Fringe Benefits

I have made a few purchases this winter that are items I find myself constantly going into the closet to grab time & time again. One of them is this black fringe poncho that I picked up during the holiday stroll on Nantucket at the Blue Beetle, the other is this cozy cardigan that is super warm and has a fun oversized safety pin that helps keep it closed when it's chilly. I noticed that these two items have some fun fringe elements in common and keep finding myself drawn to this little embellishment on other pieces. So I put together some fringed favorites to help add a little added flare to basic pieces like a comfy poncho to a classic clutch or even a great suede boot. 

Wrap It Up

I saw the saying above on one of my favorite bloggers instagram and thought it was so honest & hilarious. I am definitely guilty of wearing the same outfit a few times especially those that I feel good in. I am so incredibly picky when it comes to my clothing that when I find something I love, I usually buy it in two colors. This was definitely the case with this wrap top I have been living in all winter long. I loved it so much I also gifted it to my sister at Christmas. I have always been drawn to wrap tops, I find them flattering around the torso and just a bit more interesting then a basic silk blouse. I also keep seeing that the "new" styling trick on how to wear a basic button down blouse as a faux wrap by crossing over the sides and buttoning them at the cleavage & tucking them in to hold in place like Sienna Miller did below.

image via extra tv

To get the look for yourself, shops some of my favorite wrap style blouses.

Color Crush - Black & White

I have a bit of an obsession with the color combination of black and white, whether it be in my home, my wardrobe or even my puppies, these two shades are always a favorite. My b&w pinterest board is always a constant go to for outfit inspiration and when I am unsure of what to wear I know I will always smartly dress in this classic combo. So I wanted to share a little round up of my favorite black & white items from accessories, home to clothing!

Hope you have a great weekend!

The Silk Blouse

Happy Friday friends! Thank you to those who checked in and reached out on yesterday's personal post. As promised I am back to normal programming and sharing some fashionable items that I love. Whenever I am stuck on what to wear I always fall back on my favorite combination of a loose fitting silk blouse and some flattering denim like these or these. It's always comfortable, looks polished yet it's easy and can be quickly accessorized with a leather jacket, sexy shoes or fun accessories.
What is your go to look? 



Equipment Nude Signature Silk Blouse // DVF Graphic Printed Blouse // Haute Hippie Lariat Blouse // J.Crew Green Silk Pocket Blouse // Joie Printed Blouse // Rebecca Taylor Floral Blouse

Color Crush - Burgundy

Morning friends! Did you all see my guest post over on Preppy Love yesterday? I was having a major moment with gold and neon pink. Today I am focusing more on autumnal hues like burgundy. This moody color is very much on my radar when it comes to fall shopping. My color crush all started when I spotted those rock studs below...yes I know, every single blogger and their mother owns these shoes and I have never really lusted after them for that reason, but something about them in this bordeaux patent color has me seriously weak in the knees. I have been dreaming up some other wine colored treats that would pair oh so nicely with them. 

button down // tote // wrap sweater // belt // dress // shorts // shoes // necklace // iPhone case

Online Outlets

Growing up outlet shopping was a budding trend that definitely caught my attention. It usually meant a trip to the outdoor mall that always seemed so far from where we lived but it also included an entire day of plans with friends or my mom to hit up all the stores we loved to score a deal on. Back then, outlet shopping meant the items we were shopping were likely discontinued, imperfect or simply from last season {the last being my favorite for those items you wish you had purchased & never did}. These days many retailers create an entire line of merchandise for their "company stores" which can be based on previous designs, using more affordable materials and now what was once only available in the typical brick & mortar store, some outlet's are offering e-commerce solutions for those who just don't want to deal with the crowds, parking and hike to the often out of the way shopping plaza's. A few of my favorite online outlets are below!



one - Did you know that Net-A-Porter's online outlet is the Outnet offering deep discounts on big time designers like this faux DVF wrap dress?

two - Premium retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue offer their outlet versions online like Saks Off Fifth which include stylish finds like this Rebecca Taylor lace peplum top.

three - American Eagle which is already an affordable retailer offers an even more wallet friendly version of itself with their online factory outlet.

four - Neiman Marcus is always a favorite of mine for the hottest trends so naturally their Last Call outlet is awesome, especially with designer bags on sale like this little Halston Heritage pink clutch!

five - BCBG is a first stop for great trendy designs. I personally love their sweaters and this cardigan with the open back is no exception, love their final cut outlet shop.

six - All hail the J.Crew & their equally awesome factory store which offers similar designs to previous seasons with a few tweaks. These floral pants are simply the cutest.

seven - Tommy Hillfiger offers a great company store online with chic finds like this classic trench.

eight - Zappos is one of my top hits for quick shipping finds, is there anything better then free overnight delivery? I think not. 6PM  is the little sister offering even bigger discounts on name brands like these Coach flats. 

Work Wear Essentials

In my mind buying clothes for the office can be looked at two ways, option one - I spend most of my time there, I might as well look my best while I am earning that pay check or option two - work clothes are a snooze and I refuse to put effort into how I look 9-5. If you know me at all from this blog or personally you can pretty much figure out I was an option numero uno kinda gal during my corporate office days. I am always a big believer in being dressed to impress in work and socially, so with a dear friends recent job change I thought I would put together a little round up on a few fashionable workwear essentials to help build a killer business wardrobe. The best part is with a few classic pieces you can create several looks without wearing the same five outfits every week.

accessories & shoes
I like adding color through handbags while keeping the jewlery simple. I also adore a kitten heel to give a bit of height without losing comfort for long work days. I personally opt for one solid in a nude or a black and one pattern for amping up your outfits stylish factor. Comfy leopard flats are also a fun way to mix prints without being to loud in a conservatively dressed office. 

stud earrings  // layered necklaces // blue tote // yellow tote // nude patent leather pump // printed bow pump // leopard flats

dresses
A conservative sheath dress is always appropriate for important meetings and pairs great with  day to night looks. In the winter add the blazer and tights to keep warm. A shirt or a wrap dress is another great office essential. You can add a more interesting belt to help make the look a bit more sophisticated. 

grey sheath // tan shirt dress 

skirts
A pencil skirt in a dark hue is flattering and super versatile. The navy one I chose goes with every single top in the roundup while the pleated midi skirt is a bit more fun for the warmer months. 

pencil skirt // pleated skirt 

tops
A few great shirts can be easily worn several ways. A classic white button down and striped top is a necessity in any wardrobe and looks great on the weekends with jeans and those fab leopard flats. A black cardigan with a little embellishment make the look a bit more interesting while keeping you cozy in frigid offices. 

chambray shirt // silk blouse // embellished cardigan // striped tee // white button down

pants
Everyone needs a great pair of black pants, I always opted for an ankle length straight leg to show the shoes, but a great long legged trouser is super slimming and dressy. I also love the idea of a printed pair of pants to help keep the workwear fun and youthful. 

black trousers // printed pants 

jackets
A great trench coat is quite possible the best coat you can invest in. While a tweed blazer is a styish addition to a slew of the outfits below creating a pieced suit without looking boring. 

classic trench {this one is super stylish for less money} // tweed blazer

Check out below more on the outfit combinations using the above items!

looks one & two


look three & four



look five & six 



look seven & eight

Day Dresses

As the warmer temps hit here in Boston, I find myself reaching for my favorite day dresses for running errands around town. Not only is it easier to not have to plan a full outfit but a casual day dress is also super comfortable. I recently wore that floral green number below and was stopped a few times asking where it was from {so affordable from gap}. So I thought I would put together a little round up of some of my favorites to keep cool and look good this summer!

one // two // three // four // five // six

Summer Clutch

You guys, I have a problem...I am addicted to clutches! I am totally obsessed and can never ever seem to have too many. Even if they are totally annoying to carry while out on the town, they are still by far my favorite purse style out there. I have been coveting one in particular {not avail online or I would share} that is a beautiful black and tan woven pattern and have been told there are four left in the country {totally makes me want more}. Come warm weather {Spring where the frick are you???} I love to swap out my bulkier bags for a more petite clutch, especially in a pretty print or in a natural fabric like raffia, canvas or straw. A little round up of some favorites are below.

one // two // three {more colors avail} // four // five {style steal at $40!} // six // seven // eight // nine 

Spring Wishlist

I'm having a major itch to do some shopping and refresh my wardrobe with some new Spring clothes. I am seriously over sweaters, coats & boots. A few things below are on my list...some I have picked up, some are still on my wish-list. What are you coveting come warmer weather???



These Loren Hope cuffs are perfection, I would stack this midnight colored gem with a neutral clear stone to go with everything in my wardrobe all Spring & Summer. A classic trench is always a wardrobe staple, I would wear with those floral sling backs, casual ankle length jeans & a striped tee or that pretty peplum top around town.  Loeffler Randall makes some killer shoes, I was obsessed with a similar style last season, I think these cobalt beauties would be a great new pop of color in my neutral wardrobe. Bomber jackets are everywhere this season. I am OBSESSED with this Rebecca Taylor one. When heading to warmer temps, this chevron coverup and stylish one piece are a perfect pair for a poolside chic look. A fabulous day to night dress. Finally a nautical inspired clutch and gold iPhone case are great accessories to go with all my favorite looks. 

Weekend Wear - House of Cards

Robin Wrights character on the show House of Cards is an impeccable dresser. Always elegant and simply dressed to perfection. Her effortlessly chic way of dressing was the inspiration for this weekends wear. A classic silhouette dress that is fitted but not revealing is perfectly paired with petite diamond studs, a great handbag and killer heels - it's sexiness in a very subtle way.

DVF Dress // Prada Tote // Christian Louboutin Pumps // Diamond Studs

Striped

As Spring items are hitting the shelves I am noticing tons of navy and white. Especially when it comes to my favorite pattern, stripes. The classic print mixes brilliantly with so many other patterns like florals and my favorite leopard {as displayed in that fabulous clutch below}. So I did a little round up of some of my favorite items boasting stripes. 

Have a great weekend everyone!


scarf // flats // clutch // shorts // dress // hat // linen tee // iphone cover // watch // skirt // sunglass case // bathing suit

Weekend Wear - NYFW Inspired

As New York Fashion Week came to a close this past week, I am on serious sensory overload. So many amazing street styles were captured. I imagine that it wasn't easy to put together chic ensembles during this brutal polar vortex. I mean, most of them were probably frozen numb with the single digit temps.  Had I attended I think I would have worn a little number like the outfit below. Lot's of texture, patterns and a bit of cheeky with that fab little clutch. 

DVF Fur Coat // Kate Spade Clutch // J.Crew Pumps // J Brand Denim // Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace // Isabel Marant Blouse

Have a great weekend everyone!

Weekend Wear - Birthday Suit

I feel like turning thirty five is a significant birthday and worthy of a treat to gift myself. This dress by Diane Von Furstenburg might just be the front runner for a perfect birthday dinner date along with some other upcoming travel, bridal showers and so on. I mean it's named the Heidi dress, so it's destined to be in my closet right???



Stella McCartney Clutch // J.Crew Earring // Louise et Cie Sandal // DVF Heidi Dress 

Love Is In The Air

Well hello February, it's nice to see you! Is it me or is January unbearable longgggggg??? While I am so ready for Spring, it's hard to skip over all the holidays that come before then, including Valentines Day. Now I know this holiday is a total "Hallmark" holiday and that a lot of peeps out there hate the day regardless whether they have a sweetie to share it with or not. I am pretty indifferent to the all the romantic planning behind the special occasion but any day that I get my husband away from his work I am all for. This year we will be celebrating the day with some friends keeping it low key with drinks, bowling and pizza. Does it get better then that? So for those of you out there who want to give a little something to your love, your bestie or someone in your family that means the world to you, below are a few Valentine themed gift ideas for you to help spread the love!



Sur La Table Heart Pedestal Platter {perfect for putting your favorite treats on} // Juniper Books Love Poems // Michael Kors Pave Heart Necklace // Kate Spade "Pucker Up" Lipstick // Ban.Do Hearts // Stella & Dot Heart Scarf // ModCloth Flats // DVF iPhone Case // Paper Source Matches // Sugarfina "Sweetheart" Bento Box // XO Cuff Bracelet // Darling Heart Terra Cotta Dish // Victorias Secret Makeup Mirror // Mayfair Kisses Umbrella // Mini Roses // Modern Bite Valentines Day Cookies // Anthropologie Embroidered Heart Pillow // DVF Trio of Hearts Pouches // XO Heart Paperweight // DVF Quilted Heart Pouches 

A Neutral New Years

I already shared some fabulous one stop shopping on throwing a chic New Years Eve party but what to wear to the festivities is worthy of another post. Since we are keeping it casual at a friends house this year, I thought I would put together a little look that is full of glam but also not over the top decked out. What are you doing & wearing this New Years Eve???



Balloons // Faux Fur Coat // Beaded Tank // Tech Case // Destroyed Denim // Clutch // Bracelet // Nail Polish // Lipstick // Pumps 

Leopard Accessories

Leopard by far has go to be my favorite print ever. It might be my entire wardrobe consisting of all black clothing or the fact that a pair of leopard pumps I was wearing at work back in 2008 is what caught my now husbands attention at the office. Regardless of the reason, it's safe to say I am pretty obsessed with this animal print. While I haven't yet added a leopard clutch to my collection, any of the beauties below would most definitely be welcome. For now my new favorite leopard pumps will have to be my go to for a little added feisty flavor to my outfit. 

Lanvin Clutch // Clare Vivier Clutch // DVF Clutch

Christian Loubitin Clutch // Valentino Clutch // Jerome Dreyfuss Clutch

Cleobella Clutch // 10 Crosby Derek Lam Clutch // Cleobella Clutch 

Steve Madden Flats // Gap Flats // 2B Flats

Christian Louboutin Pumps // DVF Annette Pumps // C.Wonder Pumps 

Vince Camuto Booties // DV by Dolce Vita Bootie // Aerin Booties 

Weekend Wear - Sparkle Sparkle

When I saw the sparkly number below on the instagram account for DVF, I practically ran to her Newbury store to try it on...which was a big mistake because I instantly fell in love. Black and gold have long been a favorite combination of mine but add in some sparkle and you have the perfect little black dress. The dress can be worn in the warmer weather with a chic simple sandal or paired with tights and pumps for the winter with a leather jacket for an edgier look. It's just screaming a girls night on the town in NYC. Whose coming with me???

DVF Twiggy Dress // J.Crew Crystal Baguette Bracelet & Open Bangle // Alexis Bittar Chain Link Studs // Saint Laurent Clutch {look for less} // Zara Combined Sandals

Striped

I adore stripes in almost every form {minus these Beetlejuice pants}. While my absolute favorite striped item is the classic top paired with skinny denim and comfy flats, I thought I would try to pick an outfit featuring the horizontal pattern in a different color palette. I usually would stay clear of black and white stripes due to a fear of looking like the hamburglar. However when I saw this jacket in person I quickly fell in love. The thicker rugby stripe along with the zipper details gave this jacket an edge that inspired an entire black and white outfit that follows one of this Springs hottest trends. 

How do you wear stripes???

Zara Striped Jacket // Michael Kors Studded Clutch // Jeffrey Campbell Sandals {own & love} // Tibi Peplum Top {25% off with Friends & Family till 5/17} // Roberto Coin Diamond Studs // DVF Lip IPhone case // Dolce & Gabana Lip Gloss // All Saints Denim // J.Crew Tortoise Necklace

Check out more striped goodness on Long Distance Loving. 

flat out

I always prefer heels to flats any day of the week but city living requires a sensible shoe that can easily get me from point A to B without falling on my face. While I absolutely loathe pairing the word sensible with the word shoe, I must surrender my feetsies to some more comfortable and practical shoes. My latest obsession is the cap toe flat. I recently purchased this pair & this pair and have become utterly obsessed with them. Their metallic toe tip instantly makes the shoe a little more glamorous, adds a little added style to my ensemble and instantly gives me a pep in my step. 

Which is your favorite???

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine

This is how I would style my favorite flats for a day of shopping with friends!

top // denim // scarf // bracelet // tote // flats