Own: Update your Costume Jewelry

So, I'm not the kind of person that wears a whole lot of costume jewelry.  I sometimes struggle with buying fancy fashion jewelry because I feel like some of it costs the same as fine jewelry!  ABSURD.  Also, I generally like small, delicate and understand jewelry (read: everything at Catbird), but I had a change of heart recently.  Not completely saying that I'm abandoning my love for the dainty, but I realized that I needed to shake things up a little.

The other day, a chic friend of mine came over for dinner wearing a beautiful pair of earrings that were not small and understated and that's when I had a moment.  They were beautiful pair of Alexis Bittar gold drop earrings with a clear lucite stone on the end.  I've been searching high and low for a picture to share with you, but no such luck so here's a similar picture:

It just made me realize that I was missing out on a whole world of beautiful costume jewelry and I needed to some investigating.  I did more searching on Alexis Bittar Jewelry, and found that it was full of beautiful creations, but I didn't want to enter the costume jewelry world by dropping a couple hundred bucks, so I needed to start smaller.  I took a stroll over to my neighborhood Zara and H&M and did a little perusing on the interwebs, and MY FRIENDS, I was not disappointed.  I think I've generally avoided these chain stores because I worry that the baubles will look overly cheap and I will say that while some of the accessories were cute in-store, many of them had been badly man-handled. :(

Let me share with you some of my favorite and Own-worthy items.  Also, ordering online assures that your product comes to in mint condition!  

This awesome metal and pearl collar necklace from Zara.  I think Zara has really stepped up their accessories game.  Most of their accessories are pretty hard hitting and good quality.  They feel substantial and therefore, don't look cheap.

I've really been loving the rose gold stuff that's out there right now.  I love this one from H&M- while I haven't decided if rose gold is here to stay or just a fad, for $15, I can't really argue with it.

Though I'm venturing outside the delicate jewelry realm, I have to say that I still mostly lean towards the more structural and simplified costume jewelry styles, like this one from H&M.  I find that they are easiest to wear with both busy and simple outfits.

For something simple that really makes you look put together, consider a cuff or structured bracelet.  H&M has that, TOO.

OH in other news.  I recently cut my hair and by "cut my hair" I mean i chopped off close to 9 inches so we're now at a chin grazing bob level, so I've really had to up my earring game.  I don't usually wear earrings so I'll have to really do some research here, but here's on pair that I love from Asos.

These visually unique simplified statement baubles from Asos

I'm open to recommendations!  Know of any other stores I should check out for some new earrings??

Own! What to Wear at FNO

What is FNO?

It's Fashion's Night Out (Thursday, 9/6)!  As much as I want to be enthusiastic about this event, I have to say that, because it's so contrived*, I find it hard to really get into it.

Ok, so if you don't know what I'm talking, let me give you the DL.  The event was created a few years ago by none other than the Fashion World Giant Anna Wintour.  She came up with this idea when the economy was really tanking and retail needed a pick-me-up.  It's a night when stores stay open late and have "specials" or sneak previews of what is in store for fall.  In the city, a lot of stores have special guests including live entertainment and many of them also have designers themselves there to meet and greet.

So what does one wear to FNO?  It's hard to say.  Fashion's Night Out is really Fashion's Halloween Night out for girls.  You'll see all kinds of outfits being paraded around and the crazier, the better.  But I've done that before and I can tell you I ended up at home with my feet in shambles, looking like a total sweaty mess.  It's from experience that I say to you, COMFORT is KEY.  With all the girls that will be traipsing around the city, though, you don't want to get shown up.  You want to look like you know what you're doing.  Here are a few suggestions.  All within price range and all fashion-y, like we girls like it.

I love to fashion looks around shoes.  SO!  Let's see what we have here from Zara.  They always have a great shoe selection and their first delivery of fall is already in stores.

lovely red heeled flat!  How about pairing this with a pair of high waisted skinny jeans and prim and proper top.  Top your look off with a clean coif like a high bun and dangle some lovely baubles from your lobes. 

These are great transitional shoes.  They'd be great with a casual t-shirt dress and some unique jewelry.  You could probably rock a nice wine lip (like Dior in Fantastic Plum), too.

I know, I know.  At New Year's, I said I was over the spike, but look how adorable this shoe is!  I think the smaller heel makes it so much less severe.  To toughen up the look a little, I'd rock some awesome leather leggings (a little outside the Ownable price range, but whatever), a sheer top (bra optional!) and a clean navy blue, long blazer.  But that's just me.

Anyway, there you go.  Three comfortable and trendy outfits for your FNO adventures!  Stay tuned tomorrow for the Ogle version of this post!

*I'm not hating on what actually happens on the night of Fashion's Night Out, but I just hate that it was created to boost sales.  People love fashion.  It should have been sold as a chance to get the inside scoop on the designs that you've admired for the last 6 months (Spring Fashion Week).  All in all, that's just a technicality.

Own: How to Replace a Longchamp Bag

But...but...I love my Longchamp!  It's totally falling apart now and to be honest, I'm tired of having the one that everyone else has.  You know, the black one with the brown leather.  I get on the subway and 50% of the women on the train have the same one.  I've even gone as far as writing my name on the side of the leather flap just to differentiate it.

Well, it's officially kaput.  The bag is completely ripped on the inside, the corners are fraying and the zipper has broken.  Now what?  I've never considered any other options besides just buying another Longchamp (which is still something I'm highly considering).  But there are other options out there, right?  OF COURSE. Let's see, shall we?

Now that fall collections are rolling in, let's examine.

One choice that I wish had I had made before the fall collections rolled in was to purchase the Alexander Wang Trudy tote.  I've borrowed this tote from a friend before and I have to say, it's a really nice bag!  It would've been a total upgrade from the Longchamp.  It's all leather and way more my speed.  I think it's also a little more comfortable to carry because the straps are thick.  I'll have to keep my eye out if this bag ever pops up again at this price.  Le sigh* regrets regrets...I hate to start my picks out with a regret, but I just thought this had to be said.

Baggu is a brand that I usually only think of when I'm toting my groceries home in a plastic bag and the thought that I usually have is "UGH!  I should have remembered my BAGGU."  Well the Duck is a little more stylish.  I think this might be a little on the small side, but it's a great deal at only $82 compared to the $150 Longchamp.

I hate to keep picking black, but I love black!  However, I will consider some options with other colors and by color I mean something with black.  Here's one I would really consider, both for price and size from Asos.

Here's another one that is a little more fun.  I haven't owned a Kate Spade bag in a couple years, but this one could change my tune!

I guess the reason why I like the black options because I like my daytime travel bag to be subtle.  What do you guys think?  Am I missing any amazing options?  The web is so big and I'm just me!  I can't possibly find everything out there so send me through your options!  

Obsesssss: Alison Cutlan

Pinterest is a funny thing sometimes.

Sometimes it leads you down a rabbit hole on tumblr, where click after click after click after click, you still can't find the source of what you're looking for.  Unless you have some savvy pinning friends, forget finding the true source of an image.

I remember when I first pinned this image, bracelets by Alison Cutlan:

I clicked through and was taken to The Henrik Vibskov Boutique where the bracelets were no where in sight.  I did Googled Ms. Cutlan and came up with a site that was a work in progress, but no information on where or how to find these adorable bracelets.

I was at a loss.  I gave up.  I momentarily hated Pinterest for leading me on and making me covet a bracelet so much, but not giving me a way to find it.  In retrospect, I was really angry at the interwebs for not making the bracelets easier to find  (I shook my fist at Google), but I moved on.

THEN my web life and my real life joined and magic happened.  This weekend, while strolling around SoHo this weekend,  I came upon the Henrik Vibskov store- I didn't even know that this store existed in NY!  What a nice surprise!  I walked in.  I can't say that I was really hopeful about finding the Alison Cutlan designs, but I looked.  I glanced into the accessories display case and saw nothing.  Slightly disappointed, I started to walk towards the back of the store.  Suddenly, next to the register, THERE THEY WERE.

"They just came in!" said the very friendly sales girl.  She was just as excited to tell me about them as I was to see them.  They were amazing in person! While they appear to be fabric, they are actually a mesh wire on the outside that appear to be spray painted to give them a gradient colored effect.  Inside the mesh are small glass beads that make the bracelet seems almost glittery when they catch the light just right.  In short, I LOVE THEM.

Luckily, the internet is fast and constantly growing world and now it's actually possible to find these bracelets (AND necklaces!)

Here are some places where you can pick them up:
Asos (of course.  They have everything)
Henrik Vibskov Boutique
FarFetch

While I love these bracelets, I have graduated to wanting to pay more than $50 for accessories...I've made some (FEW) exceptions, but I'm going to marinate on these.  If I see them again, I might just have to get one.  They would be awesome for layering in with other bracelets.  I particularly love this one:

Oh, and Pinterest and I made up. We're still in love and doing well.  Thank you for your concern.

Obsess and Own: Geometry Rules

You know what?  While in school, I hated geometry (math as a whole, really).  I never really understood why people ever felt the need to study shapes (geometric is really the study of mathematics concerned with the properties and relations of points, lines, surfaces, solids...just to be specific).

It only took me 20+ years to realize that shapes are great- fascinating, bright and lovely on clothes!  I feel like a 3 year old discovering cotton candy- I'm happy and drooling all at once.  

Anyway, after seeing so many runway shows for Fall 2012, I've been inspired to revisit geometric patterns and colors.  Now that winter will be over in a matter of days (DAAAAYYYYS!), color color color is what I'm craving.  Here are a few items that have really caught my eye.  Obsess, and even Own, if you dare.

Obsess: Marni Clutch- I've been looking for a new clutch!  this one is so cute and has some great colors to pair with fun spring dresses (namely that lovely teal-y mint color)

Own: Asos Geomtric Suit - If you saw the Derek Lam Fall 2012 show, then I hope you were as inspired by the patterned suits as I was!  I loved them and I think that this combo from Asos does a good job of giving off that same vibe.

Obsess: Ohne Titel Dress- While this dress feels a little more like a colorblocking situation, it's still feeling very geometric to me.  Can't ever go wrong with the simplest of colors either.  

Own if you dare!  But Obsess if you don't: Rag and Bone Alexis Top- I love this top.  I love it with jeans.  I would love it tucked into a high waisted jean worn with a pair of nude wedges.  Clearly, I have plans for this top.  Maybe I should own it??

What are your thoughts on the geometric shapes and colors?  Are you as awed as I am?  This might not be for most of you out there, but give it time...maybe it will grown on your like it did for me :)

UPDATE!!! Own: That Valentine's Day Dress

Want to know what outfit I have planned for my romantic Valentine's Day dinner? 

TADAH!  Thank you Asos.com :)

Own: Ballerina Brunch Inspiration UPDATE!

UPDATE!  Here are some of the photos from our brunch!  The apartment that we had the brunch in was amazingly designed- everything in it was so warm, inviting and LUSH.  MY GOD.  I wanted to chain myself to the steampipe and never leave.  Anyway, don't let me go on.  Here are some pics!

And our beautiful photographer <3

There are a few really popular things to do in New York City when you want to catch up with friends:

1) Drink.

2) Drink.

3) Eat.

I don't know about you guys, but sometimes that gets damn boring.  Isn't there more to life than drinking and eating (eating, no, but drinking, probably yes)??  A friend of mine finally threw up her arms and agreed with me and has started to do these series of brunches- I know, I know, it still involves eating, but stick with me for a second here.

My friend is an amazingly talented photographer.  She throws a themed brunch and has everyone arrive ready to be paparazzi-ed.   All her friends are gorgeous subjects (I'm HONORED to be included in this group!) and they become the focus of her work.  I think the idea is brilliant!

This weekend, she'll be hosting a ballerina brunch!  I'll be attending!  She sent out a few images to us so that we would have an idea of what she found as inspiration for this brunch:

Beautiful, right?  Now, what am I going to wear to this fancy brunch??

How about these very Ownable items:

Of course, an American Apparel onesie is in order.  Probably one of the few times that this will make sense. 

This light blue skirt from Free People is the right kind of delicate!

This lace top from Free People is PERFECT!! (Looks like I really am going to have to hit up Free People)

Need some cheap ballerina flats?  Asos has got you covered even if you aren't going to a fancy ballerina brunch. AND only $37!

I would love for my hair to look like this...but alas this might be the impossible for me to do with just my own two hands.

Maybe I'll add a little toughness to my ballerina duds with this vegan leather vest...so many ideas floating around in my head!

I'm very excited to get all dolled up in frilly lace, paint my cheeks a rosy pink, and prance around like a prima ballerina.  Best possible Saturday plans- ever.

Obsessed: Inspired by The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles

A friend of mine that was in town for New Year's Eve and to start 2012 off right we treated ourselves to an awesomely adult steak dinner at Primehouse.  To counteract all the adultness that happened at that dinner (haughty laughter, a bottle of red, proper usage of knife and fork, and chewing with our mouths closed), the next day we raced over the Dylan's Candy to stock up on their bulk gummies selection- sour worms, gummy cokes, sour ribbon and swedish fish- and to peruse the adorable Kinokuniya (Japanese bookstore) near Bryant Park (while eating our gummies, of course).

Between the Domo toys and Sailor Moon posters was a Haruki Murakami set-up with many of his books laid out.  The covers are what caught my eye- the bright colors, the weird shapes, and girl faces.  My friend recommended a book to me.

So, I'm usually late to the party when it comes to popular book reading.  I was totally late to the Twilight Saga obsession (which I never finished to do its poor writing, therefore, I am still Team Jacob) and I have yet to get on that whole Hunger Games bandwagon (though my Twihard friends have led me to believe that this series is better written than the Twilight books).  Now that it's gotten really cold (like 15 degrees cold) here in NY push has come to shove and I needed a new book to read while I was curling up in my new blanket.

Taking my friend's reco, I purchased The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles.  I've started to read it.  I'm not too far in, but what I find is when you get totally sucked into a book, your brain starts to put images in your mind whether the book describes them or not. Your imagination starts to form the world that the author is drawing for you (is that my inner English teacher coming through or what) and brings images that you are familiar with to fill in the descriptions.  So, here's what Murakami has drawn in my brain so far:

Short Sleeve Peter Pan Collared Shirt

Old school sea green shorts that are high-waisted.

Keds. Plain, white and with a little dirt on it.

Round rimmed sunglasses that fully hide the eyes and reach almost up to the eyebrows.

All partnered with the nude/bare makeup look.  Not all of these items are depicted in the book, but they all just make me think of where I am in the story right now.

I know it's freaking cold out right now, but doesn't this suddenly seem like an awesome outfit for the spring??  I think I'm obsessed with this slightly hipster and demurely girly outfit that has formed out of reading this book!

Have any of you read the book before?  Did you think of these things??  Do you agree with me?

Own: NYE Dresses Part Deux and cheaper

If you're like me, then you waited until the last minute to get THE dress for New Year's Eve.

So, now what?  Not to worry!  After Christmas sales are on their way!  I do plan to brave the crowd a little (with my mom in tow- she throws some mean 'bows), but for those of you who aren't interested in rubbing elbows with some mean, deal-mongering hoards of shoppers, take it to the web!  There are lots of sites that are having great sales right now and some that are even offering free express shipping.  I'll be attending a Sassy or Classy New Year's Eve celebration.  Here are the dresses that I'm currently considering to ring in the New Year (some sassy and some classy!):

Sassy sequins by Mark + James by Badgley Mischka

 

Pin-up style red dress to bring out the 50's sass in you by Single 

Leather = instant sass.  Awesome vegan leather by Free People

 Very ladylike polka dot accented dress for the classy crowd from Asos

 

Classy strapless by Surface to Air

I think I'll have to go the sassy route this NYE.  Leaning towards the Free People faux leather get up right now.  What are your thoughts?  Have you already picked out your dress?  If not, gear up for super shopping the next couple of days and good lucking finding that perfect outfit!

Merry Christmas to all!