Black and Grey and Spikes All Over

I love buying clothes that most people would pass over and finding a way to pull together an outfit that then those same people say "oh my god, I love that! Where did you get it?" I feel like it's a challenge, especially since it's outside of the box and could easily be a #fail.

I found this manly-quilted-lumberjack vest with a leather collar at Nordstrom on double sale for $30. This is a perfect example of the above since it had to be marked down twice. I'll admit, I wouldn't have bought it for much more, but I decided that I could give it a shot for the price. I paired it with a basic GAP grey T, BCBGeneration Legging to Leather Pants, Boutique9 Pumps (similar), and Juicy Couture spike necklace. What do you guys think? Is it pulled together? Or still not happening for you?

Keepsake Hawaiian Prints

Florals always tend to be a trend when it comes to the Spring and Summer seasons but they can quickly become redundant and seem "been there, done that." Lately I have been drawn to palm prints and Hawaiian florals that are way less traditional and ironically enough - when I looked at our design boards for Summer 2014 that is exactly the direction we are headed. Mixing in bamboo, tropical wildlife, and ocean scenes with Hawaiian florals to bring new meaning and life to what we think of when you say "floral print". Here is a Hawaiian floral print by Keepsake (same print, different style here) that I wore last weekend in Palm Beach. I love that there is so much going on with the print that there wasn't too much accessorizing that was needed. Pair of Brian Atwood heels and a C Wonder bracelet Clutch and I was good to go. What do you think? Out with the old in with the new? Or stick with the traditional because it is timeless?

 

Monday Blues

Today's post is short and sweet which is fitting for a rainy Monday in NYC. I posted about these BCBG Max Azria wrap dresses before but this another example of how amazing they are for work. With multiple patterns that change out each season and a near identical fit to the DVF wrap dresses- why not? Why not - especially when they are half the price. Just like the DVF wrap dresses that I have, I find myself wearing them season after season because they really are timeless and SO EASY! I threw on this Spring print for work and popped it with these blue patent Pour La Victoire sling back pumps just to give the outfit something extra. I got the shoes at the Saks Shoe Sale. If you haven't taken advantage, I dream about this sale the way a 6 year old dreams about Santa coming on Christmas morning. Designer shoes 60% off?? Yes please!

 

  

 

 

Plain T's with Ballerina Pleats

I bought this adorable BCBG Max Azria Ballerina Skirt back in December but have been waiting for some nicer weather to wear it. At the first glimpse of the 70's in the forecast I decided to take full advantage.

The skirt is ultra girly with the curly piping and the two layers that flip up

 

The body of the skirt has accordion pleats with a tonal elastic waist band at the top  

 For the rest of the outfit I wore a simple crew neck heather grey fitted t-shirt from GAP for only $10 and matching grey suede Boutique9 suede pumps. For the necklace, I wore an oversized Aqua necklace from Bloomingdales that has a black wire mesh overlay. It's from 5 years ago but here is a similar version from Baublebar.

Military Inspired

Military Camouflage is back for its 5468th round on the trend hot list. At this point it's safe to say that it's a trend that will continue to circle back around again and again. The point of difference this time is that although there definitely is a presence of literal camo- a lot of it is the interpretation of military influence. So here is my interpretation - or Zara's - that I wore to work:

 

The red pants that are wax-coated/leather-like/painted-on are from Zara. Similar found here.

 The top with the military detail shoulders is also from Zara

The white watch is a Michael Kors Mens Watch from Amazon

The necklace is from BaubleBar (as a Xmas gift from my Mom's best friend) which is an amazing accessory website that you can be on for hours. Similar option found here



Finally the pumps are my staples. They are Kelsi Dagger and I live in them at work

Polka Dotty

 

I know I look like an overgrown child but this outfit definitely shows one side of my personality. Keep in mind this is my first photo session and by no means would I ever claim to be a model HA... I'm really going to have to learn my angles better so I don't look so awkward. The best part about this look is that it is totally affordable, however all the items are also old so they are no longer available :(

 

These pants are from NastyGal.com and originally they were stark black but after 1 wash they became this gradient gray. At first I hated them and asked for a return label but now I've grown to love them and every time I wear them at work, I always get a million compliments from the girls in design so that has to mean something.

 

This sweater has a gray lace bow with pearls outlining the bow from H&M years ago. I love baby pink paired with gray

 

The gray suede pumps are Boutique9 and there is actually a good story behind them. They were purchased with an $100 Bloomingdales gift card I won for dancing with an old man wearing a fanny pack and a muscle T at noon down the Nautical Mile. My friends were trying to bribe me to dance with the laughing stock of the bar and as soon as they pulled out the giftcard and I saw a trip to Bloomies in my future with a rent payment around the corner, I was up and dancing. For a 2 minute dance and an embarrassing iPhone video, I think I faired pretty well because I wear these shoes all the time! P.S. I swear I'm not as serious as this picture looks