Standing on Pine Needles at the Golden Hour



Dear Dotty,

The days are definitely getting longer now, but I’d forgotten how quickly the sun disappears and lost the golden hour after only a few photos. That’s okay though, because soon photos will be possible as late as dinner time!

I wore something very similar to this outfit when Lydia came to visit for the first time (I can’t even look at those photos, bare legs– sob). I’m sort of in the middle of the fashion blogger version of the existential crisis (what is the purpose of red tights? do I even like taking photos any more or is it just habit?), so naturally I put on something that I thought might alleviate said crisis. Leather, of course, black, and apparently grey semi-opaque Swiss dot tights.

I feel most like myself when I wear black leather and crazy Helmut Lang coats, but I’d really like to add some pieces in bright solid colors for spring. I don’t know what I was doing last spring, but… I was feeling uninspired.

I’m wearing my Helmut Lang coat (out of stock, but there were tons floating around at the sample sale so there must be some around), Francesca’s Collections wrap/cardigan with a J.Crew shell underneath, Gap leather skirt (Tokyo Joe – East Village), Merona/Target Swiss dot tights, and MIA booties (DSW).

Alex

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I’m a Peacock, Duh

January 28, 2012
Dear Kelsey,

Well, if you ever wondered what what I would wear to a masquerade ball…

I bought this dress over a year ago to wear to some event or other, but I didn’t actually end up wearing it– it’s really too overwhelming for a petite. The bodice will absolutely not stay up for me for me either (I’m thinking the plastic boning is too weak for all the fabric). But, fun for a masquerade ball, right? And maybe some kind of Marie Antoinette costume for Halloween one year if I happen to be feeling ambitious.

I’m wearing a Lulu’s dress, Anthropologie scarf, my usual ken + dana rings, Assets by Sara Blakely tights (these are reversible to grey and awesome!), and platform pumps from Talbots. Yes, I said Talbots. I picked up an extra 40% off and free shipping coupon from Extra Petite and got these towering heels for $38. The quality isn’t quite as good as Ann Taylor, but most Talbots shoes come in wide, which is a huge plus for me.

Hope you had a fun weekend too!

Alex

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InstaFriday and FBFF: New Trends

Since Fashion Beauty Friend Friday has changed, I decided to do something a little different this time. So if you’ve ever wanted to know what my atrocious handwriting looks like…


Interested in joining FBFF? Visit ModlyChic to learn more.

Weekend Hashtag Project #somethingoldsomethingnew

Old J.Crew Wellingtons. I love snow.

My big cocktail ring and awesome new notecards.

A walk through New York at night.

Beautiful weather in SoHo.
life rearranged

Snooooooooooow!


January 21, 2012

Look at all this beautiful snow! I actually love snow… and cold weather. I think I must have been a penguin in my last life. Snow makes for good lighting and background, don’t you think?

I’ve needed snow boots for five years, and of course the year I finally get them would be one of the mildest winters ever– remember al fresco dining in no coat in December?. But they’re warm and I might actually have them forever because L.L. Bean will guarantee them. I also used them to try the Boot Straps I won from a giveaway on Adored Austin (thanks Indiana!). I haven’t tested anything else from the Hollywood Fashion Secrets Jean Kit yet, but these were great and I can see myself using them with a ton my boots.

I’m wearing my Vivienne Vivienne Tam faux fur vest (c/o a gift card from T.J. Maxx), J.Crew cardigan (2010), Target shirt (swapped at ModSwap!), LOFT double wrap belt, J Brand jeans (2008), and L.L. Bean boots. The tree necklace belonged to my grandmother, and these pretty earrings were made by Lydia for Pay it Forward.

Alex

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The Story of the Free Bag


Dear Caitlin,

Today I’m going to tell you how I came to get this bag– for free. I finally accepted that I needed a new black bag because my poor old Longchamp is so sad and peeling apart. Enter a late night run to Kohl’s and a thorough raiding of the handbag section for black bags that could possibly fit a computer. This Dana Buchman tote was just right. It’s faux leather — which I don’t love because I always seem to wreck it — but I’m a fan of the clean lines and unobtrusive branding.

Originally this bag $109, but it was on sale for 50% off… and my stepmother had some Kohl’s Cash that expired while we were away for the holidays. We asked about using anyway. Free shopping! the cashier told us with a smile. Can’t beat the price.

I’m wearing my J.Jill cardigan (totally random, right? ), Alice & Trixie Wendy dress, Forever 21 belt, MIA ankle boots (DSW.com), and ken + dana ring.

Alex

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Monochromatic Textures


Dear Shen Dove,

Every. Winter. I tell myself that I’m going to wear this scarf more often. And of course it never happens, so this winter (really, I swear) it’s going to happen. This scarf is warm and cozy… and kind of obnoxiously large, but I like it. It deserves to be worn.

Last time I wore this scarf it was with grey and purple and Anthropologie. I guess I need to branch out! Color next time, for sure.

I’m wearing my J.Crew lady day coat, Anthropologie Plaited Illusion Cardi, Target dress (old- spring 2011), Betsey Johnson tights, and Born boots (brown). And these are new Anthropologie gloves, but they’re no longer available.

Alex

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Black, Brown, Navy, Rose Gold


Dear Mia,

It has been so windy the last few days, as you can see. I’ve really started to miss those balmy 40 degree days. There’s been a lot of layering going on.

Confession: I don’t like this outfit. There’s just something… off, but I can’t identify it. I think… I may have liked a brown shoe better. Ah well. Hindsight. I’ve been really feeling black and brown lately, which you know if you’ve seen my Pinterest style board in the last week. Practically obsessed.

I’m wearing my Vivienne Vivienne Tam faux fur vest (c/o a gift card from TJ Maxx), Vince shirt, J.Crew chevron shirt (Dec 2010), J Brand jeans (similar), MIA wedge ankle boots, and Anthropologie necklace. My Coach Court bag is vintage, but it’s available on Coach.com.

Alex

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Sometimes I Have Dinner Parties

January 9, 2012
Dear Lydia,

Well I suppose you remember these two? We got together for an impromptu gathering. 

I was actually going to serve tea, but I didn’t have anything for it except Tim Tams and some bland looking crackers. We went through the nearly empty pantry and I ended up making pasta with some sauce thrown together from tomato paste and a large can of whole tomatoes. I suspect canned tomatoes are actually vastly underrated.

I’m wearing my new tights! I saw them on Charming Pumpkin and immediately adored them– you know all about my issues with sheer tights, so I never wear Swiss dot. These appear to be holding up beautifully and are not choking me to death like my last pair of Merona tights.

I’m wearing my Anthropologie wrap (swapped with you!), Anthropologie skirt, Merona/Target tights, Stuart Weitzman pumps, vintage brooch, and ken + dana ring.

Alex

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