Skull and Crossbones

Blazer:  Helmut Lang, Scarf:  Alexander McQueen, Jeans:  Forever 21, Shoes:  Zara (similar here), Bag:  French Connection, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Minus the crossbones, just this fabulous silky scull scarf. It may not be warm, but it sure heats up an otherwise simple outfit.

We're half way there!

The Elements

Sweater:  J.Crew (old, similar here, liking this owl sweater for only $15!), Top:  J.Crew, Skirt:  Topshop (sold out, great option here), Coat:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shoes:  Zara (similar here), Bag:  3.1 Phillip Lim, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Tights:  Hue 

While the weather elements are still working against us East Coast fashionistas, today I decided to deconstruct the elements of picking the perfect outfit.

The daily dilemma -- what to wear to work -- is one that we all face. Some, who are much more organized than I, may find themselves faced with this quandary only once a week. I prefer to live on the edge, assembling an ensemble each and every morning, and scrambling to slip on my stilettos as I run out the door.

So where do I begin? I first refer to the weather app on my iPhone. If  rain or heavy snow is predicted, I can immediately rule out all things suede and most pieces that are predominately leather. On dry days, I immediately reach for the aforementioned items as I know their usage is limited.

Once I have assessed the weather restrictions, I seek out a piece I haven't worn in a while and build my outfit around that. For the outfit in the pictures above, I started with my French Hen sweater. 

Next, I try to remember back to the last time I wore this sweater as I try to change up the outfit as much as possible. 

Then comes my favorite part -- the color scheme. I like to do 'matchy-matchy' without looking too 'matchy-matchy'. Clearly, I chose cobalt as my accent color and the plaid paired so perfectly that I just couldn't resist. 

I kept the rest of the look neutral and chose a grunge glam quilted leather skirt to offset the preppiness of the plaid and graphic sweater. Topping the look off with a classic military coat and my cobalt satchel, I was ready to face the day.

Work, eat, sleep, repeat.

Happy Monday!

Pink + Blue

Coat:  J.Crew (old, very similar here on SALE!), Top:  J.Crew, Pants:  AG Jeans, Boots:  Miss Sixty (very old, similar here), Bag:  3.1 Phillip Lim, Sunnies:  Forever 21

When the mid-winter blues got ya down, gather your brightest items and wear them all together. Does the trick every time.

Happy hump day!

Dressing Down in Denim

Blazer :  J.Crew, Top:  J.Crew (old, this year's version here), Jeans:  J Brand, Shoes:  Zara (sold out, OBSESSED with THESE, kinda lovin' this bootie version too!), Bag:  French Connection, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Posting my casual Friday look on this less than casual Monday. It's funny how I always start the week really motivated to dress to impress and look super cute at work, but by the end of the week I'm so pooped that I am dreaming of dressing down in denim.

Leopard + Red

Coat:  Zara (sold out, similar here), Top:  Anthropologie (old, similar here for $12.99!), Skirt:  Forever 21 (great option here for $20!), Boots:  Miss Sixty (very old, similar here), Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Tights:  Hue, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Posting a little late today due to the fact that I went to visit my mother in Brooklyn yesterday. We saw a PHENOMENAL (that one's for you, Mom) John Paul Gaultier exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, and then did some shopping in NYC. It was a perfect day.

I leave you with this bright ensemble ~ hope you all have a  wonderful weekend!

Buffalo Check

Coat:  J.Crew ~ on SALE!, Sweater:  Gap (old, this year's version HERE ~ only $34.99!), Jeans:  H&M (LOVING this pair), Shoes:  Classiques Entier (old, similar here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs, Gloves:  Lord & Taylor (similar), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

My obsession with outerwear continues. But really, what else is a girl to do in this winter {not-so} wonderland? Cute coats are the only thing that will keep me going for the next 2.5 months.

Pashli

Blazer:  Helmut Lang, Top:  Gap, Skirt:  TopShop (sold out - great option HERE for under $20!), Bag:  3.1 Phillip Lim LARGE Pashli ~ on major sale!, Shoes:  Zara, Tights:  Hue, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Necklace:  J.Crew Factory (great alternative here)

After drooling over this bag for more than a year now, I finally decided to make this blue beauty mine. I was hesitant to spend so much money on such a colorful selection, but after purchasing I've discovered that cobalt is the new black. 

This bag goes with EVERYTHING! I played it safe here, pairing it with all-black, but stay tuned for some more exciting colorful combinations to come.

Pom-Pom

Blazer:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Top:  H&M (similar here under $10!), Jeans:  Forever 21, Boots:  Sperry, Bag:  c/o GiGi New York, Hat:  Anthropologie (sold out, very similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Casual Friday is finally here and it couldn't come soon enough this week! The single-digit temperatures left me dreaming of wearing long underwear and puffer jackets. Unfortunately, the aforementioned garments do not qualify as 'smart and stylish' and therefore I found myself in my normal business attire, donning these cute {and warm} new boots and walking into work heels in hand.

Happy weekend!

Bundled

Coat:  J.Crew (old, similar here), Jeans:  Citizens of Humanity, Shoes:  Christian Louboutin (great budget-friendly option here), Bag:  Forever 21 (loving this Reed Krakoff look-alike for under$30!), Scarf:  J.Crew, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Hope everyone is staying warm!

Happy hump day!

Winter Wonderland

Coat:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Dress:  Zara (old, great option here, here), Boots:  Miss Sixty (very old, similar here), Bag:  Zara (similar here), Tights:  The Limited ~ they are burgundy although hard to see in picture, Gloves:  H&M (similar here)

I'm a little late posting this morning due to the wicked headache I had last night. I attribute the headache to the frigid cold and dry weather conditions we have been experiencing lately. I'm soooo over winter already and we aren't even a month in yet! This is going to be a VERY long 3-4 months. Okay, enough whining.

On a cheerful note, I FINALLY picked out my Christmas present from my husband and am very excited to share it with you later this week. I feel that it is a fabulous addition to my wardrobe. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for the big reveal!

Happy Monday everyone!

Plaid Scarf

Sweater:  Gap ~ on SALE!, Jeans:  Forever 21, Scarf:  J.Crew, Shoes:  Zara (no longer available, very similar here),  Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

The plaid scarf - a simple way to add just a little preppy pizazz to a simple outfit.

Enjoy the first weekend of the New Year!

Resolution

Top:  Anthropologie (similar option here), Skirt:  J.Crew ~ on SALE!, Shoes:  Valentino, Clutch:  BCBGeneration (old, identical here for $12!), Tights:  Express, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

As I've mentioned in the past, I'm not a huge fan of New Year's Eve. I may sound like a curmudgeon, but between the inflated prices and the crowds, it's a night I definitely prefer to spend at home with my husband {on the couch in our pjs} which is exactly what I did. Since I also had to work yesterday and today, and decided to bring some sparkly NYE glam to the office. This sequined mini added just the right bit of glitz.

Although I haven't made one yet, I like this simple, straight-forward quote for resolution inspiration:

Pretty much sums it up.

Cheers to 2014 to being the best year yet!