Giddy for Gold

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Jensy

whole lotta gold! necklace & earrings from peter messina in huntington, new york. green and gold ring is a family heirloom. long gold chain belt from chanel worn as second necklace. this was a fun night of accessorizing!

Since I was a teen, I’ve preferred silver over gold. It’s not necessarily because one looks better on my skintone than the other; I believe it was mostly out of habit and trend. I adored putting on my grandmothers’ gold pieces that had been handed down, but if given the choice between the two colorways in my metal accessorizing, I’d go with silver over gold nine times out of ten.

Then something changed. I’m not sure if it was when the price of gold started to skyrocket a couple of years ago, or if it’s just a matter of growing up and reaching for classics. Either way, these days, I’m on board with the gold trend and my appetite can’t be sated. However, my engagement ring, and the band we’ll get to match, are platinum. For some reason, white metal remains a classic in bridal jewelry that I would not want to change.

So, if you’re going for gold and don’t have the fundage to invest in the real thing, here are some items I suggest you nab stat. From footwear to headgear and everywhere in between, gold is major right now, and it looks grand on everyone.

Sara Designs gold-tone chain wrap watch is a great choice for dressing up your office look or adding an extra touch to any cocktail dress. $330, bloomingdales.com

oh, yes you can! at on sale for only $6.99, this goddess headwrap is an absolute steal. urbanoutfitters.com

two pieces and countless stares… this adorable lurex bikini by Tooshie is a great shape to flatter many body types. $195, calypsostbarth.com

the streets are lined in gold when you strut your stuff in these fab golden oxfords from sam edelman. normally $150, i found them at a super-low $99 from karmaloop.com

a lovely gold cocktail dress solves that age-old question of what to wear in lieu of your lbd. this shoshanna number with painted rose motif and POCKETS is amazing. on sale from $340 for $102 at shopbop.com

Dots of the Season

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Jensy

Everyone loves a good polka dot, right? It’s just one of those timeless things that continues to work as we shift from season to season, year to year. On headbands and shorts, mini-dresses and jeans, high heels and bikinis… and beyond. Whether you go for a classic black-and-white or a more unexpected play of colors, a dot makes you feel so good.

this 1920′s cocktail dress is fabulously dotted

As a child I started out the spring season with a good dress from each of my grandmothers. My Nana (Dad’s mom) usually designed and sewed these dresses herself or purchased them at Lord & Taylor. My Gaga (Mom’s mom) was no seamstress, but she did have a Saks problem, from which I benefitted quite a bit. These days, I’ve started that tradition with a few special little girls in our lives, one of whom is Josh’s cousin’s daughter, 1 1/2-year-old Harper.

This year, Harper’s spring dress was a divine dotted number from Jason Wu for the Neiman Marcus/Target collaboration. A rich, taupe silken fabric with cheerful white polka dots and a big bow at the back, I was in love with this dress instantly and decided that Harper needed it. I’ve been informed that little Harper already loves dots, and likes to point out each one when she is wearing them: “dot. dot. dot…” My point (at which I am taking entirely too long to arrive) is that dots work on every woman and girl, of every age, for any reason at all.

is this not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?

If you want to freshen things up for spring, consider a polka dot. I have some extremely cute black-and-white polka dot shorts I got last summer on clearance at Target. And on the other hand, my very first pair of important shoes (that thankfully still fit even though I got them fourteen years ago in my freshman year of high school!) are pale pink Moschino pumps with tiny, navy polka dots all over. Go high-low here, girls. When it’s a dot, it will (almost) always work.

nina ricci side ruched cocktail dress, $3,290, neiman marcus.

blue and white polka dotted sundress, on sale for $29, urban outfitters

BBQ, Dallas-Style

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Jensy

We were invited to a barbecue at Joshy’s boss’s house on Saturday evening. Of course he wanted me to dress “casually” but I have long since stopped taking his outfit advice. Let’s face it, my love. You like me in jeans. The rest of the world expects a lady to dress.

I finished the look with pink and cream Ferragamo pumps and tortoise shell Ray-Ban wayfarers, which I felt a fitting contrast. Do you love the cab in the background? Like New York City, but smaller, calmer, and just a tad warmer….

I nabbed this ladylike yellow number with very subtle lacy-floral print at H&M over the weekend for a sale price of $15. Also featured here. I might go back and buy it in pink too, because you can’t beat that price. And though it has a very 60′s cut and feel and cute zipper detail at the back, it’s made of soft, breathable cotton that is a welcomed treasured down here in the Texas heat.

Turns out, I made the right choice. The other women at the party were all in dresses, including the boss’s wife who looked lovely in a Giorgio Armani-esque gray silk patterned dress and simple gold jewelry from –where else? — Tiffany & Co.

Welcome to the glamorous South, you little Brooklyn girl. Time to work it!

All in the Details

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Jensy

There is nothing so lovely as a surprising little detail added to an outfit. Sometimes it’s a great pair of gold earrings or a sweet little clutch. Sometimes it’s a pop of color in the form of red lipstick or a bright pink belt.

This week it is a delightful neon orange rosette hairpin that Pookie and I discovered at J. Crew. Who knows how these little treasures managed to end up in the sale bin, but I was thrilled to discover it at the cool price of $5.99. Mine! All mine! Well, I got one for her, too. This will certainly be one of my most favored details this summer. What are yours?

Try Something New: Bad girl lace

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Jensy

I adore lace. We knew this, right? I especially love a white lace sundress on a hot summer’s day. The utter sweetness is what keeps me coming back for more. But this spring I did something totally out of character. Well, sort of.

I was at H&M, one of my favorite “I-need-to-buy-something-but-can’t-afford-to-buy-anything” spots. Sometimes at the end of a rough day I give myself a $30 limit and go into a cheap store to buy something cool as a little pick-me-up. I figure it’s the same that two cocktails would cost me, but without the calories. Bing!

Anyway, I spotted a long-sleeved white sheath dress on the rack and raced toward it. Slimming! Short! Gorgeous! $19! Closer inspection? The lace wasn’t just fluttering with flowers and butterflies. Were those…SKULLS?

Hm…

Close-up on the material. Do you LOVE this??

I am a sweet girl, a soft-spoken girl who is known for Peter Pan collars, pink denim, and Ferragamo shoes with bows on the front. Lace made of skulls? Could I do this?

Not only did I do it, I became obsessed. Somehow when wearing this sweet-gone-naughty dress, I feel an extra little swagger in my step. Maybe I have edge after all! Well, at least the dress does. When I wore it with my brother recently, he died over the fact that from far away, my dress was girly innocence at its best. From close up, it was bad girl material.

Since purchasing my skull-clad lace, I’ve started to pay attention to the trend. There are examples over all the place! Below are some ideas if you’re up for the challenge. Email me your photos! I want to see you in your cute naughty lace.

Black skull lace tank, $88, urbanoutfitters.com

Baby pink hair clip with white skull lace, $5.50 by MmPresents on etsy.com

Alexander McQueen skull lace overlay t-shirt, ON SALE for $417, saks.com

Accessorizing Made Accessible

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Jensy

Living and working in New York can prove a very interesting study in human behavior, human intelligence (or, sometimes, lack thereof), and most importantly, human accessorizing. Now, everyone has their own style. My snide remark above is not to be taken in any hurtful way. But walking around city streets means taking in a lot of data on fellow humans. Some are brilliant! Charismatic! Charming! Some are, well, duds. Same to be said of their accessorizing, and here’s more on that.

I know a girl who works at a high end jewelry store and has amassed, over her several years there, several pieces of diamond jewelry. In addition to a whopping diamond engagement ring, a stunning diamond wedding band, and several anniversary or otherwise celebratory bands worn on her left ring finger, she always dons chunky gold signet rings, several diamond bracelets, whopping diamond crosses, anchors, and other symbols around her neck. Once I saw her in a long gold chain with several gold charms, worn AT THE SAME TIME as three different platinum and diamond necklaces. Too much, or just enough? On her, it works. And then there are the girls who wear one little necklace every day, and carry one little black cross-body pocketbook every day, and look lovely. So, this is all to say that there are many acceptable rules when it comes to accessorizing, and it’s up to you to decide what works for you.

While it might not be my personal style, I adore how she stacks on tons of gladiator-like sterling silver bangles and rings, does the headband, and the fringed boots. This girl is totally in character, and it totally works on her. Well done!

Forget the snow in the background and focus on the elegant simplicity of this look. Her entire outfit is neutral and sleek in all black. Her hair is pulled back into a bun. She has ONE and only one accessory speaking, and its message is brilliance. This is divine.

She is prim and proper and her accessories let you know it. A ladylike heel, classic Chanel bag and gold cuff and belt exude womanly confidence and New York grace. I love this look.

Bows remain major, and there are a million ways to get it right. I like her pink-on-pink, nearly over-the-top frilliness here, but less girly-girls can pull off a bow by sticking to more neutral colors, or wearing one with jeans and a tee. What matters is how YOU want to wear the bow.

DIY: Floral accents

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Jensy

Remember that season of Sex and the City when Carrie wore huge flowers affixed to her outfits in almost every scene? Okay, well I do. And it’s not only because I don’t have cable right now and most of what I’ve been watching is S&TC on DVD… more importantly, it’s because this look is a fun, feminine, out-there and cheap way to brighten up any spring outfit.

Simply stunning with floral accents...

Over the weekend I wrote a post for All Things Chic on the new florals, from jeans to skirts and shoes. This got me thinking about the other floral, the more-than-floral. The flower. Now, this is not a trend for simple girls. Or wallflower girls. Or girls who don’t like attention. But if you’re ready to hit the streets of your hometown and receive raves on your accessorizing skills, it’s time to hit up your local craft store and get to work.

If you’re not up for DIY time, there are plenty of options ready for purchase at our favorite mass retailers. H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Aldo (to name a few) have had some pretty cute, under-$20 flower accessory options prime for the picking recently. But if you want to spend under twenty minutes and WELL under 20 bills, you could make your own flower brooch or headband at home, ensuring that no one else will sport your same look.

Creating your own floral accents is a cinch. Head over to createforless.com and check out their selection of silk flowers. A personal favorite of mine is the PETALOO brand of products. Starting at around $4, you can nab faux blooms to suit your personal style and working-girl budget. All you need is a flower, a pin or headband and some craft adhesive. Get your glue on, girls! And send me photos of yourself sporting your fab new flowers.

Thank you for the photo, lushlee.com

Fresh Soles

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Jensy

The unseasonably warm winter weather we’ve been experiencing has this NYC girl’s mind drifting toward spring in a serious way. I caved and bought that ASOS dress that I featured on here a couple weeks ago. It fits perfectly, and the cut-out sides are beyond sexy. I can’t wait to wear it! Now, time for some shoe dreams.

To wear with a bright floral or striped spring dress:

Thought cork was over? Think again. Christian Louboutin Glazed Cork Platform Pumps, $1,075, saks.com.

To wear with pastels:

A shimmering snakeskin in pinkish gold draws the eye to your shoes without overpowering the dress. Miu Miu sandals, $990, miumiu.com.

To wear on a date in Central Park:

Sweet ballerina flats from French Sole, approx $130, frenchsole.com for stockists.

To catch his eye (and melt your heart):

Sorbet dreams from dear, sweet Prada. $720, prada.com.

Lavender Dreams

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Jensy

Her lavender skirt is a vintage find. I love how she roughs it up with messy, bleached hair and a bright red bag. Tres chic. Photo borrowed from lookbook.nu

I’m a pink girl and always have been, but recently my eye has been drifting toward all things purple and pretty. Though fall is upon us and it’s time to button up, and often darken up, there’s no shame in using this bold pastel in your styling from head to toe. Here are some fab uses for lavender.

Sweep the floor.

A floral chiffon skirt packs major punch and will look great with a gray wool sweater, tights and boots. Americanapparel.com, $58

Top it off.

The fun pattern keeps this classic cut youthful and cool. Anthropologie.com, $88

Wrap and go.

Things are coming up roses with this delicious scarf. Oldnavy.com, ON SALE for $10

Sparkle.

A beautiful amethyst necklace will brighten up your woollies. Bloomingdales.com, ON SALE for $312.50

Paint.

I've always been crazy for Liliacism, and am thrilled that it's still available. Essie.com, $8

Fashion Week Begins!

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Jensy

Friends, it is that glittering and wonderful time of year once more. I was reminded of this last night as I passed the editor-only launch for the Missoni for Target pop-up store across from Bryant Park, for which I sadly did not receive an invite this season. I reminded myself, though, that just like everyone else, I will be able to shop the new looks online starting September 13th, or when the pop-up opens to the public tonight at 6 pm (that is, if they have any goods left!).

One of hundreds of amazing looks from Missoni for Target

Other fun things on deck for tonight’s Fashion’s Night Out:

QVC‘s annual 25 to Watch party at the Suspenders Building (428 Broadway at Howard Street). Celeb arrivals and live coverage start at 9 pm EST. Red carpet starlets will include more Kardashians than you can handle, super-model-cum-jewelry designer Heidi Klum, and Anna Wintour herself.

Calypso is doing a champagne and shopping party offering guests 20% off loot, artisan truffles, and live performances at both their SoHo and meatpacking locations.

Bloomingdale’s promises celebrity appearances and great shopping at the Flagship on 59th street.

And Barneys will donate 10% of profits from FNO sales to September 11th causes. Not to mention that the utterly fabulous Linda Rodin will be celebrating her famed Olio Lusso downstairs in the cosmetics department. Stop by for fashion and beauty!

That’s just a few highlights. Check out the official website here for more ideas. Have fun and happy shopping!

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Category Archives: Accessorize