Retail Therapy

Top:  J.Crew (old, LOVE this similar option), Skirt:  Topshop (old, great alternative here), Bag:  Forever 21 (similar here), Shoes:  Aquazzura, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

I've been so busy lately that I have not had time to do much fall shopping. However, I did do a good amount of internet shopping while I was home recuperating {retail therapy really is the best medicine}.

While I wait for my new duds to arrive, I pulled out a few of my good old fall favorites. 

I love how this flannel looks so perfectly matchy-matchy with the oxblood kicks.

Hope everyone has a wonderful Friday & weekend!

Oh, Oh, Those Summer Nights

Dress:  Anthropologie (old, loving this similar option, this one too), Bag:  C.Wonder (old, similar here), Sandals:  J.Crew, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

I feel that summer is just slipping out from under me ~ let's face it, it always goes so fast ~ so my husband and I have made it our mission to make the most out of the remaining summer nights {and weekends}.

This picture was snapped this past weekend at the beach during a leisurely early-evening stroll on the boardwalk. The weather was beyond perfect, and so was the ocean. The kind of weekend that you never want to end.

My husband practically had to drag me off the beach yesterday. Tonight I look forward to an after dinner drink in our Adirondack chairs overlooking the lake.

Happy Monday everyone!

It's All About the Presentation

Blazer:  Helmut Lang (budget-friendly version here), Top:  Tibi, Pants:  J.Crew (old, LOVING this pair), Bag:  Target, Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (less expensive option here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

As most of you know {if you have been following me through the crazy/fun journey that is my career} I was promoted about three months ago. 

I am now part of the training and development team at my company, and my main focus is new hire training. While I have already trained my first group of new hires, today I will be presenting my first sales training workshop that I developed myself. 

So in the words of Cher, I had to find my most responsible-looking ensemble.

A perfectly-tailored blazer does the trick every time.

Wish me luck!

Happy Monday!

Simplicity

Top:  Forever 21, Skirt:  Zara (sold out, similar here, LOVE this eyelet version), Bag:  Sophie Hulme, Shoes:  Schutz (sold out in black - flat version here), Bracelet:  Nordstrom (old, similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Although I truly enjoy wearing bright colors all summer, sometimes a simple black and white ensemble says it all.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week ~ two more days until the weekend!

Leather Drawstring Shorts

Blazer:  Helmut Lang ~ best purchase of the summer ~ on sale here, Shorts:  Bec&Bridge ~ also on sale!, Top:  Aritzia (old, similar here, LOVE this one), Shoes:  c/o Marc Fisher, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Two things that I had been searching for for quite some time: 

1. leather shorts that are not too short, not too tight {shorts I can wear to work with tights in the fall/winter}

2. drawstring shorts

Imagine my delight when I came across the perfect combination of the two. In addition to meeting my above requirements the shorts are croc embossed {major bonus} and they were on sale! I call that a win, win, win, win!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Graduation

Dress:  Anthropologie (old, great option here), Shoes:  Steve Madden (old, great option here, obsessed with these), Bag:  Sophie Hulme, Bracelet:  unknown (similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Tonight my husband and I are super excited to attend my nephew's high school graduation ceremony. The end of school is a little different for me this year, as it is the first time in 7 years that I'm not working in the education field.

But truth be told, I'm extremely happy with my decision to change careers and have transitioned seamlessly into my new position.

The weather is supposed to be perfect tonight which is why I chose this easy  breezy go-to number.

Congrats J-Man and the class of 2014!

Summer Summer Summertime

Dress:  unknown (very similar here under $40), Shoes:  Zara (old, loving these), Bag:  Sophie Hulme, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

After months and months of one of the coldest winters I can remember, summer is finally here. Well, not officially here until Saturday, however yesterday certainly felt like summer to me. To celebrate, my husband and I went for a post-work boat ride to grab a cocktail.

In other events, my sister-in-law's wedding this past Saturday went off without a hitch. It was hands down the most beautiful wedding I have ever attended. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time {such a great time that we are still recuperating}.

Happy hump day everyone!

Skirting The Issue

Top:  Aritzia (old, great alternative here), Skirt:  Anthropologie (old, LOVE this budget-friendly option), Shoes:  Schutz, Bag:  3.1 Phillip Lim, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

There are some items in my closet that I never tire of. This printed pencil skirt is definitely one of them. It's perfect for work and for any dressier occasions.

I wore it to my cousin's bridal shower on Saturday and then to work again yesterday. 

Not to mention, I have worn this skirt for TWO job interviews and have gotten the job both times. I'd say that makes it my good-luck-charm-skirt. 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

All White Everything

Sweater:  Club Monaco, Jeans:  7FAM, Sandals:  Loeffler Randall, Bag:  3.1 Phillip Lim, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Hello and TGIF! It's been a crazy but fun week. I started my new job and I LOVE it. I feel as though I'm back in my element.

On that note, I'm a woman of few words today. I wish everyone a fun and relaxing weekend. I'm hoping to be able to squeeze in a trip to the winery with the hubs.

What are your weekend plans?

What to Buy the Woman Who Has It All

Sweater: Lexington Company (borrowed), Shirt:  J.Crew (old, loving this one), Jeans:  Zara (old, similar here), Shoes:  Aldo (very old, great option here for $20!), Bag:  c/o Lexington Company, iPhone case on a chain: Chanel, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

With Mother's Day right around the corner, I always begin to panic. Not only do I need a gift idea for my mother, but of course I need one for my mother-in-law as well.

If I ask what they want, the standard answer from both? "Please don't get me anything, I don't need anything." Worst answer ever ~ no help at all!

That was until they noticed my new bag. I kid you not, they both commented on how much they loved it ~ done and done ~ looks like I know exactly what I'm getting for both of the special ladies in my life.

Do you know what you will be buying your mother for Mother's Day?

Edgy Floral

Jacket:  H&M (old, similar here), Sweatshirt:  H&M (recent, similar here, love this one, and this one too), Jeans:  rag & bone, Shoes:  c/o Marc Fisher ~ buy here, Bag:  Target, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Fancy sweatshirts ~ hands down my favorite trend of the season. 

Whoever thought it would be a good idea to dress up the coziest type of top you could possibly wear is truly a genius. 

I could wear one every day, and they are the only thing keeping me going through this unseasonably chilly spring season.

Happy Monday everyone!

Small Packages

Blazer:  Zara (old, similar here, here), Sweater:  Zara (recent, loving this textured option, ), Skirt:  J.Crew (old, similar here), Shoes:  Zara (old, OBSESSED with this pair), Bag:  Sophie Hulme, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

This perfectly petite Sophie Hulme bag was a little early treat from the Easter Bunny.  I've been swooning over her bags for months now when I finally ~ um, I mean the Easter Bunny finally ~ settled on this versatile cross body clutch. Big enough to fit all of the essentials but small enough for a night out.

Proof that good things come in small packages.

Wishing everyone a very happy Easter!

Easy Breezy

Jacket:  Gap (old, similar here, here, here for under $30!), Top:  Aritzia (old, similar here), Jeans:  J.Crew (old, similar here, liking this distressed pair), Shoes:  Schutz ~ 25% off with code INTHEFAMILY14, Bag:  French Connection, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Easy breezy...or super breezy making picture taking a lot less easy...yea, the second one.

Happy hump day!

Red and Blue

Coat:  Zara (old, similar here), Dress:  Madewell (old, great option here under $50!), Shoes:  Schutz (also here), Bag:  3.1 Phillip Lim (LOVING this gorgeous neutral color for spring!), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

My lace-up sandal obsession continues. I had tried several pairs before settling on these. They seriously fit like a glove and are SUPER comfortable ~ the perfect spring/summer style to feed my shoe addiction.

I also have to mention how much I just adore this dress. I have worn it many many times on the blog because it's perfect for all seasons and all occasions. When I'm faced with the 'what to wear' dilemma, I reach for this easy piece 9 out of 10 times.

On that note, have a happy Monday!

Lacey Lacey

Sweater:  J.Crew, Jacket:  Madewell, Top:  Madewell (old, similar here), Skirt:  Topshop (old, similar here under $30!), Shoes:  c/o WindsorStore (LOVE these too, also recently purchased these beauties), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

I'm having a MAJOR moment with lace up heels lately {and I'm certainly not alone on this one}. I finally got to break mine in a bit more two weekends ago and I'm completely smitten. 

While I am definitely no stranger to a four {and up} inch heel, the laces add extra ankle support ~ kinda like ice skates ~ making walking in them that much easier. What could be better than a sexy shoe that's comfortable and chic?!?

Transition

Blazer:  J.Crew ~ on sale!, Top:  J.Crew (old, similar here, here), Jeans:  J Brand, Bag:  Forever 21 (old, similar here for under $15!), Shoes:  Classiques Entier (similar here, OBSESSED with this similar option), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Slowly trying to incorporate some springy hues into my outfits.

Happy Wednesday!

Black + White + Red

Blazer:  Helmut Lang, Top:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Jeans:  H&M (similar here), Shoes:  Zara (old, great option here), Scarf:  Alexander McQueen, Bag:  French Connection, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban 

You may have seen me wearing several variations of this outfit on my Instagram lately. The end of the season has me wearing my favorites on repeat:

1. Classic black blazer 2. Striped tee 3. Black skinny jeans 4. Pointy-toe pumps. 

I can mix and match any of these basic pieces with almost anything in my closet. Best part, each piece can be deconstructed and reworked in to transition-to-spring outfits.

Winter Wedding

Dress:  Tibi via THE OUTNET, Blazer:  Helmut Lang, Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Tights:  Hue, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

 I wore this dress on Saturday for a winter wedding. I had promised myself that I was not buying any more winter clothes ~ period. However, when I saw this sassy silhouette on THE OUTNET, I just couldn't help myself. 

Since it was super last minute, I chose their same day Premier delivery option. A mere five hours after placing my order a van pulled up in front of my house, and my order was delivered to my door ~ not in a boring brown box, but in a shiny new shopping bag. First class service that THE OUTNET offers to their customers in parts of NY and NJ.

The dress was the perfect pick and I plan on wearing it into spring for a few other events I have coming up.

Texture

Coat:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Sweater:  Forever 21, Skirt:  H&M (similar here for under $10!), Booties:  Steven (very old, similar here, here), Clutch:  c/o GiGi New York, Tights:  Forever 21

When in doubt,  texture adds interest to even the simplest outfit.

Very short and sweet today because I was so engrossed by all of the fabulous red carpet fashion going on during the Oscars last night. This was hands down the best year yet {although I think I pretty much say that every year}!

What was your favorite red carpet look?

Red + Black

Jacket:  c/o Windsor, Sweater:  Zara (old, very similar here), Jeans:  Rag & Bone, Shoes:  Zara (old, LOVE this pair), Bag:  French Connection, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

It's been a crazy week this week. I did an event for work in NYC which was exciting and stressful {in a good way} at the same time.

Needless to say, this left me little time for blogging so I leave you on a Thursday this week. Have a wonderful weekend and I'll see y'all on Monday!