What We're Buying - Oxblood Leather

On a recent shopping excursion with Pie I sighted the perfect faux leather moto jacket, in a beautiful shade of oxblood, at an amazing price at Forever 21. The stars were aligned in some perfect harmony: the faux leather was rich looking, the color gorgeous and the metal details prolific and a perfect gold-toned hue. I tried on a medium and it fit well. I put it down due to a loose thread, returned later to seek out another medium, and, alas, there were none left. Not even my loose-thread-castoff, which could have easily been fixed. I was crestfallen, and more than a little obsessed with finding a substitute in the days to come (the item was not available on their website). And thus began my search for the perfect maroon/oxblood leather or faux leather jacket. My, are there options to be had.

 

 



All of these beautiful options and then, voila, out of the blue there it was... Reunited, and it feels so good.

 



Hide Jacket, Asos; Jessica Simpson Faux Leather Jacket, Lord & Taylor;
Alexander McQueen Quilted Jacket, Yoox; Laundry Asymmetrical Jacket, Saks Fifth Ave;
Buckled Collar Jacket, Forever21.
 

What We're Buying - Combat Boots

 

 

I've always wanted a pair of combat boots.  I love the idea - tough lace ups over tucked in jeans and an oversized shirt.  But no pair I had encountered ever felt quite right.  Looking back on it, I think the problem was, strangely enough, that none of them were feminine enough for me.  While I gravitate towards tougher styles, my purchases are always more posh punk than 90's grunge.

 

Imagine my delight when I found Bamboo's Gold Surprise.  While the shape is classic, the finish is anything but, in a gorgeous, brushed gold.  I can't wait to throw them on with a sweater dress and play in a pile of fall leaves, the gilded hue perfectly complementing the rich oranges and yellows of my favorite season.

 

Bamboo

What We're Buying - Transitional Bedding

This time of year always sets me yearning for a change- I try to cajole my husband into rearranging furniture, and I start looking at new accent pieces and bedding. But what bedding to use? Summer weights don't quite work in a New York apartment, and it certainly isn't cold enough to break out my down comforter and duvet covers just yet. Luckily, I think I've found an answer and it comes in many an affordable option. These transitional quilts look mighty tempting, and while they might not exactly be fall-festive don't they just look airy and cozy? Perfect for a bedroom sanctuary and a bit of snuggle.

Boho Boutique Bombay Fleur Quilt Set, Target; Hand Blocked Medallion Quilt, West Elm;

Laura Ashley Roland Quilt, Amazon; Nostalgia Piper Quilt, Macys.

What We're Buying - Turbans

Ever since catching a glimpse of Miss Liz Taylor rocking a considerably bedazzled turban, I was instantly sold - I wanted one.  Hard.

 

  

Never before encountering a just-right headpiece, I finally met my match at The Real Designer Market this spring. 

 

Vibe Jewels had a whole table's worth of spangled, glittering finds.  Of course, there were full on turbans, but also half headbands for the curious neophyte.

 

I, of course, went all the way, picking up an onyx number replete with a rhinestone snake. 

 

I can't imagine a winter coat it won't go with, making it the perfect new staple for my cold-weather wardrobe this year.

Vibe Jewels 

What We're Buying - Metal Toe Sandals

 

 

I've been seeing metal toed sandals on many a fashionable lady in the city for quite some time now (I know I first saw Dolce Vita's version last summer), but I never much saw the point or thought they were worth the pricetag. After almost two months of open-toed sandals, and with my footwear starting to show serious signs of deterioration, I'm ready to reconsider. Somehow the front of my sandals get positively chewed up on the city streets, and I am hopeful that a metal toe would at least hinder this sad process. I'm definitely going to snatch up one of these lovelies, and as soon as they arrive my poor, leather toed sandals are headed straight for my trusty shoe repairman for some much needed TLC. 

 

DV by Dolce VIta Agnyss, Macys; Chinese Laundry Now or Never, 6PM;

Ted Baker Bellena Sandal, Nordstrom; City Classified United Sandal,

DV by Dolce Vita Apex Sandals, Bamboo Lottie Sandal, Zoo Shoo.

What We're Buying - The Transitional Blazer

New York has been a mess of sloppy heat, autumnal breezes in July, thunderstorms and chilly nights this summer. Sure, this is New York and we’re close enough to New England to realize that you can wait 15 minutes and the weather may change, but dressing for this kind of climate is where it really gets challenging. A real-feel of 103 degrees quickly transitions to a  110 degree platform and a frigid subway ride of 65. You can leave your house expecting 82 to feel warm, only to find that 82 with a grey sky overhead and an hourly drizzle does not feel like any kind of 82 you’re used to. Especially not when you’re out later that same evening and feel downright cold on your trek to the train that, please God, will take you home to your blanket and bed as quickly as possible.

The blazer has been my layer of choice this summer for all of the situations enumerated above. I used to rely on a big scarf, but my old standby just doesn’t feel adequate for the crazy whiplashes my body has had to adjust to this year. I need something with sleeves, thank you, and preferably something that I can wear into fall’s equally unreliable weather. I’ve added one to my (sparse) collection this summer, but I hope to add a few more as the summer days dwindle and they go on sale. As someone who works in a corporate environment I can’t quite imagine why I didn’t think of this before, but at least I’m on board now!

 

Blazer with Gathered Shoulders, Zara; Linen Tailored Blazer, Asos;

Collarless Knit Blazer, Forever 21; Preen Maxine Blazer, ShopBop.

What We're Buying - Lacy Dresses

Lace has been a summer staple for countless seasons, a classic look that Fortune and I had yet to embrace.  I think we felt lace had to be expensive, that no truly pretty looks were available at a price that wouldn't hurt our purses.

This year, however, we both fell in love with our very own affordable frocks; both, of course, lacy, but each unique to our sense of style.

Fortune had to have Forever 21's Essential Eyelet Shift Dress, quickly grabbed off the rack during a lady day excursion.  Available in both navy and ivory, Fortune went icy white for these hot months, but is debating also purchasing the navy to wear with grey tights and a sweater as the weather cools.

I, on the other hand, selected Free People's Beautiful Dreamer Lace Dress during a heavily discounted Ideeli flash sale.  I wasn't sure about it since I never thought I could wear a drop waist in the past, but the 25+ pounds both Fortune and I separately lost this past year helped me to rock it with confidence. 

There are so many great pieces to choose from, and our finds prove you don't have to go high-end for rich looking lace .  Whatever your budget, now is the time to strike those sales to get a look of your very own that will never go out of style!

Essential Eyelet Shift Dress, Forever 21;

Beautiful Dreamer Lace Dress, Free People.

What We're Buying - Bib Necklaces

One of the most exciting things about my friendship with Fortune is seeing how we represent our admiration for the same fashion trends in completely different ways.  I'm able to learn so much from her, and vice versa, in this way.  Since we're both roughly the same height, weight and shoe size, it's very instructive to see a style you may not have picked out for yourself mirrored on your almost-duplicate.  I've come to love her more sophisticated tendencies as a result, like the idea of splurging on one piece instead of buying 5 from a discount store, and she, in turn, has started to covet a few rougher pieces, like jewelry with spikes, since I constantly wear them around her.

A recent example?  We both agree - we love, love, love bib necklaces.

Our individual interpretations?  Totally unique.

For my birthday, Fortune and I went on a shopping expedition up and down Broadway in the mall-esque SoHo area of New York City.  All the major stores are present, making it an essential stop when you want to hit a lot of places quickly.

Our first stop was at the BaubleBar pop-up boutique located on Greene Street until August 13th.  For years and years in search of the perfect bib necklace, little did I know I would find it, and one of my only purchases of the day, right off the bat.

 

I couldn't stop staring at the Gold Multi-Chain Bib Necklace the minute I saw it, even though I was supposed to be hunting for the Andromeda Tassel Pendant.  Featuring rows and rows of thick, beautiful chains, I lusted after it.  The price was a little more than I would normally spend...but Fortune reminded me of my ceaseless quest...and, hey, it was my birthday.

 

Fortune had better luck later on in the day at Topshop.  While we both were somewhat baffled by the prices there, remembering how affordable the items used to be on past trips taken together to Europe, we managed to find a 50% off section...with another 30% off on top of that.  Fortune, then, couldn't say no to the Cord and Tube Collar Necklace.  Featuring a length of rope reminiscent of Noir's amazing designs, complemented by mixed metal tubes and rings, it was the perfect mix of boho + edgy to go with her day-to-day wardrobe.

 

So from Mr. T to Miss Richie, we both embraced this look...and, in the process, made it completely our own.

Topshop | BaubleBar

What We're Buying - Key Jewelry

Keys have always brought me comfort; the sense of something secret.  Endless possiblity.  Hidden treasure.  Something to call ones own.

While I have a few key necklaces and a sweet pair of silver ox filigree key studs, this seasons' interpretations are drawing me in.

The pocket watch key necklace is such a different translation of a classic look, and the modernity of the key used in Zoe Chicco's key pendant necklace is just too cool.  The antiquated feel of the cuff and key are more representative of the pieces I already have, with a lovely vintage vibe.

With so many options at hand, it's never been simpler to unlock a bit of everyday magic.

Monica Rich Kosann Pocket Watch Key Rock Crystal Necklace, Neiman Marcus;

House of Harlow 1960 Key Cocktail Ring, ShopBop; Low Luv Key Wrap Cuff, Ron Robinson;

Zoe Chicco Key Pendant Necklace

What We're Buying - Colored + Printed Blazers

 

Summer is a time of excitement, when ladies everywhere throw on their prettiest dresses and gleefully take to the streets of Manhattan; every day is a veritable fashion show at sidewalk cafes and neighborhood parks.  But those flimsy frocks just aren't enough once indoors, with stores and offices often blasting air conditioning.  The solution I've been turning to lately?  A fun blazer; work perfect and frivolous enough to don at a movie or whilst shopping, I'm drawn to the lively patterns and vibrant colors available this season.

Topshop Juliet Paisley Blazer, Nordstrom; Addison Rivington Jacket, ShopBop;

Minkpink When Doves Cry Soft Blazer, ASOS; Diane Von Furstenberg Feriha Colorblock Jacket; Saks Fifth Avenue.

What We're Buying: Printed Pants for Spring

Lately Pie and I have been on a real pants kick. We both shed some weight last year and we've been glorying in our rediscovered shapes (nothing like getting a desk job and getting married to round out your frame!). Happily enough this is one of those times where we're moving right along with trends- printed pants just keep popping up in delightful patterns and hues. I'm seriously lusting after several from J. Crew, and they're having an amazing sale right now that I just have to check out. In the meantime I'm still scouting out several other likely pairs to add some fun professionalism to my wardrobe.

 

 

Slim Cropped Print Pants, Gap; Collection Cafe Capri, J. Crew;

Utility Pocket Pant, Saturday by Kate Spade;

Batik Cigarette Pants, Forever 21; Jessie Strawberry Fields Pants, Club Monaco.

What We're Buying - Big, Bold Statement Bracelets

 

 

I'll admit it - I'm late to the arm party. I've always been partial to out-of-control statement necklaces. But bracelets? I've thrown on a cuff or two, sure, but loads and loads of arm candy?  Could I be 'that girl'?

As it turns out, the answer is a resounding YES!  Working for an amazing jewelry designer, my inner rock star has blossomed; each day, I find myself wearing four or five bracelets at a minimum.  The shy girl in high school whose only secret fashion want was Angelina Jolie's moto jacket from the film, Tomb Raider, has come back out to play.  I never take off my ruthenium and 14kt gold Lock Me Away Bracelet from b5linenyc, and I'm crushing hard on Judy Kaye's versatile 6x wrap around bracelet/necklace (I got a gorgeous silver leather piece with pearl chains and a matte, brushed gold leaf chain).  And everything from Molly Rose Post Jewelry is stunning; I'm so enamored with her exquisite bubbles bangles.  The absolute best part?  Gone are any fashion rules you may have been a slave to in the past; wear everything together.  Don't worry about pieces being gold or silver, rose or hematite; put it all on, and arm yourself for an amazing day ahead.

Lock Me Away Bracelet, b5linenyc;

The Torc Bracelet, b5linenyc;

Wrap Bracelet, Judy Kaye Jewelry (photo credit, The Real Designer Market);

Bubbles Bangles, Molly Rose Post Jewelry;

Hematite Circe Cuff, Giles & Brother.