Outfitted

It's been blisteringly hot over the last few days - the perfect opportunity to wear an almost-Hawaiian print shirt.

View detailed shots at Bedknobs & Baubles. 

Sartorial Summary
Top: c/o Oasap // Shorts: J.Crew Factory Store // Bracelet: c/o Oasap // Sunglasses: Ralph Lauren

{ outfitted }

Last year, Dave and I spent our first vacation together in Fort Lauderale and we've planned a return trip for March. There's five weeks and 6 days until our plane departs, but I've already been planning outfits. (You can see my jewelry lineup here.)

Outfit Notes: Tunic - Anupamaa; Clutch - Diane von Furstenberg; Earrings - c/o Wendy Mink Jewelry

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It's no secret that accessories are my favorite part of an outfit, but I hadn't been wearing these favorites as often as I should. There's no better time than the present for mint pumps and a leopard belt.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Skirt - Ann Taylor LOFT (similar); Belt - Banana Republic Factory (similar); Bracelet - Gorjana; Shoes - Kate Spade

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I've been awfully picky with my purchases lately, only choosing quality items that I'm head-over-heels for and passing on the inexpensive quick fix. Take these leopard print flats, for example. Sure, they were a bit of a splurge at $225, but I've worn the pair nearly every day since I purchased them. I want my closet to be filled with pieces like this; well-made staples that look appropriate at the office and can be toned down on the weekend with an oversize sweater.

Outfit Notes: Sweater- J.Crew; Necklace - J.Crew; Jeans- Levi's; Bag - Rebecca Minkoff; Shoes - Kate Spade

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During my commute on Tuesday afternoon, Dave called with a reminder to check the mail. Nestled in the mailbox wasn't a bill or stack of magazines, it was a single note proclaiming that it was the first clue to a scavenger hunt throughout our apartment. Clue after clue led me to an unexpected surprise: the Diane von Furstenberg bracelet I featured last month. Best boyfriend ever.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Shoes - Kate Spade; Pants - Express; Bracelet - Diane von Furstenberg; Necklace - JewelMint

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When Plum for Polly asked me to style a Jeffrey Campbell oxfords, I was a little intimidated. Oxfords have never fallen in my sartorial comfort zone. (If footwear doesn't have a high heel, low vamp or delicate strap, it doesn't make its way into my closet.) I also quickly learned I'm not a girl who can juxtapose oxfords with a feminine sundress. (Trust me, I tried.) Instead I opted for a pair of military-inspired shorts and a slouchy sweater - topped with a bit of sparkle. Give it another month and I'm sure this will be my go-to outfit on balmy September days.

I adore the perforated details on the shoes!

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Shorts - H&M; Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell c/o Plum for Polly; Bag - Rebecca Minkoff; Cuff - Melinda Maria; Earrings - My Mother's Jewelry Box

{ outfitted } Laced Up

Months ago, I started following Kendall K.'s blog, which chronicles the realization of her dream: to launch a clothing line. I've followed along as she secured a trademark, designed a logo, found a manufacturer and now - the most exciting part - revealed the finished garments, including the coat I'm wearing above. As if being an inspiration isn't enough, Kendall is also one of the sweetest girls I've known. I couldn't be prouder of her.

I don't think I've ever featured lace on this blog before - let alone worn it. It's too easy for lace to appear overly feminine and romantic and that's simply not my sartorial preference. That said, I can't get over how much I love the fabric on this coat: lavender satin with a lace overlay. Lending rich texture to the coat, from a distance the lace transforms into an interesting graphic print.

But don't worry, Kendall won't deprive you of your ladylike poise and polish. She has included a detachable chiffon flower for the days you need a little romance - or at least the promise of spring buds. (Yes, those are the coveted Kate Spade shoes. I. Love. Them.)

For those interested, I'm happy to report that the coat runs true to size. I'm a size 6 on top (or an 8 if I've been hitting the Cadbury Creme Eggs a wee bit too hard) and this is perfect with room for something heavier underneath. (You'll need this information for next week's giveaway. Hint. Hint.) For more lust-worthy items, head over to Kendall's site and check out her collection.

Outfit Notes: Jacket - c/o Kendall K.; Dress - J.Crew; Earrings - Kate Spade, Bracelet - belonged to my grandmother; Shoes - Kate Spade

{ outfitted } Ahoy!

Yesterday morning was covered in an unexpected blanket of wet, heavy snow - and the city's snowplow drivers were caught unprepared. It didn't bode well for my dinky Honda Civic (I got stuck at an intersection) or my punctuality to an event that I was hosting on behalf of the magazine. After a few answered prays - and a fair amount of four-letter words - I arrived [un]fashionably late for event preparations. It's safe to say that March rolled in like a lion; let's hope it's gentler on the way out.

I'm crushing hard on this necklace from Kate at Third Culture Jewelry. If you love her work as much as I do, you'll be tickled pink by an upcoming giveaway. Hint. Hint.

And speaking of pink, this photo reminds me of the Barbie logo. You know the one; the profile with the perky ponytail. You totally see the resemblance don't you?

Outfit Notes: Jacket - Banana Republic; Shirt - Forever21; Skirt - Banana Republic; Bracelet - Forever21; Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs; Necklace - c/o Third Culture Jewelry

{ outfitted } Easy Elegance

As much as I'm looking forward to springtime brights, I'm still enjoying the neutral zone with camel-colored pants and an oversize gray sweater. I added a bit of metallic shimmer and sparkle in the accessories to keep it from feeling too humdrum; after all, yawn-worthy accessories are the last thing anyone needs on a Monday morning! How are you beating the Monday blues?

It was far too chilly to attempt an outdoor photo, even if the lighting is better.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Earrings - J.Crew; Bag - Banana Republic; Pants - Banana Republic; Shoes - Guess; Scarf - Target; Bracelet - Ann Taylor Loft

{ outfitted } Ski Lodge Chic

Old Man Winter and I are looking into a divorce. We were getting along fine for the first 26 years of our relationship, but I've reached the end of my rope this year. Slipping on the ice, cars getting stuck in snow, salt stains on my pants ... well, I'm tired of it. And just when I'm about ready to book a flight to a warm locale, I reconsider my wardrobe. I don't think I could ever retire knits and wool in favor of a bikini (but feel free to twist my arm).

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew*; Earrings - J.Crew; Bag - Foley & Corinna via a giveaway on MyFDB; Skirt - Max Studios; Tights - Simply Vera by Vera Wang; Bracelet - Melinda Maria**; Shoes - Jeffery Campbell

*If you're considering this sweater, go down a size. I'm wearing an XS and I'm a size 6.
**Carrie at This Free Bird is currently featuring a Melinda Maria coupon code for 30% off. Head to her blog for the details. (And follow her blog because she's all kinds of fabulous.)

{ outfitted } Little Leo

Open-toe shoes and white after Labor Day?! It seems I'm balking at Mother Nature's insistence that it's autumn. She executed her revenge remarkably well yesterday. I had a Marilyn Monroe moment when the high winds whipped my skirt up outside of Walgreens. Well played, Mother Nature, well played. Pants it is.

Outfit Notes: Jacket - Banana Republic; Shirt - H&M; Jeans - Joe's Jeans; Shoes - Guess; Clutch - Hayden-Harnett for Target; Necklace - vintage Trifari pendant; Earrings - courtesy of Wendy Mink Jewelry

Can't Change Its Spots

It took a couple of months, but I finally tracked down a wallet-friendly leopard-print scarf. Feline spots and a khaki jacket left Nate with plenty of ammo to tease me for the safari-ready getup, but he didn't take the wind out of my sartorial sails. After all, what could be more chic than globetrotting safari gear?

Outfit Notes: Jacket - J.Crew; Scarf - Target; Bracelet - Banana Republic; Bag - CC Skye

G.I. Jane

An unexpected - albeit welcome - side effect of this blog has been pinpointing personal style trends. In fact, it wasn't until after snapping photos did I realize that today's outfit is essentially the dressier version of the one I posted last Tuesday. It seems that this year's go-to outfit includes army green, topped by black, and adorned with a statement necklace. What's your uniform of choice this fall?

Outfit Notes: Sweater - Gap; Necklaces - J.Crew, Wendy Mink; Skirt - Target (on sale for only $8 in the store); Purse - Banana Republic; Ring - Forever21; Shoes - Nine West