Hick Chick Chic

Here in the "stix" we have to wear some sort of outerwear most of the year.  It's an integral part of all of us upstate New Yorkers' wardrobes.  When I was growing up in Saugerties, plaid flannels were almost like a uniform for most of the guys I went to school with, and probably still is for some of them.  This coat reminds me of a hipper version of a flannel.  I spotted it last fall in an edition of People StyleWatch magazine.  I had to have it!  I searched far & wide (in cyberspace) with no luck, it was sold out everywhere.  So I saved a search on eBay & voila, finally, last spring, it appeared & for only 20 bucks!  It was a "buy it now" purchase.

JACKET:  Jolt faux shearling blanket coat.  Bought from eBay.  Find selection here
HAT:  Target bought on clearance.  Find similar here
GLOVES:  Isotoners!  Yes, my mom wore these, and so do I.  I LOVE the way they fit.  I have them in brown and neutral.  There are strips inside which are great for driving.  I also love the chevron patter on the wrist.  Find selection here

Bossy Pants

These pants are loud and demand attention, so give 'em some.

LEGGINGS:  Bel Kazan bought from Sorella of Woodstock.  They are currently sold out but are getting more in.  They are sick!  So comfy and the waist band is long and folds down for great coverage. Love that the design is asymmetrical (the legs don't match perfectly - love that).

TOP:  The Refinery also bought from Sorella of Woodstock.  Made in the USA!  This brand makes the softest tops ever.  And the cuts are sooo flattering!

JACKET:  H&M find similar here

BOOTIES:  Etienne Aigner bought from Marshalls.  Find similar here

 



Halloween Style Wars

You decide...

STYLISH?

 

VS. 

SUPER NOT STYLISH

 

 

 

 

 

 

On me...

TOP:  pre-owned bought from eBay.  It's reversible!  Other side is black.

SHORTS:  Svforza bought new from eBay.  Find here

EMBELLISHMENTS:  Gold stickers bought from Michaels; lariat of truth bought from Jo-Ann Fabrics (It's really trim for a pillow); belt is wired edge ribbon bought from Michaels; crown & cuffs are Stylish in the Stix originals handcrafted by yours truly.

BOOTS:  borrowed from an awesome friend & co-worker!  Thanks B.E.!

EARRINGS:  vintage, borrowed from my fantastic mother-in-law!

 

On him...

WHO CARES?!?!?

just kidding

SUNGLASSES:  Ray Ban vintage leather bound for 15 bucks

JACKET:  Goodyear vintage bought for 30 bucks

BUTTON DOWN:  It looks like a lady's blouse to me, but he says it isn't & he bought it used in the 90s

SOCKS:  my beat up nasty socks

SANDALS:  OP

SHORTS:  Pearl Izumi

NECKLACE:  mine; Premiere Design

 

 

 



Use Whachya Got

Nothing new here!  Got the idea of the combo from a magazine, except for the booties, that was my idea.  I decided to use a clutch today to show that it could be for day or night.

JEANS:  Forever 21 find similar here
CHAMBRAY SHIRT:  American Eagle Outfitters bought from Labelshopper in Catskill, NY.  Find similar here
BLAZER:  H&M Find similar here
BOOTIES:  Merona bought from Target.  Find similar here
BAG:  ?! Unfortunately I cannot read the label because the writing is so fancy.  It's unfortunate because this bag was handmade in NYC.  I got it as a gift from my sister-in-law who bought it at a trunk show.  It actually has a chain strap that I tucked inside to make it a clutch.  Find similar here

Ribbon & Lace

I love the look of a cream colored dress with black tights.  I chose the cardigan because it wasn't black, didn't want to be too matchy-matchy.  Adding tights and a cardigan to a spring/summer dress immediately winterizes it.  It's my favorite thing to do.  Thank you to my beautiful guest photographer this week, Bernadette, my sister!

I <3 fall



 

 



DRESS:  Blu Pepper bought on clearance from TJ Maxx.  Find very similar and REALLY cute here
CARDIGAN:  H&M Check out the cute ribbon detail on close-up photo.  Find similar here
SHOES:  Unlisted bought from Marshalls years ago.  Find similar here
TIGHTS:  Merona from Target.  Find here
BAG:  Street Level bought from Sorella of Woodstock.  Find similar here

Scarf It Up

The great thing about scarves is they are flattering on EVERYONE, one size fits all, baby.  This Leigh & Luca scarf is the focal point of this outfit, which is a mix of both cheap & lux pieces; spend on staples, skimp on trends.  Sorella of Woodstock has been selling this brand of scarves for years.  They are staples in anyone's wardrobe.  They can change the look of even the simplest outfit.

SCARF:  Leigh & Luca bought from Sorella of Woodstock.  SOOOO easy to put on, no special instructions (although each scarf comes with instructions on different ways to wear them - so cute!).  See some of Sorella's selection here.  Find even more on their Facebook page here
SWEATER:  La Moda Internacional from Victoria's Secret.  Find VERY similar here
COLORED JEANS:  Forever 21 from Forever 21  Find VERY similar here
COMBAT BOOTS:  Vintage Shoe Company bought from Sorella of Woodstock.  Made in the USA people!!  They are SOLD out of the the brown, however, they have a couple pairs left in black. AND, they just got a shipment in of 2 more styles of boots that are SICKLY GORGEOUS by the same company.  Just go to their Facebook page & look at their photos here of all their latest pieces.  You will NOT be disappointed. 
BAG:  Coldwater Creek bought by my hip husband for a quarter at a yard sale this past summer!  Find a ton of different styles of brown leather totes here

Peplum Style! Part 2

Here is another peplum style top that I didn't even realize was a peplum until I read that it was on an instagram photo of it.  I got this cool, edgie top from a local favorite boutique, Sorella. It's really flattering for all body types (even those long torso ladies - Cory!).  I have to thank my guest photographer this week, Laura Olson, who is "an avid cooking experimenter, culinary nutritionist, recipe developer and editor, and whole living expert".  I have to add to that:  an awesome, generous, loving friend, an AMAZING chef (vegan or nonvegan!),  as well as an INCREDIBLE yoga teacher.   Check out her website: A Life Delectable

TOP:  The Refinery bought from Sorella.  Made in the USA by the way!  Unfortunately they are sold out of this top, but that's what's so great about Sorella, if you buy something there, know that you are buying something very unique & special.  They are always getting in new merchandise too every week!  Find similar here
LEGGINGS:  Kardashian Kollection bought at Sears.  Find here
BOOTIES:  Etienne Anais bought from Marshalls on clearance last winter.  Find similar here
NECKLACE:  Bought from W Couture Boutique in Saugerties.  Another amazing local boutique with great customer service & beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces!  Find similar here
BAG:  Street Level bought from Sorella.  Find similar here

Peplum Style! Part 1

(Please sing the title to the tune of "Gangnam Style".)  This is Part 1 of a 2 part series post.  Peplum style is still in style.  Who really cares if it's not?  They are super flattering.
And off the topic of peplums, wanted to take a moment to wish my sister, Bernadette, a very happy birthday!!

TOP:  Casual Couture by Green Envelope.  This was a hand-me-down from my sister.  I am happy to say that it is made in the USA.  I have become obsessed with buying things made in the USA if possible.  Check out a ton of different peplum style tops here
PANTS:  Mossimo by Target.  I bought these last fall.  I love the color.  Find similar style here
CLOGS:  Dansko "Ryder" bought from 6pm.com
BAG:  Street Level bought from Sorella of Woodstock find similar here

This Shirt!

I have had this shirt for more than 5 years.  I barely ever wear it.  Mostly because I don't think it ever looks that great with anything I have.  But for some reason, when I go through my closet to get rid of clothes, I've held onto it.  By luck, it was laying on my bed next to these jeans.  I think I've finally figured out what to wear it with...

SHIRT:  New York & Co. The pattern on it reminds me of a necktie.  Find similar here and it's on clearance!

JEANS:  Forever 21 so cheap & fun colors ~$15.  I couldn't find this exact red at Forever21.com, but I found similar here

SHOES:  Coach bought by my awesome husband at a consignment store in Florida. Find similar here

RING:  Aldo

WATCH:  Fossil

BAG:  Street Level bought from Sorella of Woodstock almost 2 years ago & it's still going strong!  Sorella sells good quality pieces!  Find similar here

 

 

Take the Plunge

Jumpsuits have been making a comeback in the last couple of years.  Women are wearing them as alternatives to gowns and dresses for formal events.  I would definitely wear this to a wedding or cocktail party. (Not that I go to a ton of cocktail parties, but if I get invited to one, I'll most likely wear this.  Maybe someone I know can have one just so I can wear my jumpsuit(?!))
I don't love the shoes I wore with it; I think open-toe shoes would look better.  I kept the jewelry minimal because I think the jumpsuit is bold enough without it. 

JUMPSUIT:  BeBe bought at a consignment store in Stuart, FL called The Open Armoire for 39.99.  Find similar here

CLUTCH:  Got as a gift, no brand name in it.  Find similar here

BRACELET:  Got for 20 bucks at a flea market in FL.  Real sterling silver!!

 

 

 

September Issue

As you may know, the September issues of fashion magazines are always HUGE.  Literally and figuratively.  Fall is a major time for fashion.  I've been doing my research for those of you who haven't had a chance to flip through any September issues on what is trending this fall:

Clothes
- Cobalt blue with black
- Culottes
- Menswear for women, i.e. suspenders, vests, punk boots with short hems
- Camouflage
- Animal prints (do they ever go out?)
- Jumpsuits instead of gowns*

Beauty/Hair
- Deep berry lips
- Dark green nails
- Braids (been for a while now)

I decided to take two of the trends (blue with black and animal prints) and put together an outfit with pieces that were already in my closet...voila:

BLOUSE:  Fun & Flirty bought from Marshalls.  Find similar here

JEANS:  JBrand bought from Sorella of Woodstock

BOOTIES:  Merona from Target.  No longer available from what I could see.  Find similar and probably more comfortable, but more expensive here     

NECKLACE:  Avon bought used from ebay.  Find similar here

BAG:  Badgley Mischka a gift from my sister-in-law.  Find kind of similar here

 

*Upcoming blog post subject!