Brunchy Brunch Brunch

What I'm wearing:
*Ellen Tracy Button Down Shirt
*J.Crew Argyle Sweater Dress
*H&M Black Tights
*Target Kachiri Boots in Taupe
*Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini Bag in Brown
*Forever 21 Reading Glasses Necklace
*Michael Kors Glitz Chronograph Watch in Rose Gold

So this weekend I finally got to try out Peels, a brunch spot that I've been dying to go to! Like I've mentioned before, brunch is definitely my favorite weekend activity. I love relaxing with some girlfriends, drinking cocktails, eating yummy food, and not having to rush through (like on weekday lunches).

This is me waiting for our table, I couldn't stop staring at the pastry case.

Look at those yummy goodies! I may have to go back to try their brown butter rice krispie treats and their homemade graham crackers.

The food at Peels is southern comfort, and I decided I was in the mood for a country ham and cheese buttermilk biscuit. It was absolutely delicious! (And went nicely with my Bloody Mary.)

Part of the bar upstairs. I love the ceilings there! The whole place was so airy and full of light, it was a very pleasant place to sit and chat. 

I love argyle. It always makes me feel uber preppy, but I love it!

Pretty Pictures in a Magazine

What I'm wearing:
*American Apparel Dolman Top in Black
*Gap Pleated Bow Skirt in Ochre
*Hue Opaque Tights in Black
*Target Kasia Boots in Cognac
*BB Dakota "Bostwick" Jacket in Camel

Is anyone else thrilled that it is Friday?? I feel like this week has taken forever to end. But I am looking forward to the weekend. I'm excited because I have brunch plans for both Saturday and Sunday. Brunch is definitely my favorite meal, I mean, it's an excuse to drink cocktails during the day!

I'm obsessed with this new jacket that I ordered on a total whim last week. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it, but when I tried it on, I fell in love. I mean, it pretty much looks like I'm wearing an ugly blanket around. But what sold me on it was the faux fur-trimmed hood. I love that it really covers my whole head (I'm looking at you, J.Crew stadium coat, whose hood barely covers my head! Maybe it's too big for regular hoods.)

I've been wearing these Kasia boots non-stop. They are great for this slushy weather when I don't want to wear snow/rain boots. I just make sure to wipe them down when I get inside to get the dirt off. I kind of want them to look more worn in anyway. Thank you Target for making great, affordable boots that I'm not too scared to ruin.

Last night I was able to watch "The King's Speech". I was interested in it before, but ever since the Golden Globes and the Oscar nominations, I decided I really wanted to see it! I really enjoyed the film, the cinematography was beautiful and so well done, it really captured the mood of the time period perfectly. And of course Colin Firth was brilliant as King George VI, I have a slight (ok, major) obsession with him (P&P anyone? And don't forget Bridget Jones' Diary and Love Actually). Next movies on my list? I really want to see "The Fighter" and "Blue Valentine".

I Wish It Was a Snow Day

What I'm wearing:
*Gap Drape-Neck Cardigan in Dark Purple
*Martin + Osa Tiered Knit Top (similar here)
*LOFT Knit Leggings
*Sorel "Cate the Great" Boot in Black
*Forever 21 Stone Pendant (similar here)
*Foley & Corinna Mini City Tote in Black

I woke up this morning to the city covered in a blanket of fluffy snow! Unfortunately for me, it wasn't enough to get me a snow day (darn you public transportation system). Snow, you are officially dead to me.

Since I had to go into work, I decided I was going to be as comfortable as possible. Pulled out one of my favorite tops from the now defunct Martin + Osa, and wore a drape-y cardigan I picked up at the Gap for about $8! (That's the price of a lunch sandwich!) My Sorels are awesome and kept my feet warm and dry, love them!

Quick Snap: Jungle Flowers

What I'm wearing:
*J.Crew Tivoli Cardigan in Amber/Grey (similar here)
*LOFT Jungle Flowers Ruffle Shell
*Madewell Skinny Jeans
*Target Kasia Boots in Cognac

Yes, it's still snowing in NYC. Apparently we are supposed to get a lot of snow tonight! It's coming down right now but isn't sticking too much. (Praying for a snow day? Yeah... I can dream.) This weather is really getting in the way of my blogging! Sorry for the bathroom snaps.

I wanted to be warm today but still look cute for work. Wasn't sure if the color combination of my top and cardigan worked, but I think it looks alright. I was never a follower of matching conventions anyway.

Hope everyone is staying warm and dry... and to those in warm climates, I'm jealous!!!

Quick Snap: Stripes & Boots

What I'm wearing:
*H&M Striped Button Down (similar here)
*Gap Ponte Knit Dress (similar here)
*Target Kasia Boots in Cognac
*Forever 21 Reading Glasses Necklace
*Michael Kors Glitz Chronograph Watch in Rose Gold

I was so bummed this morning because I liked my OOTD, got up early enough to go take a photo outside, and it was snowing!! I am so very over the snow.... it still looks pretty when it's falling, but after it hits the ground it turns into icky grey slush. I know everyone is sick of everyone talking about the weather, but Mother Nature - please don't let it snow anymore! (Or if it does, let us get a snow day.)

I wore my new Kasia boots today and I love them! They are very comfortable from the get go, and I love that little bit of western flair. They remind me of the cowboy boots I used to rock back in college in Nashville!

We're so close to something better left unknown

What I'm wearing:
*LOFT Brush Dot V Neck Shell in Light Peach
*J.Crew Jackie Cardigan in Burnished Olive
*Vintage Kissing Mice Belt
*anthropologie Velvet Skirt
*Cole Haan Patent Wedges

You know one of those weekends where you have a lot of fun, but end up completely exhausted by Sunday night? I had one of those. I'm still recuperating from all the fun I've had. It was a great weekend, but not the relaxing one I was anticipating.

This was a quick look to put together. Printed top + solid cardigan + skirt + belt + tights + patent pumps. It's a go to formula for an easy work outfit.

Yay for Fridays!

This is my "hung over and late to work" OOTD. It's not anything fancy, but it's cozy and comfortable, perfect for a Friday. When I'm feeling like this it is just too much effort to put a pair of pants or tights on. It's legging time.

What I'm wearing:
*Aqua Cashmere Tunic with Zippers
*American Apparel Winter Leggings in Black
*Target Katherine Engineer Boots in Brown
*Forever 21 Necklace

I freaking love these boots! They are super sturdy, and I wear them on slushy days like today. Mine are a bit dirty right now though because I've worn them out and about a lot lately. But they're great because I'm not afraid to ruin them (pretty cheap to replace, even though I doubt I will have to) and they look better than rainboots or snowboots.

So... I've been pretty trigger happy with my purchases lately. Surprisingly it hasn't been at my usual haunts (anthro, J.Crew) but instead I've been loving LOFT, target, and other brands lately. Here are a few things that caught my eye!

BB Dakota "Bostwick" Jacket

(other colorway here)

I think this sweater is kind of ugly, but ugly enough to be cute. I think it looks cozy and would look great with a very simple outfit underneath.

Free People "About Town" Faux Fur Coat

Y'all know that I love faux fur! This jacket was on sale and I think it would be such a great topper for going out. Especially after seeing Linda's faux fur coat, I decided I needed one too in my life.

LOFT Brush Dot V Neck Shell in Light PeachLoved the print of this, thought it would work really well layered under the cardigans and blazers I already own.
LOFT Nautical Striped Tee in Bright GoldGrey and yellow is one of my favorite color combinations. This blouse is slouchy and cute and I think it'll work well for both work and play. You can wear it with jeans, or tucked into a skirt.
Target "Kachiri" Boots in TaupeI have been wearing my grey Steve Madden boots (see them here) like crazy lately, and decided I needed to buy a backup pair in a similar style. I've also seen Kim wear these a ton, and think they that have the same vibe as my beloved boots.
Target "Kasia" Boots in CognacI pretty much added these to my shopping cart because I wanted 20% off and free shipping for my Target order. I love cognac boots, and thought that these looked nice. I hope they are cute in person.
Retail therapy definitely makes me feel a bit better. The next time someone suggests karaoke on a Thursday night I WILL say no. (And also not sing "Party in the USA".) Life fail.

A Couple of Quick Snaps

I'm having a rough day right now but I decided I needed to take a photo because I really do like my outfit today. I woke up this morning to no hot water, and I couldn't stand the idea of taking a freezing cold shower, so I had to make do without a shower today. This makes me VERY cranky. I am the type of person who needs to take a nice hot shower every morning just to get through the day. So I ended up buying dry shampoo on the way to work to make myself look presentable. (The Tresemme Dry Shampoo is a miracle worker!!! I was very skeptical of it at first but I used it real quick in the office bathroom and my hair actually looks normal!) Ok, enough whining from me, here is my outfit!

What I'm wearing:
*Tucker for Target Signature Dress in Bird Lawn Print
*anthropologie Looping Lanes Belt (similar here)
*Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Pumps in Nude
*Forever 21 Scalloped Shoulder Purse

Also, bonus outfit pic! This was taken in a Bloomingdale's dressing room when I was out and about shopping with my girlfriend from out of town. This is a very comfy, laid back, easy to wear outfit. Pretty much what I wear when I can't think of anything creative to wear.

It was cold....

What I'm wearing:
*French Connection "Stormy" Anorak
*Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch in Burnt Orange
*Vince Striped Drape Cardigan
*LOFT Cami in Purple (from last year)
*Madewell Skinny Jeans
*Steve Madden Boots (very similar ones here, I ordered these as a backup to my favorite boots!)
*J.Crew Necklace

Hope that my hot water will work tonight.... and hope everyone else is having a great day. Only one more day till Friday and the weekend!

Striped & Zippered

What I'm wearing:
*LOFT Striped Dress with Zippers in Cinder Grey
*LOFT Ribbon Teardrop Choker
*H&M Black Tights
*Ugg Australia Lynnea Ankle Boots in Cognac
*BB Dakota "Cliffton" Tiered Jacket in Midnight (double breasted version here)

One of the things I love most to wear in the world are things that aren't technically sweatshirts or sweatpants but they feel like they can be. This striped dress with zippers is pretty much a giant sweatshirt to wear outside, pretending to be "real clothes". I love it. It's nice and roomy (I sized up) and I feel like it is such an easy outfit to wear (like most dresses are).

This navy tiered coat reminds me of the Two Paths Trench of last year. Not really sure why I always loved tiered pieces, but this is definitely one of my favorites.

Who can resist such a vibrant and sparkly necklace during this dreary weather?

Edit: If you were interested in my scalloped purse from my post earlier this week, it was just pointed out to me that it is still available at Forever 21!

Click here to buy.

haven't had a dream in a long time

What I'm wearing:
*anthropologie Ruffle Cardigan in Mustard
*LOFT Flutter Neck Shell in Clear Blue
*anthropologie Echolocation Skirt
*anthropologie Snakebite Belt in Grey
*Target Katherine Engineer Boots in Brown

I hate how after the holidays you see old Christmas trees thrown to the curb, waiting to be collected. I was a little sad that I didn't have a tree in my apartment this year, and to see these sad trees made me a bit sad too. Oh well, there is always next year!

The cool blue shade of this Flutter Neck Shell is what caught my eye in the store. I love the print and ruffles of course. I had to take a pair of scissors to snip off the ribbon ties that hung in the front of this top, but now it is exactly as I like it. It's a light cotton material that will be perfect for the summer, but it can still be worn now layered with a cardigan. I love it when I buy something new and can wear it right away, even if it is a spring item.

Even though I did let myself get a few new items for spring this weekend, I'm still trying to get a lot of wear out of items that were already in my closet. Both the mustard ruffle cardigan and the tiered skirt are from anthropologie Fall 2008, and I got the boots about a year ago from Target.

Yes, I'm looking at you!

Love this print.

Back at work today! At least it's a 4-day week... I have some fun outfits planned for this upcoming week! I'm determined to show improvement in all parts of my life, whether it be my job or the effort I put into what I wear, and this little blog of mine. I'm looking forward to what else 2011 will bring me.

And the Winner is...

Reader Elaina!

(Check your email, please.)

Thank you to everyone who entered!

Ruffles & Dots

What I'm wearing:
*LOFT Brushed Spot Print Wrap Dress
*LOFT Jeweled Button Cardigan in Safari Green
*Hue Opaque Tights in Black
*Steve Madden Boots in Grey (similar here)
*Forever 21 Scalloped Shoulder Purse

I am eagerly awaiting the coming of spring. I know it's only January, and NY has a few more months of winter ahead, but all of the new spring arrivals in stores only have me longing for warmth and sunshine. I may have indulged in a bit of retail therapy this weekend (always a great treatment for a breakup), and LOFT was the perfect place to do it with their 40% off sale. This ruffle-y dot printed wrap dress was something I've been eyeing since it came into stores, and the sale definitely pushed me over the edge into purchasing it. I think it works with tights and cardigan for now, but can definitely be worn in the summer months with bare legs and sandals (if only it was warm enough now!). 

I really, really love three-day weekends. It's great because a Sunday can feel like a Saturday. I've been having a great holiday weekend so far, a girlfriend from college is visiting and we've been doing lots of eating & drinking. (I am still drooling thinking about the delicious pork buns at Ippudo.) All I can say is that I have the best friends and sisters a girl can have, I'm not sure what I'd be like right now without them. 

I will be announcing the winner of my giveaway later today! 

I'll Be There For You

What I'm wearing:

*H&M Long Cardigan (similar here)

*Aqua Striped Drapey Top (similar here)

*anthropologie Great Escape Skirt (similar here)

*Hue Opaque Tights in Black

*Cole Haan Wedges in Black Patent (similar here)

*NY&Co Bow Tote in Black (similar here)

*Michael Kors Glitz Chronograph Rose Gold Watch

When I first saw this cozy cardigan from H&M, I fell in love with it. But I told myself that I'd think it over, and walked away from it. It wasn't expensive or anything, but I am trying to be wiser about my spending habits. But I did keep thinking about this cardigan, and the clincher was when I saw a woman at my office wear it to work and it re-ignited this want. Weeks after originally spotting this cardigan, I walk into H&M, not really expecting to find it since the store has such a high turnover rate. But there was one left and of course I snapped it up with my greedy little hands. Luckily I had a gift card I could use, which made it even better. 

I paired this sweater with a striped knit top my mother gave me for Christmas, and a past season anthropologie skirt that I always meant to wear recently but never got around to styling. I wish I took a detail shot of the shoes, they are very simple black patent wedges that I got on sale in Atlanta, very comfortable and perfect for the office. (And they also fit nicely into my bow tote for my commute, where I wear boots.) I like to carry this tote during foul weather, because I don't have to worry about my leather bags getting ruined. 

I was kind of hoping for a snow day today, but that didn't happen, boo! Now the snow is melting and is all slushy, not pretty at all. It was real pretty to watch the snow fall last night though, my neighborhood seemed so peaceful. By the time I get back to my apartment tonight, that pretty snow will just be a distant memory.

On the Street... Upper East Side, NY

Sometimes I like to pretend that I'm The Sartorialist. I snapped this photograph of my lovely friend Linda while waiting for the bus. (Very glamourous, the life I lead, I know.) We were headed downtown to attend the FIJI Water Holiday Cookie Swap and Bake Off.

Linda was kind enough to answer a few questions...

What are you wearing?
Zara faux fur coat, Vince oversized button down, Uniqlo leopard belt (but you can't see it), American Apparel leggings, Frye boots, Olivia Harris leather bag, Ray Ban aviators

What are some of your style inspirations?
runway looks, street style blogs, menswear, vintage

Favorite designers/brands?
DVF, Walter, Surface to Air, Uniqlo, and any good Target-designer collabo

What are you looking forward to most about spring?
Bare legs, light jackets, and al fresco dining!

These delightful Chocolate Malt cookies were made by our friend E of Culinary Studio. (Read more about the event and these cookies on his blog here.)

I loved browsing the cookie selection and ended up with a tin full of goodies. In the end though, the majority of the cookies were donated and enjoyed by the kitchen staff of the restaurant where M works. I decided to be nice and share, and also really didn't need to eat all of these cookies myself. They lasted about 5 minutes in the kitchen.

Loved these lamps that were hanging in the venue. 

A Story About Love & Hate

What I'm wearing:
*anthropologie Andesite Cardigan (similar here)
*Zara Printed Knit Dress
*Vintage Kissing Mice Belt
*Hue Opaque Tights in Black
*Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini Bag in Brown
*KORS Michael Kors "Joplin" Suede Combat Boots in Army Green

This outfit consists of elements that I both love and hate. What do I love? Quirky dog walking woman print, check. Animal belt, check. Ruffled cardigan, check. What don't I love? I tend to go for more vibrant colorful outfits, and you probably noticed in my year end overview of outfits. The colors in this look are a bit drab and muted, including the accessories. So it's not a very "Rosa" outfit, but I still like it all the same. It has enough fun in it for me!

Yes, apparently I only have one pose. Hand in hair. Looking down. Uber emo. I'm sorry.

Ladies walking their dogs. Love this print!

Scored these KORS MK Combat Boots for a great deal during the post-Christmas sale at Bloomingdale's. They are a nice faded army green, super comfortable, and I love the worn in look. I've been meaning to jump into the military boot trend, and I love the details and buckles on these. 

Not sure why I am looking so sad. It may be the sad colors.