Hats, Scarves and Jumpsuits...Oh My! NYFW Fall 2015 OOTDs

by Laura Perkins

Hat: Anthropologie (old, similar) *Also Urban Outfitters and Madewell have great options!* ||  Scarf: Zara  ||  Coat: J.Crew (old, similar)

Hat: Anthropologie (old, similar) *Also Urban Outfitters and Madewell have great options!* ||  Scarf: Zara  ||  Coat: J.Crew (old, similar)   ||  Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

New York Fashion Week - one of my favorite times of year! I love going to the fashion shows and just being enamored with the beautiful looks for the season. It's exciting to see what the latest trends are going to be and of course so fun to be surrounded by all the amazing street style. It's so inspiring. This year I saw some of the most gorgeous colorful fur coats and a lot of cool hats. It was absolutely freezing in NYC this week (a low of 1 degree! Like tights under your jeans type weather) so most people kept on their outerwear. My go-to was my favorite hat and over-sized scarf. It's crazy to think this was the last season in the tents at Lincoln Center. I'm thankful to have experienced it. I also couldn't help but think how much I wish Sunday Ibok could have been with me. He would have loved every second of it. And I would have enjoyed seeing his face light up as each new look came down the runway.

I also know Sunday would have freaked out over my jumpsuit below! :) Believe it or not, this is my very first jumpsuit! I know people either love or hate them but I have always wanted one! Plus they are back in a big way right now! (According to Vogue, the 70's style jumpsuit is one of the top trends for Spring/Summer 2015) I've just never been able to find a jumpsuit that fit me. I'm 5'8" so sometimes they can be too short in the torso. But this one surprisingly fit perfectly! I was immediately crazy about it. I just thought it was so chic and different. I especially liked the pattern and the long sleeves made it perfect for this time of year. I got this gem on (super) sale at Anthropologie. We're talking "you're practically losing money by not buying it" sale...like there aren't any left online type sale (although there might be some still in stores!). However, there are so many adorable jumpsuits at Anthro right now (also online) and luckily some are discounted!

What's great about this jumpsuit is I can wear it to work or a night out. For this evening NYFW event, I used a little double-sided tape to make this jumpsuit a tad bit sexier with more of a plunging neckline. Hey, I had a hot date with my husband later that night for Valentine's Day! :)  Oh and the key to wearing a jumpsuit, besides the fit, is you have to rock it with heels to keep it feminine and elongate your legs. Ironically when I was editing these photos last night while watching the Valentine's episode of New Girl, I saw CeCe wearing my same jumpsuit! What the odds?! Thought that was too funny. Her stylist has good taste!

Jumpsuit: Anthropologie (on sale, similar options)  ||  Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson)  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot 

Jumpsuit: Anthropologie (on sale, similar options)  ||  Heels: DSW (Jessica Simpson)  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot 


Two Crush-Worthy Valentine's Day Looks to Wear Year-Round

by Laura Perkins

Sweater: Madewell  ||  Chambray Shirt: Madewell (old, similar) ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Wedge Boots: J.Crew

Love is in the air. And if you're in New York, so is the snow! :) From sweet and playful to romantic and glam, here are two Valentine's inspired looks to get you in the spirit. So whether you're going on a hot date or spending time with your besties these day and night looks are perfect for whatever you have planned. And the best part is, you can easily wear these styles long after Valentine's Day.

I found this adorable heart sweater at Madewell 2 years ago and find myself wearing it year round. It doesn't just have to be for Valentine's Day! I love the double graphic print with red and blue stripes inside the hearts. It's too cute. I recently started wearing it with a buttoned up chambray shirt and ripped jeans for an updated look. I've also rocked this outfit with my navy floppy hat.

Dress: Anthropologie  || Black Tights  || Heels: DSW - Madden Girl (old, similar)  ||  Clutch: Vince Camuto (old, but a fav gift from a dear friend). Similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  ||  Earrings: Anzie Lilac Amethyst Earrings

This velvet dress was love at first sight. When I spotted it a few weeks ago in the Anthropologie sales rack, I immediately had a huge crush and could not believe how discounted it was from the original price. I almost fell over. (Sadly that's probably why it's no longer online otherwise I'd be eager to share!) The details in the design are absolutely exquisite. I felt like a Greek Goddess in the dressing room. I also found a new love for baby doll dresses because they are so loose and comfortable. This is another dress you could wear year round which I'm SO excited about! To do this beautiful neckline justice, I think you have to wear your hair up. I opted for a braided up-do to go with the Greek vibe I was feeling.

Hair Styling Tip: Believe it or not, this braided hair style is so easy! Anyone can do it! And it takes less than 5 minutes! All you do is part your hair (either on the side or down the middle) and just braid (regular braid, not french) each side starting by your ear all the way down. Then just lift one braid at a time up on top of your head and bobby pin it down at the ends. Then do the same with the other side. And, voila! You're done! It's my chic dirty hair trick! :) Now you're in on my secret! :)

Luxe Faux Fur Scarves

by Laura Perkins

Luxe Faux Fur Scarves: Restoration Hardware (Shown (left to right) in coyote, sable, lynx, mink, wolf and arctic fox.)

Luxe Faux Fur Scarves: Restoration Hardware (Shown (left to right) in coyote, sable, lynx, mink, wolf and arctic fox.)

Luxe Faux Fur Scarf: Restoration Hardware (lynx)

Luxe Faux Fur Scarf: Restoration Hardware (lynx)

I am SO giddy to share this post with you! So last weekend I walked into Restoration Hardware for fun and immediately started daydreaming of all the beautiful things for my future home...as you do in Restoration Hardware. (Hey, a girl can dream, right?!) And then all of a sudden, in a store filled with breathtaking home furnishings, I see these Luxe Faux Fur Scarves right next to all the lush Faux Fur Blankets. I froze for a second. I assumed they must be way over $100 for the quality and almost didn't want to even tempt myself by trying one on. (Sometimes when I see gorgeous pieces in an expensive store, I have to put my horse blinders on and walk away. Otherwise I will fall in love too fast and in the same breathe be heartbroken that I can't afford it.) BUT THEN I see that these scarves are on sale for $12.99!! What?!? I jumped for joy right there in the store! (or at least I did in my head!) I almost bought out the whole inventory to give as gifts!! Seriously though, guys, these are amazing. Every color is so elegant (I had the hardest time choosing).  It feels like a blanket wrapped around your neck. Does it get any better than that? Oh yes it does, they are $12.99!!

In these two pictures I am wearing my lynx faux fur as a scarf but you could easily wear it as a stole (wrapped around your shoulders or just hanging around your neck over a coat, dress, or top). Anthropologie had a similar style this winter that I was obsessed with! It's such a glamorous, vintage look that can dress up any outfit. I also love that it keeps me extra warm and doesn't mess up my hair!! (That's been a serious concern for me in the winter. Does that happen to anyone else? You put a chunky scarf on and all the time you spent curling your hair is now pointless? Well not anymore!!).

Run...do not walk....to grab one of these beauties before they're gone! (or shop online!)

Winter Glam with Pantone's Color of the Year

by Laura Perkins

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (old) Similar: Zara  ||  Pants: Madewell  ||  Shoes: DSW (G by Guess) 

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (old) Similar: Zara  ||  Pants: Madewell  ||  Shoes: DSW (G by Guess) 

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (old) Similar: Zara  ||  Pants: Madewell  ||  Jacket: J.Crew (old, similar) ||  Shoes: DSW (G by Guess) 

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (old) Similar: Zara  ||  Pants: Madewell  ||  Necklace: J.Crew (old)

Sweater: Urban Outfitters (old) Similar: Zara  ||  Jacket: J.Crew (old, similar)

I know what you New Yorkers are thinking...where's the snow?! Yes, I took these photos before the polar vortex hit. But I wanted to share this chic black and white combo with you that is really fun for winter. As mentioned in previous posts, I like pairing my faux leather pants with an oversized chunky knit. By the way, I think this might be the coziest sweater I've ever owned. It seriously feels like I'm wearing a blanket. I threw on these fabulous Marsala (Pantone's Color of the Year) statement heels to complete the outfit. Note that my lipstick, handbag, necklace, and nails all match my shoes! This coat is 2 years old (I got it on sale at J.Crew) and I know I'll wear it for years to come. The key is to always buy a quality winter coat (no more cheap jackets ladies!) in a classic, fitted style. As much as I love colorful coats, you really can't go wrong with black. It just goes with everything! And don't be afraid if it's a size smaller than you normally wear. As long as you can button it, I promise it's more flattering as a snugger fit (especially in the arms).

Beauty tip: When you're doing a black and white style, I personally feel that it always looks best to do a bold lip. This way you don't look washed out. :)