OOTD: The Power of Simplicity

Despite my occasional love of the sartorially absurd - think glitter, sequins and paillettes - my style in recent months has evolved to a much simpler, and dare I say it, happier place. While I still enjoy a little fashion DECADENCE on the regular (I'm a woman, after all - made of flesh and blood, you guys), Thursday's OO was anchored by two timeless, indefatigueable classics - the perfect chambray shirt and a clean white jean.

Head to toe, here's what I wore:

• Tom Ford Anouk Sunglasses (no longer available, try eBay here)
• J. Crew Outlaw Blouse
• Toy Watch (colorway no longer available, other styles here)
• Seven for All Mankind The Skinny Second Skin Jegging in Clean White
• Loeffler Randall Peep Toe Platform Heels (no longer available)

 

OOTD: A Burberry Hangover

As we all know by now, I believe firmly in investing in the basics - wardrobe classics that will take you day to day, season to season and year to year. Of course, a trench falls among the most classic items imaginable, but even I was not mentally prepared for the significant investment that I spontaneously made on Sunday, when I popped by the Burberry flagship on 57th Street after a particularly rigorous Physique 57 class.

There, I was (as one might expect) greeted by trenches of all varieties, and an extraordinarily patient Outerwear Specialist named Lisa, who allowed me to try on every single khaki or honey colored trench (among my only requisites) in stock in my size...despite the fact that I was wearing cropped Lululemon leggings and an Old Navy fleece hoodie for the occasion.

And while I almost caved on an uber-classic style, at the very last moment, I spotted the Leather Strap Trench Coat (seen above) out of the corner of my eye. As soon as I put it on, I knew - THIS was the trench for me. It's classic, but with just enough edge to allow me to still feel like myself. As Edith Piaf so sagely sang (cc Felicia Sullivan), Je Ne Regrette Rien (that's I Regret Nothing, for the non-francophiles among us.)

Head to toe, here's how I wore my latest acquisition in today's dreary, WINDY New York weather:

• Burberry Leather Strap Trench Coat
• J. Crew Funnelneck Cashmere Sweater (no longer available, other options here)
• 7 For All Mankind Skinny Second Skin Legging Jean in Clean White (no, it's NOT too early for white jeans, but thank you for asking)
• Loeffler Randall Claudette Platform Wedge (no longer available)

Photo snapped by Christine White of Court and Hudson, whose hair inspires me on a daily basis.

OOTD: Dreary Day, Cheery Shoe

While I don't subscribe to MANY style rules, there are one or two that I hold dear. Most notably, I love a little contrast and despise anything too matchy-matchy.

But today, I broke my own rule (yes, I am a rule-breaker, it's true). After all, there's nothing like a bright, cheery pop of color to temper a chilly, windy, dreary, drizzly, gray New York day like today. So, I chose to embrace a little - or more specifically - a lot of red, namely my beloved Charles Jourdan Andes platform pump, a cherry red patent leather Alexander McQueen wrap bracelet and, of course, MAC So Chaud lipstick, a favorite orange-y red for Spring.

Head to toe, here's what else I'm wearing:

• Rachel Roy Tweed Jacket (no longer available)
• Gap Silk Top (no longer available)
• Alexander McQueen Whip Snake and Skull Wrap Bracelet (available in black here)
• 7 For All Mankind Skinny Second Skin Legging Jean in Rinsed Indigo
• Charles Jourdan Andes Platform Pump

How do you perk up your rainy day looks? Do tell.

Photo snapped by Felicia Sullivan

OOTD: The Outtakes Edition

Let's get real for a hot minute. While I derive mucho real-life inspiration from some of my fave personal style bloggers, the blogosphere as a whole is awash with girls who take themselves far, far too seriously. I, on the other hand, don't have time for that these days. Did I ever? I'm not sure. That's, as I would say, a question for the ages. I digress.

When the gals in my office get together to take outfit snaps (Felicia Sullivan, Court and Hudson, Miss Whoever You Are, Chic Thrills...I'm looking at you), things are a little different. For one, and probably most notably, laughs ABOUND. In addition to capturing a great shot that showcases my friend's great style, I consider it among my key objectives (jargon alert) to make the subject of the photo (usually Felicia) laugh genuinely, and as hard as she can. I'm pretty confident that she feels the same...after all, I'm not a model (none of us are), so a great smile can really make or break a photo.

Of course, when you don't take yourself TOO seriously, you've got to weed through a lot of outtakes to find a great snap that captures a look head to toe. I gave up on yesterday's OOTD, so above you see one of my fave outtakes.

Here's what I've got on:

• Vince Split Neck Silk Blouse in Blush
• Club Monaco Silver Mesh Scarf
• Jimmy Choo for H&M multi-chain bracelet (gift)
• 7 for all Mankind Skinny Second Skin Legging in Rinsed Indigo (Jesus H. Christ, that is a mouthful)
• Barney's New York Knee High Boot (no longer available)
• Nails: essie Going Incognito

Shop This: 7 For All Mankind Warehouse Sale