Today’s Outfit: I’m Golden

The top is loose and a bit slouchy in a lustrous, metallic bronze. The hem scoops down in the front and back with dolman sleeves (my favorite style); loose and airy but fitted around my wrists.  And I kept the rest, sleek, clean black.

Top from Forever 21  |  Super Skinny Pants from Gap  |  Shoes by Pour La Victoire

 A close up of the necklace – graduated tear drops in a combination of black coating over gold metalwork

A mix of metal bangles, beads, and old school gold.  Let’s see….Venetian glass beads, crystal beads, distressed gold bangles, 24K gold filigree, and Kenneth Jay Lane black and gold signature bangle

Today’s Outfit: Simple Stiletto

Come on. Is there anything better (in the world of shoes) than a pair of simple, black, stiletto pumps?  No, there is not anything more amazing than a pair of heels that make a woman walk with confidence, empowerment, and an unmatchable feminine swagger.  Nothing. That’s what these shoes do for me. You should find your own pair of perfect stilettos and just. own. it.

Stilettos by Pour La Victoire  |  Skinny Jeans by Levis  |  Tank from Banana Republic | Silk Scarf bought from the NYC Young Designer’s Market  |  Jacket from Mexx (no longer available)

Bench from West Elm

Photos by Ben Lazar

Today’s Outfit: Adding On

My dress is really simple. Cynthia Steffe, black, cap sleeve, T-shirt style.  The only detail it has is the exposed back zipper — a detail I’m seeing on lots of dresses lately (though, I bought this dress two years ago so I consider myself ahead of the curve).  Since the dress is simple, I am immediately yawning out of boredom and that’s never a good thing. I’m compelled to add, add, and add.  As I always say, more is more. Booties + bracelet + really, super-cool, beaded belt and my dress leaves simple-ville on a one-way track to embellish-town.

 

 

Bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane

Beaded, stretch belt from Kenneth Cole

Booties by Marcos Santi

Exposed back zipper

Accessory Snapshot: Burst of Scarf

This scarf is a burst of color. It reminds me of a chewy, fruit flavored candy that starts with an S and ends with a Burst.  It’s a 60′s tie dye print, has a hobo feel, and is terrific for layering under a simple black jacket or over a plain dress.  Tie it in your hair, lazily loop it around your neck, pull it through your belt loops, make a big floppy bow close to your face. It’s such a funky and bold scarf that can bring your outfit to life (not to mention your spirits!).  Buy this burst of a scarf.

Michael Stars Punch Tie-Dye Scarf  |  $30

 

 

Accessory Snapshot: Suede Satchel

Sultry purple suede satchel. How do I love thee?  I really, really do.  Besides being extra big and roomy enough to tote every single essential item I could possibly think to throw in it, it’s a luxurious suede and perfectly constructed.  The 6″ drop on the handle makes it perfect for hanging in the crook of my arm.  The outside zipper pocket can fit quickly-accessible items like my keys, lip balm, and subway card.  The chain strap makes it suited to sling cross-body to free up my hands to pick up various shoes that I’m drooling over in a store I shouldn’t be in.  And the color, well, must I explain my love of purple?

 

Be&D Satchel  |  $360

 

 

Accessory Snapshot: Twisted Bracelet

Take a look at this statement bracelet. It’s gold, silver, twisted chain,  textured and memorable. This bracelet goes to work and out after work. It’s the perfect topper for a little black dress (or a flowy blue silk one).  If you don’t feel like cobbling together an intricate outfit with colors and details, keep it plain and top it with one uber-fabulous accessory, and make sure it’s uber-uber. If you choose to invest in a statement piece of jewelry, make it one like this that has versatility and timelessness.  Metal chainwork is evergreen and chunky styles don’t ever seem to go away.  Get twisted.

 

Nissa Jewelry Silver and Gold Twist Bracelet |  $160

Fashion Inspiration: A Royal Affair

Royal blue is so satisfying to me. It’s bold, it’s indicative of royalty (if by nomenclature only). It’s a statement color and can’t be overlooked. When I wear anything royal blue, heads turn and it’s not because I’m having a good hair day.  Royal blue isn’t teal or turquoise, it’s not grayish or blue-black. It’s BLUE. While I adore anything royal blue, I’m particularly obsessed with royal blue handbags. There’s something about this blue as a metallic or supple leather – my eyes follow the bag like a creepy portrait painting tends to do.  Imagine the below bags next to a pair of red trousers or a yellow blouse.  Fantasize about these bags with an outfit in all white or all black. Keep imagining and as you do, check out my faves below. Even though one may be “cobalt” it’s all royalty to me.

 

Top Shop Blue Lock Handle Bag $110

 

Asos Leather Twist Lock Vintage Style Satchel $121

 

Furla Ardith S Banoil $149

 

Nikole Stamped Eco Leather Bowler Bag $193

 

Carlos Falchi Blue Patent Snake $185

 

 

 

Today’s Outfit: Olive a Jacket

I saw a woman wearing an army green-slash-olive colored jacket yesterday and was reminded of my own. This simple little jacket, cotton with a touch of spandex, was purchased as I killed time in a Chicago mall years ago before a work event. I bought the same jacket in a light khaki color, but the olive became my favorite.   I’ve come to believe that olive is a neutral (as is purple, but that’s a whole different story) that is as versatile as any black, white or gray. I’ve worn this jacket over graphic-print dresses, multi-colored silk tops and simple white tanks. It’s a super-staple for me, at least. Here’s today’s iteration with my all-season, all-occasion olive colored jacket (and my friend, Hermes).

 

Jacket from NY & Company  |  Top by Splendid  |  Scarf by Hermes  |  Pants by Joe’s Jeans  |  Booties by Marco Sarti

 

Here’s it is a little closer so you can see the color of the jacket together with the plum shirt. And, of course, the Hermes ties it all together (no pun intended, but drool definitely intended)

 

 

Today’s Outfit: A Scarf Part Deux

Yesterday was a blizzard to end all blizzards in New York. I couldn’t leave my street let alone get to work. I was sent from the subway station back to my apartment to wait and hope for same-day service restoration (which never happened). So, I resolved to not let a good outfit go to waste (especially when there is an Hermés scarf involved). Today is the second go around.  It’s almost like leftovers – even better on day two.  Isn’t it beautiful? C’mon…drool with me.

Top by Piper & Snow  |  Leggings by Zobha  |  Boots bought in Argentina  |  Scarf by Hermés (tied in the Cow Boy Anneau fashion)

Electric blue and lavendar, flawless silk, beautiful draping.

 

4 Creative Ways to Tie a Scarf

My love of scarves is vast, runs deep, and penetrates every single season. There is no outfit that can’t be enhanced greatly by the addition of a scarf.  I own a scarf of every kind, every color and every print. Typically, I wear an easy loop-dee-loop around my neck. Once in a while, I’ll wear one in my hair. But I became curious about other ways to tie a scarf, so I did some searching online. Where better to find inspiration on ways to wear a scarf than Hermès?  Hermès transformed a simple concept–the scarf–into a magnificent, iconic and exquisite work of art on silk.   I discovered an entire Playtime With Your Hermes Scarf document that exists on the website!!! You must download it if you love scarves like me. There are tons of brilliant ideas in Playtime, but below are four of my favorites.