Friday, September 28, 2012

Wearing Now: Stripes and Boyfriends

Top: Theory (similar here
Jeans: J Brand - $60 via (essentially here)
Blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs - $60 via eBay (here in pewter)
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Just a quick hello, friends! The week has passed at a phenomenal speed and I'm exhausted. Lots is planned this weekend in the city but I'll keep you posted. Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Wearing Now: Browns

Sweater: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Jeans: J Brand - $40 via eBay (essentially here)
Leather jacket: Cole Haan - $150 via eBay (here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Bag: Celine
Shoes: Burberry - $180 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)

About a week after buying the Celine I'm convinced that it is the best purchase I've ever made (barely topping the leather jacket you see here, though, which was actually a gift from my boyfriend). I haven't been tempted to browse eBay or stop by Nordstrom Rack because I'd rather spend my time and money buying exactly what I want without distractions. I need a new wallet (my Coach wristlet is like a mini purse and better fits a high school kid) and a camel or wine colored winter coat (the ones I have are desperately old and frumpy, and need to retire), so while I find the perfect additions there will be no extraneous spending. Every purchase should make financial sense, be needed and used, and make you happy. That's my strategy.

Have you bought anything that makes you happy lately?

Friday, September 21, 2012

Wearing Today: Casual Day

Top: from Marshalls - $6
Jeans: Banana Republic via hand-me-down from friend
Suede jacket: Elie Tahari - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here with rockin' lapels)
Flats: Coach - $90 via Marshalls (similar here)
Scarf: Burberry (here)
Bag: Celine (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Can you believe that it's Friday already? I'm not sure to which glitch in the space-time continuum I lost a whole week but I'm not complaining that the weekend is right around the corner.

Do you have any plans for the weekend?



Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wearing Now: Celine

Blouse: Theory - $13.50 via eBay (came with tags too! Similar here)
Trousers: Marc by Marc Jacobs - $40 via eBay (seller: BHFO; similar here)
Leather jacket: Cole Haan - $150 via eBay (here)
Pumps: Sergio Rossi - $60 via eBay (similar here)
Bag: Celine Trapeze
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

The first time I learned of Celine was when Anh of 9to5 Chic posted about her Phantom. I liked the novel design but it didn't speak to me aesthetically or practically: it may look good with a suit or jeans but you couldn't wear it to dinner or with a dress. Besides, I had (and have) little doubt this bag will go out of style in a few years. Since I'm not a bag person I wanted a quality purse that would carry me from day to night, from work to school, and go with everything from dress pants to denim cutoffs. Since the Phantom was unique enough I looked through Celine's other offerings, which is when I fell in love with the trapeze. A year later (because I don't make four figure decisions lightly) I got tired of unrequited love and bought this beauty at Bergdorf Goodman while in New York. DC, unfortunately, doesn't have a Celine boutique or an authorized dealer. I've heard that Hu's sometimes receives a shipment but I didn't feel like obsessively stalking a bag.

Bottom line: if you're after an item you've wanted for a long time, pull the trigger while you have no expensive responsibilities like a family, mortgage, medical bills, etc. I'm a recent college grad with a job I love, no debt, and no social/financial fetters, which makes this purchase perfectly reasonable for me. I don't want to inspire anyone to buy something beyond their means - buy what you love with what you have and never spend more than what's reliably in your bank account on frivolities.



Tuesday, September 18, 2012

New York, New York

(1) Spiked Christian Louboutin Pigalle. As the lovely sales person at Bergdorf's said, Mr. Louboutin makes art. If it happens to fit your feet, so much the better. Out of all the offerings from this ubiquitous designer I was most interested in the Pigalles because of their elegant curvature and classic pointy toe. I've heard many women complain about the awful sacrifices they make to fit and walk in these shoes, so I've decided to investigate on my own. Let's just say this is the one and only time I will EVER wear Louboutins. Ever. Orthopedic surgery ain't worth it in the long run.

(2) On a Manhattan rooftop. Wearing a J. Crew blazer ($20 via eBay), J Brand jeans ($40 via eBay),Valentino sweater ($35 via eBay), Burberry flats ($190 via Nordstrom Rack), Fendi sunglasses ($80 via Nordstrom Rack), Calvin Klein belt, and Bric's bag ($100 via DSW) and enjoying the sunset's at a friend's place.

(3) Sunset reflecting off a glass paneled building. For this shot I was just in the right place at the right time.

(4) Sunset in NYC.

(5) I didn't gel my hair. The wind was particularly strong that evening - I didn't bring back Freddie Mercury circa 1970s.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Wearing Now: a Little Bit of Mod


Dress: courtesy of eShakti (another one I love from eShakti)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi - $55 via eBay (similar here)
Clutch: vintage - $24 via eBay (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

Oops, here I go again - vanished without a word. I was actually in New York this past weekend to visit friends and family and had no time to upload a post (I'm done working at 5 PM and was on the bus by 6:30). I enjoyed my stay for what it's worth; I'm hardly a big city girl - the long distances, menacing skyscrapers, weirdos lurking in subways and dark alleys, and exorbitant prices on nearly everything limit my visits to once every year or two. This, however, was the opportune time to visit because the weather was nice and the screaming-fashion-week-OMG-chicks cleared the scene a couple of days prior to my arrival. I had the streets and shops to myself so it's no surprise I did some MAJOR damage while visiting 5th and Madison Aves. I'll give you a hint: Celine at Bergdorf's but the rest is up to you ;)

Onto the outfit then: I wore this fall preview collection eShakti dress on a date a few days ago and truly loved every minute I spent in it. It features a slightly stretchy waist to accommodate a food baby, a a modest take on the sweetheart neckline, and - the best part - pockets! I don't have a photo with my hands plunged down in them but you'll just need to take my word for it. The best part about eShakti is that they adjust clothing measurements to your specific frame, taking into account not just the usual waist-bust-hips but also your height, and personal preferences such as sleeve type, neckline shape, and hem length. The shipping was lightning fast to boot so I highly recommend these folks!

Monday, September 10, 2012

Wearing Now: Working Girl

Turtleneck sweater: Valentino - $35 via eBay (I'm on a roll; join the ride)
Pants: J. Crew - $24 (here)
Suede jacket: Elie Tahari - $40 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Belt: Calvin Klein - $20 via Outlets
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors - $100 via Marshalls (similar here)
Shoes: Vera Wang Lavender - $50 via Marshalls (real deal; similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

First day of work felt less like a job and more like utter fun, though this makes me wonder when the other shoe will drop (I just love microbiology). My boss has a penchant for fancy teas and coffees and I, with my chronic tea addiction, will probably be the sole reason for the increase in the break room budget. So to be less of a mooching d-bag I'll bring in my own stash :) 

In other not so newsworthy news, the weather cooled significantly after this post expressing dissatisfaction over chicks dressing in leather and wool in summer weather. It's finally fall here in DC - 55 degrees when I leave for work in the morning and 65-70 when I return. I broke out this Valentino sweater I bought on eBay for only $35. It's been online for a while (silly seller misspells brand name and I walk away with a great deal via best offer). 

Have you gotten any good deals lately?

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Wearing Now: Celebration


Dress: BCBG - $35 via eBay (real deal here, wallet friendly here)
Boyfriend blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Shoes: Isaac Mizrahi (similar here)
Necklace: courtesy of Anjolee
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Now that I've graduated college and assumed real-life financial responsibilities, I tend to buy pieces that serve double duty in my closet. Take this dress, for example. Though it's too short for work (and most civilized establishments, actually) it can take me from running casual errands during the day to a late night outing with the Mr. or friends. Just change shoes and add a blazer - and in the winter, add tights. This time I wore it to a tea house with a good friend to celebrate my new job. You're now looking at a gal who's living her dream of infectious diseases, diagnostics, and pathology :) 

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Wearing Now: Borrowed from Mom

Blouse: Faconnable (great version here)
Trousers: Theory (similar here)
Blazer: J. Crew - $20 via eBay (similar here)
Pumps: Isaac Mizrahi (similar here)
Bag: Bric's - $100 via DSW (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Accessories: Coach, eBay

The day I had scheduled an interview for a volunteering position at a local hospital is the day I realized I have nothing professional left in my closet. I could only wear my swanky wide leg pants so many times before sending them off to the cleaner's - and of course, they were gone on the day I needed them most. This is when mom's wardrobe came to the rescue (notice I didn't say "mom" - she didn't know this thievery went down): I borrowed the blouse, trousers, and pumps (which are actually mine but temporarily reside in her closet) and got the position on the spot. Speaking of getting positions, I had TWO job offers today! Now I have the problem of deciding between the two, which is my favorite kind of dilemma.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Wearing Now: Shirtdress and Scarf (transitions)


Dress: American Colors by Alex Lehr - $17 via eBay (really want this one)
Shoes: Gianfranco Ferre - $79 via Marshalls (ancient) (similar here)
Scarf, bracelets: eBay
Bag: Bric's (similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Though September marks the psychological acceptance of fall, I'm far from whipping out my sweaters and jeans. It's hot and humid here, so until there is a palpable change in seasons I'll stick to lightweight fabrics, bare legs, and cheerful prints. This brings me to a thought I've had for a while: the instant magazines announced the sartorial arrival of fall, bloggers everywhere uniformly erupted in cool-weather appropriate posts - actual readings on the thermostat and humidity gauge be damned. What's next, fur vests and leather pants in 80 degree weather? 

I can intellectually understand the need to upstage one another and win the competition but I won't sacrifice common sense on my way to the top of Fashion Everest (which is littered with the bodies of leather-ed, burgundy-ed, and fur-ed 20-somethings). At which point did a pair of fur boots become sexier than down-to-earth practicality?