What I'm Shopping: 4.1.15

It is spring, it isn't spring. Going forward I'm going to dress with the season, not the weather and I love the idea of this long white blazer. Crisp, but not fussy. It could be the basis of pretty much any outfit, but I like the idea of pairing it with some very on-trend dangly gold earrings, chic-in-a-French-way flats and the latest bag style by my all-time favorite bag company, Baggu. This could be my uniform for the next few months for sure.

Blazer, Earrings, Baggu, Shoes

What I'm Shopping: Hairpins

Hairpins are finally coming out of the realm of pottery teachers and librarians. Or maybe dressing like a potter and a librarian is finally cool. Either way, I'm feeling these an an unexpected new way to wear jewelry. I have this one in by YS Park and I can say that it holds my thick wavy hair like nothing else.

First: Tiro Tiro, Second: Aesa (similar here), Third: YS Park, Fourth: Sylvain Le Hen

Need: Coach Rivet Sling Shoes

There's something so good about these shoes. Just the right mix of modern and retro, or rather mod and modern. They aren't at all minimal in the way that is considered chic right now, but I know that if I saw someone on the street in these, I would think that lady was rad.

Coach Rivet Sling in Light Pearl

What I'm Into: 1.27.15

Watching: Transparent, even though I'm late to the party. Jeffrey Tambor = #1

Shopping: Reformation's new line, Obvious, with everything $100-ish or under.

Shopping: This take on the Spring 2015 Utility trend. I'm always down with things slightly military, slightly sporty.

Reading: Meet the Beauty Guru Calling Foul on the Industry

This look from Joseph Pre-Fall 2015 via Trini

Some Goals for 2015

These are just a few thoughts that I've collected, things that I'd like to do in the coming year.

1. Develop a uniform
2. Avoid processed sugar
3. Get my skin in shape
4. Go on vacation (maybe 2 vacations)
5. Post 1 pic per day
6. Try out acupuncture
7. Get involved in my local community
8. Run a 10k
9. Learn to code
10. Take swim lessons
11. Play tennis/squash
12. Wine club
13. Keep evolving our apartment
14. Blog more (weekly)
15. Make something beautiful

Photo via Scott Patt

2014 in Review (in Review)

One of the things I love about the end of the year are all of the amazing 2014 in review posts from around the web.

Here are some of my favorites.

The Best-Dressed Street-Style Stars of 2014, a Ranking (The Cut)

The 20 Most Popular Recipes of 2014 (NY Times)

The Top Products of 2014...aka the year of Gavriel (Lyst)

5 Highs (and Lows) from the Year in Fashion (NY Times)

The Most Instagramed Places on Earth (re/code)

All of Buzzfeed's 2014 Listicles

Fashion in 2014, From the Sublime to the Ridiculous (The Cut)

10 Things to do in September

1. Develop a fall uniform
2. Clean out my closet (in progress)
3. Read Tamara Mellon's biography
4. Get a facial
5. Take a day trip
6. One last beach day, maybe (not gonna happen)
7. Visit a museum (went to Moma PS1 for the Art Book Fair, need to take pics next time)
8. Buy a coffee table
9. Buy something Ace & Jig
10. No sugar

Here's the last time I tried this: 15 Things in 30 Days, Vol. 1 (trying to make it easier on myself, I can work up from 10 to 15)

14. Have a Beach Day

This was from very early summer when I spent a fantastic weekend on Fire Island for a bachelorette party. I'd never been to Fire Island before and would go back in a second.

15 Things in 30 Days Vol. 1

8. See Costume Exhibit at Met

I absolutely loved the Charles James exhibit at the Met. His craftsmanship was just so fantastic, it reminded me why I started to love fashion when I was younger.

15 Things in 30 Days Vol. 1

10. Go for a Hike

We went here several times this summer. It's a short hike to an amazing swimming hole. And it's a secret.

15 Things in 30 Days Vol. 1

5. Plant Spring/Summer Veggies on the Deck

We had a ton going on on the deck this summer, but our mint bush really went wild. On this night, I came home to help Mark pluck off the leaves to make mint syrup for Mint Juleps.

Also, if you aren't already you must follow @yeswayrose for the best take on the summer water phenomenon.

15 Things in 30 Days Vol. 1

7. Get Nails Done at Paintbox

I'd been meaning to try Paintbox in Soho all summer and inspiration finally hit after seeing this set by Christina Rinaldi. I was really impressed by the whole experience at Paintbox. They have perfected every aspect of the manicure event from their fabulous seasonal "menu" of designs to their space in Soho to the endless prosecco they'll bring to your station. I went alone, but I highly recommend going with friends, their space is actually huge and is meant to accommodate groups.

Christina is so talented and truly one of my favorite nail artists, for more inspiration check out her Instagram.

15 Things in 30 Days Vol. 1

13. Complete a Craft Project

So my 15 Things in 30 Days challenge was a total failure. I did manage to complete a few of my goals over the course of the entire summer.

This finished wall hanging is the product of taking Maryanne Moodie's Beginner Weaving Loom Class, purchased here off Etsy. I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in learning how to weave. Maryanne is a fantastic teacher and hosts a fantastic workshop complete with mimosas and local sweet treats.

15 Things in 30 Days Vol. 1

15 Things to do in 30 Days

1. Read One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories for book club Read it, loved it
2. Buy a piece of Caron Callahan
3. Hang art that is framed, but sitting on the floor
4. Redecorate living room/buy coffee table
5. Plant spring/summer veggies on the deck
6. Update deck furniture
7. Get nails done at Paintbox
8. See Costume Exhibit at the Met
9. Try City Row
10. Go for a hike
11. Buy a piece of Ace & Jig
12. Read Girlboss Read it, liked it more than I thought I would
13. Complete a craft project
14. Have a beach day
15. Try a new recipe Did this, will take a pic next time

Starting today, trying to try new things in the next 30 days. From May 24-June 24, let's see what I can accomplish.

This was not a total failure, but 9/15 is not good. Let's see if I can do better next time.

What I'm Shopping

Spring won't be here for a while, but my mind is very ready for a new neutral palette and some interesting shapes. I've always been into faux tie-waist items (I first blogged about them in 2010 - scary), so these jeans are perfection to me. And for a slight wink, I love this earring in the Euro symbol or an E for Elizabeth.

Need: Creatures of Comfort Bucket Bags

Creatures of Comfort recently launched a range of leather bags and it couldn't have come at a better time. The bags which come in Black, Whiskey and Off White are made of the same kind of leather as the Mansur Gavriel (thin, but structured) bags that are all the rage right now. They come in a few shapes and sizes, but I am in love with the bucket bags in small and large. The best part is that they are that perfect mix between current and timeless.

Creatures of Comfort Bucket Bag Small
Creatures of Comfort Bucket Bag Large 

Need: Unflattering Bottoms

There is a whole genre of dressing that has become popular of late that is totally off limits to me based on body type. And yet, despite the fact that my full hips and thighs make mom jean and gym shorts look supremely unflattering I will be on a mission to find ones that do work for my shape. How these once-taboo pieces became so appealing? I'm not touching that one.

Mom Jeans: BDG The Mom Jean; LA'T for L'Agence Loose Boyfriend Jean; Saturday Cropped Drop Jean
Gym Shorts: Malena Shorts; Day Birger et Mikkelsen Crepe Short; Otte Solid Long Short

Need: Anthropologie Double Pearl Necklace

Here's a necklace that is chic and definitely looks way more expensive than it is.

Double Pearl Necklace, Anthropologie

And if you're into that kind of thing, Honestly WTF has a great DIY version

And for good measure, here is the Chanel inspiration for where this look all started

Need: Issey Miyake Bag

I definitely feel like this bag is about to earn major cool-girl status, maybe even this February. This particular one is sold out on Farfetch, but the more I look, the more unique versions I find. I'll be cataloging the best of the best on Pinterest.

Week in Review

I'm trying to remember to post more consistently to Instagram, but it can be hard when you sit at a desk most of the day. Excuses aside, I have made a few good discoveries lately including Clearasil's new skincare line. I highly recommend heading to their website and grabbing some free samples. Because why not!