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!

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 :)

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.

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!

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!

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

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!!!

Skirted

Turtleneck:  Anthropologie (new version here), Skirt:  Anthropologie (old, loving this graphic skirt with gold trim), Shoes:  Classiques Entier via Nordstrom, Tights:  Hue, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff

Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

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!

  

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

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 II

Jacket:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Scarf:  Aritzia (old, similar here), Sweater:  Madewell, Jeans:  J Brand, Boots:  Anthropologie (old, similar here, here, here)

My husband and I are not the type to sit and relax the entire time when we are on vacation.  We prefer to explore the areas we visit.  I'm not usually very outdoorsy, but on this crisp autumn day I couldn't resist going for a walk through Watkins Glen State Park. 

It's hard to believe that this was all done by glaciers ~ the way the gorge is carved out is just breathtaking!  Our walk was quite romantic :)

{suspension bridge 85 ft. high ~ don't look down!}