march budget

Popping in with a very quick post about March purchases -- there weren't many, it was a quiet shopping month that absolutely flew by!

As is often the case, my purchases have a nice cohesive color palette and will surely make friends with all of the other black and white and stripey pieces in my closet.

clockwise from l to r:

Club Monaco Tweed Blazer ($153) -- just a perfect little French-y blazer that looks great with jeans.

Uniqlo x Lemaire Striped Sweater ($40) -- I was happy to get my hands on one piece from this fun collab

Old Navy Striped Dress ($15) -- a great summer basic

Uniqlo x IDLF Sweatshirt ($29) -- this one is a disappointment, and probably going back. It runs super small (just as reviewers said) and the torso is quite short. Too bad, such promise!

Total -- $208 (not including the Uniqlo sweatshirt)
Monthly budget -- $200

Scoring the tweed blazer on a good sale felt like a win, so I don't mind spending most of my budget on one great piece. The cost per wear will be so tiny, I can feel it.

Lots of things on my radar for April. I feel like I fall in love with something new almost daily, and I have fairly expensive tastes right now. Here are the things I can't seem to get off of my mind lately:

yes, I need another blazer // I'm always on the lookout for cute shoes with a reasonable heel // another striped t-shirt // this one is a little crazy, but isn't it fabulous? I have a high school reunion coming up and there is a part of me that wants to show up in this...

Linking up with Fran and the budget bloggers -- did you buy anything good this month?

anywhere and everywhere

Things that I love: cute graphic tees. Shoes with a very Gucci vibe. Pattern mixing. Hence, this outfit. Does it work? I don't know. Do I love it? Yup.

It started with the tee, a very cute little number. I was trying to justify it's purchase and thinking about how I would wear it other than with the usual jeans and leggings. And then I realized, I can wear it anywhere. The shirt says so.

In my office I can definitely get away with more casual pieces, especially when they're paired with more traditional suit separates. When in doubt, just throw a cute jacket over it! This tee is a little pricey, but at least now I've brought the cost per wear down just a tad more...

a white blazer is really a spring wardrobe staple -- throw it over almost any outfit to feel a little more pulled together // a casual tee with a nice slim cut // this is a lot of look, so a little pair of earrings is more than enough // a ladylike satchel is a closet workhorse // sexy shoes that you can work and dance in // the bold print of this pencil skirt is a welcome sign of spring

Rodarte x And Other Stories

Crushed under a mountain of work, somehow I missed the launch of a very fabulous Rodarte capsule collection with & Other Stories (H&M's baby sister). The collection is cool and glam with a 70s Biba-vibe. The limited color palette (black and white, metallics, and pops of pink and red) makes everything feel really cohesive and super easy to work into your closet.

There were some quick sell-outs, but there are still a few gems available. Happy shopping!

This sequin wrap dress is over-the-top in a wonderful way.

Such a perfect little ring, maybe it will come back in stock (please?)... 

Just the shoes to fulfill my inner-Dorothy fantasies. So sexy.

Blush pink usually gives a fresh, innocent vibe but when I look at this super pretty wrap number I think "this dress has seen some things..."

pretty little layer

You know how you see something and you just immediately think, "that's SO me!!". Yeah, that's this jacket. Black and white, ultra feminine, polished, pretty. I have so. many. white blazers, but I don't care. This one has a ribbon and I love it.

My natural inclination is to throw this on over jeans when I want a little lazy glamour on the weekends, but it's also begging to be amped up a bit for a super sharp professional look. This is the jacket I'd reach for on the morning of the big presentation, the keynote speech, the dream job interview. This is a four-season piece (just one of the ways I am justifying this purchase), but here's how I'd style it for spring:

a classic blazer you'll have literally forever // a simple, silky black camisole won't distract from the main attraction // these cropped trousers have a slight flare but are still slim enough to create a flattering leg silhouette // for spring, blush pink is a perfect pairing with black and white, and this satchel is sharp and practical // cropped pants are a great way to show off cute shoes, like these very minimal blush colored heels // one bold accessory, like this statement ring, adds just enough sparkle

this is not a drill

Last year the shoe of the summer was an adorable little black and white cap-toed espadrille, either the Chanel original or one of many very good inspired-by versions (you remember, like these and these). This year there are plenty of espadrilles to go around, and they're even more fun. Different shapes, different colors, different prints -- your whole summer shoe wardrobe is set. Here are some of my favorites:

top row: last year Target did one of the best versions of the Chanel espadrille, and their dv Tia Espadrille has very cute slipper-like quality // Boden's Betty Espadrille packs a lot of punch for a casual shoe

second row:  a peep-toe and a bright color and a little wedge -- this sweet little shoe has it all // last year's model updated with a subtle silver shimmer and a teeny platform

third row: pink python print offers lots of fun pattern-mixing options // nothing says summer like a rainbow stripe of popsicle hues

fourth row: black and white stripes work with everything // the perforations on this Loeffler Randall pair give a beachy wicker vibe.

modern mary

I wanted to write a post about Mary Tyler Moore being one of my first style icons, but I feel like that ages me more than I'd like to admit. Sigh. Does anyone even remember Mary?

I discovered The Mary Tyler Moore Show years ago when Nick at Nite was the channel of choice for chronic night owls and they played some seriously old-school shows (and I don't mean reruns of Friends). In a nutshell, Mary Richards -- played by the extraordinary Mary Tyler Moore -- had a great job and a funky little apartment and wonderful best friend and a messy personal life and it all seemed pretty great to me. It was one of the first times I was really excited about the prospect of adulting -- she had a life that I totally wanted.

Mary also had pretty killer style. Mini skirts, scarves, and platforms shoes were staples, and when I saw this tweed mini I found myself building a very Mary-esque look. I call this Modern Mary because of a few easy updates: a cheery spring color palette (no sepia-toned 70's hues here) and some next-level pattern mixing. A look perfectly suited for my current life (great job, sweet apartment, disastrous personal life)...

my favorite striped shirt, a real wardrobe staple // a vibrant scarf that is an easy transition to spring // this bright, tiny bag won't hold much but sometimes it's good to pare down to the essentials // this tweed mini is timeless and will work nearly year-round // if they're as comfortable as they look, I feel like I'd wear these python platforms all the time


Tweed minis seem to be the thing for spring, here are a few other good options:

Kate Spade Mohair Mini // TopShop Check Mini // Loft Button Tab Tweed Skirt (on sale!)

coffee (table) talk

When I fantasize about hitting the jackpot in Vegas or scoring a lottery windfall, it's the possibility of little luxuries that excite me most: Chipotle for lunch every day (oh, I know guacamole is extra), weekly blowouts, and best of all, the ability to buy all of the books that my little heart desires.

I mean, I'm sure I'd buy a fancy house and expensive shoes and all of that stuff, but...I really love books (#sorrynotsorry Marie Kondo).

Right now I'm dreaming about coffee table books, because there are so many good ones coming out soon! Unfortunately my coffee table is always bigger than my book budget, but here's what's on my wish list...

Isaac Mizrahi

This gorgeous book is being released in conjunction with the Isaac Mizrahi: An Unruly Life exhibit opening at The Jewish Museum next week. I can't say how exactly, but my job has involved working on this exhibit in a small way and it looks AMAZING. I've always loved Isaac's style and have a soft spot for him as he really blazed the trail for the modern high/low designer collaboration (RIP, Isaac Mizrahi for Target).

Things Neatly Organized

A fun read for those type-A obsessives who love keeping things tidy and organizing by color. The cover is sort of mesmerizing, isn't it?

Beaches

The colorful, wanderlust-inspiring photographs of Gray Malin collected in one lovely place. I'd never thought about changing my coffee table books seasonally, but this would be a great one for the top of the pile once May rolls around (or for my beach house, definitely #4 on my list of things to spend my lottery winnings on).

Hamilton: The Revolution

I have known about Hamilton: The Musical for years, and I knew it would be great but never could have predicted this level of hysteria (why, why, why didn't I buy tickets months ago??). Until I finally get to see the show, this behind-the-scenes look will have to hold me over.

Botticelli Reimagined

I'm not necessarily a huge Botticelli fan, but l love the idea of looking at the way one great artist has influenced some of my favorite contemporary artists, musicians, and designers.

Painting Central Park

I spotted this sweet looking book in the gift shop last time I was at The Met. Central Park has always been a bit of a mystery to me (I always, always, always get lost), but I'd like to know it better. Maybe there's a pretty little map in here somewhere...

Love Style Life

This has been out for a few months, but I'm dying to read it and dying to display it. Blush, black, and gold - is there a more perfect color palette?

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We made it through another week (some of us -- me -- just barely). On this Friday, I am feeling some cool, fresh colors and a skirt that might raise a few eyebrows around the office but will definitely take you to happy hour, dinner, and beyond.

This won't be a frivolous spending month for me, but it is were, I'd pick this skirt up in a heartbeat. Does anyone need a silver metallic pencil skirt? Probably not, but it's pretty cool and it's the kind of thing you'd have in your closet for-ever (like, in 20 years your teenage daughter will be begging to borrow it).

lavender is the perfect cool shade to tie this look together, and I think these sweet tassel earrings are fun but not too over the top for the workday // I love a classic white button down to balance a much fancier skirt // that silver leather pencil skirt you never knew you needed in your life // a soft, slightly purplish lip gloss is flattering on a lot of skin tones // a creamy leather tote is on my wishlist for spring // crazy floral pumps are so much more versatile than they seem (pops of yellow work in almost every look)

field trip: key west, fl

On the work front, this year has proven to be one of the most hectic and exhausting of my career (and it's just March). A few weeks ago I had friends in town, and after their time in Orlando they headed down to Key West for some true R&R...and on a whim, I tagged along. It wasn't a vacation exactly (since I work remotely anyway it was easy enough to just take my laptop and cell phone to stay connected), but it was a nice change of scenery.

I'd never been to Key West before, but I knew I would love it -- a sleepy beach town with a vibrant history and aesthetic. The spot where Jimmy Buffett and Ernest Hemingway intersect. Cool, but not too cool. It was just what I needed.

A few highlights and tips from my trip:

to pack

Most trips I take involve lots of advance shopping/wardrobe planning and elaborate packing lists (that I save for years, because I am a weirdo), but this was really a "drag out a suitcase and throw things in like a madwoman" situation. Surprisingly, it worked. Here's what I took for a quick and casual tropical vacation:

Basics: a pair of jeans // my favorite pair of print shorts // a white button down // one or two good tee shirts // cute sneakers

Good stuff: an easy maxi dress // a not-boring bathing suit (a departure from my usual black tank suit) // a comfy t-shirt dress that doubles as a coverup at the pool // a lightweight sweater for cool mornings and evenings // a romper, the easiest warm weather outfit (I wore my trusty black one, but I wish I had picked up this chic white one or this super-cheery printed option) // cool shades // very walkable sandals // a tote that works for day and night

Travel essentials: a suitcase that holds a ton (and looks so chic as you're schlepping through the hotel lobby or airport) // a cheery bag to hold all of your beauty essentials // the cutest portable electric toothbrush // a great read for lounging poolside (loved this one -- lots of laughs and some really great advice)

to stay

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My friends had the good sense to book a room at the Gates Hotel, a modern and stylish hotel that offers a lovely spot for a peaceful retreat while still being pretty close to the action. I absolutely loved it here. In another city this hotel might be a bit of a scene, but there's really no room for pretension in Key West so I didn't have to worry about trying to compete with the cool kids. I enjoyed several leisurely afternoons lounging by the pool with a tasty cocktail or two (love a good cabana...and a good cabana boy). There's no restaurant, but the on-site food truck serves really tasty bites for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night snacks. PS -- this hotel is pet-friendly!


to do

My goal for the trip was to do as little as possible, but I did manage a few fun excursions:

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The Southernmost Point is the photo op in Key West. A great spot to gaze upon the clear blue waters (and daydream about a trip to Havana, high on my travel bucket list right now).

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Ernest Hemingway House and Museum is a great place to spend an hour or two exploring the legacy of one of Key West's most famous residents. I loved strolling around the gardens and hanging with the current residents, lots and lots of six-toed cats (many of whom are descendants of Hemingway's polydactyl cat Snow White).

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Sunsets are a big deal in Key West, and Mallory Square is a great place to watch them. You'll have a great view of the main event and enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere including street performers, tasty food, and lots of cocktails.

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I came away from this trip with a new favorite phrase: nuisance chicken. There are chickens everywhere in Key West! I kind of liked seeing them strut around (and I may or may not have done a bit of chicken dancing down Duvall Street after a few rum-based beverages), but not everyone is a fan.

to eat

This wasn't a particularly foodie-centric vacation (we bought some groceries on the way and did a lot of snacking in the room, by the pool, etc.), but I can recommend a few good spots:

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Cuban Coffee Queen is a fairly tiny food stand that serves up a lot of good Cuban comfort food, great coffee, and another good photo op.

Filed under "it's a small world" is Santiago's Bodega, a great little tapas spot where we grabbed lunch after our visit to Hemingway House. Several people recommended it, and the menu of lots of tasty sharing plates sounded perfect. When we arrived I noticed that this restaurant has a few outposts, including one in Orlando, and I realized it happens to be right across the street from my hair salon -- my hairdresser raves about it! Crazy that I had to drive to the end of the world to try it, but totally worth it.

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There are LOTS of great bars in Key West, and I don't think we ever encountered a bad one. The Rum Bar was small but charming, with all of the rum-based drinks you could want. The Bull and Whistle is one of the better looking dive bars I've been in (and for the adventurous, offers a clothing-optional Garden of Eden roofdeck). The Green Parrot is a Key West institution, patronized by locals and tourists alike. Key West is a good time kind of town, so don't be afraid to do a bit of exploring. You'll have a good time for sure.

saturday night superhero

Sometimes the best part of going out is getting dressed for it. You never know what a big night out is going to bring, so it doesn't hurt to work a bit of a superhero vibe to get yourself in the right mindset: ready for anything, not taking any shit.

every superhero needs a cape -- this sequin jacket cape is very sleek and fab, a great nighttime outerwear option (because wearing your daytime coat never feels right) // a black jumpsuit is the easiest when you literally need to suit up // an all-black canvas, including a simple clutch, makes your rad accessories pop // I love the idea of one of these chunky bracelets on each wrist, Wonder Woman-style // rainbow lace-up booties definitely say kickass

ETA: and now the jumpsuit is sold out. Super bummer. A few more to try: ads for this jumpsuit have made a permanent home on my Facebook feed (being retargeted like whoa), but I do like it. This cropped one would be even better for showing off those badass boots. And this one looks super comfy.

no regrets

I think a morning routine is important. Some people meditate. Many take time to write. Others go straight for a big cup of coffee and some breakfast. I open my laptop, surf over to jcrew.com and type the words "bow embellished" in the search bar. Super normal, right?

I try not to live with regrets, but every so often a sartorial conquest slips away and I can't quite move on. While I'm waiting for a sale or waffling about a purchase, my beloved sells out and I'm crushed. This happens pretty much every season, and so I've developed a habit of starting my day by checking various websites to see if new stock has popped up. Sometimes I also hit up eBay and Poshmark, because I am thorough. And obsessed. And I don't meditate.

Here's what I'm pining over right now:

I ordered this sweet little bow-embellished (hey, remember that term? From way back at the start of this post?) top after Christmas. Scored a sweeeet deal.  Sadly, I didn't open the box for about 3 weeks (was an insanely busy time) and when I did, I was so bummed to see that I'd accidentally received the wrong color and the shirt was almost completely sold out. Sadly it's the tiny sizes that seem to pop back into stock (and I know this top runs a little small), but I'm still hoping I'll catch one.

I didn't see this bag until after it had been marked way down (and of course, sold out), but I can't help but hope I get a little lucky. So great, right? It's very fancy and proper, but I think it has a bit of a wild side that wants to come out and play.

I've been looking for a pair of tortoiseshell shoes forever, and these were perfectly sweet and totally affordable. I put off placing an order until it was way too late. Dumb.

This one is long sold out, but I'm crossing my fingers for a resale option. I had passed it up last year because I told myself I had too many striped shirts, but that shoulder detail is really great. And what's sad is that sometimes when I'm trying to decide what to wear in the morning, this shirt pops into my head. Even though I don't own it!

Finally, an oldie but goodie -- I don't know where I was when this candy stripe Tippi was out, but I should have been in line at J. Crew buying the happiest sweater ever. Sigh.

Have you ever missed out on something and regretted it later? Do you keep chasing, or just...let it go?

a touch of spring

I don't always love Punxsutawney Phil's predictions, but it looks like that little dirt beaver was right this year -- Florida has had almost no winter to speak of, and much of the country has been seeing real signs of spring for the past week or so. It's almost March, and then there's nothing but sunshine, crisp air, and long days ahead.

There's a reason that everyone needs at least one good light spring jacket. This weather calls for loose, easy pieces you can layer and unlayer as needed. It seems like everyone has a version of a rugged field jacket lately (see here, here, and here). I wasn't initially sold on it, but it is starting to grow on me as a less fussy alternative to a trench coat. It's a perfect topper to a very easy Sunday afternoon outfit:

I like the color and the shape of this utility jacket, a closet staple that you'll wear for years // a big, fabulous pair of sunglasses to protect against too much sun or too little eye makeup // I'm always on the hunt for the perfect striped shirt, and this one comes pretty damn close // weekend pants should always be comfy // a good crossbody bag that is surprisingly affordable // these slides are perfect for showing off your new spring pedi

easy monday

Sometimes you need a few pieces in your closet that require no thought, no fussing. They're the opposite of problem children -- they're the obedient, sensible first-borns who can always be counted on. This smart gray turtleneck is one of those good eggs.

Malene Birger is one of my favorite designers. My fantasy closet is filled with Malene's chic separates, Self-Portrait dresses, a few pair of MiH jeans, and a great Chanel jacket or two (in case you were wondering). I'm hoping this sweater is still available after my February shopping fast ends because I will give it a very good home.

It's the perfect thing for throwing on a Monday when you just need things to be easy, like when you spent the weekend a bit drunk in love and are nursing a post-Valentine hangover. Or maybe you stayed up too late binge watching the final episodes of Mad Men, which are finally (finally!) on Netflix.

The star of this look is, of course, this simple By Malene Birger wool turtleneck. Ideal for both work and play, totally timeless. For the office, I'd go with some comfy, slim ankle pants to balance out the sweater's oversized silhouette. I'm dying for a pair of tortoiseshell shoes, which have the magical ability to go with everything yet not be totally boring. And then you have a blank canvas for showing off your favorite jewelry. Since I'm still feeling some holiday weekend warm fuzzies, I like this bold "Love" cuff with a cool agate bracelet. A proper lipstick feels like the perfect way to finish off a lady-like look -- I love this pinky-nude shade.

ETA: Ugh, it looks like this sweater just sold out. Hoping for a popback at Net-a-Porter, but it is available online here. I also found a few similar options here, here, and here...but honestly, none are scratching my itch. I may have to go out and anger-buy a $40 Gucci lipstick on March 1st to make myself feel better.

will you be mine?

I feel like Valentine's Day is supposed to be one of those love it or hate it type holidays, but I've always been pretty solidly meh about it. I mean, I love candy, look good in the color pink, and generally enjoy expressing love to all of the wonderful people in my life. So, yay! On the other hand, it can go super cheesy and I hate the idea that people feel some strange obligation to overspend on terrible floral arrangements and pretentious dinners to prove their love. So, boo.

Regardless of how I spend the day, I always like to put a little thought into dressing for it. Here are a few looks that will work whether your valentine is your super serious SO, your best friend (don't forget Galentine's Day!), or your cat:

I don't know why, but I really like the idea of a simple day date for Valentine's Day, especially when it falls on a Sunday (before a Monday holiday!). Maybe you'd start with a big breakfast at your local greasy spoon and just play tourist in your city -- check out a museum or concert, do some window shopping, grab a leisurely cup of coffee, finish with dinner and a movie. A cozy turtleneck and sleek wide-leg pants are perfect for all of the above, and V-Day is the perfect time to rock the pink/red color combo. This necklace is a sweet and funky touch. A neutral crossbody bag and easy chunky mules are the perfect finishing touch.

I also kind of dig the idea of a Valentine's Day date that's kind of rugged and outdoorsy -- horseback riding or hiking or hanging at the local zoo (you know the monkeys are good for putting on an R-rated show). When you might get a little dirty but still want to look glam, I love this red and white striped top finished in the back with sweet bows (going in and out of stock, so keep checking) with comfy ponte pants and practical boots. Red lips and a smart watch add a little sparkle.

Of course, you may need something a bit fancier. I just bought this flirty lace skirt and love the idea of pairing it with a relaxed button down shirt for a comfortable and elegant look. These gold necklaces are so sweet, and I'm kind of obsessed with heels with a crazy floral print. This sheer lip glaze adds a pretty pop of color. Grab your favorite black clutch and you're good to go.

And like the entire internet, I'm obsessed with Self-Portrait's frilly, feminine pieces so if I really had some place special to go I'd splurge on this amazing black and white minidress. My rule of thumb is when your dress is short and busy, you keep everything else simple: flats (these heart-embellished baby pink pair is kind of on the nose, but I love them), a sparkly clutch, and pink lip gloss.