Function Over Form

Today's outfit was born from necessity. After the mini tornado yesterday (hail, no joke,) non-stop torrential down pour overnight, and ongoing showers this morning things are pretty gross. Despite the fact that on Mondays I try to like to keep things positive there is no way around that statement, it's a fact. Fortunately, that doesn't mean I can't motivate and make it work; I'm channeling a "storm" outfit (that's what boots and skinny pants are for after all) which is appropriate for what the forecast suggested.

You would assume that skinny pants were something readily available to me but, you would be mistaken. I recovered these from the tailoring pile because they needed hemming. Also, these pants are a size (or three two) too big. I'm hanging on them because they are stretchy and they work for now. Also, I'm tired of having to replace clothes but, I digress... I'm not sure how much longer these pants (and other items I'm too stubborn to let go of) will last. 

• Top: navy boatneck sweater, LOFT 
• Bottom: gray skinny pants, Mossimo
• Shoes & Accessories: black motorcycle rain boots, c/o Cougar AND leopard print flats, Seychelles (not pictured;) vintage silver earrings, my Abuela 

I'm linking up with Style to Inspire, Mix It Mondays, Let It Shine, How I Spring, Monday Mingle, Creative Mondays, and Personal Style Monday

February 1, 2011: Regression

The snow pile that I was standing on felt like it was 8 or 9 feet in the air. BF said I was probably on 5 feet so, we'll make a compromise and call it 6 feet, that's the top of a tree behind me! There are piles like this all over the place and it is lame, I'm so over it! 

Although I was prepping for a serious discussion with my boss I could not resist the allure of skinny pants tucked into fuzzy boots. Especially since it was wintry mixing all day yesterday, there was an awesome beat... 

• Top: pink flutter trim blouse, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

January 26/28, 2011: Catching Up

So as you all know last weekend was pretty lousy for me. Thankfully the week to follow was filled with some seriously good things despite all the other junk. More to come on that later...

Wednesday was cold, kind of like the day before that and the day before that. Now let me tell you how I really feel... this cold is never going to end. I'm ready for you now spring, I really am! I am trying not to fall into the cozy style faux pas of skinnies tucked into snow boots every day but, it's SO hard. Do you have any advice on how to fight this? I welcome suggestions...

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, and here.

Thursday I was hip deep in snow when I left my apartment so... I stayed home. Thankfully so did BF and we dug out the car for my Friday trek to work. I had a job fair scheduled so I really wanted to make it into the office and off to the fair. The outfit was a little on the casual side for job fairs but, had a mentioned it was cold? Also, it was Friday and I hate to give up my denim. I sit behind a table anyway so no one really sees my legs anyway. Although, when I walked in someone mistook me for a student, awkward... I wouldn't wear this ensemble to a job fair! 

• Top: cream, yellow, and brown argyle sweater, GAP; orange tank top underneath, New York and Company 
• Bottom: double waistband denim trouser tailored by me, LOFT Christmas Gift
• Shoes & Accessories: brown suede boots, Chinese Laundry via DSW; pearl earrings, birthday gift from Mom via Macy's; dusty mauve butterfly tote, GAP

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here.

January 25, 2011: Everybody, Everywhere Loves Stripes

Breton Stripes to be more specific! Here's a little history on that if you are unfamiliar. And here's a little history on stripes and myself: I love stripes but, was always told that more voluptuous ladies (like myself) should avoid them like the plague, "They will make you look broader, more masculine, wider, fatter, etc..." I get it but, I still love them. Lesson over...

If you are nervous about those well known pitfalls a small, thin stripe works better than a bold, wide one. Also adding accessories, like a chunky necklace or fun scarf, can break up the line that the stripes create. Lastly they don't always have to be black or navy. You could wear a brighter color (yellow, red, etc.) and since the contrast is not as stark the horizontal line is less noticeable. How do you like to wear your stripes?

• Top: black and white striped long sleeved t-shirt, Proenza Schouler for Target
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesy of Cougar; black and silver scarf, Old Navy/gift from BF's family; silver coin pearl necklace, V'ta; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns
  

 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

 

January 21, 2011: For A Minute... Finally

Sorry for the hiatus, you know... life happens. Posting might be a little sporadic because I have lost my laptop. Either way, I am trying my best to avoid that... life goes on. What? Yeah, you read right, the brand new one that I got just less than a year ago, I'm a jerk. I accidentally left it at a weekend recruiting event at Lehman College and when I called security to ask if anyone had turned it in they said no. Totally my fault but, if you're the person who found it AKA an HP in the Music Hall with this website as a homepage please email me and I will gladly retrieve it from you.

Moving along... there was snow on Friday by here, for a few hours which almost feels like the blink of an eye when you are indoors. There was not a ridiculous amount of snow but, enough to force me into boots again. Is anyone else tired of the snow or is it just me? Hmmm I see you hiding with your snowball, it must just be me.

• Top: pink ruffle embellished t-shirt, LOFT (same shirt different color here) with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

Items from this outfit are previously seen here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

January 13, 2011: Woman in Uniform

Sorry for the "technical difficulties" AKA snow day yesterday. If I had the power to control the weather we would be done with cold and snow; I am so over it, how about you? Yup, that's what I thought but, I digress...

I'm not sure if I love this outfit today. With the pumps as pictured it reminds me of a catholic school girl uniform. I swear these tights are an identical color to what some schools require in NYC and the modest plaid just seals the deal. The other thing it reminds me of is something a lumberjack would wear especially when I added my totally warm Cougar boots. Ok, fine maybe a really chic lumberjack... but, there is still snow that I have to climb through to get to my car this morning so, warm boots ALA lumberjack it is! What would you wear with forest green tights? How are you coping with this ridiculously cold weather?

• Top: black and gray plaid dress with pockets, LOFT; white long sleeved t-shirt, Merona for Target
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar (not pictured at first); green tights, We Love Colors; cut steel earrings, V'ta Jewelry; purple tote bag, Coach

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

December 29, 2010: Need Commuter Shoe

As a person living in NYC I have seen many a commuter shoe and I have never been a fan. If your fancy high heeled sandal doesn't work in tsunami like conditions maybe you should consider coming up with an outfit that looks cute with rain boots. Not rocket science but, yesterday I must have forgotten my reality; I guess I blocked out being snowed in, ignored what I saw out the window, or maybe I was overly excited to show off these fantastic tights... either way I tried to leave my apartment building in these lovely (and grossly unrealistic) shoes. What was I thinking? I could barely walk and as I slid back up the driveway to change into a more practical shoe I instantly gained a greater appreciation for the commuter shoe. It doesn't have to be a ratty gym sneaker, it could be an awesome pair of boots or flats. Also, 2+2=4... what revelations!

• Top: gray shirt dress, New York and Company with a tank top underneath, for the modesty; black long cardigan, New York and Company
• Shoes & Accessories:  Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar; black belt, New York and Company; teal tights, Comfort Choice/Christmas gift from Cousin V (on sale here); glass bead necklace, Christmas gift from Cousin M; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; purple tote bag, Coach

Items from this outfit are previously seen here and here:

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Weekend Wear: The 2010 Christmas Roadshow

I hope everyone had an awesome Christmas (if that's your thing) and found everything you wanted from Santa under the tree! How did you spend the holiday? Was it at home with your family or travelling to see relatives? I would say BF and I always do a little of both, spending Christmas morning with my family but also gracing various areas of New York and New Jersey with our holiday cheer to see friends and other family! This year was no different...

On Christmas Eve we had alot on our plate with events in both states; some last minute errands to run and Christmas Eve dinner/gifts with BF's family while at midnight BF had to head to work (gasp, I know) and I had to head off to midnight mass with my parents. So, I needed an outfit that would work for all of those situations. Enter skinny pants... they are now a wardrobe workhorse for sure!

• Top: cream lace top, Merona for Target; blue tank top underneath, for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: black really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories: silver hardware embellished flats, Preview via Nordstrom Rack; silver knotted necklace, Christmas gift from my dear friend; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)
  
  
  

 I spend the most critical parts of Christmas Day in my pajamas! You know... making brunch and opening gifts. Apparently they were very stylish and fancy. My mother thought that was I would be wearing to Christmas dinner but, I digress. This Christmas was a good one and any stress that I incurred participating in the prep was totally worth it! The top three moments of the morning were:

1. Mom's reaction to her gift from my brother I and myself.
2. The delicious food (it was a joint effort) and brunch conversation.
3. Everyone being so surprised and grateful for all their gifts and the time spent together since no body had a very strict list of things they wanted it really worked out!

After the magic of Christmas and some Jeopardy on the Wii my family headed home while BF and I got ready to head upstate and continue the roadshow... on to Aunt B's for dinner. I think I would have been a bit over dressed if I had worn anything but jeans but, I tried to keep it fancy for the holidays with a sparkly sweater!

• Top: black sparkly sweater, LOFT; a tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: trouser jeans, GAP outlet
• Shoes & Accessories: faux patent leather red flats, American Eagle for Payless; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured) 

 BF and I enjoyed a nice quiet morning together the day after Christmas but, headed out in the late afternoon for NJ again with my brother in tow for some celebrations with our cousins. Yes, you read correctly I braved that ridiculous blizzard! I didn't realize it was going to be as serious as it was but, as we saw all the cars pulled over, time dragged on, fierce winds blew and lightning lit up the sky it set in that my desire to stick with our original plans might not have resulted in the smartest course of actions. It took us three times as long as it normally does to get there but, we made it safely! This picture was taken mid snow fall but, by the time we ventured outside the next day to shovel our cars out of the driveways I was thigh high in snow.

• Top: pink short sleeved sweater, GAP; white tank top underneath for the modesty; black flyaway cardigan, August Silk via TJ Maxx
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

The day after the Snowpocalypse we didn't do much of anything other than shovel snow. One of my cousins had gotten stuck overnight on an impassable highway so we waited up until 4AM for her only to find out that she would not be able to get moving until the next morning... When she finally arrived all any of us wanted to do was stay in, celebrate the holidays, and enjoy each other's company.The roads were still pretty bad by the end of the day so we decided to stay another night. The next day we ventured out and it was surprisingly warm or maybe that was just my sweater... There was still post blizzard wreckage but, not so much to keep us away from brunch or from eventually heading home.

• Top: gray chunky sweater, GAP; brown and black tank tops underneath for the modesty, New York & Company/Old Navy respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; black sunglasses, Ray Ban; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga (not pictured)

December 14, 2010: First Snow

When I woke up yesterday I was greeted by a layer of the white stuff on the ground. That sneaky overnight precipitation added nicely to my feeling of blah after the non-stop weekend, it was an epic battle to get out of bed and both sides suffered casualities. Snow (even if it's only a half an inch) always makes me want to crawl back under the covers, adults should have snow days too! I don't know who says it's not winter yet but, I would beg to differ. Anyway... I toughed it out (in the words of my boss) and got ready for work but, there was no room for chances. I threw on my trusty Cougar boots and a big comfy sweater to keep warm, a stylish compromise. What's your favorite way to stay stylish and keep warm?

• Top: beige cowl neck sweater, Old Navy; white tank top underneath for the modesty
• Bottom: gray really skinny pants, GAP/gift from BF
• Shoes & Accessories:  black Ringo Star snow boots, courtesy of Cougar; moonstone earrings, V'ta jewelry; leopard print headband, Target $1.00 bin (marked down to $.25!); black spy bag, Fendi 

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, and here:

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Weekend Wear: Christmas Tree

For the first time in my life I went to a Christmas tree farm to get our tree with BF and a friend. I had always envisioned that trip to be one where I would be bundled up in my trusty coat with a hat, gloves, and crazy snow boots to combat the winter chill. That was not the case yesterday since it was unseasonably warm and raining... One thing I did stick with though was the boots because I couldn't wait to try out my new Cougar snow boots! It is taking too long for the white stuff to get here...

I have to say they are every bit as fantastic in practical use and they were when I tried them on in my apartment! They fit perfectly even though they are a half size smaller than I would normally wear. They were 100% waterproof (which I tested by sloshing around in puddles like a small child) and they kept my feet nice and toasty. I was a little apprehensive about the fur around the top of the boot when I tried them on at home because I have pretty large calves and the fur (in my opinion) made my calf look even bigger when I wore it folded down. Thankfully the extra long laces allowed me to tie the cuffs up and control the fluff! Plus, I could show of the little Cougar logo in the back. Lastly, on top of everything else they garnered lots of compliments! I would call that an awesome boot...

We also ended up getting a lovely tree! It was definitely different from driving around locally and buying a tree from some people who have set up shop outside a super market/gas station/pharmacy under the subway (which sounds like oxymoron I know but, it's not) I don't know if I would want to have to drive as far next year but, it was worth the experience plus, we got to see one of my cousin's who lives near there. Awesome boots, great tree, and fun times with family and friends sounds like an amazing trip to me!

• Top: navy and white striped hoodie, GAP outlet; yellow and leopard print tank tops (for the modesty) Proenza Schouler for Target and Express respectively
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black Ringo Star snow boot, courtesty of Cougar; blue goldstone earrings, mall kiosk in California; gray le-dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga

Weekend Wear: Wandering Around NYC

This past weekend I met up with a friend to hit one of the many holiday street fairs that are happening in NYC. It was a pretty cold day but, we had tons of fun anyway. The Holiday Shops at Bryant Park have lots of unique and fantastic handmade goodies to give to your loved ones this season! I recommend stopping by if you are in the city.

This outfit was all about warmth! I know that jegging tucked into UGGS with a sweatshirt on top is so not acceptable in terms of high any fashion but, no one saw what I was wearing except the interior of my car as I drove into the city. Either way that is not what I want to focus on... I really want to pay homage to this amazing coat!

I call it my 30° coat since I only pull it out of the closet when the temps dip that low or lower. It is the warmest thing and has proven itself winter after winter as one of the best shopping choices that I have ever made! Why? Well, because I spent a whopping $8.00 on this heavy duty wool, fully lined coat at one of Steve and Barry's crazy sales! I think that evens out to something like .22  and dropping per wear if you count only the days in winter for the past three years that I have been utilizing it! I've had to refasten a button or two but, that's no big deal...

• Top: black and gray tank tops, Old Navy; white zip front hoodie, compliments of Cougar Boots; navy coat, Bitten via Steve and Barry's
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: black boots, UGG via Nordstrom; black and silver scarf, Old Navy/gift from BF's family; gray Le-Dix/motorcycle bag, Balenciaga 
  
  

December 1, 2010: A Surprise

There is a crazy rainstorm going on outside but, it's ok I have something special to look forward to tonight and that is definitely putting a smile on my face! Whenever BF says he has a surprise for me we all know it's gonna be good. With that in mind I had to keep my outfit away from the super casual side of things since I will be heading straight into midtown after work. I think the boots will transition appropriately despite all the rubber because of these awesome motorcycle details!

Maybe I'm over-dressing for this event tonight but, I was taught (and still firmly believe) that when you head to a show or any sort of live theatre(ish) production that you dress it up a little. I'm not talking black tie fancy but, definitely not ratty jeans and a t-shirt.  It completely irks me when you are going to the ballet or a musical and people are wearing something that doesn't look appropriate for grocery shopping let alone a night out. Do you agree? What would you wear for a night out on the town?

• Top: purple scoopneck sweater vest, New York and Company with a tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York and Company
• Bottom: black pencil skirt (with pockets), Old Navy
• Shoes & Accessories:  Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar (please don't forget to take the survey is you haven't already); black tights, Just My Size via CVS; silver bead earrings, Tiffany & Co.; silver bag, L.A.M.B via Loehmanns

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Your Opinion: Cougar Boots

Photo Credit: http://spoonstudio.blogspot.com/

I'm sure everyone remembers the review I did for those fabulous Cougar boots. If not please check it out because they are pretty awesome!! Everyone on their end was happy to hear what I had to say but, now they want to know what you think. Please take a few minutes of your time (seriously it's only four or five questions) and fill out their quick online survey. For every survey completed they will donate $2 to the Red Cross. Now let's recap: read about fabulous boots (if you haven't already), fill out super short survey, help the Red Cross. I think this is a win, win, win all around!

November 8, 2010: Happy Monday

Happy Monday! It seems a bit backwards that I am in such a positive mood considering the grayness caused by a nor'easter (hence the clenched fists and wind blown hair in my pic, it's cold!) that my tri-state area is dealing with today. If there was any way to keep you in the Monday doldrums yucky weather would be it but, I am feeling fine. Maybe it's these fun tights...

In the spirit of practicality I have decided to wear my awesome new rain boots again. I definitely feel like Erin from Work With What You've Got; Cute dress, fun socks, and kick ass boots, an excellent combination for whoever is sporting it! 

Lastly to all the brave souls who are taking part in Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge. I wish you the best of luck! I'm definitely making it sound more dramatic than it really is... you'll all do great! Every time it comes up I think about doing it but, I can't bring myself to jump on board. I am already remixing the heck out of my wardrobe and to limit it so extremely seems insurmountable. Sorry my flair for drama is getting away from me again. Bad flair! Come back... 

• Top: black lace dress, H&M via Unique Thrift Shop/gift from Mom with a tank top underneath for the modesty 
• Shoes & Accessories:  Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar; purple tights, Duane Reade; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's mom; yellow alley bag

Review: Cougar Boots

When I was asked to do a review of Cougar boots I was thrilled! Well, actually first I was confused... I had never heard of them before and while the thought of receiving an item to review was exciting I wasn't sure that these shoes/boots were even my style. So, I checked out their website and was thrilled to see that most of the boots were right up my alley. After which I sent back an enthusiastic, YES!

I got to pick one pair of rain boots and one pair of snow boots to review. They gave me some options and I got to pick my tops and they would send me what they could based on my size and their availability. And I patiently waited to receive my package in the mail...

When it finally came I couldn't wait to see what boots I had gotten. The selection of snow boots was pretty good so I think I would have been fine with whatever they sent me but, I had my heart set on a specific set of rain boots. When I opened the box I was greeted with a nice letter from the president of the company (kudos to them for that nice detail) and a whole lot of goodies!

Not only do I get boots but, they included an awesome mug, some hot cocoa, and a warm hoodie! All of which will be quite handy and fully utilized as the temperatures continue to drop. And I love their message, "For the world you walk on. Love what you wear." I can totally get behind that! Now, it was time to get down to business and see what I ended up with, drumroll please... the exact boots I wanted!!! And even though I ordered them in a 9 (I am generally a 9.5) they fit perfectly!

First of all let's talk about the rain boots, because I actually got to wear them for a whole day at work and to run some errands after. As I mentioned before they were a good fit and absolutely waterproof. I jumped in a puddle leftover from the days before's rain (yes, like a small child) and I was honestly hoping that it would start up again... it didn't but, I think I got to experience the dryness perfectly. Plus, I love the style. How unbelievably bad ass are these boots with their motorcycle vibe? My only complaint is that I wish they were a little higher and wider in the calf. I have very muscular calves and where these boots stopped on me they ended up being a little tight by the end of the day. Also, I love the look of taller wellies that you could wear with equally tall socks and if they had been the case I probably wouldn't have had the calf problem. Overall though, big thumbs up for style and comfort!

On to the snow boots (pictured in detail here)... I only got to wear these around the house because there has not been (and had better not be) any snow yet. They are so comfortable, I love them! They are also warm, waterproof, and very lightweight. Considering how the tags claim a wearer will stay warm in, as low as, 5° weather I am very impressed, I would have expected them to be heavier and bulkier. The faux fur is not 100% me but, I am getting used to it and it is so trendy for fall/winter that you can't go wrong with these. I think they are my favorite out of the two pairs and I almost can't wait (figuratively speaking) for snow!

Overall, I have found a new favorite boot brand! And while I was searching for other styles online I found that these are really not that expensive at all; Definitely cheaper than (or on par with) Hunter or Uggs, just as warm, and even more stylish. Which Cougar boots/shoes are your favorite?

November 5, 2010: Morning After

The gala was so much fun! I was out till that wee hours of the morning sharing drinks and good times with friends and colleagues. Speaking of colleagues... can I just tell you how most of the people I work with didn't recognize me?! Even my own boss who I see every darn day did a double take! I didn't think I looked that different but, apparently I was wrong.

The morning was a less glamorous affair, since it was supposed to be rainy and gross. Thankfully I had nothing important going on.

• Top: maroon ribbed tank top, Old Navy with another tank top underneath for the modesty; gray flyaway cardigan, New York & Company
• Bottom: denim jeggings, LOFT/birthday gift from Mom
• Shoes & Accessories: Regal black rain boot, courtesy of Cougar; gray shell earrings, gift from BF's mom; black Spy Bag, Fendi

Items from this outfit are previously seen and remixed here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here:

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