Happy Holidays!

Because I love you all very much (I do, I really do!), I put on my very best velvet to wish you all the best this Holiday Season.  My very best '90s-inspired velvet at that (complete with Hard Candy-esque nail polish)!  That's how special.  But, to proselytize for a second, the '90s revival that's in full swing is worth looking into. Besides the whole 'heroin chic' thing, '90s fashion had a whole lot of Puritan going on!  Minimal decoration, longer hems, what could be more perfect for work?  And then you can go out for drinks and be like "oh I'm so ahead of the trend."  Win-win.  Ok that's it.  Hope you all get some time to relax and enjoy yourselves no matter where you are or what you're doing!  As Gossip Girl would say, xoxo.

P.S.- If in need of additional distraction, the fabulous gals of StyledOn did a little Q&A with me here :)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Alexander Wang dress, Marc Jacobs shoes

Because I didn't want dark and didn't want sparkles...

The Weekend Girl: Sample Sale Mania

 (Proenza Schouler's got me so excited, I'm doing the Charleston)

Proenza Schouler dress, Banana Republic turtleneck sweater, Uniqlo tights, Ralph Lauren Collection boots

As some of you who live in the New York area may know, last week was kind of a sample sale tournament of champions in the city.  I'm talking Proenza, Alexander Wang, Rodarte, Derek Lam, Rachel Comey--and that's just to name a few.  Although I had sworn off shopping for a while, we all know I can't resist a good bargain, and boy did that get me in trouble!  I thought I was in the clear the first day of Proenza--which was disappointing to say the least--when I left without a thing (a first for me).  I breathed a sigh of relief.  But, the sample-sale divinities had other plans for me apparently, because when I returned there were amazing S/S 2010 runway pieces more than 80% off!  I got this leather number more than 90% off.  I can't divulge the exact numbers as I was sworn to secrecy, but somehow I found the one incorrectly marked piece in the whole room!  The lovely Proenza employees said it made them cry to part with it for so little. Score!  I also had the fortune of checking out the Alexander Wang sale just as prices were being marked down to $80 for ---get this-- ANYTHING!  Sometimes the world gives you signs, and sometimes those signs are at designer sample sales.  What's a girl to do?  

One more post before the holidays and then a much needed break for all!

Fair-Isle Renegade

 Ralph Lauren Blue Label sweater, Yves Saint Laurent pants, J. Crew belt, Rag & Bone boots

I am a sucker for all things fair-isle: my sweater drawer looks like a jolly little winter fairy vomited all over everything (I also, inexplicably, have an unreasonable amount of tartan--I think I must have been Scottish in another lifetime or something).  Maybe it's just in my head, but for some reason I swear the fair-isle sweaters I have are supremely warmer than any of my other sweaters.  Although fair-isle is a little bit country, a little  bit après-ski, since it's been kind of a trend lately (if something so classic can be a trend), there are a lot of dressier versions available (my favorite is Ralph Lauren though, few do the classic as well) that land on the more polished side and are super versatile all week long.  And for what it's worth, I say that with a good pair of tailored dress pants, almost any fair-isle is a perfectly chic look for the professional (guy or) gal in the throes of winter. 

P.S.- Apologies for the renegade tissue paper acting up in my new purchase purgatory (yes, that's what those bags are, I leave new purchases there to stew before I either accept them or banish them from whence they came).

Not Just a River In Egypt

Patrik Ervell men's shirt, J. Crew sweater, Escada skirt, Target leopard print tights, Chloe boots

This outfit is a little bit out of the ordinary for a few reasons, namely: 1) it was 20 degrees (feels like 9) and my Resort skirt and S/S shirt hardly covey that (yes, it's called denial); 2) it's a bit more casual than is the MO of the blog (but it was a Refinery 29-day, which is considerably more casual that my other work environments).  Nevertheless, some of you may have seen the partially obscured and unflattering version here, so I thought I would put my own spin on things with marginally better pictures (at least w/o my not very exciting, but necessary  puffy coat).  So here it is! I got a gift certificate to Escada in a gift bag and surprisingly found this lovely watercolor print skirt.  Seeing as Escada isn't usually on my radar AT ALL, I was quite pleased with what I found.  Yes, there are lots of mumsy type things for the Muffies and Buffies of the world, but I did see a few things (including some really cute tasseled, heeled loafers in an acid green wash), that piqued my interest.  Don't know if it'll ever make it onto the regular rotation of stores, but I'm glad I gave it a chance!

The Holiday Girl: Party Time!

Dries Van Noten skirt, sweater dress from Henri Bendel (back when they had clothes), Ralph Lauren Blue Label shirt, turquoise ring from India, YSL earrings, Chloe shoes

While I do enjoy the occasional holiday party like any normal and decent person, as of late, I haven't  really been feeling the poofy part-dress route.  Maybe it's the lazy in me.  Maybe it's the fact that I have the circulation of a 72-year old. Maybe I just don't give a damn.  Anyway you put it, short dress + stilletos has not  been in the equation for me thus far.  This past weekend, I had one such holiday soiree to attend, which not only allowed me to flaunt my little holiday rebellion, but also provided occasion for me to finally pull out this Dries skirt I've had for almost a year-and-a-half.  It's the silver corollary to a runway piece (below), and is a fabulously sparkly and net-like knit.  One party-goer likened it to chain-mail, which I was duly flattered by (ever the sucker for the historical, and I mean historical, references). Even better?  I got if for 38 dollars.  Yep.  Go ahead and hate me.  Although I do admit I prefer the styling of the runway look (white shirt and ball gown, so classic, but so cold for winter), I did enjoy the coziness of my winter-ification of the skirt.  So if you're feeling claustrophobic about the season's stereotypical dressings, don't be afraid to let comfortability be your guide--it can work out!  (I think).

Little Lord Fauntleroy

Givenchy shirt, Phi jodhpurs, Ben Sherman blazer, random tights, Lanvin shoes, MAC Venomous Villains Maleficent lipstick in Violetta

Am quite the petulant child in that first pic, no?  Only a few bows away from Little Lady Fauntleroy, Esq.  I've said it once, and I'll say it again, I think jodhpurs are a really great addition to anyone's wardrobe.  Whether they're exaggerated and draped and pleated comme ci, or a classic iteration comme ça, it's a silhouette that will make any outfit interesting.  Just treat them like your regular, ol' skinny pants and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easily fashion-forward it can look (but not fashion-forward in a trend-slave kind of way, more in that classic-chic kind of way, as long as you stay away from the villainous super-drop crotch).  I   particularly like them with this Givenchy top (that I found for a steal on Yoox).  The harness-like detail and high-collar reference the equestrian vibe, but the twisted stripes make it seem as though, despite its conservative demeanor, it could go crazy on you at any second.  I like my clothes like my personal relationships: a bit unbalanced--more exciting that way. ;)

The Puffy Vest

 Comfort is key: Vintage sweater from Mom, J. Crew puffy vest, super-soft Jil Sander skirt, Target tights, Rochas shoes

 Winter is officially here guys, and I am completely perplexed, for the first time, by the indoor/outdoor temperature dichotomy.  It is Scandinavian-style cold outside, but, in my new places of work, the temperatures vary from slightly chilled to I-thought-I-left-Arizona-9-years-ago levels.  As a twin concern, I also faced the conundrum of how to stay warm but still mobile in the arm area.  What I mean by that is that, often, a blazer is just TOO confining for working at a computer all day, but you sweater vest just doesn't cut it warmth-wise either.  What to do?  I am advocating the puffy vest.  Not just any puffy vest--so you can put away those terminator-style Gap ones you had when you were a kid.  I mean super luxe ones--pastels, metallics, wools, tweeds!  They've been on the rise for a while, but I'm ready to take the plunge (and J. Crew has a ton of them on sale in-store (prices are higher online)).  I *think* that with a more traditional work outfit, these can go over as well for the week as they do for the weekend--and they'll give you the temperature control you need.  If you want something, you just have to TAKE IT!*

*Is anyone else as sad about Dexter ending this week?  Sunday nights are no longer funday nights. :(

2010 Outerwear Spectacular: An Epilogue

Vintage cape, Brooks Brothers french cuff shirt, Rag & Bone sweater, Comme des Garcons skirt, YSL boots, Marc Jacobs bag

 The bf chose this location...should I be worried?

 I see London, I see.....Just kidding! I had full leggings on under my less-than-opaque Comme skirt.  Was just having some fun being a little faux-risqué.  Did I getcha?  I hope it gave you a little startle at the very least. ;)  (Note that with a little slip underneath, the outfit becomes totally work appropriate).  Even though the 2010 Outerwear Spectacular has come and gone, I wanted to do a little epilogue, if you will, with this vintage cape I bought over Thanksgiving from Ebay.  Now, I'm no stranger to a cape, but this one in particular especially caught my eye because of its sharp tailoring.  It almost fits like a blazer in the shoulders.  It's also one of those super heavy-duty, durable Irish tweeds, which means neither rain, nor hail, nor sleet is going to get through this baby (at least I hope).  As someone who is still somewhat of a novice to Ebay (yes, I've been living under a rock), it was mighty encouraging.  This could get dan-ger-ous....

The Weekend Girl: Mochila Drifter

 Nonia sweater, Ralph Lauren Blue Label corduroys, Chloe boots, Akubra hat, Proenza Schouler mochila tote

Ok, ok, I promise a moratorium on outfits with the hat after this, but my Proenza Schouler mochila tote (in turquoise) arrived and I just had to share!  Isn't it amazing?!  The weave is so beautiful and super luxe, but down-to-earth at the same time (a Proenza specialty).  The size is also great for trekking around the city (it served me quite well during a day of high-stress holiday shopping).  Only bad thing is now I wish I could have it in every color!

Urban Cowgirl

Apart faux fur coat, Akubra hat, random turtleneck, Phi sweater top and pants, Banana Republic belt, J. Crew socks, Marc Jacobs shoes

Belt playing hide-and-seek

I was really serious about this hat thing, wasn't I?  I love it!  And it keeps me me warm now that NYC has decided to be cold once again, after a 60 degree Wednesday.  Although, I'm sure it'll be 60 degrees again  by this time next week.  Such spastic weather is really exhausting, and it seems the whole country's being subjected to it in some shape or form.  Poor us!  In sadder news, I was hoping to have a little surprise in the mail (and for the blog) today, but unfortunately FedEx decided that my package that was shipped from Manhattan needed to go to Brooklyn before being delivered to me--in Manhattan.  Grrr...it's probably getting drunk off of cheap PBR and whiskey in Bushwick right now.  Bastard! Not to keep you in suspense any longer, THIS is what will hopefully arrive at it's proper home tomorrow.  If you haven't heard, those wily young fellers of Proenza Schouler (that would be Jack and Lazaro) came up with the brilliant idea of selling limited edition totes and wallets in the mochila style directly on their website (according to the New York Times, it takes the women of the Wayuu tribe of Colombia and Venezuela up to a month to weave a mochila bag, working eight hours a day, every day).  You may recognize the patterns, as they also covered the pre-fall PS1 bag, only at a much, MUCH higher price point (the usual $1100-2200 range for medium, large, and extra large sizes).  In contrast, these totes and wallets are, while not cheap, quite substantially less,at $225 and $145, respectively.  That's within reach for a lot of people, especially during the holidays.  So, you [I]  get a Proenza bag at a reasonable price and Proenza gets pure profit by cutting out the middle man.  It's a win-win for all!  If that doesn't get you in the holiday spirit, I don't think there's anything that will!