3 winter wardrobe lessons

Every winter without fail, I get kicked in the butt because I'm irresponsible with my apparel choices. Here are a few regretful non-purchases that I'm hoping to remedy next winter season... 'cause winter is almost ending in New York, right? Right?? 

Fuzzy ear muffs. I'm not a fan of hats (mostly because I don't think I look good in them), but my ears end up freezing even with my hood up. Should've invested in these furry ear muffs from Ralph Lauren -- they multi-task as headphones!

iPhone friendly gloves. Why am I still wearing leather gloves that a) don't actually keep my hands warm and b) I have to remove every time I use the phone (which is a lot). Silly me. 

Shoes with Rubber grips. Somehow, I am still buying boots that don't have any grips on the outer soles. I have slipped way too many times on flat riding boots -- time to start looking at the bottoms before purchase.

PS: While I learned these three lessons this year, I can boast about two winter wins: loading up on Gap circle scarves (or "snoods" as some call them) and buying my first pair of snow/duck boots.

(Products: iPhone-friendly Heather Fleece Gloves, $11.20; Merrell Wedgeterian Lyla Boots, $179.99; Lauren Ralph Lauren Headphone Ear Muffs, $68)

helen loves: edition #7

Just ordered this polka-dotted denim shirt, because (as you know) I have an unhealthy obsession with polka dots; how cool is this cupcake-cotton candy combination? (via Real Simple); I would have no problem wearing these Ampersand studs everyday (via Catbird on BaubleBar); yes, Paris IS always a good idea; a hot pink typewriter would be a great incentive to mail letters instead of email; stop it... Polka-dot kitty nails; I haven't played a game of Bananagrams in 4 months -- someone play with me!; quirky Frida Kahlo print iphone case (via Judy Kaufmann Etsy Shop); yowza, Jill Sanders Double Monk Wedges. Too perfect.

PS: Other things Helen Loves (Editions #1 to 6)

obsession: polka dots

As always, I'm totally enamored with polka dots. I have one too many dotted blouses and have hopes of collecting some dotty shoes & even an umbrella, if I can find one! (Don't worry, I promise I won't wear them all at the same time.)

I've even been noticing polka dots in food. How wonderful does this frozen juice + fruit look? Or how about that cake below? Or this spiked blueberry lemonade drink? Blueberries jazz everything up so nicely. (Made something that looks average at best? Just throw blueberries at it.)

Dots make me happy... unless they're on my face... in which case, go away!

(Fashion photos via 1, 2, 3, 4; Food photos via 1, 2)

shoes, shoes, and maybe some more shoes

Yes, yes, and more yes!!! I discovered Sole Society a few weeks ago and I honestly think I'm addicted. Other people have fantasy football leagues, I have fantasy shoe closets. But seriously: free shipping both ways and a set price of $49.99 for every shoe in stock! So far, I own Sabina and the Tamara (in natural gold). Here are my favorites on their site...

Versatile Pumps: Blake and Raffie

Casual wedges: Tara and Angel

Dressy wedges: Rosalie and Talia 

Cut-out heels: Talitha and my own pair, Sabina

What are your favorites? I liked mine so much I let them hang out on my work desk for a few hours...

PS: This is not a sponsored post, I just really love Sole Society :)

it's finally autumn

The weather in NYC suddenly got so chilly yesterday. I'm secretly happy that it's been wet and cold, just because I can't wait to wear my cozy sweaters and lots of layers! Perfect timing, since I just pounced on these fun wedged (yes, wedge!) Hunter rain boots from yesterday's Gilt Groupe sale. (Can't wait to see them in the mail, eeks!) Hope you have a cozy weekend and make sure to stay warm xoxo.

am I crazy?

My newest purchase -- am I crazy? I have never been an experimental dresser or especially fond of mesh. Then I tried on these Isabel Toledo for Payless "Vespadrille" wedges... and felt like a cooler, more avant-garde version of myself. Like a chick who wears miniskirts while riding motorcycles and knows how to use firearms. An amalgamation of Garance Dore and Lara Croft. HOW could I resist?! Sign me up for Tomb Raider Part III.

style star: kendi!

Ummm, cannot get enough of Kendi, one of my favorite style bloggers at the moment. Her sense of humor never fails to crack me up, and I love how her outfits are pulled together by high and low pieces, from Target to trendier sites like ModCloth.

I think our generation pays much more attention to brand names instead of actual product and design quality, which is really discouraging! I love that Kendi's style transcends those label boundaries we place on ourselves. As a testament to that, I just ordered those amazing black sandals she's wearing from Target. Kendi, you're such a style star!

(photos from Kendi Everyday)

be still my heart

Be still my heart. Seriously crushing on these orange-red Loeffler Randall wedges. (I've got a thing for wedges - they're my weakness!)

(Via Joanna)

speaking of kids...

My 13-year-old sister just texted me, ecstatic about her new shoe purchase. Get this -- patent converses for $19.99! Such a bargain! Although I rarely wear sneakers, I was tempted to snap up a pair myself... They're pretty stylish, don't you think? (Too cool for me though ;) )

stomp into fall

Tried on fall weather shoes at Zara. Internally squealed at the chunky, sturdiness of them all. One more week until Autumn - can't wait!

oh crap!

I was definitely not planning on stumbling into these Sam Edelman studded suede boots on Gilt Groupe tonight. But let's be real: HOW could anyone NOT fall in love with these God's gift to shoe-lovers?!? (Look at the studs! They. are. shaped. like. stars! Like ****'s!!!) Obviously, leaping for the wallet and maniacal laughter ensued. I will be stalking the mailbox starting August 17th. Truth.

PS: Need a GG invite? Here you go.

eccentric soles for the eccentric soul

It's June! It's June! One of my favorite months, filled with birthdays, picnics, and lots of color. These shoes would be lovely to wear this month, dontcha think? Ah, Anthropologie... whetting my desire to design and purchase shoes since 1992.

(from here, here, and here)

sweet heavens

And it was love at first sight....

(Rachel Comey rogue wedges via Steven Alan)

clogs: do or don't?

Clogs are in for 2010, or so says a plethera of fashion magazines. Personally, I've never been a fan and am not one to follow trends too much, but these Swedish Hasbeens T-Strap clogs are suddenly looking adorable. They'd look great with cropped pants to show off those delicate ankles. I think I'm smitten.

What do you say, T-strap clogs, a do or don't?

blue seduction

Yep, I'm seduced. These Bettye Muller pretties are just perfect for the transition into summer vacation time. They're in my size, but a little (okay - a lot) out of my budget. Darn. And I'm tickled that they're made in Spain. How I want to go back!

rain, schmain!

It's been rainy all weekend in NYC, and I dislike it! But I guess we're just beginning to gear up for more showers in April. The only bright side to this rainy weather (no pun intended) are these fantastic DKNY Active Rain Boots. I've never owned rain boots (truly!) because it's so tough to find a pair that doesn't scream I'm-a-RAIN-boot-look-at-my-POLKA-DOTS-and-STRIPES! But I guess DKNY has shown me that rain boots can be chic, would you look at that.

PS: More DKNY posts...

OMG SHOES!

Get this: I'm in my living room doing some homework when two of my roommate's friends walk in wearing two of the most amazing pairs of shoes! I play nonchalant for a minute, but CANNOT resist any longer -- I must get pictures of those shoes! So I plead... and they're flattered... and I snap away happily like paparazzi. Everyone smiles. The end.

PS: They're Nine West and Michael Kors. I don't know what I would've done if these lovely ladies refused. Probably go all Kelly on them.

PPS: I gallivanted through Europe in a similar pair of black boots, but after the 12th city, had to let them go due to extreme wear & tear. I miss them.

the thrifting game

Some people gamble, others skydive or bungee jump, but I get my thrills from thrift shopping. Passionately and often. Because thrifting is undeniably thrilling.

It's a sport, a hunt, in which you must find the best bargain before your equally stylish, sharp-eyed competitor. And it's a game that requires superb judgment, immense physical stamina, and true understanding of oneself. Like any skill, constant practice makes perfect. Soon enough, you may just find yourself in the big leagues, fighting over 1 euro scarves and tunics in the Paris vintage markets like the thrift princess you are. (PS: All the cool girls, AKA moi, go here.)

Like in every other game, thrifting has its rules: buy it if you love it and drop it if it stinks. Which means, keep what you absolutely cannot live without, and move away from the ratty, pit-stained, moth-ridden rag! (Even if it's Gucci! Just don't do it!)

As your skills accumulate (o.2 seconds to discern crap from pure gold) and prizes amass (YSL wool skirt? Betsy Johnson silk vest? Check. Check.), sit back and bask in the glow of your very eccentric closet. And then go ahead and blog about it. (I would love to hear!) Tell all your friends. Because the best part about the thrifting game is showing off your loot!

*Some new thrifted goodies in my closet, from me to you. That's my third pair of cowboy boots -- I'm addicted!

sense & sensibility

I like these. I had the link bookmarked for a week. The rubber heel is so sensible for rough winter weather (no slipping--hopefully!), but the oxford style + suede give these booties a nonchalant, you-looking-at-me? kind of sexiness. Meow.

PS: I cannot wait to move back to NYC next Saturday and shop! (I mean the experience, not the actual buying - too broke!)

fryes on fire, pt. 2

Not that I can afford any big purchase right now (traveling has drained my savings, poop!) -- but aren't these vintage-inspired, studded Frye oxfords just un-freaking-believable??? I have always loved Fryes and own a pair of Engineers myself, but this is another level of holiness to obsess over. (I can't help it! Without quality leather, high-heeled boots on my footsies, I feel impotent, to quote Cher from Clueless. It's that serious!)