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.

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.

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? 

Wearing Now: Wide Legged Pants

Top: Theory, age old (similar here)
Pants: RED Valentino - $28 via eBay (very similar here)
Jacket: Forever 21 - $30, eons ago (this season's here)
Shoes: Gianfranco Ferre - $79 via Marshalls, eons ago (here sizes 7, 9; similar here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here in black)
Bag: Bric's - $100 via DSW (similar here)

Wide-leg pants do all sorts of happy things for my curvacious hips, so I'm always on the hunt for more (you can't own too much of a good thing... right?). I lucked out with this pair by Valentino in that they came from an online consignment shop with tags still dangling from them (they were listed as new too, which is all I buy on eBay anyway). How were they $28 with no takers? Don't care, because they're mine now ;) This is a large, trustworthy seller with excellent history; I highly recommend these guys.

Wearing Now: Unfinished Business

 

Blouse: Faconnable (similar but sans embellishment here)
Trousers: BCBG - $110 via Lord & Taylor (here)
Shoes: Sergio Rossi (similar in suede here)
Bag: Bric's - $100 via DSW (similar in leather here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

I was due back at college a couple of days ago for a formal event so I wore my wide leg trousers again. In case it isn't obvious, I have wide hips and a flat behind, which rules out most cropped ankle trousers (example here). On the flip side I can wear parachute pants and look/feel awesome.

Enjoy your weekend!

Wearing Now: Interview

Blouse: DKNY - $11 via eBay (similar and affordable)
Trousers: BCBG - $110 via Lord & Taylor (here, on sale)
Blazer: J. Crew - $35 via eBay (similar)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar)
Bag: Bric's  - $100 via DSW (similar by PS)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack

I had a job interview yesterday and if things go my way then I'll be the first to spill all the details; otherwise I'm keeping quiet (more of a superstitious reason than logical). I also have an exciting project in the works (not fashion related, I'm afraid), which I'll reveal soon. I hope you're having a productive week!

Wearing Today: Peaches and Oatmeal

Top: BCBG - $22 via Lord&Taylor (similar but wrinkle free and on major sale here)
Pants: J. Crew - $25 (here)
Shoes: Burberry - $190 via Nordstrom Rack (similar here)
Bag: Bric's (gorgeous here)
Sunglasses: Fendi - $80 via Nordstrom Rack
Accessories: Coach Watch, J. Crew bracelet

Again with the impossible fabrics - but oh the comfort. Have a great weekend!