the 10 pieces you should own

...according to me. If you're a regular around these parts, you know I kind of have a problem with posts like "The 10 pieces you should own by age 30" or "The 20 pieces every woman should own," etc. To me, style is subjective, and differs for everyone. Not everyone wears blazers, trench coats, or flats, for example. I cannot tell you how many people have asked you to write one of these posts, and I aim to please, so I'm doing it. But! I'm doing it my way, with pieces that I, Allie O'Connor, believe that you should own, consider owning, or plan to own.

Let's do this.

1. Leather or Jean Jacket - Screw the blazer (even though I love them), a leather or jean jacket is versatile and timeless. I've worn mine to formal events (a pashmina over a dress is a no-no in my book), date nights, with friends and to the bodega for coffee. Perfect for transitional weather and always adds extra style to any outfit. My picks: leather jacket, jean jacket.

2. Cashmere Sweater http://www.littleredswell.com/2013/09/30/style-philosophy-life-is-about-the-add-ons/- Comfort and style go hand in hand, and I cannot think of anything more chic or comfortable than cashmere. It's lightweight, luxurious, travels well, and again, is completely timeless. My picks: one (on sale!), two.

3. Classic Tee - I talked about this in one of my very first posts. Good style starts at the base, or foundation of your wardrobe. Having a great t-shirt to throw on at the last second takes the guesswork of getting dressed. One of my friends commented that I always wear white t-shirts. Duh. Yup, I do. Because it looks great, feels great, and is always stylish. Base dressing. My picks: one, two.

4. Nude pumps - Or, as I like to call them, Insta-legs. No other shoe has the power to make me feel as sexy as a nude pump, which adds the illusion of height. Christian Louboutin himself has picked up on this and added an entire range of skin colors into his line. Amen, CL! My picks: one, two, three.

5. LBD - If you like to get dressed up, and especially if you don't, a little black dress is a requirement. Another piece that saves time and if it fits right, flatters your every curve. My picks: one, two, three.

6. Fine Jewelry - Every lady should own one piece of fine jewelry for everyday. I recently splurged on a pair of thin gold hoops, but I also like the idea of a dainty ring or pendant. My picks: one, two.

7. Investment Sunglasses - Do yourself a favor and swear off cheap sunnies. Spend at least $100 on a pair that you love, and you will be astonished at how well you can treat a pair of lenses. It doesn't matter what they look like, they will go with everything if you love them. My picks for this summer: one, two.

8. Summer Shoes - Speaking of summer, throw away your flip flops. You owe it to your feet and your stylish self. Invest in a pair of Birks, a pair of espadrilles, or some white Keds. You deserve it. My picks: one, two.

9. The Ultimate White Shirt - You do need a white shirt in your arsenal, but it doesn't have to be a button down. Just like that LBD, it should be unique and flattering to you. Extra points if it's silk. My picks: one, two.

10. Jeans that fit - Stop! Buying jeans on a whim. Stop! Buying jeans because they're on sale. This is so important. I wear the same 3 pairs of jeans every damn day of my life. I buy one pair a year, and wear them to death. Find your brand (mine is Rag & Bone) by trying on a bunch of styles in store. Memorize your size and fit (and color / wash, which is likely unique to you and that's fine / great), and then you can shop online from then on. My picks: if you're tall, if you're curvy, if you're teeny.

I feel unexpectedly wonderful after writing this - any questions or comments?

xoxo,

all images via my Instagram.

get the look: the olsen twins

Are there two more exquisitely fashionable humans on the planet than Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen? If there are, I'd be hard pressed to find them. There are pictures of the duo from 2008, wearing what all of us are just realizing is an incredible look today, 7 years later. I don't know how they do what they do, BUT! I do know how to mimic it. Earlier this week, I came across this picture:

And I just said, "...damn." So simple yet so, so on point. This, right here, is a case in and of itself for investing in high quality, basic pieces. So, not OLSEN high quality - I'm sure these outfits are a few thousand each - but great, wearable pieces that elevate your wardrobe.

Here's my take on their outfits:

// Mary Kate // blazer (less expensive option here) // boots (less expensive option here)

// jeans //

// Ashley // sweater (less expensive option here) // loafers (other option) // jeans //

I know this palette is a little moody for this time of year - but take the pieces out of their respective outfits and they can be mixed and matched for any season, for all time. So what makes these outfits so special (aside from the quality)? Goodness, I'm so happy you asked! The key to these pieces are as follows:

Blazer: The fit is long, slim and therefore unexpected. It wears almost like a mini dress. Maybe it could be worn as a mini dress!

Boots: Super flat, elongated boot. Again, unexpected, but that's not the key. The key to these is the snake embossing. Can you say delicious? No need for accessories with these boots.

Loafers: Embossing FTW! Or, on second glance, maybe these are just a smooth patent leather. Either way, dropping that sheen into the otherwise matte outfit is like a big ol', sexy wink.

Sweater: It's cashmere, there's nothing else to say, really. Get you some.

Jeans: Dark grey is the new black, I think? And the fit is so key. Please, please, please buy jeans based on their fit before you buy them for any other reason.

I feel so much BETTER now that we unpacked these outfits. Let's go, Thursday!

xoxo,

image.

treat your feet

It is my firm belief that any regular outfit can be made into an extraordinary outfit with the right accessories (or, as I like to call them, success-ories). If you think about it, seasonal dressing can be more or less defined by what accessories we wear. Fall is all about boots and layers, Winter means tights, scarves and hats, and Spring and Summer are dainty layered jewelry, hairpieces and my absolute favorite: sandals.

When I think about this time of year, I always think about footwear. Suddenly my focus shifts from calculating how many layers I need to wear to deciding between Tiny Winey and Fiji.

Our feet have been cramped inside boots for way too long, and I say it's time for us to send them to the spa. Here are 9 shoes I'm coveting for Spring:

pretty pastel

// one // two // three //

cool and colorful

// one // two // three //

got you covered

// one // two // three //

The wear it three ways rule still applies here. I'm imagining all the outfits I could dream up if I owned those blue jellies. Anyone want to go shopping?

xo,

my spring wardrobe

 

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,

monday mood: college

Morning! This weekend I was lucky enough to attend the wedding of one of my closest college friends...and as I'm waking up today, it still feels like it might be 2006. I spent the weekend recalling memories with some of my favorite people; reminiscing about college, laughing about our 22 year old selves, and filling each other in on where we are now. College changed me - it's when I found my true friends, and where I cemented what I'm passionate about - and I feel so lucky that I was able to relive a bit of that this weekend. All that talk this weekend made me think about my collegiate fashion choices - of which there were many interesting...attempts, I suppose, is the right word. My Sophomore year uniform was essentially a vintage tee, a pair of Juicy Couture sweats, and my jean jacket. Inexplicably, I also wore a white hanes tank under everything. Today I think it would be fun to imagine what I'd wear if I were in college now...

I want college Allie to be a bit more sophisticated, but still keep her wistful sense of humor; this top is just right for that sort of thing. Juicy Couture is out, but comfy pants are not. Some silky joggers are just what the doctor ordered for those 3 hour acting classes and rehearsal. I would trade in her backpack for a bright bag - maybe she can carry her books like the teens in 80's movies! And what's more scholarly than a pair of loafers and a schoolboy blazer? I'm already impressed by her sartorial prowess...

I'd love to hear what you wore in college! The more embarrassing, the better. Bring it on!

xoxo,