Boot-i-licious: See by Chloe Fold Over Boots

I did it! After a couple exhausting work weeks I decided to reward myself with a pair of new See by Chloe boots, specifically the black knee high suede fold over version.

They arrived in the mail yesterday and are even more divine in person then they look in pictures. I slipped these bad babies on over my favorite Spanx leggings (shhhhh don't tell anyone I'm a Spanx gal), and took 'em out to dinner feeling as sassy as I get. They were beyond comfortable and a big hit with the BF as well. The only problem is now I'm so obsessed I think I need at least one more pair in a style variations that See by Chloe has out. 

Take a look at some of the phenomenal options below. If you had to pick just one pair, which would it be?

Color Crush: Oxblood

Oxblood: Auburn, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Blood Red, Brick, Crimson, Maroon, Wine, Garnet...and the list goes on...Undeniably the color of the season, oxblood clothing and accessories scream both luxury and fall. The best part is the deep red can act as a neutral and looks fabulous worn head to toe. 

Zara  leather front top, T by Alexander Wang pleated burgundy mini skirt, Rebecca Minkoff burgundy Line quilted flirty bag , KORS Michael Kors Lena Bordeaux lace up booties, Tibi burgundy draped shift dress 

There are so many amazing oxblood hued fashions that I couldn't limit my choices to just a few, so here are some more crave worthy crimson items.

Fashion Face Off: Miroslava Duma vs. Taylor Tomasi Hill

Lets get down to business. There are always a number of "it girls" that captivate fashion photographers on the streets, and Miroslava Duma and Taylor Tomasi Hill have been in that crowd for a while now. But, there has to be one lady's style that everyone identifies with or aspires to more closely. So which fashionista's style do you prefer, Miroslava Duma's or Taylor Tomasi Hill's?

Up first (due to alphabetical order) we have Miroslava Duma: The adorable one time editor of Harper's Bazaar (Russia) and current freelance writer/ founder of Buro 24/7. At the shows this season Duma's signature "experimental" style has welcomed mini skirts and dresses with a 60's edge, statement necklaces and plenty of Balenciaga.

Next is Taylor Tomasi Hill: artistic director of Moda Operandi.  With Tomasi Hill expect florals, bright colors and seriously fabulous heels. The modelesque flame haired beauty is a self proclaimed "clothing chameleon," and at the Spring 2013 shows we've been seeing her switch between feminine florals and edgier structured pieces. 

So, what's your final verdict? So far this fashion week season does Miroslava Duma take home the fiercest fashionista award, or does Taylor Tomasi Hill stand supreme in the style arena?

Visit me on Facebook to find out who my winner is!

Snake Charmer: Python Print Clothing

I love leopard print as much as the next girl, but sometimes you have to switch up your call of the wild. This is where python prints come in.  Either in a sultry mix of neutrals or rich jewel tones, snake print fashions this season are a welcome addition to my wardrobe. 

Top: 7 FOR ALL MANKIND Snake Print Jeans, ELIZABETH & JAMES Snake Sabine Top, J.CREW Python Print Maxi Skirt   Bottom: WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND Snake-Print Blouse, EQUIPMENT Riley Python Tee, REBECCA TAYLOR Python Henley Blouse, REBECCA TAYLOR Python Print Tunic

This fall, Rebecca Taylor gives us a number of sophisticated python print silk dresses and blouses to choose from. Personally, I'm lusting over the Equipment Riley Tee (as seen on Miranda Kerr), but I'm too impatient to wait 2 months , so luckily Joie makes a near identical blouse that's already in stores.  And of course, then comes J.Crew. Who can resist a snake print maxi skirt?! 

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Fashion Finds Under $100

1.Asos Cat Eye sunglasses $17 2. SR Squared by Sondra Roberts fold over clutch $48 3.Zara tiger shirt $80 4.Asos Knit Turban $17 5.BB Dakota Zane Leather Lapel blazer $102**so close it counts;) 6.DV by Dolce Vita Faven bootie $99 7.Asos Spider Jewel and Spike necklace $86 8. Blank Denim faux leather leggings $88

Last weekend I took the plunge and cleaned out my closet(s). Just like ripping off a band aid, it stung a little at first, but now I have space for all new fall clothes. I need more than a few things, so I've been on the hunt and found clothes and accessorie under $100. Last night I pulled the trigger on this burgundy blazer (ok ok, it's $102, but still...) and as you know if you've been following for a while I'm obsessed with leather leggings. For accessories I'm looking to the streets of NYFW Spring 2013 and am gravitating towards cat eye sunglasses, oversize clutches and statement necklaces. To top it all off, I'm going to have to channel a little SJP with a funky knit turban in place of my traditional slouchy beanie. 

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Interior Inspirations: Zebra Rugs

Images via Pal + Smith,  Apartment Therapy, SoHaute, Pinterest

The past few days I've been cruising Pinterest night after night only to find myself focusing back on interior designs that feature zebra rugs. They add just the right amount of pizazz to sophisticated living spaces and can also act as a neutral in eclectic interiors.  

I particularly love designs where zebra carpets are  layered over another patterned rug. To get a rich look try topping off an oriental rug with your zebra flooring of choice, or for a more modern feel layer atop another geometric rug like this. 

Shop zebra rugs and carpets:

Bootie Patrol

There are so many amazing boots  this fall that I'm beside myself with options. Flat, wedge, peep-toe, sky high - what ever your heart desires there are a plethora of choices. For now though, instead of online shopping for things I can actually afford, I'm dreaming big (especially of  Isabel Marant's leather and corduroy wedge boots). Below are just a few designer booties to lust over.

Top: WALTER STEIGER Leopard print ankle bootie, MIU MIU Glitter Chelsea Boots, CHLOE stud buckle ankle boots. Middle: ISABEL MARANT wedge boots, BELLE BY SIGERSON MORRISON wedge booties. Bottom: ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Bow-Back ankle booties, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN python ankle boots,  BRIAN ATWOOD suede fringe ankle boot

I'm loving the details incorporated into booties this season: metal accents, bows, buckles, fringe, glitter...I want it all! For those of us with more realistic budgets, below are some of my favorite flat ankle boot, wedge booties, and fashionable heel booties. 

FLAT: 1. Rebecca Minkoff Refine haircalf booties 2. Aldo metal tip ankle boots 3. Dolce Vita Bale bootie WEDGE: 4. Nine West Rockwood Bootie 5. Betsey Johnson fringe bootie 6. Clarks wedge boot HEEL: 7. Rosegold Dylan high heel bootie 8. Rachel Roy Suede & Glitter Bootie 9. Alice + Olivia Hair Calf Bootie

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Look I Love: Chic Chambray

The streets at NYFW Spring 2013 were filled with chic chambray shirts, an unexpected but intriguing look I plan on emulating in my own life. From models to editors, chambray blouses paired with sassy skirts never looked better.  

                            

Images via Vogue, Elle, Fashionologie

From light washed denim to sassy and sleeveless, when it comes to chambray shirts the possibilities are endless.  Pair a buttoned up denim blouse with a pattern knee length skirt to take the trend to the office, mix a sleeveless denim blouse with a little leather skirt for a date, or go for a full blown sequin skirt with your chambray blouse of choice to wow at a cocktail party. How ever you decide to style this daring combo, you are sure to look like a fashion innovator. 

 

Work: TOPSHOP Denim Shirt, JO NO FUI Print Skirt; Play: BDG Sleeveless Chambray Shirt, CATHERINE MALANDRINO Quilted Leather Skirt; Party: J.CREW Chambray Shirt, TOPSHOP  Sequin Pencil Skirt

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Wardrobe Staple: Matchstick Pants

(1) Atlantic-Pacific, (2)9to5 Chic, (3) Olivia Palmero, (4) Late Afternoon (her pants here)

The matchstick pant, aka "slim cropped trousers," are a polished wardrobe staple perfect for working women or for those who are craving a tailored look. Think of them as the cigarette pant's perky younger sister. Tapered and cropped at the ankle, they are effortlessly chic and extremely flattering.

When it comes to putting together a novel look around a classic shape bloggers do it better - exemplified by the ladies above. From Blair at Atlantic-Pacific's ladylike look featuring cropped metallic pants to Olivia Palmero's fun floral print trousers, there are countless ways to style this true wardrobe staple. Lucky for us, these little gems are available in color and prints galore.  

1. CLOVER CANYON Baroque Rose Scarf Pant 2. J.CREW Collection Capri in jade jacquard 3. REISS Trinity Jacquard Cigarette pants 4. A.L.C. Aaron Pants 5. WAREHOUSE Floral Print Pant 6. ANTIPODIUM 3 Colts tapered trousers

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Object Obsession: 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Pashli Mini Satchel'

3.1 Phillip Lim 'Pashli Mini Satchel ' - $650 - available here, here and here.

A while back I posted on my debate between the full size Phillip Lim Pashli and Alexander Wang's Emile Tote (see the post here). Well, I've decided on the Pashli, but I'm waiting until October when it will be released with a shoulder strap. In the meantime, I'm obsessing on 3.1 Phillip Lim's chic and easy to carry Pashli Mini Satchel. 

At 6 1/2"W x 7"H x 3"D the Pashli Mini is just large enough to hold your necessities and is perfect when you don't need a bag to fit supplies for 24 hours on the go. Call it the kid in me, but I've got mini madness. Miniature dogs, miniature trees, miniature handbags- these little loves bring an instant smile to my face. 

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Lunchtime Poll: Animal Face Sweaters. Yay or Nay?

Let's kick this week off right with a Lunchtime Poll! So, what do you think of the animal face sweater and sweatshirt trend? Will you be sporting a Rottweiler on your chest anytime soon? What about a tiger or fox sweater?

I'll admit, I was hating on the whole animal sweater fad, because I felt it look a tad too cutsy and emo for my taste. But, the fiercer faces are starting to grow on me. So, will you be wearing an animal sweater this season?

In Case this trend is for you, here are a few of my favorite options:

Leather Pant Parade

   

 

   

**Street Style Images via 1/2/3/4

While most of you are salivating over the spring fashions heading down the runway at New York Fashion Week, I have my eye and mind on potential fall fashion splurges. In particular, leather pants. Nothing says "I'm cold but I'm sexy" like a tight pair of black leather pants. 

I'm on the verge of spending my paycheck on these to-die-for Helmut Lang Stretch Leather Leggings, and I just need a push from some fellow fashion fanatics to do it. I could go faux leather, or even coated denim but it just doesn't feel* the same to me - *no pun intended. I've included some of my contenders below. What do you think?

Leather pant purchase contenders:

Thirsty Thursday: Manly Manhattan

In honor of my very own Honey Boo Boo's birthday tomorrow I'm embracing a traditionally thought of "manly" drink, the Manhattan. Pour one of these bad boys for your guy after a long day and I guarantee you get at least a few cool points. Find the recipe here.

I've been on the hunt for the perfect gift for days now. Here are a few of the stylish men's fashion and tech gear finds I can't resist. 7 Diamonds Leather Jacket: It's hard to find a decent men's leather jacket for under $500, but this one does the trick. I love the removable hooded bib - it makes it easy for even the fashion challenged male to look of the moment. Randolph Engineering 'Sportsman' Sunglasses: Men look sexy in aviators. End of story. Opena iPhone Case: I saw this iPhone case/bottle opener on TechCrunch earlier this month. Talk about a great gift! What guy can resist a cell phone case that also opens beers on the fly?  California Headphones: Guys love to have the newest gear, and these are it. I was lucky enough to try out a pair of these retro inspired metal and leather headphones, and they totally live up to their claim of creating a live-concert sound. I just may have to buy a pair for myself as well.

Hope y'all are able to enjoy the last night before the weekend with a thirst quencher of your choosing ;)

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Pattern Play: Polka Dots

Images via Pinterest / Happily Grey / The Fashion Guitar / Keep the Beat

I've had a lifelong love-hate relationship (OK, more like hate) with polka dots. They look so cute and femme on others but when I've tried to work them into my wardrobe in the past they've always felt a bit too dainty. Well, times are a changing. I'm finally embracing polka dot prints and plan on playing the pattern into the fall. 

I'm taking inspiration from favorite street style looks to make polka dot prints feel more "me": think chiffon polka dot blouses paired with leather and creating outfits with an edge by mixing polka dot pieces with contrasting prints. At the very least I'd love to add a pair of Loeffler Randall's Natalie flats to my closet, and a Comme des Garcons wallet wouldn't hurt either;-)

1. Glamorous Polka Dot chiffon skirt 2. Loeffler Randall Natalie flat  3. Comme des Garcons Polka Dot wallet 4. Topshop Polka Dot snood 5. Kardashion Kollection Polka Dot blazer 6. J.Crew Polka Dot sweater  7. Minkpink Polka Dot Chiffon shirt

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Fall Favorite: Tory Burch Peplum Sweater

Tory Burch 'Madeline' Peplum Sweater ($275) available here, here and here

I'm officially obsessed with Tory Burch's 'Madeline' peplum sweater. The combination of cozy material, wearable colors and a fashionable shape makes it pure Fall perfection! Black, persimmon, camel, I'd buy it in every color if I could and I would wear it just as often to work as I would on the weekend. 

PEPLUM SWEATER: Tory Burch $275 WORK: Elizabeth and James Kenzie glasses, Michael Kors Gia watch, Asos Premium Pants in Geo print, Tory Burch 797 large satchel,  Boutique 9 Justine pump   WEEKEND: Assad Mounser glass bead and chain collar necklace, Joe's Jeans Vintage Reserve skinny jeans, Alexander Wang Lia crossbody bag, Nine West Panto loafer

Shop peplum sweaters: