make your collar pop

I love to find little things that totally transform a look from everyday to refreshingly original or unexpected, like the contrast collar trend that has been everywhere this fall:

[via]

I've been thinking about how I can rock the collar in a way that's more easily mixed + matched with what I already have in my wardrobe,  absolutely affordable and easy to throw on on my way out the door.  

I found the answer when I stumbled upon this combination of a cute collar and a statement necklace that marries trend and practicality.  The result? Something far cooler than either one on its own . . .

This Etsy find is one of many adorable leather necklaces by Carri at Ampris Loves. It's a reversible style featuring soft clay brown leather on one side and a lighter orangey-tan with a beige suede border on the other. I love the texture leather brings to the mix, and the great neutral color option that would be amazing with almost anything.  Add in the fact that it's under $30 and you really can't go wrong here. [via]

(Bonus: start following @AmprisLoves on Twitter + enjoy 15% off your Etsy purchase!)

Another, more refined style is this gold chain link peter pan version, which features a small natural pearl in the center.  It is more of a necklace than a collar, and I absolutely love the whimsical vibe it brings to any casual or simple top. It is handmade by Ioana at Miss Babacilu, and also right around $30. (She will ship it all the way from Romania to you for free, just enter promo code FREESHIPPING at checkout.) [via]

Besides Etsy, another one of my go-to's for affordable and on-trend accessories is Asos, where I found these . . .

[one][two]

. . . as well as this super girlie Peter Pan pearl bib, which is unexpectedly dainty with a plain top:

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True to form, Topshop also has some trendier versions . . .

clockwise from top left: [one][two][three][four]

While H&M provides super affordable options that edge more towards the traditional choker necklace, but are still absolutely on board with this trend.  If you aren't convinced, you should know that both of these come in silver and gold, and the price tag is only $12.95(!):

[one][two]

As thrilling as it is to find affordable options, (especially for such a trendy piece) I just can't not include the real stunners: the heart-stopping designer versions of the bib necklace . . .

[one][two][three][four]

These last four are just a bit out of my price range (more like in my dreams) so I will definitely be going for one of the earlier options. Either way, I have never been more excited to throw on a neutral, crew neck T or sweater and - though I never thought I'd use this phrase post-2004 - make my collar "pop"... enjoy!

coveted covers

So this past Christmas I finally joined the 21st century and traded in my blackberry for an iPhone. I have always appreciated a shiny new piece of technology, but I was never the girl with all the latest gadgets. Let me just say (although you've probably known since 2007) that this phone is life-changing.

Which meant that for the first week I had it, I legit carried it around in my right hand.

Eventually I came back down to Earth and realized that I will eventually have to put this thing down, throw it in my purse and (undoubtedly) drop it onto the sidewalk. Which brought me the dilemma (slash delight) of finding a new case. Since "tech accessories" is a standard category for basically all major retailers and most designers these days, I didn't have to look far to find some amazing stuff. And lots of options. 

First, there's your basic cover that snaps on the back and leaves the screen open. I love these for their vibrant colors and patterns.  With any of these insanely cool Dannijo covers, I will never again grab my boyfriends phone thinking it's mine. 

For those of you always running out the door with armfuls of bags + beverages in sky-high heels, the standard snap-on may not be substantial enough. Here is where the phone pull pouch comes in: it's a case that you slide the phone into, which has a cute little tab you pull on to slide the phone out for you. And it has a nice window cut-out to check the time. Observe: this turquiose one from Tory Burch.

Then there are more creative ones, like this Rebecca Minkoff knuckles design thats simple + smart, and this Jagger Edge cover featuring a ring for holding practical things (like keys) or displaying more personal touches (like these Jagger Edge charms.)



There are ways to make your cover more personal, too: a ton of independent vendors I found on etsy will create a simple plastic snap-on cover featuring a picture of your choice... your dog, you + your boyfriend, a great shot you took on your favorite vacation, whatever!

This vendor will make one with the photo of your choice slipped behind a clear case, making it easy to swap out pictures whenever you get bored (or break up!)... If you're in it for the long haul and can spend a bit more, this type of case is probably best: the image is printed directly on the case.

Or, if you would rather admire the brilliant work of others, society6 has literally thousands of prints that they will print on phone cases for whatever model you have. You may recognize some of the artwork here: they are often featured in Urban Outfitters wall decor.  I have been scrolling through the options for days and have (barely) narrowed it down to these:

[one] [two] [three]

[four] [five] [six]

I haven't been able to decide, partly because they add new prints all the time. But at only $35 per case, who knows? Maybe I don't have to choose just one...

local favorites

One of my favorite things about living in Williamsburg is the enviable lineup of local fleas, bazaars and markets. Some pop up in old warehouses for the weekend, while others are well known neighborhood fixtures.  I have discovered so many talented designers and independent vendors setting up shop around the city, and have fallen in love with way more pieces than I can afford. 

Although most markets feature food + beverage vendors as well as clothing, shoes, housewares, art and more, (as you probably know) I am a total sucker for tiny, unique accessories. Here are my latest scores along with the places where I scooped them (so you can, too!):

The worst (or best) thing about the recent Brooklyn Night Bazaar was that I literally loved everything. But when this amazing bracelet/ring combo caught my eye, I knew I had found a new favorite. Virginie Millefiori, the designer and creator, was equally as adorable... When I picked the color combo I wanted (the stunning turquiose/gold) she re-sized it to fit me on the spot. I have been getting compliments on it every single time I wear it, which is basically every single day.

I dress mine up with a classic watch and whatever other bangles I am feeling... today it was this Madewell arrow cuff . . .

She also has an Etsy shop featuring these amazing options + more...

[above two photos via Virginie Millefiori's etsy shop]

I kept with the bracelet theme when I went looking for a congrats-on-the-new-job present for my girl Marie.  This time I hit the stands at my local go-to: the weekend Artists & Fleas indoor market on N. 7th street between Kent and Wythe. Although I immediately gravitated towards the Sna$h Jewelry table, which featured these amazing two-finger rings by Shanna Nash that are right up my alley, I quickly remembered that I wasn't here to shop for myself. (I don't know about you, but this is a common theme in my life.)

 

So I kept wandering - basically, I just turned to the next booth - and found these perfect, dainty little string/metal thread bracelets by Cyclical Industry:

 

Then came the hard part: choosing from Soo An's selection of colors and gold-silver combos.

[all photos via Cyclical Industry's etsy shop]

I wanted one neon and one neutral, eventually settling on a bright coral/camel and gold combo I have seen (and loved) elsewhere...

   

...like in these amazing bangles from Natalia Brilli. [via Hint Magazine]

 

Also, this Jill Staurt dress featured in this Sterling Style post.

And in this post from the Decorista herself, Ashlina Kaposta.

 

And, of course, the infamous NARS orgasm/laguna cult favorite combo.

 

The bracelets were a hit, which was great, but the best part? I know exactly where to find them if I decide to add some to my collection next weekend.

winter warm-ups

This winter has definitely been more bearable than most in NYC weather-wise ... but the temp is finally dropping and I find myself looking for accessories that will do double-duty: both dress + warm me up this season.

Scarves are my go-to accessory year-round, but I especially love to switch them up--kind of like a pick me up over my (same old) go-to winter coat. Etsy is absolutely amazing for hand-made and one-of-a-kind scarves and wraps - the kind you will want to leave on long after you've shed your gloves and hat.

This EcoShag "super chunky" infinity is my most recent favorite find . . .

. . . while these wool + leather combo snoods from RunSystem63 are perfect for adding a touch of style to an otherwise drab look. Plus they're made out of 100% soft wool and can be unsnapped, wrapped once or twice (as they are shown in all the photos here).  

I love the ingeneous designs and amazing textures, and (with winter knits, it's actually true) the bigger, the better.

Speaking of which, I cannot get over these giant handknit scarves by Tallulah G. She had me at "100% super soft chunky merino wool," but what really made me fall in love is the leather buckle detail.  

This one is ten feet long and hand made to order, with a real leather clasp that makes the whole look totally customizable. The neutral yarn and leather color combinations mean there is definitely one ready to complete your winter ensemble.

If you love the look but not the price tag, or are just looking for a cool + practical DYI this winter, you need to get your hands on a knit kit from Wool and the Gang - the coolest thing to happen to knitting like, maybe, ever. They have everything you need - and need to know - in order to knit yourself everything from sweaters to scarves to headbands and every thing in between. Check it out:

[via]

 [via]

It sounds like such a good idea, and judging by the success of WATG, it definitely is.  Just don't get too carried away ... and, of course, have fun! Grandma would be proud.

[via]

adorable (+ work appropriate) add-ons

At my office, the “business casual” dress code is definitely open to interpretation, and more times than not I am guilty of going way too heavy on the “casual” while being much too modest with the “business.”

As much as I love toeing the line with booties and oversize knits, for the most part at the office I stick to showing off with easily removable + adorable accents.  During my 9-to-5, accessories are definitely the perfect platform for showing off my personal style without crossing over from professional to party girl. As you may have gathered from my first post, I love to choose pieces that have big impact without all the bulk--which also makes them perfect for pushing the envelope at work. 

My tried-and-true favorite is these Alex and Ani expandable bangles, which add flair to everything from answering the phone to typing an e-mail. They come in different variations of silver and gold, with dangling charms, beautiful beads, metal pieces and other adorable add-ons that I literally love to pile on.

Here are some of their newer bangle sets I cannot wait to get my hands on...

Alex and Ani is a fixture on Gilt Groupe as well, which is where I find especially unique sets (like my latest score, here on the right) that are usually left off of the website and out of most stores. On those days, you will find me locked and loaded at 11:59 AM, mouse in hand and ready to grab the best ones when the clock strikes noon.

Basically, I can’t get enough of layering and stacking them on my wrist, usually in some mixed-up mess of gold and silver with spikes and colored beads or other funky baubles that I've collected over the years.

Usually, I just run out the door with a thick wrist-full of whichever ones I am feeling in the morning.  Then, if my day changes and suddenly there is a client to meet or a conference to attend, I can simply slip off the bolder bracelets and leave on a few simple, sleek bangles.

It starts off looking like this . . .

Then, when I run to happy hour I just add on a few more of these . . .

 . . . + I end up with a seriously eye-catching look:

If your day-to-day allows, I say go for it with a stack of mismatched bangles.  If not, try to sneak in your chic a few bracelets at a time. Why not mix some pleasure into all that business?