Classic Finds.

Everlane is my new favorite website. They have figured out a way to simply display my favorite clothing pieces in one online store and the best part is the reasonable prices. Move over J Crew...

Description on the site:

We've set out to challenge conventions and build a new retail model... We have no physical stores, no middlemen taking their cut and no crazy brand markups. Instead, we create our own luxury basics and sell them exclusively at everlane.com.

What's not to love? The classic color palette calls my name and this site offers the essential foundation pieces that should be a part of everyone's wardrobe. Season-less dressing made easy.

Let's start with the luscious mongolian cashmere. This crewneck is the perfect layering piece for all ages and the tailored yet slightly relaxed fit will work on any body type.

{Women's Cashmere Crew, $120.}

You can never have too many silk shirts. The gently rounded collar on this style is an understated yet feminine addition. 100% brushed silk under $100? Sounds good to me. I can't decide between this gorgeous mustard color and the icy grey that the site offers.

{The Silk Blouse, $80.}

Everlane scarves have a beautiful texture and an unfinished edge. They are available in seven muted colors. Collect them all!

{The Essential Scarf. $60.}

I need this blood orange one.

Then there is this $40 sweatshirt. It looks so cozy! Micro French terry fabric sounds incredible and I love that this piece can be dressed up a bit with the right underpinning. It's also a great off-duty look with a simple T-shirt underneath (for Everlane T-shirts, look here).

{Women's French Terry, $40.}

Their canvas weekend bags work for everyone. The size is big enough for your gear, but small enough to carry on an airplane and fit in the overhead compartment. The lining is waterproof and the brown leather handles are a classic touch. Plus, look at that price! The stripe is a nice touch.

{The Weekender, $95.}

For more tips on how to travel in style, look here.

There is even something for the guys...

Click HERE for my invitation link to this fabulous site!

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Travel in Style.

This weekend Erich and I are headed out of town for a long weekend. (A wedding gift we've been holding on to.) We are going to our favorite spot in Kennebunkport and I can't wait! It's our last getaway before the stress of the holidays so I plan to do nothing but unwind. Having the comforts of home away from home always makes for an amazing trip so I always keep this in mind when packing. It's all in the details. Here is a little travel guide of my favorite getaway essentials and tips:

Little Luxuries.
You have heard me sing the praises of beauty samples before (see post here), and the small packets always come in handy. A getaway is the perfect time to indulge. Try a new eye cream or perfume.  We all know that the shampoo and conditioner at most hotels just don't cut it for the ladies so don't forget those.

Recycle.
I store a laundry bag from my favorite hotel in the bottom of my weekend bag. I never have to remember to pack it, but I'm always glad that I have it. Right now I'm using one from the Taj Hotel to remind me of our wedding night. It's a nice personal touch on any weekend trip.

Smell.
It's one of the strongest senses. Don't forget to pack a travel candle in your favorite scent. It can help you relax, remind you of home, and cover the smell of any strong cleaning products in your hotel room.    I really like the subtle scent of this one by Voluspa. And the tin means I don't have to worry about it breaking in my bag!

{Voluspa, Creme de Peche Travel Tin, $8.}

Jewelry Roll.
Organization on a getaway is key. I have my eye on this one because as you know, I love gold. (Also available in silver.) A jewelry roll is always a great gift because it's not something that a lot of us would buy for ourselves. Make sure you keep this in your carry-on if you are taking any valuable pieces.

{Pebbled Leather Jewelry Roll, $40.}

Make Space.
If you plan on doing some shopping at your destination, a collapsible bag like this one is a must have. It's lightweight and takes up very little space in your luggage. You can bring it anywhere! Use it for snacks at the airport, bring it to the beach, or just throw a blanket and magazines in it for a picnic.

{Baggu for Jcrew, $9.}

Don't Forget to Write!
I always pack my journal to jot down special moments I want to remember and at least two cards with stamped envelopes just in case I find a free moment to write to my friends. It's always more thoughtful than an email. Who doesn't like to receive mail other than bills?

{Sugar Paper, Bow Noteset, $24.}

Because You Just Never Know.
I bought one for my wedding and never used it, but it has paid for itself ever since on all of my weekend trips! This 16 piece kit comes with everything from breath freshener to double sided tape to earring backs to a deodorant towelette. It also takes up less space in your luggage than packing a travel sized version of each of these products. Another great gift. And it is available in every color you can think of...

{Minimergency Kit for Her, $13.}

Travel Extras.
Passport Cover- Also a great gift. I have had the same black patent one on my passport for years!

Chic Flats- Nothing ruins a trip like sore feet. I love my Prada driving loafers, but you can also pack a pair of stylish sneakers, flat (broken-in) boots, or ballet flats.

Travel Umbrella- For those unexpected downpours.

Oversized Scarf- A great accessory that you can use as a wrap out at dinner or on the plane if it gets chilly.

Luggage Tag- It's time to grow up and use something other than those awful paper ones they give you at the airport. It's a great opportunity to add some style to your luggage too!

And lastly, a good book. Travel safely!

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Diaper Style.

There is usually a baby shower for expectant moms where they receive wonderful gifts for their newborns and tools to make those first months at home more bearable. But what happens after baby comes?

An important thing to remember is that their lovely children are in diapers for far longer than six months. We are talking years here people! I know I'm not the only one that changes handbags according to my outfit (or at least by season) and diaper bags should be no exception. Don't forget that while she does her mom duties in those first few years, that diaper bag that she received at the baby shower will get lots of mileage. Why not surprise mom with a style update of her own? Of course everyone loves to buy tiny clothes, shoes, and toys, but don't forget that mom could use a little attention too.

Make her feel special this holiday/birthday with a style update that is also practical for her lifestyle. Jewelry and high heels are nice, but does she have somewhere to wear it? Here is a collection of some of the best diaper bags that will give her some style options of her own:

Kate Spade knows classic chic. This black nylon bag has a sophisticated tote silhouette and you can never go wrong with black. I love this for a working mom because it will also look great with a business suit. The pop of red on the interior is playful touch.

{Kate Spade Nylon Harmony Baby Bag, $298.}

I love the classic brown and white stripes on this one from the iconic Henri Bendel collection. She can wear this pattern with anything.

{Brown and White Bendel Baby Bag, $348.}

This option comes in a great neutral color. The tote shape is great while the unstructured material is a more casual look. (It is also available in black.)

{Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Eliz-A-Baby Bag, $298.}

If the man in your life will be stealing it, try this felt messenger bag in a utilitarian style. (Also available in an olive color.)

{Petunia Pickle Bottom, Scout Journey Pack Compact Diaper Bag, $147.}

All of the above bags come with a changing pad. For a practical update, pick up a new one. I like the metallic lining of this one.

{Ju Ju Be Changing Pad, $20.}

Do you have a diaper bag recommendation?

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Rugged Fashion.

It is time to retire my favorite pair of booties. The Kate Spade black suede wedge booties that I scored at Marshalls a few years back are on their last stitch and have had me on the search for my new perfect pair of fall-to-winter booties.  The style was always heavy enough to ground any outfit with lots of layers or an oversized sweater, but they had a unique element to them. Classic with a twist. I will miss them.

Finding a pair of booties with unique style that were not too funky or edgy or uncomfortable took a while, but I've done it. The problem with my old favorites was that they were suede so I knew that leather needed to be a priority for my next pair. Then I saw these:

{See by Chloe, High Heel Wallabee Booties, $340.}

They are heavy enough to ground my everyday outfits, but the narrow stacked heel and narrow toe-box prevent them from looking too clunky. I can wear them on a job, in the city, or to a farm for pumpkin picking. The lug sole gives me the support I need (I am on my feet ALL day) and the detail is perfect for traction in the snow. It also gives these booties a nice rustic edge. They match my lifestyle and I can't wait to rock them with my favorite cozy sweater and skinny jeans. Bonus: the tongue of the shoe is sewn to the sides so that rain and snow can't get in! (They are available in a gorgeous camel color too.)

Skinny jeans + oversized scarf + t-shirt + cozy sweater + booties = easy rugged fashion and my go-to outfit. Change the bag, add earrings, insert a button down shirt in lieu of the t-shirt and the style is easily elevated. What do you think?

If you like this pair but the price is too steep, these are another great option:

{Marais USA, Shire Booties, $160.}

I love the wear-with-anything charcoal grey and the look of the textured felt.

If you aren't on the market for a new pair yourself, try breathing new life into a pair you already own with two easy steps:

1) Change the laces! If you like the ones on the See by Chloe pair above, try these:

{Dr. Martens Tricolor Shoe Laces, $3.}

Or you could try a fun shade like the teal laces on these adorable boots. (They were also a contender in my bootie search.)

{Kate Spade 'Saundra' Boots, $298.}

2) Drop your booties at the shoe cobbler to be re-soled, have the heel repaired, or just have them polished up. I do this with all of my shoes each season and they come back like new.

You can also choose to weather proof and polish your booties at home. Apple Leather Care is always great but I love Fiebring's Saddle Soap.

What is your go-to bootie?

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

High-Low Holiday.

Ladies (and gentlemen), mark your calendars now. On December 1st, the products of the Neiman Marcus/ Target/ CFDA collaboration will finally go on sale. 24 Designers have contributed to the limited edition collection and there is a little something for everyone. Gift giving just got a little easier this year. Here are some of the highlights:

These Jason Wu holiday ornaments are so pretty I want them on my own tree!

{$49.99 for set of three)

These Tracy Reese patterned dessert plates are the perfect gift for your next dinner party host. Showing up with a batch of homemade holiday cookies is optional.

{$39.99 for set of four}

For the man (or little man) in your life, I love these cozy textured sweaters by Rag & Bone. Let's face it, they can always use a little help in the wardrobe department.

{$69.99 for Men's, $49.99 for Boy's}

These Marc Jacobs metallic pouches will work for any of the women in your life. Use as a coin purse, to hold handbag extras (breath mints, anti-bacterial wipes, tampons, you name it), to keep receipts nice and tidy, or just to keep an ID and lipstick handy out at the bar. I love the rose gold color.

{$69.99 each}

Grab this Oscar de la Renta pink leather pet collar and leash for your neighbor, the animal lover. The die-cut floral lace detail will make a stylish statement on any furry friend.

{$39.99 for both}

The cute factor of these Jason Wu dresses is hard to top. Love the sweet simple silhouette and the unconventional holiday color of the blush polka dot version. Perfect for a holiday family portrait.

{$59.99 each} 

{All images via neimanmarcus.com}

Which is your favorite?

All of these items and more will be available at Neiman Marcus and Target stores as well as online December 1st. (To see more, look here.) This collection is sure to sell out fast so don't delay. Good luck!

Treat every day like you are on the runway.

Boo La La.

The month of October is half over! And of course that means one thing: Halloween is around the corner. While I am someone who hates to be scared, I have always loved the holiday. Dress up in the costume of your choice and collect free candy? Sign me up. I'm no longer trick-or-treating but that is no reason not to get in the spirit. Last year I showed you some of my favorite Halloween Decor ideas (see post here) and this year I want to share the simple snacks I plan to prepare for a party.

Tomato basil soup...

 

Individual pizzas...

 

A twist on pigs in a blanket...

Adorable, right? Just like wardrobe, it's all in the presentation.

And in this case I could not resist the slightly less adorable.

Guacamole...

{Images 1 and 4 via Pinterest. Images 2 and 3 via People.com}

Pass the chips.

Treat every day like you are on the runway.