buying new things / working with what you got

I originally started this blog with the intention of giving love to the pieces in my closet that weren't getting any love, or only being loved (worn) once or twice.  As much as I love the concept of trying to work with what you got, creating new outfits with pieces you already own, as a person who is obsessed with fashion, I was finding it difficult to stop myself from shopping.  So I created a new blog, Marika's Closet, where I'll be sharing my closet, new pieces and old, keeping in mind my original idea.  Here's an example of my current blog, below, where I used a skirt I have worn once before and a tank top I had never worn, with a new pair of shoes.  So it's the best of both worlds.  Come check it out!

The Perfect Sweaterdress

My two major fashion obsessions for fall: pink (ok, pink is my obsession for all seasons) + sweaterdresses. Which basically means this is the dress that has been missing all my life.

Aqua Cashmere Turtleneck Dress: bloomingdales.com

Winter White

I've been obsessed with "winter white" ever since I saw Jennifer Lopez wear it head to toe in Maid in Manhattan. Every other fall/winter since then I've purchased a white coat.  I always notice on the train that I'm one of the only people in a coat other than black.  Winter is depressing enough, I don't need black wearing me down.  I'm the one in the bright pink Uggs.  No black for me.  Except in leather.  So now that I have my red items covered (although I have yet to make a final decision), I'm on the hunt for some winter white pieces.  I can't believe I'm already thinking about winter!  I hate winter.  Yet, winter white makes me a little excited...a little.

Milly Sandra Drop-Waist Dress: neimanmarcus.com

I love a white pant in the fall/winter.  It's so unexpected.

J Brand Zoey Corduroy Skinny: revolveclothing.com

Time to update my coat!

Jacket: guessbymarciano.com

I am obsessed with this look from head-to-toe.

Milly Leather-Collar Sweater: neimanmarcus.com

The finishing touch!

Elizabeth and James Solar Booties: shopbop.com

Fall Forwa(red)

Red is one of my favourite colours.  I love red clothes, red lips, red hair.  I wore a red prom dress.  I actually had it made after this amazing (white) Cindy Crawford dress.  (I was obsessed with Cindy Crawford growing up that I actually made a binder with pictures of her that I had pulled out of magazines.  I still have it somewhere.)  I recently bought this gorgeous Diane von Furstenberg dress for 65% off and I was so excited I scored such an amazing, classic piece at such an amazing price...and it's too long.  And it can't be hemmed because of the type of dress it is.  So I just sold it on eBay.  Now I'm determined to find something red to add to my wardrobe for fall. But it's going to be hard to choose just one.

Classic Short Trench: coach.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Preppy Nylon Mini
Natasha Bag: shopbop.com

Diane von Furstenberg New Pomona Cashmere
Cardigan: saks.com

alice + olivia Loris Flare Coat: shopbop.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Anya Colorblock Crepe Dress:
neimanmarcus.com

Burberry Checked Merino Wool and Cashmere-Blend
Scarf: net-a-porter.com

Legacy Leather Mini Saddle Bag: coach.com

2 trends in 1: red + peplum = I think I found my must-have piece for fall!

Tory Burch Madeline Peplum Sweater:
shopbop.com

Flowersketch Peplum Top: madewell.com

Alice + Olivia Patty Peplum Top: saks.com

budget friendly: under $100!

Ella Moss Bella Ruffle Top: revolveclothing.com

Wear Me Already: The Orange Maxi Dress

I fell in love with this dress as soon as I saw it.  I love bright colours.  I bought it last year and was, as I always do, saving it for a special occasion.  I had no special occasion in mind, but that's just what I do.  This past weekend I had a wedding to go to and decided to wear it for the ceremony because it was so gorgeous out.  I planned on changing for the reception (into a black BCBG party dress that went great with my new Valentino wedges that I have yet to wear), but this dress was too comfortable and the colour just fit the day perfectly.  I could wear black any day of the year.  Plus, my nails were already painted orange.

Dress: Guess by Marciano; Wedges: Guess; Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs;
Bracelet: unknown

The Leopard Print

I love a leopard print.  I'm trying hard not to buy those oxfords.  I really love Rebecca Taylor's leopard print pieces (see below, for example).  Last winter, I scored a dress for more than half off and recently bought this camisole on sale (I have yet to wear either).  I also have a great pair of Aldo pumps with pink trim that I never wear anymore because I hardly wear pumps now that I've accumulated so many great wedges (I have back pain, probably due to said pump wearing.  I used to run for the train in them!).  When I go back to work, I'll have to pull those out of the closet because they haven't been worn in years.  At the ripe old age of 33, I'll just have to carry my heels to work.

Anyway, those shoes came to mind because I came across these amazing leopard print jeans.  Trying. Hard. Not. To. Purchase.   

The Cropped Skinny Jean No. 61: guessbymarciano.com

You can never go wrong with a leopard print.  LOVE these items!

Christian Louboutin Highlander Leopard-Print
Calf Hair Wedge Sandals: net-a-porter.com

Free People Leopard Daisy Crochet Dress:
neimanmarcus.com

Juicy Couture Leopard Print Crossbody Bag:
saks.com

Wildfox Leopard Spots Road Trip
Sweatshirt: shopbop.com

Current/Elliott The Roller Leopard-Print Jeans: saks.com

Kenley Scarf: dvf.com

kate spade new york show your spots necklace:
neimanmarcus.com

Leo Block Sweater: rebeccataylor.com

Alice by Temperley Felicity Leopard-Print Jumpsuit:
neimanmarcus.com

Current/Elliott The Letterman Pullover in Heather
Grey Leopard: revolveclothing.com

The Shoe Problem

A couple of months ago, I bought 3 pairs of shoes in under 10 minutes.  Yes, my 3-year-old was about to have a meltdown because he wanted to get out of the stroller and my now 3-month old was needing to eat so I needed to get the heck out of the store, but a normal, rational person would have just dealt with the situation and came back at another time to make a decision.  Not me.  I just scanned all the shoes, tried a few on and said, "I'll take them."  Did I need 3 new pairs of shoes?  Of course not.  Another problem is that I say I'll take them, even if they don't fit properly: 1) my Burberry flats that are a half size too small (but they didn't have my size and I had to have them!).  So I don't wear them that often.  Actually I haven't worn them in years. (They're going on the Wear Me Already list!); (2) my one and only pair of Christian Louboutins that I ordered online and kept them instead of returning them like a normal person, that I ended up wearing only once or twice then selling them on eBay, which I now regret (but realistically would probably never have worn them again.  But they were so beautiful!  And I have a daughter now so maybe she would've fit into them one day!); and (3) a whole bunch of other shoes that I either ended up selling on eBay or are sitting in my closet not being worn.  It's a sickness.  I'm getting better though.  Shoes are my weakness.  I almost bought another pair the other day, but I actually talked myself out of them.  I don't know if that's ever happened before.

One of the pairs I did buy that I had yet to own: oxfords.  I was on the hunt for a great pair last summer for fall, but had a hard time finding the perfect pair.  This summer I found these oxfords in taupe.  And now I've come across the leopard version...LOVE!  

DV by Dolce Vita Mini Suede Oxford: ae.com

I love the bootie version too.  (A great price!)  They would look great with the Marc by Marc Jacobs tweed pants I just bought...which should arrive today!

Madge Bootie: dolcevita.com