wanted wednesday: steal on j.crew tees

While anything J.Crew begs to be added to my wardrobe, I have a serious love affair with their tees. The soft fabrics and excellent fit make them ideal for just about anything but they can be a little pricy as far as a simple t-shirt is concerned. I got this tank last summer and this long sleeve tee a few months ago but avoided buying one in every color because of the price tag.

Well imagine my excitement when I found out that a ton of their tees are featured in their current sale! Everything from v-necks and crew-necks to long sleeves and tanks, all for a ridiculously low price. On top of that, they're having a 30% off on all sale items (using the code "STYLEFIND"). I kid you not, I must have gotten almost 10 tees in virtually every cut and color and spent less than $100! Now thats what I call a steal!

Here are some of my favorite picks (some of which will be arriving in my mailbox next week) along with a few things that would pair fabulously with any t-shirt look to dress it up a bit. Saving on t-shirts totally means you can splurge on accessories, right? Thought so.

Tees (clockwise from center) – Vintage Cotton V-Neck, BalletButton Tee, Vintage Cotton Tank, Tissue Long Sleeve, Vintage Cotton Crew-Neck, Perfect Fit Long Sleeve

Accessories (from left) – Lulu Frost for J.Crew Necklace, Paisley Square Scarf, Edie Purse

13 in 2013

While some may find the number taboo or seem to bring bad luck, 13 is my lucky number and I'm hoping this year is a lucky one too.

Only 4 days into 2013 and I've spent time with loved ones, scored an amazing deal on new winter coat and gotten a free upgrade to first class on my flight back to New York. Seems this year is already off to a fantastic start!

Looking back on 2012 and last year's list, I'm pretty proud of what I accomplished. I may not have posted on my blog every week or even worked out every week for that matter but I graduated college, started my dream job and took one hell of a leap of faith (moved to New York City, after all). I also learned to relax a little more, I read some amazing books (I'm working on Tom Wolfe's "Back to Blood" now) and have been cooking up a storm of new recipes.

In this new year, I want to keep things simple. Sure, my resolutions include ways to improve myself but  I also want them to serve as reminders to take time to enjoy life more.

1. Do New York - I moved to this city for a reason but feel like I haven't exactly been taking advantage of all it has to offer.
2. Adopt a Kitten - I've been dying to get one for months and I think January will finally be the month I cave.
3. Throw a Spectacular Dinner Party
4. Take Care of a Plant - Despite my multitude of domestic skills, I can't seem to keep a plant alive for more than a month.
5. Experiment More with Clothes and Beauty - I'm constantly pinning outfit ideas, hair styles and makeup tricks but usually stick to my tried and true favorites. 
6. Try New Foods
7. Take More Pictures - No, not with my iPhone, with my DSLR. I've been neglecting it lately.
8. Wear More Heels - It's not like I dont have a ton but since commuting in New York requires quite a bit of walking, I opt for flats more often than not.
9. Plan a Few Weekend Getaways - Boston, Chicago and DC are on my short list
10. Catch Up with Old Friends and Make New Ones
11. Send Some Snail Mail - There are few things as simple and satisfying as getting a nice card in the mail. This year, I want to send a few.
12. Less is More - My wardrobe is constantly evolving. I know I won't stop shopping completely so this year, I've decided to focus on spending my money on quality pieces I can't live without.
13. Find a Workout Schedule I Can Stick To - With my unpredictable work schedule, it seems like morning workouts are going to be a must. Hello, 6am.

What are you looking forward to doing in 2013?

wanted: cold weather cool

After a nice long holiday weekend in Miami, I arrived back to New York on Monday night to a rude awakening of cold, gloomy weather. Clearly I'm not in South Florida, anymore.

I've gotten some great stuff over the past few weeks (mostly sweaters like this one and this one) but my outerwear selection is still kind of slim. As soon as I saw the outwear sale over at J.Crew though, I knew I'd be picking something up. I've had my eye on this vest for weeks so it's already in my cart but these coats are also shooting to the top of my list.

 {love the print on this light puffer vest}

 {perfect pop of color in a classic-cut coat}

{a subdued color brought to life with a unique shape}

What are your cold weather must-haves?

wanted: mind the GAP

Now that I live in a place with real seasons, I've become fascinated with the idea of dressing for the occassion. Sure, I probably owned more pairs of boots than any Miamian should before I even moved to New York but when it comes to sweaters and outerwear, my wardrobe is a bit lacking.

You can check out some of my fall and winter outfit inspirations on this pinboard but I must say, I took a peek at the GAP look book the other day and would love to add virtually every one of these outfits to my wardrobe. I love the idea of basics paired with a bright pop of color to really liven things up, especially when it's dark and dreary outside. 

I love all of these looks but the striped sweater dress, red vest and coral-colored skinnys are at the top of my list!

What are your favorite fall/winter pieces this year?



Shop the looks here:

wanted: frugal-ista finds

Being a fashionista on a budget isn't always easy, especially when you tend to have expensive taste like I do. With sites like ideeli, Gilt and Rue La La, I can always find great designer deals but I've stumbled on some great sales on some of my favorite sites recently and couldn't help but share.

This week, Madewell's sale section is loaded with great pieces that are just begging to be added to my wardrobe. On top of the already great deals, you can get an additional 25% off with the code "YIPPEE".  Here are some of the piece I have my eye on.

{Safari Print Dress $128 $89 $67*}

 {If you're not a fan of an all-over print, this skirt has just enough pop. Safari Print Skirt $68 $44 $33*}

 {Contrast Cardigan $80 $65 $49*}

{Sidewalk Skimmer Flats  $98 $79 $59*}



*Please note, this price includes the 25% off from the coupon code and is not guaranteed.

style envy: something like olivia

I'm not exactly sure why Olivia Palermo is famous, aside from her brief stint on The Hills spin off, The City. Regardless of why paparazzi seem to be snapping pictures of her all of New York though, she. is. fabulous. No question, the girl has style. She strikes the perfect balance of classic with a splash of trendy and nails it every time.

Here are some of my favorite looks of hers, along with a few tips on how replicate her impeccable style.

1. Build on Basics. Pair a simple dress, like in looks 2 and 4, with trendy accessories like layered necklaces or gladiator heels.

2. Suit up. A tailored blazer or peacoat can dress up anything from floral jeans to high-waisted shorts.

3. Shine On. Add some interest to a classic look with a glamorous blouse or leather jacket that really sparkles when the light hits it.

insta-life

I know my official return has been long overdue but this new New York life is turning out to be even more hectic than I could have imagined. Fortunately, it's in a good way. Here's a peek at what I've been up to these past few weeks. 

{first signs of fall: pumpkins and fresh maple syrup}

      

{visits from two of my favorite people: what better way to spend it than over great food and fabulous drinks?}

   

{sprucing up the apartment with some new decor: a rug, pillows and wall art for the living room along with a gorgeous decorative towel draped over the stove from anthropologie}

    

{a few of the latest additions to my fall wardrobe: I've practically worn these ASOS boots every day since I got them and these Kelsey Dagger booties were a total score on sale at TJ Maxx for just $30!}

More fun stuff on Monday, including a new Style Envy Post (you can check out the last one here) but until then, enjoy your weekend!