Shopping trip 1/28

So I got through my first week back at work! It went really well. The big thing that’s giving me anxiety right now is just getting back into a routine. I was pretty tired all week – not only am I getting up earlier, but I’m on my feet a lot more, which is hard because my knee is still healing. I have two more weeks of physical therapy and then hopefully I can get back to yoga!! I’ve been feeling seriously deprived.

So needless to say, I haven’t been cooking a lot this week. (Or the week before because I was completely distracted by something else!) Hence, the lack of blogging. I need to get into a meal planning/grocery shopping routine for sure. One thing I did make time for today was shopping! My wardrobe has needed an overhaul for a while. And I cleaned out my closet a few weeks ago so now it looks even more empty! Here are some things I picked up today.

1. Express Columnist Pant – I’ve been wanting a black pair of slim cut dress pants. I have a few other black pairs but they are looser. These fit great and are perfect for work!

2. Aldo Padden boots – I am a shoe girl. But I’m also super picky with shoes. Case in point – I’ve been looking for the perfect pair of mid-calf boots for two years. No joke. I wanted ones I could dress up or down. I wanted a stacked heel, and it couldn’t be super high. And I think I found them today!! These boots were on sale at Aldo and they didn’t have my size, so they are being shipped and should arrive this week. I can’t wait to try them on with every outfit I have!! And I’m praying they are comfy. 🙂

3. Express Crochet Inlay Striped Tee – Being from Cape Cod, the nautical vibe always sits well with me. Basically anything striped works. And if it’s navy and white, even better. This cute tee looks pretty basic from the front, but it has a beautiful crocheted back! My wardrobe probably doesn’t need any more navy and white stripes, but I just couldn’t resist!

4. Express Sculpted Metal Bangles – I love bracelets, but I have freakishly tiny wrists so bangles have always been too big on me. These actually fit! And you can’t really tell from the pic, but they have a curve to them so they aren’t just plain circles.

What fun things did you do this weekend?
It’s been around 80 degrees here in LA – I’m kind of wishing I went to the beach this weekend!

Weekend shopping – Macy’s

Macy’s is having a big sale this weekend, and I just happen to have a nice big gift card that I got for Christmas to spend there (thanks Mom and Dad!). I just browsed the website for ideas of what I might want to scope out. Here are some good finds!

1- Tommy Girl Long Sleeve Wing Collar Tuxedo Blazer
2- Lucky Brand Topanga Canyon Fringe Medium Crossbody Bag
3- Blowfish Wang booties
4- Rocket Dog Sheriff booties
5- Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Skinny Stretch Cargo Pants
6- Levi’s 524 Skinny Explosive Soundtrack Medium Wash

10 shoes every woman should own

I recently came across this Glamour.com article, “10 Shoes Every Woman Should Own“. Some of these I definitely agree with, but I think some were missing from this list too! Below is their list, with pics of shoes I love in each category.

1. Nude peep-toe pumps

  
L-R: Christian Louboutin $186, Jessica Simpson $79, Levity $79.95

I don’t have a pair of nude pumps! I’m loving how small the peep-toe is in the Jessica Simpson pair – so sexy!

2. Black city boots
        
L-R: Frye $387.95, Restricted $129.95, Not Rated $59.95
(See more of my favorite black boots here.)

The article specifically names “city boots”, which are “black leather boots with a not-too-high heel”. I could go on and on about black boots. I still need a new pair, and would love a big stacked heel.

3. Ballet flats
   
L-R: Liz Claiborne $49.95, Steve Madden $44.99, J. Crew $128

Ballet flats aren’t really my style – I’d much rather wear a flat sandal. But I do have a few pairs that I primarily use as work/office shoes.

4. Wooden platform sandals
   
L-R: Jessica Simpson $59.99, Dolce & Gabbana $428.40, Restricted $44.94

I’ve got a few great pair of wedge sandals but none with a wooden platform, which I think dresses them up a little.

5. Canvas sneakers
  
L-R: Vans $44.95, Converse $44.95, Coach $88

I definitely agree with canvas sneakers being on the list! I’ve got a pair of classic navy and white Converse chucks.

6. Black pumps
  
L-R: J.Crew $228, JS by Jessica Oscar $59.95, J. Crew $198

I’ve got two pairs of black pumps – one is peep-toe and one is a kitten heel with a snakeskin pattern. I’m loving the chunky heel and rounded toe of the the first pair above.

7. Metallic sandals
   
L-R: Dolce Vita $169.95, Italian Shoemakers $39.95, Elie Tahari $298

Metallic sandals are a year-round shoe, so I agree with this being on the list. Gold and silver are always in for the holiday season, but they are sandals so they can always glam up a summer look too.

8. Suede booties
  
L-R: Steve Madden $129.95, Nine West $90.30, Coconuts $149.95

Suede booties are also on my list to buy. I searched high and low last year for a flat pair that I liked and I just couldn’t find the perfect bootie. My eyes are still open this year – I’m thinking maybe grey, which goes with everything!

9. Flat leather sandals
   
L-R: Asos $26.96, Cocobelle $79.95, b.o.c. by Born $49.95

I LIVE in sandals most of the time. Leather strappy ones can go with cute sundresses, jeans, or shorts. And they never go out of style!

10. Gorgeous work-of-art shoes that make you happy
    
L-R: Jimmy Choo $1,995, Christian Louboutin $1,295, Betsey Johnson $109.95

I know, I put some ridiculously expensive ones up – but they’re so pretty! I don’t have a “work-of-art” pair of shoes. I’m just way too practical and only buy shoes I know I can wear with a lot of outfits.

What they missed
In my opinion, a few other types of shoes should be on this list:

– Flat camel riding boots

J. Crew $298

I live in my camel riding boots. They are just effortless, chic, and they go with almost everything!

– Basic flip flops

Roxy $19.95

These might be too obvious and/or casual to be on Glamour’s list, but I grew up on the beach so I had to add flip flops. I have more pairs of flip flops/sandals than I do heels for sure.

– Red pumps

G by Guess $44.95

I bought a pair of red pumps several years to go with a black dress for a holiday party, and I’ve gotten more use out of them than I ever thought! They’re great with skinny jeans and a tank, and instantly add a sassy pop to any black outfit.

– Cute rain boots 

Hunter $84.99

This is the New England girl in me talking. I’ve probably only pulled these boots out twice in the 16 months I’ve lived in California. But if you’re in a part of the country that gets a lot of rain or snow, you know that bundling up for inclement weather doesn’t always yield the most stylish outfits. So get a cute pair of waterproof boots! Go with a cheap Target pair or splurge on some Hunter boots, like the ones above (I have that exact pair, as well as a brown pair with green stripes).

Do you agree with Glamour’s list? Anything missing from it in your opinion?  

Express Holiday Gift Guide

Express just released its Holiday Gift Guide so I thought I’d share my picks. One great thing about Express is that they have something for everyone’s budget.

Stocking Stuffers for Under $30

Sparkles and sequins are always a must for the holiday season. And I just love the envelope wristlet – so cute and classy.

Gifts Under $50

If I still lived in Boston I would definitely have those faux fur earmuffs on my wish list!

Gifts Over $50

The faux fur jacket is so old Hollywood – love it!

For the Men In Your Life

Forever 21 finds – jewelry

As I’ve mentioned before, when it comes to trendier clothing/accessories I tend to go for cheap finds, and save my money for pieces that are more classic and I know I can wear for years. Forever 21 is great for cheap accessories. They don’t always last very long, but you can find jewelry there for under $5. Check out some I like below.

1- Sun feather earrings, $4.80
2- Embossed bangle set, $6.80
3- Turtle pendant necklace, $5.80
4- Eagle pendant necklace, $4.80
5- Ombre chain necklace, $7.80
6- Polished rhinestone ring, $4.80
7- Stone cube necklace, $4.80

25 ways to wear a scarf – video

I came across this cool and creative video and had to share. Some of these are new to me and I’ll definitely be trying them. Check it out! Oh, and Happy Halloween!

What’s your favorite way to wear a scarf? Will you be trying any of these new ways? 

More style “pinspiration”

Here’s another edition of inspiring style courtesy of Pinterest!

The Alternative Wife via Pinterest

Pinterest


Pinterest

Fashion Dork

Cupcakes and Cashmere‘s twitpic

That Kind of Woman via Pinterest

Pinterest

Sweet Dreams via Pinterest

Target buys

On my trip to Target the other day, I did something I usually have the willpower to avoid – I took a stroll through the women’s clothing section. I’m definitely a person whose wardrobe is mixed with higher-quality timeless basics and cheaper trendier pieces. And I find that Target can be a great place to augment your closet with those inexpensive buys.

They had TONS of sweaters out – some a little on the heavy side for southern California. But the three I picked up will be perfect for our chilly mornings and evenings.

Xhilaration Juniors Short Sleeve Cardigan – $24.99

You can’t see it well in this picture, but the crocheted detail on the back is really pretty. I like how it’s mesh on the front and then has a more delicate lacy feel to the back. This is a pretty light sweater – perfect to throw on over a tank or even a long sleeved tee.

Xhilaration Juniors 3/4 Sleeve Sweater – $19.99

This is more like a poncho/cape, but it doesn’t have that boxy appearance when you put it on. It looks great with a pair of skinny jeans to balance the looser fit.

Merona Women’s Open Cardigan Sweater – $29.99

This picture doesn’t show the selling point of this sweater at all. On the back, there is a really pretty braided band that elevates it from just being a long cardigan. Also, the cut is different. You can kind of tell from the photo, but it almost has tails – it doesn’t cut straight across on the bottom. I’ll try to post a pic when I actually wear it so you can see the details better.

The great thing about these sweaters is that they all work with my favorite basic outfit – skinny jeans and riding boots! Throw one of these guys on top and you have an easy, comfortable, stylish look!

What’s your go-to favorite outfit base? Jeans, ballet flats, and a flowy top? Skinny jeans, pumps, and a tank?

Fall/winter coat crushes

It definitely felt like fall in Los Angeles today. When I left the house this morning, it was grey, rainy, and in the 50s. Now I know to most of the country, that is not cold. I grew up in New England, so that’s not really cold to me either. But when you’re used to gorgeous sunny weather all the time, it might as well be snowing. On top of that, people in L.A. freak out when it’s raining. They stay off the roads and leave work early…because it’s raining. I know. Weird.

Anyway, I threw a hoodie on over my yoga clothes and turned the AC off when I got in the car. But the people I saw out took it a little further. I saw multiple people in winter coats. Not lying. Like, wool peacoats and down jackets. And hats. Not baseball caps – beanies and stocking caps. Anyway, I already expressed my love for thick cozy scarves, so here are my fave snuggy coats!

I love that you can find super warm down coats these days that don’t make you look like a marshmallow!

All from Macys.com 
1 – Calvin Klein
2 – DKNY
3- Kenneth Cole Reaction
4- Tahari

Some twists on the classic peacoat:

1- J.Crew
2- Macy’s, Tommy Hilfiger
3- Macy’s, Calvin Klein
4- Macy’s, DKNY
5- Macy’s, Nine West
6- Macy’s, Kenneth Cole Reaction

And a trend we’re seeing a lot of this year – capes!

1- Macy’s, Marc New York
2- J. Crew
3- Macy’s, Ellen Tracy
4- Macy’s, Via Spiga

What style coat will you be rocking when the temperature drops?

Today’s style influencers

I really like combing the web for inspiration, like I did with the inspiring sweets post. Here are my fashion finds for today!

via Sunshine and pearls

Etsy- colorblindsmarties

via Style.com

Urban Outfitters

Dear Fieldbinder

via Style Me Pretty