Window Shopping Wendesday: Necessary Clothing

This year one of my goals/resolutions was to practice quality versus quantity (mostly when it comes to my wardrobe).  I have to admit it's been a little tough but it's stores like Necessary Clothing that help the itch.  You know the one I'm talking about - where you really really want to try a new trend or pick up something quick and easy to update your look.  That's where stores like Forever 21, H&M and one of other favorites, Necessary Clothing come in.  I first discovered Necessary clothing on my trip to NYC just prior to moving here and I thoguht it was the greatest thing ever - it was a little different than Forever 21 and they only had them in NYC.  

Lucky for you, they've expanded to an e-commerce shop so you don't have to travel all the way here to go to the store.  Here's a little roundup of my current favorites from the site:

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The Right... Matching Set

Happy Monday guys!  I'm going to keep it short and sweet today.  I had a little too much fun at Jen's birthday shindig and didn't have much left in my when it came to today's post.  Somehow these summer weekends take everything out of me - I guess that's what happens when you're having fun! 

I bought these two pieces from the Phillip Lim x Target collab and have worn them separate but decided to throw them together one day and I really liked the way the look came out.  I usually like to match (at least a portion of my outfit) but I've never worn a full on suit or matching set before.  So here we are!  Have you worn a matching set?  What are your thoughts?

Top and Skirt: Phillip Lim x Target, Shoes: c/o Kohl's, Necklace: BaubleBar (old), Bag: c/o Folli Follie (similar here)

Other matching set favorites:

Photos: Krista Robertson
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Photo Diary: Lake Days Pt. 1

Happy Friday friends!  While I usually don't take my nice camera on friend trips, it made its way into my bag when I packed for the Fourth of July weekend at Schroon Lake.  I'm definitely glad I brought it along because we busted it out and ended up getting a lot of really great pictures!  Actually almost too many pictures (is that a thing..?) because my Dropbox is beyond full.  We had such a good time though, I'm glad I was able to capture it.

Here are some shots and stay tuned for the rest of our day lounging on the dock!

The lake was fully equipped with the cutest general store (we definitely frequented it for beer runs!)

The perfect spot to sit and look out at the lake/sunset

I'm still kicking  myself for not napping on this hammock! 

We be drankin'... Watermelon...  But really - we did the whole vodka watermelon thing and I decided we should make slushies... It was probably the best/worst idea I've had in a while.  Right next to the "sangria" we mixed up - both were trouble!

By far my favorite picture from the whole trip

 

The lakehouse wouldn't have been complete without s'mores!

 

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Window Shopping Wednesday: Currently Coveting

Today I wanted to share a few things I've been eyeing around the internets.  I know we're still in the middle of summer but I can't help but start to want to gravitate toward some fall fashion!  Or at least transition pieces, like that camo skirt and that tweed jacket - I'm keeping the rest light and airy for you though!

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The Right... Fancy Maxi

Boy.  Last week was crazy busy.  Good news - it wasn't all work busy, I did fun stuff too!  I had the chance to attend the Edeyo Gives Hope Ball on Wednesday.  I typically only produce fundraising events and rarely have the chance to attend them so it was nice to relax and enjoy myself.  It such an amazing cause too, helping children in Haiti and the video they played (from the children) was definitely a tear jerker.  I'd love for you to check it out!

I seriously debated turning to Rent the Runway for a dress but instead decided to shop my own closet.  I settled on this black and white Parker number (you've seen it before here) and was so happy with  my choice.  It was super comfy and just the right amount of dressy.

Oh and hilarious story, Krista helped me snap these photos in Flatiron over the weekend and as I was changing out of my heels into flat sandals to run to the subway a man started screaming at me to put my heels back on because "they look so  much better."  This man literally quieted down the entire seating area outside the Flatiron building he was so loud.  Oh and he didn't stop either.  Definitely adding that to one of the most awkward moments taking blog pictures! 

Dress: Parker NY (similar here), Shoes: c/o Kohl's, Clutch: C. Wonder (similar here)

   Get the Look:

 Outfit photos: Krista Robertson, Gala photo: Wil Pierce
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Sale Find Friday: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Alright ya'll, it's time for the much anticipated Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!!  Cue the mini happy dance - I love me a good sale (especially Nordstrom) so it's game.on.  I'm sure this is not the first post you've seen about the sale but I'm excited to share my strategy for shopping the sale, including some key fall fashion trends to stock up on now! So grab some iced coffee and let's dive in, shall we?  

First, some key fall trends.  Prints are still huge but think of these in terms of "fall" colors (burgundy, emerald, hunter, red, navy, black, etc.), leather is still going to be a go-to piece, oh and cozy knits - you'll want to get those too.  Don't forget the embellishments and luxe fabrics.  Oh and last but not least the faux fur.

Oh and the shoes.  Boots and booties are still in and now's the time to scoop up those killer heels in a fall color.

Now, the strategy.  Things can get a little overwhelming and wreak havoc on your wallet if you don't strategize a little:
1.  I look at my current shopping list: I keep a running list on my iPhone of items I find myself wishing I had or discover are missing from my closet. 
In this case, I really need to replace my black leather pencil skirt that ripped earlier this year (I can't even talk about what a sad moment that was).
2.  I look check out my favorite designers and see what they have on sale.  Lately I've been really loving Halogen at Nordstrom because it's such a great price point.
3.  Seriously budget.  Figure out what you can definitely spend and then sort the categories from lowest to highest price and don't go over a certain price for that item.

Still with me?  Here's what I'm coveting (oh and most are less than $100!):

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Window Shopping Wednesday: A Formal Affair

I'm so excited for tonight you guys!  I'm headed to the Edeyo Gives Hope Ball which is an organization devoted to improving the future for children in Haiti through programs focused on education.  In honor of this occasion today I'm talking all about what to wear to a formal occasion.

I think the interpretation of "formal" has gotten a bit loose over the years because I'm sure I'll see people in cocktail attire as well as floor length ballgowns.  I'll be rockin' a fancy maxi and some simple black heels.

In the end I feel like it's all about comfort more than anything.  Because really, if you feel good, you look good.  Check out some of my favs:

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ABOUT EDEYO FOUNDATION Edeyo, derived from a Haitian Creole word meaning "help them", is a NYC based non-profit organization, devoted to improving the future for children in Haiti through programs focused on Education. Supporting the impoverished Bel-Air neighborhood, in Port-au-Prince Haiti, Edeyo’s primary school supplies life-changing opportunities through free education and the provision of desperately needed food, water, health care, and social support to affected children. Since its grassroots beginning in 2007, Edeyo has grown to support a school of over 300 elementary school students annually, providing them with a haven of safety and hope. Edeyo also provides full scholarships to over two dozen high school students, facilitating their path to long-term success.

The Right... Western Boots

 
Happy Monday!!  I hope you all had a great weekend!  Mine consisted of a spur of the moment Zac Brown Band concert/beach day in New Jersey followed by brunch with a friend from home on Sunday at Cornelia Street Cafe (I highly recommend it - the food was delish!).  I spent the rest of Sunday prepping for the week ahead (it'll be a busy one with a Cyc fitness rooftop ride tonight, a work event tomorrow and the Edeyo Gives Hope Ball on Wednesday).  Today I'm taking you back to an outfit I wore to the Tough Enough to Wear Pink night at the Reno Rodeo while I was home and showing off the boots I practically lived in while I was there (why did I pack any other shoes??).

 

Speaking of the Edeyo Gives Hope Ball, I am honored to be a guest at the event and encourage you to check out the organization.  They are a non-profit organization based in New York City, that is devoted to providing a high-quality free education, food, water, and social support to the children of the impoverished Bel-Air neighborhood, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. 

Tune in on Wednesday for a special Window Shopping Wednesday post with some tips for dressing for formal occasions - I did I mention this is my first formal gala I've ever attended?  I'm a little nervous!


 

Jacket: Elle, Tank Top: Nordstrom, Skirt: Rhyme Los Angeles from Piperlime (similar here), Boots: Ariat, Necklace: c/o Sole Society

Get the Look:

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The Right... Leopard Headwrap

This was definitely one of those "it's too damn hot out to mess with my hair" looks.  It's summer in the city and I figured it was finally time to try the leopard headwrap (you know, the one I bought in March when Katherine inspired me to try the trend)!  What do you think?  How do you feel about hair/head accessories?  If you're really digging the trend you can snatch up a leopard headband at Nordstrom or there's a ton of cute options on Etsy!

 

 

Headband: Thrifted Scarf from Savers (similar here), Dress: c/o L. Mae Boutique (similar here), Shoes: Famous Footwear (similar here), Bag: Phillip Lim for Target (the real deal here)

 Get the Look:

Photos: Jen Dang
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Window Shopping Wednesday: Gap/Banana Republic/Piperlime Summer Sale

You guys.  It's definitely summer sale time and today I'm sharing all my favorites from Gap, Banana Republic and Piperlime.  I love me a good sale and these stores are definitely killing it.  Like up to 75% off at Gap right now.  I'm leaning toward a lot of basics at Gap and Banana Republic and Piperlime never fails me with cute and a little bit different pieces.

Piperlime Faves:

Banana Republic Faves:

Gap Faves:

Which ones are you picking up?!

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The Right... Camo and Lace Combo

Happy Monday friends!!  I hope you all had an amazing Fourth of July weekend!  I had a blast at the lake house and will have a lot of great pics coming your way soon.  In the meantime, I'm currently dealing with a very serious vacation hangover so today is going to be a bit short and sweet!

 

Jacket: Old Navy (similar here), Dress: c/o London Times (similar here and here), Necklace: BaubleBar (similar here), Shoes: CL by Laundry (similar here)

Get the Look:

Photos: Jen Dang
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The Right... Leopard Pencil Skirt: Work Edition

  

 
I've been on the hunt for the right leopard pencil skirt for quite some time now.  Leopard is really one of those touchy prints that can either be really great or really bad (and I'm definitely one to get SUPER picky when it comes to prints so you can imagine how much more difficult tracking down the right one was for me).  Leave it to Club Monaco to have the perfect print that is great for summer and will go great with darker colors come winter!  Oh and right now it's an extra 50% off - what are you waiting for? 

Blouse: Joe Fresh, Skirt: Club Monaco, Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff (similar here), Bag: c/o Folli Follie, Necklace: c/o Neiman Marcus, Bracelet: J.Crew, Watch: c/o Shop HQ (similar here)

Get the Look:

Photos: Krista Robertson
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