Again, with the Wang! My Pseudo Boyfriend.

Happy Friday kiddos! Disclaimer: I am suffering from whiplash. I spent the better half of yesterday, and the earlier hours of today riding (thrashing) around Long Island in an unmarked van for work.  This may or may not have resulted in some mild dain bramage.

Yesterday, Hadley introduced you to her pirate boyfriend, today I introduce you to mine.

You have seen them before, I see them at least once a week; these pants are my boyfriend. Maybe having a pair of pants stand in as a love interest says something about me, but seriously, it’s a solid relationship that I have no problem commiting to. Can I get a small pat on the back for that? All they ask for is a good wash once every other week (which I do by hand in my previously mentioned plastic chip bowl in my sink).

Last time I wore these bad boys on the blog I wore them with my beat up loafers, but I can not allow myself to get too comfy all the time, gotta spice things up! God forbid I allow my feet to remember what flats feel like for too long or they might get used to it. 

(Shirt: Theysken’s Theory, Gold Ring: Vintage, Silver Ring: James Avery, Cuff: Dannijo, Bracelet: J.Crew, Watch: Michael Kors, Shoes: Aldo)

Enjoy your weekend. If you don’t have a man friend to buy you drinks this Friday night (or to assemble the Ikea furniture you ordered that is being delivered Sunday), take your favorite pants out and buy a cocktail (or five) for yourself! You will have a good time either way. Until Monday, People!

Pictures taken by Mr. Justin Livingston






Blast from the Past: Hoarding & My Great Great Aunt’s Blouse

As I have mentioned many a time, I have some kick ass family members. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and because of this I get to blame my problems on them – gotta love a validated finger pointing! Much like myself, my Grandmother (her name is legal name is Teal, but you may refer to her as Nannie) hoards clothes. She has 4 closets full of not only her own vintage pieces, but also a whole Neiman Marcus archive from her Aunt (also named Teal). When I was in high school, she used to pay me at a highly inflated hourly rate to organize these closets and dressers.  As an added bonus, I would also be able to keep anything I was particularly found of.  Luckily, both Teals have amaze taste and I have outfitted myself in their leftovers many a time. One of my favorites is this silk OGGI snakeskin printed blouse.

  (Blouse: OGGI, Jeans: Genetic Denim, Booties: Calvin Klein)

It used to have shoulder pads, but a quick two-minute, pre-party, in-the-bathroom-with-surgical-scissors decision resulted in their removal. I don’t regret it.  It should also be known that this does comes with a matching sequin skirt and sequin jacket that are in the same print.  While the accompanying items are endearing in their own rights individually, all together they would have made for one heck of a distraction at the office, so I opted for denim.

(Cuffs: Dannijo, Ring: Vintage, Bracelet: J. Crew, Watch: Michael Kors)

I have come to terms with my hoarding and have realized it is something I will never be cured of but must learn to live with in remission. I’m not ashamed. I am fortunate. I am fortunate to have grown up having someone that supported and enabled/enables my clothing obsession. Let’s face it, Teal and Gary even bought me these shoes (girlfriend can barely manage a monthly MetroCard). Gracias, Nannie and Papa.

So on your next visit home, check the back of your mother, grandmother, or fabulous gay uncle’s closet. You never know what gems you may find.

Pictures by Justin Livingston

 






Situational Dressing: Work on Monday when all you really want to do is sit in the Village and look for Jake Gyllenhaal

Before you ask, yes, I did see Jake Gyllenhaal in the Village a couple weeks ago.  Yes, it was the best moment of my life. And yes, I am a celebrity whore. So sue me! In my defense, as if I needed one, I have been head over heels in love with the man since 1999 when he so effortlessly portrayed the innocent and adorable Homer Hickam in October Sky.

Anyway, because I have a rent check every month that costs more than my undergrad degree, I can’t just casually sit around drinking coffee in the Village on Mondays looking for attractive celebrities to stalk. I go to work. But what should you wear to work? Walking around midtown doesn’t really answer that question. Those Downtown 6 train commuters generally don’t know what’s up in the fashion department (Evidence: Last summer I was wearing a kick ass turban – they were on trend then – and a woman forcibly stopped me to ask me why I was wearing such an ugly thing on my head). While I do value their opinions (not), I wouldn’t ask these people what to wear, ever.

(Glasses: Warby Parker, Blouse: Equipment, Vest: Theyskens’ Theory, Pants: Alexander Wang, Watch: Michael Kors)

I generally dress a little more untraditional at my office, but this outfit can transcend many a work environment.  My job allows me a little more freedom in attire, but I always make sure to dress appropriately. I leave my tube tops and booty shorts at home. For my birthday, my grandparents bought me these Alex Wang pants which are possibly the best gift any girl could ask for in 2012. The deli man below my building agrees with me on the pants.

As I have previously mentioned, I have a problem with Equipment tops and button downs. This is the first one I ever owned. I bought it on sale at a store in Kansas City last spring.  This was before anyone in the Midwest knew what they were and I reaped the benefits (it was $70 and I was the only one who owned one at the time - I am still kicking myself for not buying seven more). I also have to make an announcement: Theyskens’ Theory knows how to make work shit look cool. This is a little mullet sweater vest that I wear year round. Sometimes (if I get a little crazy) I wear it without a shirt under it.

I usually opt for heels, but last week I broke in some new 5 inchers and, quite honestly, my feet are bandaged and should not be on public display. I do posses a higher level of personal discretion, you should thank me. Flats are totally cool to wear, just please, don’t wear your Nikes with that pantsuit. Dear God! There are zero reasons for that (that goes for you too men of the city). I have these old Dolce Vita loafer things that are basically real life slippers and I kick it in these all around town. You should get some.  They rock. Mine are actually about to fall apart but God help me if I won’t see them through until the end. For better or for worse.

New grads, don’t let your office become a gateway to poor dressing and falling off the bandwagon. You are young, you are fun, and you can still shotgun a PBR like a champ at that office summer BBQ!

Pictures from mi amigo Mr. Justin Livingston

Thank God it’s Friday night, & I just-just-just-just-juuuuuuust got paid…

(Assortment: Dannijo cuff, Michael Kors watch, vintage Seiko watch, Nine West bracelet)

Anyone else remember that N*Sync song? I would totally mark that one as one of my favorite quality boy band tunes (not going into my creepy love for One Direction). I am not even sure if I actually get paid today or next Friday (god I hope it’s today because that vintage bag I just bought made a dent), but either way it’s Friday! No Strings Attached was the first CD I ever bought for myself (Shania Twain was the first I ever actually owned, don’t frown at that sentence, you know you loved ‘Man! I Feel Like a Woman’).  ANYWAYS, Friday is the king of week days so bling it out and enjoy yourself!

Just a little zoom in of my platter de jewels Jordan Jacobson took. The gaudiness is enough to make any Jewish grandmother swoon. Half of the unidentifiable prettys in here were previously owned by mine anyway. Happy weekend players!