Golden Weekend

I know Halloween (and most of October) is all about the orange and black, but I think a rich yellow is a much kinder shade to wear. Plus, it provides a pop of color without stepping into springtime territory. It's not that I have anything against orange...but it makes my skin look green.

What are you doing for Halloween? My boyfriend refused to tell me his costume because he was afraid I'd steal it. I persuaded him to tell me and then, true to form, poached his idea. Thus, we'll both be going as "Occupy the Bar Protesters." We'll be part of the 99% drunk. In my defense, I just graduated from college and I'm still in the transition phase. Apparently. :) Are you dressing up?


[photo cred to Martha Stewart and Patterson Maker]

Walk Like a Lady

I'm in a committed relationship with my wool camel trench, but aren't these princess coats so unbelievably feminine? The muted, darker colors of the Alaïa number (on the left) and the Topshop style (on the right) keep the silhouette from looking too precious. Plus, the cinched waist is flattering and makes even a sweater-and-denim combo seem pulled together. What do you think?

Venus in Fur

In a cruel twist, one of my best friends has achieved my dream: a chandelier in the bathroom. This is in addition to high ceilings, a bay window and a kitchen with legitimate counter space (as opposed to a cart wedged up against the sink). How? She lives in a wonderful old building in Lincoln Park, Chicago. If her apartment were available in NYC, I'd have to sell my foot on the black market to afford it.

Just because trappings (har har) of luxury aren't built into my apartment here doesn't mean I can't fake them with warm, cozy textures like fur and fleece. Like so:

You never know just how tempting it is to turn that fur vest into a pillowcase until you catch a picture like the above. Not so crafty (or really attached to your fur vest)? Here are two terribly tempting options:

I love the Target pillow on the left for its a) price, and b) neutral color, but the Anthropologie throw on the right has just taken me to dinner and a movie before leaving me on the doorstep with just a peck on the cheek. I need you, flouncy fleece throw. I think we would be great together with a cup of tea and a chilly, drizzly morning. And let's be honest: it's not as though my IRA is going to keep me warm at night.

[photo cred here]

Naturally Light

Natural light was never a priority when I was apartment-hunting in NYC. Safe area? Check. Not my grandparents' attic in Queens? Check. Across the street from a bagel shop? Check. I also demanded laundry en suite, exposed brick and a fire escape where I could grow my now-nonexistent basil, but received none of that. Such is New York, having a budget in New York, and—most significantly—having no idea what really matters.

Now, my bedroom window looks into an enclosed alley ("courtyard" is too generous) full of cigarette butts and burnt-out joints. Pigeons make love on my windowsill. The view from my window? A shot of my AC unit, which is covered in a gruesome mix of feathers (apparently, the aforementioned pigeons are adventurous) and bird poo. It is neither pleasant nor charming. And, because I'm in a first-floor apartment, there is minimal natural light. Occasionally, I get slats of unenthused grey shadows, but sunshine? Never.

What are your priorities for a house or apartment and/or what was your first grown-up apartment like? Ever experience fecund poultry? No? Are you counting your blessings right now? (Yes, yes you are).

[photo cred here and here]

The Weekend

Hope your weekend looks something like this!

[photo cred here]

Mark the Mini

The thing about pencil skirts is that they're difficult to (speed)walk in. When I'm hustling to work, the last thing I need is a restrictive silhouette to slow me down. Minis can be just appropriate for the office if you play them right (but still allow for a fast, I'm-not-afraid-to-trample-your-Dachshund pace). In a classic grey tweed and (at this length) paired with black tights, they're perfect with a silky blouse or collared shirt. I'm obsessed with this little DSquared2 number on the right. When I say obsessed, I mean that I hope Santa or the Easter Bunny or my fairy godmother is reading this right now. Wink. Wink wink wink.

What do you think? Does it depend on the office environment? Admittedly, mine is the kind of place where you can wear snakeskin pants or a silk jumpsuit. (Both worn by my bosses). (Who are awesome). (Whose ensembles clearly put my jeans-and-tee uniform to shame). (Would you prefer that they write this blog?). (Please don't answer that).


[photo cred here]

Fashion Math

Statement necklace + chic jacket = the perfect fall ensemble for the office.

[photo cred here and here]

October Mornings

Fall is so lovely. My roommate and I wandered up Lexington Ave to Edit New York, where I bought a Joie sweater (after feeling just how soft it was)! The weather has been so perfect--cool and crisp and sunny. What were you up to this weekend?

[photo cred to 1, 2 and 3]

I Want to Go Shopping

The other day, I got lost in Bergdorf Goodman on my way to an event. This isn't to say that I took a quick look while en route. I actually had an event at the BG Bergdorf Goodman restaurant and had to wander from floor to floor in order to find it.

While my wallet (and heart) were sobbing, I realized that I hadn't gone shopping in such a long time. I stumble across adorable flats as I traipse around the blogosphere and roam Club Monaco for office-appropriate pencil skirts, but it's been ages since I've brushed my hand over a pair of suede booties or gotten lost in a rack of cashmere. I shop online so much that I've lost the tactile pleasures of being in a store.

Beautiful Bergdorf's is a prime example of the luxury that accompanies shopping in a store. I love RueLaLa and Gilt Groupe as much as the next girl on a budget, but you lose part of the experience. You can't touch the fabrics or stare at a dress for ten whole minutes (or else it'll be out of your shopping cart and in someone else's). So this weekend, I'm going to walk down to Bergdorf's and look and touch and try on some jeans and probably buy one thing. It'll be on sale, but that's alright. It still counts.

[photo cred here]