Three Ways: Valentine's Day

I stumbled across these beautiful shoes from Zara and immediately started thinking about how surprisingly versatile sandals like this would be. 

Zara Trf High-Heeled Sandals ($59.90)

They'd be absolutely perfect for Valentine's Day, no matter what your plans might be. Here's how I would wear these shoes for a great night out:

Pink and red are obvious choices for a romantic Valentine's Day look, but why not stand out in a super feminine black and white palette? This lace dress is demure but sexy, and it would look amazing peeking out of a dreamy little coat. I love these dangly earrings for a little extra sparkle.

You can add your pop of red with pretty flushed cheeks and then finish with sheer pink gloss and a few dabs of highlighter.

OK, maybe you just can't imagine not wearing red on Valentine's Day. I'd go with something a little different like this flirty midi skirt. You don't need much more than a fitted sweater and a great necklace (and the fabulous Zara shoes!) to put together a fashion-forward look that's perfect for dinner, dancing, or just strolling around town making everyone totes jelly.

I'd play up my eyes with lots of lashes (maybe even a few false ones). And I'd definitely go with a lip stain if you want red lips and you also want to do lots of smooching.

So maybe you won't be spending your Valentine's Day being wined and dined by the love of your life. Me neither -- but that doesn't mean I won't be having fun!

This is exactly what I want to wear as a single girl out and about on a day made for couples. This would be perfect for a night with friends...maybe dinner and a drinks at a fun bar. I'd want something totally comfortable but not sloppy, like a soft jacket and relaxed jeans. The shirt would definitely be a conversation starter...and in the event I meet a potential Mr. Peacoat, he should know right off the bat that this girl likes to eat.

A good chunky watch would be useful in case you're like me and may want to bail in time to catch House Hunters International. I'd stick with very low-key makeup -- fluffy lashes and the slightest hint of lip color (that coincidentally will keep my lips very very soft...).


Happy Valentine's Day...and however you choose to spend it, have fun and look fabulous!

Wednesday Wishlist: Perfect Everyday Bags

Confession time: I'm not really much of a handbag girl. Of course, I need to lug my stuff around so I have to have a few good options in my closet, but they're far from the most important part of my wardrobe. I don't need to have a different bag to match every mood, I don't really care about the latest it bag. For my everyday bag, I have a few very specific requirements: it has to be leather (or at least look like it), it has to be roomy but not bulky, and it should be easy to carry (nice long shoulder straps, and maybe a crossbody option).

I don't have a brand preference -- I generally avoid anything with logos and instead try to find bags that convey style and quality while staying kind of anonymous. These bags may share some details with of-the-moment bags (a little quilting here, a tassel there, etc.), but they are definitely not knockoffs. Theory just launched a line of bags and accessories and I love the way they described their aesthetic: "Unbranded is our brand". When it comes to bags, I'm happy to take mine unbranded.

Since my bags get a lot of use, I don't mind spending a little money for something I love. Here are some of my current favorites at around $200:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

1. Madewell Transport Tote ($168) -- A best-seller and blogger favorite. Even though this generally meets all of my perfect bag's qualifications, the Transport Tote didn't really catch my eye until I saw the black/cognac color combo. Boom: love. The price feels a bit high for me, so rather than wait for a deal I think I'll try the next best thing: raiding my mom's closet. My ever-chic mom was way ahead of the trend and picked up an almost identical Cynthia Rowley tote on sale at Marshalls...almost 2 years ago! I'm sure she'll be ready to retire it soon...

2. Vince Camuto Kat Convertible Satchel ($150, on sale) -- I love the shape of this bag. Marc Jacobs made it popular years ago, and for good reason -- you get a roomy bag that tucks neatly under your arm and goes with almost everything. The poppy red color is my favorite.

3. Deux Lux Basketweave Hobo Bag ($129, on sale) -- Deux Lux is one of my favorite brands for stylish and affordable bags. Even at full price they are pretty reasonable, but I often find great deals at TJ Maxx and flash sale sites like Hautelook. This one is clearly influenced by Bottega Veneta, giving it a modern but timeless feel.

4. Isaac Mizrahi Oversized Hobo Bag ($218) -- Just big and slouchy and great. The only issue is making sure you don't overload it and give yourself a hunchback, but this is perfect for the eternal Girl Scout who never likes to leave the house unprepared.

5. Boden Maida Vale Bag ($228) -- The most classic slouchy hobo shape in a really fresh color. Check out the other options, too -- the silver is great if you love a good metallic.

6. Deux Lux Drawstring Bucket Bag ($105) -- I gravitate towards totes and hobos, but a bucket bag is a fantastic and practical style that would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Keep the strap a little short or wear it crossbody to keep it from going too soccer mom.

7. Forever 21 Colorblock Faux Leather Tote ($30) -- If this looks as good in person as it does online, this is a steal! I love the color combo and the overall versatility of this bag. Forever 21 can be very hit or miss when it comes to handbags, but I've got my fingers crossed for this one.

Sunday Morning Finds: Ines de la Fressange for Uniqlo

Sunday mornings usually start with a long run (I am a back-of-the-pack runner who loves every painful, sweaty mile!), and then end with a lot of sitting and re-carbing. I grab my iPad and catch up blogs and head to some of my favorite sites to do some window/actual shopping. This morning, I wanted to share some favorite finds from a great designer collab.

Yesterday I got to spend the morning shopping in NYC. It was chilly and a little snowy and I was out and about early, so the stores were EMPTY. Seriously, it was perfection. I hit the huge Uniqlo flagship and stumbled upon some great pieces from their Ines de la Fressange spring collection. I feel like Uniqlo flies a little under the radar in blog world, but don't overlook this fantastic store. I'll do a broader Uniqlo post at some point...for now, let's honor our inner fabulous French girl.

Ines de la Fressange is a French model and style icon -- she was the darling of Chanel for many years and has, as you would imagine, that effortlessly chic and unmistakable French style. The Uniqlo collaboration captures a lot of the spirit of modern French style in pieces that could work within just about any closet. You don't want to look like you're wearing a costume or playing a character (remember when Brenda pretended to be French to pick up Dean Cain on Beverly Hills 90210? Yeah, that you don't want to do that), you just want to borrow a few of their best ideas. 

This line is full of some wonderful not-so-basic basics. Here are my favorites:

Cotton Twill Long Sleeve Shirt -- $34.90

What could be more classically French than the perfect white button-down shirt? This one looks relaxed and comfy but still tailored and feminine. You can spend a fortune on a great white button down, but if you're klutzy and spill-prone like me, you'll appreciate the very reasonable price of this one.

Silk Blend V Neck Sweater -- $39,90

I regret not picking this up yesterday because they are sold out of my size online. So simple but so elegant, right? And I love the idea of a year-round sweater -- I'd wear it with my heaviest wool trousers right now and over a tank and baggy shorts in the summer. Perfect.

Denim Relaxed Pants -- $39.90

In summer, I live in lightweight denim. I don't want to give up my jeans but can't bear the thought of thick, heavy denim so I look for fabrics (and styles) that are airy and cool. Done. 

Tote Bag -- $29.90

I love this collection because it proves that simple doesn't have to be boring. Check out the other color combos, too -- I can't decide which one I like best!

Packable Printed Parka -- $49,90

This is so genius. The lightest rain coat imaginable (seriously, you can fold it into a tiny pouch when you're not using it) in a slim cut and a subtle, chic print. I have the cutest bright yellow rubber rain shoes, and I feel like between the jacket and the shoes, I might have a cute enough rainy day ensemble to distract people from the inevitable frizz situation happening on top of my head.

Trench Coat -- $129.90

I'm on the hunt for a classic trench coat and this is a serious contender. This one is from the IDLF Fall collection, so it might be due for a price cut soon. There is no reason you wouldn't want to wear this 10 or even 20 years from now.

Wednesday Wishlist

On Wednesdays, I'll share a roundup of whatever I'm obsessing about at the moment. This week the weather has me thinking about just one thing: coats.

                                       one/two/three/four/five/six/seven

I have a lifelong problem of never being dressed appropriately for the weather. So much so that random people stop me on the street to ask why I'm not wearing the right coat/shoes/headgear. Utilitarian outerwear can be often be pretty ugly, but sometimes I imagine that if I just had the right (and very cute) options, I'd finally get my act together. So this week, I'm dreaming about coats. I did just add a gorgeous dress coat to my wardrobe, but now I need something that will serve me on a day-to-day basis.

I'm not the girl who can wear a white coat without getting it dirty, but of course, all of the coats that are tempting my itchy mouse finger are pale and not at all practical. Still, the heart wants what it wants, so let's take a look at some dreamy, creamy winter coats:

Zara Padded Jacket with Patterned Lining ($129) -- I own a similar quilted jacket from Old Navy and I love the style. Mine is perfect for winter in Florida, but I'd love this more substantial version for winter...well, anywhere else.

Wool Duffle Coat ($39.90, on sale) -- Uniqlo's take on a traditional duffle coat is simple but perfect. The end-of-season pricing means sizes are limited, but this is a steal if you can find yours. I love this rich camel color, but the cherry red would also be a favorite for years to come.

Princess Coat ($55, on sale) -- A coat fit for Kate Middleton herself. The lines are so very feminine and the color, a sort of mink-y greige, is perfection. Right now is a great time to score a deal on a coat, and this one is firmly on my maybe list.

Heritage Sweater-Sleeve Duffle Coat ($275) -- Just too impractical and just not a wardrobe priority, but lovely nonetheless. After first seeing it on Capitol Hill Style I have developed an irrational, unbridled love for this coat. It's kind of the way it happens, right? Reminds me of a time my college roommate was visiting me in New York City and we saw Lisa Loeb at Chelsea Market, looking perfectly adorable in an ivory pea coat. A few weeks later my roommate called to tell me she went out and bought a similar coat because she just couldn't stop thinking about it. Maybe every woman needs a winter white coat at least once in her life?

Luxe Fur Collar Coat ($217) -- For the Olivia Pope in you, because you need that shit to be HANDLED.

Ultra Light Down Compact Jacket ($59) -- An Ultra Light Down coat has been on my wish list for a while. I've avoided down because I could just never get on board with the idea of wearing what is essentially a full-sized sleeping bag as a winter coat, but Uniqlo has figured out a way to make warm down coats look sleek. The hardest part is figuring out which style and color to choose (there are tons!), but I'm leaning towards this pretty mauve.

Catharine Coat ($178.20, on sale) -- For the Queen Elsa of Arendelle in you, because you want to use your magic to brighten a dreary gray winter day.

What to Buy at Old Navy Right Now (and a Few Things to Avoid)

If you shopped at Old Navy at all in December you probably ended up with a few magical slips of paper known as Super Cash. You have a few days left this week to redeem them, so let's take a look at of the best options in store right now.

What to Buy...

Terry-Fleece Skater Dress -- $32

On the surface, this isn't the most exciting dress...but it has so much potential! I love a good skater dress, and fit can be tricky -- I'm tall but long-waisted, and so often a skater style dress hits me in the worst possible part of my leg (I've been eyeing this version from H&M with a touch of sparkle, but know I just can't do that much thigh). The above-the-knee length is perfect, and I'm a sucker for a great neutral black and white palette. I also love that it is short-sleeved: not too bulky under a sweater or jacket with just enough coverage in case I forget to do push-ups for a few days years.

Short-Sleeved Jumpsuit -- $35

Sometimes Old Navy surprises you with a chic little gem like this jumpsuit. Fit will be key here -- it needs to be nipped in but drapey in all of the right places, so try it on (and be honest with yourself!). But if it works, buy it immediately and thank yourself later. I would throw this in my suitcase for almost any trip, and it would easily become my favorite option for Saturday night drinks or Sunday brunch.

Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans -- $30

Old Navy has great jeans. Don't be scared off by the name -- the Rockstar skinny jeans work on a LOT of body types. And if you don't love this style, there are plenty of other cuts to try out. You can score some good deals on denim throughout the year, but Super Cash time is a perfect opportunity to stock up on a great basic.

Trendy Outerwear

I think Old Navy does outerwear pretty well -- this is a great time to add a fun little coat to your wardrobe, or try out something trendy on the cheap. I'd like to experiment with a field coat or anorak, and here the price is definitely right. The short trench reminds me of a jacket that a friend picked up at Zara years ago -- they only had her size and I've been coveting it ever since! And I already have two of these vests (the black one and the great striped version), but I still want the tomato red and cream colors. They are warm but not at all bulky. Definitely inspired by J. Crew's super popular slim puffer vests, but stylish enough that you don't feel like you're just wearing a knock off, you know? Also, you could buy about 10 of them for the cost of one at J. Crew (i.e. I'm trying to convince myself owning 4 isn't crazy, even though it is).

And What Not to Buy....

As I was browsing the website, I realized that someone at Old Navy is REALLY liking a tulip print right now:

I immediately put anything in this print on my Do Not Buy list. I mean, there's nothing wrong with the pattern, and some these pieces are just fine. But one of the dangers of shopping at a mega chain like Old Navy is that everyone else shops there, too, so you have to work a little harder to make these pieces your own.

This reminds me of particular Gap skirt that caught my eye a few years ago. I was even ready to pay full price for it, until I was walking through Union Square and noticed THREE different women in my line of sight wearing said skirt. They weren't together but they all happened to be walking in the same direction. And I thought, "Would I want to be #4 in line in this bizarre parade?" No, no I wouldn't.

So Old Navy may have decided that this season we're all wearing tulips, but I'd stay away. You're just going to see yourself coming and going for months, and next year these pieces are going to seem SO spring '15 and will end up in the back of the closet, I promise.

Oh, and One More Thing...

Can we talk about how the Old Navy's toddler department is killing it right now? I don't know why a baby needs an adorable trench coat or a chic Chanel-inspired sweater, but I seriously want all of these things in my size.

.So how many juice cleanses do I have to do to get into a 5T? ;)

January Budget, or What I Didn't Buy

Ah, my first budget post! As I mentioned, I've been totally inspired by Fran and other great budget bloggers to keep track of my spending and document my experience with budgeting. I also decided I would put myself on a shopping freeze for the month of January, to repent after a few months of mindless spending. So, how did it go?

source

Budget: $200

Spent: $0

I did it! No shopping in January, other than the one exception I'd allowed for workout clothes (in addition to the two pieces I mentioned here, I grabbed another seamless tee on the clearance rack for about six bucks). And it was a really interesting experience.

It definitely wasn't fun -- hey, I just like to shop! -- and it wasn't easy (my inbox was SCREAMING with an endless number of killer sales). But after completing the first half of my closet inventory (part two coming soon!), I knew that these clothes I was eyeing really weren't things I NEEDED, they were just things I wanted...and sometimes being a grown-up is just telling yourself no.

So to avoid making this the most boring budget post ever, I thought I'd take a look at what I didn't buy. I was doing a lot of "window shopping", and I started keeping track of the things that I normally would have pulled the trigger on if I hadn't given myself this challenge.

Zip Sweater Jacket -- was $36 (now $60)

I thought this was a pretty great little jacket for spring and fall, when it gets a little cooler but you don't quite need a real coat. The oversized collar is fun, and I love the long and lean silhouette it gives. Not sure how it would work on real person/non model. Sizes online are pretty limited, but I might keep an eye out for it in my local store.

Kut From the Kloth Jeans and Blouse (no longer available) -- $100ish

Oh, the lure of the flash sale. An email from Rue La La caught my eye when I saw a Kut From the Kloth feature. I love the look of their jeans and I've been wanting to try out a pair, particularly their boyfriend jeans. I think the ones above were on sale for about $50, and I definitely would have popped them in my cart under normal circumstances. I also saw this blouse in the sale and probably would have thrown that in, too. Don't need it, but it is so me. I love a good sheer, lacy blouse -- I usually opt for black, so navy would have been a nice change.

Pretty Eyelet Dress -- $63.20

I almost slipped with this one. Sooo pretty...I feel like this is a dress I'd wear for years. I decided I'd just leave it to fate and if it was still available in February, I'd let myself pull the trigger.

Merino Collared Sweater -- $61.60

Another item that just feels so...me! I love a peter pan collar, and I am always gravitating towards the gray/black/white color palette. Reviews say this runs a bit short, which is not great for a long-waisted girl like me. I think I'm also annoyed that even on sale, it's kind of expensive. Probably best that I let this one go. Probably...

Ena Heels -- $69.95

I do need some practical (but not hideous) work shoes, and these seemed like a good contender. A few weeks ago they were discounted but final sale, which never works for me (my feet are just difficult sometimes). Now they are back to full price but returnable. Hmmm.

Foil-Printed Pullover -- was $35.97 (now $59.95)

Anthropologie's additional 40% off sale items was pretty hard to pass up. Sometimes their prices are just so absurd, so it feels nice to get a bit of a deal. The sweater caught my eye months ago -- the rose gold detail is just so pretty and unique. At 35 bucks it would have been a fine purchase. I would have worn it enough to get my money's worth and I'm sure I would have been perfectly happy. But one of my tricks for learning to say "no" this month was to play devil's advocate. Perhaps this sweater is too unique and stands out too much. Also, I try to use that old "three ways to wear it" rule of thumb when making a purchase, and I'm a bit stumped here -- it will look the same with jeans or pants, and I can't think of too many exciting layering options. I have always been pretty good at talking myself in to making a purchase, but this is a good reminder that sometimes I need to be better at convincing myself to walk away.

Total Not Spent: about $365

That's pretty eye-opening. Even if I hadn't bought everything, I would have gone way over my $200 budget. My goal for February is to be REALLY thoughtful about purchases, and try to incorporate some of the things I learned this month:

- Look for reasons why not -- as a true Libra, I can almost always see the other side of the argument and need to talk myself OUT of buying things sometimes

- Be ruthless about the 3-ways-to-wear-it rule -- as cute as it is, that Anthro sweater doesn't pass the test

-Waiting 24 hours (for a handgun, or a fabulous party dress) is never a bad idea -- flash sales are dangerous because they speak right to that FOMO part of the brain. Sometimes in the light of a new day, that must-have just...isn't.

I can't wait to put my budget to the test in February! I'm still thinking about some of the things that I passed up this month, but I also have $30 of Old Navy Super Cash burning a hole in my wallet and there should be plenty of new spring merchandise in stores soon...

First time linking up with Franish and the amazing Budgeting Bloggers -- check them out for inspiration/temptation!

Wardrobe Rule: Shop Your Closet First

When you have a big event coming up, what's your first thought?

"I have to go out to buy something new to wear!"

It's such a knee-jerk reaction, but it is almost always the wrong one. After many years of thinking this way, and a closet full of pieces that I sort-of-but-don't-totally-love, I came to learn one of the most important wardrobe rules: don't shop for an occasion, shop for your life. Fill your closet with pieces that you'll want to wear over and over again, that make you feel amazing and make you excited to get dressed.

There are plenty of times in your life when you'll want to dress to impress: a good friend's wedding, a class reunion, a first date with your crush, an interview for your dream job. When the moment arises, you'll probably run out and spend a day or two frantically trying to find the perfect thing to wear. And what are the chances that will happen? More likely, you'll find something that seems good enough...but then after that initial wearing, the luster wears off and it ends up hanging in your closet untouched. Or you find something fantastic, but it's a budget buster and you're a little low on funds at that moment.

But when you have a well-constructed wardrobe, your reaction to dressing for a big event is different. Instead of going to the mall, you go to your closet. Instead of trying to find something new, you find something that always serves you well.

So how do you achieve this? For me, it means I am always on the lookout for special pieces that I'll want to wear over and over. I try to be ruthless when it comes to style and fit -- avoiding things that are super trendy, rejecting things that just aren't flattering. It means I shop often, but buy less.

And I know that those dress-to-impress events will pop up, sometimes without much notice. So at any given moment, I try to make sure that my closet is ready.

So if the invitation arrived today, what would I find by shopping my own closet?

The Big Wedding

I can't find an image online, but I definitely have a go-to guest-at-a-wedding dress. It is a fantastic Oscar de la Renta-inspired full-skirted dress with a gorgeous green rose print. The dress is the perfect shape for my figure (nipped in at the waist with a full skirt), the color makes my eyes pop, and it is so comfy I can dance all night in it. Even better, it was a pretty great deal. I think I paid about $60, and then another $10 at the tailor for a minor alteration to make it fit like couture (well, almost!).

I bought it years ago and have worn it to more than half a dozen events, including 5 weddings. When I talk with friends about the shop your closet rule, one of the first things I hear is "but people have seen me in this already!" And to that I say...who cares? When you wear the right clothes, people will notice how great you look in them, not that they've seen them before. If Kate Middleton and Michelle Obama can re-wear their dresses, the rest of us can, too.

My dress is from Loft, but Boden makes a lot of pretty and figure flattering dresses that would be great go-to party looks. When my Loft dress is ready to be retired, I might look to something like this as a replacement:

dress (similar)/clutch/shoes

Even though the print is bold, you'll still be able to make it feel fresh each time you wear it by changing the accessories: a solid colored wrap and simple earrings for a daytime wedding, a sequin shrug and a couple of big cocktail rings at night. When you find the right dress, you won't outshine the bride...but you may just be the happiest girl at the wedding!

The Class Reunion

I have a big reunion coming up in a year and a half, but I already have the perfect dress hanging in my closet. I scooped it up last year at Anthropologie's killer after-Christmas sale for a steal ($30). I didn't have any idea where I might wear it, but I loved the shape and the color, and I figured I'd be able to style it a million different ways. When I got it home, it dawned on me that it would make a GREAT high school reunion dress. It's a little sexy but not desperate, and it's flattering but not fussy.

For the reunion, I'd add my favorite earrings (they make my green eyes sparkle!) and a simple clutch. For some reason I have this vision of finishing the outfit with bright floral heels. They're not in my closet yet, but I'll keep an eye out for something similar to the ones below. 

dress (similar)/earrings (similar)/clutch/shoes

The Big Date

I'm single but I kind of hate dating (am I the only one?)...it isn't always easy out there. On those occasions when I do find myself getting ready for a date, I always go for classic pieces that I feel at ease in. Looking in my closet right now, I'd pick a few simple basics and dress them up with a sartorial security blanket: my favorite bold necklace.

maxi dress/jacket/necklace (simliar)/sandals

The Dream Interview

My interview options are a bit limited at the moment -- this is an area of my wardrobe I need to beef up a bit, so a good suit is on my running list of things to look for when I'm out shopping. For now, I could pull together a pretty decent interview look. A simple black blazer and wide leg pants are pretty classic, but I'd add a little personality with a sweet blouse, bold gold jewelry, and great shoes (my only score from the highly coveted Missoni x Target collection).

blazer/pants/blouse/lipstick/watch/ring/shoes (similar)

The watch is on my wish list, though seeing it mixed in here makes me love it even more. So sharp, right?

Over time, my go-to looks for these big events may change, and that's fine. But it is a great feeling knowing that my closet is ready for whatever big events life is going to throw my way!