Save or Splurge: Wine Leather Skirt

Save or Splurge: Wine Leather Skirt by theclosetbychristie 

Burgundy, or wine, is the big color of the season and I love it! I have had my eye on the Banana Republic burgundy leather fit-and-flare skirt. It's such a beautiful piece. I love the edge of a leather skirt combined with the femininity of the silhouette. The only problem is-- it's over $200! Eek, that's way out of my budget!

Then, I came across a very similar skirt at Kohl's-- the LC Lauren Conrad faux-leather circle skirt in 'winetasting.' And what a difference in price. This skirt was only $30 and it's now in my closet! I have yet to wear it, but I can't wait to show you how I style it.

Friday Favorites: Top 5 Things I Love About Autumn

 

1- Autumn Scents & Flavors: Nothing says 'Autumn' like the scents of baked apple, cinnamon stick, salted caramel, and pumpkin spice. It's time to sip your Sam Adams seasonal beer while enjoying the aroma of your favorite harvest-scented candle! Lately, I have been obsessing over Glory Boon's all natural lip balm. It's my blogger friend Alexandra's amazing, growing business. I have the strawberry cheesecake flavor and I was excited to see that they now have a pumpkin cheesecake one! It's 100% cruelty free, it keeps my lips silky smooth all day, and they have some really unique flavors.

2- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Every year, along with the rest of the world, I look forward to Starbucks' pumpkin spice latte. I'm a long-time coffee lover and it's fun to switch up the flavors every now and then. This week, I've been enjoying Coffee Mate's pumpkin spice coffee creamer.

3- Trendy Outerwear: We are transitioning into sweater weather and it's just brisk enough to wear your favorite trench! Let's face it- Fall coats are so much more stylish than bulky Winter coats! It's that perfect in-between where you can throw on that cute plaid blazer or edgy leather jacket... even if you're not cold.

4- Colorful Leaves: Nature is so beautiful during the Autumn season! The trees show off their finest leaves in reds, oranges, and browns. And pretty mums are set out on every doorstep! It's wonderful to be able to look around and see beauty everywhere.

5- Boots: Who doesn't love boots? It sounds so simple but there really is such a variety of boots out there to suit anyone's style. There's cute ankle booties and comfy sheepskin boots for the day. Sexy stiletto boots and edgy thigh-high leather boots for the night out. Just to name a few!

What's your top favorite things about Autumn?

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1. Follow Me, Your Host!

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2. Grab a Button- 
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3. Link-Up!

Friday Favorites is all about sharing and promoting your favorite things! Whether it's an outfit post, a round-up of new obsessions, or a new DIY project- I want to hear about it. Every Friday I'll post my current favorites and you can link-up to share yours!

4. Socialize!

Check out some of the other fabulous bloggers linking-up with us and let them know you found them here!

An InLinkz Link-up

5 Tell-Tale Signs You Still Miss Gossip Girl

created by  theclosetbychristie on polyvore

Hi, Everyone- can you believe it's only Tuesday? I decided to do something a little different today to give you all a little boost if you're dragging your heels through the week. The TV series 'Gossip Girl' was such a pop-culture phenomenon. I know I mustn't be the only one missing it, still!

Here's my 5 Tell-Tale Signs You Still Miss Gossip Girl list!

1- When you sign cards or end tweets with 'xoxo,' you are tempted to write 'Gossip Girl' after it.

2- When you meet someone by the name of 'Blair,' you immediately think of Queen B. (my fav character!)

3- You have yet to find another TV series that inspires your daily fashion as much!

4- You still wonder 'whatever happened to that Jenny Humphrey?'

5- You still haven't found another show that makes you gasp out loud... over and over.

From Office to Weekend Style

Because 5 out of the 7 days in the week are typically spent at work, my personal closet is very office-heavy. That means I'm always saying 'I have nothing to wear!' on the weekends. I'm sure a lot of you can relate to that! I have a closet full of pencil skirts, oxford tops, blazers, etc. So, today I'm daring to answer the age-old question; how can I transition my work pieces to the weekend?

It's easier said than done! After 3 years of working professionally, I don't have all of the answers... but I've compiled this list of simple tips and tricks that I've learned along the way!

THE OFFICE LOOK:  Altuzarra for Target Crane Embroidered Sweater  (similar)
Chaps No-Iron Gingham Oxford Top //  Simply Vera Wang Mixed Media Pencil Skirt (similar)
LC Lauren Conrad Two-Buckle Ankle Boots

Choosing a Transition Piece: This is the hardest part! What pieces can be transitioned? Well it's really all in the way you style it, but easy transitions include: blazers, embellished sweaters, ballet flats, midi skirts, cardigans, and unstructured dresses.

The Embellished Sweater: Since we're about to enter sweater weather, I chose the embellished sweater for this example.

        - What makes this transition-able? The embellishments dress-up the sweater and immediately make it less casual. It also has a great layering quality.

 

How To Style It: Pairing this piece with classic office silhouettes is key! I chose to layer it with a non-iron gingham oxford top and a simple black pencil skirt.

THE WEEKEND LOOK:   Altuzarra for Target Crane Embroidered Sweater  (similar)
LC Lauren Conrad Jeggings // Express Oversize Envelope Clutch
Movado Bold Watch (c/o Movado and Lucky Magazine) // Express Leopard Dome Ring
 

Denim, Denim, Denim: That's right! You can never go wrong with denim. This fabric can dress down just about anything. If you're going out for Fro-yo, go with a light to medium denim. For a night out on the town, try a darker denim or a pair of black skinny's

 

The Accessories: Bolder accessories are great for a weekend look. Whether it be chunky jewelry, edgy faux-leather, or leopard print- have fun with it!  For this look, I chose my funky bright red flats, oversize black envelope clutch, and leopard dome ring.

Friday Favorites Link-Up

 Do you have your eye on a certain trend? Or is it something you own and can't get enough of? Here are my top 5 favorites of the moment!

1- Movado Bold Watch: Last week, I was introduced to this fabulous Movado Bold watch and it quickly became my new favorite thing! The style is classic and it's hands down my best and most functional accessory. Sure it tells the time, but it also has the date and day of the week!

2- Apple iPhone 6: The new iPhone 6 officially hit stores today and I want it! My plan is up and my old iPhone is starting to become slower, so it's time for an upgrade. I'm lusting over the gold one! So elegant!

3- Pave Leopard Ring: As soon as I saw this ring, I had to have it! And well, now that I have it- had to have it has turned into a clear obsession. It's a stunning, bold statement and it is now part of my everyday look! Pave Leopard Dome Ring from Express.

4- Felt Wide-Brim Fedora: I love hats! And now that it's Fall, it's time to rock my favorite ones. I just picked up this felt wide-brim fedora from Express and it is so stylish! I fell in love the moment I tried it on.

5- Maybelline Baby Lips: I bought Maybelline Baby Lips balm at Target a while ago, but I just started using it recently. I got the 'Peach Kisses' color, which is a shiny nude. It makes my lips super smooth and the nude color is perfect for an everyday look. It gives my lips that extra something without being too much!

Do you have something you're lusting over? I want to know your favorites!

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1. Follow Me, Your Host!

Bloglovin'

Instagram

Twitter

2. Grab a Button- 
or link back to The Closet by Christie to help promote this fabulous link-up

3. Link-Up!

Friday Favorites is all about sharing and promoting your favorite things! Whether it's an outfit post, a round-up of new obsessions, or a new DIY project- I want to hear about it. Every Friday I'll post my current favorites and you can link-up to share yours!

4. Socialize!

Check out some of the other fabulous bloggers linking-up with us and let them know you found them here!

An InLinkz Link-up

Lucky Magazine + Movado Bold #NYFW Event

Last week, during the much anticipated New York Fashion Week, I was fortunate enough to attend the Lucky Magazine and Movado Event at Bar Nana featuring the Movado Bold Collection. The event, of course, was nothing short of fabulous. With stunning watches, custom sizing, manicure stations, bracelet bar, and even a candy display- Lucky and Movado really outdid themselves this year!

The Look: 'The Original Long Sleeve Essential Shirt,' Express // High Waist Full Midi Skirt, Express

Merona Natasha Mid Heel Pump, Target

What I Wore. For the big event, I wore a bold, bright 'engine red' midi skirt from Express. It's officially my favorite new piece! It's stylish, eye-catching, and even has pockets! I kept it simple and chic by pairing this fabulous piece with a classic black button down top, also from Express, and black pointed toe heels from Target. I was a little worried the shoes would be uncomfortable because of the slim heel, but they were actually great!

The Details: Bar Accent Envelope Clutch, Express // Rockstar Bracelet in Onyx & Pyrite (c/o Kluster)

Gold Curb Chain Status Link Necklace, Express (similar) // Pave Leopard Dome Ring, Express

How I Accessorized. 'The beauty is in the details.' I accessorized with a chic black oversize envelope clutch from Express. This bag is amazing! It can be easily dressed up or down and it has a ton of room inside for anything and everything you need. For jewelry, I went with a chunky gold pave chain necklace, large pave leopard ring, and a two-tone metallic/matte bracelet. Each of these pieces are so versatile and can be worn almost daily, paired with just about anything. The leopard ring has become an obsession!

At the event, I got to choose a gorgeous Movado Bold watch. They even had a custom sizing station! Michael, with the Movado team, was hard at work all night. Shown above is a photo of him sizing my new beauty! Isn't that leopard hammer amazing? Who knew tools could be fashionable, too!

The Watch: Movado Bold Luxe chronograph in yellow gold (c/o Movado)

The Main Attraction. It's classic! It's stunning! It's BOLD! I am completely obsessed with my new Movado Bold watch. I didn't already have a nice, classic watch and now that I do, I'm wondering how I lived without one. This beauty not only tells me the time, but it also shows the day of the week and date. Don't get trapped in the 'I have the time on my phone' mindset. This is a must-have, everyday accessory and it's so much more than a time-teller.

THANK YOU, Lucky Magazine and Movado, 

for an amazingly fabulous night!

Friday Favorites Link-Up

Are you currently lusting over something? With NYC Fashion Week in full spring, I've got my eye on many things right now. Here's my top 5 obsessions of the moment!

1- Puffer Jackets: I've never been into puffy winter coats, but these slimmer fitting 'puffer jackets' have been on the scene for the past few Winters- and I'm finally getting on board! You can find these almost everywhere; Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap, and Express have a nice selection. But I'm in love with this cream, or 'natural' as they call it, J.Crew Quilted Puffer Jacket. This style jacket can tend to look casual but the quilting and cream coloring with gold accents make it look a little more luxe.

2- Lucy Hale, Road Between album: I love such a wide array of music. I'm typically a pop, rock, alternative kind-of-gal, but lately I've been dabbling in pop country. Lucy Hale recently dropped her first album, Road Between, and saying I'm obsessed is an understatement. She is insanely talented and her album is fabulous. It has a nice mix of catchy, meaningful, and life-lesson tunes. My favorite songs: That's What I Call Crazy, Lie a Little Better, Kiss Me, and Nervous Girls. Road Between, Lucy Hale.

3- Bowler Hats: Often seen in the media and on celebs, I consider the bowler hat to be the ultimate 'cool girl' hat. It became Demi Lovato's signature look and recently, Taylor Swift has even been rocking one. It has an alternative look to it that I'm loving! Would I wear it? I'm still deciding if I can pull it off! Here's an affordable one- Amanda Ribbon Band Bowler Hat from Boohoo.

4- Red Band Society: I'm a big TV-buff and I always look forward to checking out the new Fall premieres to see if I can discover a new show to add to my DVR line-up. This year, I noticed the big networks have uploaded the new premiere pilot episodes to their websites for early viewing. I watched Red Band Society and I'm hooked! Starring Octavia Spencer alongside many new talents, Red Band Society is a unique coming-of-age show about a group of young teens that are living in a hospital for a variety of reasons- cancer, eating disorders, and heart conditions. It looks like they took down the online pilot, but be sure to check out the TV premiere on Wednesday, September 17th- Red Band Society on Fox.

5- Burgundy Loafers: Burgundy appears to be one of the hottest shades of the season. It's everywhere and I'm loving it! I just got these amazing Merona Burgundy Tuxedo Loafers from Target. At first I tried to dissuade myself from this impulse-buy, saying 'what would I wear it with.' Good thing I went with my gut on this one because I've literally been rocking these daily! What do they 'go' with? Try everything!

What are your current obsessions? Link-up below!
 

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1. Follow Me, Your Host!

Bloglovin'

Instagram

Twitter

2. Grab a Button- 
or link back to The Closet by Christie to help promote this fabulous link-up

3. Link-Up!

Friday Favorites is all about sharing and promoting your favorite things! Whether it's an outfit post, a round-up of new obsessions, or a new DIY project- I want to hear about it. Every Friday I'll post my current favorites and you can link-up to share yours!

4. Socialize!

Check out some of the other fabulous bloggers linking-up with us and let them know you found them here!

An InLinkz Link-up

Back to Work 101: Leopard

Topshop Leopard Print Pelmet Skirt // White House Black Market Removable Collar Shift Dress

White House Black Market Leopard Print Swing Jacket // Express Calf-Hair Trimmed Crossbody

Express Leopard Print and Metal Bar Tote

As the Fall season is sneaking up on us and back-to-school is in full swing, we are revamping our closets! That's right, the summer is over so it's Back-to-Work. It's time to put away those swim suits and bring out the Fall trends! 

I am crazy about leopard print- and it seems I'm not the only one! Whether it's an accent or the full piece, this sassy print is in! Did it ever leave? It seems like leopard print is becoming a new closet staple. And who's complaining? It's the perfect transition piece from day to night!

Countdown to Altuzarra for Target!

Altuzarra for Target by theclosetbychristie on Polyvore
 

In just 6 days, Target is premiering their latest collaboration; Altuzarra for Target! Get ready for velvet, faux-fur, sheers, phython, burgundy, and more! 

The much-anticipated collab contains such a variety of styles and silhouettes. No matter what your taste, there should be something for you. I'm particularly excited because Altuzarra and Target created many office-friendly pieces. Pencil skirts, oxford shirts, pullovers, flounce skirts, blazers, bow blouses- there's so much to choose from! Can't wait!

Preview the collection-- Altuzarra for Target! #altuzarrafortarget

 

Friday Favorites Link-Up

What are you currently lusting over? I've always got my eye on something. Well, usually a few somethings. Here's my top 5 loves of the moment!

1- Link Necklaces: There's something so chic, yet bold about these link necklaces! It's luxe, dramatic, and so very stylish. Pair it with a simple tee to glam it up, or with a bold top to double the statement. Right now, I'm crushing on the Ivy League Link Necklace from Banana Republic.

2- White Moto Vests: I recently got one of these from Kohl's and it was instant love! This piece can be paired with just about anything to add a little pop. I love these fab vests in white because it's a little less edgy than a black moto vest, yet it still has a feminine rock appeal. This one is stellar, yet won't break the bank- Sanctuary City Vegan Vest.

3- "Get the Guy," by Matthew Hussey: After hearing this popular love guru being interviewed on the Elvis Duran Morning Show, I needed more! He had me totally mesmerized. This man has something every woman could use- honest and realistic relationship advice. I swear, there's something to this guy! I literally just picked up this book- 'Get the Guy' by Matthew Hussey.

4- Detangler Brushes: Recently I was in Walgreen's looking for a new brush when I came upon this amazing thing- a detangler brush. It has a cool design to it and it's said to remove the tangles without pulling out your hair. Sounds amazing, huh? Well, it is! Don't ask me how it works, but it does. This is great to use in and out of the shower to maintain thick, full locks. Here's the one I have- Goody Tanglefix detangler brush.

5- Chelsea Boots: These boots seem to be everywhere right now. It's the shoe of the Fall season! A classic chelsea boot is a black ankle-cut boot that has a slightly lifted sole. But right now, I have my eye on the heel-styled chelsea. This is a must-lust item- Newlook Block Heel Chelsea Boot.

Tell me about your favorites-of-the-moment!

 

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1. Follow Me, Your Host!

Bloglovin' 

Instagram

Twitter

2. Grab a Button- 
or link back to The Closet by Christie to help promote this fabulous link-up

3. Link-Up!

Friday Favorites is all about sharing and promoting your favorite things! Whether it's an outfit post, a round-up of new obsessions, or a new DIY project- I want to hear about it. Every Friday I'll post my current favorites and you can link-up to share yours!

4. Socialize!

Check out some of the other fabulous bloggers linking-up with us and let them know you found them here!

An InLinkz Link-up

Back to Work 101: Leather Detail

Banana Republic: Faux-Leather Trim Shift Dress // Faux-Leather Trim Black Dress
Faux-Leather Trim Striped Top // Woven Faux-Leather Bangle // Luxe Leather Link Necklace

So, you're going Back-to-Work this Fall and don't know where to start on the trend list? If you're looking to make a bold statement or rock that sleek high-class look, then leather is your new BFF. Leather detail is all over the racks right now and it's hotter than ever.

We saw the leather trim, sleeves, and pockets last year- so be sure to pull those old pieces out of the attic- but now we're even seeing leather jewelry! There are no limits this season!

Back to Work 101: Pullovers

Banana Republic: Lightweight Vee Pullover (shown in cream and gray sky) //  High/Low Pullover

 

Ready to go Back-to-Work? You may not have been off for the Summer, but that doesn't mean you don't need a closet refresh. It's just about Fall and we're ready to embrace all of the new trends.

I've always been a prepster at heart, so it's no surprise that I am obsessing over pullovers this season. Whether you style it as a loose-fitting sweater or layer it with a classic oxford top, it's a truly stylish look in or out of the office. I can't wait to style mine!