The Skivvy

I’ve finally decided to face facts and dress like I actually have a job and places to go afterwards - while not looking like a poseur, a dork, a hipster, a college student, a wanna-be…

See more of my Work to Evening Outfit 1.0 list at ThisNext.

I am in love with this cute tote for a few reasons…
#1 Reusable totes are usually fugly, and while I love the earth and all, I am not about to walk around with a plastic coated granny bag.
#2 This baby is stttttrrrrong…as in strong enough to hold my laptop or a bottle of wine (or more likely a few bottles of wine)
#3 Hautegirl hearts SPYE (support independent design!!!!)
Spye Pattern Tote Bag, $25 at spyestore.com (via Spye Store)

The lasting remnant of my love affair with fast fashion is a borderline obsession with leather jackets from Forever 21. They’re generally made of super soft leather and wear really well (to the point that my fave from last year is now a completely broken-in wardrobe staple which I cannot live without). So, I was in F21 a few weeks ago when i saw this jacket, I walked around the entire store carrying it then decided against buying it, but I have not stopped thinking about it since. Let’s see how much longer I can hold out…
Leather Jacket, $150.80 at Forever 21 (via Forever 21)

I am in love with these sick, sick snake skin boots. Mostly I think that snake skin boots strike a generally bad-ass if slightly creepy tone which feeds perfectly into my vision of myself - bad-ass and slightly creepy.
Devi Kroell Python Boots, $1990 at Net-A-Porter (via Net-A-Porter)

I;ve found that good things come in P’s…Prada, Pucci, Purple, (La)Perla…hence my newly instated love affair with Malizia by La Perla’s La Classe Bra. In a super intense shade of purple, this ulta-sheer charmer brings chic sexy appeal to an everyday silhouette. Have to have.
Malizia La Classe Bra, $113 at Bare Necessities

Generally more of a shoe than a bag girl, I am always shocked when I stumble upon a bag that I instantly love. Sleek, modern, not to girlie and entirely hands free, Kooba’s Jenny Convertible Crossbody Bag must become mine.
Kooba Jenny Bag, $595 at Saks (via Saks)

Until recently, the idea of a leather dress seemed absolutely horrifying…conjuring images of Eddie Murphy from Raw and not in a good way. But, in realizing that going to elementary school on the Lower East Side of Manhattan left an indelible mark on my sense of style and that I should just give in to dressing like a super fly extra from an eighties music video - I have come to love this leather Dress from Vince.
Vince Leather Shift Dress, $725 at Shop Bop (via Shop Bop)

Despite my goth tendencies, I have a serious weakness for cutesy details, like the gold buttons on this Chloe & Reese Mini. Pair this with some black Wolford tights and some patent leather boots - I think this could be my new "have to get dressed up, but don’t want to feel like a stuffy adult" go-to work meeting outfit.
+ Active Endeavors is offering 20% before Wednesday with code "hellofall"
Chloe & Reese Wool Mini Dress W/ Buttons, $375 at Active Endeavors (via Active Endeavors)

Somehow or another I ended up with a sample of this Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller…While I am not a product-junkie, I am singularly obsessed with not getting old and with getting rid of my omnipresent under eye bags and puffiness. So, as I was not planning on actually sleeping or relaxing, I figured that this product was worth a shot to conquer the puffiness and bags - and lo and behold this works so well ‘it makes you wanna smack your mama’…love, love love this lightweight, soothing product.
Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller, $12.99 at Walgreens.com (via Walgreens)

In the ongoing effort to diversify my wardrobe from being nearly all-black and only accented by stripes, I submit this top - it’s grey and black and plaid. I saw it in target over the weekend and from afar it kinda has an optical illusion thing going on…me thinks it is perfect for Fall.
Go International® Ruffle Top - Houndstooth Print , $29.99 (via Target)

DKNY’s Sensual Curves Underwire Bra is chic and sexy, but smooth and comfortable enough for everyday wear - while creating a gently uplifted, supported, flattering shape. While my search for the perfect everyday bra continues, I think that this is a serious contender.

DKNY Sensual Curves Underwire Bra, $27 (on sale) at Bare Necessities (via Bare Necessities)

In all honestly, about 90% of my wardrobe is black. A huge part of the reason for that is that I am not a morning person and I am not good at matching, so an all-black wardrobe assists in being to actually get out of the house in the morning. Imagine my chagrin when this morning, while rushing out of the house layered in too many black clothes…when I realized that the black of my nearly new cardigan and that of my oft-worn tank didn’t match - AT ALL.
So, while I always wash my skivvies and sweaters in Woolite, it now seems to be the time to start washing the ole 90% black wardrobe in it too.
Woolite® For All Darks Detergent, $8.97 at homesolutionstore.com (via home solutions store)

The only thing I really need is a new winter jacket. While my tastes generally veer towards the overly expensive, I’m thinking that this silver faux-down jacket from Old Navy may be the solution to my issues:
1 - I have super long arms and this is available in Tall
2 - I always buy jackets that leave the swatch of skin between my sweater and my low rise jeans exposed - and this one isn’t cropped
3 - Ironically I’m tired of an all black outerwear wardrobe - and this comes is a lick-ass silver
4 - The overly expensive thing - this one is $59!
…SOLD!!
Silver Frost Free Jacket, $59 at Old Navy (via Old Navy)

While I wasn’t paying attention it went from hazy, hot and humid to damp, dark and chilly. I’ve been spending all day at work shivering under a heavy sweater and my mornings dreading the walk from the bed to bathroom. What happened to good Autumn?
So, accepting that it’s only gonna get colder, I’ve decided to buy a bathrobe - a real one and I love this cozy, yet lightweight robe from Calvin Klein - it’s modern in modal and will hopefully make the journey to the shower at least a little bit easier.
Calvin Klein Essentials Robe, $89 at Bare Necessities (via Bare Necessities)

I soooooo want these leggings/ fake pants. I imagine that they’ll pair perfectly with almost everything that I own - thereby justifying the price. My professional rocker friend isn’t sure about the elastic waist, but previous leather pants experience has taught that a little elastic probably won’t hurt the cause.
Les Chiffoniers Stretch Leather Skinny Pants, $850 (via Intermix)

I am seriously concerned that I have only recently been made aware of the fact that Cashmere Polos exist. Yes, it’s cute in yellow, but it is absolutely kick-ass in black - must own, like now.
Cashmere Polo, $42 at Old Navy (via Old Navy)

Again, hoping to diversify from an all-black wardrobe, I think that this coat, #1 isn’t all black, #2 isn’t overly stuffy or grown-up and #3 probably isn’t that warm, but is super cute…and I am thinking that the collar is perfect for those overly dramatic moments I tend to have like almost every morning that’s cold.
Ringspun ‘Cheats’ Polka Dot Coat, $167 at ASOS (via ASOS)

In the constant effort to diversify my wardrobe (as in I will still wear all black, but check it out - I’m wearing a blue and black striped scarf today - wooo hooo) while not looking like a hipster or a poseur or some other er. But, this plaid shirt might be my downfall…although my reference for such a thing is a singular Biggie Small lyric, I can’t help but notice that all of the er’s love the Buffalo Plaid….regardless, this top is sooooo mine - perhaps worn with leather Converse All-Stars and a suit for work - see I work and wear suite - I am so not an er.
Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Figue Buffalo Plaid Top, $98.00 at Urban Outfitters (via Urban Outfitters)

Master of illusions - Wolford’s Alcazar Stay-Up tights have all of the sexy, screen-siren appeal of thigh-highs, without all of the drama - as in, they’ll actually stay up. Also, I think that these are a great compromise between the sheer stockings that all of fashion seems on board with and the de riguer staple - black opaque tights (shout out to black opaque tights).
Wolford Alcazar Stay-Up Illusion Fishnet - $72.00 at Bare Necessities (via Bare Necessities)

My husband is a tea drinker with a penchant for exotic (non-caffeinated) herbal teas, which for some reason never come in a tea bag. Honestly, I find his obsession quite weird - after all, what good is a hot beverage without caffeine? Also, I kinda think that all of his teas taste the same….but, in an effort to be more involved in his interests, I’ve been buying him cool tea accoutrement - like this tea stick…which I like primarily for its design.
Tea Stick , $20 - Chiasso.com (via Chiasso.com)

I am very seriously considering buying this portable espresso machine. Not that I am actually considering needing to use it in the "wild", unless the "wild" is anyplace where a quality espresso cannot be found (Starbucks doesn’t really count)…like in parts of Queens, or all of New Jersey. Instead, I’d swap out carrying my Blackberry and carry this in my bag EVERYDAY, honestly, I’d probably use it more than I do my Blackberry and I’d certainly enjoy it more…and I am thinking of others as well - I am much nicer when properly caffeinated.
Handpresso Portable Espresso Maker, $129.99 at Importika (via Importika)

I am starting to get super psyched that my sister-in-law is having twin girls this December. I’m like lukewarm about babies in general as I have a ton of little cousins and I know that for however cute they are, they will inevitably spew something gross on you - it’s only a matter of time. But I am totally down for spoiling the crap out of all babies in my life with adorable stuff that is totally unnecessary. Enter these ridiculously cute shoes - I just wish they came in different colors so no one has to share.
Tweed Pieced Baby Shoes, $8.50 at Old Navy

I am not a fan of real-world shopping - not even for shoes. If given the choice, I’d prefer my free time sitting at a cafe sipping either espresso or prosecco depending on the time of day. I really hate shopping…but, I’ve learned that I especially hate shopping for house stuff. I’ve literally fallen into tears in the parking lot of Brooklyn Ikea, I’ve had too many tantrums in Home Depot to tally, and recently- randomly I developed a migraine at the mere site of the tile store - I digress. I need sheets, like badly and while I dream of Frette, my reality is more Dwell (well, Dwell for Target). I like these and they don’t require me going into an actual store - sold!
DwellStudio for Target Regency Comforter Set - $89.99 - $99.99 at Target (via Target)

Somewhat random, but I’ve gotta say it - Botkier is one of my favorite brands…I love the simplicity of design and the fact that my Botkier bags always get compliments, but I’ve never seen anyone else carrying them…So, I am seriously craving a new pair of flat black boots - sturdy enough to survive the season, sassy enough to breathe new life into my tired Winter uniform of skinny black pants and black cashmere sweaters…and chameleon-like enough to also be paired with leggings and winter dresses without looking foolish. Today, I am leaning towards Botkier’s Heather Boot - love the detail and the uber flat sole…I am also loving the they look bad-ass but not biker gang.
Botkier Heather Boot, $675 at Botkier.com (via Botkier.com)

I have spent an inordinate amount of my recent free time shopping for light fixtures. This has not been a positive experience - at all. Everything looks the same - ugly and cheap regardless of the price. So, back to basics - I am totally in love with the Glo-Ball by Flos, granted it is super simple and somewhat expensive, but I’ve gotta tell you - lighting fixture-wise this is as good as it gets.
Glo Ball Pendant - $520 at Hive Modern (via Hive Modern)

Aside from the fact that it belongs to Oak’s Bondage collection and has "pieced straps for binding" I kinda find Complex Geometries dress to be classically modern - as in I could wear this to work and fit in without feeling like a sellout.
Complex Geometries Black Wool Binder Dress, $292 at Oak (via Oak)

As a part of my ongoing effort to incorporate satin into my daywear options, I present this skirt. I actually went to the store and checked it out (and bought it) yesterday, so I can attest to: the fact that the print looks significantly better in person - it actually reminds me of a Gucci or Marc Jacobs print (like almost exactly), it is really well made for a $20 skirt…it has a hidden closure and really cute inverted pleats…and that I will absolutely be rocking this with some black opaque hose and patent leather shoes…
I do have to admit to one thing - it does run small, so size up.
Floral Shadow Skirt, $19.80 at Forever 21 (via Forever 21)

I really want this. I’ve wanted it for years and even after seeing a reasonable facsimile at Italian Home Depot for a uber reasonable price - I still want this one. I so doubt that I’ll ever own it, but I can still love it from afar-no?
Cellula Chandelier, $2100 at DWR.com

To celebrate the launch of Topshop’s US website, I decided to take a look and see what they have…in general, not that impressed - but specifically I am in love with this glam sequined frock. I really want a sequined frock - like bad.
Kate Moss Topshop Sequined Dress, $260 at Topshop.com (via Topshop)

Black, flat, bad-ass looking boots - that’s like the winter boot trifecta…add to that - I’m thinking that you’ll likely be the only girl in the room rockin’ these babies, so pile exclusive allure on top of the trifecta. I am absolutely heads over Marc Jacobs heels -in love with these boots. Want, want, want, want , need?
Anouk Alexa Leather Polo Boot, $636 at Tobi.com (via Tobi.com)

Black skinny jeans are my ultimate wardrobe staple…MUST restock supply of skinny black jeans. FYI - J Brand are the absolute best, but what am I supposed to do now? Need new skinny J Brands (or do I since they never fade and all basically all look the same anyway?)…enter skinny, black J Brands with zipper. Need these now.
J Brand Skinny-Leg Jean with Zipper, $172.00 at eLuxury (via eLuxury)

I am having a serious ruffle moment right now, as in for the last few weeks almost everything that I love is ruffled…but, I totally adore this Ali Ro Ruffle & Racerback top - it’s perfect for transitioning (I think silk is a year-round fabric), chic enough to warrant the price tag - cute enough to make me say "awwwww" and bad-ass enough that the ruffles don’t undercut my street cred.
Ali Ro Ruffle & Racerback Silk Top, $182 at Saks.com (via Saks.com)

While utterly confused by the name (I’m seriously perplexed, has this been hanging around since spring, and if so - what’s wrong with it and if not then why call it a spring floral - sorry, that type of thing gets to me) I think this might be the best floral, ruffled, chiffon dress for under $30 that I’ve ever seen. Also, I think it would look good with skinny jeans and boots.
Floral Spring Dress, $27.80 at Forever21.com (via Forever 21)

I am not a handbag person, it’s just not my thing. I used to be a Marc Jacobs person, before he took over Bleeker Street and lost weight and got all shiny - but now I’m more of a Phillip Lim person. I used to be a purple person, it was the age of Purple Rain and I adored Prince and Purple above all else - well, that hasn’t changed. So, perhaps my love of this bag is more of a Prince/Purple thing and not a Marc Jacobs handbag thing at all.
…also, it’s huge and I have always loved a big bag.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Dr. Q "Riz" Hobo, $528.00

So, I promised myself that I would only buy two things for winter…a really kick-ass, investment-level coat and a pair of flat black boots. I am in love with this Stella McCartney coat I want, want, want, want, want…although, unless it gets marked down like 95%, there’s almost no way I’ll actually buy it, but a girl can dream.
Stella McCartney Wool Tulip Coat
$2,595 at Net-a-Porter (via Net-a-Porter)

Becoming a homeowner has forced my ridiculously expensive, or as my husband would put it - "fancy" tastes into stark opposition with my financial realities…as in - I have no money, a furniture-less home and some big budget design ideas. So, I’ve bee searching and searching from DWR to Ebay to even - gasp - JC Penny (seriously, they have a mirrored vanity that I wouldn’t be ashamed to own) and finally settled on this high-style, low budget beauty at Target.
Venetian Mirror Table, $99 at Target

I am a headband girl…granted, generally speaking there’s really only one headband and it is black, unadorned and worn (in several different varieties) every single day - it’s my thing. However, as of late, I’m bored with the prerequisite black headband - and at the same time I also came to the conclusion that metallics and animal prints are going to be my new neutrals…and viola my obsessive compulsive, accessories-related analysis has yielded this: J Crew’s Double Mirrored-Metallic Leather Headband - need both gold and silver - right now. (via J. Crew)

I’ve known the searing pain of pounding the pavement in 4-inch stilettos. That pain that starts out as a tingle dead-smack in the center of the ball of your foot, the pain that just keeps growing until the entire bottom of your foot feels like it is on fire - each step agonizing…so bad in fact that even after the offending shoes have been removed, the pain continues, sometimes for days. In spite of this I refuse to give up the heels, I refuse to wear "commuter" shoes - I just keep on steppin’ - with the help of Hue’s Ball of the Foot Pillows my stiletto saving grace.
Hue Ball of the Foot Pillow - $6 or 3 for $15 at Bare Necessities (via Bare Necessities)

I wear scarves all year around…As I type, I am sitting at my desk swathed in a summer muffler and a cashmere sweater - I’m getting old, I get cold. So, I’m thinking this $8.80 scarf paired with a DVF dress and some Gucci shoes in a low, middle, high combo could work for me.
Burnout Camo Scarf, $8.80 at Forever 21 (via Forever 21)

So, in prep for Fall, I am investing in way too many pairs of opaque and semi-opaque tights to brighten an otherwise completely black (as in totally, utterly, completely black) wardrobe. My fave, affordable, comfy tights are by Hue and these come in a multitude of colors - from bright pink to basic black to Fall’s all important jewel tones.
Hue Tights, $12.50 or 2 for $20 at Bare Necessities (via Bare Necessities)

I am especially snobbish when it comes to three things (okay, really like 15-20 things but for the sake of this post, let’s say three)…
#1 - Shoes, they don’t have to be designer, but the have to be really, really good.
#2 - Coffee, it has to be espresso and it has to be really, really good
#3 -Pens, they have to be felt tipped, fine at least minorly stylish…
…so while perusing the art shop, i rediscovered my favorite pens of all time (literally, since I discovered these forever ago and kinda forgot about them) Le Pen - perfectly sleek, smooth and stylin’.

Gloves are my absolute favorite accessory…cold weather or warm…it’s a Karl Lagerfeld thing. So, even though it’s still not cool enough to sport my fingerless perforated driving gloves (unless you’re Karl Lagerfeld) I am dreamily, materialistically, lusting after Lauren Urstadt’s Quilted Fingerless Gloves ($75). (via Intermix)

It happens every single Fall, but for some reason I always get excited at the announcement that Fall will be all about hosiery. Problem is, with the exception of those new two-toned opaque and sheer numbers (not a fan) there’s really mothing new in hosiery happening…black opaques, jewel-hued opaques and a couple of fishnets - that’s it really. So, of course I am super psyched about DKNY’s Modern Ribbed Tights and now my hosiery obsession has been satisfied - for now. (via Bare Necessities)