Bare

Oh la la, a day at the theater! It may have only been the black box theater at Rutgers, but I was very excited to go see "Bare: A Pop Opera" last Saturday with my friend Ashley. It may not have been Broadway, but anytime I go see a performance of any type I like to look nice! Seems a little silly doesn't it, being that you're sitting in the dark, but it must be the theater geek in me that wants to "respect the art." And hey, I had plans to get drinks after, so I needed to do double duty! Thankfully, Kiyonna had sent me this great top just a few days prior and it was just what I was looking for.

This is the Trina top in green, and I must say, it's another hit in my book. It's made of a thick, luscious stretch jersey, and is cut perfectly to accommodate a larger chest, even with the V-neckline. No pins needed, and I'm able to wear my everyday, lock-and-load 'em bra with nothing peeking out. The three-quarter sleeves are fitted and hit at the perfect spot just below my elbows - I hate loose sleeves on shirts and will push them up most of the time anyway, so this cut is right up my alley.  I also love how the shirt skims my body around the midsection; it doesn't cling one bit and is so, so flattering to my figure.

The Trina is simple and elegant, but so well constructed that it doesn't need any bells and whistles to look great. A pair of skinnies, a pretty necklace, and a pair of wedges and off I went!

Top: Kiyonna
Jeans: Forever21+
Heels: Target
Necklace: Thrifted

Happiknits

Is there anything better, in the frosty days of winter, than a giant, warm, cozy scarf? (Hint: No.)

This particular beauty, the cobalt Super Snuggly Chunky Knit Cowl, comes from a fantastic little Etsy shop called Happiknits, run by fellow New Jerseyan (New Jerseyite?) Becca.

What I love most about this cowl (besides the fact that it's warm, soft, snuggly, and that it's just HUGE!) is the construction. Becca handknits these cowl in such a way that they're actually just one twisted loop. This is what makes the cowl drape so beautifully, so you get that effortless 'wrapped' look without having to do any wrapping or looping at all.

I love that depending on how you position the scarf you get a different look. My instagram above is the perfect example of that 'wrapped' look. I played around with the cowl in the pics below for a few other looks.

I pushed the twist to the back of my neck for a long, draped look in the front. Forget statement necklace, it's a statement all it's own!

The cowl is so huge that you can even pull it down around your shoulders on a chilly day, or if you work in an arctic office like I do. Twist in the front, see?

There's so many different ways to wear it; I pop it on and just fiddle until I like they way it's sitting! I've worn it nonstop in the last few weeks and always get a ton of compliments.

Contrary to my sad inside photos and instagram, the cobalt color is actually the gorgeously bright and saturated blue that Becca shows in her Etsy shop. This cowl comes in a ton of different colors too, like chartreuse, mustard, and the most beautiful cranberry red!

On to the good stuff. Want to get your hand on your own piece of Happiknits? Becca is hosting a giveaway of one of her cowls on her blog, check it out here!

Cowl: c/o Happiknits
Top: Target
Cardigan: Mom's
Skirt: Thrifted
Tights: misc
Shoes: Bandolino

Better late than never.

I've been trying to get this post up for a week, easy. This are gettin' crazy around these parts, what with my show opening in 8 days (ah!) and all. Lots of lines, songs, and dances to perfect!

In anycase, this outfit is comfortable and cute, perfect to go from work all day to rehearsal all night. In fact, I'm wearing it's black-dress-burgundy-tights-same-scarf cousin as we speak.

Do you love my new Steve Madden Graanie boots, a Christmas present from the boyfriend, as much as I do?! I've been wearing them with everything, from skirts and dresses to jeans and leggings. They're the best way to toughen up a feminine outfit in my opinion. And aren't they the most perfect footwear for one Ms. Penelope Pennywise?? Ah, the beauty of multitasking.

Dress: F21+
Cardi: Target
Leggings: Misc
Boots: Steve Madden
Belt: Misc
Necklaces: F21 and thrifted
Bracelet: Brooklyn Flea
Watch: Syms
Ring: Street fair in Virginia
Scarf: Old Navy

Oh, and that ring? The one I wear in almost every post? Lost. Caput. Gone forever :*(

Scary weekend!

Cardigan: Syms. Top: Macy's. Cords: Talbots. Wedges: Bandolino. Belt: Misc. Bracelets: Brooklyn Flea, street fair.

Scary weekend, but not for your normal Halloween-y reasons! We got hit hard by a freak snowstorm here on the east coast, and my town has been without power since Saturday :( It's crazy the sort of damage that some unseasonal weather can do - There are trees down all over town because of the extra weight that snow on leaves put on limbs!

You didn't' think that would stop me going out for Halloween though, did you? No power, internet, or heat just gave me more of an excuse to get on a train to hoboken to drink out the snow with family and friends :)

Arrrg! Top and skirt thrifted, belt from a former Halloween costume, Torrid boots.

Lions and tigers and bears, oh MY!

Gangster, Marilyn, and a jellyfish!

Hope you all had a great Halloween weekend! What did you go as?

Utility blues

Top: NY&Co Outlet (here on the regular site). Skirt: NY&Co, thrifted. Tights: c/o We Love Colors. Booties: ASOS. Jacket: Macy's. Necklace: gifted. Bangles: Syms. Ring: NY&Co. Polish: Orly Galaxy Girl.

I have this problem. It starts with an innocent, selfless shopping trip to pick up a birthday gift for my sister at the local outlets, and it ends with me in a dressing room in a frenzy, trying on about 20 pieces while my sister's pile sadly stays at about two. But at a New York & Company outlet store where everything is on additional sale, how can you help but try on half the place?! This blue utility shirt is one of the pieces I picked up that day, it came out to about $14 if I'm not mistaken.This one's a hit for me not only because of the modest V-neck, waist-cinching tie belt and fantastic color (thanks, BF, for steering me away from the gray), but because the XL buttons over the girls with nary a gape! Unheard of!

Don't worry, I did manage to purchase bunch of awesome pieces for my little sister as well - between the NY&Co, Banana Republic, and J. Crew outlets and H&M, I got her a few flowy chiffon tops, a red bodycon skirt, as well as a few choice pieces of jewelry :) I love shopping for other people almost as much as I love shopping for myself!

Skirt remixed:

Autumn leaves are falling

As fall finally starts making itself know around here, I find myself gravitating towards deeper, richer colors and earthy neutral tones. This open cardigan from Forever21+ was the perfect topper to my neutral party and goes beautifully with the gold jewelry I keep going back to - this leaf pendant I added to my F21 crystal necklace, amber statement ring, and a stack of various gold bracelets. I've noticed that when I find a combo of jewelry I like I'll stick to it for a while rather than mix it up. So sue me!

Cardigan: Forever21+
Top: Old Navy
Jeans: Forever21
Pumps: Bandolino via Lord & Taylor
Leaf pendant: thrifted ($.99!)
Crystal necklace: Forever21 (similar)
Amber ring: Fairfax, VA street fair
Bracelets: Brooklyn Flea
Watch: Syms

Sweater Weather

I really love this outfit!  I love this bright peach and purple together, it's such a fun and happy combo. I got these black jeggings off the F21+ sale rack for mucho cheap, and after taking in the waist a bit they fit like a dream. My nude pumps are the Bandolinos I wore to the wedding a few weeks ago; they're so fantastically comfortable that I wear them non stop! And this necklace is one of the reasons I love my local Syms so much - It's Rachel Roy and I scored it for $20!

I'm off to Brooklyn to spend some time with the boy tonight (Υιασου, αγορι μου!), and partying with my sister on Saturday. Any big plans this weekend?

Sweater: Thrifted
Tank: H&M
Jeggings: F21+ (similar)
Heels: Bandolino via Lord & Taylor
Ring: Nordstrom Rack
Necklace: Rachel Roy via Syms
I'm also wearing a thrifted gold cuff you can't see :)