6 striped tees under $100

July 30, 2015 by allie in get dressed

Recently I purchased a lightweight, long sleeved tee that I love. Rather than tuck it away until Fall or even early Spring, I've been wearing it regularly this summer (even today in this heat). It feels like such an American notion to equate summertime temps with near nakedness; I don't know why it took me so long to realize that long sleeved tees are not only acceptable, but at times preferable in the heat. I have next to no melanin in my skin, which means I will never, ever tan (as my sister used to tease growing up - "If you get enough freckles they'll blend together like a tan!"). I've long since accepted this fact, and aside from the vain part of me, there's the pragmatic side that knows to lather on the sunscreen before any exposure. Ten minutes outside and I can feel my forearms on fire - so longsleeves? They make sense.

Even if you're not at high risk for sunburn (you should be wearing sunblock anyway, friend! Melanoma is real), how sweet are long sleeves? Today I'm giving you 6 options under $100 that can and should be in your closet:

xoxo,

my spring wardrobe

April 14, 2015 by allie in allie's outfit, get dressed

REAL TALK! You guys know I like to keep it real on LRW, so I thought it would be fun / informative / hopefully helpful if I detailed the pieces I purchased this Spring. I didn't approach this season with a budget in mind (just the promise of a good tax return!), or even a plan as to what I would buy, but as I was making the rounds at some of my favorite stores, a few pieces stuck out to me that now have a welcome place in my closet.

1. Now more than ever I've become smitten with stripes - you all know I love a good tee, and stripes are such a fun way to feel a little fancy while dressing down. I saw this top by Iro and immediately fell in love with it's subtle grunge, as well as its long sleeves to aid in the seasonal transition. It wasn't cheap, but I justified the purchase by adhering to my wear it 3 way rule (and also the fact that I've been dying to try the brand!).

2. Chinti and Parker makes great basics, but I've never loved the way their pieces fit on me. I fell hard for this cheeky tee, and loved the semi boxy fit. Again, my first time wearing this brand.

3. LA based brand Anine Bing opened a store right around the block from my hair salon in the West Village, and I found myself poking around post color application last month. This oversized tee caught my eye and I've worn it constantly. The fit is perfection.

4. I trust Net A Porter's buyers implicitly, and while I'm not a huge fan of Madewell's line, the price tag on these denim shorts (no longer being carried by NAP) made me look twice. I was pleased with the fit as well and although I haven't worn them yet, I look forward to putting them into the rotation when the weather warms up.

5. Try as I might, I don't think I'll ever be able to part with my love of black denim. I tried on a few pairs at Anine Bing, but the short, rough hem of these, along with the high waist and slits at the knees, sold me. Again, I've already worn these nearly everyday for the past month (you can see them here and here).

And that's it for this season. I have everything I need (pants, shorts, long and shortsleeved tees), and look forward to wearing each of these pieces for years to come. Do you see the benefit in avoiding fast fashion and INVESTING? I just added SOLID contenders to my existing wardrobe, that will actually last (I'd be lying if I said I don't think about handing these down to my niece or daughter one day).

What are looking to buy for this season?

xoxo,

little red wants

March 19, 2015 by allie in get dressed

Oh friends thank you SO much for your thoughtful and helpful advice on yesterday's post!! Even though Raven and I still haven't reached a decision as to whether or not we'll have a first look, conversations are happening, which is awesome. Guys, I am cold. I am cold and all I want to do is be WARM! Today I'm serving you my spring wish list - no bathing suits on here, are you crazy?? I'm looking for 60-75 degree weather, and that's that!

// jeans // mini bag // bracelet // gold shoes // striped top // grey top // blue shoes //

This spring I'm all about classic, comfy, and subdued. I'll only layer in color where absolutely necessary (teeny tiny bag? Yes please.), and I'll stay away from ballet flats and wear the springy equivalent of boots and sneaks. I'll wear knee slits in my jeans so I can avoid wearing shorts, and every outfit will have stripes because they're the best no brainer way to add instant chic.

What are you coveting for spring??

xoxo,

style philosophy: life is about the add-ons

September 30, 2013 by allie in get dressed

I could live out the rest of my days in a uniform of nothing but a great pair of jeans and a quality tee shirt. If I had to sum up my style philosophy, it would be to start with a great base and add on from there.

My eye always goes to add ons. I love the make your own salad spots and self serve frozen yogurt shops that are seemingly ubiquitous in NYC. My bed is a veritable palace of pillows, when in reality, Raven and I only sleep with one respective pillow each. When it comes to my choices in fashion, I am no different. Whether browsing online or shopping in store, I almost always head straight for the add ons. Blazers, cardigans, shoes, scarves, belts, jewelry...you get the idea. It doesn’t matter if my shopping list is one line item only- I will inevitably drift to the add ons.

And why not? One could conceivably wear the exact same base 3 nights in a row, and with a little imagination and the right add ons, have a completely different look every time. Here, I’ll show you below...these are almost identical versions of my outfits for Thursday, Friday and Saturday last weekend (which included 2 birthdays and a fantastic day trip).

red’s tip: my absolute favorite tees are by Alexander Wang. Classic and flattering on anyone, they make for a great base. They aren’t cheap but they definitely last.