The Boston Fashionista

Ankle Zippers

2013-05-17T05:00:00.000-04:00

Are zippers on the ankle of your jeans a thing again? I really, really hope so. Because I love the zippers on these Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply jeans (along with the print, and the fit). I mean, I put my jeans on one leg at a time, just like everybody else, and it sure is easier to do when the bottom of your skinnies unzips a bit so your foot can get through. That's all I'm saying!

CANYON ROCK PRINT JEANS: c/o Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply (Now open at 342 Newbury Street in Boston!) TEE: Gap LEATHER JACKET: DKNY City (similar, on sale!) SHOES: Via Spiga (similar, on sale!) BAG: Second BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot WATCH: Michael Kors SUNGLASSES: Gucci EARRINGS: ? (similar) SCARF: c/o Skip n' Whistle

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Hot Pink & Denim

2013-05-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, you're not supposed to blow dandelion seeds everywhere. They're a weed. I get it. But how can you resist? I see one of those fluffy orbs, and my inner ten-year-old comes out to play. Make a wish!

P.S. Dress last seen here.

DRESS: MM Couture via Mint Julep (similar) JACKET: Gap (similar) BAG: Michael Kors SHOES: Via Spiga (similar, similar, both under $50!) WATCH: Michael Kors NECKLACE: Mikkat Market SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Camel & Gray

2013-05-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

Pencil skirt, tee, jacket. If I had to wear a uniform, this would be it. I like how the shape of a pencil skirt works with my body and helps to elongate my petite frame. I'm always into a funky jacket, and, well, in New England you usually need one! You've probably noticed I wear this combination a lot, just in different fabrics and colors (see here, here and here) - I guess once you know what "works" you tend to gravitate to that. What are the combinations that you know just "work" for you?

SKIRT: Banana Republic (similar here, here) TEE: Target JACKET: McQ Alexander McQueen for Target (similar here, here, here) SHOES: Melissa (similar) BAG: Michael Kors WATCH: Michael Kors WISHBONE NECKLACE: Marc Jacobs BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Zebra Stripes & Gold

2013-05-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

It's Friday! Seems like I was just writing about planning our weekends. If you are in Boston, be sure to pop by Laura Preshong in the South End tonight with your Dress for Success donations - we'll have wine, snacks and jewelry! Or head over the new Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply (in the old Rugby space, 342 Newbury Street). It's the first free standing Denim & Supply in the United States. In the meantime, let's talk outfit stuff: I realize that I am a sucker for gold accessories - I almost never wear silver! It's painfully obvious in this outfit which is really just multiple combinations of black and gold. How about you - are you a silver or gold person? Or a mix?

TOP: c/o Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply (Under $40; Denim & Supply now open on Newbury Street in Boston) PANTS: Zara (similar) SHOES: Kenneth Cole (similar here, here) BLAZER: Chanel NECKLACE: Guess WATCH: Michael Kors BAG: c/o ECCO SUNGLASSES: Gucci

Black & White Wrap Dress

2013-05-08T05:00:00.000-04:00

Is there anything better than the simplicity of the LBWD (little black wrap dress)? I wear this one to the office, to community events, to weddings, even out on dates with Mr. TBF! What do you think, is the wrap dress the most versatile garment there is?

DRESS: Target (similar here, here) TRENCH: Zara (similar here, here) BAG: Second SHOES: Via Spiga (similar, on sale!) WATCH: Michael Kors NECKLACE: Mikkat Market BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot

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Chroma

2013-05-06T10:33:00.000-04:00

I had the best of both worlds this weekend, with one busy active day and one relaxing, quiet day. On Saturday I spoke to the Boston Chapter of the New Leaders Council about social media, then stopped by a new shop in town (more on that later). Finally, I attended a breathtaking performance of Chroma at the Boston Ballet - with modern choreography and arrangements by The White Stripes, it is a powerful performance not to be missed!

BLOUSE: H&M (similar, similar) JACKET: Harold's (now closed, similar) JEANS: Gap WATCH: Michael Kors SUNGLASSES: Gucci SHOES: Via Spiga

Striped Maxi Dress

2013-05-02T05:00:00.000-04:00

Okay, people, hold on, let's be serious. Because seriously, this dress has magical powers. Exhibit 1: I'm getting dressed for my talk at Blog Better Boston. Mr. TBF turns to me and says, "Hey, I really like that dress." Exhibit 2: I'm doing my makeup for Blog Better Boston. Mr. TBF turns to me and says, "You know, I really do like that dress!" Exhibit 3: I wore this dress out and people stopped me in the street to compliment it. A two-fer from Mr. TBF and random strangers? (And, I feel gorgeous when wearing it.) Yep, magic!

Everyone has at least one magic garment in their closet. What's yours?

DRESS: c/o London Times (under $70!) JACKET: DKNY City (similar) BAG: Second BOOTS: c/o ECCO (on sale!) EARRINGS: The Fashion Truck (similar, $22) SUNGLASSES: Gucci BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot

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Casual Gray & Denim

2013-04-30T05:00:00.000-04:00

Confession: I am obsessed with this sweater. And it cost me a whopping $15 (Thanks, JCPenney)! I can't stop wearing it. Evidence? Here, here and even here (in neon green)! And I am likely not done yet...Do you have an item in your closet that you wear over and over? How do you find new ways to style it?

SWEATER: JCPenney (similar) JEANS & VEST: Gap BAG: Rebecca Minkoff MAC c/o Wrentham Village Premium Outlets ANKLE BOOTS: ECCO WATCH: Michael Kors BRACELET: Pitkin County Dry Goods (also seen here; also, similar) EARRINGS: The Fashion Truck SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Neon & Stripes

2013-04-29T13:22:00.000-04:00

You'd think that I'd mind spending a Saturday of beautiful spring weather indoors. But no! I spent my afternoon at Blog Better Boston's Style Summit - a day of networking and workshops right here in New England. I've said it before, but I'm happy to say it again - Boston has the best blogging community. We are so blessed to have a cohort that is friendly, intelligent and active. A huge thank you to the organizers, Amy and Alana, for inviting me - I was honored to attend and speak! It was wonderful to see old friends and meet new ones, to share what I have learned, and to learn new things.

Have you met people through social media or blogging communities? Have you found these are

SKIRT: Escada TEE: Target TRENCH: Zara SHOES: Kate Spade BAG: c/o ECCO WATCH: Michael Kors SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Spring Scarf Essentials

2013-04-26T05:00:00.000-04:00

A week ago, I wrote about the trench coat - a basic spring essential. Today, let's talk about another spring necessity: the scarf. I've been wearing scarves a lot (see here, here) as a way to add both warmth and color to my outfits. I'm loving vivid colors and adventurous prints on my spring neckwear - I'll be wearing them this season using all the techniques in this classic video by Wendy's Lookbook. And! I'll be keeping them organized with this crazy-easy-do-it-yourself scarf storage technique from my friend Melissa. This DIY is so easy, even I could do it (and I'm...not crafty). Do you have a favorite way to tie and/or store your scarves?

PANTS: Zara (similar) LACE TEE: Anthropologie (similar) LEATHER JACKET: DKNY City SCARF: Koi Fish c/o Shawlsmith London SUNGLASSES: Gucci BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot WATCH: Michael Kors SHOES: Kate Spade EARRINGS c/o Daisy Dreams in Color

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The Cross-Body Bag

2013-04-25T05:00:00.000-04:00

I'm the kind of woman who always carries a seriously big bag. Okay, seriously big bags. Briefcase, gym bag, handbag, lunch bag, I schlep it all across the city, every day. So you can imagine my surprise at how much I am loving my new, small, cross-body bag. I picked this baby up at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets two weekends ago and I can't stop wearing it! Oh, it's not like I've stopped carrying the other bags, but this one can fit nicely inside my gym bag when I need to carry everything...and when I don't, I just pull this out and go. Even better - this bag comes in a variety of shades. Just ask my girlfriends, who helped me select this caramel color!

JACKET: DKNY City TEE: Splendid SKIRT: ASOS (on sale!) SCARF: ASOS (similar) BOOTS: c/o ECCO BAG: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. via Saks Off 5th c/o Wrentham Village Premium Outlets (previously seen here) SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Tweed & Denim

2013-04-23T05:00:00.000-04:00

I love the basics. Jeans, tee, tweed jacket, and a hint of color from gorgeous earrings. You could wear this on a date, for casual Friday at the office, or out to get groceries, and you'll look amazing!

JACKET: Silkland via Second Time Around (similar here & here) TEE: Target JEANS: c/o Joe's Jeans at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets BAG: c/o ECCO SHOES: Target (similar under $15!) BRACELET & EARRINGS: Lauren Kara on loan from Laura Preshong SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Camel Skirt, Caramel Bag

2013-04-19T05:00:00.000-04:00

Normally, I try not to mix monochromatic colors. If I'm wearing a red sweater and red pants, I want them to match exactly. But I kind of like the contrasting tans and browns in today's outfit. The caramel bag seems to really stand out against the camel skirt and the khaki trench. This was also my first foray into bare legs this season. It. Felt. Wonderful. Check out that New England tan!

On a personal note: Thank you to all of the readers and followers who have reached out to me since Monday's events at the Boston Marathon. It can be disheartening to know there are terrible people out there who want to do bad, unexplainable things. But this week I have seen many, many good people reach out and engage in kind, generous acts. And you know what? The good people outnumber the bad. Interested in helping? Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino have announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, Inc to help the people most affected by the tragic events of April 15, 2013. Learn more here.

TRENCH: Zara BLOUSE: J. Crew via Savers SKIRT: Banana Republic (similar) SHOES: Via Spiga (similar) BAG: Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. Clutch c/o Saks Off 5th at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets WATCH: Michael Kors BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot NECKLACE: Mikkat Market (only $20!)

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Weekend in Newport

2013-04-15T11:25:00.000-04:00

Talk about a birthday treat! This past weekend, Mr. TBF and I headed down to Newport, Rhode Island for a weekend getaway. We started Friday evening with a brandy in front of the fireplace at our B&B, then headed to Fluke Wine Bar & Kitchen for a delectable dinner. Saturday and Sunday we toured the breathtaking mansions, The Breakers and Rosecliff, and strolled along the Cliff Walk. It was the perfect weekend - filled with oysters, sunshine, and long walks. Thank you, Mr. TBF, for planning the whole thing!

LEATHER TANK: Launch by Susan Young JEANS: c/o Joe's Jeans at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets JACKET: Chanel BAG & BOOTS: c/o ECCO SUNGLASSES: Gucci WATCH: Michael Kors BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot NECKLACE: Lauren Kara on loan from Laura Preshong

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What to Wear on Rainy Days

2013-04-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

It was one of those days. Rainy and cold in the morning, sunny and bright in the afternoon. I was going to be busy, running all around the city - I certainly wasn't going to have time to change! Thank goodness for simple pleasures, like a chic oxford shirt and my Muck Boots. They are the most comfortable rain boots I've ever owned - the inside is cushioned, but firm enough that your feet (and the lining) don't slide around. And talk about waterproof - I can wade through serious puddles in these bad boys!

OXFORD SHIRT: Forever 21 (similar, $30) PANTS: Zara (similar) JACKET: Target BOOTS: Pacy Boot c/o Muck Boots SCARF: ASOS BAG: c/o ECCO NECKLACES: Mikkat Market SUNGLASSES: Gucci (on sale!) WATCH: Timex (under $40!)

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Floral Trench

2013-04-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

Everyone needs a trench for their springtime closet! Whether it's basic beige, a crazy floral print, or even leather trimmed, it's one item that can keep you protected from drizzles, cool breezes and post-sunset temperature drops. Plus, casually tossing a trench over a basic outfit just looks so chic!

TRENCH: RACHEL Rachel Roy (similar) SWEATER: JCPenney JEANS: Blank NYC (similar) Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell BAG: c/o ECCO Necklace: Mikkat Market EARRINGS: c/o Daisy Dreams in Color BRACELETS: Vintage Jewelry & Modern Boutique, c/o Stella & Dot SUNGLASSES: Gucci (on sale!)

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Neon Jeans & Gray Sweater

2013-04-08T05:00:00.000-04:00

Time for some retina-searing...er...bright jeans. It might seem a bit much to pair them with a crystal collar necklace and glittery shoes, but the basic sweater and trench tone the look down a bit. Ok, just a teeny tiny bit - people were commenting on these jeans right and left. Wear neon pants, prepare to be noticed!

JEANS: JCPenney (similar) SHIRT: J. Crew via Savers SWEATER: JCPenney SHOES: Aldo (similar) TRENCH: Zara NACKLACE: H&M (similar) BRACELETS: Stella & Dot BAG: Nine West (swapped!) SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Lemon & Cranberry

2013-04-05T05:00:00.000-04:00

It's still not warm enough to go out with bare legs, but I am so tired of black tights. So at the last minute while getting dressed this morning, I pulled on these cranberry ones instead. As soon as they were on my legs, I felt a little sunnier!

DRESS: Modcloth (similar) COAT: Target TIGHTS: JCPenney SWEATER: United States Sweaters SHOES: Kate Spade BAG: c/o ECCO BELT: YSL via Second Time Around (similar)WATCH: Timex SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Yellow & Stripes

2013-04-03T12:30:00.000-04:00

After a week of all black all the time (here, here & here), I've suddenly emerged into color! From my electric blue shoes to mustard jeans and neon watches, I clearly have spring fever. Now if only spring would catch up...

JEANS: J. Crew TEE: Ralph Lauren (similar here, and here) JACKET: Walter SHOES: Via Spiga (similar) BAG: Michael Kors via Lord & Taylor WATCH: Timex via Gilt Groupe BRACELET: Pitkin Country Dry Goods (similar, also seen here) SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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True Blue

2013-04-01T11:14:00.000-04:00

Welcome back from the holidays! I hope you had a wonderful Easter or Passover. We spent the weekend with Mr. TBF's family on the Jersey shore. While it was a very quick trip (down Friday night, back Sunday night), we still had time to eat two big dinners, go hiking along the shoreline marshes and, of course, to watch The Ten Commandments on television!

TRENCH: Zara (similar) TEE: Target JEANS: Gap SHOES: c/o Clarks NECKLACE: Mikkat Market BAG: JC Penney SUNGLASSES: Gucci WATCH: Timex via Gilt Groupe

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Leather & Corduroy

2013-03-29T11:58:00.000-04:00

Spring is a funny season. Funny like, it's warm enough get away with a blazer and jacket (not a heavy coat), but still cool enough to require a hat and scarf. I have a feeling this look is going to be my weekend go-to for the next six weeks!

LEATHER JACKET: DKNY City (similar) CORDUROY BLAZER: American Eagle (Swapped!) BOATNECK TEE: Splendid (similar, $15) JEANS: Gap SHOES: Jeffrey Campbell SCARF: ASOS (similar) BAG: c/o ECCO HAT: SOWA Market BRACELETS: Nordstrom Rack and c/o Stella & Dot NECKLACE: Mikkat Market (only $20!) SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Lucky Watson

2013-03-27T10:51:00.000-04:00

"If I wanted to send you a package, would it be safe waiting in your building until you got home?", my mother asked. "Sure!" I responded, wondering what was the big deal. I mean, she sends mail from time to time and has never been concerned. So when the package arrived, I was intrigued. I sliced open the box, while absently reading some other mail, until suddenly...."Is she kidding me"! Inside was an exquisite vintage mink stole - an early birthday present. I dashed to my mirror and threw it on, and then may or may not have stood there, admiring myself and stroking the soft fur, until Mr. TBF came home.

I called my mom to thank her, and she pointed out the name of the previous owner, embroidered in the lining. Lucky Watson. Does it get any better than that? Can't you just picture Lucky (In my head, she and I are on a first name basis) bombing around Vegas, blowing on dice and sipping a Gibson? FANTASTIC. I just had to take Lucky out for a spin, and what better occasion than opening night of The Sleeping Beauty at The Boston Ballet? Thank you, Mom, for such a singular, special gift.

P.S. Anybody know Ms. Watson? I would love to learn more about her!

COAT: Vintage, via DejaVu Boutique DRESS: Mikkat Market (in peach) BOOTS: c/o ECCO EARRINGS: The Fashion Truck BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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Black and Buttons

2013-03-25T11:33:00.000-04:00

Last week, I wore this dress to Mr. TBF's college alumni party. Short, but a little shapeless, it was fun without being overtly sexy. And we all know my documented love for a sack dress. They're perfect for parties when you actually want to eat some of the delicious spread (and who doesn't?).

DRESS: Modcloth BOOTS & BAG: c/o ECCO COAT: SWEATER: Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart (yes! sadly no longer available.) Max Mara NECKLACE: Mikkat Market BRACELET: c/o Stella & Dot Sunglasses: Gucci

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Weekend White

2013-03-22T12:58:00.000-04:00

Ahh, the basics. White shirt, leggings, boots and a hat. Simple staples in your closet that can be worn with anything (or each other). I'm still searching for The Perfect Pair of Leggings. These are from H&M - they're ok, but they don't keep their stretch as well as I would like. I've seen designer leggings....but really? Really? It seems ridiculous to pay $250 for a pair of plain, black leggings. I need something in between. Got any suggestions?

SHIRT: Kirna Zabete for Target LEGGINGS: H&M COAT: Malene Birger (similar) BOOTS: The Tannery BAG: c/o ECCO HAT: Genie by Eugenia Kim SUNGLASSES: Gucci

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How to Wear Leather Pants

2013-03-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

My style is office-appropriate during the week, but lately my weekends have been all (p)leather pants. I've been wearing them in place of jeans or leggings, and they make me feel...well...just a little tiny bit like a rock star. I won't lie - I first wore these with a bit of trepidation. There are a lot of things I am 'too' to wear leather leggings. Too old? Too sartorially conservative? Too employed in an occupation other than rock star? Clearly, I'm over the 'terrible toos'; you've seen me wear these leggings several times already, with a fur vest and a sparkly jacket. Maybe next time I'll try to pair them with something more conservative, like a simple chambray shirt, or a classic black blazer. Are you wearing leather pants? How would you style them?

(See other ideas on how to wear leather pants here & here!)

TEE: Vince (similar) PANTS: Michael Kors at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets COAT: Esley via Lit Boutique BAG & BOOTS: c/o ECCO NECKLACE: Mikkat Market (only $20!) SUNGLASSES: Gucci WATCH: Michael Kors BRACELETS: Nordstrom Rack (similar) and c/o Stella & Dot

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