Five Fancy Party Dresses

There are two nights out of the year I think you should just go for it and dress in an overtly sexy way. One is your birthday and the other is new years eve. Like, sexy in a 1975 Debbie Harry or (if that reference means nothing to you) Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Adams in American Hustle kind of way. A powerful way. I think it's because each occasion calls for the same attitude - you conquered another year and (bravo) you get to own that shit. In case you're still shopping for your NYE outfit, here are five dresses that rise to the occasion.

Five Fancy Beaded Jackets

Do you wear a lot of cardigans? If so, stop right now.  Move on from the cardigan and consider an embellished, beaded jacket of some sort.  Don't think they're versatile enough?  False - notice that each of the five below can be interchanged with any of the others and the outfit would still totally work.  Don't worry about having to put it away when Christmas is over, either, because you can still wear it to work over a crisp white button down, or out to a summer bithday dinner over a white mmi dress or t-shirt/cutoffs combo, or as a cover up to one of the many weddings you (probably) have to attend in 2015 - wait, is that just me?   

Anyway, I LOVE these five, but there are plenty out there since it's bling time in the U.S.A.  Happy shopping!

Five Fancy Duster Coats

I don't often support things that Kim Kardashian does.  Ankle length coats are not one of those things.  The girl has the maxi coat look down to a science and an amazing collection of them to boot.  I love a long coat because you can literally throw it on and be warm AND chic, regardless of what you're wearing underneath.  Just beware of print and fabric choices, so your chic long coat doesn't get mistaken for a bathrobe.  Loving the five coats below, for starters.

Five Fancy Festive Pumps

In the last 6 or so weeks of 2015 let's throw caution to the wind and ogle these bejeweled,
bedazzled and downright silly shoes that are only appropriate during the most excessive time
of year. We can get back to black in January but here are five pairs of sparkly heels that just scream CELEBRATE.  That is, the fact that you made it through another year of highs, lows, and everything in between. 

Five Fancy Statement Necklaces

Halloween is over (thank god) and the holidays are officially upon us, which means it's time to break out the bling.  Sequins, stones, crystals, and all manner of embellished shiny things are fair game in your wardrobe from November - January. Rock that shit and just be like "what? it's FESTIVE, Scrooge." 

I'm here to suggest that you only really need ONE statement necklace to get you through the season.  Please, throw away all those made in china bubble necklaces you bought last year (in every color, you know you did it).  Once you do that, please do yourself a favor and spend a little more time and money on finding that one necklace that people will ask you about every time you wear it.  I don't care if it has stones, no stones, pearls, gold, silver, both, colors, no colors - whatever it looks like, it should take your breath away the first time you see it and EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU WEAR IT THEREAFTER.  It should stand alone, and make even the plainest white t-shirt look amazing.  That is how you know you made the right choice.  Here are five I've been stalking, some of which are completely over and above what I would be willing to spend on something like this, but still inspirational.   

Five Fancy Ripped Jeans

Does anyone even wear jeans that don't have holes in them anymore? I feel like, barring very few situations (i.e. casual Friday at the office), ripped jeans have become the norm and a good pair is just as essential as a good pair of skinny jeans.  I can't tell you the last time I wore my super dark tailored boot cut jeans (or boot cut anything for that matter).  

Whether you choose to go with subtle distressing at the knee or a pair that's shredded within an inch of its life and barely hanging on by a thread, I think the main idea is to look like you're not trying too hard.  After all that's the point of ripped jeans, and jeans in general - that whole devil-may-care thing that James Dean had going on (for example.)  So it's probably best avoid rips AND chains AND acid wash AND patches all in one pair of pants - maybe stick to two of those to maintain an effortless look.  Here are 5 pairs all under $200 that are edgy enough without making you look like a trend victim.  Oh, and beware the elastane content too, lest you veer into jegging territory.

Five Fancy Fuzzy Sweaters

For someone who has not lived in a place where snow falls for 20+ years now, I own a significant number of sweaters.  I'm hoping I'll get to wear them a little bit more often in L.A. than I did in Florida, since the temperatures can drop pretty drastically here at night.  Everyone I've met here so far keeps outfit options in their car in case they don't get home before the sun goes down.  Here are five of the fuzzy variety that I've come across recently that have the same silhouette.  I went on a bit in this post about fuzzy sweaters and how they can go wrong quickly.  IMO, whether you splurge or save, the baggier, the better when it comes to these.  

Five Fancy Slip-On Sneakers

I know it's been a while since I've posted some shit I've been shopping for but that's not because I haven't been shopping.  My latest obsession is slip on sneakers.  I've written before about flats and how they are here to stay not just for comfort but as statement-makers in their own right, and this new crop of slip on sneakers is no exception.  I'm also resentful and jealous (in the most loving way possible) that all my newly pregnant friends (seriously, what was HAPPENING back in Spring?!) have this footwear option, whereas 4 years ago when I first got pregnant, sneakers like this weren't a thing.  I would seriously wear any one of these pairs to go out, preg or not preg.  Stay tuned on the blog to see which ones I actually ended up ordering. 

Loeffler Randall "Irini" 

Sam Edelman "Becker"

Givenchy

Kate Spade "Delise"

Miu Miu 

Five Fancy Fall Wardrobe Refreshers

Now that August is almost over, it's time to start thinking of important things like world peace, ending child slavery, and what you are going to wear this Fall.  The good news is, that unless you've completely ignored fashion for the past two to three years, you're probably already set with some of the trends we've been seeing - a return to 90s grunge, sheer mod-style paneling,  menswear inspired items, etc.  All of these things are here to stay for at least another F/W season.  The five items I've listed here are just little things I think everyone needs in order to  punctuate those essential (because I refuse to use the word basic anymore) plaid shirts, LBDs, white button downs, leather/faux leather skinnies, denim jackets, midi skirts, and ripped jeans that I hope you already have. Including any one of these items in your outfit will instantly make you look like you know some shit about fashion.  FYI these chain boots are already on their way to me. 

B-Low the Belt "Twiggy" Clutch - $195.00

Paige Denim "Dierdre" skirt - $179.00

Zara chain booties - $139.00

Line & Dot gaucho pants- $98.00

Mango sleeveless coat - $129.99

Five Fancy Black Skirts

If you go to the stores (I try not to) black is taking over already.  Every year the malls of America force us out of our current comfort zones by reminding us that it's time to start moving on and stop living in the moment.  They decorate for Halloween in September, they put up Christmas decor before you even finish planning out your Thanksgiving menu; they move the shorts to the sale rack and throw up sweaters and shit.  Instead of resisting and posting about sundresses, here are some black skirts I've been eyeing that are on point for the upcoming season, and for like ever.

Five Fancy Stud Earrings

There's a time and place for chandelier earrings (no really, there is), but when you just want some subtle and interesting bling without your earlobe threatening to tear off, a cool pair of studs is the way to go.  These five pairs I've been eyeing are are a little more exciting than a pair of diamond studs (btw, have you heard this nonsense about diamonds not being cool anymore? PSHHH whatevs), but low key enough to wear on a daily basis.

Five Fancy White Tops

Whenever I'm getting dressed and start getting that panicky I-have-nothing-to-wear feeling, it's usually because all my favorite white shirts are in the laundry.  I am THAT dependent on them in my every day life.  I'm always looking for new shapes, materials, and variations on the white shirt to add to my wardrobe, so I'm not all basic in my basics.  Here are some I've spotted recently that up the ante on white shirts.

Five Fancy Backpacks

Guys, I shop a lot.  Whether I buy or not is a different story, but I spend more time stalking the internet for things than pretty much everyone else I know. I have lists and spreadsheets and more lists keeping track of what I find and what I need (that's the "Routine" part of this blog, FYI).  So I decided to start sharing my shopping finds with those of you who may not waste spend as much time as I do online window shopping, but still want to know what everyone's favorite online vendors are peddling lately.

First up - the backpack.  Once or twice a year I take my stash of saved pennies from my "bag fund" (what? you don't have one? you should!) and splurge on a purse.  You'll see me carrying the same ones over and over because I am in love with my bags and put a lot of thought (and money) into each one.  

Anyway, when the whole backpack thing re-emerged I was like NO.  But, I've changed my tune guys.  This Fall I think it's going to be a backpack, for three reasons: 1) I need more hands free options because I have two squirming children who will throw themselves on the floor in a tantrum at any given moment; 2) Backpacks have really come a long way and most designers are making them so that they can be carried in other ways too, once this trend inevitably dies again; and 3) They instantly make your outfit WAY more downtown (as opposed to a structured bag which immediately classes you up).  These five I've listed are my faves - cool as shi*, yet still wearable at work, the zoo, brunch, the mall, etc.