A Plethora of Pleather (& Sweaters)

Cream of the Crop
L-R: H&M, Gap, H&M Men's, Cos (old) 

At the moment, my wardrobe subsists wholly on three things:

1. Pleather
2. Ivory knit sweaters
3. Denim (betcha didn't think I'd be wearing jeans again, eh?)

The source of this new inspiration clearly comes from my excessive consumption of fashion blogs; because apparently everyone looks chic in an over-sized fisherman's knit or a pair of distressed denim (Combine the two? Stellar!). Toughen up by the look by swapping out the denim for some pleather (or real leather if your budget can swing it). Leggings or a flippy skirt works just fine. Smashing, even.

Image credits: what-do-i-wear?, french voguettes, they all hate us, snob, honestly wtf

In true sensible fashion (play on words intended), my current rotation includes nothing over $100. Click below to shop some of my favorites!

L to R: C-Lective Skirt, Splendid leggings, Gap Sweater, H&M Skirt, Hue Leggings (not pictured)

Fall ain't just for sweaters my friends, it's pleather weather.

A Major Score

When wardrobe wants weigh me down, I try to remind myself that patience is a virtue. I believe in clothing kismet - if it is meant to be, it will be.

My desire to own a varsity jacket developed about 6 months ago when the trend first emerged. But, unsurprisingly, as it tends to be in the early stages before an item finds its way into the mainstream, I had trouble spotting a version that struck quite the right chord. (And trust me, I looked) There was a brief moment in November when I thought my search was over, ordering this jacket from Forever21, but it was returned shortly after it arrived.

Image Credit Where Did U Get That

Image Credit Bloggersmag

Image Credit Because I'm Addicted

As a shopper who never gives up without a fight...or at least a good long hard wait, I kept my eyes and ears open for the item that would soon solve my sporty situation. Then, last Thursday, in my usual Google Reader scroll, I came upon this post by Diana of Dressed Up Alligators.

Not only did her Aeropostale jacket fill the varsity void, it was also majorly on sale. A few clicks and it was ordered, speedily appearing at my office Tuesday morning. So what better way to score a Wednesday win than with a little bit of team spirit. Talk about a cure for the varsity blues.

Aeropostale jacket with grandmother's pin. Super old Miss Sixty sling backs.

Go Rebs!

Never-Ending Neon

While there are plenty of people that are looking forward to the day when the neon trend fades away, I am pretty sure it isn't going anywhere for awhile. I still see plenty of chic women sporting some pretty intense color, notably in outwear and accessories.

                        

 

 Sigh, that Acne coat...

 Punchy beanies to top off your look...                       

And certainly don't forget your feet...

Images courtesy of Refinery29, Atlantic Pacific, South Molton Style, Brooklyn Blonde, and The Cut

With or without staying power, I know I will be wearing neon forever. I'm a child of the 80's and 90's, it's in my DNA.

I Happen to Love Trigonometry, But Fashion Math is Much More Fun.

I would like to begin this post with a personal thank you to all of my coworkers who complimented my outfit on February 10th (I meant to post this the same week so I apologize for my lapse in blogging). Not only did it tug at my little stylist-at-heartstrings, but it is now archived in the "go-to outfit" section of the fashion reference library known as my closet. And, since my blog is dedicated to individual style on a budget, it is quite fitting that both pieces I wore that day are from H&M.

The boots are Lanvin Fall 2009, purchased at Loehmann's for about 85% off, and I extend an apology to the woman who was following me around hoping I wouldn't buy them, because she is missing out on a lot of shoe admiration.

Note: This outfit contains black and navy. I have learned that this is a viable color combination despite initial reservations, and now I kinda dig it. So you have my seal of approval to wear it too, not that you need it.

And now onto some other ensembles that give great style at a great price:

GAP open cardigan + American Apparel braided belt = DVF-inspired wrap worthy of a street style snapshot. I like to pair mine with gray over-the-knee socks from H&M and a more fitted bottom, mostly because I spend too much free time stalking Lookbook.

White burnout tee + H&M spandex mini = simple East Village Evening outfit.

Worn specifically with Hue Super Opaque black tights and sample sale Giuseppe Zanotti booties. (Best $15 I ever spent! And no that's not a typo.) Other footwear alternatives: $35 H&M wedge booties or $28 Forever21 Workman Lace Up Booties. I just like to write the word "booty."

Forever21 floral chiffon dress + J. Crew Outlet argyle cardigan + Buffalo Exchange Vintage GAP belt = a lesson in layering, a tutorial in textures, and a play on pattern mixing. I'm all about the Jenna Lyons J. Crew styling aesthetic of mashing up lengths and textures and patterns, then cinching it all together with a belt. I'm still perfecting my own version, but this is a pretty decent replication for my body type.

Express Tuxedo boyfriend blazer + gray American Apparel Tri-Blend v-neck + Hue black leggings + multiple Trash & Vaudeville studded bracelets = Kate Lanphear Rock Chic. I have made clear my obsession for Kate, so this equation needs no explanation.

If you can't tell, I have a mild case of fashion schizophrenia. I don't think I have one distinctive style, but rather I dress for my mood, which can change every day or every minute.

Now it is your turn to come up with a style equation that multiplies the contents of your closet! Let me know what you come up with!


I would also like to apologize for the crap quality of my pictures, as I rely solely on my BlackBerry and Photo Booth for iMac. One day, I promise to upgrade. If I can just stop buying nail polish and shoes...

(Tr)Endorsement Time!

Despite my blog's name, I never really liked the word trend. A trend, to me, implies the ephemeral, the fleeting, that an end is inevitable. If an item of clothing or a certain style keeps finding its way back into our fashion vocabulary, how can it ever really be "over"? (Fashion makes me deep, okay?) I think a trend is like that tree that falls in the empty forest: If you keep wearing a once "trendy" item, doesn't that mean it never went out of style? Or rather that it has become a new wardrobe staple?

I don't like to think that just because I still ache to feel hip by wearing my Dr. Marten's (sure they are "in" now, but the resurrection of 90's grunge won't last forever), or plan to wear leggings long after their return to being "so 80's", that I will all of a sudden be incredibly démodé. I wholeheartedly believe that one should wear what suits one, what looks good on her body type, not what the fashion magazines deem appropriate and of the moment. So, from trendsetting to trendorsing, here are some currently stylish items I will appreciate long beyond their shelf life:

- Motorcycle ankle boots

- Studs (particularly on belts, shoes, and bracelets)

- Neon lips

- Leggings (not as pants)

- Oversized sweaters

- Over-the-Knee socks

- Fur/Faux Fur Jackets

- Skinny jeans (preferably in black or gray)

image credits: Boots, Madewell.com, Belt, BCBG.com, Socks, ASOS.com

Wow, there's an incredible 198o's theme running through that list. Betcha can't tell which decade I was born in. And now for the list of items that, despite numerous magazine or blog features, will never find their way into my already overstuffed closet:

- Clogs

- Harem pants

- Maxi Skirts (I bought a maxi dress once, wore it a few times. Then I grew a brain and realized I'm too short to pretend that I'm tall)

- Leggings (as pants). This also includes the topic of jeggings.

- The Jeffrey Campbell "Lita" boot. I understand this is more blogger fashion than fashion fashion (Is there a difference? I don't know), but if I see this shoe in any more street style shots I might die. I read they are coming out with a shag version. I'm hoping this is an early April Fool's joke.

- High waisted pants

- Open toe booties. They look cute in random fashion snaps, but to me, showing a little toe cleave in a shoe that is meant for winter wear seems oddly counter-intuitive.

- Sweats as anything but lounge wear (From Alex Wang to the Pajama Jean, I just can't support this look)




image credits: Jeffrey Campbell Clogs, footnotesonline.com, Harem pants, shopbop.com, Jeffrey Campbell Lita boot, revolveclothing.com, T by Alexander Wang jersey sweat pants, net-a-porter.com

Disclaimer: My list of "just say no" trends is of course entirely personal opinion, whether based on my inability to find them aesthetically pleasing, or knowing that they are not the right clothes for my body type. I am in no way condemning anyone for wearing what they love, even if I happen to loathe it. It is my own "golden rule" of fashion. You may not like something I'm wearing, but I would prefer it if you would keep that to yourself. Compliments, however, are always welcome.

New Year. New Blog. Sort Of.

I promised myself in 2011 that I'd write more. In my blog, in my book, in general. But due to my perfectionist nature, I'm my own worst editor and it takes me forever to crank out a post. So in the spirit of writing more, I will probably write less in each post, but post more frequently. Let's kick it off with:

Five Things That Are Getting Me Through This Crappy Winter:

1) Hot pink lipstick

2) Over The Knee/Thigh High Socks

3) Edgy Nail Polish

4) Moto Ankle Boots

5) Tights - sweater, opaque, patterned...

Featured in pic: Nars Semi-Matte lipstick in Schiap. Nars Zulu and Chanel Black Pearl nail polish. Madewell boots (over 50% off!)

Five Things That Are Getting Me Excited For Spring:

1) Hot pink lipstick (fun for all seasons!)

2) Rachel Antonoff for Bass Loafers (Already envisioning these with my pleated skirt, rocking the school girl look)

3) Nearly Neon Nail Polish

4) Wedge Sandals (Would I dare attempt to wear with socks? I'm probably not cool enough)

5) My leather moto jacket as sufficient outwear (Hands down, Best. Fall. Purchase. Ever.)



Featured in pics: Old Navy wedges. Theory pleated skirt. Premise leather jacket. China Glaze Sky High Tops and Zoya Kiki nail polish.

Everyone knows how bad the weather has been this winter, and in order to combat the days on end of rain boots and snow shoes, we all have to find those little things that make the season (and our outfits!) brighter. I'm of the philosophy that all you need is one awesome* accessory to complete an ensemble, and I tend to lean towards bright lipstick, unexpected nail polish, or a kick ass shoe to pull a look together. Now, if it would just stop precipitating so that my hair could look put together...

*Awesome does not have to mean expensive. While my favorite items may range in price, some of my most complimented pieces were super affordable. Note the Old Navy wedges...$25!!!

Are You Faux Real?

We all need a little help from our friends – or even our friends' friends. Of course I could say that I have this great eye for all things fashion and that I always know where to score the best bargain, but I would be exaggerating. Although I am pretty damn good at it, I am not going to claim the title of "expert" just yet. So, even I, a reliable resource for style on a budget, at times have to look to others when I reach a fashion impasse.

During the past two years, along with "Mission: Skinny Jeans," I have also been on the hunt for the perfect vintage fur or faux fur jacket. I can't put a finger on what motivated me in this search, but I have invested many months, fruitlessly attempting to uncover this elusive treasure. I scoured department stores, discount stores, flea markets, and thrift stores. I stalked eBay auctions and QVC, leaving no stone unturned. Or so I thought.

You know I love Manhattan. I cannot say enough great things about my chosen city. Here I can order delivery from almost every restaurant via Seamless Web. I do not have to venture further than one block for pizza at 2 am. I can satisfy my fountain Diet Coke craving at any hour. I have both great department stores and cute little boutiques at my shopping disposal, not to mention an almost infinite number of designer resale shops. The museums are among the best in the world. Until recently, however, Manhattan has lacked some popular Big Box Stores.

Okay, I do NOT, I repeat - DO NOT - want a Wal-Mart in Manhattan. However, the fact that we only recently gained a Target seems a little behind the times. I love Target. Of course, I never really shopped there, but was enamored with the discount store since high school, because they were the only retailer at the time that sold my then-beloved make-up brand Jane. During college I also was able to do a little necessities shopping there, but there was no Target near my home in Maryland. Even the new Target in Manhattan is not incredibly convenient to me, so I have never really explored all that "Tar-jay" has to offer...until last weekend.

I was at this party Saturday night, hanging out in the ever-so-trendy Meatpacking district. Later in the evening, a friend met me at the bar. She arrived with her two other friends, one of whom was wearing the most adorable cropped faux fur jacket. After eyeing it with jealousy for a few minutes, I told my friend how much I coveted her friend's jacket. You can imagine the shock I experienced when I learned that this fabulous faux was from none other than Target!! The one on 117th Street! It had been just purchased that day - for the amazing bargain price of $45.

I was immediately taken aback. Then, I looked this girl straight in the eye and said:

"I love it. I'm buying it tomorrow."

And so I did. After some marathon watching in the early afternoon, I hopped the 6 train to 116th, made a beeline straight to the clothing racks and honed in on the Merona Aimee Jacket. (Despite looking quite awkward on model, I promise you it is fabulous.) And, if I had any doubts that this jacket was amazing only in my own mind, they evaporated on Tuesday at work when many coworkers told me how much they loved it. They too were impressed that it came from Target, and when asked whether I would mind if they too bought one, who was I to say no? It wasn't my find to take credit for.

So there you go. Yet another place you might not think of when embarking on the quest for that perfect fill-in-the-blank. I certainly learned a valuable lesson: When I fear that I have lost the mark in my search for that one elusive, wardrobe enhancing item, some friendly guidance may bring me back on track. And in this particular case? All I have to say is: Right on, Target!

GAP is the new Black

In my very first blog post, I shared my triumph in finding the perfect pair of skinny jeans. Since then, I added to my closet a pair of gray skinnies purchased at a sample sale and a pair of Paige ankle length skinny jeans, but felt that my wardrobe was still lacking a great pair in black. Yes, adding a pair of pants to the wardrobe of a girl who spends more time in leggings than anything else probably seems a little pointless, but I was on a mission nonetheless.

My quest would always begin at Bloomingdale's: I would go in every so often and try on a few pairs, but each time they just never fit right. Too much of a jegging (I shudder to have to say that word, blech), or not enough of a skinny leg. I was frustrated, but never in too much of a hurry because, as a someone who lives in leggings, I was not in a rush to find the perfect pair. Little did I know, however, was that I would find the Holy Grail of skinny jeans at none other than this little retailer known as The Gap.

If you have been flipping through the fashion magazines this fall, or noticing bus stop advertising, you probably are aware that The Gap has revamped itself yet again. They have heavily advertised their new black work pant, as well as the denim legging. At first I was deterred by the term "Denim Legging" thinking it was just another euphemism for "Jegging." But, as Gap's Friends and Family rolled around, I realized I was terribly mistaken about the new Gap denim. In fact, I was so wrong, because these jeans are so right!

They are the perfect blend of stretch and structure. Color and comfort. A lot of pizazz for a little price. Okay so black pants can't really have pizazz per se, but these are most definitely a kick ass pair of skinny jeans. And the best part, they retail for only $69.50. Even better: The Gap is almost always having a sale or promotion, so there is a chance you can purchase a pair for as low as $35.

Sure, I had to go a size up (a girl's gotta accommodate for larger thighs: accept it, own it), but because they are stretch, I had no issues with the waist being too large. So after fruitlessly scouring department store racks I have now learned that if you are searching for black skinny jeans, you do not need to look for a designer label to provide the fit and style that you crave. If nothing else, it is another good reason to mind The Gap.

I Wanna Be Rick

Rick Owens is a master of leather: his jackets are sublime, but they definitely require a certain level of income to acquire. But as you probably already know, I am not one to ever let a lack of funds for exorbitant purchases get me down; because where there is a will, there is always a way. I consistently say that personal style is the mark of a creative mind, and while you can always go into a store and buy an outfit off a mannequin, it takes a little imagination and a lot of resourcefulness to think outside the box. And then there are those instances when out of the blue, you have a fashion revelation.

For me, this revelation occurred at work one day, when I was wearing an Alice & Olivia drape front cashmere sweater, topped by my Premise leather moto jacket. Both pieces are already a few seasons old, but since I don't believe in throwing out perfectly amazing garments just because their "season" has passed, they are still regular staples in my wardrobe. A cashmere drape cardigan is ALWAYS a classic, and a leather motorcycle jacket never goes out of style, especially if you buy quality pieces that will last a lifetime.

So there I was, getting ready to head out for the day, and I happened to zip up my jacket with the cardigan draping outside the lapels. Immediately it came to me how much it reminded me of the Rick Owens Blister Jacket I had been coveting!
While this new combination certainly cannot compare to the real thing, it makes me just as happy, and saved me about $2000. (Not like I would ever spend that much money on a jacket if I had it, a Chanel bag...maybe.) Just more proof that you do not need thousands of dollars to look like a million bucks.

Don't Sweat It!

While we may no longer be elbow deep in a recession, we are not out of the woods just yet. Many fashion magazines are still telling consumers to continue shopping their closets, and are featuring editorials chock full of merchandise from stores such as H&M or Forever 21. As an avid and long time subscriber to the high/low theory of style, this is not a foreign concept to me. Rather, I embrace the challenge of mixing lower-end pieces with discount designer goods to create my signature style. But while I openly accept the discount store as viable means of acquiring essential elements for my wardrobe, I still have yet to fully be on board the shop your closet bandwagon.

Attempting to analyze this hesitance, I can only attribute it to the fact that I do tend to wear the majority of what is hanging in my closet (well, what still fits), and I have been inventive enough to make the most of my options. So what can one do, you may ask.  Don't give up! A lot of people like the idea of doing a clothing swap with friends, but I went a step further: I went to my dad.

Quite simply: what is a staple of winter wardrobe wear? I happen to think it is the sweater dress.  It is cozy, comfy, and one easy step to looking effortlessly fashionable.  Very little outfit planning is required (let us not forget the lazy girl over here writing this blog). And if you think about it, a man's sweater is over-sized for us women, and therefore can serve as the perfect dress or tunic. Sure, proportion and size can be tricky: shoulder seams can droop, sleeves can drop, and the shape can be boxy.  But there is an easy solution: Roll up the sleeves, add a belt, and depending on the amount of extra fabric, you can have quite the avant-garde look! Trust me, when it comes to the versatility of the belt, I'm an expert.

So there you have it: when money issues are getting you down, and you are sure you have maximized all the possibilities that your closet is currently providing; just open your eyes and mind, and then open your father's closet! You will be surprised what an easy update an over-sized sweater can provide. Sometimes it is what is right in front of us that we never notice. Now that is what I call an exercise in an easy wardrobe makeover. I didn't even break a schvitz.

Trail Blazer

If you ask my parents, they would tell you it is pretty unbelievable that the girl who would not wear buttons as child is now addicted to blazers and jackets. I define addicted by the fact that in the last year alone, I have acquired five new blazers. It all started with a cute little bow jacket from Bloomingdale's. So adorable in fact, that even my mother bought one for herself. Of course, I had no idea what a slippery slope this purchase was to become.

I wore the jacket with everything - t-shirts and leggings, tank tops and skirts. It dressed up and preppied-out my most simple of outfits. It was a revelation: jackets were my new accessory. I could change any look just by putting one on. I was starting to slide down the slope, and it was a going to be long ride until I reached the bottom.

My next purchase of the year may be considered my most versatile and promising. While taking one of my weekly strolls around the neighborhood, I could not help but notice a half off sale sign in the window of an Upper East Side thrift store. A sucker for a good deal, I was compelled to venture inside. As I flipped through the rack of blazers, I came upon the perfect menswear jacket. In all honestly, I think in once belonged to a boy (not much shape in the waist area), but it fit perfectly. It was black with gold buttons, vintage Aquascutum, and only $20.

Once I started wearing my new blazer, I was even more in love with the idea of how it gave new twists to all my old clothes. Once a girl searching for the ideal over-sized cardigan (which, by the way, I purchased in the men's department at Daffy's), I was now the girl searching for even more perfect jackets and blazers.

After much magazine reading, blog surfing, and television watching, I decided I wanted a tuxedo jacket to add to my collection. I tried thrift stores, department stores, and discount stores, but found just what I wanted at Express. It was tuxedo style, long, had a fabulous leopard print lining, and was magically on sale. It dresses up my American Apparel t-shirts, and looks great with leggings and sky high heels. I love to cuff the sleeves, and pile on the punk rock accessories.

You would think by this time that my collection would have been complete. I had three new jackets, in addition to the four blazers I already had in my closet. Of course, if you know me and my tendency to shop too much, you would know that when it comes to my collections, complete is a word I cannot seem to grasp the definition of.

During my post X-Mas shopping, after I had already resolved to stop the madness and start saving, I spotted a wonderful, Balenciaga inspired blazer by Theory. It was completely Gossip Girl, Upper East Side fabulous, and I had to have it. It also was going to be about 75% off the original price. It is shorter, has the perfect stretch, white accents, and looks adorable even with jeans.

My final purchase was a month or so ago, and even in the midst of my no shopping resolution, was only $48 and almost 90% off the original price. It was one of those "I can't NOT buy it" situations, and I do not regret it. I think for a final item, it was the best way to go. It is sparkly, cropped, 3/4 sleeves and adds cocktail party panache to anything it touches. In a word: Love.

So there you have it: a year's worth of new jackets. Now, you might say that I spent a lot of money on blazers alone in 5 month period (yes, 5 jackets in 5 months, I know I know), but I like to think of it as an investment. Blazers and jackets are like cardigans, they can be mix and matched with any dress or shirt, jeans, dress pants, skirts, or leggings. I have managed to dress up many a t-shirt and leggings for work, or tank tops and jeans for a night out. I can be preppy, funky, classic, and even warmer, just by throwing on a different blazer.

The best part is: you don't have to spend a lot to get a great jacket. My purchases have ranged from $20-$100 and while they were either on sale or with a work discount, if you have a little patience and time to search, you too can get the right piece for a great price. It is all about the hunt, and I can definitely lead you to the right path.

Wrap it up already!

So here is a trend I'm already over and it has seems to only just begun reaching full swing: the Keffiyeh scarves.

Sure we've all heard the phrase "The Personal is Political" but I don't think that was a commentary on personal style, so I'm a little confused how this political statement has turned into...well...a fashion statement. And not a very cute one at that.

Despite being dedicated to finding my own individual style, I know that it is impossible to not spot a girl in the H&M dress I happen to be wearing, or find myself purchasing a pair of ubiquitous Tory Burch flats (even if mine are in leopard). However, if I had a dollar for every time I caught someone wearing this scarf in one day, I would be one very wealthy woman. Doesn't anyone think it looks like you're wearing a picnic tablecloth around your neck???

Personally, I'm fine with my Marimekko for H&M scarf, and have yet to see anyone else with it.

Skinny Jeans

No, I'm not talking about the pair of jeans that hides in the back of your closet from when you used to be 10 pounds thinner that you keep there just in case you get back to that "goal" weight. I'm talking about what I like to refer to as "denim leggings." What is funny though, is that I never thought twice about jumping on the leggings bandwagon 2 years ago, but when it came to skinny jeans, I was deathly afraid.

I am not going to lie, I have big thighs. I am not sure if I always had big thighs, but I can not seem to remember a day beyond middle school that I did not feel they were larger than I would have preferred. Nonetheless, I dressed them appropriately and never thought twice about it. Until skinny jeans came into the picture.

Now that I think about it, I may have stopped wearing jeans around the time when flared and boot cut went out and skinny took their place. I switched over to dresses and leggings and forgot about the 5 pairs sitting--untouched--in my closet. I kept promising to buy a new pair when I had an extra discount, or I lost a few pounds. I never lost those few pounds.

For some reason, however, last weekend I decided to take a risk. I tried on almost every pair of skinny jeans I saw hanging on the racks at Bloomingdale's, and prepared myself for disappointment. Shockingly, when I put on Seven's "Roxanne" style, I realized I looked cute! My hips and thighs didn't look oversized compared to my ankles and feet! The stretch meant that my legs weren't suffocated by denim! The waist wasn't too tight or too big! It was a skinny jean miracle.

So there I was, two years later, purchasing a pair. And I have to say, I'm more than mildly excited.


EXTRA TIP: To get denim hemmed on a budget, check out tailors on the Lower East Side. Most do it while you wait, and can cost as little as $4!!