Weekend Outfit

Here's my outfit I wore today for bumping around town, running a few errands, helping my friend pack and for a late night coffee date. So something stylish, comfy, that I can pretty much do backflips and jumping jacks in was necessary.

Also I was super proud of my mad make-up skillz... check out the subtle day time cat eye. It's small steps but at least I'm going somewhere and being able to draw a straight line is a big leap.

And yes, I realize I'm only 20 and have forehead wrinkles. I blame finals week and too much caffeine, hopefully they'll fade when I start to sleep regular hours again. 

More Work Outfits

It seems that the only time I have an extra few minutes to snap photos is before work, just because I'm super organized like that.
Anyway, the only exception to the all-black uniform is when you wear Malia Mills designs. This is hilarious because literally everything that Malia designs is also black. Or grey if we're getting real crazy. Such as this dress which I fell in love with when I was interning with her is the Mui Nei dress. It's a very light black stripe on white, and they have it in stores in black also which I might have to pick up.
Also I'm wearing my new double finger ring! You can't really see it, but I thought I would just celebrate that :P
And the sandals? Yeah, this is their fourth year being a standby for me. I've brought them in to be fixed so many times my cobbler is starting to make fun of me.

(uhh.... sort of an attempt at showing my new ring.) 

Body Chain

I finally had the chance to wear my body chain out (and had time to take some pictures, that was key). So here's a peek of how I decided to wear it. Originally I had wanted to throw a jacket or blazer over this whole ensemble, but it was much too hot.

If you're interested, the designer is Linquist Jewelery at Etsy. The chain is quality stuff, very light, easy and well-made. I honestly kept forgetting I was wearing it until someone would invariably comment on it.

MM Gal

It seems that I'm going to be at Malia Mills again this summer, but instead of working in the studio with their buyer, I'm working as a sales girl.
I'm not going to lie, I'm super stoked for the summer. This is probably one of the cushiest summer jobs I've had in a long time. It's a product I can get excited about, a company I love, and the whole atmosphere is very chill.
So this is my third week working for them, and I thought I'd snap a quick photo of my work outfit when I got home last night. The only uniform requirement is it's all black, and trust me, in my closet that's not a problem.

*Mental note, taking photos with flash at night does very strange things to my eyes and skin. Do not repeat. And more than four hours of sleep a night wouldn't be a bad thing...

Ungaro Fall 2011

I love, love this look from Ungaro for the Fall. What I really need to find is a crayola colored coat that is also a reasonable price. Hopefully high street will start making some when fall gets closer, because I need a bubblegum pink coat in my life.

Here's my version:

Untitled by erind90 featuring black tights

Crop Tops and Short Shorts

I received a comment a few days ago about whether it was possible to wear a crop top with hipster shorts without looking scandalous, and I thought it was a valid question that merited a few outfit examples.

Besides, my forte is basically taking questionable garments and making them appropriate :) I'm assuming by the word hipster shorts she meant short-shorts, and by the term "slutty"* she meant appropriate to wear outside and to create a fashionable outfit.

While on my previous post I mentioned that the easiest way to wear a crop top is to keep the rest of the outfit conservative, but with short shorts that takes away the option of covering up your legs. By nature, this outfit is going to be a bit more risqué, making it really only appropriate for a night out with the girls or during the summer months when everyone's flashing skin anyway.

But honey, if you have the cajones and confidence, I'd say go for it.

So here's my few recommendations, which of course you can take them or leave them as you will:

Keep your shoes flat.
Keep the top loose.
Keep your shorts high-waisted, pleated, or with a bit of volume.
Keep your arms covered.

All of these things serve to tone down the inherent sexiness and provide a little more coverage so you're not walking around in a glorified bikini.

Untitled by erind90 featuring a dolman sleeve sweater

Untitled by erind90 featuring a scoop neck tee

* God I hate that word. Girls tend to throw it around with reckless abandon for anyone who they perceive as a threat or who doesn't fit the norm. So we're banishing that word from this blog m'kay?

Hermes Fall 2011

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I'm afraid that I'm becoming one of those girls that are loyal brand devotees (oh l'horreur), but for the past couple seasons I just have fallen in love with the Hermes collections, and the fall 2011 collection is no exception. 

So easy and simple and yet another reason for a purchase of leather pants :). This would make a great "I need to be polished and put-together but can barely manage to find a pair of clean socks or my mind this morning" outfit.

So here's my look on the cheap, and as always, everything is under $100. 

Untitled by erind90 on Polyvore.com

Photo Courtesy of Style.com

How to Wear a Crop Top

One of the big trends this season  year has been the crop top, and looking at the runways for spring it looks like the trend is not letting up any time soon.

Yet, many women are shy of this trend (for the obvious reasons). But thankfully I think I've found a  few ways to wear this trend without looking like a Britney flash back.

Go High-waisted

It's really a blessing that these two trends have occured at the same time, because they are perfect companions for one another. A crop top shows off a pair of high waisted trousers or a skirt perfectly, and the higher waist gives some modesty to a crop top.

So pair a loose crop top with a high waist, so instead of showing off your entire belly it's just an inch or less of rib cage. Cute.

Untitled by erind90 on Polyvore.com

Layer It 
The other obvious option is to layer a slim tank top underneath a crop top or bra top. You still have the look and proportions of a crop top, but with more coverage.

Untitled by erind90 on Polyvore.com

On the other hand, you can also layer over it as well, which is another preferred option of mine. A boyfriend cardigan or blazer keeps it classy, so that you are only showing off a little sliver of belly in the front.

Untitled by erind90 on Polyvore.com

Spring Break Trip

Sooo excited you guys, two weeks until I head off for a spring break cruise! Our stop offs are going to be Bermuda, Florida and the Bahamas, then heading back to New York.

My hetero-life mate is the best bargain finder I've ever found. Ever. So the whole week long trip is only costing us $600, that would be food, board, drinks and a few trips all included.
Of course though, she wants to go snorkeling and I want to go chill with the sting rays, but I'm willing to cash out on experiences like those.

Here's what I'm going to pack for the trip (ideally of course):

Untitled by erind90 on Polyvore.com

Something Personal

Apparently I've managed to pick up a gentleman caller in the past month, from now on he will be known as the lawyer (just to keep things simple, you see).

So why the personal note? Because I notice that every time I go out on something even close to date territory, I realize that I only have three types of items in my closet.

Fashiony, man-repelling clothes that I enjoy immensely. Usually menswear, librarian, or office inspired. These are the clothes I'm in 90% of the time and therefore make up 90% of my closet.

Slightly trashy, I'm out clubbing with my girls clothes. You know you own them too.

Clothes that don't leave the house. Yoga pants, little boys boxers, and that college tee.

So now that I'm going on my fourth (!?)* date I'm afraid I'm panicking slightly.
What do I wear that looks half-way respectable, sexy, and cute? Something soft, touchable, that shows a little more skin than my usual. You know, that I just naturally roll out of bed looking this awesome, I'm sexy without even trying look.

And did I mention that the state of my underwear drawer is revolting? Yeah, it's pretty much all gym undies in there ladies.

But let's look on the positive side: so far the lawyer's sweet, charming, and tall**.   And we both have the same dry sense of humor which always helps ; ) So here's hoping that this one works out.

But here's a few things that I want to add to my closet for future dates:

Untitled by erind90 featuring lace bras

* Yeah, I haven't had to deal with third or fourth date drama for about seven months now. Just recycle those two same outfits for dates over and over and over and over...
** You don't understand how hard it is to find a guy that is taller than me when I'm 5' 9" and I want to wear my 3" heels when we go out, and of course my petite girlfriends are like "What? What's the problem?" with their 6'10" bfs. Gah.

The High-waisted Pants Conundrum

Ever fall completely in love with an item, then have no idea how to wear it?

As I said, I love these pants. Deeply.

High-waisted, pleated, cropped, unflattering in all of the right ways.

Now I'm just stuck with how to wear them, since I've already gotten bored of the kitten heels and tee outfit.

Now what?

I've played around in polyvore for a little while and came up with a few outfits with things I have already in my closet (or close enough. How different are two pairs of black ballet flats really?)

Untitled by erind90 featuring tapered pants

Untitled by erind90 featuring pleated pants

Untitled by erind90 featuring ballerina flats

Unfortunately, I don't have a going out outfit. I think my roommates would probably kill me if I wore them out at night, as they've already nick-named my pants, "pa-pa pants"* and offered to help burn them.

Well, there's no accounting for personal taste right?

And just to remind myself that spring will eventually arrive...

Untitled by erind90 featuring diamond jewelry

*Obviously to match my granny panties :)

Rag and Bone

I still partially refuse to do these posts on the spring collection, seeing as I can't actually wear any of it right now.
So let's re-acquaint ourselves with the fall runway shall we?

We have Raga and Bone's designs, inspired by "those crazy English guys who climbed Mount Everest in tweed", but I think it can pretty easily be transferred off the runway into real life.

Untitled by erind90 featuring black skirts

I'd consider this a perfectly cozy ensemble. Maybe strip off the coat and the scarf when indoors though, as I'm sure sweating profusely isn't fashionable. 

Man Pants

You guys have no idea how excited these pants make me.

I know they're old man pants (wide leg, pleated, high waist... yup. Old man pants).
I know they make me look like a bowling pin.
I also know that I don't particularly care.

Sometimes fashion is about knowing all the proper figure-flattery rules and then blatantly breaking them. Just because you can.

The best part is that I totally snagged these (and another close replica, except in a very, very tiny black and white triangle pattern and without the pleats) for about $10 each at a thrift store.
Did I mention that they're vintage Emanuel Ungaro?
Holla.

Things for Spring (and now too)

I'm starting to compile a "things I would like to find in my closet this spring" list.

Great thing is that a lot of them are already in stores (and already on sale what?!).

Not-so-great thing is that it's still freezing and snowing up in here for the next few months.

And since I never quite got down that whole patience thing, I want to wear my purchases right now!

So here's my spring wish-list, and how I'd wear it now (left) and later (right)

Floaty Maxi-skirt

I love, love maxi skirts. It's taken me a little while for my eye to adjust to the silhouette, but I've decided that it's love. Now if I could only find one long enough to purchase because I hate when they end around your ankles instead of skimming the ground : (

maxiskirt by erind90 featuring kenneth jay lane jewelry

Brown Suede Boots
So I want a pair of suede booties for spring. Brown, soft suede, with laces, a little heel but not too high, and a little western inspired, but no cowboy boots please.
And did I mention these are on sale for $19.99?
Holla.

booties by erind90 featuring strand necklaces

High-waist Denim Skirt
I love the girl-next-door vibe of a denim mini skirt but, as I've mentioned, my body does not like a low skirt. Instead, I'd love to track down a flippy little high-waisted a-line denim mini. Much better.

Untitled by erind90 featuring denim skirts

Chambray Shirt
This one is more a classic. I had a great one by Tommy Hilfiger last summer, but due to an unfortunate bleach incident, it had to retire. So I'm on the hunt for a new one this year.

Chambray Shirt by erind90 featuring marc by marc jacobs jewelry

Tea Skirts

I've been eyeing this new hem length on the runways, from Fendi, Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, and deciding whether it looks fresh or matronly.

I've finally decided that it's a refreshing change from the barely-there mini skirts that we've been seeing in the past. I love my legs, they're my favorite part, but it wouldn't kill me to put them away for a season or two (or at least once in a while).

Here's one of my favorite outfits from Fendi. It's still young and edgy looking even with the hem length and conservative style, which can veer into dowdy or 1950's period costume.

Photo Credit

Here's my interpretation of the look, with everything under $200 (of course).

Although, you probably own most of the items in your closet already. I know that I'm just missing the Longchamp bag and a tea-length skirt. As for the very loose interpretation of the purse, I detest logo splattered pieces of clothing. 

Of course, it's personal taste, but I feel that it's too flashy and "new money".

Because remember, "new money screams, but old money whispers". 

Luxury isn't about labels, but about fit, fabric and style. A little logo here or there isn't bad, like the little one stamped into the leather by Longchamp, but I don't want your logo emblazoned across my chest. If you're going to do that, you might as well pay me to be your walking billboard.

Fendi by erind90 featuring panel skirts

Dirty Water

It's been really great, getting a chance to be home in Boston for a few weeks.

Let me re-phrase that. Two weeks seemed like an ideal time when I started out. Now I'm realizing a week would've been better.

Boston, I love you, but I feel like I have to much energy for your history and tradition.

Went to Phoenix Landing last night for techno-night. An Irish pub that turns into a techno-club after-hours. Only in Boston.

A bar who has a last call time of 1 am? Also only in Boston. Shame on you, last call in NYC is at 4 am.

Probably heading out to Rise to celebrate (a club recommended by my friend who is fresh back from living in Brazil)

So what am I wearing? 

I'm not much of a sparkle girl so I'm keeping things festive with some serious bed-head and burgundy lipstick. Maybe I'll get real crazy and put some sequins on my nails. :)

New Stuff

*Warning. Massive photo-dump of me mooning at the camera*

We're taking a peek inside my closet today, and meeting and greeting the new arrivals.

I don't know if this is true for anyone else, but I find that when I shop for other people, I take on a "one for them, one for me, one for them, two for me..." mentality.

We'll call it holiday collateral damage.

Cape from Modcloth.
Awesome. It's like wearing a blanket.

Gap city flats. Again, the cushiness is beyond compare. We'll have to see how they hold up to the abuse, and I recommend sizing up because of the elastic, but so far A+.

La Mer watch. My old watch finally kicked the bucket after three years or so of faithful service. I think this guy is a pretty sexy replacement.

Vintage faux-fur jacket. I feel like a movie star.
And what are we learning from these pictures kids? Anything looks good with jeans, ballet flats and a tee. ANYTHING.

J. Crew patent-leather belt, they have an awesome 30% off of sale going on right now. At $15 who can refuse?
And these guys aren't so much new arrivals, but my Tahari dress pants picked up at a sample sale a while ago. So glad these came into my life.

Check out the sexy pants!

Love of my life. I was walking down fifth avenue and saw this on a mannequin in the window at Zara. For the price, the craftsmanship is exquisite. I literally took it off the mannequin in the window (it was the last one in my size). I can see this dress quickly becoming a reliable go-to.

Thanksgiving: Dinner

Comfort and class are the two qualities that I'm looking for in a Thanksgiving dinner outfit.

Our thanksgiving dinner tends to be a bit fancier than most, probably just because of the situation.
We don't have any family on the East coast so my family has dinner with several other "stranded" families at our South African friends' house. She is an absolutely fabulous cook with a to-die-for British accent, but she always puts on extravagant affairs and can't seem to entertain less than thirty people at a time.

So I was thinking of something slinky and a tad retro for this year. I refuse to wear anything with a waist (to hide that inevitable food baby from too many slices of chocolate pecan pie) and a cozy cardigan will be perfect for cuddling up on the couch in a post-dinner stupor.

dinner by erind90 featuring fishnet tights

Thanksgiving: Football Game

The annual Thanksgiving day football game in my town is a tradition.

It's always our town versus the neighboring rival town, and everyone shows up to cheer the guys on.
While I'm not much of a sports fan, I do appreciate the social aspect.

So what's necessary? Something cute and warm (and muck and snow resistant).

Football by erind90 featuring black knee high boots

Of course, my sisters tease me mercilessly for "dressing so fancy". True, but at this point I feel that if I didn't, people in my town would think something was wrong with me.

And there's nothing wrong dressing up for a football game. I'm warm and cozy, and it's not as if they're going to ask me to run out on the field and play quarterback anytime soon.

Although, that's not saying it wouldn't be an improvement to the sport.

Thanksgiving: Traveling

I did this post last year, but it's that time again.
Thanksgiving.
I don't know about anyone else, but I see my family and my hometown maybe three times a year.
And, well, you know how it is seeing old High School classmates, the exes, the frenemies, the family...

So trust me. I will not be wandering around in my sweats all Thanksgiving.

One problem is travel.
Unfortunately I take the Fung Wah bus back home.
It's quick and dirty, making a four hour trip to Boston for $15 (cash only) and gets the job done. Unfortunately no one speaks English, if the GPS fails the trip takes seven hours, sometimes they forget to shut the bus door and board your luggage, we've left people at a random gas station along the pike at 2 am because the bus driver needed "Cheetos" (I think) and forgot to count everyone as they got off the bus so he got frustrated and left, and oh yeah, sometimes they just go up in a fiery ball at the side of the highway.

But besides that I highly recommend the company. Like I said, they're fast.

So what is necessary for this kind of travel? One word: Comfort.
And if I had to pick another, I'd probably say: Mace (just kidding... sort of)

Necessities

Nalgene (in case of being stranded)
Food (ditto)
Magazine
Ipod (to drown out sounds of bus breaking down and crossing seven lanes of traffic without putting on a blinker)
Luggage (because if it isn't with me, it's on the side of Grand Street, Chinatown as we drive away)
Pashmina Scarf ($15 doesn't include heating or air-conditioning)
Socks (yeah, it doesn't include cleaning the bus either)

Flares and mace (in case of emergencies...)

My general plan for a traveling outfit is to be comfortable and presentable. So instead of pulling out the sweats try leggings and jersey t-shirt dress.

I also wear my boots because it saves some space in my luggage. A general tip is try to wear anything bulky onto a plane or bus instead of packing it, such as a winter coat or boots.
And personally I find that a hat and sunglasses are necessary for going incognito, because who has time to do their hair and makeup before catching a 6 am bus?

travel by erind90 featuring ray ban sunglasses

As for the sword, well, apparently they don't allow mace onto the Fung Wah buses anymore.