THE MULES

Gianvito Rossi mules in black & in nude

I'm going to be honest, growing up I wasn't a huge mule fan. My mom, time after time would rack up her shoe bills with mules on top of mules and on top of MORE mules. It was her go to shoe and don't get me wrong, she looked absolutely fabulous in them. Me on the other hand, not so much. 

Some how my outlook on mules suddenly changed and they're growing on me. I actually want to buy them! Granted I do have two pairs of fabulous Gucci mules when I was in high school and I still have them, but there's nothing like a fresh pointed toe mule to kick in my new craze. These mule babes are written down on the wishlist books and I think they're absolutely delightful! 

LEATHER & FAUX FUR

Chilly days calls for furry things, may it be a vest, jacket, top, or even a bag. It's one of those go-to items in your closet that makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside (on the outside too of course). One of the best things to do on cold days is to layer. Layering can transform a look instantly, especially mixing textures and colors.

I paired a few of my wwillthebest necklaces with my diamond necklace to keep going with this layering ordeal I have going on. There are pieces of jewelry that you refuse to take off regardless of whether you're in the shower, sleeping, or even working out, IT NEVER COMES OFF! And that for me would be my diamond necklace. But, sometimes there are other jewels that I want to sport without taking it off, so my only option is to layer. I love layering dainty necklaces together whether it's same length or even mixing hardware, I do em all! I don't have any particular rules or restrictions, in my opinion if you feel it, do it! Have fun with it.  

I'm wearing:

Wwillthebest necklaces

Kensie faux fur vest

Zara leather moto jacket

Zara pants (similar)

Ray-ban sunglasses

Chanel bag

DENIM ON DENIM & LEATHER

The denim bandwagon is here and it's going to stay for awhile. The fabulous denim trend have come and gone, but it's making a comeback. Denim with leather, denim with denim, and even denim with couture. It does make one fabulous concoction and the best part is that the "it can be paired with everything and anything and it's working" is absolutely WORKIN'. I've seen fabulous guys pairing a denim jacket with their suit (dress shirt under a sweater, under a denim jacket, under a suit jacket). Oh it's happening, AND WORKING! There's a quality that denim possesses that we're going crazy over. Maybe because it's versatile and you can pair it with absolutely everything. Or maybe because there's shades from the rainbow (and more) that you can choose from, mix and match with, and rock like denim is the only thing in your closet. Not only am I an advocate but I encourage it. Rock your denim which ever way you can and have fun with it! 

On a side note, this fabulous leather coat, I KNOW! It's sort of beat up (because, I've worn this since I was in middle school), sort of fabulous and kind of perfect. I love pieces that can stay in my closet and it will still stay in style or will eventually go back into style. There's no wonder I always gravitate towards those go-to staple pieces in my wardrobe. And it doesn't hurt that it's black AND leather.

I'm wearing:
7 for All Mankind jeans (similar)
Forever 21 denim button up
Zara heels (similar)
Fendi sunglasses
Gucci wallet

RACHEL ZOE PRE-FALL 2014

Rachel Zoe Pre-Fall 2014

Two of my favorite looks from Zoe's Pre-Fall 2014 collection embody the neutral palette that I so frequently gravitate towards. You have one with tweed and leather that ALREADY speaks to me, but then add a menswear inspired shoe with it? Oh my! On the other hand, there's an all white pant suit that is just ravishing. All white AND pant suit (you heard right), it entails too many of the same things that I adore. Too many, in a good way! Don't get me wrong, the rest of her collection is divine, but these two looks in particular just spoke to me. Actually more like, screamed AT me! NICOLE! NICOLE! NICOLE! 

Scroll through the rest of Zoe's collection (here). 

ALL BLACK

An all black number is always right for the chilly season, at least in my opinion it is. An all black look with little bits of color here and there, and you have yourself an easy and effortless outfit. The great thing about black is that it's easier to put things together and you're able to mix and match old with new  pieces without it being overly noticeable that you're rocking something that's perhaps a decade old or even older. Recycling old items and mixing it with new pieces is my ultimate style philosophy. Becoming versatile with old pieces and revamping your style over time with new items, and yet still appear timeless is the name of this style game.

I'm wearing:
Zara leather jacket
Fendi sunglasses
Zara top (similar)
Zara pants (similar)
Trafalgar belt (similar)
Zara heels
Chanel WOC bag

THE ROW

The Row! Those two words say PLENTY! Not only am I a tremendous fan of the Olsen twins' line but I'm a an advocate of their simplistic construction and minimalistic details. The soft classic shoulder bag and backpack are my two favorite bags from their collection. From any leather to any color, I love them all! It's classic and simple, not to mention extremely chic. To me, it's the quintessential bag to have for now and for the future. It's a definite "it" bag! Now, the question is how am I going to scoop myself one. One of each of course!

LEATHER TROUSERS

Leather, leather and more leather! There's nothing better than a edgy leather pant to tie an outfit together. I'm an advocate of everything black and leather, and this is one of my favorite pieces for fall. It's perfectly adequate and accommodating to the weather where you're still fashionable and slightly edgy. It's a perfect balance in my opinion! 

Here are some great picks to choose from, even some animal friendly pieces as well!

Hudson Jeans Ultra Skinny Leather Pants

3.1 Phillip Lim Jodphur Cropped Stretch-Leather Pants

The Row 'Notterly' legging
Maison Rabih Kayrouz leather trouser
Brunello Cucinelli leather panel trouser
Helmut Lang Lambskin Leather Leggings
Topshop Faux Leather Leggings
Vince Cropped Leather Leggings
J Brand '8001' Lambskin Leather Pants (ON SALE!!!)
Bailey 44 'Pixel' Faux Leather & Ponte Pants (ON SALE!!!)
Current/Elliott Ankle Skinny Leather Pant
BLANKNYC Faux Leather Skinny Pants
Karen Kane Faux Leather Leggings
Acne Studios Leather Pants

CROC CROC CROC

Something is happening with the croc, crocodile that is! It's the ultimate leather, chicest of the chic, the lux to your luxury. It's intriguing to see that a rough & mean looking reptile can transform into a glamours accent in fashion. A touch of it somewhere in your ensemble and you're instantly chic, like a fashion magical wand, *pooph..* and you're croc-ed out to perfection. Wouldn't that be lovely?

In all colors, textures, and sizes it's the luxurious and may I add expensive leather to desire. Many of us desire it, yet few of us can afford it. It's this unattainable creature that we so long to capture. In a fashion aspect, it's not that unicorn that we desire yet can't find, but it's the show quality pet that you see occasionally but is too expensive to own. How are we going to go about this? 

Perhaps, skinning our own crocodile and making our own leather goods, but that's far too difficult. Perhaps, I can use my three wishes from a fashion genie and have croc everything appear right in front of me, but that's far far FAR away from reality. I guess for now we can just stand back, and admire the beastly beauty and appreciate a great croc when we see one (key words, FOR NOW!). 

For the fabulous ladies and gents who can splurge, here are some great pieces: 

Giuseppe Zanotti Crocodile-embossed & mink ankle strap sandals

Nancy Gonzalez crocodile leather tote

Givenchy croc embossed iPhone case

Gucci 'Coda' Sneaker 

Lauren Ralph Lauren Croc Embossed with Equestrian Hardware

Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Croc Embossed Ballet Flats

Givenchy Nightingale Trolley Crocodile Stamped 

Lanvin Zipper Crocodile Sac Pochette

Stella McCartney 'Grace' clutch

Stella McCartney Faux Crocodile Case For iPhone 5

Stella McCartney Faux Crocodile Case For iPad 1,2 & 3

MEN AND THEIR BAGS

The intriguing topic of men and the bags that they SHOULD be carrying. 

When you hear bags, most people tend to think of women and their purses, but not men and their bags. Why is that?

It's true, men do carry bags but it's not a worldwide topic that people want to discuss. It's an element that many don't put an emphasis on. 

Maybe they're ashamed and don't want to portray themselves as too feminine? 

Maybe they're just SO into their bags that they don't want other men to know about which chic bag that they're carrying? 

It's intriguing...I KNOW! 

I understand that men have their universal wallets to carry their ID, cash, credit cards, and possibly other unmentionable possessions. I also understand that there are briefcases and backpacks that men carry to hold their things for the day. But what about the chic bags that so many designers have produced for these fabulous men to carry? Why are these guys hiding their fabulous bags? 

Men (straight, gay or both) need to carry more of their bags, it's useful and it's chic. I know some men don't care nor do they know what chic entails but it's something to think about. It adds something to that sleek suit you're wearing or it adds an extra grunge element to your already great grunge look that you got going on for that day. 

So my point is, it depends on how you want to portray yourself fellas. Don't have this preconceived notion and write it off so quickly that a bag is a feminine element of a man's outfit. You can make it whatever you want to be! Just make sure you rock it like there's no tomorrow! 

Here are some bags to test out...

Mismo Canvas Backpack
Ted Baker London Leather Satchel
Steve Mono 'Woody' Portfolio
Ghurka Leather Messenger Bag
Frye 'Logan' Messenger Bag
Tumi 'T-Tech Forge Bethlehem' Portfolio Briefcase