what it is: Ryan Porter jewelry
why I love it: A few months ago, my friend Maura gotthis bracelet at work. I loved the message and the idea of the childhood nostalgia-type jewelry that translated to a cool, one of a kind wear all the time bracelet. I always liked it, but never thought about where it came from after she told me she got it from work. Well, it broke after months of constant wearing and she loved it so much (understandably) that she's in the market for a new one. Luckily, I was around the other night when she started considering what the new one would say in earnest, because that's when I was introduced fully to the Ryan Porter brand. With endless options for messages, beads, chains/cords and charms, there are literally thousands of possibilities for any type of jewelry you're looking to buy. They're so well priced that the temptation to get a whole arm party full is actually attainable, and getting them for all your BFFs can actually happen (and may, in my case). They're just perfect to add a little tasteful youthfulness to any day and outfit. They can stand alone in the accessory game, but they also play well with others. Whether you're looking for a pop of color or more of a blend with the rest of your jewelry, they have options to fit every jewelry style. And it doesn't matter if you're looking to send a message to strangers, up your initial jewelry game or need some daily wisdom, you can say anything with these pieces. The only reason I haven't gotten one yet is because I'm deciding what I want it to say. Then "add to cart" will be happening immediately.
where to get it: ShopRyanPorter.com, prices vary (but are soooo reasonable)

We've reached the end of the first week of December, which means the year is almost coming to a close, we're in the midst of the holidays and it's almost time to settle in for the rest of the winter, as in, the not as fun part that comes after the new year. My birthday might be over, but as always, the beginning of a month always reminds me of things I find missing in my closet. Especially now that cold weather has started to hit.

Whether it's chrome effect nail polish, a gilded maxi dress or some kind of accessory, there's just something so appealing about shiny things. Whether the shine is ironic, like on a casual item, or brings something feminine to a more glamorous level, shiny objects are just satisfying to wear and almost always upgrade an outfit. 

Enter these dreamy Nike Liquid Metal kicks. I've been a little opposed to wedge sneakers since their beginning, just because to me it doesn't make sense to make something that's usually comfortable more uncomfortable, but these quickly changed my tune. I saw many nights out in both winter and summer swapping these out for my usual heels. They're a unique spin on a nearly tired trend, and even though they're sneakers, they're a little dressier. The metallic laces and element tile for gold and silver respectively on the tongue are just the icing on the footwear cake. These pair easily with dresses, shorts and jeans alike. 

At $200, they're no discount deal, but they're also not totally unreasonable. Especially compared to myfirst chrome love. Now to choose which color...

Available to buy at NYC's 21 Mercer. Unfortunately, I've been unable to find another outlet that sells at this point.

what it is: the ear cuff
why I love it: I've always wanted to have a cartilage piercing, but never wanted to make the commitment or surrender to the pain. Enter: ear cuffs. When these first came around, they were a little confusing to me and sometimes distracting. But I've seen so many people wear these in creative ways that now I want to copy and get a few of my own. They range from a deceptive fake cartilage hoop to a full ear adornment, and there are a ton of cool ones out there. It's a cheap way to stay on trend, elevate your accessories game and fake a cool piercing. 
where to get it: Urban Outfitters, Mr. Kate and ASOS have good ones that are decently priced (see above), but also check Etsy and other favorite jewelry outlets.

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

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

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

Last summer, I met a friend for lunch and she was wearing a brand new necklace with a charm from her home state that she boasted was inexpensive and amongst a whole market inside Chelsea Market. Always on the search for meaningful jewelry that's easy to wear with anything, I jumped at the idea of browsing this same market. For one reason or another, I didn't make it down there until recently, and it was a delay I instantly regretted. The Artists & Fleas market at the back of Chelsea Market, which adds new vendors every two weeks (and keeps existing ones), offers so many different types of goods that are fun to browse and easy to pick up during a day shopping in the city. 

You'll find mostly jewelry, and I picked up a "New York hearts Ohio" necklace from Brooklyn Charm for a very reasonable price. They have jewelry trays of all different types of charms and chains of all different lengths so you can pick what you want and have your own personalized necklace in a matter of minutes. Their state charms are popular, and I love mine because it's a nice little reminder to throw on during days I'm a little homesick. Jewelry ranges from very dainty and high quality (with prices to match) to artsy and fun for those craftier people.

Jewelry isn't all, though, vintage and newly designed clothes and accessories, scarves, snarky graphic pouches, bags, home goods and even tech accessories are all things you'll find at this little market. There are tons of opportunities for great gifts with the holidays coming up and it's always fun to look and take mental inventory. I'm going to have to go back soon and pick up some rings. 

what it is: Reformation "Ozone Dress"
why I love it: I really can't get enough of slip dresses. I think they're so feminine but cool, and they achieve a stylish, sexy look so simply. This one is no exception. It comes in other colors and patterns, but I like this "eggplant" color trimmed in black. It's perfect for fall with black tights and biker boots with a leather jacket, but it's easy to dress up with strappy heels and sandals for a night out. The neckline and mostly open back invite a daring nothing underneath and necklaces layered in the deep V, but also the possibility for a bandeau or bralette, as well as a t-shirt orlong sleeved tee for a daytime feel. If it feels to skimpy in daytime for spring or summer, throw on a denim or tuxedo vest with flat sandals or oxfords for a boyish look. This dress is just so versatile and easy, inviting layering, simplicity, femininity and, most importantly, effortlessness. 
where to get it: The Reformation, $188

what it is: Tibi
why I love it: Midi master and structural genius brand Tibi pops up all the time in street style and on fashion blogs, and for good reason. Famous for vibrant, solid, sculptured pieces as well as loud and proud prints in feminine and flowy shapes, the brand has so many genres covered. The solid basics serve as the perfect foundation for outfits, whether they're kept simple or layered over and over. The printed pieces are ideal for standing alone or part of pattern mixing and offsetting neutrals and basics. Expertise in fit and silhouette makes every item look thoughtfully designed and well constructed, with nuanced details like perfectly placed pleats and peplums as well as the perfect amount of flare. Not to mention the shoes, which are just as structural and versatile and make you wonder how you lived without them once you see a new pair. I wouldn't complain about adding an item (or five) (or more) to my closet.
where to get it: Tibi.com