All About Leather

On the List:

1.BB Dakota Leather Shorts

2.Trouve Leather Tank

3.Mia Leather Pumps

 

 

As I gear up for Winter slightly cooler temperatures here in Miami, I find myself obsessing over all things leather.Although some would laugh at the thought of wearing leather in a tropical climate, I can assure you that I will be breaking out my leather (and fur) as soon as it drops below 70°.So I don’t look like a fool, I am trying to focus on pieces that don’t seem too “winterish,” ie. shorts and a tank top.I just ordered the shorts from ShopBop, I’ll let you know how they turn out.Once I get the tank and the shoes, I might try wearing all of these pieces together in one outfit.

 

Summer Night

 

Dress:              Hot & Delicious (from The Dressing Room Boutique)

Shoes:             KORS Michael Kors

        

I wore this dress on my last night in NYC to Las Ramblas, a great little tapas restaurant in the West Village.  Las Ramblas had delicious sangria, authentic Spanish tapas and great people watching.

Plain and Simple

 

Dress:             F21 (old, but similar here)

Belt:                Madewell
Shoes:             Steve Madden (old, but similar here)
Sunglasses:    Carrera

I’m a big fan of maxi dresses.  I have quite a few of them and they are all “go-to” items in my closet.  Not only are maxi dresses super comfortable (especially in the unbearable Miami heat), but they always look stylish, without making it look like you tried too hard.  I will keep wearing my maxi dresses into the fall and winter (I know Miami doesn’t really have a fall or a winter, but whatever), accessorizing with cute scarves, a jean jacket, or my Zara army green parka.

On a side note, these pictures were taken in Central Park’s Conservatory Gardens.  The Gardens are so beautiful.  Definitely one of NYC’s hidden treasures.

All-American

 

Jacket:       JCrew     

Tank:         Frenchi    
Jeans:        Joe's Jeans  
Shoes:       KORS Michael Kors
Watch:      Michael Kors
Bracelets: David Yurman, Unknown brand (but, similar here) 

I spent the past week gallivanting around New York City with my friend Jen from Tales of the Traveling Teacher.  While I was there, we took a trip to the outlets, where I bought this JCrew schoolboy blazer.  I have been lusting over this jacket for almost a year now, but never wanted to spend the $200 bucks.  So, as you can imagine I was beyond excited when I saw this jacket on sale at the outlets for only $129!  They had it in red, grey, purple, tan, navy, and checkered.  I wanted every color, but finally decided on the red.  To me, this jacket just screams all-American… and I love it!

While I’m on the topic of all-American, I want to mention that, while I was in NYC, I got the chance to visit the 9/11 Memorial.  As a New Yorker, I remember 9/11 like it was yesterday, but nothing could have prepared me for what an emotional experience visiting the memorial would be.  I took a lot of pictures, but decided not to post them because I don’t think they quite capture the grandeur of the memorial.  If you are ever in the NYC area, I definitely suggest you take time to visit the memorial.  It is a truly eye-opening experience.

Wednesday Work Inspiration

 

Look 1:

Shirt:    Everly (old, but similar here)
Skirt:    Ann Taylor (old, but similar here)

Look 2:

Shirt:    Calvin Klein
Skirt:    The Limited

Happy hump day!  Here’s some inspiration to help get you through the rest of the week.  I’m going to New York on Friday (for ten days!!), so I’m dying for this week to be over.

P.S.  Remember these sandals I told you about??  Well, I ordered them.  They came.  And they suck L.  Very poor quality, awkward fit, and super uncomfortable.  I’m sad because I really wanted these shoes, but they are going back.  I guess I can cross Asos Harlot Sandal off the List.

Stripes and Spanish Moss

Shirt:                J.Crew (old, but similar here)
Shorts:             H & M (old, but similar here)
Belt:                 J.Crew
Shoes:              KORS Michael Kors
Watch:             Michael Kors
Bracelets:        David Yurman

After being in the professional world for almost a year, I think that my style has noticeably matured.  I’ve retired (most of) my college clubwear (probably for the better), and I often find myself reaching for workish-type clothes, even when I’m not going to work.  One good example of this is button down shirts-- like the striped, silky, JCrew number I am wearing above.  I’ve been buying tons of button down shirts lately, and I have noticed that they are so versatile.  A cotton version can be used on its own as a cover-up for the beach or paired with jeans for a casual look that isn’t sloppy.  A silk (or polyester, which I actually sometimes prefer due to the wrinkle factor) can be used for the office, or a night out on the town.

A Little Leopard

Shirt:             Zara (old, but similar here)

Pants:           Zara (old, but similar here)
Belt:              Madewell
Sunglasses:  Prada
Watch:         Michele
Bracelets:    David Yurman

Today was the maiden voyage of my new camera (a Nikon D3100).  Before starting this blog, the extent of my experience with photography was an elective course I took in college.  I took photography thinking it would be an easy A—it turned out to be my worst grade that semester.  Needless to say, I am no photography expert. 

I decided that, in order to make my blog better, I would need to learn how to take pictures (in part because I am too embarrassed to have anyone else take pictures of me).  So, I got a new digital SLR camera, and started reading.  After learning a few tips, I took these photos of myself, using a tripod and wireless remote.  Not too shabby (for my first time).  What do you think?