Fringe x Fringe

Wearing: Y.A.S. leather leggings (another option), Mango oversized blazer (last worn here), Loro Piana scarf, Laura Vela bag via Alekka, Shoemint booties (great alternative), J.Crew belt

It has been over a week without an outfit post. Sort of defeats the whole purpose of personal style... Ergh, between traveling and the biggest culprit of it all, Mother-beep-Nature, I've haven't had time to shoot new content until this past weekend. Well, that's half true. Today's look was actually shot before heading down south, but a few technical related problems arose, which delayed said post.

In summary, the internet is annoying. 

Following the it's so nice, say it twice mantra when it comes to this bucket bag via Alekka. My ode to the 70s is still going strong with an awaited return to middle-parted hair which may I add, first was born at the ripe age of seven. Then, I got bangs. Let us save my adolescence hair debacles for another time. 

This bag has a cowboy-in-the-city attitude that gives an updated take on the classic bucket bag.

The end result? Straight to the top of my wishlist.

Photos by Alexandra Wolf

The Golden Three

Wearing: Ralph Lauren flannel (similar options here), Mango blazer (last worn here), The Reformation jeans, Converse sneakers, Madewell ring, Asha by Adm ring

There is some sort of running joke between my family, friends, and I that either dress like a) I'm on my way to Paris Fashion Week, b) that I'm a surf bum or c) that I am a mix of Ralph Lauren ad meets hippie. 

Hey, it's how I roll. This weekend was especially prominent in my sartorial decisions as I wore the latter of the three styles. Along with that, my high top converse have replaced my black Nikes, but note to all, ice + converse equals bruised back. 

Photos by Reid Secondo

It's An Art

Wearing: Urban Outfitters sweater (similar style here), Y.A.S. Apparel leggings, Stuart Weitzman boots, Mango coat [last year, but check out these options], Urban Outfitters gloves [under $15]

When people say layering is an art, they are not joking.

Due to living on the (North)East Coast,  I'll say that I've become quite the skilled one when it comes to dressing in a somewhat put together fashion as soon as the temperatures drop under 34 degrees. 

But, then you go to Vermont and it all turns into, well, lies. All of it. Hey, if you give me enough sailing gear, and I will be able stay warm enough to sail in the dead of January (the magic hiking pants and thermals). But when it comes to looking presentable in a place like Vermont... It is a challenge. 

Dear ol' Green Mountain State welcomed us with big open arms of 2 degrees. And you might be wondering, what do you wear when it is 2? Fleece tights under leggings. A thermal under a sweater. Fleece socks, gloves, and hat (miss the memo on that). And a boatload of courage.

5 weeks & counting 'till Florida....

Dressed Down

Wearing: Mango pants (similar, similar), Ralph Lauren sweater (old, Equipment option-on sale!), 

Dolce Vita heels, Chanel bag, Hermes bracelet

Of course I love a nice fancy-shmancy party dress, or a killer LBD- my #1- but for the more causal holiday parties, a statement pant and some cashmere will become your savior. The holiday season is the perfect chance to be a little risky when it comes to dressing. My advice, dress down to make a statement but make sure you still have some statement piece. Got that?

And for a change, I am choosing heels over flats... shocked? Surprisingly these don't kill your feet after a night of dancing- test-runned by yours truly.

So shimmy shimmy, party hardy this month!

Psst.. its Cyber Monday! 

:: Check out Shopbop for some amazing deals- use the code GOBIG2014. ::

:: Asos is offering another 30% off- use the code ILOVEMONDAYS ::

:: Topshop still have a bunch of great pieces available for 30% off (no code) ::

Photos by Emily Malan

Superhero, Superpowers

Wearing: Y.A.S. leather leggings, Asos button down, T by Alexander Wang stripe t-shirt (see all looks with it...), Seavees slip ons c/o, Mango coat (similar), 

As I've been able to tame my sneaker addiction down, we have another problem (... Houston). Leather. The equation has turned into 4 jackets, 3 pairs of shorts, 2 skirts, 3 tops and now 2 pairs leggings- and this dress is soon to be in transit. 

I can't help myself. 

As I will tell my support group- AKA the world wide web- it has come to the point where leather (or "pleather" in this case), has replaced my tried & true denim. 

On Monday, I presented you with the tamer duds of the two- the martial of choice is only on the front- which is my suggestion if you only want to dip a toe in and not go full-on dominatrix. These shiny black pair have the ability to take an outfit from a one to a ten, plus they are leggings. When it comes to leather, I have two guidelines. 1) It should get better with age. 2) When you slip those pants on (or jacket), it makes you feel like a bada$$. 

If that is not a superhero piece, then I'm beat.

(Sidenote: I've worn this stripe tee in three posts in one week.... another superhero piece)

Photos by Emily Malan

Second Time Around

Wearing: RES denim overalls- 60% off (splurge option), T by Alexander Wang t-shirt,  Stan Smith sneakers, Jules Smith choker, Ray Ban sunglasses

Last time I took a spin in overalls it was nearing 90 degrees and the rule of the time was: less fabric; the better. I was also wearing short overalls that slightly resembled the 90s child "play time" outfit of choice. In that summer post, I shared my thoughts on how I've warmed up to overalls and attempting to avoid farmer status. And you can see it has gone quite well...

Tomorrow's high is 40 degrees and well, shorts don't exactly fly anymore. With winter right around the corner- throwing shade to Mother Nature-bundling up is the normal for the next five months. Enough of me blabbering on about the weather- hit up weather.com for the latest updates on Polar Vortexes and all that jazz.

Returning to the topic of seeking overalls, I've come to find a great long pair that are the answer to all my farmer meets runway aspirations. With the help of sand paper and a pair of scissors, a little distressing roughed them up to my liking. If you're anything like me the sight DIYs scares you away but after distressing two pairs of jeans, it is much easier than imagined. Poke some holes in the knee, a little sand paper here and there, fray the ends... easy peasy. I would recommend not splurging on overalls unless you plan on wearing them everyday. 

To sum up today's post: 1) It's beginning to get very cold. 2) Second try with overalls was a success. 

Photos by Alexandra Gibbs

In Wonderland

Wearing: The Reformation dress, Zara boots, Mango jacket, Saint Laurent bag, Ray Ban sunglasses

With Halloween- my least favorite holiday of them 'em all- sneaking up on us, why not title today's post to one of the best characters/costumes, Alice in Wonderland? Come to think of it, it is slightly more of a mash up of Dorothy from Oz and Alice... there is even some schoolgirl vibes in there. But like always, just go with the flow.

Even though I'll be spending my Halloween at home watching The Shining with a side of zero  FOMO, I'll still be wearing this could-be costume in real life. Paired with witchy boots- embrace the pointed toe!- we avoid getting into actual costume territory. Now that could be scary sight for the eyes.

Photos by Alexandra Gibbs

So Good, So Bad

Wearing: Asos shorts, Stuart Weitzman boots, Reformation top, Mango blazer, Loro Piana scarf

Thigh high boots and little plaid short shorts.... dare I say it almost sounds bad? I kid though, with a good heart because the real star here is my blanket- erm, scratch that one- scarf. And once again, I'm taking damn notes from the Parisians and their ability to make fringe not resemble a costume from Blazing Saddles. Yet you see, I cannot give the French full credit for this one. In true throwback Thursday fashion, I present you with a post from April with yours truly, professing their love for the detail of the moment. Talk the talk, blog the blog... making sense?

Any who... security blanket and all, a great pair of plaid shorts will do you quite good (and not to mention, it really hits the nail on the prep school boy vibe). Aha, the trickery of words gets me every time.

Photography by Emily Malan, Edited by me

Quite A Quest

Wearing: Mother jeans, Brandy Melville stripes & sweater, Mango blazer, J.Crew scarf, 

River Island loafers, Larson & Jennings watch

The treacherous task of finding a great pair of distressed black skinnys- hey, I like my jeans a specific way- is over. After seeing endless $300 + pairs of "ehhh" denim duds, a freaking Mother miracle- pun, most certainly intended- descended onto my tired eyes that happen to boring into a computer screen at an ungodly hour. 

If you don't call that a shopping miracle, then I don't what one is! And life is made easy for me with pre-frayed ends, so I don't botch a perfectly good pair of jeans because I want them to look, I quote "cool". When worn with several knit layers on top, I'll trade my Patagonia fleece haven without somewhat of a (big) fight. Small strides....

Ph. by Reid Secondo, Edited by Me.