Debut (See Jane Wear)

American Vintage sweater, H&M button-up, J Brand high-rise jeans, F21 necklace, Elizabeth and James sunglasses, Chloe bag, Old Navy boots (with DIY glitter)

I debuted the glitter boots this past Friday.  Although I sprayed a craft adhesive all over them (several times), I still left a glitter trail throughout the day.  It makes me wonder if the similar Barney's boots or Miu Miu booties ever shed a bit themselves.  It's really a small price to pay, though, for such fun boots that I can take pride in knowing I did them myself.

Happy Halloween!  Did you dress up this weekend (or will you tonight)?  I tweeted about my costume on Saturday night.

Swing (See Jane Wear)

Marc by Marc Jacobs coat (old), J Brand high-rise jeans, Club Monaco blouse, Kohls heels (old), unknown necklace

While reassessing my fall wardrobe, I rediscovered this fun Marc by Marc Jacobs coat.  I love it's mod appeal and swingy silhouette.  When paired with a skinny, slightly cropped denim it looks like a nod to early 1960s fashion.  I do believe that Betty Draper would approve of this coat.

Which, by the way, what are you being for Halloween?

Glitter Boots - Part II (See Jane DIY)

that's better

Some craft projects make me want to give up, but this time I was on a mission.  These glitter booties, while simple, didn't turn out how I had intended--probably because I did them with the wrong glitter first time around.  I can admit when something I did was subpar and part one was just that.   I planned going to go back and fill in the holes with chunkier glitter, but decided to just peel it all off (seriously) and start from scratch.  The end result?  Much better glitter booties.

just call me Dorothy

looking good from any angle

Big thanks to my friend/co-worker Jan who weathered the storm and did these with me!  I think it's safe to say we're going to look rad at work.

(Note:  I also did these at home and not Starbucks which provided for a more thorough job.)

Spaghetti Squash (See Jane Cook)

I loved my vegetables growing up, yet spaghetti squash always repulsed me.  Stringy, with a crunch, yet somehow soggy at the same time--it was the stuff of spooky Halloween parties (you know what I'm talking about).  Once fall was in full force, I would look around suspiciously at the decorative gourds and squashes that my mom displayed and wonder which ones she was going to make us eat.

I've since reacquainted myself with spaghetti squash and this time, it's love.  With a little olive oil, fresh ground pepper, sea salt and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, spaghetti squash has become a fall staple of mine (cut in half and bake for an hour at 400 degrees).  I'm excited to try new recipes but for now I'm pleased enough with the fact that I can eat it without missing actual noodles.

spooky

Basic Instinct (See Jane Wear)

Burberry trench, Free People lace top, BB Dakota fur vest, Citizens of Humanity jeans, Express wedges, vintage clutch (via eBay), Urban Outfitters sunglasses

Last week was a chilly (and damp) one, so rather than throwing on a heavier coat, I decided to wear my fur vest underneath my trench.  I love that it gives the illusion of a fur collar and extra warmth at the same time.  All the pieces in this outfit are quite basic but I consider them to be building blocks in my wardrobe.  The advantage of investing in basics?  It's easier for me to wear them in countless ways.

Picture Day (See Jane Wear)

Urban Outfitters sweater, Gap skirt, Express tights, Enzo Angiolini boots, F21 necklace, Karen Walker sunglasses

The only thing I can think of when I see this outfit is that I wore something similar for my 1st grade pictures.  It was my favorite outfit that year: a thick, knit mustard cardigan with a black turtleneck underneath plus black culottes, tights and oxfords.  It's one of my favorite school pictures, probably because the next six years consisted of a bad haircut and huge glasses (sorry Mom, you know it's true).  Yes, first grade was a bittersweet year for me--I started out with my favorite outfit early and ended the year with glasses that overtook my face.

What was your favorite school year picture?

Glitter Boots - Part I (See Jane DIY)

excess glitter

There's a story behind these sparkly kicks.  First, my friend at work saw a picture of glitter booties and proceeded to order some from Victoria's Secret.  She told me she wasn't in love with them (since she wanted a lower heel and brown/gold colors) and luck would have it that I found this DIY project (originally done here).  We excitedly told each other we'd work together to make the perfect glitter booties.  Fast forward ten days later and we find ourselves at a Starbucks near work, wreaking havoc while passersby chuckle at us and the glittery mess we made.  They're far from perfect, but regardless, the end result is pretty cool.

old navy boots, before being glitter-fied

...and after.  for now.

I'm not finished with them yet as my friend suggested that we buy some chunkier glitter to fill in some of our gaps.  Here's to hoping they'll be closer to perfect when I debut them!

Stretch (See Jane Wear)

Zara leather jacket, Gap top, Old Navy skirt, Enzo Angiolini boots, Karen Walker sunglasses

I told myself that no matter how appealing, I was going to lay off buying pencil skirts since I don't have to wear such formal pieces work my new job.  However, once I laid my eyes on this stretchy, little gem of a skirt, all bets were off.  The skirt has more of an edge that your typical, tailored pencil skirt which is why I decided it was a good purchase.  I foresee many more wears out of this into the winter with tights and maybe a fur vest.  (A rule of thumb before I purchase anything is I imagine wearing it least two or three different ways--it helps me buy things with a little longevity.)

Power Suit (See Jane Wear)

Anthropologie blazer, H&M pants (similar), Club Monaco blouse, Express shoes, Elizabeth & James sunglasses,
unknown bracelet (matching necklace here)

When I don't feel like trying very hard, I throw on a blazer.  Many people say it makes them more polished and while that's true, I just think they make me work harder.  I feel a bit more studious in them and think people might take me more seriously.  Think about it:  a power suit would be nothing without the almighty blazer.  Put on blazer.  Work.  Repeat.

Go Steelers (See Jane Root)

When you marry someone, it's only fair that you'll have to expose yourself to some of their interests (and that they do the same for you).  Enter football:  Eric and his family share a fervent love for the Steelers.  I think the game in itself alright (and actually grew up with Browns and Lions fans), but I've never been a huge fan.  (However, the dips, and other various snack foods, are something that I can really get behind.)

I spent this past weekend in Pittsburgh with Eric and my in-laws for the game on Sunday.  Pittsburgh is a charming city that's chock full of American history (plus, it's the most recent Gotham City in the newest Batman movie) and I always like to visit a city that I've never been (any travel is good travel in my eyes). I enjoyed strolling around, learning about a new city and of course, eating $8 nachos at an NFL game.

How was your weekend?

Jean Jacket (See Jane Wear)

Gap jacket (eBay), UO top, J Crew skirt (very old), unknown necklace (old/gift from mom), Dolce Vita boots,
Karen Walker sunglasses

I haven't worn a jean jacket in forever.  However, this morning, it seemed to be the only lightweight coat that worked with my outfit.  My favorite jean jacket was from J Crew and I bought it high school, but it ended up being thrown in the trash my senior year of college (long story).  Dismayed and broke, I bought this as a replacement for about $4 on eBay. Although it's a little beat up, it's served me well in the three times I've worn it the past four years.  

Investments (See Jane Keep Forever)

As a style blogger, it's easy to get caught up in the trends of the moment.  Often, I'll see what hot item is floating around twitter, tumblr or other bloggers' wish lists and soon enough, I'll be lusting after it, too.  I try not to not be an impulse shopper--but that's not to say I haven't snatched something up in the heat of the moment and worn it once, never to be seen again.  Bags, however, are something that I think long and hard about before buying.  Before I purchase a bag, I want to ensure that I will love it, 2, 5, and even 30 years down the road.  In fact, I often envision passing it down to my future daughter or niece; I want a bag that will withstand the sands of time.  There should be no question why these three bags are on my list of investment bags--ones that will last a lifetime.

Chanel vintage quilted bag

YSL Cabas Chyc bag

Mulberry Alexa

Any bags that you consider longterm investments?

Revival (See Jane Wear)

BB Dakota vest, MinkPink dress (worn at shirt) c/o Tilly Boutique, Joes Jeans jeggings, Zara boots (similar),
necklace c/o JewelMint, Ray Ban sunglasses, vintage clutch

I feel as if these boots and I started out on the wrong food (pun intended).  First off, I bought them at a Zara in Europe last summer and when I saw them in my local store, they were about $30 less than what I paid (I'm not sure why I didn't think that they'd be available in the States and cheaper due to the exchange rate, for that matter).  Next, I came to realize that these innocent-looking wedges were excruciatingly painful (disclaimer: I'm somewhat of a baby when it comes to uncomfortable shoes).  I had given up hope until the kind ladies at Stiletto Hardware sent me some cushions for my shoes.

When I wore these wedges the other day, I had only walked a few blocks when I was ready to give up all hope.  I got on the train and inserted the ball-of-foot cushions into my boots (I couldn't wait until I got to work and luckily it was empty) and, I kid you not, ended up wearing the shoes all day in pure comfort.  I even went straight out after work and hardly noticed that I was wearing the boots all day/night.  I think I'll be able to revive other uncomfortable shoes that are sitting in my closet from here on out.  (PS. Anh from 9to5Chic uses them too!)