The coziest pair of slippers

I never pegged myself as a slipper-wearing gal until my sister gave me a Shearling pair of UGGs for Christmas. They stayed in the box for most of the holiday—to be honest, I thought about suggesting she return them. I typically walk around my apartment in bare feet or socks. Would I really go the extra step to put these on at home? 

In a word, yes. It's funny, but now I have such a hard time switching to my regular shoes to go out the door. They are so comfy! And cozy! And soft! When I put them on, I feel like I'm giving my feet the love and care they deserve, especially after looong days walking around New York.

How do you treat your feet? 

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More cute cards from Garance Doré

I'm a longtime fan of Garance Doré and was so excited earlier this year when she announced her collaboration with Rifle Paper Co. (I even paid a visit to her New York pop-up shop!) She just released new additions to her stationery line. How cute are the adorable cards below?!

I would buy this one to send to my best friend or sister. Those three letters capture the typical way most of my conversations (via phone, text, email or in person) with the two of them begin. ;)

I love this one as a "just because" card to send. One of my favorite expressions is, "Tomorrow's another day." This seems to mimic that—it's just a prettier version. It always sounds better in French, n'est-ce pas? 

This card is another favorite. As you know, I'm such a huge fan of sending handwritten notes. I would love to send this as a note to friends celebrating something special—a new job, a new house, even just as a congrats for hosting a really awesome dinner party!

So, be honest: Do you still send handwritten notes?

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Kate Middleton x 3

I'm so happy that Kate Middleton is feeling better—and even happier to see her out and about in three new (and stunning) looks. That Alexander McQueen coat! That Jenny Packham gown! That Temperley London LBD! She looks amazing and healthy, too.

Out of everything she wore this past week, I think my favorite is actually those L.K. Bennett shoes. So pretty, right?

Can't wait to see more of her second pregnancy style.

For a look back to when she was due with Baby George, go here, here, and here.

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The prettiest plaid scarf

How cute is this pink and purple and black and white Madewell scarf for fall? I'm in love! It looks so cozy, too. This past weekend, we had warm late season temps, but I know that chilly days are coming. They would be so much more manageable if I knew I could wrap myself in something pretty like this! 

What is your go-to cold weather gear? 

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Change the weather

Talk about a weather change this weekend! On Saturday morning, it was pouring rain, 70 degrees and humid, but by Sunday, it was blustery and cool. October really has arrived. Instead of busting out a wool sweater, my new uniform for fall is plaid. Last year, I wore this gingham top from J.Crew into the ground (see it again here); this year, I've replaced it with a cozy blue flannel number, also from J.Crew. Paired with black or blue jeans (or even a leather skirt), it's my new go-to!

How about you? What do you throw on to warm up when the weather starts to turn?

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New (and possibly red) kicks

I'm overdue for a new pair of sneakers—for walking, not running—and I've been eyeing a red pair for fall. Normally, my walking shoes are neutrals, like gray or black, but there's something about red shoes...

I love how they look polished and sporty at the same time. I'd wear them with jeans, or even better...

...I love how they look so sleek and sophisticated when you pair them with a skirt or dress.

So, tell me what you think, and more importantly, what color are your kicks? I'm leaning toward a pair of Chuck Taylors like these. Opinions, please!

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Coat shopping

This fall, I've been trying to very carefully think about the wardrobe upgrades I need to make. Sometimes, I can be a bit of an impulse shopper with clothing—which is good and bad. The good part is that it's smart to buy a piece that fits well when you find it. The bad part is that I end up not totally thinking through what I already own and the pieces I need to enhance certain blouses, skirts, pants and dresses. Am I the only one with this issue?

So, this time around, I'm trying to shop smart. I need a new fall coat. And to put the pressure on, over the summer, I tossed the gorgeous, thread-bare one from Ann Taylor that I've owned for almost 10 years. (Trust me, it was a classic!) I've ordered two options to try: The royal blue one above—coincidentally, also from Ann Taylor—and this soft pink one from Lucy Paris.

Early thoughts? Would love to know if there's one you love more!

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Pretty purses for fall

I'm long overdue for a new fall bag, and I can't decide which one to get! I've carried a pretty dark gray one from Kate Spade for the past year, and I love it, but I think I'm ready for a color change. Here's what I like: 

- This hyper pink number from Kate Spade Saturday. The shoulder strap is detachable. Two looks in one!

- Something that's a bit more neutral: the Amorous Satchel from Rebecca Minkoff in Tortoro (a blush tone). I like the size of this one—it could totally fit my new planner, don't you think?

- I also like this hobo style from Sarah Jessica Parker's Nordstrom collection. It's called the New Yorker, and I love the new fall color palette.

Do you have a go-to style of bag you love? Or a brand you trust and go back to again and again? Would love your input on this!

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Endless summer

Lately, my weekend look has been limited to the following: white jeans, a lightweight tee (like this l'été sans fin shirt from J.Crew), my white Birkenstocks, and a dab of this Stila Convertible Color lipstick in Sweet Pea. It's so easy and mindless—and a great way to keep cool as the July temperatures start to hit 90...and up.

Do you have a signature summer look? Or a key piece that helps you beat the heat?

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Try the trend: Spring florals

What do you think of wearing bright florals for spring? I just splurged on this (sorta bold) Photo Floral Dress from J.Crew. I love the structured fit and A-line skirt. The best part? It doesn't really need to be accessorized. Paired with a neon yellow cardigan, I can just throw it on and go!

What do you think? Will you try this floral trend?

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Summer trend: Birkenstocks

When I heard that Birkenstocks were making a comeback, I wasn't so sure how I felt. I remember how much I loved the dark leather pair I wore daily in high school. My friends and I made an effort to keep them on our feet year-round, even wearing them with socks (!) in the winter (much to the dismay of our teachers). But when I saw the crisp and clean white pair above, I had a change of heart. Kate over at View from the Topp makes Birkenstocks look stylish, chic, and like the optimal footwear for spring and summer. 

What do you think? Is this a trend you're ready to bring back?

(Images via Instagram)

Lace and Chambray for Spring

A few weeks ago, I did a deep dive into my closet to get a jump start on my spring cleaning. After weeding through (and bringing several pieces to Good Will), I figured I deserved a treat! I fell in love with this pretty dress from Brooklyn Industries. How gorgeous is the combination of lace and chambray? The material is so delicate and lightweight—perfect for a warm spring or summer day. I bought it in blue, but the pink is also really nice. 

How about you? Have you done any shopping for spring?

(Images via Brooklyn Industries)

Say it in French

What do you think of all the French (and foreign language) t-shirts that are popping up just in time for spring? The two options above are both from Madewell. I think they're pretty—and chic, too. It makes for a fun pop of culture with your look, don't you think?

PS—A dog sweater!

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Fashion page: Overalls

What are your thoughts on wearing overalls? I loved wearing them as a kid, and I have to admit, I'm sort of digging the idea of this fashion trend making a comeback. Plus, how cute do they look styled with heels and a striped tee, as worn by Blair over at Atlantic-Pacific? I could definitely see myself investing in a pair for spring.

What do you think? Would you wear this look?

PS: An alternate pair!

(Image via Atlantic-Pacific)

Asking men for style advice

Do you ever ask your guy for outfit advice? Before I lived with Matt, I loved consulting my roommates for their style opinions. You know what I mean: Which necklace looks best with this shirt? Should I wear heels or boots? Do you think I should add a belt to this dress? Yes, it sounds crazy, but there's nothing better than asking for—and getting!—fashion advice that I can trust.

Fast forward to now. If I ask Matt, I can tell that he wants to be helpful, but he's not as excited about the fashion decisions as I am. And when I push him to choose between a black dress or a navy dress (a HUGE distinction), he'll respond: "You look nice in both."

Sweet? Of course. But where's the definitive fashion feedback that I crave so much? I think this is just one of those differences between guys and girls. And it makes me totally appreciate FaceTime for the moments when you absolutely need to phone a friend. :)

PS: A hilarious Instagram feed of men waiting for their girlfriends to shop.

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Pretty heels for spring

Now that it's February, I'm having a hard time *not* pining away for spring. It's at this point every year that winter starts to drag...and drag. That's why I'm so happy to see bits and pieces of spring collections starting to arrive in stores. Case in point: this gorgeous stiletto heel (called the Nora in Spot Dot) from Madewell. It's so retro! And I love the delicate ankle strap. Can't you just picture wearing this with a light and airy spring dress on a warm and sunny day? I can. :)

Are you starting to shop for spring?

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Kate Spade's ode to Charles Street

 

Have you seen Kate Spade's latest line of handbags? It's called the Charles Street Collection. While I know this look is most likely inspired by New York's sweetest side street in the West Village, I can't help but reminisce about the three years I spent living on Boston's sweetest side street, also called Charles. I loved it there! I rented a tiny studio apartment, could walk to and from work in 15 minutes or less, and spent weekend days strolling along the Charles River, just a stone's throw from my front door. 

So, maybe this bag isn't based on MY Charles Street, but I am going to pretend that it is. :)

(Top image from here; bottom two images from here)

Cozy (and pretty!) ear muffs

So, I'm sort of crushing on a super fuzzy, warm-looking pair of ear muffs right now, available from J.Crew. I don't really wear winter hats (blame the hat hair), but the temps in New York are dipping—fast. I need something that's semi-stylish to protect my ears from the cold.

What do you think? Would you wear ear muffs?

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J.Crew, London-style

'Tis the season in New York where we're gearing up for all those gorgeous Madison and Fifth Avenue holiday window displays. In the meantime, I can't help but tune in to a shopping fete happening across the pond to mark the arrival of J.Crew in the UK. This week, the first J.Crew women's shop opens at Brompton Cross in London, and the brand is pulling out all the stops to celebrate. For example: Complimentary (and colorful!) bouquets of fresh flowers with any purchase, plus cascading bursts of balloons to welcome new customers in. 

It's so festive and pretty, don't you think? Totally makes me want to go shop!

More J.Crew here, here, and here.

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Cutie booties from Madewell

I have been on the hunt for a while now for a cute pair of booties to wear this fall. My struggle is that the leather always seems to gap around my ankle, which produces an odd fit. That's why I was thrilled to discover the above pair from Madewell—the Lonny Boot comes with a strap, and a bit of stretch, too. I'm in love!

Do you rock booties or traditional boots in the fall? Or both? 

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