Climbing Cheetah Belt in NYC

Zoa Gold Headband, Drew Jacket, Halston Heritage One Shoulder Top,
Vintage Cheetah Belt, Emma DL1961 Red Legging,
Black Booties
New York City, NY

Oh I love old buildings. I'm sure people walk past these crazy ladders and fire department supplied stops in stairwells without giving them a second thought.  I saw it and thought, "I need to wear my red DL1961 around these things."  Thus the idea was born, and the outfit developed.  This is probably on the crazier side of things that I can wear to work, but wearing the Drew sweater over the open shoulders gets it to the point where it's conservative enough.

However, when the sweater comes off is when the fun starts and so does the climbing.

After deciding I wanted to wear the pants, I also wanted to pair it with something funky and fun.  I had picked up this Tiger Belt at a thrift store in Santa Monica called The Wasteland a couple months ago on a work trip, and I finally had a great outfit to wear it with.  It works really well to separate the monotony of the outfit. Plus it's kind of amazing.

The red pants were a no-brainer.  And to be honest, I could probably put any colored pant with these pieces, but the red just called to me.

And finally, my booties with gold details were an obvious choice.  The outfit can get a bit bulky, but the heels elongate my legs and thin me out overall.

This was one of those days where it was just about the picture.  It was fun, and it doesn't hurt that I got to climb some ladders in the building. Most of my day is spent sitting in front of the computer so anything to mix it up.

Including pretending I'm sort of climbing superhero...we can all dream right?

Items pictured:

Zoa Gold Headband, 
Drew Jacket, 
Halston Heritage One Shoulder Top, 
Vintage Cheetah Belt from Wasteland 
Emma DL1961 Red Legging: Buy
Black Booties

One woman rock band in NYC - Ophelia&I pt. 2

Ophelia & I crushed velvet stud blazer, Cut Copy T-shirt,

J Brand Skinny Jeans in Mocha, All Saints Boots,
Givenchy Black Bracelet

New York City, NY

If I were a rock n' roll star this is what I'd wear to shows.  Though I'd probably sweat through this fantastic Ophelia & I studded, crushed velvet blazer.  If I had only been born 20 years earlier and could have done A&R for a record label in the late 80s early 90s -- I would have worn stuff like that in the studio, which is why I opted for the music studio location.

It also doesn't hurt that I'm rocking a Cut Copy t-shirt that I got about 3 years ago (yes I saw Cut Copy three years ago).  I may have just dated myself.

Where is this taken?  In the music room in my office.  Seriously.  There's a music room in our office building on the 5th floor. It has instruments, music stands, speakers, and the walls are thickly lined so the sounds are muffled, but I think death metal during work hours is discouraged.

I've always wanted to be a drummer, and still have an affinity for the role despite my drumstick related injury. So that's where I started the photo fun.  The guitar came later, but I look a little hard core vs. the happy fun drum shots.

When you have a great-fitting blazer like this with fantastic details, the rest of the outfit comes easy.  I was going to wear some crazy shoes with it too, and if I were a REAL rock n' roll musician I would have, but for the office my All Saints wannabee combat boots sufficed.

Most importantly, on my right wrist I'm sporting a gorgeous Givenchy bracelet that my friend Erin got me for Christmas.  It actually arrived that day and it goes amazingly well with the outfit.

If I can be any evidence of it, ANYONE can look like a rockstar.  Just walk the walk and go into a music studio.  Who would know the difference?  Except for my exceptional lack of music talent of course.

Items pictured:
Ophelia & I studded crushed velvet blazer in black
Cut Copy Band T-Shirt: Buy
J Brand Mid-rise skinny in Mocha
All Saints Combat boots
Givenchy black studded bracelet/cuff

70s holiday glamour in Westport, CT

Lauren, Corey and Me
Trina Turk Caliente Long Dress, Vintage Earrings, Black Velvet Gloves,
Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster, Costume National Heels
Westport, CT
Photo by Dan Duchene

I bought this dress from a Nordstrom Rack in San Diego for a steal.  I almost didn't buy it, but I thought it would be perfect for the annual Defeo Christmas party.

The material is really light and comfortable.  Best of all the empire waist hides my belly so I can easily eat a large meal in it and not look disgusting. Which is another reason why I thought it would be great for the Christmas party. The Defeo food is legendary, and I never want to wear something so restrictive that I can't partake.

I wore a pair of long velvet gloves that I got in a street market in Seoul for $4 because I was too busy  to get my nails done before the event.


Tip: If you don't have time to do your nails get a pair of fancy gloves.  It's saved me a many embarrassing occasion where my hands would have been unacceptable.

On my feet are 5-inch Costume National heels.  I needed these babies because of the long length of the dress, but I do love that you can't see my feet.  You don't know how tall I am without them.  At the end of the night when I was walking around in flats people were giving me double-takes because they didn't realize how much height I was getting from the heels.  Good times.

Close up of the Costume National Shoes

As for jewelry, the dress's shine did enough for jewelry, but I needed something to pop near my face.  I knew I wanted something big and vintage on my ears to continue to channel the 70s feel of the dress.  I was thinking huge pearls or some sort of ostentatious crystal with gold. I popped into a Vintage Pop-Up vendor QP and Monty in Chelsea Market the Friday before the Defeo Christmas party and found these beauties.  I got a great deal too.  I found a pair similar to these in Anthropologie for double the price and not nearly as awesome.  I'm VERY happy with the purchase.  Their items were wonderfully curated.  I picked up three things that will make appearances on sayno2ugly.

I put my hair up into a high bun to show off the earrings and the neckline of the dress. The bun with the bangs brought a clean line to the whole deal. The look was perfected with these great baubles from QP and Monty. 

Vintage earrings bring vintage flair

Toasting a wonderful meal

Last but not least, the Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster is getting a lot of mileage this holiday season.  I'm slowing whittling down that cost per use number to something more reasonable.  As always I got a ton of compliments, but I tried to hold it for most of the night knuckle-side down.  Skulls don't go quite as well at a holiday party.

Of course the house was decorated beautifully and we had a wonderful time.  Though the "kids" did take some time to have some fun shenanigans, including a crazy photo-shoot in Libby's room.  She has bunk beds. I couldn't resist having formal wear in the room.

Night time meal goes well with bunk beds

It's always time for tiny tea!

Overall it was a fantastic night. The house was beautiful, and so were the guests.  Not to mention the always wonderful jazz and Christmas carol stylings of the Defeo family and guests were thoroughly entertaining.

I adore the event.  Thank you again Defeos for another wonderful year!

Items pictured:
Trina Turk Long Caliente Dress: Buy
Vintage Earrings from QP and Monty
Black Velvet Gloves
Costume National Strappy Black Heels

Holiday attire at the New York Public Library

Red Hat from WE, Rag and Bone Black dress, multi-strand pearls,
Martin and Osa White skirt, Chanel Cavier Double Flap bag,
 Manolo Blahnik Pumps,
New York Public Library, New York, NY
Photo by Julia Ramsey

Welcome to the flapper-themed NY Google Engineering Holiday party at the New York Public library, the "Mansion of Madness."  There were four floors of activities food, including a dance floor, casino, piano bar and a trivia game area, and I wanted to represent in a fun, holiday outfit.

When we were outside the library, I heard this conversation.

"How do you know it's the Google party?"

"Where else would you see guys in tuxes with backpacks?"

Only in technology and with engineers would such a fashion statement be allowed. It was a great event to attend and experience the NY engineering experience.  However, I wanted to represent in my own fashion style.

Me being bookish

The multi-strand pearls along my back.

Browsing the card catologue
Photo by Stephanie Carrera

Thus I put together a funky ensemble.  The "dress" is actually two pieces.  It's a short Rag & Bone backless dress worn on top of a white, silk Martin + Osa skirt that I bought years ago when the chain still existed.  

To add some flair, and distract from my not buff back, I wore a multi-strand pearl necklace with it draped over the back and not the front.  That little difference is a great additional feature.  To top it all off, I added a red hat that I bought in Amsterdam last year, which gave it some fun 20s flair.

And who can forget footwear?  Standard, patent leather pumps will never go wrong, so those are what I wore. I mean will Blahniks ever go out of style? My purse is a classic Double-flat, Cavier Chanel that fit everything I needed for the night.  It was great.

Thank you Stephanie Carrera for bringing me as your date.  It was a blast!

Items pictured:

W.E. red hat,  

Rag and Bone black dress, 

multi-strand pearls,

Martin + Osa white skirt,

Chanel Caviar double flap bag, 

Manolo Blahnik pumps,

Meeting Baldy with some pumped up kicks in NYC

Zoa Multi-colored neck scarf, Phillip Lim 3.1 Vest,
Splendid White Turtleneck, Hudson Nico Skinny Jeans,
Nike ID "SJP" Dunks
New York City, NY
All photos by Julia Ramsey

This is what needs to be playing when you're reading this post.  Dub step Pumped up Kicks.

Pumped Up Kicks by FTP (Vaski Remix) *Free download* by Dubstep.net

First off,  the lovely parrot is Baldy, the pet and wonderful companion of my co-worker and friend, Julia Ramsey.  As you can see he's a wonderfully well-behaved parrot.  We kind of match since we both have white on our chests. I asked Julia if I could feature him in some pics, and as you can see Baldy was all for it.  I was initially going to feature just my pumped up Nike ID Kicks, but he stole the show.

Close-up of Baldy in all of his glory

Baldy and I say hello to someone on the stairs

However, I still have to give a mad shout-out to these amazing sneakers. They were designed for me by "Snacky" at the Nike ID store in New York City in midtown.  I told him I wanted dunks that would give me street credit in Brooklyn.  He designed for me these amazing purple and grey material dunks with mint-green striping.  They go great with my Zoa scarf and Philip Lim 3.1 vest.  Not to mention my Hudson Jeans tuck into them beautifully.

My pumped up "SJP" Nike IDs

When I wear these it's a play-day when it comes to the outfit.  I usually put something like this together when I'm hanging out in Billyburg for the day, or taking it easy. I was recovering from a holiday party the night before, thus I needed this kind of leisure wear.

When I wear stuff like this, life is good.

Items Pictured:
Zoa Multi-colored neck scarf, 
Phillip Lim 3.1 Vest,
Splendid White Turtleneck, 
Hudson Nico Skinny Jeans: Buy
Nike ID "SJP" Dunks: Buy

Faux hiking in Mountain View - Ophelia pt. 1

Miu Miu Sunglasses, Ophelia & I Feather Top, Gap Black Tank,
J Brand Martini Flare in Shadow, Black booties
Mountain View, Calif.

Another great point for the Mountain View Campus in California is that it has great walking and running trails across the sprawling campus.  In fact this scenery is just across the from the parking lot where my rental car was chilling as I took some random pictures.

Of course I couldn't really enjoy the miles of open land in 3-inch booties and flare-legged jeans, but I could at least try. I actually really liked how the California brush matched the feathers on the pocket of the mid-driff top. Also the faded colors of the California scenery give it a vintage vibe, to match the top too.  It was a lovely way to take a picture in December -- 60 degree and sunny weather.

The top is a great purchase in London from a brand that takes vintage pieces and re-works them. This is one of the four articles of clothing that I purchased from from the Sunday Upmarket in Spitalfields. Her brand is Ophelia & I, and you can read more about her on notesbyspark.

I wanted to keep up the retro feel with these great flare-legged J Brands. I got from the Denim Habit of course. Usually, I don't like to have volume on top and bottom, but it worked perfectly with the length of the short top.  Also these jeans are super flattering, and since I can wear really high heels with them, it lengthens out my shape.

Here's a close up of the cool top.  It was probably an older shirt that she cut to make the shape for then put on the leather pocket with feathers.

Ophelia and I, Vintage re-worked top

This will be the first of many of the Ophelia & I purchases to be showcased on my blog.  I adored everything I bought from her, and they fit me so well.  I wish Ophelia & I only the best from across the pond!

If you like the line, don't forget to fan them on Facebook!

Items Pictured:
Miu Miu Sunglasses
Ophelia & I re-worked vintage top: Buy from her
Gap black tank-top
J Brand Martini Petite Flare in Shadow: Buy

Impersonating Willy Wonka in Mountain View, Calif.

Miu Miu Sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs Purple bowtie vest, Limited Too Boat-Neck shirt,
Hudson Nico Mid-rise Jeans, Black JonaK Brogues
Mountain View, Calif.

Ooompa doomba dumpadee doo.
I've got a cupcake in front of Google for you.

So what is all of this madness doing outside of a technology company?  All Android Operating systems are released under treat names: gingerbread, cupcake, eclair, and most recently ice cream. This concoction of treats live outside of the Android building on the Mountain View Campus. I knew I wanted to take a picture in front of these wonderful, human-sized treats when I was there for work so I grabbed this outfit for my trip out.

I don't know why I chose the purple vest, but after I saw the pictures I knew why.

Photo courtesy of zeromag.com

I mean it was absolutely uncanny that I chose to impersonate one of my favorite characters of all time.

Doesn't it just make you want to burst out in song and go eat candy? It makes me happy just thinking about it.  Usually I wear this vest with wide-leg trousers, but I had to do a lot of biking in Mountain View from one part of campus to another, so I opted for my skinny Hudson Mid-Rise Nico jeans.

 Bike in Mountain View, Calif.

These bikes are provided to go from one end of campus to another, which are totally necessary because it would be quite the walk otherwise. It's all practical, eco-friendly and they're awfully cute.  They're not very fast, but they're more than adequate to go from one end of campus to another. 

Man I work for a wonderfully ridiculous company.  

Items pictured:
Miu Miu Sunglasses
Marc by Marc Jacobs Vest
Limited Too Boat Neck top
Hudson Mid-Rise Nico Jeans: Buy
JonaK Black Brogues

Green shoes and skeletons in NYC

Alexander McQueen Scarf, True Religion Leather Jacket,
C&C California Black top, Hudson Nico mid-rise Jeans,
Kate Kanzier Green Suede Brogues,
New York City, NY

People don't wear enough green, and when they do the items are usually a random sweater or t-shirt, but why don't you mix it up with some bright green shoes? I picked up these green brogues on my last trip to London at the Kate Kanzier shop, and they were a whopping 30 pounds. (And now they're 10 Pounds on the website!) They are totally worth it.  They photograph so well.

Kate Kanzier Green Brogues

It definitely helped to buy ridiculously colored shoes for very cheap, but if you want to buy a colored shoe and don't think you can pull them off, think of this.

If you notice with the rest of my outfit, I went really simple.  However, you have to have something to tie the look together, or else the green shoes look out of place.  Enter my fantastic Alexander McQueen green skull scarf.  The green skeletons have a great bright green that help bring the outfit together.  Otherwise, I'd just be another girl wearing a black leather jacket, a black shirt, jeans and green shoes.  :-).  Thus have the bright accessory, wear simple things, and match it. But don't try to match it perfectly.  Instead, let it go with the "flow" of the outfit.  If you have a statement accessory, let it be the statement.

I also did a tiny cuff on my Hudson jeans.  It wasn't necessary, but I wanted the break in the ankle to be a bit wider so it would hit the brogues in a better place.  I think the whole look works together nicely.

It's also a more boyish, playful look.  I think I made it feminine by adding the silk scarf.  I also double-looped the scarf and tied a small loop near my neck.  I thought it added extra volume and pomp for the outfit.

Alexander McQueen Green Skull Scarf

I bought it on sale from Helen Yi in Chicago, and I'm so glad I opted for the green color instead of a more neutral one.  I didn't get the neutral because it wasn't on sale, but in the end it worked out for the best.  What do you think?

Items Pictured:

Alexander McQueen Scarf, 
True Religion Leather Jacket,
C&C California Black top, 
Hudson Nico mid-rise Jeans: Buy
Kate Kanzier Green Suede Brogues: Buy

Styling Cathlin in NYC

Orange Chelsea Flower blouse, Teal AG Stilt Corduroy Pant,
Kate Kanzier Taci Aligator Slippers
New York City, NY

Cathlin, a friend of mine at Google dropped by the Denim Habit and wanted me to put her into a few new things.  Dressing Cathlin is super fun. She has a great casual style, and a winning attitude that's up for anything.  Plus it's hard to find a pair of jeans she looks bad in.  It's just about finding the pair that fit her the best.  When she walked in she commented how she liked my teal pants, and I immediately grabbed her a pair.  However, I'm wearing the J Brand and she's wearing the AG corduroy.  The AG pocket shape on the Corduroy is a better fabric, in my opinion.  Also, I predicted that the AG pockets would look good on her, and they did.  So we settled on the corduroy teal pants in the AG Stilt style.

I also loved how the orange looked in contrast to the teal.  Her boots weren't cutting it, so I let her try on my Kate Kanzier Taci alligator slippers to finish off the outfit.  Not too shabby.  I told her she could borrow the shoes at any time.

As for the colored pants, it really doesn't matter which brand you buy in my opinion, just as long as they look good on your body.  These teal pants go great with a bright orange, black and even a burnt sienna brown.  But we're rocking black.  Check us out!

AG Teal vs.  J Brand Teal

However, she also needed jeans.  She already had a pair of the Hudson Nico mid-rise skinny jeans, so I suggested she try a flare.  I grabbed for her the Made in Heaven (MIH) Marrakesh jean in blue.  They worked really well.  The unforgiving denim forced her to change up her size, but it's all about the fit.

MIH from he front, check out Meggie posing in the back

A little booty action in the MIH

MIH from the side with the Glamour shot

They even looked amazing with her great black top.  She has to get them altered (of course since she's 5"2). But doesn't she look so much taller in them!  They really elongate the body. However the shop offers free alterations, so she should be all set in a few weeks.

I've been styling a few friends lately (thanks for coming in Alyssa and Caity!)  I have to bring my camera more often though so I can show off the great results.  It's so much fun!

Items pictured Cathlin:
Chelsea Flower Orange Blouse
AG Teal Corduroy Pant: Buy
Kate Kanzier Alligator Slipper
MIH Marrakesh Kick Flare: Buy
Manolo Blahnik open-toed pumps


Items pictured Susan:
Black Splendid Turtleneck
Olia necklace
J Brand Teal Twill Pants (River Blue): Buy
Kate Kanzier Taci, Alligator Slipper: Buy

Wearing the timeless pieces in Brooklyn

White Coat, Alexander Wang Silk Blouse,
Phillip Lim 3.1 for Nordstrom Pants, Black booties
Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, NY

I look a little Amish.  I know this.

The peter-pan collar of a silk blouse buttoned up to the neck is always a way to look extremely conservative.  I actually saw a girl yesterday looking like she stepped out of a Banana Republic catalogue when I was on the subway.  Then I thought that I hadn't emulated the traditional professional look and I wanted to give it a go.

I've had all of these pieces for years, which shows that classic and well-made stuff is timeless.  The top is a perfect silk blouse with a great little collar and gold buttons.  It also has a little square pocket on the left side. The coat is a coat I've had since highschool.  It barely fits still, but it shows how a classic coat can serve you forever.

The pants are a great 3.1 Phillip Lim for Nordstrom pants that I've had for 2 and a half years.  The have a great flare, and the color and fit has finally made it "back" into fashion.  It's a deep goldish brown, and does wonders for elongating my legs with the mid-rise waist.

Both items were expensive, but they've held up really well.  I wear the silk shirt pretty consistently (for my wardrobe) and I haven't been able to part with the pants despite two moves.

If you find things that fit you well and are well-made, buy them and hold onto them.  They'll always find a way to blend together for a perfect professional pairing.

Items pictured:
White coat (Korean street fair)
Alexander Wang Silk Blouse
3.1 Phillip Lim for Nordstrom Flared Trousers
Black booties

Channeling Laura Anderson in NYC

Miu Miu Sunglasses, Kimchi Blue Scarf, Nation Blue Halter Tank, Hyden Yoo Sweat Jacket,
Rag and Bone Gray Shorts, Hansel from Basel Tights, Marc by Marc Jacobs Shoes
New York City, NY

So I put this together the day after I got off a plane from London.  My main motivation was to wear something ridiculously comfortable.  The jacket, a mens jacket from Hyden Yoo, feels like I'm wearing a blanket.  It's made with a cotton that sweatpants are usually made with.  The blue tank top is made from Nation LTD, and it's perfectly soft as well. However, I knew to put this all together, I needed something incredibly feminine, cute and pretty to make sure the slouchy comfort on top didn't make me look sloppy.

Enter Laura Anderson's influence.  Immediately I thought of putting the knee-covered tights and my Mary Janes to bring balance to the whole look.  Everytime I wear these tights, I'm channeling Laura Anderson.  She is a minor Wicker Park celebrity (according to Renee Russo of Eye Candy) and one of my favorite people to emulate when I need to achieve "pretty."

She actually showed me where to buy the tights, and I have them in three colors.  I have a few other "Laura Anderson" emulating looks that I may wear in the next couple of weeks before it gets too cold.

As for the shot, the light on Monday was amazing so I'm glad I wore an outfit "pretty" enough to warrant a shoot.  After a ton of failed attempts, I finally followed the light along this street corner, and I really dig the results.  It's even got great shades of yellow, which remind me a ton of the muse's apartment.

All in all, I was extremely comfortable and I liked what I saw when I passed a mirror.  Thanks Laura for the inspiration!

Items pictured:
Miu Miu Sunglasses in gloss black: Buy
Kimchi Blue Scarf from Urban Outfitters
Nation LTD Blue Halter Tank
Hyden Yoo Sweat Jacket
Rag and Bone Gray Shorts
Hansel of Basil Tights: Buy
Marc by Marc Jacobs Mary Jane shoes

Airplane Chic in Heathrow Airport

Religion Button-Up Skull shirt, Kaikaiman Vest, DL1961 Angel Jeans, Gastone Lucioli Gray Boots
Su London Oxford Travel Bag
London Heathrow Airport, Admirals Club, UK

Just because you're traveling doesn't mean you have to look like crap.  Yes.  I'm that person in the airport who doesn't look like they just rolled out of bed, so shoot me.  But on top of that, I'm a light packer, and so I need to layer like crazy on my flight home so I don't have to pack all of my stuff.

Enter this fully composed, crisp, yet incredibly comfortable outfit that I wore on my flight back from London to NYC on Sunday after Thanksgiving. I actually bought the shirt from a Religion store in London.  It's actually a men's shirt, but I thought it fit me well enough so I could purchase it.  I do that often, especially in Europe where clothes are made to fit, not to dwarf.

What set menswear apart is the details and fit.  The fit works for me, and the details of the skull on the collar really killed it for me.

Skull Details on Religion Shirt

The vest, is another secret of mine to travel.  It packs very well, but it also comes with light shoulder pads.  These shoulder pads act as a nice, comfortable barrier in between my shoulder and my heavy bags.  Thus this prevents strain, and red marks on my shoulders after carrying the bags through my commute from the airport.

The DL1961 Jeans are made with a lycra that makes them ridiculously comfortable to travel in.  It also ensures that they don't get too baggy, and that I don't look too sloppy when I leave the plane.  Last are my gray, over-the-knee boots.  These would NEVER fit into most of my bags due to the excess material.  Also, they are roomy so I can wear thick socks with them to keep my feet warm.  They're a bit of a pain to go through security, but what's 2 more minutes per trip?

As for my bag, this bag was bought from the Spitalfields Market place by one of my favorite bag designers, Su London. They've been there for at least three years now, and every time I go to London I check out their collection.  I have two of their bags, and could probably purchase a third.  I've taken them to Paris, Seoul, Tokyo, London and the list goes on and on.  For domestic travel I never leave home without it.

And for the artistic shot of the day.  You know I can't resist one over the top shot.  Enough people in the lounge were staring at me, so I had to do something special. Look closely and you can see the airplane in the background to indicate that I'm actually in an airport.

Items Pictured:
Religion Button-Up Skull detail shirt
Kai-akkmann Vest,
 DL1961 Angel Jeans: Buy
Gastone Lucioli Gray Boots
Su London Oxford Travel Bag: Buy

Attempting to mimick 80s streetwear in London

C4LA Head piece, Drew Sweater, Finders Keepers Dance Top,
Zoa Black and Gold Halter tank, DL1961 Angel Jeans,
Plush Gloves and Sophie Vans Sneakers
Shoreditch, London, UK
Photo by Chrysandra Halstead

The chilly London air made me need to bundle up as we were walking around town. Thus I purchased this hat from the C4LA shop in London's Shoreditch neighborhood.  C4LA is a Japanese brand with a ton of cool hats though they are pretty pricey.  I faltered at buying the head piece, but it complimented the metallic look of my Zoa Tank Top.  I know I am dangerously close to being too matchy-matchy.  But the urban feel of the outfit made it okay, at least in my book.

On top of that, I wore this outfit shopping all day so it helped to wear something casual like this when popping in and out of shops.  We stopped at Kate Kanzier in Farringdon on Leather Lane, and I cleaned up with a ton of interesting flats. I think the look went really well with a few shoe options.  But in the end, I think my Sophie Vans look the best.

Photos by Chrysandra Halstead

I guarantee these shoes will re-surface in a variety of posts in the next few weeks, but I wanted to give you a preview.


Items pictured:
C4LA headband
Finders Keepers, Dancer Top: Buy in Ivory
Zoa Gold and Black Metallic Halter
DL1961 Angel Skinny Jeans in Onyx: Buy
Sophie Vans: Buy

Shops Featured:

CA4LA

23 Pitfield Street

Shoreditch, London

N1 6HB

Kate Kanzier

67-69 Leather Lane

London

EC1N 7TJ

Blinded by the light in Brooklyn (with an Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster)

Splendid Black Turtleneck, Pearl Necklace, Gold Necklace,

Alexander McQueen Knuckle-Duster Clutch,

Markus Lupfer Gold-Zipper Track Pants,

Barney's Co-Op Maroon Modern Mary Janes,

Brooklyn, NY

When I wear outfits like this, I hear my favorite Alexander McQueen quote:

"I want to empower women. I want people to be afraid of the women I dress."

Enter this outfit complete with the Alexander McQueen Maroon Knuckle-Duster clutch that was actually featured in the book commemorating his life. It was an impulse purchase from a wonderful sales girl at Saks, helped by the generosity of my wonderful older sister. She is my fashion enabler, and I really appreciate that about her.  

The pants were ordered from the outnet.com for their wonderful gold zippers and the fact that they are basically sweat pants.  I also like the cuff around the ankle, which provides a slouchy "trendy" look.  In fact another one of my male co-workers commented on the ensemble when I saw him in the cafeteria.  The pants feel amazing.  They are literally sweatpants.  I fell asleep in them last night while watching a cheesy romantic comedy.  

But to pull the whole crazy look together, I wanted to wear my maroon shoes as well. Now I think the maroon accessories in my closet really go well together.

I actually composed this outfit with the Knuckle Duster in mind.  I mean look how awesome this clutch is.

The necklace is an ensemble of four different necklaces.  I have a multi-strand pearl necklace, a multi-strand gold and silver necklace, a gold chain (courtesy of my mom) and a tiny skull necklace.  This just goes to show, that enough bling can be done in a classy way.  But again, if you go over-the top with something, you have to go basic to balance it out.  That's why I love basic turtlenecks like the one I have on.  You can do some much with it to really accentuate your style and accessories.  Have at it!

Items pictured:
Splendid Black Turtleneck: Buy
Pearl Necklace, Gold Necklace
Markus Lupfer Gold-Zipper Track Pants: Buy
Co-Op Barney's Shoes - Modern Mary Janes
Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster, Maroon


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