Reflections of a Shopaholic - A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words (Roughly)

(Michael Kors photo via whowhatwear.com)

Do you resemble the girl in this photo? If not akin to her body type, then perhaps you have her style? Truthfully, I couldn't feel further away from this image than if it were a picture of Will Ferrell dressed in drag. Ironically, I do own skinny black pants, sexy black heels, a great black tote (not fur, but still fab), and an oversized gold Michael Kors watch. I also have a few gold (plated) cuffs and a simple black long-sleeve shirt as pictured above, yet my everyday ever-so-casual ensembles are the complete antithesis of what this girl is wearing. (I was unknowingly wearing my t-shirt inside out this morning until my 3-year-old pointed it out...) The last time I looked close to this snazzy (in the daylight) I was sans les bébés!

Seriously, do you know where this fab fashionista is headed because my life seems so drab in comparison! Please tell me! Lunch with a girlfriend? A casting call? How about Paris? How can something as simple as a photo have me questioning my entire existence, leaving me wondering if I should throw in my diaper bag and flats and rack up my credit card for a fantasy life that doesn't even exist? I guess that's advertising for you!

Any unresolved questions about my former shopping habits seem so clear in moments like these - no wonder P and I were shopaholics!

Lust or Must? Nixon Time Teller Rubber Watch

Nixon Time Teller Watch, $60

A lemon colored watch! How beautiful! In these drab days of winter this little gem seems like the perfect pick-me-up. I own a lovely Michael Kors watch (which I dutifully pined over for a year and a half before taking the plunge) but despite all its gilt and glory it is not appropriate for every occasion. Do I wear it to yoga? Not so much. Is it proper attire for the elliptical? Not really. In those sporty moments my arm is bare. Yes, totally bare! And alas, the clock on the wall of the gym or the digital display on my phone just don't hold a flame to this trendy timepiece.

This watch is sunny, delightful and positively perfect for those days when you want to rock your Lululemons not your Louboutins. So I guess the big question is would a $10 imitation fill the void, or for a few extra dollars (read $50) does this Nixon deserve a place in my wrist candy rotation?

Love, A

poll by twiigs.com

The Day I Met the Missonis

This story takes place in early autumn 2011. All the events and anecdotes are completely true. No one's names have been changed. This was one of the highlights of 2011 for me and I'd like to share it with you.

Missoni for Target pop-up

Sarah May and I had arrived in NY just two days earlier, coming to town for the IFB Conference (read more about that here), and having only one day left before heading back across the border, we had a serious pow-wow weighing various options of how to spend our last day and night. We were staying in Brooklyn so we had to decide: would we be coming back for dinner or when we hit the city in the morning would we need to be prepared to stay well into the eve (i.e. what to bring, what not to bring and outfits that would [or wouldn't!] be able to go from day to night, natch) and, once on the isle of Manhattan, where would we go and what would we do? In a city with endless possibilities, we were momentarily immobilized by the sheer wealth and breadth of choice. Plus, it was Fashion's Night Out which we knew we wanted to attend, but added a whole other level of where to go at what time and with whom. There were only two things I knew for sure: since it was Sarah's first time in NYC (and since I am a former resident) I felt it was my duty to show her the best time possible and 2) I really wanted to go to the Missoni for Target pop-up shop in Bryant Park. I had been lusting over practically the entire collection (as had most people!) and the chance to get a sneak peek was too tantalizing to turn down.

Ms. May in the diner

After our brief tete-à-tete, we concluded that first and foremost we were hungry! We took the train over and up to my old subway stop at 66th & Broadway. Perfect, really since the tents for fashion week now live at Lincoln Center. We breezed down the sun filled, super wide sidewalks, ducking into one of my fave hotels The Empire (the site of this epic moment) so I could show Sarah the sumptuous art deco lobby. There were people everywhere and we almost (literally) bumped into Erin Wasson who was coming out as we were going in. It's Fashion Week y'all and when you're right across the street from the tents you're bound to come face to face with a supermodel or two. On we ventured in search of food and found it not too far from the hotel in the form of the quintessential New York diner. We had burgers with french fries and coleslaw, seltzer with ice and watery coffee. And pickles! (Don't even get me started on the pickles!)

The pickles

When we could eat no more, we paid our lovely, diminutive waiter and headed clear down Broadway all the way to Times Square. Seeing Times Square live and in person is quite a sight. And seeing with someone who has never seen it before (and who is one of your closest friends) is a very near second. It is not an exaggeration to say I felt lucky to be by her side and honored to have been the one to take her there first. To cap off this lovely moment, we even caught a glimpse of a few sailors, enabling Sarah to snap this photo and making our visit truly complete.

The sailors

We banged a left at 42nd street bound for Bryant Park. There aren't many things I'll wait in line for, life is just too short, but Sarah and I agreed Missoni for Target would be worth the wait,

A'S Picks...for Presents Under the Tree

Cropped Denim by Gold Sign
Boots by Sigerson Morrison

Wouldn't it be great if Santa's workshop was in Bergdorf's and he delivered gifts to those of us over the age of twelve? Because even though I have been on my absolute best behavior this year, I don't think a new pair of boots (let alone three) are in my family budget!

The 5 W's - Alexis Bittar Cuff

Love this hand painted peacock cuff as much as I do? Click on the photo to get one for yourself!

A few weeks ago, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting jewellery designer Alexis Bittar. He's the au currant designer who is beloved by Cameron Diaz and who features some of the most amazing women in his ad campaigns - Lauren Hutton and Joan Collins anyone? The newest muse has yet to be revealed, but I suspect it'll be someone just as legendary... Catherine Deneuve perhaps?

Listening to Alexis talk about his journey from 13-year-old kid selling vintage jewellery in St. Marks Place in New York City to becoming one of just a handful jewllery of designers to win the CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year award was so incredibly inspiring. The fact that he is one of the kindest and most down to earth people I've ever met was the cherry on top.

After such an exhilarating meeting, I felt I simply had to have a momento, something to remind me of the depth of inspiration that he someone managed to impart that day. I immediately chose this marvy peacock bangle and every time I wear it, I'm reminded that if you're lucky enough to find your calling and you never, never lose sight of it, your dreams really can come true.

So, this post is a bit of a thank you to Alexis. Thank you for being such a committed and truly brilliant designer and, even more than that, thank you for leading by example and being such a lovely, lovely person.

Love, P

P.S. I'm not an autograph kind of person, but meeting Alexis had such a profound effect on me, I couldn't help myself. Of course, he was kind enough to oblige.

Lust or Must? Sperry Top-Spider Pelican Boot

Sperry Top-Sider Pelican Boot, $69

My trusty Target rain boots are on the verge of collapse and I need a new pair, stat! Although I bought my old boots for a fraction of the cost of the ones above, and they lasted for almost 5 years, I feel like I am in need of an upgrade. These Sperry's have a fleece lining (yummy) and a super cute, yet classic, print.

What do you think? Should I stick with what I know (Target and a twenty dollar bill), or take the plunge (and make a splash!) in these pretty Pelicans?

Love, A

poll by twiigs.com

The Uniform: Brilliant or Just Plain Boring?

For those of you who don't have busy schedules, aren't on a budget, are always on time, and never feel the need to multitask, this post may not be for you. (Feel free to skip to the bottom and vote in the poll). For everyone else, please read on.

Since having two children, dressing myself has gone from being one of the best parts of my day to one of my least favorite. (Far above changing diapers but well below having my morning coffee). I have roughly twenty minutes to get ready each morning, including hair and makeup, so needless to say I am always in a rush. How is a girl supposed to look fab on that kind of time crunch? There is no time to ponder the perfect outfit, no time for creativity, and certainly no time to play dress-up. Inevitably I end up running out of time, coming up with an outfit that is either super uncomfortable, or just plain unflattering. (I am too embarrassed to tell you what I am wearing right now but I will give you a hint: it rhymes with poga yants - absolutely horrifying!)

Kate Moss in "uniform"

In an effort to solve this dilemma I looked to some of the most fashionable women in history and dissected their 'drobes. I realized that they each had their own formula, a uniform if you will. Audrey Hepburn always wore a black top or dress with ballet flats, Jackie O consistently sported oversized sunglasses, pearls, and a crew neck, and Kate Moss (see photos above) often dons skinny jeans, chunky boots, and some type of faux fur coat. Creating an everyday uniform could be the answer to my problems. In my case, this uniform would be a variation of pieces that are washable (oversized cotton tops), fashionable (cute ankle or knee boots), and active-able (stretchy skinny pants for kneeling, bending, chasing, etc.). I think I would be (consistently) better dressed, and it would bring serenity to my morning routine!

So what do you think? Am I being a lazy fashionista, or am I on to something?

poll by twiigs.com

Love, A

A's Picks...for Understated Color Blocking

Crewnecks & Scoopnecks by Vince
Platforms by 7 For All Mankind

I love that bright pinks and oranges are all the rage right now, but when it comes to color blocking sometimes less can be so much more. I have always loved brown and black together, it is very understated yet so chic. The sweater is a bit of a splurge (it is Vince, $275) but the bags are all under $15o and the belt is only $8! (Click on each piece to go directly to their respective retailers.) These pieces prove that you can follow this trend (color blocking) without looking like you stepped out of an 80's music video. Finish the look with a candy-colored lip and a pair of skinny black jeans and you are all set!

Love, A

Lust or Must? Joe's Jeans Chelsea Slim Fit in Red Orange

Joe's Jeans Chelsea Ultra Slim Fit in Red Orange, $158

Loving the color. Loving the cut. Hating the price.

Thoughts?

Love, A

poll by twiigs.com

Reflections of a (Reformed) Shopaholic...and the Iconic 5

Giving up shopping for a year taught me more than just how to shop in my closet. It sparked my creativity, brought me closer to my best friend, and it gave me a sense of purpose in a time when money was tight and my new role of a mom was proving more challenging than I ever could have imagined. Going without also taught me that clothes don't define you, that they are merely a form of self expression (combined with an obvious practicality) and you will survive (and perhaps even thrive) without owning the latest everything. However (with a capital H), life lessons aside (this is a fashion blog after all, not a gratitude journal - though we do like to think we have a bit more to offer than your average "this is how I wore it" blog), there is one other thing that came out of my year without, and that, my friends, was a Gucci bag. I LOVE that bag. One, because I think it is so damn fabulous and two, it is a reminder of how much I sacrificed to get it.

On to my next point: I started thinking about sacrifice and wondered if there were any other iconic fashion pieces that would be worth another year in Fashion Rehab. What would you give up for one of these classics beauties? And, more importantly, which one would you choose?

poll by twiigs.com

Love, A