Dancing at Discos, Eating Cheese on Toast

What I'm wearing:
*LOFT Military Wool Jacket with Fur Collar
*anthropologie Wind Rippled Tee in Red (similar here)
*anthropologie Revelations Sweater Skirt
*Forever 21 Elastic Square Buckle Belt in Olive
*Forever 21 Leggings
*Frye Dorado Slouch Boots (similar here)
*Foley & Corinna Jetsetter Jr. in Glazed Ruby

I didn't do much shopping over the holiday weekend, but this fur-trimmed blazer was one I picked up right before Thanksgiving, when LOFT was having 40% off of the entire store. What I love best is that the faux fur is removable, and leaves behind a smart little jacket. 

This outfit has a lot of colors in it, but I feel like it compliments the foliage very well. The sweater skirt is super cozy, especially when layered with leggings. Layering is key while keeping warm in these chilly months!!

Minnie Muse

What I'm wearing:

*Forever 21 Minnie Sequin Sweater

*American Apparel Winter Leggings in Black

*Kate Spade Purple Suede Wedges (similar here)

*Louis Vuitton Denim Monogram Bag (similar here)

*Forever 21 Satin Bow Headband

I was giddy with excitement when I saw that Forever 21 had a "Minnie Muse" collection out. I absolutely adore everything Disney, and Minnie has been one of my favorite characters since I was a child. I love Disneyworld and would go again in a heartbeat, I will never be too old! I love this sequin sweater because it has Minnie Mouse all over it, but isn't too childish or loud. 

I am also obsessed with these other two Minnie Mouse sweaters and am seriously considering getting them, I think they are so fun!

 

Minnie Muse Bow Sweater and Scattered Minnie Sweater

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I hope everyone had a blessed and wonderful Thankgiving! This year was my first year spending Thanksgiving in NYC, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. Since my family is in GA, I spent the holiday with a few friends, my friend L hosted and E (of Culinary Studio) cooked the amazing spread we got to enjoy. 

The mashed potatoes were to die for, and the challah bread stuffing was delicious too! The turkey came out great and I even enjoyed the brussel sprouts (the fact that they were made with bacon probably helped). The pumpkin pie was from my favorite bakery (Two Little Red Hens) and I may have had more than one slice it was so yummy. 

M & I's contribution to the meal was some chocolate for dessert! I think my favorite one was the dark chocolate caramel with Mediterranean sea salt. The reason there is a bleach pen in the photo is that I am such a huge klutz and ended up getting some cranberry sauce on L's white, white sofa. Luckily, that came out. I also indulged in a little too much wine and now am a bit hungover today. I actually went back over to L's to eat some leftovers, and the food made me feel a little bit better. (And the RHOBH marathon that was playing on Bravo.)

I have so much to be thankful for this year. I am such a lucky girl to have great family & friends surrounding me, and the best boyfriend in the whole wide world. I am looking forward to the holiday season, even though I can't believe that this year has flown by. Excited for what 2011 will bring!

Please Keep Off Grass

What I'm wearing:
*Zara Bow Top (similar here)
*Zara Mini Skirt (similar here)
*H&M Patterned Tights (similar here)
*Frye Lisa T-strap Mary Janes (similar here)
*Louis Vuitton Monogram Speedy 30

Red is such a festive color, I decided I needed a bright skirt to wear during the holidays! I do love bright colors, but I usually shy away from bright red since I prefer richer burgundy and cranberry shades, not so much the "in your face" red like this skirt.

Pairing this bright red with neutrals like nude and black toned down the look a bit. I love anything with bows on it, so I love this blouse so very much.

I worked really hard this weekend on a massive closet clean-up. I really wanted to put away some items that I just knew I wouldn't reach for this coming winter. They will go into storage boxes until they are ready to be worn again! It feels really good to get some more room in my closet and drawers, I was feeling a little cramped with all of my stuff. 

So excited that this week is a short week! I'm not going home for Thankgiving but will be spending some quality time with M, and having dinner over at a girlfriend's. Very, very excited about this! 

Ignite the Light & Let It Shine

What I'm wearing:
*Diane von Furstenberg Colony Club "Griffith" Wrap Dress
*J.Crew Ethereal Ruffle Cardigan
*Gap Opaque Tights in Black
*Forever 21 Tie-up Wedges
*anthropologie Felt Flower Hairclip (similar here)

Wrap dresses used to be an integral part of my business casual wardrobe. Now that I'm working in a much casual office, I don't reach for my wrap dresses as often, but this particular one I am excited about. I missed out on it the first time around a few years ago, but purchased this secondhand at a great price. The brown and cream herringbone print is very versatile, and I think you can wear pretty much any color with it.

These wedge oxfords are definitely on the trendy side, so I didn't want to invest too much money into a trend. That's where Forever 21 comes in. I've been very pleased with their pieces lately, I feel like I've loved a lot of what I've gotten there recently (sequin sweatshirt, sequin oxfords, etc.). Normally I hate shopping in the crowded stores, but I've started to frequent their Times Square location, which is HUGE and very well stocked. Worth the little bit of effort that it takes for me to trek to there (and to deal with the swarms of tourists).  

I seriously can't believe it's November lately. I feel like it was just yesterday when we were dealing with the intense heat of this past summer. I count my lucky stars every time I'm simply walking around and soaking in the city. I am so grateful to be here! There are definitely times when I miss my family, and unfortunately I won't be making it back for Thanksgiving, but I just absolutely love being in the city. The Christmas decorations that are popping up all over the city are making me love it even more as well.

Keep Calm and Carry On

What I'm wearing:

*H&M Striped Jacket (similar here)

*Martin + Osa Embellished T-shirt (similar here)

*Joie Willa Skirt in Stain (similar here)

*Gap Opaque Tights in Black

*Forever 21 Hollywood Sequin Oxfords

Black + white + splash of color is such an easy look to put together. It is pretty much what I always go for when I have a bright piece that I want to incorporate into my wardrobe. Lightweight knit jackets like this striped one that I haven't reached for in awhile are great for this weather because they are easily layered under my coat. A girl can wear cardigans only so often. 

Sequins are a girl's second best friend. I love sparkly things, and these oxfords definitely caught my magpie-esque eye. Now these sequin oxfords are a bit ridiculous but I think that they are so fun! 

This is what what my workspace normally looks like. I decided I needed to find a place so I can snap some OOTD photos in my apartment, and decided that if I pushed the table away, it's an easy place to take some photographs. The "Keep Calm and Carry On" print was a gift from my sister Sophia after I moved into my current apartment. It's a pretty great motto to live by. I still have a lot of decorating to do (and have yet to hang up what I have collected already) but this is probably my favorite bit of my (very small) apartment right now. [The zebra chair is from Target, print from Marshalls Home Goods, lamp from BB&B, and Ikea table.]

Stadium Love

What I'm wearing:
*American Eagle Olive Majorette Jacket (similar here)
*Gap Dotted Ruffle Dress
*H&M Black Tights
*H&M Grey Socks
*Ugg "Lynnea" Ankle Boot in Chestnut

Sometimes a girl just wants to wear some of her favorite pieces, all at once, with no regards to if it actually all goes or not. This was definitely one of those outfits. This feels a bit jumbled up to me, but I really love every piece that I am wearing. I just felt as if both the military jacket & the printed ruffle dress weren't getting the love that they deserve.

And the clog boots, I knew I had to have them after I tried them on in store. I love the cognac color, and they are so warm! And I love how you can wear them up like normal.... or fold them down for a completely different look. The leather feels great and seriously they are so comfortable!

I am excited to have Essie Sew Psyched back on my nails! I think it's such an interesting color, and I absolutely love it. Especially on my shorter nails.

Happy Friday! This outfit was actually from a few days ago but the internet at my apartment has been acting spotty. I've been pretty stressed lately, but I'm not trying to let that stuff get me down. Looking forward to a relaxing & fun weekend. 

Happy Monday

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I had a college girlfriend in town and had so much fun!!! Ate lots of yummy food, drank lots of yummy drinks (tons of both bloody marys and sake bombs), and was able to do some shopping. I also love exploring the city with a friend that is new to it, I feel like I see New York with a fresh perspective and a new appreciation for the awesome city I am lucky enough to live in. Now I am sad the exciting weekend is over and am back at work. But it's ok, because I got this adorable initial necklace in the mail today!

iadornu.etsy.com

I ordered this one day when I was in dire need of a pick me up. I love monograms and initial jewelry, and I also really love bunnies! I had a pet rabbit as a small child that I loved very, very much (*sniff* I miss you Timmy). This necklace is delicate and charming, and just enough quirky for me. 

I had a very successful shopping weekend! Now that the temperatures have been dropping fast, I knew I needed some new coats. I had an idea of what I wanted: (1) a longer casual everyday coat to wear to work and (2) a puffer jacket that would keep me warm when it's REALLY cold out. I was able to find two coats that I was definitely in love with!

J.Crew Stadium Cloth Elements Coat in Dark Fatigue

J.Crew was having a great outerwear sale this weekend (20% off of outerwear, and an additional 25% off if your purchase was over $150) so I got a great deal on this coat. It is super warm and I think the hood definitely makes it more casual for everyday wear with jeans and such. I have a few nicer long coats, but I always feel like they don't work with my more casual outfits. And my more casual jackets are either not as long as I'd like, or not warm enough for the current weather. I actually thought this jacket was a brown/grey in the store, and was pleasantly surprised to see that it was a dark khaki green when I walked outside (yes, I wore it out of the store). 

French Connection "Stormy" Anorak in Army Green

So I'll be honest, I absolutely despise "puffer" jackets on myself. And I know that they are a necessary evil in a city where one needs to walk everywhere outside. My mission was to find one that didn't make me look like I was wearing a sleeping bag, or the Michelin Man. This coat is really warm, lightweight, and I love the detachable faux fur hood. I found the fit to be slightly more flattering than other similar styles that I tried on. And I do have to give credit to my sister for discovering this coat. I pretty much went to the store the next day after she showed me hers to pick it up. Luckily, I was able to save 20% on it because I pre-saled it for Bloomingdale's Friends & Family! I'm actually wanting the weather to get colder so I can wear this.

Last but not least is my OOTD. Nothing fancy, I am pretty tired from this weekend so all you get is this quick snap from my office bathroom. 

What I'm wearing:

*Forever 21 Fair Isle Cardigan (similar here)

*Madewell Skinny Jeans

*Steve Madden Flat Grey Boots (similar here)

The weather is pretty cold here so I decided to go with a cozy stand by. Also, it's a Monday and I didn't feel like putting in too much effort into getting ready today, it's hard enough to go to work! 

My Boyfriend's Back

What I'm wearing:
*anthropologie Lift Off Jacket (similar here)
*Forever 21 Sequin Sweater (similar here)
*Martin + Osa Boyfriend Jeans (similar here)
*Bandolino Black Patent Flats (similar here)
*Gap Canvas & Leather-Trimmed Satchel
*Michael Kors Oversized Black Watch

So I'll be honest. I wore this on a lazy Sunday this past weekend, but was hesitant about posting this outfit on the blog. It's definitely a lot more laid back than my normal outfits, I felt very stumpy wearing flats, and I just didn't feel polished! But I do think it was an easy outfit for eating brunch, walking around the city, and window shopping.

I am absolutely in love with this sequin embellished sweater from Forever 21. It reminded me a lot of the J.Crew Sequin Studio Sweatshirt but only cost $20 compared to the $168 that J.Crew is charging. I love the raglan shirt style, and the heather grey and pale pink combination keeps it feminine and flirty, just the way I like it.

I like these boyfriend style jeans on everyone else, and got a great deal on these while working at Martin + Osa (man I miss that store!) but I don't think these are for me. They are really comfy, but I don't think they are flattering on people with shorter legs like me. Sometimes I think I like what I see in the mirror, and then a photograph makes me change my mind. That's the beauty of clothes though, if you don't love it, you can always change into something else. 

Things People Say

What I'm wearing:
*Zara Navy Sweater Coat (similar here)
*H&M Lace Tank Dress (similar here)
*Gap Opaque Tights in Black
*Balenciaga Green Suede Bow Pumps (similar here)
*Michael Kors Skorpios Tote
*Orange Pashmina from street vendor

As much as I am dreading the upcoming winter weather, i do have to say that I am enjoying wearing tights, loads of layers, and other things that go along with cooler temperatures. I'm sure I will get sick of it eventually but right now it feels so much better than dealing with the heat this past summer.

I love color in my outfits. At first I thought navy + cognac + orange + green was too much, but I actually love the way it turned out. I've been obsessed with lace lately. I really need to have to have someone physically restrain me from picking up everything with lace on it at a store.

I used to hate orange, but now I really love it. It just seems like such a strong, happy color to me!

Queen of Hearts

What I'm wearing:
*BCBG Cashmere Sweater in Grey (similar here)
*H&M Purple Heart Print Shorts (similar here)
*Gap Opaque Tights in Black
*Deena & Ozzy Peep Toe Mesh Heel from UO
*Forever 21 Grand Chain Necklace
*Michael Kors Oversized Black Watch

These heart shorts were a total impulse buy. I mean, who goes out to buy a pair of purple heart printed shorts? I didn't plan on getting shorts anytime soon, but I have grand plans for this pair. They definitely have a whimsical, cartoon character feel to them, but they caught my eye and I took them home with me.

I love me some statement necklaces. Especially when they cost under $10. I really like that there are different size chains all on this one necklace.

My ubiquitous black watch that I like to pretend goes with everything and anything. It's a bit masculine, but I find that plays nicely against the frilly and feminine pieces that I'm drawn to all of the time.

 

Why so serious? (Yeah, I don't know either.)

I hope everyone had a happy Halloween weekend! I wasn't feeling too well unfortunately so I didn't make it out too long. (I was dressed up as Samantha from the American Girl series, and my friends were Molly & Kirsten, so that was fun.)

But I did have one of the best meals I've had in awhile this weekend with M at Blue Ribbon Brasserie. We were in a celebratory mood, and everything was absolutely amazing. Luckily for us it is open late night, and we enjoyed our food (especially the bone marrow) and it was overall a really lovely evening. I feel like I am definitely expanding my culinary horizons lately. I never would have considered trying bone marrow a few months ago. Now I've had it twice in this past week, and I'm really glad I tried it.