Category: Uncategorized

So it’s safe to say my goal of outfit posting didn’t really get off the ground last year.  After my inaugural post, life (like moving, holidays, work, house guests…) sort of got in the way.  But now that we’ve turned the calendar page I’m more committed than ever to make my ‘Real Deal’ series in particular stick. 

In New York I always wore neutral coats.  Since you had to wear them every single day for practically three months straight I was afraid to buy something colorful that I’d tire of or wouldn’t match with my whole wardrobe.  But since moving to Los Angeles, and realizing I would only need a “winter” coat a handful of times, I decided to go with something really fun and bright.  To play up the girly, retro style of the coat, I added a mix of patriotic patterns, trusty ankle boots, and my favorite vintage clutch.  

Double Breasted Military Coat 
H&M Dress (old, similar here)
Forever 21 Blouse (old, similar here)
Zara Heels (old, similar here)
Vintage Clutch

For the first time in my apartment renting life, I have a second bathroom (technically a half bath, but still).  And obviously, that means the chance to decorate.

Since it’s not the bathroom I use every morning, I plan on making it bright and cheerful and more geared towards when we have friends visit or guests stay over.  That being said, I don’t exactly want to break the bank on the room that will get the least use in the house.  Above are a few suggestions on how to make things welcoming while also staying on budget.

Nest: In a small room, a soft and pretty rug goes a long way in adding some life.  I plan on using this Urban Outfitters geometric rug as the starting point and adding art to the walls that is in the same range of colors.

Dressed: I once read that Kelly Ripa bought hundreds of pairs of hotel slippers so that whenever she has guests she can put out a fresh pair for each of them.  Clearly that’s beyond my means, but a nice robe (freshly washed for each guest) is a nice touch in case they want to throw it on over their pajamas before breakfast.  This Gap Body option is now on sale.

The Rest: Bar soap has no place in a guest bathroom.  These foaming soaps from Target are just a few bucks, smell clean but not overpowering, and have pretty packaging.  It’s the little things that make people want to visit your home again, I swear.

Here’s to catching up on Downton Abbey (don’t dare spoil season 3 for me, and if you haven’t watched this show – cancel your weekend plans and get on board with PBS) and finding some new art for our still quite bare walls (how charming is this Nan Lawson print based on Downton’s Lady Mary?)  Happy Friday!

Owls, foxes, even french bulldogs.  They’ve all had their 15 minutes of fame lately.  But if you’re looking for an animal that’s less trendy than say the sheep (sorry J.Crew), but more unexpected than the classic leopard, I say – go giraffe.

Animal prints are pretty much seasonless, making them the perfect closet investment for months like these (when you’re sick of those fair isle sweaters but sundresses are still out of reach).  If you’re going to go bold with a print like the giraffe it’s all about the balance.  For every part eccentric there needs to be an equal part tame.  For your morning meeting, that means pairing those wild patterned pants with a conservative black blazer, but throwing on a little arm party for good measure (Side note: For the office, it’s best to keep your trendy jewelry narrowed to rings or bracelets – face framing necklaces and earrings will get too much attention).  For a Saturday spent thrift shopping, pair a kitschy giraffe emblazoned mini skirt with walkable suede boots and a decorative clutch.  For that hotel lobby night cap, a body hugging printed dress already shows your confidence.  So why stop there – pair it with fuchsia ankle boots and your date will hate to see you walk away.     

(AM Meeting: Topshop Blazer, Derek Lam Trousers, Loren Hope Cuff)
(Thrifting: Old Navy Boots, Threadsence Skirt, Anthropologie Clutch)
(Night Cap: Coach Bag, Madewell Dress, Zara Boots)