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! 

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.

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.

Something New

Jacket:  Forever 21 (old, similar here under $50!!), Turtleneck:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Skirt:  Anthtopologie (also old, similar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (LOVE this newer version), Gloves:  H&M (recent, similar here), Tights:  The Limited (similar here on sale!), Shoes:  Old Navy (old, similar here)

My husband quickly snapped these pics as I was running out the door yesterday ~ so fast in the first pic that he cut off my feet!  

The title of this post is in honor of my first blog post composed on my new MacBook Pro!!  This was my 30th birthday gift from my wonderful parents.  I know it sounds silly but I feel so liberated!  Aside from the computer my parents bought me ten + years ago when I went away to college {it barely survived the four years} this is the first of my adult life that I can call my own!!

Cheers to new beginnings with new technology!

  

Autumn Attire

Vest:  Aqua via Bloomingdales (very old, similar here), Shirt:  Madewell, Pants:  H&M (LOVE these), Shoes:  Classiques Entier via Nordstrom ~ on sale!!!, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace:  House of Harlow, Wrap Bracelet:  Forever 21 (similar here), Watch:  DKNY(this gold & tortoise one is on my Christmas list), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

 

 

I especially love the mustard/oxblood color combination in the fall.  It reminds me of what the trees looked like before they lost their leaves. I added my fur vest for some warmth because it's been pretty cold in NJ. 

 

On a side note, I'm a major holiday season junkie so my spirits are extra high this week.  Can't wait to officially kick off the season on Thursday. 

 

I have so much to be thankful for!

Child-like

Sweater:  Anthropologie (OBSESSED with this cozy-looking version), Pants:  H&M (recent, similar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (old, newer version here), Shoes:  Ann Taylor (old, similar here, LOVING this Jimmy Choo cap-toes)

 

As my husband was getting the leaf blower out today I asked if it would be ok to just frolick in them for like 5 minutes.  They just looked so fresh and pretty on the ground. 

 

He did, however, draw the line when I asked him to blow all of the leaves into a pile for me to jump into.

 

That's ok ~ they'll be back next week!!

Khaki Colorblock

Top:  H&M (old, similar here with cute peter pan collar), Skirt:  Forever 21 (old, similar here,, here, designer version here), Jacket:  Nordstrom (very old, OBSESSING over this J.Crew version), Shoes:  Christain Louboutin, Belt:  Anthropologie, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

 

Happy Wednesday ~ hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

 

Masculine vs. Feminine

Sweater:  H&M (old, similar here), Blouse:  Aritzia (old, similar here for under $30!), Shorts:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shoes:  Seychelles (very old, similar here, here, cute flat option here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (LOVING this new version here)

 

 

I typically like wearing a shorter short, but I like the contrast that this longer version brings to the outfit.  The masculinity of the long short vs. the femininity of the tie neck blouse ~ such a perfect contradiction!

 

The length also keeps me from stressing about dress code!

 

Happy Monday & first day of October everyone!!

Oxblood

Top:  Zara (love this long-sleeved version), Pants:  H&M (recent, similar here), Shoes:  Aldo (LOVE this pair), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace:  House of Harlow, Sunnies:  Tom Ford

 

At the beginning of every season I create a list of my "must haves".  It's a way for me to attempt to budget for the new items I want to add to my wardrobe.  Oxblood-colored pants were high on my list this season ~ a coated pair would be ideal. 

 

With a coupon I received via e-mail, I was able to score these beauties at H&M for only $20!!  My thriftiness has allowed me to add a few additional items to my list! 

 

What's on your fall "must have" list this season?

First Day of School

 

Blazer:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Top:  H&M (similar here), Skirt:  Forever 21 (similar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (old, liking this one), Shoes:  Enzo Angiolini (old, similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

 

 

 

I can remember when I was younger spending hours picking out the perfect 'first day of school outfit'...

 

...not much has changed because evey year I still spend a lot of time choosing what to wear for the start of the new school year.

 

I have a feeling that this year will be the best yet!

 

Fifty Shades...

Grey tank:  Zara (similar here), Black tank (under):  Aritzia (similar here), Pants:  AG, Shoes:  H&M (liking this strappy pair), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Necklace:  H&M (LOVE this one), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Wrap bracelet:  Unknown (great Gorjana version here), Watch:  DKNY (similar MK one here)

Today started out as a fairly grey day, so I threw on some gloomy weather clothes to go to brunch.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Top:  H&M (similar here), Pants:  J.Crew (similar here), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes:  Zara, Necklace:  Anthropologie (this one is on my wishlist!)

Although my look may suggest that I am watching something interesting and pondering something intelligent, the truth is that I was looking at a gaggle of geese approaching our yard looking as if they were ready to destroy our lawn and thinking to myself, "Oh crumb!  I'm going to have to chase them away in these heels!!"  Hahaha ~ looks can be deceiving!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!!

Sunday Fun-day

Top:  J.Crew, Pants:  Zara (similar here), Shoes:  Zara, Belt:  H&M, (similar here) Necklaces:  Madewell (similar here), Cross Necklace (similar here), Bag:  LV Speedy, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Watch:  DKNY (similar here)

My husband owns his own business, which means he typically works six sometimes even seven days a week.  Sunday is the only day when we get to spend the majority of the day together.  We often spend the morning in Warwick ~ a quaint town in Orange County NY full of boutiques, antique shops, and charming cafes.  We start with brunch at our favorite French cafe and then head over to the farmer's market which they host from May to October.  Today we picked up some homemade beef jerky and ravioli to go with wine from the best winery in the area.

Needless to say, Sunday is definitely my favorite day of the week! 

What do you enjoy doing on your day off?