If you buy one new thing this fall...

Get it girl!!!

... buy THIS sweater! Seriously. Buy it. After 2 weeks of aggressive browsing and window shopping (literally, I went in and out of stores, perused online sales and noted what I saw during my strolls through NYC) this weekend I went on a much anticipated fall/winter shopping adventure (God I love to shop! #IgotitfrommyMama). I have 3 outstanding purchases to tell you about, but the most important one is definitely the sweater:

In the 3 days that I have owned this magical piece of clothing from Anthropologie, I have already worn it twice and I can tell that I'm going to have to resist the urge to wear it every.single.day... or maybe I won't even bother... it's that comfy, cozy, warm, pretty, chic and faaabbbulous. On Saturday night I dressed the cape-esque sweater up with leather pants and wedges while on Sunday it was accompanied by army green khakis and my Toms. This sweater can do it all, so based on my "the more you use it the more worth the investment it is" philosophy, this sweater is a five star purchase!

Want a pair of adorable flats at an oh so adorably affordable price!? Want them in black or tan or pink or turquoise (or red or grey or fuchsia!?) I got you girl!! Check out the Steve Madden Heaven Patent Ballet Flat from DSW, currently priced at a wallet friendly $39.95. I am on my second pair of these flats, the first of which lasted 2 years (which I consider a home run for flats!). They are comfortable and dress up any outfit with their patent leather shine! 

Lastly, I must confess that I finally took the plunge yesterday and this Converse loving gal has finally purchased a seasonally chic pair of cute Vans. Much like my beloved Chucks, Vans run about $40-60 and are a stylish way to look cool but still be actually wearing sneakers! I went for THIS awesome pair currently being sold at J. Crew which were on sale over the weekend for $45 (so don't pay full price!). These will be a great alternative to my white Chucks and hopefully just as versatile and comfortable.

So now you know my fall must have(s). One chunky, cozy sweater and flats galore. What are you wearing that you couldn't live without these days!?

Zara Sale

Quite possibly one of my favorite words!

This morning I went on a bit of a binge at Zara.com thanks to their always fabulous sale section (free shipping for purchases over $50!). Zara is the perfect place to find affordable, chic clothing, in particular stylish work apparel and trendy date/girls night out pieces. They carry everything from shoes and accessories to some of my favorite dresses in my closet. Generally priced on par with Ann Taylor Loft (another closet/sale shopping staple of mine) I go to Zara when I want to have a little more fun. 

Since there's nothing better than scoring something fun/practical/sexy from a good sale, here are a few Merry Meri purchases, near purchases and temptations from Zara.com. Happy Shopping!!

These shoes had me at hello (thanks CapHillStyle!). 100% an unnecessary purchase, I was able to imagine several outfits where this sassy pop of red will wow (including an upcoming milestone birthday celebration:) Will have to see how they look in person (could be too sassy red) but you never know unless you try right!? Buy em HERE.

These didn't make it into my shopping bag (my wedge needs are currently satisfied) but at $69.99 they're begging for someone to take them home! Buy em HERE.

$35.99 and the prettiest pale blue you ever did see. Buy em HERE (and check out other honorable mentions from the shoe dept HERE and HERE, full shoe sale HERE).

This pastel printed dress exudes easy, breezy, beautiful. It was a finalist that didn't ultimately make it into my shopping bag, but I'm already having second thoughts. Sunday brunch with flat sandals (see above!) or dinner with your babe in heels, this one's a winner (and the flowy cut will be so flattering!) Buy it HERE.

I purchased this dress back in March (at full price, doh!) and I get a bajillion compliments every time I wear it. Perfect for work in spring and fall and transitions great from day to night... You should wear it too:) Buy it HERE. And since the embellished neckline and ruffled hem are working for me, I bought THIS to give a whirl.

There were a ton of gorgeous white dresses in the sale section that made me wish I was a bride looking for the perfect engagement party/shower/rehearsal dinner dress again. The dress above is HERE, or there's THIS and THIS for simple, bridal-esque beauty (was super tempted by that last asymmetrical hem dress, but it didn't make the final cut... but flowy white... with a tan... hmmm :)

Not sure how this is going to fit, but at $39.99 with free returns I just had to give it a shot. I love the bright color and unique cut outs. We shall see!! Buy it HERE (and check out other honorable mentions from the dress section HERE, HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE)

My shopping cart runneth over before I made it to the Tops section, but that doesn't mean I didn't look and how great is that Tri-Color top!? I could see it with tailored pants for work or shorts for weekend play. Buy it HERE.

Sexy Saturday night shirt anyone? I love the rhinestone detailing on this shirt and think the thin straps and crossover cut are the ultimate in feminine beauty. Buy it HERE.

This flowy pastel beauty could be worn for any occasion with pretty much anything on the bottom. Plus pale yellow is going to make those of you with tans absolutely glow. Buy it HERE (and check out other honorable mentions from the dress section HERE, HERE and HERE).

Spring (your closet) forward!

pastel, midi, sporty... spring 2014

Even though the weather is STILL not cooperating, all my favorite spots to shop are jam packed with spring fashion and I've started picking up a few new pieces to spruce up the 'ol wardrobe. As usual, I'm focused on procuring a mix of timeless and trendy additions, considering price point, wear-to-work-ability and overall utility before I make any purchases. Far from an expert, but always the avid fashion fan, here's a little of what I'm seeing out there and how I'm feelin about it.

* Pale and Pastel

Pale but oh so pretty

I am a black, white or bright colors girl at heart, so this season's pale pink, barely there light blue and 50 shades of peach are not the most inspiring to me. Nevertheless, once I get to trying on, I love the flirty femininity that styling with these colors can invoke and adding brightly colored accessories really makes your look pop (see that necklace above!) Definitely going to be even more flattering and fun once we all get a little bit of sunshine on our skin, look for feminine shapes and fabrics (e.g., silk, flowy dresses, scalloped hemlines) to capture the romance of this season's popular palette.

Merry Meri Vedict: Do!

* Midi length skirts

The midi.

Much like the crop top before it (which FYI is definitely still hanging around for another year!) this look is one I desperately want to embrace, but can't seem to pull off. Midi skirts (often pleated) fall just at the knee or down to mid-calf (hence "midi") and tend to be slightly fuller looking. Based on my "have tried on at least 20 already" experience, this 2014 trend is best worn by ladies with long legs and little to no hips or junk in the trunk. Though I'm not ready to give up yet, this is a tricky trend to pull off.

Merry Meri Verdict: Do it, but with a discerning eye. No trend is worth sporting an unflattering outfit.

* Crazy Ear Embellishments

Holy Earring!

I loooove me some accessories and I'm all about a funky piece, but this season's wild ear cuffs and long over the ear earrings are pretty next level. First spotted on the red carpet during awards season, the trend appears to have gone main stream with options available everywhere from Bloomies to Forever 21. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Don't (unless looking like a Lord of the Rings character is your thing)

* Sporty & Menswear inspired

Get. The. Look.

The yin to that midi skirt's yang, this year's prevalence of athletic looks and tuxedo inspired suits and pants are a gift from the curvy girl gods. These looks are also extremely comfortable, with looser cuts and more classic lines... even well styled sneakers are making an appearance this season (if Vogue says it, it must be true right!?) Pick up pants with that tuxedo stripe for work and an "elegant sweatshirt" for Saturday and you'll be all set. 

Merry Meri Verdict: Definite do!

good gets (and some regrets)

j'adore.

This post brought to you by the fabulous 

(parent)thetically speaking.

You ever open your closet and just sigh with happiness at some of things you find hanging there? The pieces that you turn to time and again and never let you down? When I think about those pieces, I find that most of them are within a certain color spectrum (black and cream are totally a spectrum), cost slightly more than I normally spend and were purchased pre-motherhood (see point #2). So my sigh of happiness is usually more a sigh of thankfulness that pre-baby me had the foresight to purchase some nice, quality pieces (or get them as gifts).

These items are clutch, always always. For a wedding, a weekend away or a celebratory night on the town - when I want to reach for something just a little bit more special than the Cheerio-dusted duffel bag that is my purse, or the American Eagle jeans I live in.

To contrast, there are also times when I open my closet and I see missed opportunities. The shirt with the tags still on or the shoes with nary a scuff on the sole. And I find that most of them were impulse buys. We all do it, and we will always do it! Shopping is fun! But at least as I "mature" I'm getting better at impulsively grabbing something I may actually end up putting on my body.

5 items 25-year-old-me totally nailed:

 *Michael Kors satchel bag (I wanted to link to something similar, I did, but I couldn't find anything. It's black, with gold, and some buckles, and some patent leather, and I just love it. Every single time I use it. It was love at first sight - for both of us)

*J.Crew strapless black cocktail dress (ugh, again no linky. I'm giving away my age here, aren't I?!)

 *J.Crew black patent heels

 *vintage knee-length winter coat, with fur-trimmed (faux?) neck and cuffs. yup, it's black.

 *red (just kidding, black) belted trench coat. I do wish I had gotten a hooded one though.

  

5 items that I...oh, something shiny...

*turquoise flats. in theory, they are the cutest ever and lend such a pop of color! nope, uncomfortable and too bright.

*black skinny jeans. not a flattering fit and too long. I was desperate to make my Pinterest dreams a reality.

*American Eagle "women's" hooded sweatshirt. It's a little too form-fitting. Now, I'm allll about the hoodie, but hoodies are supposed to hide holiday cookie transgressions, not highlight them.

*There's this one store that lures me in, and other than some jewelry and one awesome dress, the stuff I buy there just gets worn once...

*For a time I was drawn to crew neck shirts. I grabbed one at every store I went to, all different colors. And guess what? I wear the black one, and the white one. You knew it, why didn't I?!

Pretty please, I'd love to know what some of your favorite, go-to pieces are! Anyone else have a problem item (or whole store!)?

For previous posts from (parent)thetically speaking, click HERE.

Wishlisting

Sultry for September

As seems to be "the way of things" on Pinterest, with the shift from summer to fall has come a deluge of new outfit images filled with this season's trends and gorgeous (see also: unaffordable) designer pieces. But even when the look is outside my budget...

Loeffler Randall Quinnie
 $295 via Zappos Couture

Burberry leather trim blanket wrap jacket
Price unknown (never a good sign)

I still allow myself to lust after the items...

Freda Salvador - $365

Sweater, sunnies, purse. I want it all.

I mean, how else am I going to find us the best off-brand copies!? When I find them, I will share.... (after I've purchased my own of course:) 

Lookin just beachy...

quintessential beach beauty

One of the best things about summer is how much less effort is required to face the day. There's no other season where I can get dressed in literally 2 minutes (sundress, sandals, done!) let my hair air dry (see you next fall straightener) and pack for a weekend getaway in an oversized purse (goodbye bulky sweaters and boots!) Though I'm far from a fashion expert, I am a pro at scouring blogs and magazines for hot styles and great deals, so here are a few ideas which will have you giving Marilyn a run for her money.

Neon. Neon. Neon.

Pink, orange, yellow, green... Much to Dr. H's dismay, for this summer neon is in and the brighter the better. Since fluorescent colors can be so, well, fluorescent, start with an accent like nail polish (I love Short Shorts by Esse), jewelry or a pair of sunnies, and work your way up.

she wore an itsy bitsy, teeny weenie...

Polka dots are the perfect print for summer. Classic on a bikini, crafty on your nails or flirty as a dress, put some polka in your closet and wear the timeless piece for years to come!

Anchor yourself with seaside accessories.

Anchors symbolize strength and stability which is the perfect yin to their summery fun yang. Shop etsy for awesome handcrafted options or J Crew to perfect your prep.

"brimming" with beach sexiness!

Beach hats are the best. It's a chance to bust out your glam side with a big brim, your indie side with a fedora or keep it simple with a hat supporting your favorite team. Adventure outside your headwear comfort zone shopping HERE or HERE or consider an NYC street vendor for awesome options at ridiculously good prices!

Ooooh that smell... can you smell that smell!?

There is nothing sexy about a sunburn, so start your day with something strong and waterproof and reapply like crazy! For those lucky enough to brown over burn, throw in a reapply or two with my favorite sunscreen and you'll be a bronze beauty in no time!

See ya later shower!!

Is there a product out there that "styles" your hair as beautifully as ocean salt and a beachy breeze!? Summer hair is messy, carefree and fun so abandon your attempts to secure every flyaway and enjoy the hairdryer hiatus!

I said I was gonna get a pair... and I did.
(Cheap via a Prince St. vendor or HERE for only a few $ more)

The quintessential summer accessory, leave your standard pair of sunnies at home and go crazy with neon wayfarers, oversize frames or just have a little heart:)

Hump Day Distractions

Some Wednesdays require wit & sass. This is one of those Wednesdays.

Well hello hello. I'm back from the deserts of California with distractions galore!! How was my weekend at Coachella you ask!? Well...

* I ate one of THESE (and yes I am already tracking their NYC truck for seconds).

* I saw a rapper rise from the dead and he confirmed that life aint nothin but a gangsta party (track at 2:48; beware of some serious thug life language in that link).

* I spotted several celebrities pretending to be dirty hippies.

* I danced like crazy, but lacked sufficient glow-in-the-dark accessories. Next time I will be more prepared

* Radiohead. YES.

* These pictures do it much more justice than mine ever will (I'm not cool, I don't Instagram).

OR... maybe you're all "I don't care about your stinkin vacation at the stinkin music festival!" 

No worries, I got you covered:

* Baby giraffe and a butterfly. Click it NOW.

* I think I need to check out this store.

* Looksy what I cooked for dinner last night!

* Ever wonder how many shades of grey Barbara Walters likes her men?

* I want to be friends with ALL these people.

The Power of the Green Coat.

Hello lovely.

It's jade green with turquoise, yellow and cream satin lining. It prefers collar up and all but the bottom button closed. It makes me feel unique, put together and happy... Pulling my green peacoat out of the closet for the first time each year is one of my favorite parts of winter.

I believe that there are few things more fabulous than the simple joy of finding an article of clothing which makes you feel confident and proud to step out and I know many women (and more than a handful of men) who agree. What's better than those heels that make you strut a little sexier or that suit jacket which makes you feel powerful and confident? While it may seem materialistic to equate a feeling to a piece of clothing, getting dressed can be more than a functional activity without breaking the bank! One of my favorite dresses came from the sale rack of a no-name store!! It isn't the cost or brand that matters for your "it" item, it's how wearing it makes you feel. Everyone deserves an article of clothing that makes you feel like your "best self" no matter what else life is throwing your way. This weekend, I say put on your "green coat" and work it!