Day to Night | Black Blazer

As you know, January and February in New York is brutally cold and taking outfit photos outside can be torture. So, for the next eight Mondays I'll be sharing how to wear one piece, two ways. It's a little different from the typically street photos, but shooting inside the {warm} studio will allow for me to show you more details in the outfit...instead of just wearing an oversized coat and scarf. And don't worry, I'll continue to have my normal outfit posts on Wednesdays and Fridays. Hope you enjoy today's post! 

The classic black blazer. This is one of my staples in my closet. This blazer is worn at the office and after hours. There are so many different ways that you can style this blazer. Today, I'm just going to show you two. 

A few recommendations when purchasing a black blazer:

1. First and foremost, make sure it fits perfectly. If it means taking it to a tailor, take it to a tailor. If you want to take the hassle out of taking it to a tailor, Nordstrom and J.Crew offer free tailoring to card holders. If you're a frequent buyer at either store, it's worth having a card to get the tailoring. 

2. Make sure it looks good buttoned up or unbuttoned. I'd opt for 1-2 buttons. Anything more can be a little too excessive. 

Statement pieces don't mean you have to make a big an investment, just take the time to find something that you'll wear for years. 

Day: This is a traditional black suit, but I paired it with a jeweled collar top to add more character to the outfit. A white button down shirt can be a little too corporate, at times. 

Night: Wearing a black blazer with a festive skirt and statement belt can bring all the life to your outfit. In retrospect, I'd recommend bringing the belt up a tad so it hits the smallest part of my waist. For a black blazer, I stuck with gold accessories. I also rolled up the sleeves for a more casual look. 

Hope you enjoyed the look. Here's an example on making your closet more versatile. When going out with friends, don't forget about your "work" clothes. They also look great in the party scene! 

Day Outfit: 

J.Crew Italian Wool Stretch Blazer

J.Crew Pants

ASOS Embellished Collar Top

Kurt Geiger Sharkie Heels

Fendi 2Jour Medium Purse

Night Outfit: 

J.Crew Italian Wool Stretch Blazer

Sam Edelman Velvet Waist Feather Skirt

Joie Olivia Boots

BCBGMaxazria Belt (similar at Anthropologie)

Jessica McClintock Clutch

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

What to Wear to Work | Tweed Dress + Suede Boots

For colder days at the office, I've found that over the knee boots work best with my wardrobe. Most of my skirts and dresses can be worn with boots and still look professional. If you're on the market for taller boots, try suede over black leather. They give a little softer look for the office.

It's tough to see, but this tweed dress from Banana Republic is a great fit and flare dress for the winter. I've worn it with a black blazer, but can also be worn with a black turtleneck.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!

Banana Republic Tweed Dress

Fendi 2Jour Bag (similar by Kate Spade Saturday)

Zara Camel Coat (save vs. splurge)

Joie Olivia Boots

Forever21 Faux Collar old (similar at ASOS)

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Out & About | Orange Coat + Netted Beanie

Banana Republic Black Dress

Zara Orange Wool Coat sold out (similar save & splurge)
Netted Beanie

J.Crew Blanket Scarf  

Coach Dakotah Handbag

Joie Olivia Boots 

Ray-ban Sunglasses

Net Covered Beanie

Hope everyone had a great weekend! We're in Paris for a few more days and then we're training to Amsterdam to ring in the New Year. The trip has been spectacular! We've seen some beautiful scenery and enjoy some delicious meals. It's been good to reflect on our year together in 2014 and plan for 2015. As much fun as we're having, we're both missing our little baby, Batman. Can't wait to get back to NYC and spend time with our newest family member. Dogs are truly a blessing.

See everyone on Wednesday! 

Photos by Lydia Hudgensb

Casual Weekend | Layering + Neutrals

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Banana Republic Sweater

Banana Republic Gingham Shirt

Coach Handbag

Kate Spade Lexy Ankle Boots

Zara Camel Coat (similar here + save & splurge)

AG Adriano Goldschmied Leggings

Dolce & Gabbana Gold Lace Sunglasses

H&M Beanie (similar at Forever 21)

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with your family! Over the holidays I can typically be found in oversized knit sweaters, skinny jeans and ankle boots. Similar to the outfit I'm wearing today. For someone who always travels during this time of the year, all of these pieces can easily be worn with other basics in my closet. This makes packing easy and my suitcase lightweight.

We're back in NYC for a few hours and then heading to Paris and Amsterdam to ring in the new year!   Be sure to follow along on Instagram.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Merry Christmas | Checkered Skirt + Knit Sweater

Off the Shoulder Knit

Checkered Belted Skirt 

Kurt Geiger Sharkie Heels

Hayden Harnett

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas! Christmas can early for me and Matt, this year. Santa brought us an eight week old, brindle French Bulldog! He's my little butterball. I think he's going to be a momma's boy.  I created an Instagram profile for him, if you'd like to follow along his NYC doggie journey. 

Back to today's outfit. Some of you might have heard of Chicwish over the past few months. It's an online retailer that offers chic vintage inspired clothing. I've been on the lookout for an off the shoulder knit sweater. This sweater looks great with bold skirt or high waisted denim jeans. As for the checkered skirt, this can be worn with a black knit sweater and would be a perfect outfit to wear to the office. 

Have a wonderful day with your family and see everyone on Friday! 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Casual Outfit | Red Skirt + Black Cardigan

J.Crew Cardigan 

Express Skirt (similar at ASOS)

Forever21 Beanie

Joie Olivia Over the Knee Boots (similar Save & International Save option)
Coach Dakotah Flap Crossbody

Dolce & Gabbana Gold Sunglasses

Lately I've been wearing this red statement skirt from Express. I love the way it looks with over the knee boots, especially these suede Joie boots. A few weeks ago I wore it with black pumps and a plaid skirt. So many different ways to style this skirt. For those ladies who shy away from bold colors, try a red midi skirt similar to the one I'm wearing. You can wear it with your favorite black sweater or if you're feeling really adventurous, wear a red sweater for a monochromatic look. 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Holiday Outfit | Feather Skirt + Over The Knee Boots

Banana Republic Knit Sweater

Sam Edelman Feather Skirt

Joie Olivia Over the Knee Boots (similar Save & International Save option)
Coach Dakotah Flap Crossbody

Dolce & Gabbana Gold Sunglasses
BCBG Gold Elastic Belt (similar here & here)

For months I've been searching for the perfect feather skirt. I finally came across this beautiful Sam Edelman Feather Skirt. I love the length of the skirt. Most feathers skirts are too short for my liking. However, the feathers on this skirt are long and cover up more of my leg. If you're on the lookout for a feather skirt, this is the skirt for you!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens