Metallic Mani Monday

(Yes I know it's Tuesday but I painted my nails last night, so the title totally counts.)

The Polish Possibilities

While I do not know how it was determined that New Year's Eve was the most appropriate time to break out all the glittery and sparkly items in our wardrobe and cosmetics case, since it's pretty much the only thing I like about the holiday, I definitely take advantage in as many ways possible. From my outfit to my makeup and down to my fingertips, I make sure to be decked out in head to toe sparkle.

My first Guess purchase in over 15 years (and on sale!)

After weighing my gilded options (and holding each polish up to my sequined party dress of course), I decided upon Essie's "Hors D'Oeuvres" from the Holiday 2013 collection. I am loving this polish right now 

Holy Shine, Batman!

If you happen to be struggling with what to do for your own NYE manicure, Vogue.com has a slideshow of perfect polish pairings for your predicament. 

Here's wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and glamorous 2014!

A Right to Choos...and Blahniks, Louboutins, Zanottis...

While it is easy to take issue with many of the story lines in "Sex and the City," and I would never utter the words "I'm totally a Carrie," I can't say there haven't been a few quotes that resonated with me. 

Truth be told, Carrie Bradshaw and I do share some superficial commonalities. I happen to live on the same block her address claims she resided (since we all know that brownstone is actually in the West Village), I daydream about being a writer (different topics of course), and my little Upper East Side rent stabilized studio comes with an over-sized closet stuffed to the brim with shoes. So it won't come as a surprise that the message in Season 6's "A Woman's Right to Shoes" hit a little close to home. 

At the end of the episode, Carrie explains that "The fact is, sometimes it’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.” 

And because this isn't a dating blog, I will not go into detail about the trials and tribulations of being single in New York City; but it is certainly no secret that I could write an entire book based solely on those experiences. It will suffice to say that Carrie Bradshaw got it right, sometimes an exceptional pair of shoes is just what a single girl needs to put a little extra spring in her step. 

Luckily for me, I was able to combine my patience for a sale and my work discount to snag the perfect pick me up. 

My lovely leopard cobalt creatures

Peek-A-Blue

As the New Year approaches, I have the satisfaction of knowing that whatever 2014 holds, I will be hitting the mean streets of Manhattan in some fierce and fabulous footwear.

A Crème de Rose by Any Other Name

When it comes to lip products (okay, and nail polish), I hoard. Hoard, perhaps, is even a bit of an understatement. Let's just put it this way, I own a lot of lipstick, lipgloss, and lip balm. More than a person would need in a lifetime. I know, I know, trust me. You don't have to say it.

Nevertheless, despite a never-ending supply of color and moisturizer, I am always tempted by a product that offers just a slight variation on a red, or a smoother touch to my dry winter lips. So when I read about Dior's Crème de Rose balm on Runway Hippie, I knew I had to try it, especially knowing I had a discount cosmetic event coming up though work (ah, the perks of working for a department store).

Dior Crème de Rose, front and center

So, a few too many dollars later, I am here to tell you that it was worth it, maybe even at full price. I am usually a Palmer's Cocoa Butter advocate (still am), but for the high end set, this balm is so smooth and rich and, I mean, it smells like roses. Now that's sweet.

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.

Totally Pumped

Despite having a shoe collection exceeding 75 pairs (yes, I know I have a problem), up until recently, I did not own any simple black pumps, as shocking as that may seem. Luckily, after a recent impromptu trip to Nordstrom Rack, I came away with these beauties.

They are Enzo Anglioni, and pretty friggen sophisticated for a mere $59.97. I since tried to search for them, but oddly was only able to find them here on some weird Canadian Nine West Outlet site.

Ubiquitous as the term "Classic Black Pump" may be, they are darn hard to come by without shelling out hundreds of dollars for a Prada, Choo or Blahnik. I have to say, I am pretttty satisfied with my find, proving once again that a bargain hunter must always be on the prowl....

Off The Chain

I am way overdue for a new post and I apologize for my lack of updates. You would think with all my new sale purchases I would be overrun with ideas and excited to share them with you. Unfortunately my affinity for the couch and DVR has overtaken me this summer, and I have completely neglected my blogger responsibilities. So in order to remedy the situation, I bring you--better late than never--my penchant for pouches:

That is right - I am a sucker for the little things in life. You know, actual tiny objects. And holographic anything, of course. So when I was given the opportunity to combine these two loves in purchasing this fabulous little pouch, I jumped at the chance. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs Key Pouch 

I had been toying with the idea of a key pouch for awhile, but never felt compelled to bite the bullet. Add in some rainbow brite-ness however, and I am a full fledged fan. If you aren't a fellow holo fanatic like myself, but are looking for some pouch possibilities, check out the pics and click below!

J. CREW (on sale!)

Lauren Ralph Lauren Newbury Key Coin Case (also on sale)

Urban Outfitters has some super inexpensive, key ring-less options from Ecote and BDG, and for even more ideas, hop over to Refinery29. Now go forth and prove that good things do come in small packages!

Fast Post Friday: Fingers Edition

Despite another rainy and gloomy day in NYC, my nails reflect the bright blue skies I was hoping to see more of this May. Ignore the mild chipping on my thumb (the side effects from lacking a dish washer). Chips or no chips, Nails Inc Baker Street truly is one of the brightest cobalt polishes out there.

Grab it at Sephora, or Sephora.com for $9.50. Similarly, you can use Essie's Butler Please (linked here at Target).

Happy holiday weekend my friends...I hope yours isn't as cold and wet as mine is going to be.