscribe to the thought that style is more of a way of life rather than a particular outfit. That being said, my "style" is often lost in the details and can easily be described as "subtly stylish".

Last week, I decided to challenge myself a bit sartorially. Everyday I asked myself what I would wear to lunch with my most stylish friends. The answer to that question follows below!

Monday (8/10)

 

 


Skirt; Zara (similar) / Tee; J. Crew / Necklace;  Stella and Dot / Sandals; Birkinstock

Tuesday (8/11)

 

Jacket; old (similar) / Dress; Red23 via The Fig Leaf / Scarf; Proenza Schouler (similar) / Bag; Zara (similar) / Sneakers; Converse

Wednesday (8/12)

 

 

Tank; (Red23 via The Fig Leaf) / Pants; byCSM / Sandals (similar) / Tote; City + Cargo / Sunglasses (similar)

Thursday (8/15)

-Skipped because I was running late in the morning and this outfit sucked.

Friday (8/14)

 

Blouse; (similar) / Jeans: a.n. designs via The Fig Leaf / Sandals (similar) /
Silver bracelet; Stella and Dot / Black bracelet; Cruciani / Gold Cuff: Coordinates Collection

Canadian Casual

 I wore this casual outfit for a day of shopping in downtown Kingston. With weather being unpredictable at times in Ontario, I was comfortable for most of the day in my loose tank and layered the flannel on top as the day cooled off.

Normally my husband shoots my outfits (begrudgingly), but I tapped my little (is 19 still little?) sister to take these shots while we were away and I have to say, she understands my creative direction alot better than Jon does (sorry babe, it's a fact). If only she wasn't living 20 mins away from me and busy with her own life. sigh.

[Clutch; Sandals (similar)]

From Top- [Love Bangle; Pave Bangle; Railroad Spike Cuff; Black Enamel Cuff (similar); D Cuff (similar)]

[Jeans (similar)

Flannel Button Down Shirt

4

Last week Jon and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary, which many people know to be our 3rd since we were quietly married at the courthouse a year before our wedding.

We kept it very simple-both of us worked that day- with the exception that my husband surprised me with flowers over lunch at the store. We had been meaning to go out a noodle bar together (he's a big fan and I've always wanted to give it a try) so we chose David Chang's Momofuku Noodle Bar as the site for our anniversary dinner.

Dinner was amazing following an hour + wait time-it was so worth it.

I felt amazing in the outfit that I picked out. This jersey dress was so comfortable and had a draped silky overlap that covers any lumps and bumps that one may have. My sandals were light and easy to walk in and my new bag from London made me feel pulled together and ladylike. I would happily wear this outfit everyday if I could (in fact I threw it back on the next morning to wear to work).

Dress (red23 via The Fig Leaf), Sandals (old, similar)

Weekend Wear

On Saturday night I met my friends for dinner and drinks at Egan & Sons in Montclair and they were kind enough to snap a few pics of my outfit. I won't lie to you, I was really feeling this outfit. I was comfortable and still felt dressed up a bit. I'm surprised to even write this, but this cargo vest has moonlighted as part of an Axl Rose costume and has been worn several times since as part of my everyday attire. 

Vest (Similar), Tank (Similar), White Jeans (a.n. Designs via The Fig Leaf), Sandals (Old, similar), Sunglasses (Similar)

Snakeskin

My love affair with snakeskin has spanned several years and even resulted in a tattoo on my right ankle. I've had this skirt for over a year, just waiting for the right occasion to bust it out. An afternoon in church for a confirmation might not seem appropriate to all-my husband lovingly pointed out that the devil was represented by a snake-but the way I see it, church is about coming as you are. Plus, I don't follow any rules but my own. 

I was desperately trying to save this unbelievably soft sweater tank for my upcoming trip to London, but I couldn't resist pairing it with this slighty too tight pencil skirt!

Sunglasses (Free People), Tank (Red23 via The Fig Leaf), Skirt (Old, Similar), Bag (Vintage Gucci), Cuff (Baublebar)

MDWear

Happy Memorial Day from my outfit to yours! I'm too excited to bust out my favorite thrifted denim shorts for today's feativities!

MDW Scores

I feel like I have been working like a mad woman. I mentioned in my last post that I've put more time and effort into my new job than ever before (and I'm loving it), but it has definitely taken a bit of a toll on me-I'm exhausted! The good news is that I did not realize that MDW was upon us and I was so delightfully surprised last week when I realized that I would have this Monday off! In addition to a much appreciated day off and some time to reflect on those amazing men and women that served for our freedom is the amazing sales that most retailers offer on this glorious weekend.

I spend a lot less time on the computer in my new role which means I am no longer trolling websites for sales and "next up" purchases, so now, online shopping has become a real treat and one that I indulged in quite a bit this morning. I made 3 purchases (J Crew, Forever 21, and Old Navy), see below for what was worthy of me forking over my hard earned cash!

Current Obsession-Brown Bagging

I saw these clutches on the Forever 21 Instagram sometime last week and loved them immediately but decided to be financially responsible and not order one. A bad day at work coupled with the onset of a cold prompted me to throw caution to the wind and order the white version (a big deal for me, considering black is an option). You really can't go wrong, it cost me $30 with regular shipping and arrived in 2 days, I'm a happy camper (and my cold is on the way out)!

Bags available here. 

Grown Up Friendship Bracelets

Recently, I've become obsessed with and inspired by Katherine Power, co-founder of WhoWhatWear, Domaine Home, and Byrdie Beauty. From what I can tell from stalking her instagram she frequently wears Monica Vinader's Baja chain bracelet (starting at $315) in the grey agate. While I feel more drawn to the Lapis in gold, there's no denying how gorgeous and wearable this piece is! Honestly, my hardest choice here is deciding which color I need. 

Shop Bazaar Lusts

Every once in a while, I pretend that I have an unlimited budget and add all forms of designer nonsense to my shopping cart. Here is what I'm dying for from Shop Bazaar! Hint Hint; one of the above pictured items may actually find its way into my life! 

Mark and Graham

I showed some love for the Mark and Graham Suede Boho Bag in this post and my desire to own this tote has only increased. Of course, I added myself to the M & G email list to receive news and hopefully coupons to use towards this tote. They've been sending some beautiful emails my way and I'm becoming more and more interested in all of their pieces- I have a HUGE weak spot for monograms!

Doesn't it all look sooooo cozy? I could honestly see myself in every single one of the below pieces!

• Brass Monogram Cuff [$150] 
• Suede Boho Bag [$129]
• Wool Tweed Cowl [$49]
• Short Brimmed Wool Hat [$79]
• Women's Italian Leather Classic Gloves [$115]
• Suede Boho Envelope Clutch [$59]

In Celebration of the Half-Tuck

I've really started to embrace the idea of dressing for myself-of dressing in a way that makes me feel like me. Every article that I've ever read has told me to dress my busty body in a more tailored top to keep me from looking larger than I am. There is nothing that I love to wear more than a loose button down shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbows, with a half tuck into skin tight or boyfriend jeans. I just love the look of a collar and rolled sleeves paired with a masculine watch.

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This little miss has style and sass for days-love her! 

To that end, every time I exercise one of the above mentioned outfit choices, I make sure to tuck my left front flap tightly into my jeans, ensuring that the line of my shirt matches up perfectly with my fly. I was recently told that while presenting at work, I balance authority and casualness really well and I attribute this completely to my excessive use of the half-tuck (which is really the mullet of professional dressing). I've made several lifelong commitments thus far and the newest of which is to immortalize the half-tuck, one outfit at a time.