Mad for Plaid

When I was 13, I had this really great pair of pants I'd picked up at some mall chain store-they were the perfect red plaid, tapered and flattering. Of course, 13-year-old me knew absolutely nothing about style (confession: I was a grunge/punk kid, more often in flannel & concert tees than not!), but my fashion sense matured with age and now-adult me wishes I still had/could still fit into those perfect red plaid pants. Alas, I'm sure they found their way to Goodwill, and hopefully to someone who knew how to style them, so adult me is on the hunt for a new perfect plaid. I think any of the above would do, don't you?

Clockwise from top left: Alice & Olivia Plaid Skirt || Nike Dunk Sky Hi London || Marc by Marc Jacobs Plaid Bag || Sea Combo Pullover || DSquared Plaid Coat || Stella McCartney Tartan Sweater || PJK Plaid Sweatshirt || Loft Plaid Ankle Pants || Alice & Olivia Plaid Pump || J. Crew Wool Scarf || Club Monaco Utility Tote

Style Anatomy: Wine & Leather

I can have a lot of trouble getting dressed in the mornings. Sometimes, I know exactly what I want to wear and it comes out just how I imagined, but more often than not I end up hating everything I own because combinations always look much better in my head than in the mirror. I forget about the little details-the fit, the hardware, the colors-that can make a seemingly perfect combination clash. I've found that if I focus on one piece I'd really like to wear and build up from there, it can (sometimes-not always) lead to a look I really love, like this one!

This look started with the leather accented oxblood top. I was heading to a show at Terminal 5 in the evening and knew I wanted something brooding, tinged with punk, so I added a pair of black skinnies and my favorite Jeffrey Campbells. Chilly fall weather calls for a jacket, and nothing says rock-n-roll like a leather one. Since I'm rarely without lip color, I opted for a dark wine-tinted stain. The final touches are, of course, all in blue. I picked up this hat a few weeks ago and had been itching for the perfect opportunity to wear it; the sunnies & scarf are regulars in my arsenal and happened to blend seamlessly into the rest of this look. Et, voilà! So many of my favorite pieces, working in harmony. 

Jacket, L.A. find (similar) || Top, Zara (similar) || Jeans, 7 For All Mankind

Boots, Jeffrey Campbell || Bag, Phillip Lim for Target || Scarf, Italian street vendor

Hat, Goorin Brothers || Sunglasses, Ray-Ban || Lipstain, Bite Beauty || Blue & Gold Necklace, Lionette

Photos: Ashley Manfred

Weekly Wants

I know, I know. Weekly Wants didn't make any appearances last month, but I'm getting my sh*t together (slowly)! I'm clearly still on a neutrals kick, and spending lots of time in NoLIta & SoHo has put me on a slight rocker binge, too. Not on this week's post-but just about the only thing on my mind? The most amazing leather vest I spotted at All Saints this week (and that's only because I can't find it online!). The gorgeous, cozy, very soft cardigan I was eyeing made the list, though. 

I also had a chance this past week to try out the full line of First Aid Beauty skincare and after just one use, I was hooked! My skin looked smoother & brighter, and a dark spot I've had for a while already looked faded. If I had to recommend one product (so far), the facial radiance pads would be it. And when your skin is looking good, some sparkly jewelry & bright lipstick are just the right finishing touches ;)

Clockwise from top left: Madewell Plaid Scarf || Noir Jewelry Ring || Sole Society Becky Boots || All Saints Freedom Tank || ADAISM Sacos De Papel || First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads || Baublebar Maharaja Fringe Strand || All Saints Marquis Cardigan || Rifle Paper Co Phone Case || Todd Snyder x Champion Sweatshirt || YSL Rouge Volupté  in Excess

ECCO: Sculptured 75

Since you all know that I've been pretty slow with updating lately, it shouldn't come as a surprise that these pictures are from a party I attended a few weeks back for ECCO shoes, celebrating the launch of their Sculptured 75 line for fall! 

It was my last day at my old job, so I was a little out of it and didn't manage to take ANY photos myself other than this snap of the adorable "Smile" theme. Thank goodness there was a photographer!

It was pretty dark in there, so you'll have to excuse the low-quality lighting of my photographic skills. It was great to catch up with Ashley, Jessica & Hallie, along with meeting a few new friends. I also picked up the Sculptured 75 ankle bootie, which I of course haven't had a chance to wear now that we're back up to 80 degrees every day. I'm looking forward to wearing them all winter (especially with a tights/skirt or dress combo)-they're incredibly comfortable! You can see how Ashley styled them (& read what she thinks) here.

*Ed. note (to myself): wear more mascara/eyeliner next time someone's taking your picture. A little blush wouldn't hurt, either.

Wearing: Anthropologie Dress || Faux Leather Jacket || Steven by Steve Madden Boots

*Party photos courtesy of ECCO/Mullen PR