I Love a Good Knock-off

By far my favorite Spring 2015 runway show was Valentino's delicate, beautiful, and etheral take on hippie chic. There was leather, embroidery, lace, and dreamy chiffon gowns. But what struck me the most was a series of baroque-meets-boho prints. In bright colors and mixed patterns, they are the ultimate outfit makers. Unfortunately, one of his creations will cost you over $7,000.

Enter this fabulous knock-off from H&M. The colors are gorgeous and the silhouette will work for just about anyone. But the best part is the price- only a fraction of the real deal at $69.90.

Act fast- I smell a sell-out!

 

xo

H&M printed maxi dress- $69.90

And the countdown begins ..

Something struck me as I was walking past the Macy's at Herald Square today .. CHRISTMAS IS NEXT MONTH! The signs are kind of hard to miss .. the weather's cooling down, stores are starting to play holiday music (!) and I've heard Santa is starting to show his face at some of the local malls. Maybe a little early, but exciting nonetheless. People might think I'm crazy, but I love to Christmas shop year-round. My theory is, the longer you wait, the more you panic and start shelling out cash like there's no tomorrow. And I also prefer to truly enjoy the weeks leading up to the holidays. While people are out scrambling for gifts at an already crowded mall, I'm usually happily (and elaborately!) wrapping thoughtful presents. I think my friends and family deserve fabulous things, and with a little effort and planning, I give them just that!

This is the first of a few gift guides for the holiday season. First up, my picks for Mom.

If your mom doesn't already have a pair of cashmere gloves, get her a pair!  In bright fuchsia, these will make her smile on even the most bitter winter day.

LOVE this take on a Mongolian fur gilet. It's more glamorous than a down puffer vest and just as warm.

This tote with clean lines and texture mixing is a weekend must for mom. And at this great price, you could even use it for a gift bag.

For all the trips to come, a chic passport cover is a must.

This linen robe will make every day feel like a spa day.

xo

Currently Coveting ..

Today I just wanted to share with you a few finds I've been coveting for the last couple of weeks. As these are all pretty basic items that I can get a lot of mileage out of during an East coast fall/winter, I can rationalize paying full price for some of them. Right? First up, this fabulous wool-blend leopard print coat from & Other Stories. Haven't heard of them yet? That's because they just hit the states! Another brainchild of the geniuses at H&M, & Other Stories channels H&M's more sophisticated, approaching-investment-clothing-level shopper. You're not going to find any $9.95 sweaters here, but most items are under $100 high-quality, high-fashion shapes and fabrications.

Their shoes are also to-die-for. Classic shapes with a twist, I'm all for their ankle boots in embossed leather. Don't forget to check out their accessories and jewelry, too!

As you may know, I've been on the hunt for the perfect wool fedora/panama hat hybrid since August. I thought I'd be able to find a better deal than the hats over at the Madewell x Biltmore collaboration, but I really haven't! The lower price points look inexpensive and as something you could potentially wear every day, a hat should be somewhat of an investment. This navy hat is big but not too big and the navy color is just perfect. I'll take a size small, please!

Speaking of navy, this sea-hued vegan messenger bag from Zara could by the winner in my fall bag search! Croc-embossed with zipper detailing and just enough room for a MetroCard, IPhone and my favorite Nars lipsticks, this bag would add just enough polish to my cold weather looks.

And finally, I've been wanting to jump on the overalls train for the last few months, but haven't found the perfect pair (especially hard since I don't want to pay $250!). H&M has once again pulled through with a wallet-friendly but still fashion-forward pair in black skinny denim. I have about 6 pairs of black denim/coated black denim, so this would definitely be the perfect addition to my collection. I would throw a comfy sweater under this pair and wear everything else in this post for a seriously killer fall look.

xo

Fall Wardrobe Essentials; Day 10

Whew! It only took over a month, but we're finally at the last day of our fall wardrobe essentials! Today is all about the anchor of all of the looks we've been talking about, and probably the biggest denim trend over the last year, relaxed denim.

From mom jeans to boyfriend jeans to high waists and dropped crotches, "relaxed jeans" run the gamut. If you're new to this trend, I suggest keeping the wash clean and on the dark side and adding a heel to balance out the extra volume. For those of you who've been on this trend for the last few years, have fun with destruction, exaggerated proportions and color.

xo

End of Season Steals

There's nothing I love more than unpacking stored clothes from last season and exclaiming "OMG I forgot I bought that!!" And that is just why I love "end of season steals." You may only get to wear them once or twice, but come next year, you're so happy (and surprised) to see them again. 

This silk maxi dress from Chaser screams end of summer; an easy silhouette, a vintage-inspired ethnic print, and soft colors. I think you could even get away with it into October with a bootie, cardi, and wool hat. 

For the next few weeks, it's a perfect match with simple, flat leather sandals and a chic pair of sunnies. 

links: leather flats, sunnies

A transitional bootie, chunky cardigan, and wool hat take this dress well into fall. 

links: booties, cardigan, hat 

Sale Alert

From now until tomorrow night, H&M is offering an additional 30% off of their sale items. While the Swedish brand is known more for fast fashion than top quality, online and in select stores they sell their Trend line; high quality apparel and accessories inspired directly by the runways. And on sale with an extra 30% off, the prices are just as cheap as their other lines.

See my now & later picks below.

**also, don't forget to check out their premium quality products

straw bag, lace kaftan, cotton kaftan, lace trousers

sheepskin coat, silk blouse, beaded purse, leather pumps