50 Shades of Gray

I'm basically a walking billboard for 50 Shades of Gray today. I'm sure that's what I remind people of as I walk by. I counted about 7 or 8 shades of gray in my outfit today, actually. I know I'm not following my "add a pop of color" rule today, which I definitely considered this morning, but gray is a really chic color right now. I mean, gray is never out of style, but it's particularly trendy right now, especially as an entire outfit. I wouldn't recommend wearing the same shade from head to toe, but try mixing up lighter and darker shades with some splashes of white and black. It will look much more interesting than you'd expect.

Sweater: similar   Jeans: Joe's Jeans   Coat: Michael Kors   Boots: Ralph Lauren - similar   Necklace: Hell's Kitchen Flea Market

Shoe Crush Saturday: Viktor & Rolf Ankle Boots

Have you ever wanted to wear your oxfords or loafers, but it was just too cold out? Well, Viktor & Rolf has created the perfect solution. These gorgeous shiny patent leather ankle boots give the appearance of an oxford with the warmth and coverage of a boot. The patent leather is so sleek and rich. I love that the heel is actually covered in suede instead of patent; it feels more casual to me. You know I love the contrast of the suede and the patent, but I also love the contrast between the round toe and the squared off sole. These boots will set you back a pretty penny, but because they're a well-made boot (and a combination of two classics!) they'll last you for quite a few years. I think they're absolutely worth every penny!

T. Swift, Birthday Girl and Style Maven

Taylor Swift has such a classy, elegant look, that I am sooo woman-crushing on. At 5'11" it's hard not to look good in everything she puts on, but some of her ensembles are true stunners. In honor of her 24th birthday tomorrow, I put together a collection of some her best style choices. Happy birthday, T Swift!

Pop of Color

Amidst the mass of neutrals I wore today, I added a pop of color with these bright blue pants. I love brightly-colored pants. This is one of my favorite tricks to brighten up so many neutrals. I also love blue and brown together. This outfit is also a great example of how to wear a chunky cable knit. If you choose a large sweater, it's important to wear a slim cut pant to not make yourself look boxier and larger. It also helps keep your body look proportional by wearing knee-high boots, which extend the line of your leg straight down, rather than narrower. In the next few posts, I'm going to try and post outfits that show pops of color in a dull winter wardrobe in different ways. 

Coat: Loden  Sweater: Autumn Cashmere - similar   Pants: Olive & Oak   Boots: Tahari   Gloves: Ralph Lauren   Hat: Michael Stars

Saddle Up

Believe it or not, animals are fads. No, I don't mean animal prints, I mean actual animals that appear as prints on clothes. This is the season (and the year) of the horse. Horse prints and horse-related items such as bits, saddles, and jotphurs are being used in the most fashionable of ways and as an equestrienne, I can totally dig it. Everything from soft, leather bags that resemble saddle colors to sweaters adorned with horses should be at the top of your shopping list for the winter/pre-spring season. What I'm really in love with is all of the horse-inspired jewelry by Gucci - definitely going on the top of my wishlist.

1. Mango
2. Debenham's
3. French Connection
4. Jonathan Adler
5. Tiffany & Co.
6. Forever 21
7. Gorjana
8. Fendi
9. MSGM
10. Topshop
11. Paul and Joe
12. Paige Denim
13. Gucci
14. Tess Giberson
15. C Wonder

Bring On the Bling

I keep writing about how I hate that my winter wardrobe is so drab, so I decided to put an end to that today. Yes, my outfit is pretty much a greyscale, but even just one pop of color can transform an outfit from drab to fab. It's very easy to get lost in the sea of white, gray, black, and navy clothes that dominates cold weather outfits. Try and incorporate a pop of color into your outfit like I did today with my doubling up of neon pink and yellow necklaces. If you find that most of your outfit is neutrals (which winter colors primarily are) then add one colorful piece like a pair of funky shoes, a vivid cashmere scarf, a bold coat, a statement necklace, or even brightly colored pants.

Tee: Tresics   Sweater: Sinequanone (similar)   Pants: Joe's Jeans   Shoes: Tahari   Necklaces: J. Crew (on sale!) and similar

Out with the Old, In with the New

I just ran the Big Chill at Rutgers University, which is a 5K in which all the proceeds go to charity. The admission fee is a children's toy or $10 that goes towards local kids in the New Brunswick area. As one of 19 members of the Rutgers swim club who ran today, I know that 19 kids who may not have otherwise had Christmas presents will now have something to unwrap on Christmas morning. In that spirit, I urge you to spend some time donating this holiday season. While you're out shopping for new clothes, toys, etc., also go through your closets and see what you can give away. My rule for donating is that I give away anything I haven't worn in two years. If you have kids that have outgrown some of their toys and they're in good condition, why not donate them. If you're really feeling generous, head out to somewhere like T.J. Maxx where you can get really good bargains and buy some inexpensive winter coats, gloves, scarves, and hats and donate them. Even if you don't have that much money, you're still probably better off than a lot of people, particularly if you're doing your fair share of shopping this holiday season. You'll feel really good about helping people out and you'll empty out some room in your house for new things.