Picture
Michelle Williams in the campaign, image via: MarieClaire.co.uk
what it is: Louis Vuitton "W" monogram tote
why I love it: I don't really love labels with a capital L, but Louis Vuitton can keep it so tasteful that I don't even mind the monogram on their bags. I own a Speedy 25 in monogram that my very generous aunt got me for a birthday present a few years ago, and I've wanted the neverfull tote and the Sac Plat for quite a while now, in a detached, aspirational, I'll get them when I'm rich someday (maybe, maybe not) kind of way. I guess you can say I'm somewhat of a LV fan. The first thing I noticed about this bag was how great Michelle Williams looked in the ad, and how I was surprised that she was doing a LV ad. Then I noticed this new purse, from the designer's "W" collection, and I fell hopelessly in love. It's just so perfect in so many ways. It can obviously hold all the necessities, but it is unique in a way we haven't seen from LV monogram handbags in a while. It clearly goes with anything and everything and, to me, it just screams must have. At least staring doesn't cost anything.
where to get it: Louis Vuitton (not available online through the website), $4,000
Follow on Bloglovin
 
Picture
Image via: 9to5Chic.com
It might be Friday, but technically Friday is still a work day, so I'm going to talk about interview wear. Dressing for interviews is a lot like dressing for something like a first date in the sense that they're both stressful and exciting situations, and if you aren't comfortable or don't feel like yourself on the outside (ahem, first impressions), then it's going to show. Now, some fields have their limitations, but even so it's important to wear styles, colors and textures that will give you one fewer thing to worry about. 


I've been going on a fair amount of interviews during my job search, and I don't typically like to duplicate outfits for several reasons 1) an opportunity to make an outfit is an opportunity to make an outfit, I'm not just going to pass that up. 2) Different potential jobs warrant different looks. 3) Different times of year require different levels of layering (duh). 4) There's something that just feels wrong about re-wearing an outfit that was designated for a similar but not quite the same event. Because these interviews are usually in the fashion realm, I get to have a bit of fun with my look and accessories and show my personality, but I don't like to stray too far from the conventional rules. I'll wear something like a button down, but wear one trimmed in leather, buttoned to the top with a statement necklace (similar to the above). Or I'll wear a pencil skirt, but one that's brightly colored with colored pumps and a blouse with an asymmetrical hem untucked. If I go with a dress, I usually keep the style and color simple and add personality with accessories and lip color. Work pants? I don't really own any, but I do have a pair of plaid ankle trousers from J.Crew that I'll pair with a patterned top and bold pumps. There are a lot of options, even with limitations.


Now, to the photo. Not everyone has to wear "work appropriate" clothes to work, but these types of silhouettes are important to have in your closet in the event you have to dress for something with that type of attire. This doesn't mean you should run out and buy a sad, gray skirt suit, and Ahn of 9 to 5 Chic demonstrates this remarkably well. This outfit is so simple, yet still unique and shows her personal style. She just tucked a plain, neutral button down into a leather pencil skirt and paired it with pumps like so many workforce women have. But the bold bib necklace, striking (but not distracting) lip color and bright bag pull this outfit away from the snooze zone and show that she is professional, honors that type of dress code, but doesn't let it keep her from adding personal touches. We can learn a lot from this approach.
Follow on Bloglovin
 
I have a very extensive accessory collection that I've been adding to for years, but it's been a while since I've bought anything new. There are a bunch of trends I've been eyeing to add to my inventory. Though I don't typically shop for accessories specifically, and usually pick them up as I see them, these are some things I'll have in mind when I'm out shopping in the near future.

midi/pinky rings
I'll admit that it took me a little while to get on board with this trend, but when I thought about the fact that it meant more opportunities to wear rings, I realized I needed to buy some immediately. I love the variety offered, and that some midi rings are big enough to wear as pinky rings. The more options the better. Urban Outfitters has a decent collection.
Picture
Image via: Vogue.com
Picture
Images via: BaubleBar.com
Picture
nameplate/monogram necklace
I love the look of these layered with other necklaces of various lengths. These come in so many cool fonts, and there's nothing more personal and individual than something with your name or initials. The big monograms have been popular for the last few years, and I love the more modern look of this Bauble Bar one.
word necklace
Along the same lines as the name necklaces above, I love how unique these are. Actual words are so expressive, though, and add a certain type of quirk to an outfit. These are a nice alternative to a bib necklace if you're going for a different kind of look while still wearing a statement necklace. If only Lanvin would collaborate with a fast fashion retailer.
Picture
Image via: Lanvin.com
Picture
Picture
Images via: (top) JewelryBrief.com, (bottom) BaubleBar.com
Picture
Picture
Images via: (top) Asos.com, (bottom) JenniferFisher.com
chain bracelets
I already love chain necklaces, but sometimes arm parties go better with certain outfits. I'm loving the look of delicate bracelets right now, but mixed with more bold pieces, sometimes the look is even better. These are classic and feminine with a little extra personality if worn alone, but are a type of neutral that work well amongst other jewelry styles when stacked or layered. 
embellished bib necklace
Bibs are one of the easiest ways to transform an outfit from basic to eye-catching, and I'm loving the ones covered in jewels. They come in all shapes, sizes, materials and colors, and dress up a casual outfit or add something really unique to a dressy outfit. It's an all-you-need accessory, and though they might seem a little bulky, they're worth the styling challenge.
Picture
Images via: (left) DeniseFashionDesignerClothes.com, (right) KateSpade.com
Picture
Picture
Image via: BaubleBar.com
unconventional initials
I love initials because, like name jewelry, they're something special and unique to you. Many places are getting modern beyond just the hanging charm with initial jewelry, and the new options are so interesting. This Bauble Bar necklace also comes in bracelet form. 
mismatched stud earrings
These are the easiest, most understated way to have a little fun with an outfit. There are tons of options, and if you want to add a little bit of interest to whatever you're wearing, they don't add weight or bulk, especially if you have multiple ear piercings. Buy a bunch of sets of matching ones and mix it up, or buy a set of mismatched ones and you can reflect your mood quietly with your accessories.
Picture
Image via: CatbirdNYC.com
Picture
Image via: CatbirdNYC.com
Picture
Image via: UrbanOutfitters.com
Picture
tiny skulls
Skulls could be the most goth of accessory charms, but the way they're done in dainty sizes on delicate chains in girly metals create the perfect irony. Worn alone or layered, these fun pieces are pretty but don't take themselves too seriously. The perfect kind of jewelry for day to day or making a dressed up look a little different.
hamsa  jewelry
I don't wear religious charms too often because I think they're a nice symbol during certain events or days. But I love the meaning behind the hamsa, as well as the look of the charm. I've seen so many beautiful ones in all sizes and designs, but I can't get enough of these tiny, unembellished ones for everyday wear. 
Picture
Images via: (left) PeggyLi.com, (right) Etsy.com shop Lotus411
Picture
Follow on Bloglovin
 
Picture
Image via: ShopGella.blogspot.com
Oversized knits and plaid are probably two of the biggest trends of the moment, and this outfit helps show just why that is. I'm still in denial that winter is imminent, and while I futilely hope for one last (long lasting) warm up in the weather, it's pretty clear that I'm just going to have to deal with the reality of the season until real warmth starts to come sometime in April (hopefully!). Until then, when I have to face the elements outside, I will rely on blanket-like sweaters to act as the next best thing. It's easy to look frumpy with huge, thick knits, but it's also not the hardest to temper the shapelessness with feminine aspects, like the above extremely cute skirt. The length and style are the perfect opposite to the sweater, and the solid black bottom half is perfectly simple to let the real elements of the outfit stand out. Though it's simple, it's not forgotten. I mean, those boots. This girl knows how to keep it stylish and feminine without sacrificing the warmth factor.
Follow on Bloglovin
 
Picture
what it is: Neutrogena Body Oil
why I love it: Winter is all about fighting off dry skin, so I always keep my ears open to products that will do that successfully. The windy, dry weather has arrived, which means it's time for a beauty product regimen change. I was skeptical when a friend told me she loved this stuff after seeing it praised in several magazines. Body oil immediately evoked images of slippery, overly tan sunbathers on the beach, and that is neither a look or feel I was trying to go for. But I was feeling pretty meh about my current lotion and was curious enough to give it a try. After one use, I was sold. A few drops on arms and legs immediately after a shower changes the feel of skin almost instantly. Rub it in like lotion, and skin drinks it up leaving no oily feeling, but an ultra-moisturized, velvety one that lasts and lasts. My only complaint is that it doesn't work so magically on my winter-dry knuckles, but that's not really what it's meant for. It works so immediately and so well, and because you only need a few drops every time you use it, it lasts a long time. And even though it would be fine just boasting the amazing effects it has, it also smells amazing.
where to get it: Neutrogena, $9.99-$15.99
Follow on Bloglovin
 
Picture
Image via: FashionGoneRogue.com
My birthday is this weekend, and since I share it with one of my friends, we're celebrating for two nights. The main objective of my birthday is to hang out with people, so the festivities are designed around that goal. But that doesn't mean I don't think about what I'm going to wear. As much as I'd love to go full out fancy, the reality is that I want to dance and I don't want my feet to hurt by the end of the night. This dashes my heeled dreams a little bit, but priorities are priorities, and I guess I can wear heels another time. This brings me to the styling in the above photo. The model has on a gorgeous Balmain dress with some heavy duty rings and moody makeup (that isn't too heavy) to match. This girl is the coolest. I actively want to be her, especially with her skill at pulling off this long sleeved mini, which could be extremely glamorous, in a tougher way by wearing it a little oversized and styling it just so. Those boots are awesome, and I love how she's not wearing this with tights. Somehow she's made a blinged out mini dress a little masculine, and it works. Not only does it dress down this all-over embellished dress, it's a fresh way to style this type of look. This outfit serves as a reminder that your clothes definitely don't sit in just one category, and if you want to wear that fancy dress to a not quite as fancy event, all you have to do is think outside the accessories box. 
Follow on Bloglovin
 
Picture
One of my favorites in my collection, Lulu Frost "Impromptu Pin." Image via: ModaOperandi.com
Brooches are often associated with the likes of school librarians and grandmas, but I feel like they're really an underrated accessory, and you can do so much more with them than just dressing up a nice coat or pinning them to a blazer lapel (which are both great options!). The Glamourai gives a great photographic guide on how to wear them a few ways, and they're an accessory that I try to incorporate into my outfits fairly often, and there are so many ways to wear them. Brooches are a nice alternative to statement necklaces and earrings.

Wear them in the most straightforward way, but choose brooches that really echo your personality. They're easy to find at flea markets and vintage shops. Price really isn't important here, these are more of a statement. Attach them to the shoulder of a plain top or the lapel of a blazer or sweater to dress up a simple look, or accessorize a plain dress this way for a more unique look.

It's so easy to get creative with brooches though. String one onto a chain and turn it into a statement necklace to add options, but use the popular collar trend to your advantage and fake a statement necklace with a bigger brooch by pinning one to the neck of the collar right in the center of the two flaps. I did this with this Target dress that I totally copied (and got on sale!) from Blair Eadie there and the brooch pictured above. I was wearing it during the day, so I threw on a thick sweater jacket and tights and shorter leather boots to make it a little tougher and more casual. If your brooch is a little smaller, pin it to the corner of your collar for an eye catching detail. 

Go a little early 2000s with your brooches and bunch them on a jean jacket collar or shoulder. Or you can add them to a bag if it wouldn't ruin the fabric, or pin one to an artfully slung scarf. If you're wearing a blouse with cuffs and aren't rolling them up, you can add one or a few to a cuff instead of a bracelet or watch. 

Keep an open mind next time you're browsing for accessories and pick up a brooch. When making an outfit and none of your existing accessories seem quite right, it might be just what you need.
Follow on Bloglovin
 
Picture
Image via: HallieDaily.com
The best part of unseasonably warm fall weather is the freedom you can take with layering without feeling at risk of overheating with a coat, because you don't necessarily need a coat. Yesterday's temps reached into the mid-60s here in NYC, and my favorite thing to do in that instance is to ditch a coat and utilize fall clothes to their potential. The Vanity Fair best dressed list 2013 member here, the blogger behind Hallie Daily, does the fall layering thing well with color and silhouette. I'll admit first thing that I am very much not a fan of her shoes in this picture, but a pump is a great idea with this otherwise low key and casual outfit. I love the bright yellow against the bright blue pants and her choice of a red coat (but only if you need it!) and the way the bright patterned shirt underneath ties everything together so well. The v-neck sweater over the buttoned to the top shirt which hangs out from the bottom just so is perfectly styled to look intentional, but also laid back. I love that she cuffed the pants, but this outfit can work so well with pretty much any fall flat or heel. The clutch makes this a little more formal, and just like the shoes, many different bags could work with this look, too! The best thing about it is that most people already have all these elements in their closets.
Follow on Bloglovin
 
Picture
Image via: Tommy Ton for GQ.com
In honor of this unseasonably warm day, I'm going with a lighter look today. This is obviously an extremely easy outfit comprised of all things most guys have in their closets, but that is all the more reason why fit is everything. The t-shirt isn't yellowing, stained or stretched out and the pants are a nice dark wash and fit the leg well. The highlight of this outfit is the cuff and sock combo. You don't see a cuff and sock very often, and now that ankles are at risk of feeling the chill, it's important to know how to do it well if the cuff is your kind of look. The shoes are a Keds-looking oxford that finishes off this casual and easy look well. It looks like he has a plaid button down in his lap to throw on over, which is even better. Unbuttoned or buttoned, it works easily into this simple look.
Follow on Bloglovin
 
Picture
Image via: Target.com
what it is: Merona Kadence Wedge Ankle Boots
what I love it: I've been looking for desert boot wedges for a while now, and between my particularities in price, color, wedge color and fabrication, wedge height and ankle height, it hasn't been an easy search. I saw these at Target a few weeks ago and snatched them up, and I couldn't be happier that I did. I love the idea of heeled shoes for day, but they have to be low enough to be comfortable walking around and casual enough that they don't look weird coming out before dark. These meet all those requirements, just in time for fall. I wore them with jeans running errands and meeting a friend for lunch, but they also work with skirts and dresses, especially with a little sock action. They are perfect for days you want a little lift but want to stay comfortable, or nights when you want to keep it casual, but not too casual.
where to get it: Target, $34.99
Follow on Bloglovin