Splurge vs. Steal - Highlighter Denim

Highlighter jeans are all the rage right now but with the constant changing of trends it's hard to say if these bottom half bursts of color will still be a wardrobe must-have come next year. Enter Zara. Not quite your designer pairs of jeans but they will get the job done if just for this season.

Can you see the difference between these two?

Of course one of our models opted out of a shirt while the other decided to slap on a tee and messily tuck it in to achieve that I'm-trying-to-look-like-I'm-not-trying-look but alas I digress. Focusing on the highlighter denim, truly the only thing that separates these two pairs of jeans is the price tag. And if you had to guess, which one would you think is double the price of the other? I'll give you a moment.

....

If you guessed the pair on the right, well, you were wrong. The pair on the left by AG Adriano Goldschmied are actually double the price of the Zara pair on the right! All honestly, I had to do some referring back to the brands' respective websites to remind myself which pair is which. The resemblance is uncanny!

So to sum, before you go out and snag the first pair of highlighter jeans you see, take a quick visit to Zara and you might be pleasantly surprised with how great they fit!



Switch it Up.



(Shoes, Franco Sarto; Laces, Crewcuts; Jeans, Henry & Belle)

Getting inspired in the most unexpected of places never comes as a surprise. That's why when flipping through the pages of my J.Crew catalog recently I wasn't too surprised when the back Crewcuts pages grabbed my attention. I admire creative director, Jenna Lyon's fresh reinvention of the classic brand and the Crewcut pages comes nothing short of what I would imagine the stylish mother to dress her own children in.

Specifically, "dirty bucks" as we once referred them were laced up with bright hues in place of a classic brown. Now, I no longer have those "dity bucks" I used to wear on a daily basis and even if I did I can assure you I wouldn't fit in them, so my comfortable Franco Sarto go-to's were the next best thing to try this trend out. 

I think it might work better with a shoe that has more of a cut like this. Maybe I should stick to sneakers when it comes to neon laces. Either way, it's fun for a temporary change. What are your thoughts?



Oscars & Mint

I'm giving three shoutouts to Angelina, Gwyneth and Maria.

(Left to right: Angelina Jolie in Versace , Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford)

While the two starlets kept it classy with timeless black and cream ensembles, I love how Maria dared to wear the new "it" color in her Maria Lucia Hohan gown.

I can't wait to wear this mint/aquamarine shade! Check out my picks:

Minty by chelsbop

Equipment silk blouse

$208 - shoplesnouvelles.com

Paige denim
$179 - bloomingdales.com

Goldsign super skinny jeans
$190 - net-a-porter.com

Rebecca Minkoff mini clutch
$195 - stefanibags.com

Sunglasses
knockaround.com

essie Nail Color Turquoise Caicos
$7.79 - target.com

Denim & Flow



(Shoes, BP Nordstrom; Skirt, Madewell; Jacket, Old Navy (old); Sweater, Quotation; Gloves, Bloomingdale's Cashmere; Wallet, Tory Burch; Sunnies, RayBan; Nails, Essie Luxedo)



New York winter has definitely kicked in and has been frigid the past few days. The sun decided to come out today, which clearly gave reason to whip out a denim jacket instead of my down winter coat. A nice denim jacket is always a staple in a wardrobe. This one I got at Old Navy years ago--it was inexpensive, which is always an added bonus.

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Winter Shorts

The night before Santacon as I perused Urban Outfitters looking for some festive pieces to sport while I apartment and bar hopped my way through lower Manahattan, I stumbled upon a pair of velvet shorts and a pair of bottoms that could best be described as a "flappers paradise" with 360 degree fringe detail. Full on pants party, to say the least. Read: I got the black velvet instead.

It got me thinking that we shouldn't only save these fun festive shorts to match your ugly Christmas sweater-vest, but instead we should most definitely wear them to carry us through these cold winter months we have ahead. You can get a lot more mileage out of these than you think!

Tip: Pair with tights, oversized button-down, and mary jane pumps.

Editor's Picks: Winter Shorts

 1. Velvet Shorts



Frenchi Pleat Velvet Shorts



Slip into a pair of soft velvet shorts and you will immediately dress up any shirt. Unfortunately the pair I got from Urban Outfitters is sold out, but these pair found in the Nordstrom Juniors section are inexpensive and pull off the same look.

2. Leather Shorts



Free People Leather Shorts 

You Miss, are one badass. With diagonal zipper detail, these shorts can be worn all-year round. Wear with a concert tee and sport in the summer.

3. Sweater Shorts



Free People Sweater Shorts



Perfect for lounging or a casual daytime look. The colorful band detail is like a built in belt, but a lot more attractive!

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Floppy.

A sheer button down might be a stretch for this time of year, but however chilly it may be, a felt hat and cashmere (texting) gloves add winter accents and tame a black and white floral blouse from screaming spring before spring has sprung.

(Blouse, Alexa Chung for Madewell; Felt Hat, H&M; Gloves, Bloomingdale's Cashmere; Shoes,  BP)

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A Lesson in Shopping.

Fur you, J.

On a crisp Saturday afternoon shopping in Westport, my good friend Jill fell in love with a Theory fur vest. Although it was beautiful, it was also $875. While fur might never be considered "out of style," fur vests might at some point be, in which case it's tough to validate spending close to a grand for something that you might not get a whole lot of use out of.

This little scenario made me determined to find a vest that would not only sufficiently fulfill J's need for a fur vest but would keep her bank account a tad happier during this season of holiday spending.

1. One thing I always like to do is research the product before making an impulsive expensive purchase.

Let's see this token of knowledge put into action:

A. Theory vest directly from Theory website:



$875



B. Oh, and I forgot to mention it is reversible. Okay, so here is the EXACT same vest at Nordstrom on the fur side of the vest:



$598



Would you look at that!? Just a little bit of research and you have saved yourself $277. I'm not trying to preach about saving money, but who wouldn't want to save that much on the exact same thing?

2. Now, if finding a less expensive version of your coveted piece doesn't work, it is time to do some more research on pieces that could pass as your beloved's twin (or at least one of its siblings).

Fur vests are everywhere this season. Finding three that were each at relatively different price points was a piece of cake. From highest to lowest here are my Theory fur vest makeshifts:





This MICHAEL Michael Kors vest has a buckle front, but just as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde spritzed her law school resume with perfume, I think it gives it a little something extra, don't you think? ($195)

 DKNY's black faux fur vest is 7 times less expensive and very cute, need I say more? ($120) A similar one was featured here.

Heritage by Forever21 allows you to get the look for under $40, I don't know how they do it. This one comes with a belt- but relax, it's removable!

So what we have learned here today is to do your research people! Put a little extra time in and you'll save big. If you have a smartphone you can do your research while your still at the store! Outsmart those betches, betch.

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Modge-Podge.

A button down tucked into skinny jeans makes for an easy pulled together look. I always like to messily roll up my sleeves in a way that is almost reminiscent of the how I used to sport my Dad's oversized button down he gave me to use as a "smock" for elementary school Art class.

Fotog, M. Berard

These super high wedge booties by Enzo Angiolini are surprisingly really comfortable (this picture doesn't even show how high they really are!). Although when I was getting up throughout the day I felt like I was prepping myself to walk on stilts, once I got situated I pretty much forgot I was 5inches taller!



Shirt, Madewell; Skinnies, Topshop; Bracelets, Madewell & J.Crew; Belt, J.Crew; Clutch, Tory Burch; Wedges, Enzo Angiolini




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MAXImize.

A while back I rounded up five pieces to spice up your wardrobe this fall. One of these picks was a Vince maxi skirt. I am proud to say that I have not only found a less expensive maxi skirt identical to the pricey Vince piece, but it is also one that was spotted at none other than my favorite store, Madewell.

I wanted to make this find a bit more interesting, so I have decided to pull together three fun and different ways to make the most of your maxi this season:

Starting counter-clockwise, here are some style tips on how to MAXImize your maxi. Let's roll:

1. Funky

Turn up the heat by color blocking. Add a bright color in between a black felt hat and maxi. Incorporate a statement necklace for extra detail.

2. Classic

Office appropriate and always a closet essential, the maxi skirt will revamp the pieces you already own. Don't you just love those long sleeved gloves?

3. Comfy and Festive

Wear your maxi with a patterned chunky sweater for a holiday get-together. Accessories such as a faux fur vest and gloves with military detail bring "chic" to the annual "Christmas sweater."



Shop MAXImize by chelsbop
(Beginning with the maxi. From left to right: Hat, H&M; Necklace, Madewell ; Sweater, Free People; Gloves, Shoes, Sweater, Madewell; Scarf, vintage; Vest, MICHAEL Michael Kors; Sweater, J Crew; Gloves, Dents)

 
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Hunt.

Shop Hunt. (From left to right: Wellies, Hunter; Knee Highs, fatface.com; Fedora, madewell.com; Denim, Paige Denim; Belt, madewell.com; Blouse, MiH Jeans; Bag, Madewell; Cords, Vintage; Sweater, Madewell; Gloves, Monsoon)

Saturday October, 22nd in the little town of Far Hills, NJ lies a gem of a day we all like to refer to as "The Hunt." Formally the Far Hills Races, although the infield can be commonly mistaken for downright fratastic debauchery (which isn't too far off), frequenters of all social circles know to keep their wardrobe classy even if one hand is occupied by a personal bottle (or drink) of choice.

Kate Middleton brings modernity to conservative pieces and is the quintessential model for a casual daytime affair. Here are some tips I have picked up from my own experience at the races as well as Duchess Kate's sense of style:

1. Dress to impress, somewhat. Don't make the mistake of thinking it's a college party. Leggings and sweatshirts were the automatic go-to back in college, but pull that look at the hunt and you'll stick out like a sore thumb!

2. The boots. If you're in the infield, you might want to rethink what you're wearing on your feet. Make sure they are boots that are easy to wipe off if they get dirty. (Hunters at the Hunt anyone? What a thought!)

3. Stick to neutrals. Loud colors just don't blend well with the scenery. I don't know what it is, maybe I'm subconsciously channeling the color of a horse's mane, but stick to neutrals and you can't go wrong.

and one more thing...

4. Weather. Dress in layers. You'll be there from morning til dusk and it will get chilly when that sun starts to go down and you're hazily meandering back to the bus/train/car/whatever your mode of transportation is...

See you there!

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Mismatch.

On a wine tour in the North Fork mismatching perfectly.

 

(Drenched on my left. He was saving some for later! Right?)



 

Comfortable wedges are a must when you're with tall people and doing a lot of walking!



Shop Mismatch:

J Crew long sleeve shirt

$78 - net-a-porter.com

Genetic Denim flare jeans

$192 - barneys.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors platform heels

$65 - nordstrom.com

Prada handbag

£920 - flannelsfashion.com

Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses

$178 - farfetch.com

Dsquared Stripe Blue Striped wool-mix scarf

€119 - jades24.com

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New beginnings.

With every ending comes a new beginning and what better reason to go shopping than the fact that you have to.

Let's talk stripes. Did you know that you should never  wear horizontal stripes? Although people claim they deceive the eye into adding pounds to your midsection I believe stripes simply add intrigue to an outfit.

Pleasure Doing Business uses horizontal stripes in their skirts and dresses, which is interesting since we are more accustomed to seeing this pattern in tops. To incorporate horizontal stripes, play with layers (think chambray shirts) and accessories (think texured belts, don't hesitate to mix textures and patterns!).

Here are some striped duds I have my eyes on:

1. Knit Tee
The weight of this tee is perfect for layering.
 

2. Sweater

I'm not even a Harry Potter fanatic and this reminds me of Hogwarts.



3.  Boots

Check out the horizontal stripes on these tootsies! Too maaach?

4. Cardigan

I clearly fancy the maroon and navy motif. Although it isn't pictured, another bonus to this cardigan is the polka dot detail on the sides.

5. Bikini

For good measure, let's add a bikini! And if you're going on vacay soon, I'm green with envy  pale and envious!

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