A LITTLE EQUESTRIAN + MOTO JACKET

Moto Jacket || Oxford Button Down || Grey Denim || Belt || Boots (old, similar)

I've been searching high and low for a moto jacket for quite some time now. I'm really not a huge fan of leather moto-style jackets. They remind me too much of those tacky pleather "going out" jackets everyone had in college, and I just can't bring myself to wear something like that. So, with leather out of the question, 50% of the moto jackets out there are eliminated from my options. I prefer the look of cloth moto jackets, but they're hard to come by. And after factoring fit and details into the equation, it's not hard to see how difficult my search has been! I stumbled upon this jacket by mistake recently at Banana Republic. I'll admit, it's not the "perfect" moto jacket I had in mind, but at this point, I'm not sure that even exists... (the struggle is real). However, I do like that it's cotton, and that it's a good cropped length but not too short. 

I'm not one for trends. I generally prefer youthful updates on classic pieces... but this jacket is a bit "edgy" without straying too far. And it's at a great price-point for a trendy item (it's also 40% off right now!), because no one wants to break the bank for a piece that might go out of style. 

I paired the jacket with my favorite Ralph Lauren Oxford that I've slowly been collecting in every color (oops) and some grey denim. I added a bit of an equestrian edge by tucking in the oxford, adding a belt and riding boots (similar). It was the perfect balance of edge + classic style for an afternoon roaming around Georgetown.

In other news, I'm excited to share my first holiday style look of the season later this week! Stay tuned. As always, be sure to check out my Holiday Gift Guide if you need some gifting inspiration! 

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Thank you to Jon Soucy Photography for shooting this post

BLACK FRIDAY FINDS

I'll be honest, I didn't think the Black Friday sales were as great as they have been in the past. Or maybe it's because I've been a little underwhelmed with retail offerings this season. Whatever it may be, Black Friday shopping is a standing tradition in my family. Every year, my mother, grandmother and I head out Friday morning and make a day out of it. It's really quite fun. Often, we're not out scouting "great" deals (i.e. a 55" TV for $200...or some other ridiculous discount) but rather just enjoying a girl's day shopping. 

I didn't make a huge haul, but I did pick up a few items at a steep discount, and I'm happy about that. I'm also certain I found the absolute perfect (and my new favorite) pair of neutral heels. I'm definitely happy about that. I'm talking about these Sam Edelman pumps. I got them in "golden caramel" but also had my eye on the gold and bright red pair. They fit like a glove and are the most perfect heel height - not too high, but high enough to give the shoe a great silhouette. I also love that the heel is situated at the very back of the shoe, rather than curved inward. It makes for great balance and walkability. Can you tell I'm really into these shoes?

The shoes were my most "exciting" purchase. I also picked up this Ralph Lauren Oxford Shirt to add to my collection... really, my closet is accumulating way too many of these. But they're great for work, can be dressed down or dressed up. And they're just such a classic style, you really can't have too many. Not to mention, I scored this one for just over $20, which is honestly unbelievable, as they retail at just short of $100. Saavy shopping at its best!

I also picked up a few of my favorite, favorite basic t-shirts from H&M. They weren't on sale in-store, but even paying full price is a steal (note: they're included in H&M's cyber weekend sale online!). They also released a long-sleeve version this season, so I picked up one of those, too. The only piece I got from H&M that was on sale was this cardigan. It was only $9, so that makes up for the other items being full-price, right?

Shop the post and my other Black Friday finds by scrolling through the widget below!

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WEEKEND SALES

With Black Friday right around the corner, many retailers have been rolling out some good deals leading up to the big day. There are some great sales happening this weekend! J.Crew is having 30%-40% off of a select variety of newer styles in addition to 30% off of "regular" sale merchandise. Neiman Marcus is doing 40% off of select styles with many premium designers included. Bloomingdale's has 50% off select apparel and 30% off select handbags, also including an array of premium designers and brands. Banana Republic has 50% off select styles and 40% off everything else. Club Monaco is running an extra 30% off sale styles, a great deal that likely won't get much (if any) better for Black Friday. Scroll through the widget above to see some of my sale picks!

CONSERVATIVE BASICS WITH A TWIST

Top || Skirt || Shoes (old, similar)

I rarely have a difficult time picking out what to wear to work. I tend to favor wearing skirts, and I have an an abundance of neutral skirts and blouses. It's usually pretty easy for me to just throw together an outfit because all of my neutral pieces coordinate well with each other. But, often times, I have a bit more trouble deciding what to wear when I have something else going on after work. In these situations, I tend to lean towards a style that is perfect for those "office to happy-hour" days: conservative basics with a twist.

I wore my favorite high-waisted J.Crew Skirt that I've worn far too many times to count. It's got fun visual texture and can easily be dressed up or down. Essentially, it's the perfect base to any outfit. I paired the skirt with a classic, crisp white Land's End Button Down: a true workwear staple. I finished off the neutral outfit with a fun "pop" of color in the form of magenta suede pumps.

On an unrelated note, I'm (embarrassingly) into Justin Bieber's new album. Let me set the record straight: I've always been somewhat of a Bieber fan. And I'm not even embarrassed to admit that! I am a little apprehensive to admit that today I might have listened to his new album, Purpose, three times... oops. 

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Thank you to Bob Cullen Photography for shooting this post 

LATELY - NOVEMBER

Wearing: I got this Daniel Wellington watch recently and have been wearing it nonstop. I'm really loving the classic, minimalist design. It's a great work week staple and I got it on sale - use code "YESMISSY" at checkout for 20% off! I've also been wearing my rain gear lately because the weather has been temperamental. I got these Hunter Rain Boots and this North Face Rain Jacket in college and couldn't imagine life without them! I really don't like umbrellas for a variety of reasons. A gust of wind can break one and I always worry walking down the sidewalk that I might accidentally bump my umbrella into someone. My solution? Eliminate the inconvenience and make an ensemble out of waterproof gear. I talked about my rain gear most recently in this post.

Watching: The Office. I've talked about how much I love the comedy series before and it's one of my favorites. It's bittersweet to say, but I'm halfway through the final season! I'm excited to find out what happens at the end of the show but am disappointed I have no more seasons to look forward to. Funny how a good show can really "reel" you in, right?

Listening: I've been listening to podcasts a good amount lately. My all-time favorite is Serial, a series that examines the 1999 real-life murder of a high school girl in Baltimore. It might sound gruesome, but it's truly captivating. I recently discovered Undisclosed, a sort-of predecessor series to Serial. Undisclosed largely examines the legal nuances of the case and exposes gaps in the prosecution's story. If you like crime shows like Law and Order or CSI, this is a great listen. If that's not so much your thing, Freakonomics is a good podcast that covers a wide variety of topics and is great for the curious mind.

Consuming: Chop't, a new-to-me salad chain. Chop't is a sort-of fast food concept and is basically the Chipotle of salads. You choose from a wide variety of ingredients and an employee assembles your salad. I'm not sure that description does it justice, but the place is good.

Coveting: I stumbled upon Plum Pretty Sugar, an online boutique that specializes in bridesmaid and bridal apparel. They sell the prettiest and most dainty robes and pajama sets I've ever seen! I'm head-over-heels for this beautiful robe and might have to add it to my wardrobe soon! I've been passively looking for a lightweight, kimono-style robe for a while now, and this one fits the bill perfectly. I'm also loving these Halogen Leopard Pumps, a print I would normally shy away from... but I love the half-d'Orsay silhouette and the print adds a fun "pop" to the shoe. I update my Pinterest board "Coveting" frequently, so check it out to see the full list of what I have my eye on!

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BLANKET SCARF + CHATEAU PARKA

Blanket Scarf || Chateau Parka || Leggings || Top || Boots (old, similar)

I love blanket scarves. Whoever decided it was acceptable to wear a blanket as an outfit as long as it's disguised as a "scarf" came up with a real win in my book. It serves as a truly effortless way to create an outfit that's casual and comfortable, but still looks put-together. I got this Oversized Geo Blanket Scarf last year and it's back again this season! The neutral color is great and seems to go with everything. I think the black is a really nice option though, too.  

Over the weekend I got a chance to break in my new J.Crew Chateau Parka that I'm loving. It's the perfect combination of classic and modern. Truth be told, the weather has been relatively mild and I really haven't needed to wear a jacket at all... but sometimes you get something new and you just have to wear it, right?  

Maybe a bit premature, but I'm getting anxious for Black Friday + Cyber Monday deals! I've got my eye on a few things and I'm hoping to pick up some Christmas gifts, too. I don't plan to shop any brick and mortar stores that Friday but I will definitely scope out the sales online. I have my fingers crossed for great deals from Nordstrom and J.Crew!

On another note, I've been continually adding to my Holiday Gift Guide, so be sure to check it out and see what's new! 

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Thank you to Omri Malul Photography for shooting this post 

FISHERMAN SWEATER + CAMEL DETAILS

 

There are few things more timeless than the ivory fisherman sweater in the colder months. While this heavy cable-knit is truly a classic, it's having a major comeback this season. I've been wearing my L.L. Bean Fisherman Sweater on repeat lately. It's cozy, has great visual texture and contributes well to a layered look. And it goes without saying that L.L. Bean's quality is almost unrivaled these days. 

I love layering, so I paired the sweater with my favorite Ralph Lauren Oxford Shirt. If you've been keeping tabs, you might have noticed I get a ton of wear out of this shirt. It's such a versatile piece -great for the office, Sunday brunch or a perfect addition to any layering look. 

I finally had the chance to break in my Leena Booties that I scooped up from the Tory Burch Private Sale! I'll admit, when I first opened these up in the mail I wasn't thrilled. I couldn't decide if I loved or hated the color. It was really quite the predicament, especially since I bought them on final sale. But then I realized they matched perfectly with my Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac bag... and my Tory Burch All-T Smartphone Wristlet... and a host of other camel leather accessories I wear often. I have a feeling they'll be put to good use this fall!

Thank you to Sanzero Photography for shooting this post 

'TIS THE SEASON FOR GIFT GUIDES

It's almost that time of year! After Halloween, the holiday season officially gets into full swing. Thanksgiving, an often underrated holiday, is truly one of my favorites. I love enjoying a good meal surrounded by great company. Sadly, I won't be making the trip home this year for Thanksgiving. It's made me realize how lucky I have been in years past to be able to enjoy time with my family. With that said...

I'm already looking forward to Christmas! I know, I know. It's the first week of November and I'm already thinking about Christmas? But hey, it's never too early to get a jump on your holiday shopping. I've started compiling my holiday gift guide that you can find here. I'll be adding to it over the next few weeks so be sure to stop back again to check it out. You can preview some of what's made my list by scrolling through the widget above!

CASUAL WEEKEND + PLAYING TOURIST

Vest || Shirt (old, similar) || Leggings ||  Tote || Watch 

The other weekend, my friend was in town visiting. We started out the weekend by heading to Georgetown Piano Bar on Friday night. While we had high hopes, I'm displeased to say the service was well below subpar, making for a relatively mediocre experience. I hate to say it, but I couldn't recommend the place to anyone in good faith. Proceed at your own risk! The night wasn't a total loss, though. We rounded out the evening at a popular bar in the "hip" part of town and had a blast. 

Of course, when out-of-town visitors come to D.C., they're interested in seeing all of the main attractions (i.e. monuments, Smithsonian museums, the White House). When in Rome, do as the Romans, right? My friend and I spent the better part of Saturday playing tourist in the city, visiting the monuments and exploring. 

The weather couldn't have been better, making for a great day to wander around. When we left in the morning, a slight crisp wind was in the air, making it bit chilly. I opted to wear my Patagonia down vest over a linen long sleeve shirt as a precautionary measure. I later stowed the vest in my Longchamp Le Pliage tote as the temperatures rose in the early afternoon. I chose to wear a "sporty" look because I knew we had a long day ahead of us. I'm glad I wore sneakers because we ended up walking over eight miles! Ooft. 

All in all, both of us had a great weekend. We are going to Chicago in a few months for her "destination" birthday weekend. I haven't been to the windy city in forever, so I'm really looking forward to it. Keep a look out for that post coming in the future!