Sorry Capricorns, but January has never been my thing. Day one you wake up with a hangover and your first order of business is to go on a diet?! No thanks! During this very cold lull between Christmas and my February birthday I tend to: sleep a lot, watch a ton of movies (Zero Dark Thirty is amazing, Gangster Squad not so much), wear a lot of The North Face and complain about how dry my skin is. Needless to say, I’m past due for a pick-me-up! The time has come to get off the couch and seek greener pastures! Come on, get glowing already!

As New Year’s Eve quickly approaches ladies everywhere will begin to squeeze themselves into  Spanx before zipping into a dazzly little mini. I propose we all stop, drop and roll our eyes at the notion because there’s a New Year’s Option to consider: sassy slacks! Try adding a bib necklace, a pointed pump, a statement jacket, any sort of midas touch or go for a head-to-toe matching ensemble! Hit up this festive holiday from a different angle, and I guarantee you’ll be the one who’s really wearing the pants at the party!

For me, the best part of the holla-days is surprising my awesome nephews with well-deserved gifts and watching their faces light up as they cherish each exciting moment! I also love to treat my mom & sisters to a little special something, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers that The Style Santa is bringing their way (let’s just say there’s a lot of cowl and turtleneck requests)!

However, I don’t mind throwing a visual hint-hint out there with a few  (completely unnecessary) items of which I wouldn’t exactly kick out of bed on Christmas morning. I’m just sayin… From home goodies to trendy treasures to new workout gear, there are some things that might add a little tinsel to my tree! Feel free to stalk my stocking stuffers and add them to your list too. Ho ho holla!

1. Nike ‘Dunk Sky Hi’ Wedge Sneaker in black, purple pattern and red

2. Mindy Kaling Questions I Ask When I want To Talk About Myself: 50 Topics For Friends

3. La Mer Triple Wrap Watch

4. Portolano Metallic Striped Gloves

5. Banksy You Are An Acceptable Level Of Threat…

6. Vogue 1-Year Subscription

7. Capri Blue Candle In A Jar

8. Urbanears Headphones

9. Dorothy Perkins Charcoal Owl Jumper

 

 

In May I decided that having long, thick hair was suddenly way too high-maintenance for me so I had it chopped to shoulder length. By June I was over my new ‘do, and thought that reclaiming the bangs I had just grown out would be a quick fix, right? WRONG! But adding in some layers would balance things out, right? WRONG AGAIN! Now I’m all Girl, Interrupted about it, and my worst nightmare involves being up the creek without a bobby pin! I have even resorted to documenting the growing process just to prove to myself that progress is slowly, but surely, being made (see above).

After 5 months, I finally have some length to work with, and I’ve been experimenting with ways to style my sticky Situation. I seem to have chosen the right time to do the wrong thing because messy looks are all the rage: celebs are rocking some seriously sloppy side parts, street style is all about au natural waves with ombré ends and even the J.Crew catalog (a.k.a. my Bible) has a fresh take on disheveled ponytails that give a whole new meaning to the term “bed-head.” Though these untidy looks may camouflage unwanted lengths, they are easier said than done.  Don’t be fooled by their disorderly conduct, in order to master the disaster you’ll need some tools of the trade. Trust me: if anyone knows  how to go about completely messing up their hair, it’s Yours Truly.

1. Tigi Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray

2. Tool Structure 3 Row Styling Comb

3. Big Sexy Hair Root Pump Plus Spray Mousse

4. Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Spray Gel

5. Enjoy Volumizing + Texturizing Spray Wax

6. Hot Tools Nano Tapered Iron

Full disclosure: I’m no label whore… but if I could be? Eh, I probably would be! I’ve been slaving over the pages of Vogue since the 3rd grade, and to this day I can tell you more about Linda Evangelista in her prime than I can about elementary school arithmetic. So is it fair to say that I’d be over the moon to own a quilted Chanel bag or Christian Louboutin red soles by now? Hell yes! For now though, this girl must continue to dream.

Each season high fashion houses continue to roll out the red carpet for my imagination and offer more apparel and accessories that I could break the bank for. This is when I must pull myself together and look for inspired pieces at such shopping mall hot-spots as H&M, ZARA, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters. Sometimes it takes over a year for these such stores to churn out the items I covet (see the case of Isabel Marant V. Urban Outfitters embroidered skinnies), but it’s often worth the wait.

Which side of the fence are you on? Do you always go for the “lust” and make an investment in the real-deal because of its high quality and artistic integrity? Or do you go for the “must” to satiate the compulsive need for what’s new and more accessible? Sometimes there’s no substitute for the top of the line, but if you can skimp on spending to achieve a comparable look then that, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, is my bottom line.

1. Valentino ‘Rockstud’ Pumps {$895}

2. Stella McCartney Two-Tone Contour Dress {$795}

3. Dorothy Perkins Black Illusion Dress {$79}

4. Schutz ‘Fiona’ Pumps {$130}

5. ZARA Leather Biker Coat {$199}

6. My Choice Large Leather Bag {$230}  

7. Jewelry Trinkets Gold/Sterling Silver Monogram Necklace {$50}

8. Ginette NY 14 kt Gold Monogram Necklace {$1,010} 

9. Celine  ‘Phantom’ Tote {sold out~ $1,690-$3,200}

10. Helmut Lang Willowed Felt Coat {$1,195}

 

 

 

Bordeaux, oxblood, burgundy, mahogany, merlot, cranberry and perhaps even aubergine are the buzzwords this season. [Insert one such color here] and that is the new black! These deep reds can simply provide the garnish to an outfit [think pointed pumps or a statement bag] or you can go full on monochromatic if you make sure to mix textures from head to toe. They also blend incredibly well with  the traditional fall palette made up of green, red, orange, brown & black. From dark lips to chunky knits, everyone can dabble in the dark side this season.

1. Mossimo Exotic Skin Envelope Clutch

2. ZARA Biker Coat With Zip

3. Hudson ‘Juliette’ Waxed Skinny

4. Essie Nail Polish in “Bordeaux”

5. M.A.C. ‘Pro Longwear’ Lip Creme in “Faithfully Yours”

6. Alice + Olivia ‘Dina’ Suede Pump

7. Velvet ‘Oceana’ Cable Knit Sweater

After a long, dormant winter followed by a summer packed with impromptu late-nights and Sunday Fundays, it’s finally time to lay off the beer + BBQ, switch from sun tan to self-tan and instead get my sassy Style Trial back on! What better way to kick things off than with a back-to-style guide for some pre-fall fashion?!

Let’s begin with all of my current closet cravings: military jackets (camo this week!), weathered boyfriend jeans (hides the summer bloat), wedge sneakers (dare I?!) and peplums galore. When it comes to matters of beauty I’m tending to my sun-baked skin with healing oils & BB creams, getting Morticia manicures again and attempting to conquer the trendy beachy waves curling iron technique (so far, so fail). I’m in the throes of hair-growing woes, so I’m in search of styles alternative to those of Olympic gymnasts (bobby pin overload!). I can’t solve that problem overnight, but thankfully there’s a cure for the common closet with just one click below!

Oh and don’t forget to make a date with the sales at Fashion’s Night Out on September 6th! Shop ’till you drop while burning off some PBR + potato salad calories? Sold!

a. Topshop Camo Army Jacket

b. O.P.I. polish in Lincoln Park After Dark

c. Bio-Oil Treatment & More

d. QSW ‘Brewster’ Slim Boyfriend Jeans

e. Ravelshop Fishbone Bracelets or D.I.Y. here

f. Ash ‘Bowie’ Wedge Sneaker

g. Hot Tools Tapered Curling Wand

h. Maybelline ‘BB’ Cream

i. Topshop Zip Peplum Top

New York Fashion Week has begun presenting the Fall 2012 collections, and I have anticipated how designers will inevitably phase out the color-blocking trend. The answer? Monochromatic colorways are dominating and keeping unique shades at the forefront of fashion. Pulling it off from head to toe might seem tricky at first, but the key is to start with a couple separates in the same color family but keep your shoes and adornments neutral for now. Check out the above vivid tutorial so by fall you’ll be ahead of the color curve!

Street style has saturated the blogosphere and made dressing up for the camera an everyday thing for many-a fashionista. Some street style bloggers have become celebs in their own right, landing endorsement and book deals via their daily fashion parades. My go-to websites {see ‘Style Sources’ listed on the right} read like a who’s who for those looking for some online style substance. I’ve been looking to these trusted trendsetters to help transition my look for spring with a few vibrant pieces. As we tiptoe towards spring cleaning, keep an eye out for 50’s style graphics and taffy-colored hues that will warm up your wardrobe. For more of the latest, check out what the gals over at Cupcakes and Cashmere, Madame de Rosa and What I Wore are already strutting in for spring. The rest is only a click away!

Arnold Zimberg Button Down Shirt

Jessica Simpson ‘Carrack’ Wedges

Citizens of Humanity ‘Thompson’ Cropped Skinny

Topshop ‘Co-ord’ Shrunken Pique Blazer

As I stare 32 (wowza time flies!) in the face, I’ve begun to replace any birthday blues with the reality that presents may soon arrive! I always forget to compile a wish list for my mom and sisters, but this year I have spelled it out for all to see! I definitely don’t need anything, but if you put me on the spot (you did, right?!) here’s a couple (or ten) things that I most certainly want.

I’m über-inspired by the prepster chic investments a la Blair over at Atlantic-Pacific, but I like to keep it a ‘lil more street in casual kicks and a functional layering piece. I’m always in need of new workout music so an iTunes gift card would make my day, not to mention a pop of spring colors during a bday mani/pedi. Also, my special day happens to fall on the most significant of all holidays: Groundhog Day. Yes, a groundhog is what’s really capable of delivering the best gift of all: the signal of an early spring! Cheers to a potential early onslaught of spring fashion, but for now, an assortment of winter wonders are happily accepted!

1. La Mer Pyramid Stud Watch

2. Groundhog Day Special Edition

3. Coach Court Bag

4. Butter 3 Free Nail Lacquer in Jaffa and Toff

5. Hudson Collin Skinny

6. Nike Wool Destroyer Jacket

7. iTunes Giftcard

8. Groundhog cupcakes

9. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Classic Boot

10. J.Crew Rugby Stripe Sweater