I’ve never really been in to the ‘traditional’ Valentine’s Day routine (a fancy restaurant.. a dozen roses.. box of chocolates…). In fact, when I look back on the years that Adam and I have spent celebrating together they range from sneaking sparklers and margaritas onto the beach at midnight in Santa Monica to taking a train up to snow-covered Montreal for just one night to ice skating in Central Park then grabbing milkshakes at an old-fashioned soda shop in the West Village.
It’s usually a last minute spontaneous plan and sometimes it’s a date that lasts an entire day. Which is why this pink velvet skirtcaught my eye. It would be great for a more casual Valentine’s Day outfit and could transition from day to night. But it also works if you hate Valentine’s Day and ignore the ‘holiday’ altogether. It’s just a cute skirt and it’s on major sale and who can really argue with that?
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We shot these photos last weekend when we were handed a very mild Winter weather day – but if you don’t get as lucky come February 14th, just add thick knit tights and a big coat overtop of the rest. And on another note – whether or not you have a soulmate – these navy suede bootscould absolutely be your ‘solemate’ (I couldn’t resist…) because you order them specifically for not just your shoe size but also your calf size – meaning the perfect fit. Not too tight, not too slouchy. Now that’s a match made in heaven.
Every once in awhile you just really need a little black dress. Maybe it’s for an unexpected date night, or an upcoming event or you just suddenly feeling like getting dressed to kill. It’s a classic for a reason – the little black dress always works. Since Valentine’s Day is coming up, I figured some of you may be looking for something to wear – and while something trendy or red or frilly is certainly fun – you’re going to get the most bang for your buck out of a LBD because you’re bound to wear it again and again. Below – my top 10 favorites all under $100.
This weekend the weather allowed for exposed ankles. And I was ecstatic about it. I’m trying not to wish for Spring too soon, but let’s just say I’ll take a 50 degree with sunshine anytime January feels like dishing them out.
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I’ve been thinking a lot about what my personal ‘closet classics’ are ever since this post and this trench coat, cap toe heels and distressed denim definitely all make the cut. In fact the only things that’s new here is this pretty lavender silk neck scarf. That and my Instax polaroid camera that I got for Christmas and is proving to be just as much fun as I anticipated. I’ve been dropping it in my purse and snapping little New York moments that would otherwise be fleeting. It’s good to play tourist in your own town.
I noticed a few of my favorite bloggers to follow (Gal Meets Glam and Pretty in the Pines) recently posted round-ups of the items they wore most in 2017. And I thought it was such a great idea as a way to spotlight the things that really ended up being worth every penny (as opposed to more flash in the pan trendy pieces) and also because I often only post items here a time or two but IRL (in real life) wear them constantly.
This year I’m going to try to be better about sharing how I style my most-worn pieces in multiple ways so you can get ideas about how to maximize your own wardrobe. And without further ado – my most worn pieces from 2017. If you’re looking to build a closet of long-lasting classics, I can’t recommend these enough.
**P.S. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for your chance to win a $500 Nordstrom gift card – and stock up on your own wardrobe staples!
1. Trench Coat: The first trench coat I ever owned was a big investment for me at the time (21 years old) and I wore it for 9 years until it was honestly barely fit to be seen in public. This year I finally replaced it and I absolutely love the classic color and shape of this Lands’ End version. It works almost year round and will never go out of style.
2. Leather Backpack: I ended up carrying this constantly – to work, on weekends, when I travel. It’s the perfect compact size and such good quality.
3. Overalls: When I bought these last winter I worried I’d wear them once or twice. Turns out – I wear them at least a couple of times every month. So comfortable and surprisingly wearable.
4. Suede Sock Booties: These pull-on boots with a wood block heel are so comfortable but still feel really stylish. They work with dresses, jeans.. everything really. I plan on wearing them well into this year.
5.Wide Leg Chinos: Again, I didn’t expect these to get quite as much wear as they did, but I love the high waist and the neutral color. Whether with tiny tank tops in the summer or thin knit turtlenecks in winter they go with basically everything.
6.Leather Satchel: An obvious classic. I needed a good, professional looking bag that was big enough to hold a day’s worth of life supplies (book, lunch, extra lipstick..) and this checks all the boxes.
7. Denim Midi Skirt: Dressier than jeans but just as comfortable, I wore this with suede boots to the office in the Fall and with flat sandals on the weekends in Summer.
8. Cropped Workout Leggings: Honestly the softest leggings I’ve ever worn. I’m slightly ashamed to admit that I’ve deemed them nearly too good to workout in and solely wear them while lounging around the apartment.
9.Leopard Mules: Leopard is a neutral, right? Crazy comfortable I wore these all Spring and Fall and can’t wait to break them out again this year.
10. Suede Jacket: This one I actually eyed up for a long time before I finally bit the bullet and purchased, so I had a good guess that it was going to be something I got a lot of wear out of. The quality and fit is spot on and it’s just heavy enough. Worth every penny.
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Giveaway runs from Jan 16, 2018 to Jan 30, 2018 (concludes at 12:00 AM on the last day). Open to the US, UK and CAN. Winner will be announced within 10 days of the conclusion of the giveaway and entries will be verified by the hosts. Thanks for participating, I can’t wait for you to go check out these bloggers pages!
My winter wardrobe is fairly neutral – which is why this rainbow knit sweaterfeels like such a fun addition. A little bit boxy, a little bit 80s, and a lot bit cozy – I lived in this sweater for most of the weekend. And don’t worry Mom, I promise I only unwrapped my scarf and opened up my coat for the 5 minutes it took to snap these photos.
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New York feels so cold out right now that wearing anything but my huge puffer jacket and taking a few photos in our neighborhood honestly feels like a chore. So I’m trying my best to have find joy in winter accessories like this fringe scarf and wool beret (see more of my favorites under $50 here) and shoes. Over the knee boots are my secret weapon in the winter – they look stylish but also act as a thick second layer over jeans which I don’t find to be warm at all. I like that this taupe suede pair feels more casual than some of my other pairs and are really walkable for commuting to work.
