Daily Outfit: Colorblock Relief

After an entire summer spent keeping my purse-strings pretty tight, (ahem, yes it's true) it was such a relief to give myself the OK to purchase one end-of-summer piece that could easily transition into fall. Voila...the sleeveless tunic blouse via H&M. I sized up to get that flattering blousy fit. Tucked into a skirt, belted over pants, or paired with leggings...this top is a staple for color-blocking style! The rich coral shade will be a crucial layering piece in my autumn wardrobe; keeping my leopard prints, bright maroon tones, and army greens in good company. Lots of ladies are coveting Equipment's line of silk blouses, but if you want to get the same look for less-  just try your local H&M. 

Did you dive into fall fashion head on, or are you slowly testing the waters? I'm still looking forward to unearthing all those goodies that were hidden away during the seasonal swap. I did start the season off right with a trip to the hair salon for a new 'do (last year's photos here...this year's coming soon!) Long overdue...my locks had not seen any special treatment since April. It's becoming a ritual of renewal for me. What's yours? xoxo Becca

(Jeans- Gap similar, Blouse- H&M similar, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Studded Belt- J.Crew similar, Sandals- Dolce Vita, Necklaces- Anthropologie & Kenneth Cole)

Daily Outfit: Rockin Raspberry Sorbet

I love that H&M has a (small) selection of band tees. But when I don't find what I'm looking for in my size, eBay is a fantastic back up. So I embraced the July heat and went with a Popsicle-inpsired color palette of raspberry sorbet all the while humming aloud Sheena is a Punk Rocker. Feather and chain earrings seemed like the natural choice to build on this girly but edgy look...and somehow it manages to be very office-appropriate too.  xoxo Becca

(Feather Wisp Earrings in Milky Peach- MavenFresh, H&M Ramones Tee- eBay, Addison Story Skirt- Anthropologie {last seen here}, Boyfriend Blazer- Urban Outfitters, Beaded Bracelets- Anthropologie, Sandals- Aldo)

Daily Outfit: Laced in Violets

who says lace is just for streetwalkers??!!  i love the fact that lace was recently reclaimed by the fashion world and made to be classic and edgy! that was my goal for this outfit.  though many have put their lace tights away, i am still loving mine.  they were the perfect addition to add edge and coverage to make these cute floral-print vintage shorts office ready.  is this your average office attire? well...no. ...but you should know by now that my style choices are anything but average lol.  ... and i would totally do it again!

(Tuxedo blazer - Kenneth Cole, Violet Ruffle shirt - Forever 21, Floral-print Shorts - Vintage Ann Taylor, Lace Tights - Hue, Stud Cuff - Matt Bernson, Mocassins - Minnetonka, Lightcatchers in Violet - MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: J. Crew Love

i have always had a love for J.Crew clothing.  while i am far from the average J.Crew client, they have such great, timeless separates that can be incorporated into any wardrobe! 

they recently sent me their latest "Style Guide" (Becca and i love that name) and it had me drooling all the way through!! it was total eye candy from start to finish.  above are some of my favorite picks from the new season's arrivals:

1. you know how much i love bags! a little purse in this fab color would make the perfect accent for a night out.

2. belts, belts, belts! these simple accents are a great way to add a pop of color, especially neon, to an otherwise drab outfit! the problem is choosing only one!

3. *gasp, i looooooove this skirt!!  mixing sequins with colorblocking - totally hard to go wrong!

4. this is a great blazer - perfect for chilly nights or another layer at work.  i would wear this with a white tee and some printed denim.

5. how exciting that it's the time of year to think about being at the beach!! i adore the color and shape of this maillot but is this a swimsuit or a leotard?!  either way, look fabulous on the beach then throw on some shorts and sandals for dinner with friends!

6. the utility pant is so comfortable and the perfect staple in any wardrobe.  make it hot pink and you've just stepped up the game!

7. i love this pair of bright colored skinnies! i have so many ideas for how to wear these...

8. sigh, yes, another bag, but, it's the color that makes this bag droolable (is that a word?? lol).

9. i've been having so much fun wearing shorts.  paired with tights or leggings or bare-legged, this printed pair would be the starting point for great outfits.

10. this is a super cute maxi skirt.  i would want to add both this pretty deep blue or the turquoise version to my collection.

alas, my list could have gone on forever!! this is just a taste of some of my faves.  Becca and i drool over J. Crew items all the time.  if only we could have them all!! hey, a girl could dream! :)

Have a great holiday weekend!!

Daily Outfit: Sun Spots

this weekend, my sister dubbed me the leggings queen.  when she said it, i thought it was the perfect title lol!  though i don't have tons of leggings, i do have quite a few and they are, by far, the most comfortable thing you can put on for any activity.  while my usual choice has been leggings in bright colors, printed leggings have recently won over my heart!  they bring a bit of the unexpected to any outfit!

i was seeing spots when i chose to wear this pair.  i usually love to style them with a bright tunic top but today i chose to bring in color by wearing my sunshine-inspired lightcatchers and bright pink lips!  how fun!  

whether you wear printed leggings or denim, this trend is right on target! love it!

(Blazer - Vintage Tahari, Tunic - Victoria Secret, Glitter skinny belt - similar J. Crew , Printed leggings - H&M (similar), Biker booties - MIA, Lightcatchers in Mango - MavenFresh)

PFM Obsession: $esheta's Spring Fresh Five - #2 Anything Cobalt

ooooo... cobalt!! this pretty blue makes everything cool.  anything cobalt lands at my #2 spot and it's easy to see why.  seeing this shade just makes me totally happy.  i sure wish i could intuit some lottery numbers the way i am able to pick up on color trends!! two years ago, i was determined to find some flats in this beautiful shade of blue and it was near impossible.  now my love of cobalt can be satisfied in soooo many ways!  all i can say is aaaahhhhh... :)

this is soo gorg!! leave it to Foley & Corinna to make a beautiful bag!

patent pointy Bre flats from Pour La Victoire

Becca's love affair started with these Gap legging jeans and i was hooked right after!

a bright blue blazer can brighten up any outfit.

Daily Outfit: Russian Prep

  This is an unexpected pairing... those can end up surprising me by being my favorite looks! I'm not usually drawn to preppy pieces, but this traditional blackwatch blazer was calling my name. With a (silent) shout-out to my Russian heritage, the look became a mix of fur, lace, and plaid wool. Just what I needed to beat that cold chill in the air. If only I was sipping tea while strolling NYC instead of spending the day at work...but I digress. Can't wait to wear this blazer at night with coated denim and some serious chunky chain necklaces for a more edgy twist.

(Kentfield Blazer- Anthropologie, Lace Blouse- Vintage, Hudson Nico Mid Rise Skinny Jeans- eBay, Red Skinny Belt- Gap, Mini-Wedge Ankle Boots- Zara, Russian Fur Hat- Vintage, Flash Cluster Earrings- MavenFresh)

Daily Outfit: Floral Navy

 so Becca mentioned how we have been location challenged for our pics.  the cool weather has really put a damper on our natural lighting.  i have been fighting tooth and nail to find an indoor location because, if you didn't know, the cold and i are not friends.  needless to say, the idea of being outside in under 40 degree weather without my jacket, scarf, hat and/or gloves does not excite me.  Becca suggested running outside, shooting at lightening quick speed (while the photographer stayed bundled) and then switching before the cold really sank in.  at first, i was all for it, but that was before the recent drop in NY temps to high 30s, low 40s.  when those lower temperatures hit me on my way in to work, i completely got cold feet.  i told Becca we could shoot my pics indoors and i would be happy to be warm while shooting hers outdoors.  well...Becca won.  after an unsatisfying shoot under fluorescent lighting, we headed outdoors for our super fast shoot.  considering the temps, i'd say these came out pretty good lol. all i have to say is anything lower than high 30s is going to be a problem lmao.

p.s. i've been having tons of fun with my blowout locks!  my hair is getting long :)  the color itch is getting stronger and as soon as i figure out how to get the color/effect i want -- it's on!!

(Navy boyfriend blazer - Tahari, Floral print top - Anthropologie, Navy long sleeve tee - Old Navy, Taupe Carpenter skinnies - Blank NYC, Slouchy Boots - Nine West,  Copper bracelets - Tasha West, Chained to Copper earrings and Jersey Mobius in Taupe - MavenFresh)