Sweet and Salty

This title is an ode to comedian Fortune Feimster’s hilarious Netflix special (a must watch), but also to the different elements in this look. I’m loving my faux leather pants, which you’ve seen me wear in two colors lately. I’m finding them to be so versatile, and I’ll definitely be using them through spring to show you various ways to use them. As always, my goal is to repurpose what I already own (which the occasional new item sprinkled in). What I’m really into with this look is the combo of strong and soft, with the powder blue sweater (Top Shop) adding some sweet feminine sparkle to the harsher look of the pant. The black heeled booties can take this outfit straight to dinner (sigh, restaurants...) or a business meeting. Since my hair is pulled back, the side detail on the sunglasses (vintage Prada) adds a fun facial pop. This look is chic and sexy without being too much in any one department. Leather pants need not be tight and constructing in order to make a statement. The right mix of sweet and salty always achieves equilibrium, in life and in fashion.

Scarfing it Up

Love me an oversized, yummy scarf. It’s literally a wearable blanket. I love large scale pieces in general, and this recent winter purchase does not disappoint. Cozy accessories enhance my coat collection, thereby keeping things fresh and fuzzy. I love the large scarf contrasted with the cropped, fitted jacket, but it would’ve looked great with my oversized boyfriend coat too. Gray jeans and red shades add depth of color (enough with all black) and a much needed pop of... something.

Same Top, Take Two

if you read last week’s style post, you’d know that I was working off the concept of packing for a (covid safe), drivable weekend away. The key to successful short trip packing is to take a few items that have multiple uses. This cropped, olive green turtleneck sweater is the perfect, purposeful piece for winter. Last week I used it for a car trip outfit, here it’s being worn for a chic daytime look that can easily transition to a cozy dinner. The warm tones from head to toe pair well, and who doesn’t love a solid pair of riding boots? The coat matching the sweater pulled it all together, a nice optional detail. Faux leather jeans (these are from J Brand) can easily be dressed up or down, and are a fresh change from classic denim. After spending an insane amount of time at home in sweats, it feels great to cure my cabin fever with some legit fresh air and actual clothing. Civilization isn’t dead yet, People. Stay with me.

Two Way Turtleneck

Let’s pack for a drivable winter weekend getaway, shall we? These next two looks are centered around my turtleneck sweater, a cold weather staple. Pairing it with this super comfy, yet structured, sweats ensemble makes for the perfect cute travel outfit. Tight jeans on a plane or in a car? No thanks. The oversized cardigan sweatshirt acts as a blanket as I’m riding shotgun. Each of the pieces you see here, shoes included, have multiple uses during said getaway. That’s the trick to packing for a few days away; pack minimally and aim for each item to have at least two uses. One special piece for a fabulous night out is needed too, but that’s on hold for now (a slip dress and a mask? Again, no thanks.) What I love about this outfit is the pulled together yet effortless feel. It’s polished, but in a soft winter way that evokes coziness. Hot cocoa is the only needed accessory.

Daisies and Denim

Florals are still new for me, and I’m coming to love them, especially when contrasted with roughed up jeans. It’s a nice mix of a neutral classic with prettiness. This lovely Love Shack Fancy top made the outfit on its own. All the other pieces are there to support it, with cool, grounding vibes. I loved bringing this very feminine shirt down to earth. Ripped and frayed jeans and mini cowboy boots can lay the groundwork for tons of fabulous looks. I don’t have one of those long, beautiful ponytails that I dream of, but this little pony moment also added a nice touch of casual, to offset the puffy sleeves. This look can work all winter, with a long sleeved floral top. Layer a chunky cardigan over when it’s really cold.

Burnt Sienna

Thank you to the perpetual box of Crayola crayons of my youth, for teaching me about this color. I truly don’t believe any of us would be aware of this particular shade of orangey brown, if not for that. I’m so in love with this monochrome look! I recently got this on a desperately needed trip to the mall. I was craving a normal activity that involved a lil retail therapy. I hit the jackpot with these two pieces; they are from entirely different brands yet go beautifully together ( I gleefully realized this in the dressing room, which was a needed counterbalance to the devastating effects of cruel department store lighting). These pants are faux leather and are surprisingly versatile. Last week I wore the sweater with a tan leather pencil skirt and brown riding boots. Both of these pieces look great with denim. My reliable leopard heels lent a dose of sexy fun. These non prescription specs let me work out my childhood fantasy of needing glasses. They happen to protect against UV light and all the garbage emanating from screens.

I feel extra warm when I dress in warm colors and tones during this time of year. This was a perfect relaxed, cozy, chic Thanksgiving look. Feeling good is always cause to feel thankful.

Just This One

I don’t think I’ve ever posted just one style pic, but it feels in keeping with this one piece wonder. This is the item that was the building block for last week’s look. It’s the perfect feel and look for staying home, as I’m doing these days, or to use as the ultimate layering piece. The cotton is so soft, the straps are so supportive (eliminating the need for a bra), and the tapered ankle lends a streamlined vibe that doesn’t mess with the comfort factor. I really suggest investing in a jumpsuit like this. It’s an incredibly useful and practical piece. Top it with a knotted, unbuttoned shirt, a boyfriend blazer with pushed up sleeves and a statement necklace, an off the shoulder sweater for sweet winter lounging, or wear it as is with simple complimentary accessories. So many shoe options too. Think of this as black leggings and a black tank top; so cool alone or a great base for endless layering. Simple doesn’t have to mean boring.

Cozy Chic

Loving this genre of dress; a look that’s equal parts cozy loungewear and chic. This jumpsuit has become a relaxed yet stylish staple. My favorite part is that it allows me to go braless yet still be supported. It’s a great head to toe piece on its own, or it can be dressed up in a minute with a pretty cardigan, loafers, and statement headband. My bun accentuated the headband, and gave me something to do with a particularly unruly hair day (there’s always options!). This is a great look for entertaining at home, or being a guest at a meal; just take off the cardigan as needed, while maintaining the relaxed stylish vibe. A delicate silver necklace to compliment the sweater and headband was the one needed, dainty accessory. As lockdown continues, I’m feeling a need to move away from the same pair of sweatpants, while remaining comfortable at home. Please be safe, healthy, and careful.

Transitions

So a lot is changing. The seasons, the government. We are in constant flux. What I love about dressing appropriately as the seasons change, is that it feels good to mold with my surroundings (in addition to the satisfaction of nailing it). It makes me crazy if I chose too heavy a sweater, or didn’t bring a warm enough jacket, as I’m reacquainting myself with a new season. That’s one if the reasons I love my new fuzzy lined Birkenstock’s. My feet get to breathe, which I dig, while staying toasty, which I also love. I happen to find Birkenstock’s to be chic and underrated. The wash on my new Rag and Bone jeans also feels soft, in that mentally I’m not ready for a dark, heavier denim just yet. My vintage Anna Sui silk top is light but with that perfect seasonal color scheme. Each piece here can hold up in both spaces, of warmer to colder. This 70 degree weather today in the New York area was a true gift. I took a gorgeous sunset walk in a tank top, while soaking in how the changing leaves looked in the golden hour. Finding joy and balance, even in style, helps me stay steady. Love you, Guys.

The Knitting Factory

New York peeps, how many of you hung out at the famous Knitting Factory concert venue? I started going there in college in the late 90’s. Ah, concerts... someday...

Well, it’s official; a new season is in full effect. Temps plummeted this week. Tights are no longer avoidable, and sweaters are needed for warmth, and not just because they rhyme with “weather”. I love the sweaters from Love Shack Fancy. They are sweet, soft, feminine, and not bulky. They come in beautiful patterns and colors. I paired this one with a skirt my daughter didn’t want anymore. It matched perfectly. The tights and shoes in the same color family coordinate effortlessly. I had to add this old knit hat to jazz up the basic skirt and sweater concept. It’s funny, this hat is a tad big and only sits properly when my hair is wavy and bigger. It’s a great piece that combines a classic fedora style with a warm, unexpected knit. As much as I loathe wearing tights, I have always been a sucker for a great hat.

I ❤️ Fall

Busted out my fave hat for this crisp Fall look. I love a dark washed denim for colder temps, but I like to brighten them with a whimsical top. The J Crew shirt I’m wearing is years old, and it totally holds up. I like how the heart pattern adds some sweetness and femininity to the harder lines elsewhere. Each piece here, from top to bottom, is a classic. The wide legged denim, the button down shirt, the cowboy inspired boots, and the wide brim hat. This is a great transition to sweater weather, when you’re not quite ready to bundle up. Pumpkins make a great accessory too, as does tush detail.
Keep smiling, Peeps. We are all going to be ok. Seasons change, certain things dry up and fall away, only to make space for the fresh and new. Learning from nature by embracing change, is one of the most crucial acts of surrender we can commit to.

Fall Florals

I was devastated to hear that Century 21 recently went out of business. That’s where I got this dress, along with so many other great pieces. The prices could not be beat, and I loved the challenge of zeroing in on the gems. I’m hoping they’re just taking time to rebrand...

I never would have worn this dress a couple of years ago. I’m still very particular about my florals, but I’ve been embracing them more lately. I put my spin on it with these funky gold boots. My feet grew in pregnancy, and these 13 year old boots didn’t fit me for years. I just tried them on, and was so excited to feel that my feet returned to their old size! My vintage fur vest always works over a bold pattern. I love mixing textures, and the long floral dress paired with the vest lends a boho chic feel. I’ve long since moved on from colder weather turning my wardrobe dark. Dressing in a softer, brighter way helps me feel as such internally:).

Space Case

Recently, I was asked to help decorate a space for a friend. She had purchased a turquoise couch, and didn’t know how to fill her townhouse in a coordinated fashion. She felt silly that the bright couch had been an impulse purchase. Nope! Making a vibrant, fun piece the focal point is def the right move. Working off the turquoise and black and white drapes, rug, and walls, I made the couch the jump off point. Yellow and turquoise are awesome together; chic, fun, bold, but clean. Accenting with those colors really livened up the space. I found some pieces from West Elm, but mostly Home Goods. Some pop art from Amazon lent major personality. It’s amazing how inexpensive decorating can be these days. The couch and yellow chairs were pricier, but the rest wasn’t at all. Even the kitchen has utensils and snacks in the color scheme, which is one of those fun details that ties things in. Bright coffee table books, candles, and whimsical vases are essential. I always put a tray on a coffee table, with coasters, to protect the furniture. The kitchen prints on the wall were market photos I took and blew up on metal. I love personalizing a space with things I made, or that the homeowner did. The cute, bright tray below the Queen Elizabeth print, serves as a catch all for keys, phone etc. Basically, by sticking to a color scheme that plays well with accents of different price points, whimsy, and practicality, you can create a fun, affordable space you’ll love walking into.

Same outfit, second look

I love how certain styling tricks can transform an outfit. One of my fave tricks is using different styles of coats, to give a whole new vibe to a look. Last week I’m seen wearing the same outfit. I was in the mood for warm, sexy street wear in a creamy blush palette. I changed coats mid shoot to demonstrate how to get coat creative. See how easy it is to freshen up the same outfit? I love a boyfriend style jacket over sweats and sneaks. It’s a great, effortless contrast. The pairing of a plaid, tailored coat over the relaxed athleisure is a nice mix. The statement tote is a must. It adds a pop of personality.
Last week’s cropped denim jacket was more street and casual. Today’s coat is a bit dressier, and more chic. In cooler weather, a big scarf draped loosely makes the perfect fall accessory. Go for a floppy beanie too. You could further dress this up with chunky bracelets and a statement ring. No need to buy new outfits all the time. So many looks can be added to your wheelhouse by playing around with outerwear. The best part? The comfort level underneath remains yum. Feel good, always.

Feeling Nude in Sweats

Sue me; I needed a Kim Kardashian moment. No one wears cute nudes better than Kim K, am I right??

For years I’d see pics of her and wonder where the heck was this magical store, selling the perfect, little items in the perfect color palette. The sweats, tank top, and cropped muscle T all happen to be Joah Brown, a not so guilty obsession of mine. I love the washed, black denim jacket as a contrast with the softer items underneath. My rose gold Nike’s drove this home, along with my tote and corked recyclable water bottle. How nice to be comfy and chic, as I dip my toes back into NYC.

Btw, a mask was always on unless literally no other humans were near me. I am very pro mask, for the sake of all of us. I went to a restaurant with my daughter this week, and it was the first time in 7 months I’d been out to eat. Cute, yummy street style is hot, but safety and being considerate are even sexier. Man, it feels good to be back in New York.

Rosh Hashanah Table Vibes

I love, love, love setting a table for a special meal, especially for the Jewish holidays. The autumnal colors, seasonal flowers, and rich, warm tones evoke that yummy feeling of family and home. I lost someone very close to me a couple days before the holiday, so I threw myself into my meal planning as a way to cope. Creating a beautiful space for my family and friends really did bring me much needed comfort. The tapestry I layered in the middle of the table was purchased on a family trip to Costa Rica. I knew it’d go well with my rust colored chargers and wedding china, a cherished gift from my mother in law. Each cream colored napkin had a sprig of fresh rosemary peeking out, plucked straight from my garden. Fresh herbs are a lovely, inexpensive, and fragrant way to add nature and whimsy to a table scape year round. The bronze vases I saved from my son’s bar mitzvah last June, and I brought them to my local florist to fill with seasonal colors. Since challah is such a crucial (and messy) part of the meal, each guest had a matching bread plate to control the crumb factor. The bread plates were really my china tea cup saucers. The little wire pears and apples are place card holders; I like to make everything seamless for my guests. Tons of varied shaped rose gold, speckled candle holders and votives made the whole scene come alive, during Covid mandated outdoor dining. It was truly show stopping, and my guests were delighted upon arrival. After the challenge and isolation of this long lockdown, it was especially meaningful to have a beautiful meal all together. It’s just been so long since a celebration, and that’s what the new year is all about; celebrating life, freshness, opportunity, and good times with loved ones. It meant a lot to me to show my children that we rise to the occasion, no matter the circumstances. There is always joy to be found amidst the grief, hardships, and challenges of life. May we all be blessed with sweetness, and the ability to accept the sour.

Max Comfort

I’ll never understand how some of my friends can serve a meal in a turtleneck and tights. To each their own, but if I’m hot while I’m entertaining, I’m PISSED. For a special meal, such as the upcoming Jewish holiday festivities, I plan on mixing comfort and prettiness with some maxi dresses. Flowy, stylish, loose, soft yet chic, a maxi dress of any length will lend that extra holiday mood while keeping me cool in the kitchen. Here are some styles I’m liking this season. Monochrome, pattered, baby doll, or midi, this look always works, especially as I play hostess.

BELTED SURPLICE MAXI DRESS - GABRIELLE UNION COLLECTION

Boho Print Maxi Dress

SHEIN Floral Print Fringe Tie Waist Slit Hem Dress

Button-Back Tiered Sundress

Cleo Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress

Backpack, Backpack

Maybe Dora the Explorer was onto something! I often prefer backpacks over a purse. I love their practicality and urban flair. No matter if it’s for the kiddies; if I like it, I’ll use it. Here are some styles I’m liking this season. Even for the home school kittens, keeping all their supplies organized in a legit schoolbag can mentally help them prepare for the upcoming semester. Backpacks nowadays come in such a variety of styles; they are absolutely a must have, back to school accessory.

Everlane- The ReNew Transit Backpack

State- Kane Kids Travel

Ted Baker- Featt, Jute and recycled polyester canvas backpack

Free People- Caraa Athena Convertible Backpack

class in session

I’m trying to stay upbeat and optimistic for my kids, as school somewhat resumes, in these batshit crazy times. My puppies are in for an incredibly rude awakening. After 6 months of sleeping late and endless video games, class is once again in session. I really loved having them around during lockdown. It will feel strange and sad to send them off, but I’m happy for them to return to real school, with real live teachers and friends. This look is me serving some rah rah Mom vibes. Cute denim flare skirt, new red kicks, a school bus yellow shirt, and bright red shades and backpack; nothing says back to school like primary colors. Oh, and who could forget this year’s must have accessory, the “fun” mask? Wishing all students a healthy, safe, enjoyable year of learning and progress. Hey, this is a learning process for all of us. Let’s just take it one day at a time. One way or another, this will be ok.

fresh whites

Hi, there. I promise to resume regular style posts with me next week. Right now, I’m bloated beyond recognition, and I have a huge zit that didn’t sign a release form to be photographed. Period, anyone? BUT, I thought I’d show you some of the yummy, fresh white items I just ordered from Joah Brown, one of my fave loungewear sources. I have yet to come across a sexier, yet oddly practical, line of athleisure. I wouldn’t exercise in these clothes, though one could. I prefer to wear them as badass sportswear, or to hang out at home, on the rare occasion that hanging out at home doesn’t translate to ripped pajamas from college. The crop tops and bra tops have so many uses. With oversized sweats, under overalls, with boyfriend jeans, and even with a long skirt. Also yum under a cool cardigan, or with a relaxed, undone button down. I’m really loving this twisted tee. How cute?? I love these clothes because they make me feel so in tune with my body. If I’m feeling good, unlike now, then they can make me feel extra. The JB cotton is sooooo soft and comfortable on the skin. I’m a little addicted TBH. I love that these items are mostly all year. A good white item is always a classic. Fresh, clean, and soft.