TAKE IT TO THE MAX(I)

Between following NYFW coverage and the spring-like weather yesterday here in Manhattan, I'm craving Spring style more than ever. I thought what better way to collect and organize my Spring 2011 style wish list than returning to the blog after a long hiatus.

Maxi skirts are one of my favorite peices for the upcoming season and there are so many to choose from. Above are a few of my absolute favorites (namely the Rage & Bone pleated silk maxi), and could see any of them paired with a simple v-neck tee and flat sandals for a super chic look.

Left to Right:
Top Shop bright blue pleated maxi skirt, $80
Rag & Bone pleated maxi skirt, $450
Top Shop tulle dye skirt, $350
Haute Hippie phillips brushed-silk maxi skirt, $365

ELLE DECOR

I'm now in my third week in my new position at ELLE DECOR magazine and am loving it, however had not had any spare time to update HT&H in weeks. Hopefully will be able to start updating regularly again soon!



[check out ELLE DECOR]

LOUNGE WEAR

Once the weather isn't hot, my weekend wear pretty much consists of leggings paired with some kind of thin v-neck tee and a long wrap sweater. I'm ready to switch it up (a little bit) and am loving cropped, tight-fitting sweat/jogging pants. Though I'm prepared to wear them with low boots (like one of these), I love some of the styling I've seen that pairs them with heels or wedge boots, making the look totally unexpected yet completely stylish.

Alternately, cropped or fitted sweatshirts are so cute when paired with either something equally as comfy like leggings, or something unexpected, like the gorg sequin skirt below. I'm ready for a very comfy Fall.

[Joie Hamilton French terry sweatpants, $128.00]
[Vince jogging pants, $168.00]
[Pa:nuu slouch velvet track pants, $75.82]
[Rebecca Taylor Dolman sweatshirt sweater, $245.00]
[Haute Hippie cropped sweatshirt, on sale at www.shopbop.com for $87.50]

BAG LADY

I always read how awful it is for our backs and shoulders to be carrying around large, heavy bags all day. Normally I pay no attention to this school of thought, until recently when I opened my large L.A.M.B tote that I use everyday to lighten it up a bit and found the following:

- 2 magazines
- a hardcover book I'm reading
- a glass bottle of black tea
- a pair of wedges

Although I still stand by the fact that I never know when I'm going to need reading material or need to throw on heels or be thirsty, I do think carrying around a 10 lb bag is beginning to have some effect on my shoulder/back. I think a good compromise is having a week day bag (to carry my lunch, books, work material and going-out-after-work shoes) and a weekend bag (to simply carry Blackberry, lip gloss and wallet). Below are some large and small bag options I think would be perfect for Fall.

Bag Lady by meganpinto featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs bags

Bags in this set:
Top L - R
1. J Crew Rhodie tote, $375.00
2. Top Shop buckle leather strap satchel, $170.00
3. Alexander Wang Darcy slouchy hobo, $850.00

Bottom L - R
1. Top Shop leather pouch cross body bag, $60.00
2. ASOS leather weave stud detail bag, $126.00
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs petal to the metal flap pouchette, $228.00

9 to 5

I am thrilled to have just accepted a position in the Advertising Sales department at Elle Décor magazine. Among the many things that are filling my mind about starting a new job, one of my top priorities is looking the part with a chic office worthy wardrobe. I am definitely going to occupy some of my time over the next few weeks before I start purchasing classic pieces that will look both professional and stylish at my new office. Below are a few looks that I am absolutely loving for work wear.

INSPIRED: KATIE HOLMES

I read an interview with Katie Holmes on New York Magazine yesterday, and as soon as I clicked on the second page, I was immediately drawn to the gorgeous photograph of Katie, specifically the unlikely but so incredibly chic color combo of her outfit. The photo credits site her blouse as Marc by Marc Jacobs, pants by Holmes & Yang (Katie's own collaboration), and pumps by (who other than?)Christian Louboutin. I'm determined to re-create this look for the next appropriate occasion and have found a few pieces to put it together at a bit more affordable price point.


Photo: Mark Seliger

Color combo by meganpinto featuring Alice + Olivia pants

Items in this set:
Top: Phi, $264.00
Pants: Alice & Olivia, on sale for $112.00
Shoes: Aldo, $90.00 (also posted about here)

THE little THINGS

This past weekend I visited Brooklyn Flea and was fascinated with all of the picture frames, jewelry, and old prints that the seemingly endless rows of vendor booths held. Although I went to the flea looking for these items, I instead went home with three hand-made dark silver hooks that I plan on hanging (with the help of my boyfriend and his power drill) on the wall next to my door for coats, purses, scarves and keys. I was so overly excited about these $5 hooks that I realized sometimes it's the littlest things that can make us happy and make an apartment feel special. Below are a few more small items that I think can make a big difference in the way a space feels and lift a mood every time you glance at it.

[Unique drawer handles, like Anthropologie's pink poppy knobs, $8/each, would make an old dresser feel brand new]
[A jewelry stand, like Urban Outfitter's little birch stand, $32.00,to display necklaces, rings and earrings on a dresser]
[A coffee table book with an ornate cover, like "Domino: The Book of Decorating" by Editors of Domino Magazine, $32.00, can serve as a piece of art on any table space or bookshelf]
[A fancy candle to fill an apartment or room with your favorite scent. My pick is Pacifica's soy candle in French Lilac, $16.00]

BORDEAUX

I came across the pumps from Aldo below and love the deep burgundy shade for Fall and Winter. The dark bordeaux looks luxe and expensive, and feels festive for the upcoming holiday season. I came across a few other accessories and tops in this gorgeous shade that I like just as much and can't wait to add some bordeaux to my closet. Happy Friday!

[Aldo Botkins pumps, $90.00]
[Top Shop fine knit oversized tee, $40.00]
[See by Chloe top, $336.00]
[Roberto Cavalli sunglasses, $350.00]