Either/Or

Andy and I were just having bit of a debate and I thought I would hop on with a last minute post to open the floor and give you all a chance to weigh in.

I was remarking on how sexy this Eberjey Sleep Shirt is and Andy disagreed.

I find this happens a lot, there are many things I (and most girls I know) think of as being sexy that most guys feel are the exact opposite. This funny conundrum comes up every year around this time (when Victoria’s Secret starts crop-dusting the media with images of foxy ladies in next to nothing) and leaves me wondering where to draw the line in the sand on the idea of sexy.

I believe whole-heartedly that sexiness is so much more a state of mind than it is a state of body (or garter belts). To be honest, I actually think both of these looks are pretty smokin’ hot. Personally though, I know I would feel so much sexier in the Eberjey Shirt on the right than I would in the Victoria’s Secret Garter Slip on the left.

In the end I guess it really isn’t about girls or guys, it’s about you. So tell me, which side of the line do you fall on? What is your favorite way to feel sexy?

Either/Or

I think that this Spring we are going to see denim dressing move to a whole new level: denim dressing up.

(And I don’t mean no Canadian tuxedo either.)

Last year you know I went wild for denim on denim. I still sport the look on a fairly regular basis in a constant quest to wear it as well as Jenna Lyons does .

It seems only natural that the next level of the full denim look will be the full on denim dress.

Here are two dresses that take the term “designer denim” to heart.

On the left, Lanvin’s Ruffle Denim Dress has all of the frill and flintiness of Elbaz’s other creations while on the right, Prada’s Denim Sleeveless Long Dress is signature Miuccia with perfect tailoring, killer details and an unexpected element. (Click over and check it out from the back!)

Tell me, are you feeling the denim dress trend or does it give you the blues?

Which way would you rather wear it. Frilly and fabulous in Lanvin or cool and chic in Prada?

Either/Or

The chilly weather upstate yesterday got me thinking about cold weather accessories. I need to update my collection of warm winter gear. I am looking for new scarves, hats and something to keep my hands warm.

Every year I go back and forth on my options.

Mittens? Gloves. No, Mittens. Gloves?

People have very strong allegiances in this category. I think of myself a mitten girl but dislike they was they render me challenged at swiping my Metrocard, getting money out of my wallet or other things that I do frequently throughout the day.

I wondered what all of you prefer, team mittens? Or team glove?

For those of you knitters, the images on the left are vintage patterns you can download for free right here.

If vintage isn’t your thing, here is a contemporary take on the vintage options.

Gloves: Miu Miu Studded Leather Gloves (via Net-a-Porter)/Mittens: Coach Rabbit Mitten

Either/Or

Borrowed from the boys fashion is definitely here to stay.

And I’m quite happy with that.

My style tends to be more casual than dressed up so I love any look that favors pairing baggy jeans with my heels or flat shoes with dresses.

Flat, menswear-inspired shoes are my favorite part of the tomboy trend. You only need one pair to wear with everything like a true gent.

I love a snappy pair of black penny loafers but I also want a pair of brown lace-up oxfords to complete my boyfriend look.

So friends, either/or, which boyish footwear strikes your fancy more: loafers or oxfords?

*Oxfords clipped from The Sartorialist. Loafers (on Alexa of course) from here.

Either/Or

Today felt like Fall in NYC well, almost.

My bare legs were actually chilly walking to the subway after work and with fashion already on the brain, it really got me thinking about the trends ahead for Fall.

I had a laugh thinking about how Spring’s itty bitty hot pants look has given way to it’s polar opposite–and one of Fall’s biggest trends–the super long maxi skirt.

Ironically, both looks are insanely hard to wear if you stand any shorter that 6′ tall. Hmm.

I wondered what the rest of you think of these two trends. Would you be more inclined toward showing a little (ok, a lot) of leg or letting it all hang down to the floor?

Me, I don’t usually strut around pantsless but if I had to choose, I’ll admit there is something slightly more appealing about keeping it short and sweet rather than leaving everything to the imagination. I mean flaunt’em while you still got’em, right?

I guess what I really want to know is this: Either or Neither?

Hot Pants from Derek Lam S/S 10; Maxi Skirt from Richard Chai F/W 10. All images courtesy of Style.com

Either/Or

Lately I have been finding myself in a bit of a jewelry drought.

Most of my usual pieces are all feeling a little too sweet and charming and I am longing for something a little more earthy and rough-hewn. A statement piece that doesn’t need company to shine.

I want jewelry that looks more like the materials it was forged from, something that feels more organic and personal and less factory-produced.

Something like one of these two rings.

Jamie Joseph (on top) is a longtime favorite designer of mine. I’ve wanted one of her large stone cocktail rings for years now. They are all amazing but this mother of pearl ring with diamonds (from The Claypot in Brooklyn) is a particular favorite.

Dara Ettinger also makes beautiful jewelry with an organic feel. The Bridget Ring (sold at Urban Outfitters) is a real stunner and a considerable steal compared to the Jamie Joseph.

So folks, Either/Or: I know my pick* but which is your favorite? Splurge on Jamie Joseph or save with the Dara Ettinger?

*(Personally I think I am going to hold out for a Jamie Joseph. When you’ve loved something for this long, it can be worth waiting (and saving) for.)

Either/Or

Now that we’re into July, I’ve started thinking about Fall transition shopping.

I want to buy pieces that I can wear now and keep wearing into September and October when temperatures start to cool off  (hallelujah!) and the Fall starts to settle in again.

One piece I am most coveting right now is the safari dress. I think it looks so cool and effortless without trying to be. I keep seeing good options everywhere and am having a hard time narrowing down which one I want.

Here are two picks, the silk army green is from my tried and true favorite J.Crew while the trendier khaki military-inspired is from UK line ASOS.

Which is your favorite? J.Crew silk fatigue (on sale now ps) or the one with all the bells and whistles (from Whistles via ASOS).

Either/Or

All I want to carry in the summer is a trusty tote bag.

Lately I’ve been tossing my leather handbags aside and combing through our stash of grocery store totes for the cleanest and coolest one to sling on my shoulder.

Perhaps it is best though to leave the grocery bags for toting groceries and to invest in a real summer tote.

I have always loved the Longchamp Pilage bag. I know it is one of the most ubiquitous bags around but I think that’s actually why I like it. We you go to Paris, all of the hip Parisian women are carrying these around from the hipster teens, to the sophisticated women and, well you know the rule: if it is good enough for a French woman…

But then I saw this bag from Want les Essentials de la Vie at Opening Ceremony. It has the same fabric and leather mix as the Longchamp and to cool sporty feature of being yellow in the front and navy at the back.

I like them both, I can’t decide.

What is your pick for the tote with the most?

The classique très chic Longchamp?

Or too cool for school OC bag?

Either/Or

Ok summer, after a sun-soaked New York weekend it has to be true, you are officially here.

And with you summer comes the need for easy, breezy footwear. The kind that is equally at home on sandy beaches and city streets. Shoes without zippers, buckles or laces that can be slipped on in a heartbeat for an impromptu boat ride or dinner al fresco.

Each summer sees a new favorite shoe in this category. Flip flops, TOMs, Crocs and others have definitely had their day.

But this summer is all about the espadrille.

And why not? This classy shoe has been popular for years along the European coastline and well, if it’s from Europe, then it’s probably fashionable. Right?

Here are two of my favorite styles. On top is the strawberry/vanilla color-blocked combo from Argentine brand Mymu. Just one of the spectacular color-combos they offer.

On the bottom is this striped pair from Spanish company Soludos. I love the bold stripe and the contrasting print lining the shoe.

As usual, I can’t decide. I am usually a sucker for stripes but when color-blocking comes into play it is anyone’s game.

What’s your favorite? Pink and white or jailbird stripe?

Either/Or (x2)

I’ve was really excited when I noticed the return of the rucksack onto the fashion radar.

Let’s face it. We ladies have a lot to tote around these days weather it is a trip to the beach or the library or a picnic in the park, we need sturdy,substantial bags that look cool and hold all of our shit stuff.

Just in time for summer, there is a barnd new crop of rucksack styles to choose from.

I’ve compiled some of my favorites into a 2-way Either/Or because they’re all so good I can’t pick a favorite.

Clockwise from the top left: Alexandra Cassaniti’s “Money Bag” is a cute quirky favorite. I like the tongue in cheek graphic and the super classic styling.

Cynthia Rowley’s collection for Roxy is a winner all the way around (as I may have mentioned) and her Daybreak Bag in brown and orange is no exception to the rule.

Rachel Comey it seems can do no wrong, and this backpack is the perfect accessory for the country and urban jungle alike.

Lastly, this simple rucksack from the Mariner’s Supply Company is a nautical-inspired carryall at a great price that perfect if you’re going to get a little rough and tumble this summer.

All good options but which is your favorite to sling on your shoulder this season?