simple switch: coat "diy"

Ok, so this was SUPPOSED to be a DIY. I say supposed to with absolute best intentions of doing this myself. But upon realizing how intricately a coat is built, I took my little project to my tailor. Yes, I have a tailor. Yes, you should get one too. But that's another story for another time.

Back to my "DIY". I've had this coat for a while now and thought it needed some refreshing. It fits fabulously but I always felt like the buttons dated it a bit. I've been obsessed with J.Crew and the gold buttons on their bright coats for ages. I knew I wasn't going to get rid of a perfectly good coat though so instead of trading this one in, I decided to be J.Crew inspired in reinventing a piece I already owned.

{before - you can barely even notice the buttons at all}

After hearing friends rave about M&J Trimming on 6th, I decided to head up in search of some gold buttons. Boy, was I in over my head. I must have spent the better part of an hour pulling and comparing buttons until I finally found the perfect ones.

{these were love at first sight}
 

I had my tailor put these on, which only cost $2 per button and picked up my coat later that night. I must say, I'm pretty obsessed with it. It completely changes the look of the coat and makes it feel so current.

 {the new details really pop now}

wanted: down to a tee

There are few things more satisfying than looking fabulous while wearing something as simple as a basic t-shirt. The right one can be dressed up so easily and can be paired with just about anything. The best ones are soft and ever-so-slouchy without being too baggy. Personally, I'm also a big fan of a v-neck.
On my search for the perfect tee, I found these amazing options.

 {Urban Outfitters $24}

 {Madewell $29}

{Revolve Clothing $30}

style envy: ashley madekwe

As if I wasn't already obsessed with Ashley Madekwe's style on Revenge, one of my favorite new shows this year, I was overjoyed when I discovered that she has her own style blog.
Her looks are impeccably chic but surprisingly accessible. I love the way she mixes patterns and textures. She also combines classics with trendy pieces flawlessly. Her looks have definitely given me a ton of inspiration for my own wardrobe.

You can find more of Ashley's amazing looks over at her blog, Ring My Bell.

Who are your style icons right now?

wanted: chambray craze

I've been scouring boutiques, websites and everywhere in between for the perfect chambray shirt for what seems like months now. Every time I find one, it either doesn't fit right or seems overpriced. Well, I'm happy to report that after tireless searching, I finally found my perfect chambray at Zara this past week. It fits like a glove and is the ideal length for tying up or tucking in.
Since it's pretty hard to pinpoint the perfect chambray for everyone, this isn't the kind of thing I suggest buying online. Fit and cut is everything so taking the time to find the perfect one is important.

That being said, this week's wanted is all about different ways to wear the shirt I'd been wanting and finally got my hands on. These looks are from some of my favorite fashion bloggers and I can't wait to try my own versions of these looks with my new favorite blouse! Good luck ever getting me out of this shirt, I've already worn it twice.

{Cupcakes and Cashmere: tucked into a sleek leather skirt, Kendi Everyday: tucked into white jeans, Nany's Kloset: tied up over something frilly like lace shorts}

wanted: in the trenches

If there's one wardrobe staple every New Yorker seems to own, it's a trench coat. Since bikinis are more of a necessity back home though, I never felt the need to get one. Cue my arrival in the city a few weeks ago to a slew of New Yorkers, including all of the men, wearing fabulous coats.

The classic shape and timeless style definitely make this an investment piece I'm not skimping on. To narrow my search, I decided that whatever trench I was going to buy had to fit the following criteria:

1. Beige or Tan in Color

2. Double-Breasted Buttons

3. A Belt to Cinch it at the Waist

 After some searching and falling in love with one too many Burberry coats, I narrowed my choices down to these three.

Thoughts?

 {Club Monaco $230}

{Brooks Brothers $178}

{Laundry by Shelli Segal $137}

And just for fun, here are a few of the gorgeous Burberry's I stumbled on. With price tags well over $1,000 they're way out of my price range but they're still so nice to look at.
Someday, though. Someday.

wanted: swanky sandals

I've practically been living in a pair of Michael Kors sandals for years now. They're simple but stylish and as sad as I am to let them go, they're a bit beyond repair at this point. Since I couldn't find the same pair anywhere I've been searching for the perfect replacement. I need a pair that can go from work to errand-running seamlessly and here are the options I've found that meet all of my criteria.

Which pair is your favorite? Leave a comment and cast your vote!

{Vince Camuto "Malinda" $69}

 {Sam Edelman "Sophie" $119}

{DV by Dolce Vita "Archer" $69}