Mid-day Cravings

Sadly, by the middle of the day my focus and ability to concentrate is shot and my mind begins to wander.  It begins with thoughts like, “What am I going to make for dinner tonight?  What am I wearing to Stu's party this weekend?  I wish heels were appropriate for all occasions..” and usually ends up with me googling something fashion or design related, most of the time shoes.  (A great pair of shoes is my biggest weakness, I always find myself craving yet ANOTHER pair of shoes, i.e. see below; but lately I’ve been trying to even out my closet with some great clothes to wear as well.) I digress. 

I find myself making lists of all my “mid-day cravings.”  I have numerous web sites booked marked and memos on my phone titled “Clothes for Fall 2010.” (As well as “Clothes for Spring 2010," "Winter 2009," Wines to Try," "Halloween Costumes,"etc.  You get the idea.)

Sadly, in part to a thing named “bills,” my lists and book marked web sites have grown out of control, making it almost impossible to buy everything I save.

I figured today I would share some of my favorite things that I am craving right now.

 



(ASOS Tie Neck Military Blouse available @ ASOS.com, $48.27)



 (Jeffrey Campbell Ninety-nine Black Suede available @ Lorisshoes.com, $106.00)

(Chloe Cat-eye Acetate Sunglasses available @ TheOutNet.com, $118)

(LNA Long Sleeve Collar Shirt in Cream Stripe available @ Singer22.com, $154)

(Yves Saint Laurent Palais Platform Suede Pumps available @ NET-A-PORTER.com, $720)

(Feminine Knit Cardigan available @ Forever21, $29.80)



During this post I’ve added 5 book marks to “My Favorites” on the computer, printed out 3 recipes (still don’t know what I’m making for dinner,) and have taken a trip downtown to drop off some paper work, had JC Shoes respond to one of my tweets (I die,) left work, gone home, sleep ten hours, woke up and have started a new day.

 

What do you crave?  (Right now, I'm also craving a glass of wine...or two...or three...)

XXoo

Geek Sheek

Let your inner nerd out.

While this isn’t my husband’s favorite look this fall, it is one of mine. I love that this look has a “hot” nerd appeal, taking old geek classics and revamping them into pieces for everyone’s closet.

Here are 5 essentials for channeling your inner dork.  No pocket protector required.

An Over-sized White Blouse

(ASOS Oversized Boyfriend Blouse available @ ASOS.com, $41.38)

 Cuffed Pants

(Cuffed Twill Pants with Belt available @ Forever21, $24.80)

 Plastic Framed Eyeglasses

(WAYNEEG Wayne Eyeglass available @ American Apparel, $45)

 Messenger Bag

(Ferragamo dark brown leather Driver messenger bag available @ Bluefly.com, $1,160)

Oxfords

(Lanvin Platform Oxford Clog available @ Barneys, $1,155.00)

How do you guys feel about this look? 

XXoo

My Favorite Outfits for Under $100

I cannot believe it's Friday already and time for another post on my favorite outfits under $100.  It’s been such a crazy week. I’ve only managed to post one time since last Friday due to numerous after hours business dinners, excessive client meetings and a ton of other things I’d have preferred to not do all week.

Today’s post is inspired by true events - being invited last minute for a casual dinner at your boss’s house. 

While I cannot tell you how to act (every situation is different,) I can help you with what to wear.  Even though last minute dinners don’t allow much time to shop before, owning a few of these basic pieces will help if this ever happens to you.

A Simple Sweater

(Long Sleeve Crew Neck Sweater available @ Forever21, $9.50)

Dressy Jeans

(Levi's 524 Skinny Jeans available @ Dillards, $15.99)

A Statement Necklace

(Faceted Czech Crystal Black Mixed Clear Necklace Sterling Silver 19" available @ FarEastJade.com, $15.99)

The Perfect Clutch

(Lulu Townsend Rose Leaf Clutch available @ DSW.com, $26.95)

Nice Flats

(Lace Flat available @ NewportNews.com, $24)

Total Outfit Cost:$92.43

Always remember to be a polite guest, bring a nice bottle of wine to share and remember to say thank you!

Have a great weekend everyone,

XXoo

Faux What?

I’m not sure if it’s because I have a cold or if it’s because the temperature has dropped to around 50 degrees but it’s really starting to feel like winter outside.  Cold weather makes me extremely restless, disheveled and dowdy – craving layers and layers of clothing.   I partly despise winter (so much) due to the lack of glamorous clothing options (that are affordable) and partly because people start dressing down all the time.  Gone are hot summer nights where girls wear dresses and heels and men and are bronzed and wear nice fitted shirts.  Instead, they are replaced by people in puffy coats, jeans, countless varieties of Ugg boots and sweatshirts. 

While I used to view faux fur as gaudy and trashy, I’m really looking forward to bundling up in this trend.  Retailers such as Net-A-Porter, Shopbop, and Neiman Marcus have all helped revamp faux fur into something more glamorous and less as something people only buy when they can’t afford the real thing.

Stores like Nordstrom, Asos, Forever21 and many others have made it affordable to own more than one faux fur piece this winter.

Here are my favorites.

Fun 

(TopShop Caramel Faux Fur Gilet available @ Topshop.com, $42)

Relaxed

(Faux Fur Collar Jacket available @ MetroMix.com, $29.99)

Classy

(Kristen Blake Hooded Faux Fur Vest available @ Nordstrom, $98)

Trendy

(Long Fantasy Fur Snood available at Asos.com, $34.48)

Bold



(Faux Fur Ankle Boots available @ Forever21, $32.80)

What are your favorite faux fur pieces this year?

XXoo

My Favorite Outfits for Under $100

It's that time of week again and while this post has taken longer than usual (I'll blame the lack of brain cells I have by the end of the work week,) I've come up with another outfit for under $100 just in time for the weekend. 

While most of you will be wearing something slightly more avant garde this year, I'll be sticking to regular garb and enjoying some nice dinners out with my other half.

It's not like I don't love Halloween, I do - but it takes me weeks to plan the perfect costume.  Very similar to how I plan the perfect outfit for a special occasion (or any occasion really)...lots of online stalking, careful plotting and ordering.  It might tend to teeter on O.C.D. (which I've already admitted I might have slight tendencies) but the end result is nothing short of phenomenal.

I'd prefer to not go out any other way.

Here's my favorite outfit for under $100 this week.

(Sheer Chiffon Dress w/Belt available @ Forever21, $29.80)

(SM New York Women's Chloe Clog available @ Sears, $21.99)

 (Vintage Monet Sleek Ribbon Hinged Cuff by Oneofakindwisconsin available @ Etsy.com, $5)

(Vintage Goldtone Multi Bangle Bracelet Set by VonlenskaVintage available @ Etsy.com, $9)

(Floral Engraved Earrings available at Forever21, $1.50)

(Bohemian Embossed Rose Clutch available @ Forever21, $19.80)

While I love name brand designers, when I'm on a mission for the perfect look I'll shop anywhere to find exactly what I'm looking for.  More and more often I'm turning to stores like Forever21 to find trendy pieces at an affordable price.

What's great about these pieces are that they will last more than just the weekend.  Throw everything together for a great bohemian look or throw in some of your favorite items for your own twist.


Total Outfit Cost: $87.90.

You're welcome, that's $12.10 you have left over for another drink.

Until Monday,

XXoo

Trending Asos.com

I've been feeling rather uninspired this week. I'd like to blame the weather.  Like most of the United States, its been rainy and muggy - making it almost impossible to feel awake or look put together.  In my ever continuing search for the perfect trousers (the ones I ordered from Urban Outfitters are gorgeous but a little snug) I pulled up Asos.com this morning to see if I could find a similar pair in a similar price range.

While I didn't find the perfect pair of trousers, I did find inspiration in some other things I'm adding to my wish list for once I conquer my quest of the trousers.  I narrowed the list down to 5 items that incorporate huge trends right now.

Leopard Print

(Animal Print Pussy Bow Blouse, $48.27)

Camel

(Mango Wool Mix Camel Full Skirt, $73.86)



Military

(Asos Cropped Sweater, $44.82)

Faux Fur

(Warehouse Faux Fur Twist Lock Bag, $86.20)

Lace Up Boots

(Wool High Lace Up Hiker Boot, $112.06)

If you haven't checked out Asos.com yet, you should.  Based in the United Kingdom, Asos has recently launched a U.S. version of the site.  Not like ordering from the site before was hard - Asos.com has always had quick shipping, fantastic customer service and usually has deals for free shipping both ways. 

How could you not love a site like that?

XXoo

What to Wear? Stuck In A Weekday Rut

Most of us dread the beginning of the week, the loss of the weekend, the start to another long 5 days of slaving away in an office.  Somehow, getting up and getting ready always seems a little easier when I have something great to wear.  While I am constantly searching for pieces that are trendy and versatile, the following pieces remain in my closet year after year and make putting together any outfit much easier.  (Especially when it's 5 a.m.)

Here are my favorite essentials:

1. A Basic Black Pump

No frills, no patent, no peep.  A classic pump goes a long way and can be thrown on with almost anything.  It's never inappropriate or out of style.

(Jimmy Choo Lilac Point Toe Pumps available @ Saks Fifth Avenue, $495)

2. A Crisp White Button Down

Wear it alone, wear it belted.  Wear it with pants, skirts, jeans, as a jacket or a cover up.  Just don't let it turn yellow.  When it does, it's time to buy a new one!



(Ann Taylor Loft Button Down Blouse available @ Anntaylorloft.com, $39.50)

3. Classic Black Pants

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a HUGE advocate of the color black (or the absence of color, I get it.)  A black pant is a perfect weekday essential because it matches so much.  Not that I'd recommend it but some people can even match navy and black.  Make sure the pants are tailored to your body and make sure they fit just right!

(Prada Gabardine Black Flared Trousers available @ Bluefly.com,$316) 

4. The Perfect Cardigan

While I have several cardigans in several different colors, my absolute favorite cardigan is a mustard yellow one that I got for under $30 from NY & Co. over 3 years ago.  I wear this cardigan almost once a week (gasp!) with pants, skirts, dresses, jeans, belted and unbelted through fall, winter, spring and summer.  Since they no longer sell my beloved mustard cardigan, I choose this one since it's gray and cashmere - 2 things I love! (Plus I'm pretty sure this would become my favorite if it were in my closet.)

(Autumn Cashmere Ron Herman Cashmere Baby Cardigan Sweater available @ Ronherman.com, $276)

5. A Simple Black Pencil Skirt

These can be found in almost any price range.  Make sure to look for one that's a cotton polyester blend - it will be more flattering and they tend to appear classier and more structured.  Try to stay away from 100% knit or 100% cotton skirts.  They can appear too clingy and sexy - definitely not a good a look if you're trying to appear professional!

 

(Ingenuity Pencil Skirt available @ Nordstrom, $86)

6. A Great Belt

While I prefer a simple skinny belt since it can be worn around your waist or around your hips, it's okay to invest in a great mid size belt too - just remember the thicker they are, the harder they are to wear any place but your waist!  My favorite belt is one with a little texture.  Something as simple as a snakeskin print adds style and pizazz (yes, I said pizazz)to even the most simple of outfits.

(Bruno Magli Belt available @ Yoox.com, $109)

 

Worn together or separately, these pieces are perfect staples to invest in - so classic they are guaranteed to never go out of style.  Spending a little more to insure a quality item (98% of the time) means you can spend less on the trendier ones and still look up-to-date yet polished when you mix and match. 

What would you consider to be your favorite weekday wardrobe must-haves?

XXoo