'Tis the Season for Sequins

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that my style is pretty plain and that I’m not a particularly sparkly kind of girl.  But like clockwork, every year around this time, the holiday spirit takes over and I get the urge to wear sequins.  I must admit that I’ve never actually given in to my annual “omg-it’s-the-holidays-I-NEED-to-wear-sequins” compulsion.  Mostly because wearing sequins just never felt like me.  This year, though, I’ve come up with a few ways I plan on incorporating sequins into my holiday season attire, so I thought I’d share.

 

 

I love the combination of classic high-waisted, wide-leg black trousers with a long sleeve sequin top. This outfit is perfect for an office holiday party because it is modern (without being overly trendy) and grown-up (without being overly stuffy). In my opinion, anything that is super trendy or too revealing is just inappropriate for an office function. Even after work hours it is important to give the appearance of being mature and professional. I would pair this outfit with basic black accessories and a chunky gold watch. I would also style it up a bit by doing a half tuck and pushing up the sleeves.

I just bought these sequin shorts from Madewell and I can't wait to wear them.  I plan on wearing them with a cozy ivory sweater and silver pumps.  The silver sequins and shoes paired with soft, neutral colors looks festive and pretty without being in-your-face, which is perfect for a get together at a family member's house. 

This outfit is an upgraded version of the simple "jeans and a t-shirt" look, that is perfect for a date.  I would pair the sequin t-shirt with dark skinny jeans and nude pumps.  By keeping the rest of the outfit simple, the sequins don't come off as high maintenance.  Top it off with a cool leather jacket and  a leopard clutch and you are good to go.

I never actually considered wearing sequin pants before, until I spotted this pair by Free People.  I still think sequin leggings are a no-no,  but sequin trousers could work for me if styled correctly.  On top I would wear a plain silk tank.  I would add a menswear inspired jacket and watch to prevent the sequins from looking to girly.  I would also keep the color scheme basic in black and white and use fun shoes to add a pop of color. 

 

How do you plan on wearing sequins this holiday season?

 

P.S.  I am officially obsessed with Polyvore.  It's like an adult version of the old school Barbie Fashion Designer computer game (I know you all know what I am talking about).

Carolina Benoit's Blogger Tea Party

Last week I attended a Blogger Tea Party hosted by Miami designer Carolina Benoit.  Carolina invited local bloggers, photographers and other fashionistas for a night of fun and fashion at her studio.  This was my first blogger’s event, and I must say I had a blast!  I got the chance to meet and mingle with so many wonderful ladies.  We sipped champagne, snacked on goodies and had the opportunity to shop Carolina’s beautiful collection.  I got a gorgeous gold cuff that I’m sure you’ll be seeing in my future posts.  You can buy pieces from Carolina’s collection online at her Etsy Store.

 

 

                                                                                          

                                                                                      {Carolina's studio}

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                        {Carolina and her girls}

                                                                                  {Unique silver bracelets}

                                                                               {Some pieces from Carolina's collection}

                                                                                {Beautiful stone bracelets}

 

                                                                                                     {Love}

 

                                                                                     {The wall of the dressing room}

Day to Night

 

Blazer:         Topshop   

Shirt:            Gap (old)   
Skirt:            The Limited (old, but similar here   
Shoes:          Tahari (on sale for $35!)  
Watch:         Michael Kors  

Last Thursday, the lovely, Miami-based designer Carolina Benoit hosted a Blogger’s Tea Party at her studio.  This is what I wore.  Since I knew I would be going to the party straight from work, I had to wear something that was work appropriate, but that would transition easily into the night.  I chose this outfit because I thought it was the perfect mix of classic silhouettes (pencil skirt and blazer), which make the outfit professional, and fun colors, which make the outfit party-worthy. To spice it up a little more, I switched out the nude pumps that I wore to work with these snakeskin sandals.  Stay tuned for pictures from the tea party!

The List (Part II)

Happy Monday!! In my very first post on this blog I told you guys about "The List."  Since the List is ever changing, I decided to make it a permanent part of my blog.  Now, by clicking here, you can stay up to date on all the things I’m craving at the moment.  Hope you like it :)

Coated Skinnies

Sweater:       Zara  
Jeans:            Citizens of Humanity
Shoes:           MIA  (on sale for $39.99)
Watch:          Michele
Bracelets:     David Yurman

I have been searching for the perfect coated black skinny jeans for a while.  I had my heart set on this pair by AG—but unfortunately, they just weren’t meant to be.  I stalked them online for a good few months and planned to buy them when Bloomingdales had their Denim Days sale.  I went to the store, and they were just as beautiful in person as they were online.  The coating is really leather-like, not just shiny like most of the other coated jeans out there.  They just look so rocker and cool… on the hanger, that is. 

On me? Now, that's a wwhhhooollleee other story.  Something about the coating on the jeans rippled when I put them on and literally made my legs look like sausages about to burst out of the casing.  It was horrible.  Not pretty.  At all.  I wanted those jeans so bad that I even tried two sizes up from my usual size (if that’s not a sign of desperation, I don’t know what is).  Still sausage-y.  No good.

Since, the AG’s were a no go, I decided on the Citizens of Humanity pair.  The coating isn’t as nice as the AG pair but they are still pretty.  I also really like the fit.  They are super stretchy (no sausage effect), and slightly high-waisted, so they are very comfortable.  Definitely a good alternative to leather skinnies which are often very constricting.

Moral of the story:  if you are blessed with long skinny legs try out the AG’s because they are beautiful, if  you're less fortunate like me, the Citizens are a good second option. 

 P.S.  For all my fellow Miamians, just a reminder that the Mason Martin Margiela With H&M Collection will be available at the Lincoln Road store starting Thursday, November 15th at 8am.  If the grand opening of the store was any indication, it’s probably going to mob scene.  I personally did not fall in love with any of the pieces in the collection, so I won’t be camping out or anything crazy.  What do you think of the collection?  

Bell Bottoms and Aviators

 Jacket:           Zara (old, but similar here)
Shirt:               Madewell
Jeans:              Level 99
Belt:                 Forever 21 (old, but similar here)
Sunglasses:     Ray Ban

Sorry if you guys are getting sick of this jacket already, but I really love it—so you better get used to it J.  Apparently army green goes with everything.  Who knew?  For those of you who haven’t been following along, and are seeing it for the first time, you can check out the other ways I have worn it here and here. 

This outfit, (like this one) is a pretty good example of my typical off-duty outfit.  Because I’ve been working like a crazy person lately, my weekends have been pretty low key, and therefore, so have my outfits.  The bell bottoms and aviators give this one a 70’s feel. 

An Ode to the Forever 21 Gods

Shirt:             Zara       

Skirt:             Forever 21 (old, but similar here)       
Shoes:           MIA (on sale for $39.99!! last seen here)
Bracelets:     David Yurman 

You know that feeling when your friend calls you at work on a Friday inviting you to go out and you almost say no because even though your closet is full you have absolutely nothing to wear?  Instead of saying no you make a quick stop at Forever 21 on your way home because at this point anything is better than wearing something you already have?  Then… just as you’re about to surrender, you find a diamond in the rough?  A dress so perfect that it just makes you want to run over and hug the random lady going through the rack next to you?

 Or what about that feeling when you’ve been at the mall all day and haven’t found a thing?  Exhausted, you almost walk right past Forever 21, thinking to yourself …“I just can’t right now”? But then, in a last ditch effort to buy something you go in? And as you’re reluctantly making your way through the chaos, you spot it?  A garment so perfect it could not possibly cost $19.80?  A piece of clothing so special you wish there was someone you could thank for creating such a masterpiece? A Forever 21 god, perhaps?

 No? Well, maybe I’m crazy… but this happens to me all the time.

Take this faux leather skirt for example.  A few weeks ago I was on a business trip in Houston, TX.  When I got to my hotel, of course my room wasn’t ready.  So, I asked the girl at the front desk if there was a place I could walk to while I waited.  She said (completely seriously), “have you ever heard of Forever 21?”  While the sarcastic, overly tired, pissed that my room wasn’t ready, voice in my head thought “No, ma’am, actually I haven’t,” I put on my prettiest fake smile and said, “of course!”  She gave me a map and I was on my way.

 As I was taking my sweet time, going through each and every rack, I found this amazing skirt.  Its faux leather (or “vegan leather” as I prefer to call it) and only cost $19.80.  Seriously.  The “leather” is really soft, and feels and looks just like the real thing.  The fit is perfect (not too tight/long/short), and the seaming gives it a more expensive look.  They also had it in a cognac brown color (which was even nicer than the black one), but of course they didn’t have it in my size.  I haven’t seen this skirt available on the Forever 21 website but if you come across it in the store, buy it in both colors! I’m telling you, you won’t be disappointed.

 

 

Chilly

Sweater:      Zara     

Jeans:           Citizens of Humanity    
Booties:       See By Chloe                 
Scarf:            Unknown brand (but similar, here)   
Sunglasses:  Ray Ban              

The past few days have been a little bit chilly here in Miami, so I was finally able to break out my sweaters and boots J.  I think this outfit really sums up my everyday style—casual and comfortable.  I’m a lazy girl at heart, so I wear my hair in a bun about 90% of the time.  On my days off, I almost always wear jeans.  I love the wash on this pair from Citizens of Humanity.  The sweater I recently bought at Zara (for only $25).  To achieve the over-sized look, I bought it two sizes up from my usual size.  I wanted it to be baggy for a more laid back feel.  The booties… my favorite part of this outfit and my favorite new purchase.  I have to admit that Amazon sort of conned me into impulse buying these See by Chloe Wallabee booties (you know when the website displays that there are only 3 left in stock, but then after you purchase yours, it still says there are three left in stock….hmmmm…very interesting).  Anyway, impulse buy or not, I am really happy I got them and I know they will get a lot of use.  I’ve already worn them two times this week!

 

 

On a different note, I want to express my sympathy to all those on the East Coast who have been effected by hurricane Sandy.  I encourage everyone to help out in any way they can.  Long Island <3.

H&M Opens Flagship Location on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After more than 8 years, a void in my life is finally being filled—H&M is opening a flagship store in Miami!!!  To say I am a big fan of H&M is an understatement (you can check out a few of my pieces from H&M here and here).  I remember when I first moved to Florida, and I found out that the closest H&M was over two hours away… I was confused, to say the least.  Coming from New York, where there is an H&M on almost every corner, you can probably understand why.  What? No H&M? What kind of place is this?? To make matters worse, I remembered that H&M doesn’t offer online shopping in the US [someone grab the defibrillator].  Not guna lie, I contemplated packing up my bags and hopping on the next plane straight back to New York.

 

I (eventually) got over the initial shock, but never got over my love for H&M.  I love their huge selection of high-quality, high-fashion clothes that are all offered at an affordable price.  Every time I go back to New York, I have to get my H&M fix.  No matter what my plans are, I always leave time for at least one trip to H&M.  Now, though, I’ll have an H&M right in my backyard and I couldn’t be more excited!

 

 

In one week, on Thursday, November 8, 2012, at 12 noon, H&M at will officially open its brand new flagship location at the iconic, art deco Lincoln Theatre on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach.  The first 500 people in line at the grand opening will receive H&M Access to Fashion Passes which range in value from $10 -$500.

H&M at Lincoln Road will offer collections for the whole family including ladies, men, young ladies and young men.  This unique location will carry the Swedish retailer’s top men’s and women’s fashion collections, providing shoppers access to the latest fashion and newest trends at the best prices.
 

 

{Gisele Bundchen for H&M}

H&M started in 1947 as a single womenswear store in Västerås, Sweden.  Now, H&M has more than 2,000 locations worldwide.  Over the years, H&M has collaborated with noted fashion designers like: Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf, Madonna, Roberto Cavalli, Comme des Garçons, Matthew Williamson, Jimmy Choo, Sonia Rykiel, Lanvin, Versace, Marni and David Beckham.



{David Beckham for H&M #yummy} 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year, H&M plans to make online shopping available in the United States (finally!) and is rumored to be collaborating on a collection with Maison Martin Margiela.

 

{Lana del Rey for H&M}

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WELCOME TO MIAMI, H&M!!

**Please note that I do not own the rights to any of the photos featured in this post

For the Love of Scarves

Jacket:             Zara (old, but similar here)

Scarf:               Zara (old, but similar here)
Jeans:              Level 99
Booties:          Nine West (old, but similar here)

One thing I really love about dressing for the cold weather is being able to wear scarves.  To me, scarves are one of the greatest accessories.  There are a million different options to choose from—all different colors, patterns, shapes, sizes, textures, and price ranges—and they instantly make any outfit look chic.  Feeling blah about your outfit? Like it’s missing something?  Add a scarf and I guarantee you will be impressed.  If you don’t believe me, just take a look at the queen of all scarf-wearers Jessica Alba.  She always looks super cool in a scarf and sunglasses.

Here are a few of the scarves I’m lusting after this season:
Gap - Theodora & Callum - Missoni - Zara - Love Quotes