Happy (Rainy) Saturday

Happy to see the weekend, but dreaming of warm days and nights. Sometimes it feels like this dreary weather will never end. It will and until then this is what I'm into this week. 

The hubs and I are checking out a new class today at Shadowbox, DUMBO. I had a frustrating week so hitting a bag for 45 minutes sounds like just what the doctor ordered!

H&M has some truly beautiful summer pieces right now. My goal this year is to look easy, breezy and still pulled together when the temperature climbs. I'm loving this belted ruffled dress, this printed maxi dress, and this classic wrap dress. 

Our coffeemaker recently crapped out on us but instead of buying another one we decided on this French press. It requires a little more prep and cleaning but it's worth it. Our coffee tastes so much better and I love that it's clean and green. 

I have never in my adult life used an eyelash curler. But I recently read this article and picked one up. And yes, mascara looks 10x better after using one. I'm hooked!

My mom and I have been following Now Read This, the PBS book club, since the New Year but have been slacking lately. I just picked up their May book, Educated, for the upcoming long weekend. 

If I'm going to be out in the sun, a good hat is a must. I'm obsessed with anything Janessa Leone but hate the price tag. Some budget friendly options here, here, and here.

T.J. Maxx has some great linen pieces right now for under $30 like this jumpsuit, this dress, and these pants. Also this basket bag is such a must! 

Friday Faves

Happy Friday! It was a busy one around here so you know I'm extra happy to see the weekend. Looking forward to an early Mother's Day lunch with my family tomorrow and some down time on Sunday.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we'll have one ice cream appropriate day. 

Here's what I've got my eyes and ears on this week.. 

Nordstrom is having a spring sale and I'm eyeing this easy but not sloppy dress, this oversized linen blazer, and this sweet dress. Also praying that they restock this linen jumpsuit in my size. 

Gingham is a big trend yet again this summer and I love the idea of trying the pattern somewhere unexpected like on these slides. 

My favorite, favorite Agolde jeans are on sale at Urban so I'll be picking up my third pair, thankyouverymuch. Their super high rise fit and length are just perfect for me. 

So excited to catch (the dreamy) Benedict Cumberbatch in Patrick Melrose airing on Showtime Saturday night. A drama featuring a British Aristocrat battling his demons and drug addictions? I'm in! Read the review here. 

I hardly touch a hair dryer once the temperature hits 60 degrees, but I'm always searching for the right product to help me get those perfect waves. I've been using this Kristin Ess air dry creme for a few weeks now and I think I have a winner! 

After 10 years of perfect skin bliss, I went off birth control.  Three months later and hormonal acne has reared its ugly head (or 5 heads if you count each individual zit). These patches have been a lifesaver. They've kept me from picking and I even wore them to work a few times to keep the big boys under wraps while they heal. 

Weekly Roundup

Ah, the weekend. What are you up to? I got home from a work trip to China last week and I'm still feeling the jet lag. Add to that the allergy situation here in New York and you've got a girl who is NOT ready for her close-up. Hoping to be back with some outfit content next week. 

Until then, here's what I'm into this week:

J. Crew is having an amazing sale right now. I picked up some one piece bathing suits and bikinis, this rainbow top, and matching pajamas (these, these, and these). My mom will be so proud! 

In the past year I've become such a white sneaker girl. Since I travel for work a lot and walk everywhere, they tend to get trashed pretty quickly so I'm always on the hunt for a new pair. I saw these natural Converse hi tops on Lacusa's site paired with a floral midi dress and immediately ordered them. 

Zara and Mango are killing it right now and I'm obsessed with all of their ladylike dresses. Stripes, checks, and linen look so fresh to me. Cleaning out my closets today and itching to get rid of all of my summer boho clothes in exchange for this, this, and this. 

As a lover of margaritas, palomas, and salty dogs, I'm excited to try this cocktail in the coming weeks. 

Scrunchies are back and I'm into it! Love how these (3 for $12!) add a little something to a basic bun or pony. Bonus: FP is offering $5 express shipping this weekend so I'll have mine by Wednesday. Also want to try this one for cute gym hair. 

This podcast about going outside your comfort zone spoke to me this week. As an introvert, it can be hard for me to take risks and meet new people. But the idea that making a change can be as easy as expanding your network (by going to a different coffee shop or striking up a conversation with someone at the barre) makes it a little less scary. 

The Bag

To piggyback on my last post about natural bags.. this Steven Alan bag.. is everything! I saw it on Shopbop a few weeks ago but didn't pull the trigger. Then while browsing Nordstrom Rack over my Sunday morning coffee, there it was for 50% off. While I love the look of ata/rattan bags, they're just not practical for this commuting New Yorker. I love that this bag is trimmed in leather, making it a touch more wearable for every day. 

Also into this, this, and this for a summer bag update. 

Steven Alan "Oliver" Circle Bag in Straw via Nordstrom Rack

Straw

Last year, I was desperate to get my hands on a a round ata bag. Thanks to Bembien and a zillion bloggers going to Bali, it was the it bag. I even went so far as to track down a manufacturer in Bali, email (stalk) her, and place a small wholesale order for myself, friends, and to sell on Etsy. This year every major retailer has caught on and has their own version for the season. While I always prefer to have the original, some of these are just too cute to pass up. 

Straw, bamboo, wood.. you just can't go wrong with anything natural. 

1. Zara, 2. Free People, 3. Zara, 4. Mohawk General Store, 5. Mango 

Yellow

Rain, snow, wind. That's the forecast on the east coast today. This yellow floral midi dress is giving me hope.  

1. Coat: Zara, 2. Dress: H&M, 3. Hat: Cos, 4. Sunglasses: Celine, 5. Earrings: & Other Stories, 6. Bag: Mango, 7. Boots: & Other Stories

February

Getting dressed this time of year is hard. The weather fluctuates daily (remember when it was 75 last week?!) and I'm just plain sick of everything I've been wearing since November. Fortunately for me, a lot of retailers are not going full-on spring with their assortments and offering some wear-now pieces in go forward colors. I love the H&M sweater below because it doesn't look out of place for this time of year but it's a lot more fun than that grey sweater you've been wearing for the last 3 months. And those silver mules are a little glimmer of hope for the warmer weather ahead. It's coming! 

1. Coat: Zara, 2. Sweater: H&M, 3. Beret: American Eagle, 4. Earrings & Cuff: Mejuri, 5. Jeans: Agolde, 6. Bag: Madewell, 7. Shoes: Shellys London

Spring Like

It was almost fifty degrees in NYC today so I decided to take my aforementioned blazer out for a spin. After some trial and error (and a few returns) I ended up going with the & Other Stories option from my previous post. It's sold out again, but it's so popular I'm sure they'll restock it. It's perfectly oversized and so well made for the $125 price tag. Highly recommend if you can get your hands on it! 
Walking along the water through Brooklyn Bridge Park from my 'hood to Dumbo, you never know what the temp is going to be. Being able to layer my favorite sweatshirt under this blazer is key.  I'm already mentally styling it for spring with a floral maxi dress and mules. 

Blazer: & Other Stories (sold out, see previous post for similar options); Sweatshirt: Brandy Melville (similar); Denim: Levis (similar); Sneakers: Converse; Bag: Mackage

The Blazer

Ok, no real news here, but the blazer is officially back. It was trending for fall, but for Spring 2018 it is official. Everyone in the blog world is wearing this one for a cool $750. But I think unless you're a banker and wearing it in your suit rotation 3x a week that is just crazy. Luckily retailers are offering it at every price point so you don't have to be independently wealthy to try the trend. My favorites are double breasted, oversized, and come in neutral checks for that perfect heritage look.  

And as this trend has 1980s origins, look no further than Etsy if you want to go the vintage route. This, this and this are some great options. 

1. & Other Stories, 2. H&M, 3. Zara

Vintage

It's been a while since I've hit the vintage racks. In my late teens and early 20's, making my weekly round of the local thrift shops was a ritual. You never knew what you were going to score. But as I moved to bigger and bigger cities over the years (first Philly and now NYC), the odds of finding some gems on the cheap got slimmer and slimmer. But luckily, Etsy and some smaller online vintage boutiques (Shop Stressed and Boheme Goods)  make it possible no matter where you live. 

This time around, I went vintage out of necessity. I had been striking out right and left all season long looking for the perfect faux fur coat. Some the colors were off, some the fits strange or the quality was just too crappy. So on a morning when my husband was out of town and I had nothing on my calendar, I dove into Etsy with a serious purpose. Hours later, I came up with this gem. Cropped, boxy, soft and luxurious with the perfect lapels, this was the winner. I even negotiated from $50 down to $40. What's not to love? 

Hat: Village Hat Shop , Top: Topshop, Jacket: Etsy (other great options here, here, here, and here), Jeans: Agolde, Boots: Dolce Vita

Everyday Jewelry

Fine jewelry is something fairly new to me. I got into it when shopping for my engagement and wedding rings and was immediately hooked. I love the idea of jewelry that you can live with; wash your hands with it on, sleep, shower, and exercise with it on. It's a constant accessory and becomes so much more personal that way. It also becomes something you don't have to think about. For someone who spends about 15 minutes from the shower to the door, that's everything. 

Finding LA jewelry designer Vrai & Oro has been key in allowing me to gradually upgrade my jewelry wardrobe. They offer classic, well made designs without the markups. From rings to earrings to diamond necklaces, there's something for every occasion. My current favorite are their skinny stacking rings. At $50 each, it's a great go-to gift for people who don't know what to get me. I just can't get enough of them! 

I switched out my tiny gold studs for these mini hoops a few months ago and I'm still obsessed. They add the perfect amount of sparkle and are completely weightless. 

This sweet initial pinky ring is the latest addition to my collection. It's the perfect personal gift for a friend or for yourself. 

Jacket: Rag & Bone; Sweatshirt: Brandy Melville (similar here); Jeans: Current/Elliott; Sneakers: Converse (similar here); Glasses: Celine; Necklace: Maria Pascual

December Favorites

For me, this winter has been all about staying hydrated and finding ways to feel pretty despite the frigid temps. Here in New York it's been 15 degrees every day since Christmas and it's projected to stay that way for another week. Feeling cute has never been harder. 

Luckily I have a few new products in my arsenal that have been making it a little easier. 

Necklace: Maria Pascual, Face Oil: Fig & Yarrow, Rings: Icarus + Co and Vrai & Oro, Hair Powder: R+Co

Simple jewelry can make a big difference about how you feel. Lately I've been loving signature items that I can wear every day with every outfit. A coin necklace, stacking rings, and these little hoop earrings have been on repeat this month. 

My hair is a constant struggle. It's fine, heavily bleached, and soaked with sweat just about every day from exercise. I never thought I had the type of hair that could go days without washing but this hair powder from R+Co has made it possible. In fact I almost like my hair better on day 2!

Last year during a cold snap in February I broke out in a horrible red rash all over my face. My dermatologist solemnly told me I had rosacea (!!!) and prescribed me a litany of cleaners and topical ointments. After not loving my skin despite months of this new regimen, I went back to my favorite Biologique Recherche products. This winter, I'm determined to keep my skin hydrated and this face oil has been helping a ton these last few weeks. My skin seems happy and healthy despite the daily exposure to cold and wind. 

Have a Happy Holiday Weekend

Ah, the weekend before Christmas. You're either scrambling to get last minute gifts or completely done and ready to shop for yourself. Thankfully, I happen to be the latter and I'm pumped to take advantage of all the great deals out there for the next couple of weeks. I've rounded up some of my favorite sales if you're ready to treat yourself. You were good this year right?!

First up is Topshop, offering 50% off on a ton of great winter styles. I picked up this for NYE and this as a back up. Also debating these fun shoes. Tip: see something you love but your size is sold out? Check back later today and tomorrow- sizes are always being restocked!

H&M has great deals on styles that will see you through the last snowstorm in March. Loving this faux fur coat, this vintage inspired wrap top and this floral dress for $14.99! And my favorite, favorite scarf is on sale. 

Mango sale has started (stay tuned for further markdowns in the coming weeks) but these fun holiday booties are on my list, along with this fun faux sherpa coat, and this gorgeous dress for next year's holiday party. 

It would be remiss of me if I didn't mention the major clearance event happening at TJ Maxx. I picked up these upgraded every day boots and this winter coat. Would not mind finding these under the tree either! 

Also patiently waiting for the Zara and & Other Stories big winter sale the day after Christmas! 

Happy shopping! 

xo

Boot Up

We spent last weekend visiting family in Pennsylvania and experienced an unexpected snowstorm while we were there. Add to that an evening trip to Longwood Gardens (3 hours of outdoor strolling/freezing) and you've got one unhappy camper. I was totally unprepared from my coat to my shoes. And while I really dislike 99% of winter boots, I decided to start looking so I'm never caught off guard again. 

Happily I found not one, but two that I love and don't feel like a total departure from my every day style. Bring on the winter weather! 

1. Eddie Bauer; 2. H&M

Also loving these and these! 

In the Bag

I'm not really a big handbag girl, so when I do make a purchase it has to count. It has to be super versatile and work in both dressy occasions and on weekends. It needs to be a neutral and have special texture and hardware. And finally it has to be high quality but still a good value (read: at least 70% off retail). At under $200 for mid level designer bags, I'd say all of the below fit the bill. Personally I'm swooning for the Allsaints bags. It's my first time seeing them on my favorite discount sites and I can't wait to see more of them. 

1. Allsaints, 2. Frye, 3. Allsaints, 4. Vince

All Black

Comfort doesn't always have to mean jeans and a t-shirt. A maxi dress layered under a cozy coat can be just as easy. Add flat boots and a hat and you've got a chic look that works grabbing cocktails or just taking in the local holiday spirit. 

I've had this faux sherpa coat for a few years now and this season it feels more right than ever. I've come up empty finding the perfect faux fur coat so far but this still does it for me until the right one comes along. 

This maxi shirt dress I picked up at Zara last year is surprisingly quite the wardrobe workhorse. It was great with slides and a leather jacket in the fall and I'm loving it layered with tights and boots for now. 

Dress: Zara (old similar here and here); Coat: H&M (old similar here and here); Fisherman hat: Village Hat Shop; Boots: Raye

Must Buy

Just had to share this "must buy" with you guys today. Celine opticals are some of my favorites out there, but their $350+ price tag keeps them from making too many appearances on this blog. But these classic round sunnies in a transparent blush color are on sale at T.J.Maxx for $79! Get them before they're gone! 

Celine "Charline" Round Sunglasses: $79

Holiday Booties

There's no doubt that this season is all about the statement boot. Jacquard, sequins, and metallic leather are just a few of the iterations designers are pushing this season. And something about the calendar turning to December today has got me itching to put something more fun on my feet. They'll make the typical jeans x sweater combo a little more special. 

And yes, these are all under $100!

1. Sam Edelman; 2. Mango; 3. Urban Outfitters; 4. Zara 

Keeping It Casual

A good, quality menswear coat is #1 on my winter wardrobe must-have list. It instantly dresses up anything you're wearing. Schlepping around in a sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers like me? Instantly pulled together with the addition of a coat. Coming in at a close second is a hat. Whether it's a beanie, a fisherman, or in this case, a fedora, all allow you to run around looking fashionable with second (or third? or fourth?) day hair. 

I have to admit, I was really struggling with this Janessa Leone hat purchase.  At $200 it's a pretty big investment for this budget shopper. But I feel amazing in it and it really makes a statement out of any outfit. And also, I passed by the gorgeous Jennifer Connelly on the way to our shoot and she totally smiled at me. #keeper

Janessa Leone Hat; Pull & Bear Sweatshirt (similar); Faith Connexion coat (old, similar here and here); Zara Jeans (old, similar); Mackage Bag (similar here and here); Converse Sneakers

Faux Sho

I have never really been a big fan of fur, real or faux. Real is not my thing, and I've never seen faux in a good silhouette. But this season, there is some faux fur out there that is speaking to me. The styling, very Yoko & John in the 70's, is just right. The longer length and lapels give that masculine/feminine edge that other styles just don't have. What I really love is how these styles aren't strictly for dress-up. I love them  equally with denim and white sneakers as with a girlie floral dress. My biggest issue is .. which one to buy?!

1. Topshop 2. Other Stories 3. J. Crew