Spring Cleaning #DENIMMADEWELL

top // jeans // earrings // shoes

Make room for some new spring selects!

I'm excited to announce I'll be hosting a spring styling event at 

Madewell in Garden State Plaza Mall in Paramus, NJ

When:  Thursday, April 5th from 7-9pm

Clean out your closets, bring in an old pair of jeans to donate and you'll receive $20 off a new pair of full-price jeans!

Also, you will receive 20% off when you spend $125

(Offers cannot be combined, but you may use the denim to hit the $125 threshold for the 20% off)

Their new denim bar is amazing and offers something for each & every shape & size!

Hope to see you there!

xoxo

(outfit courtesy of Madewell)

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! 

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 :)

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!

Oxblood Accents

Coat:  Forever 21 (old, LOVING this one), Dress:  Zara (last year, similar here), Tights:  Anthropologie, Clutch:  Aldo (similar here, LOVING this one), Shoes:  Madewell ~ on sale!!, Bangle:  C.Wonder, Nails: Essie "Hot Coco"

I purchased this dress at the end of the season last year form Zara {on sale} for $19.99.  It is probably my favorite winter, work-appropriate dress that I've ever owned.  I love the long sleeves, the hint of leopard and of course THE POCKETS!!!

Happy Monday Everyone!

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!!!

Hodge-Podge

Sweater:  Brandy Melville (similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21, Stole:  Unknown (similar here), Bag:  Gucci (old, similar here), Bracelet:  Unknown (similar here), Earrings:  gift from my grandmother ~ HUGE selection of pearl earrings on myjewelrybox.com ~ a FABULOUS gift idea *hint* *hint*

My husband and I are now fully into holiday mode which means there is not a minute to spare {which means I'm at a lack of pictures for the blog}.  Between parties, parades and charity events we have had no down time.  Therefore I share with you these three out-takes ~ pictures that never made it to post...until now. 

Jacket:  Buffalo Jeans (old, similar here), Turtleneck:  Anthropologie, Jeans:  Forever 21, Bag:  Forever 21 ~ under $20!!!

{it's all in the details}

Top:  Joe Fresh (similar here), Skirt:  Madewell (another cute option here), Tights:  Ann Taylor, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

Gingham and Bows

Blazer:  Zara (old, similar here), Sweater:  J.Crew, Gingham shirt:  Madewell (similar here), Pants:  AG via Anthropologie, Shoes:  Tory Burch (old, similar here), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

...and my bow obsession continues... 

Are you out there on a quest for bargains today?

#YOLOMONDAY

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!

Into the Mystic

Sweater:  TJ Maxx (similar here ~ under $20!!!), Shirt:  Madewell (similar here), Trouser Jeans:  Joe's (very old, similar here), Shoes:  J.Crew (old, similar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs

I love mornings like this ~ the fog so thick on the lake that the rising sun appears hazy and mysterious.  Makes you wonder what the day will bring.  This kind of sunrise brings to mind one of my favorite Van Morrison songs:

"I want to rock your gypsy soul
Just like way back in the days of old
And together we will float into the mystic"

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

Sepia

Jacket:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Sweater:  Forever 21 (very old, similar here), Pants:  Madewell, Shoes:  Tory Burch (old, similar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (LOVE LOVE LOVE this newer version)

I'm kinda obsessed with these printed cords that my mother-in-law got me for my birthday.  They are neutral, yet they make quite the statement. 

The different shades of brown remind me of the sepia filter on a camera.  I paired them with other neutral pieces here but I'm excited to wear them with some pops of color too!

The Truth About Date Night

Blazer:  Aritzia (similar here), Tee:  Urban Outfitters, Skirt:  Madewell, Necklace:  Helen Ficalora, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes:  Zara (similar here) Belt:  Forever 21, Nails:  Essie "Sole Mate"

 

Once in a while {ok, once I week} I have those days where I look in my closet and think 'I have nothing to wear'.  This, of course, is a ridiculous thought as I am staring at a closet full of clothes.  Some days it's just hard to get dressed. 

 

I thought I would take you on a stroll through one of these days.  

 

The first two pictures show how my outfit started out.  I had my heart set on wearing my new Madewell metallic skirt, and although it looked perfectly fine, I just wasn't feeling the white tee on this particular day. 

 

So...

 

I threw on this short-sleeve turtle-neck knit top and a pair of flats.

 

Top:  Anthropologie (similar here), Cuff:  Unknown (identical cuff here), Flats:  C-Label

 

 

...but then I looked like I was going to work rather than going out to dinner so I threw the heels back on and spiced up the outfit a bit with this leopard print silk tee.

 

Top:  Anthropologie (similar here), Shoes:  Aldo (similar here)

 

And VOILA ~ ready for dinner!

Finger Lakes Photo Diary: Part III

Top:  Madewell (simlar here under $10!!), Pants:  J.Crew (old, similar here), Shoes:  Old Navy (old, similar here), Belt:  Madewell, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

A few final photographs from our weekend away.  The picture above is of the beautiful victorian style B&B we stayed at.  Our hosts, Renee and Chris, were the most hospitable people.  The rooms were cozy and private and immaculately clean.  Each morning we were served a three-course gourmet breakfast.  We couldn't have been happier with our choice of accomodations.

As per our usual, my husband and I have no pictures of us together ~ the only downfall of a getaway for two.

{downtown Watkins Glen}

(Montour Falls}

{that handsome man again}

Black and Blue

Top:  Aritzia (old, similar here),, Skirt:  Forever 21 (old, similar bow skirt here, similar houndstooth skirt here under $30!!), Shoes:  Dolce Vita (old, similar here), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Ring:  Madewell, Tights:  Hue

 

I have a bow theme going on ~ it is hard to tell in the pictures above.

The earrings below have a very special sentimental value to me; my mother gave them to me as my first "good" pair of earrings after I got my ears pierced when I was in kindergarten.  They are very delicate and definitely one of my favorite pairs ~ a perfect match with my new Madewell ring!

 

similar earrings here