SOD
(Source: Spotify)
I’d love to ignore the ticket price but I can’t. 1. I am an educated consumer 2. I know about production costs and mark ups 3. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to look great. I love to get creative and be realistic about where I purchase my clothes, shoes and accessories. So today I’d like to share with you where to find quality, classic items that will leave a little extra in your wallet.
1. The Trench
We all need a trench in our coat closet (or two). I own a beige, brown, and black, all were reasonable prices from Zara and Michael Kors.
2. Blouses
Blouses whether they are long sleeve, short sleeve or sleeveless are key to many different layering looks or being worn on their own with a beautiful pair of trousers or a skirt. My wardrobe is probably 80% blouses. They just work and make a day-to-night transition much easier. Silk blouses look lovely under a blazer or alone.
3. White Collared Button-up Shirt
A classic item that can work multiple ways in any wardrobe is the classic white button up shirt. Be sure to purchase a quality fabric that has a little stretch and fits you well through the shoulder and sleeves.
4. Shoes
Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin … You don’t need them but are a great indulgence when you want to treat yourself. My favorite brands to shop that look quite fabulous and are available with very wallet-friendly prices - Nine West, Vince Camuto, Steve Madden or Steven, Marc Jacobs, Dolce Vita, and 80/20.
5. Nautical Top
A classic for casual wear that is always stylish.
6. A Wrap Dress
Diane von Furstenberg certainly is the best and worth saving up for, but there are many other designers who create similar styles that are just as flattering. While some appear to be wrap dresses, but simply a dress, others are the real deal. Either way you can adjust them to your figure and flatter it impressively.
Other online shops to visit for fantastic choices at worthwhile prices:
*The OutNet
*Topshop USA or UK
*PiperLime
*Anthropologie
Other Budget Saving Ideas:
*Wait until late December or June when many clothing store (online and brick & mortar) have end of season sales slashing prices by more than 50%.
*Once you find a designer or store that creates styles that work with your body, be willing to save up to purchase their particular items. Remember quality over quantity.
*Many designers (Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and more) create more affordable lines. Be sure to check these out at the beginning of each new season.
*Look for consignment shops in your area. Begin to frequent them and schedule time to thoroughly peruse the racks – you never know what you’ll find.
There are times in life when everything seems opaque and uncertain. On the flipside, thankfully, there are times when the clouds seem to disappear and all becomes vividly clear. Neither one of these instances are moments that arrive on time or when we expect them, but when the latter occurs, a moment of silent ecstasy ensues.
Gathered are twenty-six things I have learned, have realized, have accepted and am very thankful to possess as knowledge as I move forward trying to live a simple life. Some lessons for many of us come easy or are innate to our personal nature, while other lessons are earned through frustratingly fitful nights, tears, endless questions and angst. Regardless of how a lesson is acquired, the blessing is that each one of us didn’t give up until the aha moment presented itself.
Here is a glimpse at what I know so far …
1. Always dress well
2. Never reveal all
3. Find a local coffee house to frequent
4. Bring fresh flowers into your home
5. Choose to learn and grow every day
6. Slow down
7. Eat & drink less, savor more
8. Write thank you notes
9. Create a sanctuary that instills tranquility
10. Enjoy the morning
11. Drink water
12. Have a handful of go-to recipes that are sure to impress
13. Maintain your mystery
14. Reduce the clutter (clothes, decor, unhealthy relationships)
15. Choose quality (clothing staples, food – fresh, not processed)
16. Befriend people of all ages
17. Trust your instincts
18. Drink good wine
19. Have mandatory “me” time regularly
20. Be kind
21. Enjoy meals around the table more often
22. Chase your dreams, but never chase a man
23. First walk around in someone else’s shoes before jumping to conclusions
24. Always do your best
25. When you get grumpy, take a nap
26. Revel in the knowledge that life is yours to create – get busy!
I’m going to keep this simple. I know some of you are fashion risk takers and some of you like to keep it simple. That is my fashion take, less is more is always better.
Look through what I found and pick a pair that best fits your spring/summer wardrobe. I will say that no matter what your fashion motto is, an oxford should be a part of your wardrobe. It’s classic, easy to dress up and down, and it’ll make you look like you know what you’re doing. Trust me.
Rachel Comey
Bespoken
Rath & Co.
Cole Haan
Neil Barret
Converse - They just work. Casual. Not with a suit. Please.
Toms and Cole Hann- Espadrilles. Yes, they are for men too. These are simple. I love these.
There you have it. I know you can incorporate at lease 2 of these into your wardrobe. You’re going to look stellar.
Questions/comments: naenkinc@gmail.com
“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing” - Oscar Wilde
Oscar Wilde.
(Source: youjustinspiredme)
Yes. Certainly.
We all know that when you leave the house in the morning for work, we have take our life with us. It is not an option to “run” back home especially if you live in NYC.
My day consists of me leaving the house at 9am and returning way after sun down. It is imperative that I carry everything I need between the hours of 9am-midnight.
I’ve managed to figure it out and here is what a girl on the go has in her bag.
I usually carry a large tote that is weather appropriate. Currently I am carrying a color block leather tote that fits a laptop if I need it and all of this:
Sunglasses: Always have 2 pairs. Mood changes and so do the sunglasses. Currently carrying: Ray Ban Wayfarers and Salvatore Ferragamo Aviators.
Make-up bag: it contains what I apply in the morning for touch ups and I ALWAYS carry a: Yves Saint Laurent Eclat Touche for concealer, Bare Minerals powder for oily t-zone days, MAC eyeliner for day to night look, and MAC highlighter in Soft and Gentle.
Wallet: ALWAYS a Salvatore Ferragamo- Style 4633. It holds everything I need and if I need to carry a clutch, it serves that purpose too. My iPhone fits inside and taaadaaa… serves 2 purposes.
Book: For my commute, I always make sure to have a good book. Currently reading: Practical Intuition by Laura Day
Breath freshener: Gum and Halls cough drops. I actually like the taste of Halls so I always have them on me.
Hair clip: for gym, hot days, or bad hair days.
White Flower balm: In case I get a headache. I rub it on my temples and it usually does the trick. I love to go to Chinatown for herbal remedies.
Chapstick and a Red lipstick: MAC colors: Lady Bug for daytime and Really Red for night
RSVP pen: I am obsessed with them. They write perfectly…
Raw brown sugar package: I buy my coffee from street carts sometimes and they usually don’t have brown sugar, so I always have a package just in case.
Origins Original Ginger lotion. I love the smell.
Metro Card: I ride the train 2-3 times a day.
Chobani Greek yogurt: Blood orange and the honey flavor are my favorites. I throw one in my bag every morning because sometimes it serves as snack or on a busy day lunch until I find food.
Kleenex package: They come in very handy.
My personal belonging that goes EVERYWHERE with me is a rose quartz stone. It epitomizes the vibration of love. I always have it on me and I also use it for my meditation practice.
Keys: Work, house, and gym. ALWAYS.
The contents of a woman’s bag is glimpse into her mind. Hopefully I’ve touched on things that will help you make your 9-5 life easier. I’ve mastered this whole 9am-midnight bag content thing and for the most part it has made my life much easier…
I found this shirt as I was running errands one morning. I stood outside the shop until they opened, snagged my size, and fled.
I was wearing it a few weeks ago and a little girl on the train told me, “your shirt is scary.” I told her it was nothing to be scared of—the skulls are smiling :)
I love it and I will wear it year round. Add a few colorful accessories to make it more playful. Also make sure the undergarment you choose to wear underneath is in good taste as the shirt is sheer. Lace or neon are the way to go.
