Stone & Chain Necklace

What a great piece, somehow managing to be both organic and edgy feeling at the same time! Buy for $100 at Couture Candy... looks like there's a code that may work for an extra 20% off - "LUST" ;)

Laura Merkin Sample Sale

In case you need a cute clutch for the holidays, or just a handbag or wallet because...just because, mark for calendars for the Lauren Merkin sample sale. Clutches, handbags, and small leather goods are up to 70% off! A few examples of what will be available:
Diana snake with chain - was $195, will be $95
Paige rust handbag - was $525, will be $250
Tatum croc clutch - was $325, will be $150

At the Lauren Merkin showroom:
231 W. 29th St.
Suite 201
between 7th and 8th Aves.
Dec 7th - 10th: 11 am - 7 pm
Dec 11th: 11 am - 4 pm

Sweatshirt Tee

Awhile back I was reading about some It Girl style icon of the moment and she mentioned how a super worn sweatshirt was even better than a soft tee for a casual chic look. That idea stuck with me - I had a ratty, close to threadbare sweatshirt that feel great on me and if it wasn't so holey I totally could see it worn with skinny jeans and a blazer. Well this sweatshirt tee would totally work, comes in a ton of colors and is only $35 at J. Crew!

Dsquared2 Dog Couture

Available exclusively at Yoox, Dsquared2 has created two limited edition leash and collar sets, with proceeds going to Much Love Animal Rescue charity. Because dogs want to be stylish too!!! There's a uptown looking leather leash and harness for smaller dogs, but I wish the spike and chain set would also come in small! Both are $190 each.

Aztec Pink Dress

This feel much more like a summer than winter dress, but I can't help posting it! I love the cut outs at the neck and the dusty pink Aztec print! Buy at Need Supply Co. for $125.

Jeffery Campbell Pink Rock

Jeffery Campbell just did a new capsule collection: Pink Rock, taking some of their most popular styles and making them pink! Right now they're available only at Sole Struck and I'm all sadface that Lita is already sold out in my size. Other style include Meeker, Foxy, Meow, and Torino - check it out quick!

Shopping for the Shopaholic

Time to continue my holiday gift guide series! Check out my previous posts, Shopping for the Spoiled Teen, Shopping for the the Hipster, Shopping for the Drunk Tart and Shopping for the Geek Chic Girl! But today we shall focus on one of the most difficult people to shop for - the Shopaholic!! What do you buy for the person who already bought it... in five different colors!?! Here are some tips and ideas:

• A Giftcard - For most people this is a cop out gift. But to a shopaholic, this is a chance to do more of what they love - buy stuff! Try to find a store they have yet to discover for an added bonus! Most fashion bloggers are familiar with ShopBop, but you'd be surprised at how many fashion savvy friends you have only know of stores with brick and mortar locations. Other "non obvious" places to buy gift certificates could be Intermix or Net-A-Porter!
• Upgraded Fashion Site Memberships - Only the richest shopaholics can afford to buy every piece of fashion they want! But now they can rent on a whim, which may actually save them money in the long run! Bag Borrow Or Steal (now called Avelle... why would you change the name when it had such great brand recognition??) is free, but preferred members get much better deals! Or how about a 1st Row membership to ideeli so they can shop sales before non-members?
• Classic Beauty Products - Does anyone ever own enough Chanel No. 5? And I don't care how dedicated you are to your current skin routine, a pot of La Mer will certainly get used! Beauty products are great because they get used up, but can also be tricky as there are only a few items that seem universally liked. Besides the two I just mentioned, Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream, NARS blush in Orgasm, Hollywood Fashion Tape, Foot Petals and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment would be welcome presents to most people.
• Just Ask! During the holidays people put way too much stress on themselves to find the perfect, thoughtful present for everyone on their list. Prevent holiday overwhelment (this should be a real word) but just asking what they want. Contrary to popular belief, shopaholics actually can't buy everything they want immediately, they often save squirrel away items to "buy later." This of course, is interchangeable with a wishlist (mine is definitely a "buy if not gifted to you" list)! So save yourself some trouble and just see what they want. And if you're desperate to surprise them, check Amazon to see if they already have a wishlist and snag something off that!
  

Good luck and be sure to take time to enjoy the holidays!

Wardrobe Staples According to Style

Earlier this month I wrote about wardrobe necessities, items every girl needs in her closet. But to be honest, it's not really true - I own a classic white button down that's been worn perhaps once ever.

As the lovely bloggette, Poochie of Shoe Daydreams, accurately pointed out, "I think the 'essentials' really vary." I agree that what you can't live without may not once been worn ever by your best friend, it all depends on your personal style! I once wrote about what I felt the four true styles of fashion were: Boho, Tough, Preppy and Romantic. I decided to create four different sets of wardrobe staples for each style, trying to focus on what will be chic for 20111. I'm constantly debating on adding a fifth style, Quirky, but for consistency's (and my laziness's) sake I will stick with my four until someone protests ;)

Starting off is Boho. Also known as hippy chic, bohemian, foho, folksy, tribal, cultural, gypsy, ethnic, festival chic!

1. Gladiator Sandals
2. A Hand Tooled Leather Bag because fringe is just too obvious
3. A Peasant Dress, preferably in some sort of paisley-euque print
4. A Tiered Maxi Skirt
5. An Army Parka - borderline between boho and tough
   
6. A Gold Cuff
7. A Furry Gilet
8. A Kaftan, hopefully with ethnic embellishment
9. Clog Boots because they will probably remain in style longer than plain clogs

Second is Preppy. Also known as school-girl chic, sporty, posh ladylike, American classic, Palm Beach, nautical, Ivy League style, equestrian!It was hard for me to come up with staples that weren't already listed in my original post (white button down, pearls, etc) but I came up with...

1. Espadrille wedges
2. Boxy Boucle Jacket for charity lunches
   
3. A Full Skirt
4. A Chambray Button Down - see you can be preppy and trendy at the same time!
   
5. Faux Fur Swing Coat
6. Quilted Chain Strap Purse
7. A Wool Cloche
8. Equestrian Boots
9. A Tweed Blazer - I feel like this style is rather heavy on the blazers
   

Next is Tough. Can be called rocker, futuristic, biker chic, grunge, punk, military-inspired.

1. A Leather Motorcycle Jacket
2. Leopard Print Pumps
3. Tartan Pants for when you feel like Sid Vicious
4. A Distressed Tee
   
5. A Sequin Jacket, to be worn during the day
6. Studded Purse
7. Combat Boots
8. Leather Shorts - a "new" staple that I'm obsessing over!
   
9. A Longsleeved Bodycon Dress
   

Last is Romantic. Also known as girly, Victorian gothic, Edwardian, baby doll, feminine, Grecian or ethereal.

1. A Velvet Blazer
2. A Grecian chiffon dress
3. A Lace Top
4. Satin Peep Toe Pumps that you can wear in the boudoir or the the office!
5. Lace Up Booties - think more Victorian than hiking-inspired
6. Art Deco Jewelry, which I suppose was considered modern in its heyday but now is retro and glam
7. Rosette Handbag - most purses are preppy structured or slouchy boho, but this still is truly girly
8. Silk Poet Blouse
   

What's your style? I'm a mix of tough and feminine, so you can often see me wearing flowy chiffon dresses paired with leather jackets! Did I leave anything out? I already feel like I should have included a breton striped top for preppy

Pleated Tailcoat Skirt

There's a non-pleated version of this Alexander Wang miniskirt, but it seems to be sold out everywhere. So I was surprised to see this version not only in stock, but on sale! Buy at Kirna Zabete for $326.

Black Friday at the Leesburg Outlets

OK, there was no way I could get through all the Black Friday announcements I had, check out BlackFriday.info for some good online deals! But if you're in the DC region, I would have to recommend checking out the Midnight Madness at the Leesburg Outlets! Many of the stores are opening right at midnight after Thanksgiving, and some are actually opening at 10 PM! Even though I hate fighting crowds I'm seriously tempted by deals like:

• Ann Taylor Factory Store - 50% off entire store
• Cole Haan - 50% off entire purchase, an extra 20% on top of that from midnight to 8 AM
• DKNY - 50 - 60% off your entire purchase
• Saks Fifth Avenue Off 5th - various discounts, like 50% off cashmere sweaters, 30 % off contemporary

And lots more! Check out all the different sales online before you go, some have time restrictions and whatnot. And have a fantabulous Thanksgiving!!!

Top Handle Purse

I'm more of a sling over my shoulder kind of bag girl, but this is quite a cute purse! Love its edgy, yet ladylike vibe, buy at Rock & Republic for $345.

Green Leopard Print Blouse

Since discovering a love of silky blouses, I've been looking for cute ones that are actually affordable! This one is just $76 at 80's Purple and will be even cheaper for Black Friday (hint, hint).

All I Want for Christmas Is...

People seem interested in other blogger holiday wishlists, mayhaps mine is interesting too? While this entire blog is kinda like a giant wishlist, there are definitely a few fantasy items that stand out!

1. Rebecca Taylor Faux Fur Chubby - I tried this on during Fashion's Night Out and have been obsessed ever sine!
2. IRO Bouclé Jacket - The subtle metal detailing takes this from lady who lunches to lady who lunches and then totally rocks out!!
3. Acne Enduro Boot - I'm also obsessed with finding a pair of boots with a tall platform for height, but a low heel to tow difference for comfort and these perfectly fit the bill.
4. Alexander McQueen Koi Sleeved Dress - Totally McQueen and yet totally wearable at the same time.
   
5. Marc Jacobs Fur Purse - Are you even a little bit surprised?
6. Helmut Lang Shearling Collar Jacket - Helmut Lang's take on the shearling trend is luxe and edgy, love all the fabric combinations!
7. Suno Mixed Print Skirt - The prints are amazing and Suno is so the next big thing!!
   
8. 3.1 Phillip Lim Drawstring Leather Shorts - I've been on the hunt for some chic leather shorts and these look soooo buttery soft! Plus, they toe the line between shorts and culottes and you know I'm gonna bring 'em back!!
9. Velour Military Hat - I just die for this hat!
10. Haute Hippie Hoodie Blazer - I love the look of layering a blazer over a hoodie, but this piece gives the appearance without the added bulk!
11. Elizabeth & James Rose Twig Earrings - Out of all the items on this list, these earrings have been wanted the longest! Love the mixed metal and organic vibe.
12. Rick Owens Leather Tunic - You know I can't ever own enough leathuuuuuhhrrrr.
13. Canon Rebel Digital SLR Camera - I recently really saw the difference between a point and shoot picture and SLR picture and was blown away! Now I must have one before next fashion week!
    

Crochet Sweater

Odd Molly is an up and coming designer I hope to find time to write about! Until then, here's a great crochet sweater, on sale at Yoox for $276!

Shearling Drape Jacket

This faux shearling jacket looks so frickin cozy!!! I have to admit, I'm so buying into the shearling trend, I love all things soft! Buy at Nasty Gal for just $68.

Wool Knit Garter Legwarmers

BAHAH! Well, now we know that you CAN stay warm and be sexy at the same time! I'm totally amused by these knit garter leg warmers, I'm trying to imagine what kind of outfits you'd wear with them now. Buy at Pixie Market for $114.

Slouchy Velvet Blazer

I don't usually post double breasted jackets as they can make you look heavier, but don't you just love the dark greige color of this Elizabeth & James blazer?? Buy at Diani for $435.

Valentino for Gap

With all the hubbub for Lanvin for H&M, I think everyone forgot about Valentino's upcoming collection for Gap! Well, I suppose the fact that it will only be availabe in Europe has something to do with it - BOOOOOO. Launching this Friday, there are definitely some drool worthy pieces, I'm loving all the olive ruffles! So I guess set up an eBay alert now, and maybe you'll manage to snag a tres unique gift for the holidays!

Pleated Cropped Pants

If you were inspired to try out peg leg pant by my most recent outfit, these linen-like ones are a great option! I know they're a bit gauzy for the cold temperatures most of us are currently suffering, but they're a very affordable $45 at ModCloth! And don't you love the removable band with embellishment?

White Lace Top

I've really been into pale lace tops this season! This one has a unique and truly beautiful pattern, and it on sale at Eve's Apple (helLO, great name for an online boutique!) for $136.

Is Boutiques.com Worth Your Attention?

When Google bought Like.com in August, the news spread like wildfire. Ok, not really, in fact no one I know cared about the story or even used Like.com. Everyone I knew used ShopStyle, Polyvore or The Find.

But Google recently announced Boutiques.com, which was built out from Like.com. They hope the site will be a social destination for fashionistas, where you can build an online profile and look for fashions that fit your style. While I already had way too many accounts, I decided I should check this out and see if it offered anything fun and special.When you start, you build out your profile choosing things you like or hate - silhouettes, colors, patterns and designers (organized by "style" - street, boho, etc). Hmm, this seems promising, only being shown fashion you actually like! So if you can't wear thong sandals, like me, they're automatically filtered out! Cathy Horyn wrote, "That may be Boutiques.com's ultimate game-changer -- how precisely it analyzes your preferences to give you what you requested... Search engines tend to give you stuff you don't really want. A request for fern-colored shoes might yield fern shoes, plus fern-print blouses."There are still a LOT of items I may like, and I'm not 100% sold on how great the results are. First I have to zip by the 100 Gap and Old Navy pieces - not that I dislike either of those brands, but it would be nice to see stores less grouped together. I am curious as to how many online stores they currently have agreements with, it seems like more than ShopStyle but obviously cannot compare it the add anything yourself world of Polyvore.What interested me most was that they got some A-List fashion bloggers, like BryanBoy, Rumi Neely & Susie Bubble, AS WELL as some mega celebs to build profiles! Oh look, Rumi hates thong sandals just like me! :) It's actually great to see what the influential bloggers are into right now.Now while I'm sure the bloggers make their own picks, I admit I doubt the celebs maintain their boutiques. In fact, I would be impressed if they even made their initial picks on their own, I can totally see them having a stylist and/or assistant do it. Not that their picks aren't less interesting!

Overall, the search isn't that compelling or even that great - surprising since Google is king of search! But I just looked for J Brand and got results for J Crew first, seriously??? BUT I do think the social aspect of the site may be reason enough to check it out. Not only is it fun to see what other people are currently loving, but it's a great way to see what may be coming into fashion next! So if you have an account, be sure to follow my boutique, Fasshonaburu!

Lust for Less: Shearling Booties

Pretty much every fashion magazine has decreed shearling booties are a must buy for the season. Well, this broke lady will somehow resist, but she's found two tempting options for you!First up are these aMAZE L.A.M.B. booties with such a fluffy looking shearling cuff! But they're a rather pricey $395 at ShopBop.Luckily, I have found a near exact pair at ASOS for the much more affordable $95! Will you be rocking the trend this winter?

My Style Challenege: Peg Legged Pants

I feel like Wendy B called out pleated peg legged pants as the next "thing," but I can't find the post! Maybe it was all a dream within a dream? (FOUND) Either way, I recently bought a pair at my trip to the new Last Call Studio in Rockville, MD.

This was a very new silhouette for me to try, so I sent out a request for styling advice on Twitter. Luckily for me, Lovleyish showed me a great picture of a girl wear a blouse tucked into a pair. I was thinking more tight top since the the pants were loose, but I loved the look so I decided to give something similar a go!While I still worry that my waist isn't well defined, I was still really happy with my overall look! I managed to pull off a chic outfit without relying heavily on bright colors or prints, huzzah! I think this may be the first time I've worn this button down actually buttoned, not sure what my fear of blouses comes from since it looks great. And I even switched up all my jewelry, pretty amazing considering I wore the same necklace every day for almost two years, ahaha.

I don't know how long it's been since I wore a top loosely tucked into pants (forever and a day), but it sure is a pain to recreate a perfect, slightly disheveled, just pulled out enough tuck every time you go to the bathroom! It's funny, I tweeted that and so many people chimed in, I never would have guessed.
I'm wearing Theory pants from Last Call Studio, a green LOFT button down, oxford booties from Newport News, necklace from Express, purple wrap bracelet from J. Crew, a Wendy Brandes Vampire Diana ring, and earrings pilfered from my mom's jewelry box. Next up I will copy Jennine of The Coveted's latest look and pair them with socks and short boots!

Opening Ceremony TRON: Legacy Collection

Opening Ceremony seems to have a knack at picking an upcoming, completely un-fashion-related movie and creating a special collection inspired by it. I very much like the concept of drawing inspiration from the unexpected, particularly since it doesn't really feel like one giant ad for the movie. Sure it builds awareness and buzz for the premiere, but it's not really the same as creating a collection inspired by a film such as "Sex & the City" or "The Devil Wears Prada."Coming up is a collection inspired by "TRON: Legacy." Not surprisingly, the pieces are futuristic. Incorporating the four Tron colors of yellow, orange, blue and black, the women’s collection features bomber jackets with over-sized funnel necks, bodice dresses, seamed leggings, dresses with lasercuts and more! Inspired by high-performance athletic apparel, they used stretch spandex with flat-lock stitching to create ergonomic, form-fitting styles - very scuba suit to me (in a good way!). I love the laser cut skirts and the sock boots!!

Previously there was Where the Wild Things Are, which I don't think did as well as it could have. While the clothing was super cute and people were talking about it, not many were willing to spend $600+ on a feathery jacket. Eventually almost all the items went on sale and I think they caught snatched up. Either they learned this lesson a little bit or my sense of what is reasonable has shifted a little. Prices range from $230 for a top to $575 for a mens' jacket - expensive but not totally insane, especially considering how wearable everything looks!Maybe... too wearable?? I wouldn't mind a few outrageous pieces, perhaps a white skull cap with pale blue lines all over it??

Long Plaid Skirt

I don't usually like long skirts unless they're column shaped, but I've been kinda thinking about full plaid skirts lately, of the non school girl kilt variety. Buy at Free People for $298.

Chiffon Abtract Print Dress

Remember the watercolor silk chiffon dress I posted a few months ago? Well, Max Studio officially has the best abstract painterly prints because this dress is tres gorge as well! It would be a great holiday party frock and could be yours for $195.

Erin Fetherston Collection Available!

Erin Fetherston's first collection for Juicy Couture is available online!! After hearing such positive reviews, I've been pretty excited - possibly even more for this than Lanvin for H&M! The collection has definitely met my expectations, I'm practically wishlisting everything, ahah. I'm particularly enamored by the vintagey, art deco rings and a draped silk skirt. Everything is beautifully feminine, be sure to check it out!!

Unicorn Tee

The Three Wolves tee meme was one of my favorites of the past few years. Well, this unicorn tee kinda has the same hilarious feel, except the makers are aware of said hilarity. Now, whether that's worth the $88 price tag at ShopBop is up to you!

Last Call Studio Opens Near DC

Last week I got to go to a special preview of the second Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio opening in the country! Right here in the DC Metro (Rockville, MD), at least SOME people appreciate all the spending money we have. There are also ones open in Dallas, TX and now Paramus, NJ.The whole concept stemmed from Neiman's Last Call Clearance Center, which you can find in most good outlet centers. Those stores sold mostly leftover merchandise from Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, as well as some directly purchased merchandise. Well, that directly purchased stuff did so well, they decided to build an new store around it!

Last Call Studio by Neiman Marcus stocks edited, in-season, contemporary looks purchased directly from vendors. Best of all, average prices are less than half of what is offered in full line Neiman Marcus stores! I seriously was like a shark in a blood frenzy as soon as I set foot in the store! There were great brands like Rachel Roy, Theory, Tory Burch and more, plus a menswear section.I managed to be good and spend less than $100 (including some great peg legged pants I can't wait to style and share with all of you!), though at one point I seriously considered spending three times that amount! So be warned, this is a cornucopia of temptation!

More exciting news is that they also launched LastCall.com last month. Besides much of the same merchandise you'd find in-store at both Last Call Studio (and some from Last Call Clearance Center), they have Fashion Dash - flash sales, hooray!I would definitely go and check the store out in you live in the DC region, they often has sale events with even more of a discount taken. Great for getting tons of holiday shopping done at once! And be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter to get updates and tips!

Fair Ilse

Fair Isle seems to be everywhere right now! But what exactly does "Fair Isle" mean? Let's look it up!

Fair Isle is a traditional knitting technique used to create patterns with multiple colours. It is named after Fair Isle, a tiny island in the north of Scotland, that forms part of the Shetland islands. Traditional Fair Isle patterns have a limited palette of five or so colours, use only two colours per row, are worked in the round, and limit the length of a run of any particular colour. Some people use the term "Fair Isle" to refer to any colourwork knitting where stitches are knit alternately in various colors, with the unused colours stranded across the back of the work. Others use the term "stranded colourwork" for the generic technique, and reserve the term "Fair Isle" for the characteristic patterns of the Shetland Islands.

Thanks Wikipedia! Well, now that that's cleared up, here's a bunch of options in various price ranges!

More Rag and Bone...

Sheer Drapey Jersey Top

This cashmere top looks so soft and pretty! I have this pretty pink cami with sequins along the top that would look so amazing with this - I'm totally tempted! I'll satisfy myself by putting it on my wishlist, though I never get more than maybe one thing from it every holiday season :O Buy at Intermix in navy or black for $199 - $219... depending on color I'm assuming?

Crushed Velvet Motorcycle Jacket

At $473, this is a really pricey jacket, considering it's not leather! But have you ever seen a velvet moto jacket before??? So unique, love the idea! Buy at Revolve Clothing.

DC Has the Money - Give Us Something to Buy!

I was kinda surprised to learn that I live in one of the most affluent areas in the country. In fact, according to the 2009 American Community Survey, which uses US Census data, seven out of the top ten richest counties in the States, including the top three, are located in the DC suburbs.

We're #1! And #2! And....

Now, before you drive over here to egg my McMansion, I would like to mention that I live in an adorable ranch-style house that's less than 1,000 sq ft! I do well, but the survey does not consider the high cost of living in this area. And yet, the two most expensive US cities to live in, New York and LA, do not dominate the survey; DC is 8th most expensive region, after places like Chicago, Miami and San Francisco. The NY suburbs manage to take the other three spots on the top ten richest counties, but LA is totally absent, as are (obviously, if you can do math) all the other more expensive places to live in the country.

So why do we not have a Barney's?

To be fair, we do have a Barney's CO-OP in Georgetown (what 5th / Madison Ave is to NY and Rodeo Drive is to LA - and yes, I know Beverley Hills is not LA, but I consider it the same region). But we all know it's not the same. And while a Last Call Studio (more on that soon), and Michael Kors and Gucci boutiques just opened in the area, we still lack a Marc Jacobs, a Chloé, a Prada... our Saks doesn't even carry Herve Leger or Rebecca Taylor!!!

Wouldn't you want to shop here?

Now I understand lots of money does not equate a high need for expensive fashion, but it certainly doesn't hurt. And while DC is more St. John than Comme des Garçons, there is quite a vibrant and diverse fashion community here - from the politicos on Capitol Hill to the hipsters on U Street! Don't forget where Tim Gunn was born, raised and educated - that's right, right here in DC!

So if there's the demand for fashion and the ability to purchase loads of said fashion, where is said fashion? Why must we take weekend trips up to NYC to get our Jill Stuart fix?

I think there's still a perception problem, which we can't seem to shake. There's no glitzy sex appeal to the city, only old men smoking cigars and arguing politics all day. No red carpets, no paparazzi, no socialites.

Finally some reality TV love!

We're trying to change our image. Michelle Obama has helped us make huge strides towards that, as women across the country obsess over her wardrobe choices. We finally had a "Real World" (which unfortunately filmed mostly in our popped collar, collegiate Adam's Morgan district). And we now have the "Real Housewives of DC," which helps fill our local celebrity needs! But I get the feeling designers still don't see the appeal in opening a boutique here.

No matter what we do, the majority of influential, powerful people in our area will be politicians. LA & NY will always have the monopoly on starlets, producers, models and entertainment executives. People will always try to emulate these "taste makers," including their wardrobe choices. But our taste makers must dress conservatively. Not only are women politicians given a hard time for dressing femininely, but even wives of politicians seem obligated to blend into the background (notable exception obviously being Michelle Obama).

I bet you'd like to shop here too!

I suppose it's nice living somewhere where your status has little to do with your appearance. But as I have no desire to ever go into politics or ever be taken seriously ( :P ), I demand the ability to buy pretty things! So designers out there, please consider DC for your next store location!

Winter White Pants

Following in the neutral dressing trend is wearing head to toe whites. Not all snow white, of course (hello ice cream man), some cream, some dove, various tones to add depth. But I don't own any pants that will work, maybe these at Ann Taylor will satisfy my need. They're only $128 and come in petite (as well as regular and tall)!

Graphic Black & White Tee

Lately I've been concerned that I've been relying too much on color to keep my outfits interesting. But now that everyone's dressing in head to toe neutral, I'm getting great ideas on how to wear little to no color while still looking stylish. Mondo's final collection was a big help - hello prints! This tee would look great with cropped black trousers and a grey blazer. Buy at Acrimony for $111.

Silver and Gold Studded Ring

If this doesn't sell out before I get myself a new job I'm totally rewarding myself with it!!!! I badly need more pieces of jewelry, particularly rings that fit on my right hand - funny how I never recognized the issue with buying everything to fit the ring finger of my left hand... opps! Blargh, only $51 at TheOutnet.com - so tempting since I worry it will totally sell out, but I must be good.

Covet Shop New Items

Covet Shop is one of my favorite high end consignment sites! Well, they're now selling brand new items, though currently just jewelry and purses. Brands include fashion cult faves Rebecca Minkoff and nOir Jewelry! I hope they continue to expand, but I admit I will continue to look mostly at their "pre-loved" items. There's nothing like the rush of buying a barely worn designer item for almost 70% off!

Wardrobe Necessities

It often surprises me when I find some women haven't put much thought into the basics needed in every woman's closet. As someone who's devoured fashion magazines since she was a young tween, I've probably read more than 100 articles on the subject, and sometimes I can forget that not everyone has had this type of information drilled into their heads! As a blogger I can often get obsessed with finding a unique take on a subject, but sometimes it's important to just provide good advice.

So, where are the important pieces every woman needs in her wardrobe? Pieces that aren't just necessary but will also be worn constantly and often, making them worthy of the term "investment."

1. A warm wool coat - well, unless your locale never drops below 45 degrees!
2. Ballet flats for looking chic and comfortable, a la Audrey Hepburn. Wear these instead of white athletic when commuting to the office please!!
3. Bootcut jeans, if fit well, will flatter everyone
   
4. A long pearl strand looks great as is or doubles (or tripled) over for a layered look
5. A white button down, alone or layered, is a classic
6. A pretty evening bag - I like ones with straps and are metallic, which is neutral yet festive
7. Tall boots, flat or heeled, look great with almost anything
8. A little black dress that goes from the office to cocktails
9. A trenchcoat for spring showers and the occasional clandestine rendezvous
10. A classic, not too big, not too little, day bag. I prefer one in "griege" - beige grey, which pretty much manages to match everything
11. A V neck cardigan in the perfect length - hitting just a little below your hip bone
12. Nude pumps elongate the legs - go in person so you can find a pair to match your skin tone
13. Whether a skirt or pantsuit, you can wear as separates or together
14. A couple soft tees in various colors can be dressed up or down on you like. I will never own enough James Perse
15. An oversized cocktail ring jazzes up a party dress, but can be surprisingly wearable for everyday
16. Something outrageous!

Everyone Needs

Heart Button Down

Why have a regular white button down when you can have one with a Comme des Garçons Play heart?? Buy now at Ron Herman for $225.