Notes on a New York City Sample Sale

There are few things that make me happier than a sample sale.  A few weeks ago, at the Rebecca Minkoff sale, I lost my mind and almost had a nervous breakdown because I couldn't buy everything there, I found some of the most amazing and unique goodies that were shockingly affordable.  I was so impressed not only by the discounted prices, but the overall abundance of products.  This was not your typical "get there before lunch or everything is gone" type of sale, this was the diamond in the rough, once in a (fashion season)lifetime, type of thing...the mecca of all sample sales if you will.  

Once a Carrie, Always a Carrie.

There's nothing like a little pop of color to solve your nyc rainy day blues.  She never disappoints.

Inspired by the ever-flawless SJP, I put this little number together...

Wildfox Couture oversized top, $108

H&M denim jean shorts

Elizabeth and james shoes, $263

Chanel chain bag, $2,686

Alex Monroe feather jewelry, $225

Kevia facets jewelry, $76

Zara Simon gold vermeil jewelry, £96

Alex and Chloe heart jewelry, $90

There Will Always Be Shortcomings...

A few things I'm loving this season: winter shorts, bright colors, and my new fur vest.  Now listen up, just because it's winter does not mean you can't wear shorts, just make sure you've got cute tights on under. And please remember, cute does not mean patterned or sheer.   #StyledByJZ

 (Vest: Rebecca Minkoff, Shirt: Graham & Spencer, Shorts: Story of Lola, Necklace: T-bags)

 (Vest: Rebecca Minkoff, Shirt: Matthew Williamson for H&M, Shorts: Zara, Scarf: Madewell)

(Vest: Rebecca Minkoff, Shirt: Reiss, Shorts: Madewell)

A Flawless Friendship

There isn't enough time in the day to describe my obsession for both Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth's style.  Not only do they continuously pull off Red Carpet jaw-dropping looks, they've also mastered the California daytime cool ensemble...something that I myself would love to conquer one day!  And just to add salt to the wound, their on-off arm candy could possibly be the trait I'm most envious of...Alex Skarsgard and Hayden Christensen, I mean come on. 

Kate looks super Bardot here...killing it! 

KATE

This is exactly how I look when I fly too...

My inspiration for spending way too much $$ on Coachella tickets

If I had those legs, I could justify buying those Isabel Marant booties too :(

Perfection-LWD trumps the always safe LBD

Blonde hair + red sweater, #winning

 RACHEL

Making Cable Knit look trendy, goal accomplished

Again, daring to go with the LWD over the LBD

Why I continuously try on Maxi Skirts, in hope that just ONE will look like this on me...

Huge fan of mixing prints and bolds

Wait...you don't dress like this when you go shopping? Weird...

Never have calf-length dresses looked so good.

Classically cool, daringly bold, forever flawless.  

Sam Sparro Once Said...

'Cause if you're not really here, then I don't want to be either, I wanna be next to you

Black and Gold

Black and Gold

Black and Gold

When it comes to jewelry, I always end up accessorizing with Black and Gold.  And, right now my jewelry obsession is at an all time high and I'm not quite sure why.  Maybe it's the weather, or that I'm just going through another "I hate everything I have" moment.   Bottom line, you can never go wrong with it.  Black and gold is, and always will be, effortlessly chic.  See for yourselves. 

(Shashi, $62) 

(Gemma Redux, $297)

 (H&M, $14)

 (La Raffinerie, $65)

(La Raffinerie, $65 *as seen in previous post)

My Very Own Black & Gold

(La Mer Watch, $110, Melinda Maria Ring, $42, and My Grandmother's Necklace, Priceless)

Fall Means Fur

If there is one thing in fashion that I will not EVER stand for, it's fakes. Please do not ever purchase one! Fake bags, fake sunglasses, etc. etc. Honestly, am I the only one who reads those advertisements in Bazaar every month that explicitly warn us that the money used to purchase those horribly fake bags goes straight to terrorists! I mean come on...(please note that there is a hint on sarcasm going on here).  But like any person, I have to break my own rule every once and a while, and here you have: The Faux Fur Vest.  The first time it's been good to fake it ;)

The Bargain

(Vest by "Almost Famous", can be found on www.tillys.com ~$40)

The Fair Deal

(Vest by "BB Dakota", can be found on www.urbanoutfitters.com ~$100)

 The One We All Want But Need A Raise (or Sugar Daddy...) To Buy

(Vest by "Joie", can be found on www.nordstroms.com ~$475)

The Lipstick Index

When people treat themselves to little splurges like buying makeup or getting a manicure, during a bad economy, it's referred to as The Lipstick Index.  Sometimes I wonder if this term was coined because of my friends.  Day after day we complain how broke we are, how we need to save, and how we need to make a LOT more money.  Yet, week after week, we shop for clothes (now at H&M instead of Intermix), purchase new make up (now Rimmel London over Laura Mercier), and meet for drinks and "appetizers" instead of a four course meal.  But, like any female, one thing we cannot adjust is the importance of maintaining our nails.  So, instead of spending $40 on a mani/pedi (yes, it's $40 because who actually says no to the extra 10 minute 'massag-ie'), why don't you make some small tiny investments and learn how to primp and preen your own nails!  Here are some of my favorite colors for the fall!

(OPI, I Break For Manicures)

(Chanel, Particuliere) 

(Chanel, Black Pearl)

(Essie, Bobbing For Baubles)

(Essie, Merino Cool)

(Essie, Carry On)

(Essie, Lapis of Luxury)

*Very important side note, always use a clear top coat when dry.  My favorite is Essie, Good To Go.

**Very Very important side note, WHO comes up with nail polish names and HOW do I get that job??