Happy Valentines Day!

Equestrian – that’s what today’s outfit 

puts me in mind of.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Michael Kors black down filled hooded vest, Moda International teal mohair blend turtleneck sweater, Motivi black pinstriped three button blazer, CSS  teal jeans, Calvin Klein shearling lined over-the-knee boots, and Cuore & Pelle black and blue leather handbag.

Tip: A down vest is a winter staple I depend on and highly recommend.....especially over a blazer or a suit. It's not confining like a coat can be, but it keeps you warm, thus serving its purpose.

My mother always says, “don’t buy something just because it’s cheap”. Well, shopping online has influenced me to do just that on occasion. Case in point? This little dress/top/whatever it is. I saw it and thought “…..hmmm, I can do something with that”. When it came in I sort of felt like, “arrrrgh!!” and because it was final sale, I couldn’t return it. So, this is what I came up with:

notice the 'hi-low' hem, and the short bell sleeves.  not the standard dress..........sort of like an artist's smock

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Lucca Couture grey cotton dress/tunic/“thingy”, American Eagle black cotton long sleeved t-shirt, Say What black nylon leggings, Patrizia Pepe sage green shearling boots, and Cuore & Pelle black and blue leather handbag. A long black rayon scarf, gold and silvertone  filigree earrings, and zebra patterned bangles accessorized today's outfit.

Ms. Aikasha is wearing her Rachelle the original leather store black leather coat, Dex Clothing sage green shawl collar cardigan, Fubu black denim mini pencil skirt, Cuore & Pelle black and blue leather handbag and Boutique 9 sage green high heeled booties. 

A burgundy silk paisley scarf, Coach black leather gloves, black/purple iridescent earrings, black argyle hosiery, and black acrylic bangles are today’s accessories.

I just Love Sequins! This Joseph A. silk sequin top adds a touch of glamour to this otherwise muted outfit

"Mama's got a brand new bag". I'd never heard of Cuore & Pelle handbags. They're handcrafted in Italy......I thought, "hmmmmmmm". I gave it a shot......I think I'm in love!!

Tip: I can only reiterate the wonderful impact of the "pop" of colour as seen here with the blue in the handbag.
Note: The Dex Clothing sage green 'grandfather' cardigan is my son's. I'm trying to figure out how I can keep it - maybe I'll get him something in exchange.

As you may know, the NY/NJ area is forecasted to have 12 – 20 inches of snow between today and tomorrow. Arrrrgh!! ‘thas a lotta snow”!! I left the office at 2:45pm – hence the daylight pictures.......for a change!

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Vakko beige shearling jacket, YMI navy blue jeggings, Forte Cashmere navy blue cashmere turtleneck tunic sweater, Ranger tan shearling boots and Latico brown and beige leather bag. The iconic Kangol newsboy cap (turned backwards) tops off the outfit. Other accessories include a b.chyll light blue cashmere scarf, Replay Jeans tan leather belt, electric blue leather gloves, Michael Kors silver mirrored shades, and gold tone pendulum earrings.

Can you believe I completely forgot about this Vakko  shearling jacket? That's crazy!! It was hanging in the back of my closet. It's a nice change, right??

I love, Love, LOVE these Ranger shearling boots. They're warm and comfy, just like my UGG bedroom slippers, and they have a kitten heel so I can "anchor" myself with each step in the snow and still "hot step" with a little attitude. 

It may look like I'm a bit nutz, but I'm not............just sharing my laid back  'dress down' Friday look.

Tip: I don't recommend jeggins for the office - especially if you're much larger than a size "2" (I'm anything between size 4 to size 8 - go figure). However, between my  boss traveling, inclement weather, and needing to rush out of the house this morning, I excused myself :).

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Derek Heart burgundy rayon knit long sleeved, turtleneck dress with keyhole opening, BCBG Max Azria black leather/suede peep toe booties, and Donna Karen burgundy ‘holey’ hosiery. Her favorite warn and "impervious to this cold" Blanc Noir down filled coat is thrown over the rail J

Coppertone shoulder duster earrings, acrylic and bronze metal  bangless, a burgundy silk paisley scarf (a gift from India) are the accessories for Ms. Aikasha's attire  today

The black Treesje leather bag, black Coach  gloves and black BCBG Max Azria  peep-toe booties  came together perfectly here ...........don't you think??

I went to the mall to return a few items this evening. I took advantage of the winter sales and picked up some things for my boys – I did quite well. Now is definitely the time to go shopping! 

Not the first time I'm wearing this Lucca Bianca
green shearling coat - and it won't be the last!
It'so warm and definitely serves it's purpose.

My colours are  really earthy today. I think

it was my mood - I felt really 'grounded' 

A Collection XIIX green/brown/black  silk and rayon scarf, oversize hammered copper earrings and opaque black hosiery accessorized today’s rather understated look. 

Ms. Aikasha is wearing a Motivi brown cotton/Lycra long sleeved bodysuit, Skinny Minnie black cotton corset front, asymmetrical hem skirt, Jessica Bennett black lace up high heeled, knee high boots, and Treesje black leather handbag with pewter studs. 

Notice  how the corset front skirt and lace up front boots just work so well  together

Note: I must've been possessed to take my coat off for these pictures. It literally took 30 seconds, but I've been coughing ever since!! No worries though - I'll take my herbs tonight and feel much better in the morning :)

Ms. Aikasha is wearing – from head to toe – Patrizia Pepe black wool knitted cap with clear acrylic visor, Fubu gold knitted wool/mohair cowl neck sweater with sheer nylon yoke and sleeves, Comint tan suede pencil skirt, Blanc Noir sage green down filled coat, Joan & David black pointy ankle booties with black shearling cuff, and Vince Camuto camel pebble leather cross body bag. Black polka dot hosiery, extra-large gold hoop earrings, and Coach, black leather gloves were today’s accessories.

How dare I take off my coat outdoors!! See how hunched my shoulders are? I was freeeezing, but I just had to share this Fubu sweater with you. In my rush to take the photo I knocked my gloves onto the porch........was too cold to stop and pick them up (lol!). I really should be "editing in post" and just remove them!!

Note: My daughter, Ny, gave me this sweater about 10 years ago! I loved it then........and I still love it now!

Tip: If you're wearing a blouse/sweater that's partially sheer, try to make sure your underpinnings are not peeking through. That can defeat the whole purpose. On the other hand - if you don't want to conceal the underpinning, then make it obvious