Blatant Christmas spoiler: I'm loving this fur vest (early Christmas present, thanks to the boyfriend!)

And since he was responsible for the vest, he also decided much of the rest of the outfit. In the mornings, I usually run around with two different pairs of shoes on, before I decide on the final pair. (Please tell me someone else does this.) This morning was no different. I had one of these boots on one foot, the other with a platform heel.

Hobbling between the closet and the bathroom, trying to curl my hair at the same time, wondering how I was going to make the bus in time, he asked that I wear the boots and pin the bangs back today.

He asked so nicely, I couldn't tell him no.

Shirt: Chambray shirt, Forever 21
Vest: Black faux fur vest, early Christmas gift from the bf
Pants: Skinny jeans, BDG via Urban Outfitters
Boots: Over the knee suede boots, Topshop

I've been on the bandwagon and binging on long, flowy maxi skirts with chunky, knit sweaters. It's. Just. Too. Comfortable.

Sweater: Chunky knit sweater, Forever 21
Skirt: Maxi tulle skirt, Forever 21
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell clogs, c/o Shopbop

Well, life is trial and error, isn't it? After a lot of great suggestions from everyone (thank you, thank you!) I finally decided on the pair of faux leather pants from Forever 21.

Problem was, they just didn't quite fit me (read: there were rips and I may or may not have cried, there I said it).

Then, on an impromptu trip to the mall to do some last minute shopping for other people, I happened to stumble upon another H&M that I hadn't checked out yet (SF has so many H&Ms, it's a bit ridiculous, actually). Much to my delight, I found this pair waiting for me, the last one in my size.

I've been having so much fun styling them up, I might just have to coax Christine into getting a pair so we can remix it up. What do you guys think?

Blazer: White linen blazer, Urban Outfitters,
Shirt: Printed ruffled blouse, Ann Taylor
Pants: Faux leather pants, H&M

Here it is folks! The last installment of the Outfit Remix/Style Challenge with Christine from My Style Pill! This maxi skirt has seen us both through a lot of good times and as you can see from these photos, could probably use a good cleaning and press now.

This time around I knew I wanted to incorporate a chunky knit of some sort and thought my fair isle cardigan (also from Forever 21) would fit the bill nicely. I then sort of ran with the whole sporty feel and threw on my lace-up wedge boots with a braid to follow.

For a rainy morning run to grab some bagels and coffee, I couldn't have asked for anything more cozy, yet chic, at the same time.

Now scoot on over to Christine's blog, where she has her last outfit to unveil!

Cardigan: Fair isle knit cardigan, Forever 21
Shirt: Striped t-shirt/dress, H&M
Skirt: Taupe maxi skirt, Forever 21
Shoes: Lace up wedges, Coconuts

Also, p.s. do you have an extra pair of black heels and some black faux fur fabric lying around? I know you do! Check out my DIY post below to make your own YSL palais mohawk suede pump look-alikes!

Alright, ladies and gents. Here's the much-anticipated DIY post for those YSL palais mohawk suede pump look-a-likes I was sporting the other day, both here and here.

Hopefully I didn't build this up too much, because the process here is pretty simple (after all, I could do it!). So here's how the story goes...

• For starters, you'll need the following:
• pair of black suede pumps of your choosing; I chose a pair from Forever 21, $22
• glue gun
• small strip of black faux fur (the longer the fur, the better)
• scissors

First up, you'll want two identical strips cut from your original strip. Try eyeballing it while holding it up to the back curve of the heel, to get an idea of how thick you want the strip to be. Mine were roughly an inch in width and I made sure to have it run from the very top of the shoe to the base of the heel.

Once you have your two strips, warm up the glue gun and start gluing!

To give extra oomph and the "mohawk" effect, I sprayed hairspray on the fur and sculpted it into the mohawk shape. (If you happen to be crazy like me and try this DIY at work, your coworkers will look at you funny, promise.)

Next, WEAR THOSE PUPS around! (This is when said coworkers start coveting the shoes, making the funny looks worth it.)

And that's it. See? Painless and didn't put you out $935.

Score.

Happy Thursday, y'all! (Also, happy 9 days until Christmas! But who's counting?)

I'll be the first to admit, that while I love the fact these photos show much more fall than winter weather, I'm looking forward to going back home to Reno and playing in some much-missed snow. Like this post!

For about an hour.

Then you can find me inside, appreciating it snuggled up with a mug of hot chocolate. What can I say? The San Francisco weather has made me soft.

What do you guys look forward to during the holidays?

Cardigan: Chunky knit, H&M
Shirt: Striped tee, Forever 21
Shorts: Leather shorts, Urban Outfitters
Tights: Black opaque tights, Target
Shoes: Black studded platform heels, Steve Madden
Bag: Top handle bag, H&M

p.s. DIY post for those YSL mohawk heels coming later today! Stay tuned!

Seriously. This skirt is the gift that keeps giving!

For those of you who are joining now, my dear friend, Christine of My Style Pill and I are doing a fun little remix challenge with this maxi skirt from Forever 21.

The odds of us owning a lot of the same things are pretty high, as our tastes are very similar. We started to do a quick closet inventory together the other day and realized that we'd be dangerous if ever, EVER combined closets.

Christine, just prepare yourself for the day I move out to New York. (Hi neighbor! Can I borrow a cup of sugar and your fur coat? Kthanx!)

Anyway, as for this outfit, I was channeling a combo of this outfit from Mary-Kate Olsen and this outfit from Olivia Palermo. Boho meets rocker. I love the outcome.

Also, special props to my photographer. He was quite sick when he took these photos, but was still such a sport to get the right shots. (Thank you!)

Jacket: Cropped leather jacket, Forever 21
Shirt: Screen printed v-neck, Urban Outfitters
Skirt: Taupe maxi skirt, Forever 21
Shoes: DIY post coming soon...

This was my no-fuss Monday outfit. Good thing I had some fur on those heels (go ahead, scroll back up!) to spice things up a bit.

To answer some questions, nope, I didn't spend the hefty price tag here. And yes, DIY, coming soon!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Jacket: Tweed cropped suit jacket, Urban Outfitters
Shirt: Vintage Dior silk blouse
Pants: Black skinny jeans, BDG, via Urban Outfitters
Shoes: TBD, DIY post coming soon!

Yep. Christine and I are at it again! When I had a chance to visit, oh so briefly with her, in NYC earlier last month, we actually had a chance to realize just how much stuff we both had, this skirt, being the top of our lists.

So what better way to kick off this otherwise dreary-looking Monday?

I give you my best "Last Tango in Paris" look. I only recently watched this movie, starring Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider after the coaxing from a friend (whose blog can be found here!). The movie, itself, is pretty iconic and so is the fashion. Case in point: this outfit. The hat! The fur! The tousled hair!

I just knew I had to recreate it somehow and luckily, when I was finishing up some Christmas shopping over the weekend, I scored this little faux fur number. Thanks Santa!

Now go scoot over and see how Christine worked her magic on this skirt!

Jacket: Faur fur jacket, Urban Outfitters
Top: Lace blouse, BB Dakota, via Wasteland
Skirt: Taupe maxi skirt, Forever 21
Shoes: Jessica Simpson Dany platform heels
Hat: Wide brim hat, c/o Hats in the Belfry

I wish I had more time to write something up, but am running out the door as we speak, er, type. Holiday party tonight! Fancy dresses and festive cheer!

Just what the (holiday) doc ordered!

Blazer: Gray blazer, Zara
Dress: Pale pink pleated dress, Queen's Wardrobe
Shoes: Leopard heels, Aldo

I think I'm addicted to two things in these photographs. The first? My faux fur vest. I don't know what winter would be like without this specimen. The second? Diet soda. Nothing starts my day off better.

There you have it. My name is Krystal and I'm addicted to faux fur vests and soft drinks.

Over share much? You bet I do!

Vest: Faux fur vest, BB Dakota, c/o ModCloth
Shirt: Button front ruffled blouse, Gap
Skirt: Black wrap skirt, Zara
Shoes: Cognac colored heels, thrifted, Crossroads

For those of you who have been frequenting this blog rather often, you know I haven't been sporting a whole lot of color lately. I guess I'm just more drawn to neutrals -- camel, gray, black, white, nude, etc.

But this pop of red made for the perfect remedy for a rainy and drab day.

The bus that was 30 minutes late and thereby allowing the rain to ruin any curl I had in my hair however, did not.

C'est la vie, no?

Is it Friday, yet?

Blazer: Camel blazer, thrift at Crossroads
Dress: Ruffle front red dress, Old Navy
Tights: Target
Shoes: Black curved heel, Forever 21

Photos via: Vanessa Jackman, Fashionising and Chicmuse

OK. I'll admit it. I wasn't sold on the whole leather pants trend, for quite a while. There was something about the possibility of looking too much like I was itching to join a bar fight that didn't appeal to me.

But.

I've warmed up to the idea. Not a bar fight. But the idea of wearing leather (or actually faux) leather pants. There's something about it paired down with a sharp looking blazer, slightly sheer light blouse and heels that I seem to be obsessing over lately.

I spotted a pair over the weekend at H&M only to be sadly disappointed in the dressing room when I realized I was never in a million years going to get the pair on me. (Soooo tiny!)

Do any of you have some good leads on where I can pick up a pair? Shoot me an e-mail! I'd love to hear about it!

Oh yes, and happy Tuesday!

After a weekend of rainy skies and drenched trips to Union Square, I'm absolutely loving this afternoon glow. And my new fair isle sweater to wrap myself in.

Hope everyone had a cozy weekend. Apparently the kittens in the Macy's Christmas window displays are back and I might just have to walk away this week with one (or two, or three!)

Sweater: Fair isle knit cardigan, Forever 21
Dress: Paneled shirt dress, Niche in Reno/Skirt: Gray knit skirt, Urban Outfitters
Boots: Black suede over the knee boots, Topshop
Bag: Mulberry for Target handbag (great laptop bag!)

Just headed over to ModCloth this morning in an Alexa Chung frame of mind. For those who know me pretty well, it's no surprise that I have a little style crush on that Brit. And perhaps what I love most about her style is that it's so effortless and fuss-free.

It's been said that she's the next Kate Moss as an entire generation's cool "It" girl and I can't wait to see what she comes up with in the years to come.

Here's to Alexa (and to any family members who may be checking this post out, Christmas, ahem, eh?)

Top row (from left to right): Playground Reminiscence Dress, $49.99, Smile So Sweet Dress, $89.99, Real Cool Cat Jacket, $129.99
Middle row (from left to right): Meet Me For Lunch Sweater, $47.99, She's a Dainty Dame, $79.99
Third row (from left to right): Evening Adventures Top, $37.99, Style Brigade Coat, $129.99, Silver Screen Skirt, $59.99
Bottom row (from left to right): Strut and Shine Heel, $151.99, Bow-mance Flat, $29.99, The Matter at Handbag, $62.99

Hi ladies and gents! Happy Friday!

(I'll pause now for you all to do a little victory dance.)

My lovely coworker was kind enough to snap these photos for me and I just love the autumn colors (er, early December) behind me. And she let me borrow this lovely little Chanel number for the photos, too. (Thanks Meghan!) She's starting a blog soon, so I'll keep you all posted when it goes up.

As far as this skirt is concerned, I had been dying to find a sheer maxi for quite some time and was thrilled when I found this guy on Urban Outfitters a few weeks ago. I've got a few other outfits in mind for it, so stay tuned!

Jacket: Cognac leather jacket, Marshalls
Turtleneck: Cream turtleneck, forget where I got it :/
Skirts: Maxi sheer skirt, Urban Outfitters/Mini: black body con dress worn as skirt, Motel
Shoes: Leopard print heels, Aldo
Bag: Meghan's Chanel
Hat: Vintage Halston panama hat

I saw this outfit posted by the lovely Beth of B. Jones Style. And I just had to try it out for myself. Classic menswear-inspired outfit with a hint (a dash!) of Karl.

Happy Thursday!

Jacket: Gray boyfriend blazer, Zara
Shirt: Black tie front blouse, Forever 21
Pants: Black trousers, Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Black curved heel, Forever 21
Bag: Mulberry for Target bag

So the boyfriend and I have a sneaky feeling that the "Full House" house is behind me in this last photo...

And whaddya know! It is!

How's that for random SF trivia on a Wednesday?

Cardigan: Waterfall drape cardigan, Urban Outfitters
Blouse: Silk ruffle front shirt, H&M
Skirt: Gold sequin mini, J. Crew
Belt: Leopard print skinny belt, J. Crew
Shoes: Tan wedge lace ups, Steve Madden

Nothing says "F- you Monday!" like a little pleated camel colored skirt with thigh high socks and clogs.

Am I right, or am I right?

Cardigan: Gray cardigan, Urban Outfitters
Shirt: Plaid button front blouse, Gap
Skirt: Pleated camel skirt, Zara
Socks: Black thigh high socks, Target
Shoes: Platform clogs, Jeffrey Campbell, c/o Shopbop
Bag: Mulberry for Target bag

I joked this weekend that this was my hipster mom outfit. And I kinda loved it. The weather up in Northern California was quite brisk (not the snow that I'm used to in Reno, but hey, a girl adapts!) so I practically lived in this chunky knit, oversized cardigan from H&M.

Not to mention it made for great wrap moments when my stomach was feeling, shall we say, too full?

Hope you all had a beautiful weekend! It sure was nice to unplug for a few days, eh?

Cardigan: Chunky knit, H&M
Shirt: Chambray button up, Gap
Pants: Black skinny jeans, BDG, via Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Black curved heel, Forever 21
Scarf: Vintage printed silk scarf, Crossroads Trading, Co.
Bag and random jewelry: Crossroads Trading Co.

I have been obsessed with all things plaid lately, particularly with little hinds of brick red, camel and gray. And this little number from ModCloth fits the bill nicely.

Did any of you hit up some sales today? I'm still resting my feet from the 10-mile long check out line at H&M. Oy!

Jacket: Camel blazer, vintage
Skirt: One For All Skirt, c/o ModCloth
Belt: Leather belt, vintage
Shoes: Tan heels, vintage
Purse: Cream clutch, vintage

Hope you're all having a wonderful Thanksgiving! Just got back from a beautiful afternoon in Santa Cruz and it's time to pull out the elastic waistband pants….if I could only find them!

Jacket: Black boyfriend blazer, Express
Top: Gold sheer top, sample sale in NYC (don't know the label)
Skirt: White jean pencil skirt
Shoes: Black suede heels, Forever 21
Bag: Leather top handle bag, H&M

Talk about a blustery day! And this delicious little faux fur tippet did just the trick to turn my mood around. After such a long and exhausting past two weeks, it served as a fashionable portable airplane pillow of sorts. Not that I was on an airplane this week. Just taking naps at my desk.

But shhhhh….

If anyone asks, I was working.

Promise!

Cardigan: Cream knit cardigan, Simply Vera
Pants: Tapered trousers, Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Leopard print heels, Aldo
Tippet: Faux fur tippet, H&M
Bag: Mulberry for Target bag
(psttt! New lip color alert! Fuschia Fusion by Revlon….love it!)

(above photos via Style.com)

So. Yes. I know I've fallen off the map again. This time, for VERY, good reason. For some of you readers who have stuck it out with me the past couple of months, you know that the company I used to work for, Like.com, was acquired by Google back in August.

We have since launched and debuted our baby, Boutiques.com as of last week in NYC in the form of none other than a big shin dig in SoHo. Celebs. Designers. Bloggers. OH MY! (you can read more about it here)

(excuse me while I pinch myself)

The evening was, to put it bluntly, amazing and I can't believe what an AWESOME group of people I work with. Both engineers and fashion experts working together. I love it.

As for the site, well let's just say you'll both thank me and curse me later. Thanking me for the sheer ease of shopping (personalized shopping, hello!) and cursing me for your bruised and battered wallet. (sorry!)

But don't take my word for it, try out the site today! And heck, if you feel like it, here's my Boutique and check out some of the products I've added to mine.

(Thanks lovelies for sticking with me. Now that launch has passed, I'll be updating more often and regularly. Hello regular life schedule!)

This is what Madison Avenue looks like out in the Bay Area.

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!

Final day of the Style Remix of this beautiful cape, folks! As I'm sure Christine agrees, this has made me feel loads better about getting this cape and only affirms the belief that timeless, statement pieces always end up paying for themselves.

For this outfit, I decided go to a bit more demure and ladylike and threw in a curve ball with the leopard print shoes. I know, I know. That seems to be my go-to lately, huh? Polka dots and leopard.

You caught me.

But it's just too easy sometimes.

As for Christine? Well you'll just have to go check her out, now won't you?

And as for the weekend, I'm getting ready for a Mad Men office party at work, but am a bit lost as to what to dress up for over the weekend. Any suggestions?

EPIC coat: Camel cape, Zara
Shirt: Polka dot blouse, via Therapy
Skirt: Black pencil skirt, vintage
Shoes: Leopard print heels, Aldo
Bag: Leather top handle bag, H&M

I was feeling the whole "model off duty" vibe of this outfit. You know, minus the fact I'm not incredibly tall or considered lanky, but these shoes help a bit, no? I mean, look at that platform! I believe one of my co-workers asked, and I quote, "Where's the goldfish in those?"

In other news, GAME ONE DOWN, let's keep it going Giants!!

Shirt: Tan button front shirt, gift
Skirt: Trumpet skirt, Forever 21
Shoes: Platform wooden heels, Jessica Simpson
Belt: Skinny leopard belt, J. Crew
Bag: Leather top-handle handbag, H&M

As promised, here's outfit number two with the unforgettable cape that I'm remixing with the lovely Christine! There's something very school girl about this get up that, while it would make sense to feel a bit costumey, I think (I hope) it evoked more Alexa Chung. I even had one of my coworkers help me out with a cat eye look. (Thanks Meghan!)

And now, we interrupt your regular programming to go check out Christine's take on our cape.

And when we return, it'll be time to tune into watching the Giants play in the WORLD SERIES tonight! Can't wait!

EPIC coat: Camel cape, Zara
Shorts: Tweed shorts, Forever 21
Blouse: White black tie front blouse, Forever 21
Shoes: Black heels, Forever 21
Bag: Satchel, Therapy

There's something about chunky knits and lady-like skirts and dresses that just seems like it doesn't work. Like the silhouette is just too bulky. Too boxy.

But you know what?

I'm digging it.

Yeah.

Sweater: Grey rose patterned sweater, vintage from my mother
Dress: Mid-length pleated dress, Queen's Wardrobe
Shoes: Tan wedge oxfords, Steve Madden

Well lovelies, as I'm sure you can all relate, when you spend a lot of money on something, it's always nice to hear a little justification. You know, to help you sleep at night for risking the next rent check. Much to my delight, my dear friend Christine of My Style Pill, happened to purchase this very beautiful (and hefty price tag bearing) Zara camel cape on the same day that I did.

Here's a snippet of our texts from that day:

Me: So, did you get it??
Christine: Jesus. Yes.
Me: Yay! Yay! So happy! 🙂
Christine: Eeeeeps! So. Much. Money!
Me: I better see it on My Style Pill asap
Christine: I am going to remix the crap out of this cape.

And with that, we thought it best to remix the crap out of this cape, together. Hold on, folks, it's going to be a wild ride. I mean, look at it. It's a beautiful cape, no? Do go scoot over and see how she styles it up. Go ahead. I'll wait here for you. We'll each be posting a new, remixed outfit with the cape on Wednesday and Friday of this week.

Also, while we're sharing text conversations, here's how a recent one went with the boyfriend on my way to pick up said cape:

Me: I'm going to pick up the most beautiful cape. Ever. Right now.
Him: Oh ya? You getting your costume for Halloween ready?
Me: No! For like, real life.
Him: Really?
Me: Um, yes. Aren't you used to this by now?
Him: If there's anyone who can pull it off, it's you.

EPIC coat: Camel cape, Zara
Pants: Skinny black jeans, BDG
Shirt: White button front blouse, J. Crew
Collar: Faux fur tippet, H&M
Shoes: Black platform heels, Forever 21
Bag: Top handle bag, H&M