Outfit Post: NYC Birthday Drinks

This week V and I went to a birthday party for a wonderful friend in NYC. It was at an intimate venue on a Thursday night so I wanted to be comfortable, but stylish (I guess that's pretty much anyone's goal on a random day/night). It's still pretty hot in New York (80's during the day, 70's at night) so I seized the opportunity to wear these Rag & Bone shorts I'd scored at a sample sale a few months back. The waistband is undefined and there are no belt loops, so I didn't want to wear a top I had to tuck in. They also have leather trim. V actually selected this great ASTR top that we picked our together at Nordstrom and I love the beaded detailing.  It's the details that pull this look together and it was really fun and easy to wear.

 

 Top: ASTR Shorts: Rag & Bone Sandals: Naturalizer Bag: Tory Burch

 

And how could I forget my fabulous new lipstick? Tom Ford

Outfit Post: Birthday Happy Hour in NYC

As tired as I am of talking about the cold, I feel the need to point out that it's still frigid in the NYC area. Last Friday V and I braved the elements to celebrate the birthday of my fabulous best friend from College, Laura. Laura writes the awesome workout blog, werkitinnyc, you should check it out.

The temps have been in the 20's during the day and the teens at night, so warmth was an absolute priority. On our way in V and I actually entertained the idea of walking from the station to the venue (Bo's in the Flatiron district), but we quickly realized that that was just crazy talk. In the few minute we were waiting on the train platform the 4" space between where my boot ended and my skirt began were already showing the signs of frostbite.

All my life I've had a weakness for pleated skirts, especially plaid, kilt-style skirts, so when I saw this Burberry number at my local consignment I had to have it. Pairing over-the-knee boots with what some might deem a "Catholic Schoolgirl Skirt" can be tricky, but I covered up everywhere else and felt much more Andy Sachs/The Devil Wear Prada than Pretty Woman.

Still working on these poses...

...haven't quite got it yet #jazzhands

Another consignment score

Turtleneck: Lord & Taylor Skirt: Burberry Boots: Vince Tights: Hue Earings (not pictured): Alexis Bittar Glasses: Chanel

Outfit Post: Kinky Boots on Broadway

The cold weather is still in full force in the NY area forcing fashion fans everywhere to break out their best layered looks. Never one to shy away from a challenge I was determined to dress appropriately for both the weather and the event when we went in Manhattan last weekend to see an evening performance of Kinky Boots on Broadway.

Waiting to get in - so excited!

Given the show’s subject matter, I knew I had to break out my Vince ‘Julianne’ over the knee boots. Thankfully, they are as warm as they are stylish. I’d originally planned to wear them with my favorite Isabel Marant for H&M tank and my W118 by Walter Baker hot pink tuxedo jacket, but it was just too cold, so I convinced myself to save that outfit for warmer weather.

In the aisle next to our excellent Orchestra seats

Multi-strands make life easy

Instead I layered this high-low sweater over a black shirt-dress and added a BCBG statement necklace for some fun. The necklace was a bit more than I typically spend on costume jewelry, but I knew it would come in hand for moments like this.

 Sweater: Barney’s Co-op Dress: Wyatt Boots: Vince Bag: Gucci Necklace: BCBG Glasses: Chanel

V and I had a friend visiting from out of town who happens to be a big-time Broadway buff so we waited outside the stage door after the show to get autographs.

Here's the show's star Billy Porter signing my boot (yes, I took off my boot in freezing temps to have an actor sign the arch. See the show and you'll understand, he was that good).

Outfit Post: NOLA Night Out

Have you ever bought an item thinking, "I'll wear this all the time!" and then it sits in your closet?  My cousin, Chelsea, and I were shopping at Bergdorf Goodman a few months back when I spotted this sparkly stunner on sale in the 5F section. Back in the college days this would've fallen into the "Going Out Tops" category and 21 year-old me decided that I had to have this fabulous Elizabeth and James top.

It's called the "Maggie" top, but I prefer Magpie - so shiny!

Unfortunately, 31 year old me does not have quite as many opportunities to sport such an item (I mean, I could wear it on a random Wednesday, but the sequins might get stuck to my couch). When V and I decided to visit friends in New Orleans for New Year's and I knew I'd finally get to bust this bad boy out.

I kept it simple with jeans and my favorite Guccis and the amazing Gucci Soho Leather Disco bag that V bought me for Christmas (lucky girl, right?). I'm also wearing these super-fun Elizabeth Cole Mohawk earrings that I'd scored from a Gilt sale awhile back, but the new layered hair makes them difficult to see (womp, womp). Maybe now that I broke the seal on this top I'll be more adventurous with the styling.

Top: Elizabeth and James Jeans: American Eagle Heels: Gucci [Not pictured] Bag: Gucci Earrings: Elizabeth Cole

Outfit Post: First Date the Musical

So I've decided to try out a new format for these outfit posts. Since V has been kind (and patient) enough to start taking my outfit pics with a real camera (it's still point-and-shoot, but we've graduated from the iPhone. Next up is the 35mm, I swear) I can post multiple pics from different angles. So much better than my sometimes-blurry selfies, am I right?

This is an ensemble I put together for a surprise date night. I was only told that we would be going into the city and that I could get dressed up, but did not have to be formal. I asked if "off-duty model" was an acceptable look and, without missing a beat, V assured me that that would be perfect.

I decided to jump at the opportunity to finally wear these crazy McQ Alexander McQueen leggings (the tags have stayed on them for way too long since coming into my possession) with my brand-spanking-new Isabel Marant for H&M tank.

Here are the results:

Surprise! V took me to see First Date on Broadway. You MUST go see it, it's such a fun show.

Hooray for awkward poses! I'll get that oh-so-cool air of indifference down one of these days... or not.

And now without my security blanket scarf

Coat: Cinzia Rocca Scarf: Fendi Blazer: BCBG Max Azria Tank: Isabel Marant for H&M Chain: Old Navy Pendant: Vintage Leggings: McQ Alexander McQueen Booties: Rosegold

Outfit Post: Frightened Rabbit at Webster Hall

There's something very rock n' roll about black clothes and boots. So when V and I went to see Frightened Rabbit at Webster Hall I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to wear black top from Zara.

Here's the outfit breakdown:

Round Neck Blouse: Zara - I've never been a huge fan of low-cut tops, but I do like to compensate for a lack of skin by wearing sheer fabrics. V picked this top out on a shopping trip where I decided to "introduce" him to Zara (he's such a good sport, plus, he's got great taste). At $70 I thought it was a bit over-priced, but it's definitely the kind of item I'll wind up wearing all the time.

Necklace: Old Navy - Old Navy is one of my favorite stores to stop in for a little #treatyoself purchase. At around $6-$16 (total guess-timate based on my previous purchases) their jewelry selection is such a guilt-free indulgence.

Jeans: American Eagle - As a petite person who wears a lot of denim, AE is a dream come true. They currently offer a dozen different styles and a variety of washes and they're reasonably priced (the selection tops out at $69.95 for Premium Denim). They also run tons of promotions for those of you looking for a deeper discount. I'm wearing the "skinny" here.

Boots: Trouve - Just as I predicted when I bought them back in October of 2010, I wear these combat boots all the time. Clearly they've held up well. I still kick myself for not getting them in natural when I had the chance.

Outfit Post: Tee Time

Hooray for better lighting in my hallway!

Scarves and tees and leather jackets, these are a few of my favorite things. The crisp Fall weather gives me to opportunity to combine all three making my life easier when it comes time to get dressed.

Here's the outfit breakdown:

T-shirt: Express – This soft sweater tee is perfect on this crisp fall day. It’s a snug fit so I wanted to make sure I balanced it out with a wider legged pant. I’ve tried layering it with a button-down before, but it’s definitely better without the bulk.

Jeans: Seven for All Mankind – This cut is called the Dojo. They don’t come in petite, so I took them to the tailor and she managed to shorten them without losing too much of the wide leg. This might be old news, but when having your jeans shortened I highly recommend having them reattach them hem (as opposed to creating a new hem and losing the thicker edge) because it keeps the same finished look the jeans had when you bought them.

Jacket: Gap - Leather moto jackets are super popular right not, but this is a style that I have never abandoned. This Gap jacket was stiffer than a 1950's cocktail when I first bought it over 5 years ago (which is probably why is was on such a steep discount, I paid less than $100), but I knew that I would eventually break it in and it would be worth it when I did. The leather jacket and the jean jacket are equally essential and timeless, I just prefer the former for my style.

Scarf: American Eagle – This is the first infinity scarf that I have ever purchased and I like it, but I don’t love it. It sort of reminds me of a beard because, if you’re a messy eater like me, any food that drops from your mouth gets caught in it (T.M.I.?). Maybe if I stop eating like a savage who hasn’t seen food in a month I won’t have this problem.

Belt: Vince – Belts were never my thing, so when I spent $80 on this one I definitely considered it a splurge. It’s adjustable and it’s a leather/cotton combo and I really bought it because it reminded me of my dad’s uniform belts from when he was in the navy (which I later stole and wore with my “skater” clothes in junior high). Now I wear it all the time.

Shoes: Vince Camuto – I bought these crackled metallic wedges on sale from Piperlime for a wedding at a vineyard (lest I aerate the lawn). They are extremely comfortable and a great height, but I almost didn’t get them because of the brand (see my bizarre issues with Vince Camuto here). Thankfully I was able to look past their poor marketing and put these great shoes into rotation.

Outfit Post: Feeling '50's

The weather pretty much everywhere has been crazy lately so when I woke up to see that temps would be in the 80’s last Friday I decided to bust out a skirt. This skirt actually almost went out with the consignment items because I can never decided what to wear it with (I have a seriously problem with wanting things to match), but V encouraged me to hang onto it. 

One of my steadfast rules is: when in doubt, go with a plain white tee. The shoes and necklace are how this outfit really came together for me (back to that compulsion to coordinate) and now I kind of love it. Well played, V, well played.



Here's the outfit breakdown:

T-shirt: Theory – I own far too many white t-shirts and yet I feel like I never have enough. I’d never thought of wearing this one tucked in before because it has a high-low hem and button details along either side in the back, but it’s suddenly much more versatile in my mind.

Skirt: Club Monaco – This skirt is almost a decade old. I bought it when I got my first job out of college thinking that it was a great “business casual” piece and I totally planned on wearing it with a very structured “shell” with a portrait neckline from Ann Taylor LOFT. My how things change…

Necklace: Old Navy – Up until a few months ago I didn’t even realize that Old Navy sold jewelry. Then my sister’s friend Melissa showed up to a family function wearing a pretty peach statement necklace and I knew my jewelry armoire was destined to get much more crowded.

Belt: Anthropologie – To be honest, this skirt is too big in the waist. If I take the belt off it drops to my hips and looks kind of terrible (very Oz, behind the curtain info here, I know). While this belt does not match as well as I would like it too (who knew this matching thing was so crippling), I think it certainly goes. Just, please, don’t tell me that I can “pull it off”/”get away” with it because that drives me nuts.

Shoes: Cole Haan – I have always loved the look of an oxford, but the last time I remember them being in I was wearing bowling shirts and very pronounced pinstripes (Junior High fashion in the 90’s, what can I say?). Needless to say, I am a much bigger fan of the current interpretation. Wearing these oxfords with a circle skirt or pleated cropped pants (yes, pleated, I have narrow hips, it's allowed) makes me feel like a young Hayley Mills.

Outfit Post: Vampire Weekend

Friday night we went to see Vampire Weekend at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. We had a delicious dinner at Flatbush Farm and then headed over (way too early, we got there before the first of two opening acts went on) to the venue.

The Barclays Center is a nice enough venue (cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen), but I found all of the concessions to be extremely overpriced ($9.50 for a domestic draft? That better be super-sized), so I suggest you do the majority of your eating and drinking before you get there.

Vampire Weekend was clearly stoked to be there, but the effects on the new album didn't sound great on the sound system (any base whatsoever was crazy muffled like you blew a speaker in your '98 Honda Civic) and the stage was set like Scarface meets a Tommy Bahama ad (faux-marble columns, an over-sized mirror and a loud floral backdrop). Thankfully they placed "Diane Young" early in their set which made me very happy (if you haven't heard this infectious tune yet you can check out the delightfully bizarre music video here).

Here's the outfit breakdown:

Dress: Wyatt -  Bought this dress on Bluefly because it struck me as something Debbie Harry would wear. It has long sleeves, but it's lightweight so it's perfect for when you're in between seasons.

Belt: Linea Pele - This belt is a consignment shop find. My What Not to Wear education has taught me that a waist-cinching belt is essential in any wardrobe, so when I saw this one I scooped it right up.

Bag: Pietro Alessandro - This bag is from an online flash-sale (ideeli if I'm not mistaken). This bag is great not only because it's metallic and therefor versatile, but because it can also be a shoulder bag or a clutch or a cross-body. Foley & Corinna originated this style, but any incarnation you can get of it is a worthwhile investment.

Vest: J. Crew -  I have never been big on the jean jacket or the jean skirt; they were always items I bought because I thought you should have them, but this vest is just so fun and 80's and versatile that I had to have it. It adds just the right amount of warmth and I know I'll be wearing it year round.

Shoes: Cole Haan - Flat boots just feel so right in Brooklyn. This was the first time that I wore these boots; as per the salesgirl from the Cole Haan outlet I sprayed the sh*t out of these boots with leather protector and they came out of the concert unscathed.

Scarf: H&M - Chilly weather makes me happy because I love soup and cozy accessories and there are few accessories that I love as much as the scarf. H&M offers a great selection in a variety of colors and textures for about $12. Scarves keep you warm and complete your look; get used to seeing a lot of them here at KimboNotKimmy.