Navy and Bordeaux

Jacket:  Tulle (very old, similar here for $45!!), Pants:  H&M (similar here ~ on SALE!), Bag:  Aldo, Shoes:  Madewell ~ on SALE!, Gloves:  H&M (similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

This jacket is so old that I'd pretty much forgotten about it.  I was overjoyed the other day when it re-surfaced ~ rescued from the dark depths of my coat closet.  I feel that the pleated peplum design and double breasted closure are so unique and regal-looking! 

Colored Denim

Blazer:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shirt:  J.Crew, Pants:  J.Crew, Clutch:  Anthropologie (old, this one is on my wish list), Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (budget-friendly version here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Necklace:  Gorjana, Bracelet:  c/o Left of Right, Nails:  Essie "Topless & Barefoot"

We had one 60-degree day last week and I jumped at the opportunity for a warm(er) weather ensemble.  I had purchased these J.Crew pants in "bright papaya" {seen here, here, here,} around this time last year, and loved them so much that I found myself wearing them very often.  So of course I was elated to see them on super-sale a few weeks ago!  I snatched up several pairs in different colors ~ each between $12 & $15!  I've already filled my colored denim quota for the upcoming season without breaking the bank! 

Military-esque

Coat:  J.Crew (last year, simlar here on sale!), Turtleneck:  Gap (similar here), Printed Cords:  Madewell ~ on SALE!, Boots:  Anthropologie:  (old, simlar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (obsessed with this new version!), Earrings:  Tory Burch

Feeling very military-esque today in my double-breasted coat and riding boots.  I added the fun floral cords to take the edge off!  

Have a wonderful weekend ~ TGIF!!

P.S. ~ please excuse the appearance of my blog for the next week or so.  It will be undergoing some much needed maintenance :)

Damask

Jacket:  Buffalo Jeans (old, similar here), Turtleneck:  J.Crew, Pants:  Forever 21 (similar here ~ on sale!), Bag:  Forever21, flats:  Zara (similar here)

Just a quick post today wearing my favorite printed pants {last worn here}.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week ~ happy hump day!

Two Things

Coat:  J.Crew, Turtleneck:  J.Crew, Skirt:  J.Crew ~ on SALE {see a pattern??}, Bag:  Anthropologie, Shoes: H&M (similar here), Tights:  Anthropologie,  Bangle:  Vintage (from my mother's jewelry box} (similar here), Nails:  Essie "Glamour Purse"

Ok.  There are two things that you need to know about me if you don't already:

1.  I HATE cold weather.  Strange given that I have lived in NJ my entire life.  Is this outfit winter appropriate?  For me, yes ~ this is the longest period of time that I will spend outside all winter.  Aside from taking blog pictures, it's a short walk to the car, and then a short walk from the car to work or wherever else I may be going.  Just group me in with the bears because I basically hibernate too.

2.  I LOVE a good sale.  I have to brag about my sale-shopper-skills right now.  Retail price of this outfit:  Coat $365, Turtleneck $85, Skirt $148, Total = $598.  Price I paid:  Coat $101, Turtleneck $29.99, Skirt $29.99, Total = $160.98.  Approximately 1/3 of the retail price!  Enough said.

Bow Peep

Coat:  Forever 21 (old, similar here ~ under $100!), Skirt:  Bebe (a wardrobe staple!!!), Sweater J.Crew ~ almost sold out (simlar here for $25!!), Shirt:  Madewell (similar), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes:  J.Crew (old, great alternative here), Earrings:  Kate Spade, Watch:  DKNY (similar), Nails:  Essie "Glamour Purse"

It's certainly no secret that I'm a huge fan of bows, and often display them not only in my clothing but in my accessories too.  So when I saw these adorable Kate Spade earrings at Nordstrom, I just couldn't resist adding them to my collection.  They add such a feminine classic touch!

Mad for Plaid

Coat:  Bebe (very old, loving this one ~ on MAJOR SALE!!!), Dress:  Forever 21 (also very old, similar here,,here) Turtleneck:  J.Crew, Tights:  Anthropologie, Shoes: Valentino, Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (LOVING this newer version), Gloves:  Lord & Taylor (similar on SALE)

This is probably one of the more inexpensive dresses I own and I have had it for years. It has survived many, MANY closet clean-outs.  There is something about plaid that never gets old or goes out of style ~ and ~ as you probably know by now, I'm a sucker for work-appropriate dresses!

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Coat:  J.Crew (last year, very similar here ~ only $88, and here just $75!), Sweater:  Zara (similar here), Jeans:  AG via Anthropologie, Shoes:  J.Crew (old, LOVE this similar pair), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs, Belt:  H&M (similar), Bangle:  C.Wonder

Yesterday, my husband and I went to brunch with one of our favorite couples.  Whenever I think of brunch, the first thing that comes to mind is Breakfast at Tiffany's {which was also the theme of my amazing bridal shower}.  

I was definitely channeling Audrey when getting dressed yesterday.  I chose some of my favorite classic pieces ~ my cream military jacket paired with my mint bow pumps ~ that I know I'll be wearing for years to come!

Left of Right

Blazer:  Aritzia (similar here), Blouse:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Jeans:  Citizens of Humanity, Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Gucci (very old,liking this black hobo for under $15!!), Necklace:  Helen Ficalora, Earrings & Bracelets:  c/o Left of Right

I'm extremely picky about the jewelry I wear ~ especially when it comes to bracelets.  I will admit, I am a little self-conscious about my wrists.  They are very bony and gawky.  It's hard to find bangles that fit without feeling as though they'll fall off.  

I recently discovered Left of Right Jewelry and I'm OBSESSED.  They have a dazzling selection of earrings and necklaces, and bracelets that fit just right ~ AND ~ for a limited time receive 20% off your orders with code CLASSROOMCOUTURE20.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Turtleneck:  Gap (similar here), Plaid Shirt:  J.Crew ~ almost sold out (similar here), Vest:  Old Navy (great alternative here), Pants:  AG via Anthropologie, Boots:  Miss Sixty (very old, similar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (LOVING this newer version) 

Jacket:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Pants:  Citizens of Humanity, Bag:  J.Crew (similar here), Nails:  Essie "Hot Coco"

Yes, I've worn the same turtleneck with the same boots twice this past week {to different places, of course}.  And yes, I have been wearing plaid possibly too frequently lately.  I guess it's true ~ you can never have too much of a good thing!

Skating On Thin Ice

Coat:  Tulle (old, cute options here, here), Plaid Shirt:  J.Crew (almost sold out ~ similar here) Chambray:  Old Navy (old, similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21 (similar here), Boots:  Franco Sarto (old, LOVING this pair for just $59.99!!), Belt:  Forever 21, Necklace:  Gorjana, Earrings:  Tory Burch, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

My husband and I took our nephews skating this past weekend ~ *correction* ~ my husband skated with them while I watched.  He played ice hockey in high school and is extremely graceful and light on his feet.  My nephews who are 3 and 5 years old, take skating lessons and in my opinion are both on their way to the NHL.  I, on the other hand, have a hard enough time walking on solid ground.  And, no, they were not actually "skating on thin ice" as the post title implies, but "skating on a perfectly safe frozen solid pond" did not have the same ring to it.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Belated

Coat:  J.Crew {on sale!!}, Top:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Skirt:  Forever 21 (similar here), Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Tights:  Anthropologie, Gloves:  Lord&Taylor (simlar here)

As a result of holiday chaos, I failed to recognize Classroom Couture's 1st birthday!  January 2nd marked one year of blogging for me and it has been a wonderful year of change and growth.  I have learned so much, made some new friends, and just enjoyed the creative outlet that the blog has been for me.  Thank you so much for following and for your continued support ~ it truly means the world to me!!

As for year 2 ~ I plan on making some changes in the blog in upcoming weeks.  Just a little {much-needed} updating and restructuring.  Exciting things to come!

#YOLOMONDAY

Lady in Red

Coat:  Tulle (old, similar here), Top:  H&M (similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21 (similar here), Bag:  J.Crew (old, similar here), Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (budget-friendly version here), Belt:  Forever 21 (similar), Nails:  Butter "Royal Navy"

Back to the daily grind ~ at least it's already Wednesday!  And no, I did not wear this to work today, but I woke up wayyyyy too late to snap a picture so here's one from the archives.

NYE

Jacket:  Anthropologie (very old, LOVE this one), Sweater:  Gap ~ ON SALE!, Pants:  Citizens of Humanity, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes:  Valentino

Arm Candy:  c/o Left of Right (more of their fabulous baubles to come!), DKNY (similar here), Cara via Nordstrom

A casual NYE this year since my husband and I are both feeling under the weather ~ Chinese food followed by hot toddies should do the trick!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy & stylish New Year!!

Holiday Style: Christmas Eve

Coat:  Forever 21 (old, similar here under $30!!), Turtleneck:  Anthropologie, Skirt:  Madewell (similar here for under $20!!),  Tights:  Hue (similar), Bag:  Forever 21, Shoes:  Valentino, Necklace:  Forever 21 (old, LOVE this one)

Every year I look forward to celebrating Christmas Eve with my family.  Our tradition is really simple but is probably my favorite holiday tradition.  We go to my uncle's house where my aunt prepares an array of appetizers and a delectable dinner.   My cousin {who should be a professional pastry chef} finishes off the meal with a decadent dessert.  There is something about spending a holiday in a familiar home that warms my heart.

Rule #3 It's your time to shine ~ literally ~ add some sparkle to your step.
Be bold in a pair of sassy sequined pants, a fierce metallic mini, or add some glitz with some encrusted accessories.
Whichever way you choose, do like the lights on the tree and sparkle, sparkle, sparkle!!!

Holiday Dressing: Christmas Party

 Dress:  Amanda Uprichard (old, this year's version here), Coat:  French Connection (very old,LOVE this similar Club Monaco version), Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (budget-friendly option here under $50!!), Earrings:  Chico's (similar here), Bag:  J.Crew (old, similar here)

This past weekend, my husband and I attended a Christmas party for a service organization which he is a part of.  I knew going into it that we would be the youngest attendees so I definitely wanted to don a more simple/sophisticated look.

I wore this dress last year on Christmas Eve.

Rule #2:  Wear your HIGHEST heels.

"You put on high heels and you change." - Manolo Blahnik

Couldn't agree more ~ there is something about heels that instantly transforms me.  I go from feeling ordinary to feeling extraordinary.


'Tis the season to wear RED!!! 

Holiday Style: Work Party

Dress:  Black Halo, Belt:  Forever 21 (similar here), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Earrings:  Chico's (similar here), Nails:  Essie "Hot Coco"

With the holidays in full swing I decided to dedicate this week to holiday dressing.  I haven't addressed my rules of holiday style on the blog yet, so it's about time I shared.

Rule #1:  OVERDRESS!!

A dress is definitely my holiday garment of choice and over the years I have accumulated a plethora of dresses.  Rather than buying a new one for every party/event, I try to rotate them.  For the most part, my husband and I attend the same parties year after year.  The key is to remember what dress was worn to each event the previous year so that there are no repeats!

This dress {an eBay find} was perfect for my work holiday party ~ sophisticated and chic.  When attending an after work event I don't want to feel as if I'm going to work.  I choose to wear an outfit that is fancier than anything I would wear on the job.  Last year I wore this dress for Thanksgiving.

Buffalo Soldier

Shirt:  J.Crew, Jacket:  Forever 21, Vest:  Aqua (old, similar here), Pants:  Citizens of Humanity, Boots:  Nine West (old ~ last seen here in my first blog post ever, similar here), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace:  Gorjana

It's about time I snapped some pictures of this buffalo plaid shirt because its been on frequent rotation in my closet for the past few months.  It's probably the softest, lightest flannel shirt that I've ever owned.  Easy to dress up or down, it's the perfect go-to button-up. 

Shefinds.com

I'm excited to share with you today a collaboration I did with GoTryItOn and SheFinds.com 

{along with 5 other fabulous style bloggers Anh of 9to5 Chic, Jena from Chi City Fashion, Grasie from Style Me Grasie, Laura from On The Racks, and Charis from Style Charisma} 

about holiday dressing.  

My main rule is simple and easy enough for anyone to do ~ OVERDRESS!!

Next week's posts will all be dedicated to holiday dressing according to Moi.  You'll definitely want to stay tuned for that.  In the meantime hop on over to Shefinds.com to check out:

  6 Holiday Party Outfits We Guarantee You Haven't Thought Of

Sweater:  Aritzia (last year, similar here ~ on sale!!), Pants:  Citizens of Humanity, Shoes:  Christain Louboutin(budget-friendly version here), Clutch:  ASOS