Let it snow!!!

Merry Christmas, hope you had a great weekend with the ones you love!!

We almost had a white Christmas this year, snow was a day late but it definitely made up for the delay. We had to drive home early on Sunday in order not to be stuck in traffic so the weekend turned out to be not as long as we wished. What a beautiful view though, it looked like a scene from a movie last time I looked outside. It's better to stay in in this weather for safety and dryness concerns. If you have no choice but going outside I have a couple of suggestions for you. 

First and the most important one is the snow boots. I got them as a Christmas gift but you can treat yourself for a pair of these because they will last forever. I would say that Sorel boots are almost a necessity in your closet. I wear them to work and on the ski trips and feel like I'm in heaven while everyone else is struggling with the snow.

You can get "Joan of Arctic" boots online at http://www.sorel.com/JOAN-OF-ARCTIC™-%7C-010-%7C-5/803298467216,default,pd.html or in Paragon Sports stores at $130 a pair.

You will probably need a down coat as well for the very cold and unpleasant weather. I like this coat at $69.99 that I found on www.Landsend.com. Check this link http://www.landsend.com/pp/ChevronDownJacket~212713_59.html?bcc=y&action=order_more&sku_0=::IVO&CM_MERCH=IDX_00002__0000002670&origin=index 

It's very elegant and water resistant (not water proof though; if you are looking for one, you should opt out for something else) so you can't ask for a better deal. I think it can be a great ski coat as well. I would suggest to sign up for the deal alerts on this web-site as they have pretty cool stuff at reduced prices.

To complete the look I suggest to check Uniqlo in Soho or 5th Ave stores for these skinny jeans. They are totally inexpensive ($39.90), very comfortable and stretchy just like leggins. You can wear them with pretty much anything as well as with boots and cardigan just like on the picture above. 

I recently went on a shopping spree at Banana Republic. I can talk forever about how great the quality of clothes at this store and how much it's worth every dollar spent on it. I consider it to be relatively expensive to shop there on a regular basis. But it's a big mistake to pass it on the days when they are offering 40%-off deals of the entire store merchandise.

I loved this gray cardigan with the black trim and a belt (on the picture above), it was $74.99 but with a 40% discount it came down to $44.99 and actually might be even less now that after-Christmas sales started. It's made of a mixture of quality materials like wool, cashmere and nylon but the fabric is so thin that the cardigan doesn't feel heavy at all. Light doesn't mean not warm though, I felt pretty comfortable and cosy in it.
I would suggest you to sign up for the online alerts if you like the style at this store; this way you'll be aware of all the promotions going on.

The next item I loved is this Banana Republic sweater made of Italian yarn at $64.50 which came down to $38.70 after a discount. It's soft and comfortable but at the same time it looks very professional with the white shirt under it. Its polished look will allow you to wear it in the office, for business meetings, on a date or on the weekends. So it's pretty much good for every occasion which makes it another quality staple in the closet. They carry it in a variety of colors (for the less price) but I liked the designs on the shoulders, it looked Christmasy to me. But if you prefer just one color, they had them too.

Enjoy your winter shopping while you can get quality stuff at huge discounts. Only at this magical time of the year!

Expanding the Horizons

While looking for new ideas I wandered into the American Eagle store in Union Sq. I have to say, it's one of my favorite stores, I always find something cute there. I like their fit and variety of merchandise they offer.
Sweaters, pajamas and underwear are very comfy and made of cotton which is healthy for you. Plus they always have some type of sale like "Buy one and get a second one with a 50% discount". I think girl's underwear should be bright and fun just like the ones in the picture above, and there is plenty to choose from at American Eagle.

This time my attention was on jeans as I was trying to find a fitted boot-cut pair to wear with flats on the weekends. And I was lucky! They have a variety of jeans priced from $ 29.90 to $49.90. I liked low-rise fitted bell bottom jeans in a dark blue color. They fit great and are not expensive at all so you won't feel guilty getting a second pair. They also have skinny jeans in colors ranging from dark blue to light and washed blue. Seems like a very good investment to me. Just make sure to get a pair that is a little tight on you because they stretch after being worn a couple of times.

I also found these camis there for $19.50 but they are on sale (50% off the second cami). I like to wear these under a shirt or a sweater, especially in cold fall/winter days. If you have something with a low cut, this would be a perfect item to wear under it for the sexy lace to show. Also, it's comfy to wear at home and always looks cute for your boyfriend's eyes. ;)

Another great place for deals in New York is a store called Uniqlo. The prices can't be lower and everybody can find something for their taste. I like to get casual stuff there like this flannel shirt. Its 100% cotton, so comfy and soft that you want to spend the whole weekend in it and even go to sleep without taking it off. If you are lucky enough to have a casual office environment, you can wear it to work and help yourself to go through the day and be more productive. They come in different colors, but I liked these two in white and black.
This shirt can be paired with skinny jeans and cowboy boots or Uggs. It can be a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving weekend while you are enjoying that turkey and gravy.

More fall items

Zara Coat with Lapel

I always try to look for stuff for the next season when I go shopping. Not that I don't get anything to wear right away :) but I like to be prepared and have something for when the weather suddenly changes and I'm left with nothing to put on and no time to shop. Besides, it always feels like stores are sold out of everything decent looking when I'm shopping in season.

That's how I found this trench coat ($169.00) at Zara the other day. It's sophisticated design will allow you to throw it on top of a pencil skirt for a professional look, or you can wear it with jeans if you feel like going casual.

For a nice pencil skirt consider this one from Zara for $39.90. I've been into the classic Chanel print lately and have a couple of items in this pattern. This skirt is shaped almost perfectly to give you that statuesque look from "Mad Men" and can be paired with anything from a basic white/black shirt to a cashmere sweater. The fabric is thick enough for it to be your Fall staple and thanks to it's classic cut it can stay in your closet for a long time.    

You can even wear it with a leather jacket for a trendy look. I have a jacket very similar to this one and love its fitted cut. My leather jacket is a weekend must-have for the fall and spring because of the stylish look it gives any outfit. This particular jacket you can find at Zara for $79.90, it's not real leather but looks very very real. I like it in brown but they have it in black as well.

I've visited H&M recently and was pleasantly surprised with the variety of merchandise they carry and their relatively inexpensive price tags. Take a look at this chiffon-like shirt with pockets I found there ($24.95). I love the color but mostly it's super feminine shape and fabric. It's light but not see-through. It can be worn to work with a pencil skirt (see above) or with jeans for a casual look. 

Just got some feedback that pretty much suggested that I broaden my horizons and check out some other stores besides Zara. Ok, let's give it a shot ;). Will be back soon with ideas from different places.

The fall is finally here

Steve Madden Faux Fur Vest

Fall is here and we have to settle on the fact that our sunny beach days are being replaced with rainy and windy reality. It doesn't have to be all sad and gray though. Autumn is a beautiful time of the year with orange leaves, crisp air, time when sipping hot chocolate seems to be more appropriate and when fireplaces are starting to light up again. And just like seasons of the year change their palette, it's good for us to update our looks.

It's even more important to look great this time of the year as it helps all of us to deal with the transition from the beautiful summer days to winter cold. And then think about it, don't you smile every time when you see a stylish-looking-feeling-good-about-themselves person walking down the street? (Well, it makes me smile at least). Clothes, especially a right choice of clothes, are supposed to make us feel great about ourselves, so let's take advantage of this opportunity to give our self-esteem a little boost. One of my favorite items this fall is a fur vest, you probably have seen them everywhere by now, in different shapes and colors. Well, I have one for you that I found in Macy's for $71.25. It's a great thing to own this season as you can wear it with pretty much anything, with belt and without. For more fitted look I prefer to add a belt, otherwise just  throw it on top of any sweater or turtleneck.      

Zara Vestido Tubo Punto Cremallera

The next dress ($39.90) that I love looks casual but at the same time it is stylish and dressy thanks to the black color. Belt adds to the trendy look as well. Throw the fur vest (above) on top, add earrings and a long necklace and you are ready for a fabulous night out! You can wear it with swede boots to a Sunday brunch with your honey too. 

Michael Kors Sleeveless
Cowl Neck Top

Fall is also a good time for buying great summer stuff on sale. There is nothing wrong with thinking about next summer, right? Just make sure not to get something that was in style this year and possibly won't be as popular next year. One of the summer things I just came across is Michael Kors top ($69.50). It's a classic top that you can probably wear for years. Made of a very light, silky fabric, this top is great for the hot summer weather and still can be worn in September-October with a blazer of pant suit. It comes in purple, black, white, green and orange so you can find one for your taste and wear it to the office and a bar. 

Zara Cable Stitch Jacket

Pair it with the blazer (right) for a romantic touch and you are ready for a casual dinner. Everybody is usually afraid of wearing light colors in fall and winter but you shouldn't. Especially this cream-colored cotton (50%) sweater ($39.90) which is both cosy and classy. White can make your look brighter and more noticeable which is always a good thing.
Over air-conditioned office is one of the places it can be useful in; Thanksgiving dinner would be another.

Ok, gotta go. Good luck shopping and don't forget to print out your 20%-off coupon before you head to Macy's! 

My First Blog Ever!!!

Ok let's give it a try. My new favorite thing is Lauren Ralph Lauren Fall collection that you can find in both Macy's and Lord&Taylor. They have pretty good pieces in earthy tones, very popular this fall. One of the affordable and very useful things to have in your closet is a fitted white shirt ($59.90). You can wear it with pretty much anything, it always looks dressy and classy and is good for a day in the office. Let your hair down, throw on a necklace and a bracelet and you are ready for a happy hour! 

Zara Bootcut jeans with five pockets 

This shirt can be paired with jeans for a casual Friday look. I love jeans from Zara, they are affordable (again), have a great cut and long enough to wear them with high heels. Either gray or blue pair will look great. Grey ($59.90) would probably look more appropriate for a casual work dress code and can be perfect for a loungy look. While a blue, aged-effect boot cut pair ($79.90) will be great for a Saturday night bar scene.

Zara aged-effect bootcut jeans

To keep with the earthy theme, a blazer with elbow patches can be thrown on. I was never a big fan of these patches, they always looked like the jackets my grandpa used to wear. But I

Zara Welsh Check Blazer with Elbow patches

fell in love with them (you never know when love is going to strike us) this fall and I actually got one for myself.

Back View

You can check Zara (you will see a lot of references to this store here), they have a variety of those, just like this Welsh Check Blazer ($89.90).

I think the above will give you some ideas to work on for now. I spent the whole day yesterday shopping and will have more great tips coming soon.