What To Wear : May Date Night

It's fun to get dressed up now and then for a date night with your significant other. I like to take these outings as as an opportunity to wear something a little nicer, as usually a (traditional) date night doesn't involve a crowded bar or tons of walking. In my opinion, a pair of shoes I wouldn't want to stand in all night is perfect for a dinner date, ie. where I will be sitting and/or taking a taxi as transport.

Shopping For : Spring Shoes

It has been a long road to get to spring shoes this year, filled with winter boots, thick socks and covered legs in order to keep your toes in tact. I especially look forward to warm weather since I like the footwear for those seasons so much more.

 I hate wearing tights to begin with, but by the end of the winter pulling on black tights just seems downright torturous. The same can be said for boots. April rolls around and the boots I loved all winter begin to resemble straitjackets for my feet.

But we have made it to May and the warm weather again! As I've mentioned in a few of my posts, I tend to shop both high-end and low-end for my clothing, loving some Old Navy pieces as much as I love designer items. But shoes are one of the categories I don't like to skimp on. I think faux leather looks like, well, faux leather. I'd rather spend a little more money and get some nicer shoes than cheaper ones. It's easy to pass off low-end clothing as higher-end, but with shoes you aren't fooling anybody.

The beauty of a nice pair of shoes is that it can transform your entire outfit. You could be wearing a plain white tee shirt and basic skinny jeans then slip into some amazing shoes and suddenly your outfit went from simple to stylish. While I do have a few pairs of crazier shoes, for the most part I stick to neutrals that I can get a lot of wear out of. I know that I will wear black, nude and brown shoes often, so I don't worry about investing in shoes in those colors. 

I have been adding probably too many shoes to my wardrobe this spring [insert 'speak no evil' monkey emoji here], but all have been thoughtful and deliberate. My biggest addiction has been espadrilles, I just love them soo much. They are comfortable, casual, easy to walk a lot in, come in an array of colors, fabrics and designs...I digress. But of the new spring shoes I have purchased they are all pairs I can wear to work, in my free time and with many outfits, ie. they are very versatile.

When deciding how to transition your wardrobe for a new season, I suggest picking at least one pair of shoes to purchase that is fashion-forward but neutral. By pairing these shoes with your existing wardrobe you look instantly current and on-trend, and the neutral color means you can wear it often with many items. Definitely important when dropping some decent money on shoes. 

I've round up a few of my favorite picks for this spring below. All fashion-forward and unique but neutral enough to wear all the time. Anyone have a favorite shoe this season I should know about?

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Wear Now, Wear Later : Gingham Top

I have been seeing gingham tops around and I love the look. While it can definitely swing preppy, it really matters how you wear it. Before investing in this print for the season, I took it upon myself to come up with some outfits that I could wear it a gingham blouse with. 

Since the weather is still cool out (at least in New York), for the ‘Wear Now’ look I wanted a way to wear this shirt where I wouldn’t be freezing or look totally seasonally out of place. This shirt screams summer so I also put some thought into how this would work for a hot day for the ‘Wear Later’ look. I imagine wearing this to brunch with my family this month and then breaking it out for a day in Central Park come June or July. 

Get all the piece details below and check out some of my other favorites gingham pieces for sale right now. Let me know what you think of the looks!

Key Piece  : Ahlam Ruffle Tie Top

Wear Now:

Barbour Rain Jacket / Rag & bone Capri Skinny Jeans / Madewell Octavia Sandal / Ray-Ban Clubmaster /Clare V. Clutch

Wear Later:

AG Cuffed Denim Shorts / Dolce Vita Sandals / Ray-Ban Wayfarers / Halogen Panama Hat /Tory Burch Woven Tote

What to Wear This Week : Basic Tee-Shirt Dress

We had a few days of amazing spring weather this past week in New York and I couldn't resist pulling out one of my dresses. I wore this black tee shirt dress to work with a blazer but swapped that out for my leather jacket and fun flats once I got home.

Neutral Territory

Winter is finally starting to wear down but the weather is still cold out. Online and in stores I keep seeing spring clothing and I have this insatiable urge to wear warm-weather clothing. What’s a girl to do!?

Cold-Weather Casual

In the winter, I pretty much live in sweaters. It's hard to beat that warm, cozy feeling on a cold day especially when you are out and about in the city for brunching, shopping and coffee-sipping. This outfit is something I would wear to run errands or to meet up with friends on a Saturday or Sunday.

The bright color of this sweater is such a unique shade of celery-green and really pops against the black of the coat and bag. I love the idea of bringing light-colored jeans out in the colder months, by pairing them with a wool coat and moccasins they suddenly work for winter. A large tote is an essential for me when running errands, as it works great to stash my purchases throughout the day! 

I am really into ear crawlers these days, Bauble Bar has a great selection and at super-affordable prices! They even have a 'you-pick-three deal that is hard to beat. Do you guys wear ripped jeans in the winter, or are they too summery? Let me know in the comments!

Cold Weather Casual Brunch by emilykfarina featuring a car-coat

Sweater / Coat / Jeans / Moccasins / Bag  /  Earrings /  Sunglasses

70's Kitten Fall Style

I love the look of high-waisted jeans, especially in a wide leg silhouette. Paired with a slim turtleneck and fringe back, the look is modern with with a nod to at 70's vibe. Blame it on the addition of my new kitten to my family of one, but I am loving kitty flats! This pair looks just like the Charlotte Olympia originals but at a fraction of the price (only $27!). 

Another love of my in the fall weather is a chic pair of black leather moto gloves. Ones that just come to your wrist look elegant and cool at the same time.

Retro Cat Fall Style by emilykfarina featuring tory burch sunglasses

How I’ll Style My White Jeans This Fall

I'll admit it, I love white jeans. Just because the weather is cooler now in New York it doesn't mean I have to stop wearing them, it just means what I wear them with needs to be tweaked. I prefer to stick to neutrals with my white jeans and add in different textures to bring the white into fall territory. I love the way a rich cognac leather looks with white jeans, and these booties from Madewell really help to ground the outfit. With the cooler temps, cool sunglasses and a chic coat are critical outfit elements, since your under-layers usually won't be visible when you're out and about.

There is something cozy-chic about statement earrings with a turtleneck, it reminds me of a winter dinner in a fancy ski lodge. Julia from Gal Meets Glam recently launched a jewelry collaboration with Bauble Bar including these earrings, which I love. Check out the whole collection here, and be sure to check out Julia's blog here, she's one of my favorite bloggers as of late.

How I’ll Style My White Jeans This Fall by emilykfarina featuring a camel coat

Stealthy Style : Camel Coat

Way back in the day there was a show on the Style channel called ‘The Look For Less’. The show featured a runway look that was re-created on a very limited budget. I loved, loved this show and someday I have a dream of re-lauching it with myself as the host! But until that day comes, I will continue to hone my look for less skills. After many, many years of shopping I have learned what items are best to splurge on and when you can find an amazing steal that looks way more expensive than it is. I am such a fan of the cheap thrills and wear them so frequently that I often get asked where I got an article of clothing and my response is an enthusiastic “Old Navy!” or “Forever 21!” often met with a comment like “I can never find good stuff when I go there”. To give my assistance, I am introducing the first installment of Stealthy Style, where I will feature a current look I am craving and where to snag similar items that easily fit into a limited budget. I am also including my top 5 tips for shopping at discount stores at the bottom of the post, so be sure to read through!

Let me know if there are certain looks your interested in getting for less, I’d love to hear from you!

I love the simplicity of this look, the colors are neutral yet impactful. I would wear this to work on a casual Friday and easily swap out the heels for ankle booties for brunch or a casual dinner out. The best part of this outfit is how versatile every piece is and can be worn with many items you already own. I'm a basics lover and this outfit has key basic elements you will be able to wear again and again.

shirt // Old Navy (alternative option : Madewell)

jeans // Urban Outfitters (alternative option : Old Navy // Cheap Monday)

coat // Forever 21 (alternative option : Forever 21)

shoes // Sam Edelman (alternative option : Sam Edelman - on sale!)

bag // Halogen (alternative option :  Halogenx2)

hat // Forever 21 (alternative option : Asos // Old Navy)

Airplane Travel Ready

I'll be leaving in a little than over a week for a three week trip to Europe and North Africa and have thinking a lot about what I am going to pack. When traveling on planes, especially for long stretches, I try to dress in ways that will keep me comfy, warm and still pulled together. This look not only works for the trip to wherever you're going, but also is full of basic pieces that you can wear again and again different ways throughout your stay.

I included a few more of my favorite 'travel ready' looks below for some additional inspiration. What's your favorite look to travel in?

Wardrobe Staple- The Printed Blouse

Wardrobe Staple- The Printed Blouse by emilykfarina featuring Michael Kors

No matter whether you're a grad student or working woman, a nice printed blouse can take you from day to night. I have a few standbys in my closet I know I can rely on no matter the weather or where I'm off too. Paired with simple cropped pants, simple accessories and a pop of leopard you're ready for the office or bar!