Never Underestimate.

...the power of a white tee and jeans.

"Neutrals and layers" were key for Saturday's festivities, and might I add most of my comrades got it dead on with the exception of Karl's hay covered white kicks

White is always a great canvas to start an outfit, but not in every situation, sorry Karly! 

and although white doesn't always apply, after seeing Naomi Watts on Elle's November issue cover, I was reminded how simple yet chic a white tee and a pair of jeans can be.



Black boots with interesting detail add an updated twist to a classic look.

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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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Oh Wait.

And just as I finally had come to terms with the fact that my bag was gone for good, it came back to me! Call it Karma, good faith or just plain luck, my bag that I thought was a sure goner on Monday was returned to me today!

Once the bank cleared the charge on Kenn's credit card, the medallion number showed up on his statement.  My mom then did some heavy 3-1-1 calling and persistently made calls until someone got her in touch with the taxi driver himself who then went out of his way to meet me at Hearst Towers this morning to deliver the bag. $50 and a huge cab driver hug later, I am reunited with my bag and all its sartorial contents. Words of advice: Always remember your receipt, the medallion number is gold.

Don't you just love happy endings?

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Two words.

High-waist and layers. Okay, three if you count waist.

Months ago, I bought a cropped top from Urban Outfitters. It practically collected dust as it sat in my closet neglected. It's not that I forgot about it, but every time I would attempt to wear it something always seemed off. Until the day it dawned upon me that I had been going about the cropped top all wrong! Intentional belly-baring seems a bit distasteful unless your on the beach, at a rave, slutting-it-up on Halloween (guilty) or a tween. However, there are key pieces that make this short and boxy look a great go-to. (For the record, it was a high waisted skirt that my crop top was missing. Obviously.)

Heading to the movies in this get-up? You're kidding me.



Enter the cropped sweater. Some of the same pieces can be applied to the cropped sweater as the cropped top. I've found that if you stick to high-waists and layers, the cropped top or sweater can be pulled off seemlessly.

 

1. High waist, high waist, high waist.
No matter what you pair your crop top with, the secret to pulling it off is high waisted pants, skirts, shorts, etc. Whatever it is, make sure it's high waisted so you're not mistaken for any of the "when it's acceptable to belly-bare" (see first paragraph) situations.

2. Layers, layers, layers.
Play with some dresses and bum-skimming shirts you may already have. It will automatically create a whole new look to a dress as well as add a unique flare to a tradional skinny jean and top outfit.



Dress + cropped sweater = Daytime go-to



Cropped and off the shoulder, how 'bout it? 

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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Endings.

It is Tuesday and while I should have posted yesterday, I didn't. Some might think it is because of Columbus Day or maybe I was just plain lazy. Well, we can put those thoughts to rest because it was neither.

You see, I was home most of the weekend and upon arrival to Penn Station I decided to meet up with some friends to watch football. The bar was unfortunately very far up in the UWS, therefore leaving no time for me to drop off my bag. Long story short, after a great day it tragically ended when I left my bag full of clothes, shoes, etc. from the weekend in the cab ride back! Even more unfortunate is that we didn't get a receipt from the driver. It's like finding a needle in this haystack we call Manahattan (there are still four possible boroughs) and I'm fairly distraught over the whole happening.

I feel like I have let my belongings down. They are out there somewhere alone and homeless instead of safe in my apartment or being worn. Have you ever had that feeling of attachment to your clothes? I still have a bit of hope that this bag will turn up! After all, it is of no value to anyone but me.

But, if you happen to see a cab driver in 5 inch Michael Kors clogs and tight Rock & Republic jeans, can you please tell him I'm onto him? I guess I'd crack a smile to know someone was enjoying my things.

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I dare you...

to break out your jorts this weekend and go all out in the not-so-demure denim on denim trend.

She pulled it off perfectly!

C'mon, everybody's doing it! Well, no, they aren't, but it can be done by keeping a couple of things in mind:

1. Always pair two different shades of denim. Wear the darker wash on the bottom since dark washes are more slimming.
2. Unless you want to look like you're workin' at the carwash a la 70's denim romper, follow the above and do not add a belt.
3. Instead, if you have the urge to accessorize, do it with feminine accents either by  a) rolling up your sleeves and stacking a slew of bracelets (or a few if you prefer) b) add a colorful statement necklace or earrings.
4. Keep your shoewear simple and avoid cowboy boots, unless you want to embody Halloween come early.
5. Tuck it in. Just in front or do a full 360 tuck. Use your own discretion!

Now, hit the bars this weekend with your friends, catch some games and own those jorts, work that full on denim. Oh, and I almost forgot, this look fairs better in the daytime.

P.S. I'm writing this in a full on denim dress. Coincidence? Never.

Stay hungry, stay foolish.

If you haven't had the chance yet, I highly recommend you watch Steve Jobs' 2005 commencement address at Stanford Univeristy. Jobs stretches beyond his story behind the creation of Apple and Pixar; while he will always be commemorated as the business-savvy man held responsible for countless brilliant inventions, his important musings on life and love are among many of the notable quotes that we should all remember.

One quote in particular stuck with me:

You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.

RIP Steve Jobs.

______________________________________________________

Sir.

Don't you just love the colors of fall? As different shades of reds and yellows paint the trees, we subconsciously reflect warm tones in what we choose to wear.

I could bask in these oxfords by Heschung pictured here in Elle France. The trick to pulling these tappers off is to pair them with overly feminine pieces. You don't want to look like a sir, do you? (if you do, I apologize and this post isn't for you!) The sweater pictured is adorably "cutsie" but looks perfectly appropriate for a daytime stroll.

Still a bit skeptical to wear a pair of oxfords as a lassie? If our little sunflower-blowing lady friend can sit on a dirty stoop and charm the masses in them, so can you! But I don't recommend sitting in a deserted alleyway ripping apart your flowers—We're just talking shoes here!

Click for a pair or opt for the Heschung originals.

 

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Button Up.

The weathermen might say it will get warmer towards the end of the week, but really, can you ever trust the full forecast of a weatherman? Regardless of this week's forecast, cooler weather inevitably lies ahead (I have been in denial). Thus, we must be prepared and get bundled.

In perfect Fall fashion, here are the jacket trends for Fall 2011 via Topshop:


1. Peter Pan Collar

Peter Pan collars are a design of the past that are slowly creeping back in to the fashion world. About 7 years ago, I was in dire need of a Peter Pan collar and I couldn't find one anywhere! Now they can be seen on shirts and coats alike. Go figure!

2. Velvet Tie

The double breasted velvet tie duo makes this jacket an instant outfit. Does it really matter what's underneath?

3. Skirted

This coat makes me want to spin in circles like an upsidedown teacup! You might feel like you're going to a party even if you're catching the R train to work.

4. Toggle

Anyone remember the movie, André? You know, the one with the seal? Maybe not. Actually, probably not. However, if you ever come across it, I used to adore the little girl Toni's jacket. This toggle jacket epitomizes it and although the movie takes place in 1962, it's clear toggles are here to stay.

 

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Do less.

We should start seeing LESS:

SleeveLESS Turtlenecks.

This past weekend while in some deep conversation about pointless fashion trends, the ever-questionable sleeveless turtleneck came up. For those of you that haven't drawn the image just yet, here's a shortcut:



Photography courtesy of Lydia Hirt
(ACTUAL PICTURE: if it's warm enough to be wearing a sleeveless, then you surely do not need a turtleneck!)

Truly, if it is warm enough to be wearing a sleeveless you definitely don't need the extra fabric on your neck. Right? Righttt? Okay so now that were all on the same page, this is not to be confused with adding some flare to an outfit with a scarf. That, my friends, is acceptable. So to help the clueless-sleeveless-turtleneck-owning-public I have pulled together an all-star team of turtlenecks (T.O.T) that are deemed acceptable (and so darn cute!)

1. Turtleneck Sweaterdress.

DISCLAIMER: I may be partial to Rugby Sweaterdresses. I own the Rugby Suede Patch Sweaterdress and love love love it!



(Rugby Sweaterdress)



(Aqua Cashmere Striped Sweaterdress)



(Rugby Suede Patch Sweaterdress)



2. Turtleneck Poncho.

Take note of the button detail!

(Nanette Lepore Turtleneck Poncho)



3. Longsleeve Turtleneck (ain't nothing like the real thing, baby)

Lauren Silk-Cashmere Turtleneck



(J.Crew Turtleneck Sweater)



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