rockin' collars.

Stand-out collars with a twist are a huge trend this season. I put this outfit together because I absolutely adore the sparkly collar on this top, and pairing it under an LBD creates a very fashion forward look. I also own these patterned tights from Target, and I have to say I wear them all the time. They're versatile, cozy, and a nice departure from your boring old black tights while, at the same time, subtle enough for work. Enjoy!

Top / Tights / Dress / Bag / Bracelet / Earrings / Shoes

the driving shoe.

I went to an awesome discussion on innovation in the fashion industry at American University yesterday. We got into a great conversation on how sometimes imitation can spark innovation. For example, the driving shoe was invented by Diego Della Valle who happened to be chatting with Enzo Ferrari (yes, that Ferrari) who was complaining that the soles of his shoes would wear out too quickly on the flooring of his car. So, Della Valle took your regular men's flat shoe and went out and created the driving shoe with a "Gommino" sole made of rubber pebbles that lined the bottom. It was mostly created for the 1%'ers in the 80's but is now uber popular and can be found at any price point in most department stores. Here's an outfit for work highlighting a woman's driving shoe:

Blazer / Pants / Earrings / Shoes / Watch / Ring / Top / Bag

hurricane sandy.

Hurricane Sandy proved to be a force to be reckoned with these last few days. Luckily in my area, the hurricane didn't pack as much punch as it did in areas of New York, New Jersey, and the Caribbean. My heart goes out to everyone affected by the storm, particularly my family in the Northeast and the Caribbean.

Sandy made me think about how much crazy weather is ahead of us -- rain, rough winds, snow. It isn't over yet. And the best thing we can do is prepare ourselves for it (and look cute at the same time!). I know, I'm terrible; but you know this is a fashion blog. Here's a great look for heading to work in the rain. Layering is a great option. And I absolutely love the idea of trekking in my rain boats and pulling out a super cute pair of flats after settling in at the office.

Denim Shirt / Bag / Flats /  Sweater / Pants / Rain Boots / Trench Coat / Umbrella

vampire slayer.

This outfit is so vampire-y. I love it. But I also love leather, burgundy, and mysterious floral prints. So along with my obsession for all things Buffy the Vampire Slayer (I've recently committed to re-visiting all the episodes on Netflix.), I also have an obssession for this outfit.

Have a vampire-y day!

Blazer / Shoes / Top (similar) / Pants / Purse / Necklace / Bracelet / Earrings

neiman marcus - target collaboration.

The fashion community has been buzzing about the most recent collaboration between Neiman Marcus, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, and Target, set to be released on December 1st. Prices range from $7.99 to $499.99, and will be sold both at Target and Neiman Marcus as part of their holiday collection. How Target thinks it will sell $500 dollar items is beyond me, but most items are said to be under $60.

What's really awesome is that Target and Neiman Marcus are donating $1 million to the Council of Fashion Designers of America for its 50th Anniversary. This is great news because the CFDA provides great opportunities for fashion designers just starting out in the business. Here are the designers that will be participating in the collaboration:

Alice + Olivia
Altuzarra
Band of Outsiders
Brian Atwood
eddie Borgo
Judith Leiber
Lela Rose
Marchesa
Philip Crangi
Prabal Gurung
Proenza Schouler
Rag & Bone
Robert Rodriguez
Rodarte
Skaist-Taylor
Thom Browne
Tracy Reese
Carolina Herrera
Derek Lam
Diane von Furstenberg
Jason Wu
Marc Jacobs
Oscar de la Renta
Tory Burch

Given that my two favorite designers (Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta) are both participating in this great venture, I've created two outfit posts inspired by their most recent collections. Enjoy!

Oscar de la Renta: Necklace, Top, Skirt, Shoes
Carolina Herrera: Necklace, Dress, Brooch, Shoes