The Dutchess & The Duke

What Jen's Wearing:

Peter Pan Lace Top - Charlotte Russe

Pink Jeans - Forever 21

Cut-Out Peep Toe Pumps - Nine West

Black Leather Satchel - Zara (similar style here)

Faceted Triangle Bracelet - Forever 21 (buy it here)

Rhinestone Cord Bracelet - Charming Charlie

Pink Rhinestone Lanyard Bracelet - Henri Bendel

I'm convinced the British influence American fashion and retail more than anyone... Or at least me.

I'm not the first to make this observation, but I will say that I feel like it takes the U.S. months for us to catch up to trends that already happened in the UK.... like, two years ago.

Plus, being married to a Brit has it's advantages. During my last trip to England in 2010, I came across many shirts flirting with adorable Peter Pan collars. To me, Peter Pan collars wreak of baby doll cuteness. They're the ultimate in gawking at your age with something that is fashionably adorable, no matter how young or old you are. 

And you can thank Alexa Chung for inspiring this outfit. You should be jealous of Alexa Chung, actually. She can do no wrong... Google homegirl up. Peter Pan and her need to go into business together.

I swear England is so ahead of the fashion game... The rest of us, or those in New Jersey searching for fashion glimmers among a plethoras of malls, have to admire from afar, and dream of the day they get to visit Miss Selfridge, Oasis and River Island, again.

Band Of Horses

The closest thing I get to anything "western" in New Jersey are the occasional horses on the side of the highway in rural towns aka - not anywhere near I live. I do, however, have this strange affliction for clothing with horses on it. I used to own this bright pink sweater with a huge horse head (not like Godfather style) wearing a flower crown from H&M. If it sounds weird that's because it was.

I guess it's that same odd favoritism that made me lean toward this horseshoe print dress. Besides for the print, it's got that high-low hem ya'll know I'm totally down with, and the color is just as fab. 

Yee haw.... or something like that.

What Jen's Wearing:

Saddle High-Low Dress - c/o Urban1972.com

Gold Turquoise Western Necklace - Forever 21

Peep Tow Leather Wedges - Nine West

Buckle Up Band Ring - Henri Bendel

Turquoise Ring - purchased in Cape Cod 

Putting On The Ritz

At a very young age, I learned that a little bit of extravagance never hurt anyone.

Outfit:

Abstract Print Blazer - Forever 21

Black Tee - Target

Cigarette Skinny Jeans - Urban Outfitters

Luscious 23 Heels - Lulus.com

Leather Satchel - Zara

This was an unspoken credo I picked up from my grandmother, who is the biggest influence on my take on personal style.

Regardless of how minimal or monumental the occasion, she ALWAYS wore jewelry. Big pearls the size of silver dollars for earrings; her hands stacked with emeralds and diamonds glistening off her fingers... chic overcoats in the winter that when removed, would reveal her stylish attire. And her favorite perfume (the name is no coincident to her jewelry collection): White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor.

 

Accessories:

Petite Hinged Pave Bow Bangle - Henri Bendel

Rivet Wrap Bracelet - Henri Bendel 

Chunky Heart Ring - Urban Outfitters

It was my complete awe of the beautiful things she wore that made allowed me to sit on her lap as a child and stare at her baubles. Her love of costume jewelry and beauteous gemstones absolutely rubbed off on me - as I started wearing rings on every finger as a teenager.

And presently, 19 years after her passing, I still can't leave the house without wearing jewelry... and a little sparkle... no matter how insignificant a walk in the park or lunch date may be.

Her extravagance was elegance... and that's the pinnacle of what personal style is all about to me today.

So, don't be afraid to be a little over the top sometimes. Because a little extravagance never hurt anybody.

Le Disko

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Birthday Outfit At A Glance

I celebrated another birthday yesterday... and I have to say this year's celebration was awesome! Saturday, I headed out with some of my dearest friends for dinner and drinks... And I finally answered the question: What am I going to wear?

I have to say... I'm one lucky girl to have such great friends and family who went out of their way to make my birthday special. And, Mike even cooked dinner for me!

Here's my Birthday outfit at a glance...

Queen of Hearts Blouse - SpottedMoth.com

Spike The Punch Crystal Necklace

Pleather Tights - Zara

Evade Oxfords - Jeffrey Campbell

Pave Hinged Bow Bangle (from the best husband ever!)

Rivet Wrap Bracelet 

(both from Henri Bendel)

Reviving The Classics

Although I'm a girl who wouldn't classify herself as having "classic" style, I do love a lot of old school, traditional things that have been around in fashion for years. And for me, this outfit is a combo of some of em.

Let's start with the mary jane - my shoes have the classic shape but with a modern twist a la a tie and a wedge. Next, women have been sporting animal prints since God knows when. For me, I like color variation on a classic animal print, and the cut is my tee is little boxier than a regular tee. Finally, red lipstick. Though finding the right shade for my skin tone took some time, it's officially inducted into my makeup bag. This classic color goes back as far a Cleopatra, and even Queen Elizabeth I wore the crimson shade. The one I'm wearing came from my visit at Bobbi Brown's Studio in Montclair, NJ (which I'll tell you about later)!

Outfit:

Animal print tee - Forever 21

Grey midi skirt - Aritzia

Mary Jane wedges - Office UK

Spiked leather satchel - Zara

Floral necklace - Accessorize

Arm Party - Henri Bendi Rockstar Wrap Bracelet and Pyramid Studded Bracelet Forever 21

All classic things with modern twists. Eclectic chic, perhaps? Okay, so I'm not re-inviting the wheel but I like to think I have my own unique way of taking dino classics and updating em. That's what I love about fashion blogging... being able to take something that inspires you and rock it your way. Do you, bro.