All Dressed in Black, Black, Black

...Why yes, I am referring to the children's clapping game 'Miss Mary Mack.' Not sure if I'm regressing or just reminiscing, but either way, its stuck in my head {and now yours, sorry!} I've been wearing more brights and colors lately, which usually happens when it warms up, but today I just wasn't up for it. Basic black all the way-- perhaps in mourning for running and heels?

Jacket: Zara // Dress: Equipment

Necklace: Baublebar // Nail Polish: Essie 'St. Lucia Lilac'

Shoes: Converse // Bag: Old Navy

Drop it Like its Hot

I was going to title this 'Desk to Drinks' but where is the fun in that? Yes, I am going from work straight to an industry cocktail event, but why pass up an homage to Snoop Dogg? Exactly. I go through phases where I ether love or hate drop waist dresses, and lately I'm all about them. Especially with the warmer temperatures I'm loving the way they still have a little shape, but don't restrict. Plus, I can kind of do a shimmy since there are pleats {obviously not at work!}

Dress: Asos {try this or this} // Jacket: French Connection {similar here and here}

Nail Polish: Essie 'Lollipop' {my go to red} // Necklace: J. Crew {try this or this}
// Bracelets: J. Crew, vintage // Rings: Vintage, no label

{details}

A Skirt of a Different Color

You know when you find something you love, and you wish you had it in every color {but sadly wait too long and are stuck with only one}? Well, that's this Asos skirt for me. I started with the pink then the blue, and of course once it came in black I just had to get it right. I've learned from past mistakes that if I am lusting after something, chances are quite a few other girls are too, so I pounced on this one. Unlike before, they learned how popular it was and I don't think its sold out again since, but I still am happy I didn't wait. Still two colors left I don't have though... :)

I could go on about the twirling, the scuba material, the pockets, but I've already done that in over half my posts. So instead, lets talk about this top. I got it from Zara on mega clearance, and it was advertised as a striped crop top. Now, while I may order crop tops, I don't really wear them outside my apartment, however with a high waisted skirt (and ok, a camisole...this IS a work day after all) I was out the door!

I swear too...I'll start wearing  color again...um...maybe...

Top: Zara {similar sweater version here} // Skirt: Asos

{was in a rush so only picture I snapped...yes its an awkward one but ah well}

Necklace: Baublebar

Nail Polish: Zoya 'Godiva' // Ring: H&M // Cuff: Forever21

Bag: J. Crew // Shoes: Zara // Leather Jacket: Guess 

Layers and Lace

I don't know if its the weather or its just easier, but I find myself wearing head to toe black even more than usual. Luckily, after 8 years wearing all black for bartending, my closet is brimming with black pieces. I love this Equipment blouse but its rather hard to wear on its own without being too scandalous {at least um...to work} so it was the perfect piece to layer under my swingy dress. Lately, I can't get enough drop waist dresses, probably because they make we want to twirl and shimmy...

Dress: Asos {similar here and here} // Lace top: Equipment {similar here and here} 

// Jacket: J. Crew {old but found some on ebay!}

Necklace: Vintage // Watch: Michael Kors 'Oversized Runway'

{details}

Nail Polish: Zoya 'Godiva'

Bags: Forever21, J. Crew // Boots: Forever21

Fancy Friday

{Atlantic-Pacific}

Not that I don't adore every one of Blair's outfits as it is, but given the fact that I have worn all black 90% of the week, I thought this was extra appropriate. Maxi skirts/dresses are one of those things that I love, however rarely wear since I don't have a driver to prevent my hems from getting ruined. 

I pretty much end up stocking up fancy ballgown-y skirts...and then wearing them in my apartment on the weekend with a glass of wine. Fun, but not exactly 'practical.' Seeing this look though makes me want to run out and go by every full length skirt and gown that I can find...

No exotic plans for the weekend {yet} and given that I found an amazing pair of black satin pajamas last weekend, I plan on spending a lot of time fancily lazing around. Of course, whenever I say its a weekend of staying in the opposite usually happens {just like when I say I won't shop...} so we shall see!

Whether you're staying in or going out, enjoy the weekend!

Back in Black

While my top obsessions may be sequins and feathers (hmm..and leather), the next one would be any item of clothing made out of neoprene/scuba material. I don't know if its the feel of it, the fullness or the fact that it happens to magically hide any areas you are...less than pleased with...but I love it! Plus, what better backdrop for a statement necklace like this than all black?

Dress: Madewell {similar here and here} // T-shirt: H&M // Belt: Vintage YSL {thank you Mustard Seed!}

Jacket: J. Crew {similar here and here} // Purse: J. Crew

Necklace: J. Crew {this is almost identical} // Bracelet: J. Crew 

{um I swear I have not sold my soul to J. Crew!}

Heels: Zara

Fashion Freedom

As much as I absolutely adore pretty much any and everything vintage, one of the few negatives from 'back in the day' were those pesky fashion rules. No open toes in winter! No white after labor day! And of course, NEVER pair navy with black. I'm not sure when exactly these rules went out the window, but no one bats an eye anymore these days if you break one of the 'cardinal' fashion sins of the past.

Do any of those rules still really exist? Maybe, don't wear white to a wedding, though I've seen that done and in rare cases encouraged. There are a lot more 'important' things to be thankful about living in present times --hello longer life expectancy...and technology of course-- but I still think our fashion freedom is something to be celebrated!

Sweater: 3.1 Phillip Lim {old but try this or this} // Skirt: Asos {similar here and here} // 

Jacket: H&M // Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Necklace: Baublebar {similar} // Nail Polish: Essie 'Wicked'

Heels: Zara {sold out online in black, but gold version here}

I've been lusting over these heels for ages, and finally scored on Black Friday for almost HALF off!

Heavy Metal

As much as I adore my Stuart Weitzman 5050's, my only complaint is that they are really more 'cover the knee cap' not 'over the knee.' At 5'7, I'm not exactly super tall {wish I were} but apparently enough so that they aren't mid-thigh like on all those cute little bloggers. The solution couldn't have been easier {or cheaper}: thigh high black socks. Bam! Instantly the boots stay up better and I get the thigh high boot action I so craved, minus the price tag of new boots...or the fear of resembling a hooker. Win-Win!

Sweater: Asos {similar here and here}  // Skirt: Max Studio

Nail Polish: Essie 'Shearling Darling' // Ring: H&M

Coat: BCBG // Boots: Stuart Weitzman '5050' // Thigh high socks: H&M

I am OBSESSED with these socks and am on a mission to buy out every pair H&M has, such a steal 
and the perfect length!

Tuxedo Time

I bought this tuxedo jacket on a whim years ago, not knowing if I would wear it a lot but loving how elegant it was so much that I didn't care. Well, my somewhat impulsive and indulgent purchase now could have cost $1,000 and it STILL would have paid for itself. Luckily of course, it did not. Even I have my limits guys {so I say now....} This year, I may or may not have also acquired a white one from Target and a longer black one from J. Crew....

While I usually throw it on as a perfect lightweight going out jacket, sometimes its the perfect little something to perk up a work outfit. Blazers are nice and all but I just can't stand being head to conservative unless its truly unavoidable. I always feel much more put together wearing it, and in the morning when there is never enough time, that's crucial!

Jacket: French Connection {similar here and here} // Dress: Trina Turk {try this or this}  // Scarf: Zara

Necklace: Banana Republic {similar} // Rings: Vintage, H&M

Nail Polish: Essie 'Shearling Darling'

Coat: J. Crew // Heels: Prada

The Uniform

To say that I can't get enough of leather (be it real, faux or vegan) may be the understatement of the year. No matter how many shorts, skirts, jackets or pants I buy, I always seem to need (ok want) more. I've been almost as drawn to army green and camo, but not a full on addiction yet. So while not the most creative, its become one of my favorite go to combinations. 

Everyone needs their own version of a uniform when it comes to getting ready...especially in the morning when I manage to never have enough time no matter how early I get up! Now excuse me while I go add more skirts to my virtual shopping cart...

Top: Zara // Skirt: Asos {want this one next!}

Ring: H&M // Cuff: H&M // Nail Polish: Essie 'Chinchilly'

Heels: Coach

I'm having a MAJOR cutout/lace-up heels moment! I just bought these from Zara which I adore,but feel like I should add these even though it'll be winter before  I know it....

Business Casual

I had a work event this week where the dress code was 'Business Casual/Casual' and I was completely baffled. As I've mentioned, I can be a little all or nothing (and yes, black and white) in my thinking. I'm can do casual and I can do business but something in between? So instead of actually figuring it out, I took out my trusty faux leather circle skirt.

I love this skirt. Not only is it from H&M, but I got it at Mustard Seed. For $8. I wear it more than designer skirts I thought I needed that now just gather dust. Funny how sometimes the items you least expect to become favorites do...

Shirt: Generra // Top: J. Crew {similar}// Skirt: H&M {try this or this}

Nail Polish: Essie 'Lollipop' // Ring: H&M // Cuff: Similar {one day it'll be Hermes!}

Ballet Flats: Sam Edelman {similar here and here}

Bags: Valentino {HA I wish! Its Forever21}, Marc Jacobs 'Stam'

One day, just like the CDC Hermes cuff, a Valentino Rockstud will be mine!

Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing

While I have faux leather galore (and certainly adore), sometimes a girl needs some good old fashioned leather. Thanks to this dress just having leather panels, it felt great on a 'cool' summer day (aka 80 degrees.)  That being said, a full leather dress is next on my list. Oh and a  full leather midi. Ok I may have an addiction...

Dress: Renvy {similar here and here}

Necklace: Anthropologie {similar in turquoise}

Nail Polish: Essie 'Boom Boom Room' // Ring: Ambiance // Bracelets: J. Crew, Vintage

{I later realized I had forgotten to put on earrings and all of a sudden felt naked...}

Heels: Pour La Victoire

I have no idea why, but I really like this shot for some reason....Maybe because there 

isn't any fake wood!