Going Long: NYE Maxi

I was trying to decide what to wear for tonight's NYE festivities a couple of weeks ago. Being an ex-New Yorker I was vying between LBD #1, LBD#2, and LBD #3. And then on an outing in Palm Springs I chanced upon this silk Maxi from ALC. The colors are so rich and I love the idea of a maxi where a black mini was previously slated. Mixed with some faux fur and wedges, I think this baby might be tonight's ticket for a mellow New Years Eve out.

 

 Basket woven heels with some sparkle are a great accent for the deep, rust tones in this dress.

Dress: ALC Elton Paisley, Heels: Elliot Lucca

Hoping you have a festive and exciting evening!

With Love,

Noa B

Black on Black

Feeling un-intentionally witchy this morning. Black on black with a black hat to boot.

 

You just can't take the New York out of the girl. Even after a dozen years away, all black is still a fave. (I'm edging towards trend this morning with my batwing, crop top. Thank goodness it's still warm enough to wear).

Pants: Piper, Top: Astra, Heels: Julianne Hough, Necklace: Tres Jolie, Hat: H&M

And speaking of cropped and black, what are you wearing for NYE?

With Love,

Noa B

Beach Worthy

What do you wear when it's 80 in December and the sun is beckoning you to the beach?

Why, Pajama pants and a Kimono top of course!

Seriously though, it was so wonderfully balmy yesterday and it was all I could do to remind myself that it's indeed winter. (Sorry east coast family). In an effort to seem conscientious, the Hubs and I took our work with us to the beach...

I wanted a bag that wasn't going to return home filled with sand. This PVC clutch from 9September on Etsy was a perfect, beach day purse. It folds just like an envelope but it's made out of plastic and can't get ruined by dirt, oil or water.

Kimono: Mona B, Pants: BB Dakota, Clutch: Etsy, Earrings: Boutique, Bracelets: JewelMint & Boutique

We had a great day lounging/working, and when I got home I didn't bring the whole beach back with me, thanks to my plastic accessories.

With Love,

Noa B

Happiest of Holidays!

Merry Xmas and Happy Holiday Season!

It was a glorious December 25th here in LA! Bright and sunny and perfect for what we jokingly refer to as "Jewish Christmas". Traditionally this translates to Chinese food and a movie, but we cut out the middle man in favor of a dine-in theater experience. (May I humbly recommend Saving Mr Banks)...?

I had a great time, and as it happened the weather was so gorgeous that even this late in the year I was able to wear a baby-doll and be completely comfortable. Bliss!

Dress: Free People, Boots: Pour La Victoire, Bag: Paul and Joe Sister, Necklace: JewelMint

Whatever you're up to this holiday, I hope you're doing it with your nearest and dearest.

With Love,

Noa B

A Palm Springs Getaway

In a flurry of last minute bookings, jobs, and commuting I've been on the go for the past several days. This morning I'll be back to my 4:00AM grind, but yesterday found me relaxing by a heated pool, taking a much needed, 24 hour getaway and breather with my hubby.

We ate, swam, and did a lot of antiquing, but I decided it would be a better experience to enjoy it sans camera. Life isn't about documenting every second to throw up onto the web. The best memories are just that; memories. They don't all need to be recorded, and I was glad of the respite. I did however, ask the Hubs to snap a couple of photos as we left the property, because the dress I'm wearing has become my favorite response to the pajama craze. It's literally that cozy.

Dress: Free People, Jacket: Charlotte Russe, (Old), Necklace: JewelMint, Sandals: Zara, Bag: L.A.M.B.

I had a wonderful time decompressing with my cell and camera tucked away for the day. I wish you all that same luxury, even for 24 hours.

With Love,

Noa B

The Cheapest-Chic, Winter Coats

I haven't invested in light or medium weight winter coats in a number of years. (I guess that LA adage about season-less weather has proven mostly true). But I'm finding that mornings are especially chilly of late. So when "cyber Monday" came calling I hit the stores to get some new outerwear. Fortunately, this Friday the sales are even steeper, and if you're on the prowl, H&M is killing it on affordable coats you don't want to miss!

Here are some of my top picks for amazing winter jackets currently on sale at H&M:

"Pleather" Biker Jacket: SALE, $20.00

Leopard Coat: SALE: $30.00

Wool Blend Jacket: SALE: $30.00

Padded Jacket: SALE: $20.00

Cream Biker Jacket: SALE: $30.00

Jacket: H&M, Jeans: Goldsign, Heels: Calvin Klein

My Jacket, shown above, now available in grey! SALE: $25.00

With Love,

Noa B

Leggings to Chill By

I've been so obsessed lately with pleather pants and peather leggings that I'd forgotten about my trusty, American Apparel leggings which are so perfect for transitional weather. They're warm, they're shiny, and they're high waisted so they can work with anything from tunics to crop tops.

I was freezing heading to dinner, so I layered them with a vintage blouse and sweater, to which I added my favorite, new, winter coat.

 This coat seriously goes with everything and it was such a great, cheap find. (More on that tomorrow).

Leggings: American Apparel, Sweater: H&M, Blouse: Thrift, Boots: Jeffrey Campbell, Coat: H&M

With Love,

Noa B

Baby Doll A La Faux Fur

Winter seems to have officially arrived, but that doesn't mean that in SoCal you can't have a day off from the chill. On a sunny morning this week I got bold enough to throw on a baby doll dress sans tights.

I added this Muppet-y vest and stayed surprisingly warm.

I'm sometimes reluctant to wear a shorter hem when bare legged, but this dress is cut longer in the back so I feel well covered for "bending" situations. There's a lot to be said for elongated, fishtail hems!

Dress: Free People, Boots: Jeffrey Campbell, Necklaces: JewelMint and Boutique,Vest: F21, Choker: JewelMint

It's gonna be in the 30's tonight. Do you dare go bare?

With Love,

Noa B

Tunic Time

It's a glorious Monday and the first time in days that it's been warm in the morning. I'm so happy to abandon sweaters and coats and leave the house with a single layer!

Tunics are the most useful items for running errands comfortably while still feeling fashionable. And cuffed jeans always look cuter when paired with heels. I'm so glad pointy toes are back and thrilled that I hung onto this pair!

 This tunic, a single choker, and a side ponytail make getting ready a 15 minute endeavor. So easy.

Tunic: H&M, Jeans: Hydraulic, Necklace: JewelMint, Heels: Sigerson Morrison, Clutch: ETSY

With Love,

Noa B