New Cut, New Cap

About a month or ago, I decided to cut my hair (see default, black and white blog picture). It was one of the most impulsive decisions I've ever made, and I don't regret it in the least. 

I literally took a pair of household scissors and cut off the processed portion of my hair, so all that was left was a few inches of new growth. Needless to say, I avoided my stylist (aka, the person who had given me my curly perm 10 or so years prior) and only spoke to her on the matter when she called and asked me where the hell I'd been. She wasn't too thrilled, but when you get to the point where you want to do the big chop, YOU JUST KNOW. Obviously, I was so over it that I didn't even consult a professional, but thank God for twist-outs because I have no idea what I would be doing with my teeny fro! I'm sure it isn't all the same length but this style does a good job of hiding it, lol.

Today I was out with the boo, and we stopped by H&M. I was telling him he should look for a new jacket when I peeped the Spring hats. Granted, they're mens hats, but who cares? I tried a pale grey one on, I liked it, he liked it, I purchased it, and we rolled. First hat purchase since cutting my hair, woohoo! 

What I Would Wear to NYFW

I've been obsessed with New York Fashion week since I knew it existed.

Not obsessed in that outward, obvious "Who What When Where Why?!?" way, but in a covert, eye-roll-worthy "I don't care but I really DO" way.

I guess cuz I'm never there.

Every year, fashionistas and fashionistos from the globe over converge upon NYC to observe the hottest fashion shows and brush elbows with designers, models, and the chicest of celebrities. And every year, I sigh wistfully while scrolling through my Instagram timeline, browsing womens magazine websites, and visiting fashion blogs as I watch peeps strut their stuff in some of the most inventive outfits they can muster.

Some people make it look easy, but let's face it: the gloves come off for fashion week. Even if you've made a habit of being invisible all year, fashion week is the one week where you want to be seen by the paparazzi.

So what if, for some crazy, amazing, random reason, I was invited to fashion week? What in the HELL would I wear? If you know me, you know I avoid heels like... like they hurt. Because they do. (Good thing sneakers are so in, right? Who cares; I've been wearing Converses for FOREVER...) So perhaps we should start with some awesome, comfortable shoes.

Let's do these haircalf ones, since I just got them from DSW a few weeks ago: 

Kenneth Cole Reaction Salt-N-Pepa Leopard Sport Flat

Then let's add a fun, sporty skirt in a luxe fabric, liiiiiike leather?

Warehouse Drawstring Leather Skirt

And a crisp, yet breezy top...

Equipment Sleeveless Blouse

And of course, a coordinating bag:

Coach Bleecker Toaster Satchel

Add some fun accessories - a hot pair of shades, a chunky curb chain necklace, some sparkly armcandy - and voila: an outfit worth photographing!

Booking It

I have the best news ever! After a lot of writing, erasing, and a few bouts of writer's block, I am officially a published author. Head on over to alexandrabowmanwrites.com to get a copy of my book: A Little Rant on Retail.

All of the years I spent working in retail couldn't fit in this lil ole book, but suffice it to say that I chose a good portion of the more noteworthy stories to relate to you all. There's drama, despair, dancing, dinero... the whole nine.

This book is for anyone who's worked in the service industry. And for anyone who's dealt with difficult customers. And for anyone who sometimes worries if they have a shopping habit. Which, let's face it, is most of us. Here's to you, everyone. I hope you enjoy my pièce de résistance.

Denim Dilemmas

I know I'm not on here much, (to the point where I don't even really consider myself a "blogger"... Doesn't that entail getting pursued by retailers to showcase your style and give your opinion?) but when I do write here, I make sure it's to talk about something that will be relevant for a good amount of time, at least to myself, if not to my readers.

And what's more ever-lastingly relevant in the fashion world than denim?!

Ever since they were conceived, way back when, jeans have been at the forefront of fashion, as far as classics are concerned. I doubt there's been any other garment that's been more reinvented, destroyed, reborn, or reworked than denim has. Jeans have a very no-nonsense back-story to them that keeps them as practical as they are cool: they were originally designed for cowboys and miners. As in, your average, everyday working man.

Fast-forward a few years, and jeans are still some of the most popular pants in closets all over the world.

Being a tall girl has made my search for great jeans particularly troublesome, despite the wide variety of price ranges and styles available on the market. During my my last years of elementary school and into junior high, my Mom used to sew wide ribbons onto the hems of my jeans so she wouldn't have to repeatedly replace good jeans every time I outgrew them. I was fine with the practice until I started being teased about my seemingly peculiar fashion statement.

Nowadays hems of all lengths are welcome, and if you wear skinnies, you're often only a cuff away from your perfect length.

Below:

Two of my Instagram outfit posts featuring a couple of my faves: Madewell destroyed boyfriend jeans and Free People high-waisted skinny jeans. Both pairs were under a hundred bucks. SCORE!

Keep it Simple

Lately I've been paring down my wardrobe a bit; trying to weed out things that I don't wear/need because a.) it frees up some closet space, b.) it makes it easier to get dressed, and c.) if I sell it, it gives me a little extra cash. Haha!

I do my fair share of eBaying, so it makes me feel less guilty about spending money when I sell something that has been collecting dust. Lately I've been selling a few of the leather bags that I fell in love with a few years ago, mainly because they aren't as practical as certain other bags that I grab on a daily basis. It made my heart ache to part with my Marc by Marc Jacobs and Alexander Wang satchels, but at the end of the day, I didn't miss them nearly as much as I thought I would. It's crazy, because I absolutely LOVE bags. It's like the icing on the cake to a great outfit. I had a pink MbyMJ satchel, a black one, and a grey, badass strappy Wang one, but all of them are making homes in other women's bag collections. So why is it that I DON'T find myself wishing I still had these bags in my possession?

I guess the main reason is because I've fallen head over heels for the leather shopper. It's incredibly simple, yet cool enough to be worn almost Every. Single. Day. Working a 9-5 job in the city means I often take lunch with me most days out of the week, so I like the fact that I can toss my lunch bag in the same bag that I carry my makeup, wallet, and other various necessities in and be ready to go. In the winter, I can stuff my scarf and gloves in it when I get to my destination. In the summer, I can store my cardigan in it when I step out of the sometimes too chilly, air-conditioned office. 

Another great thing about the simplest leather shoppers is that they go with a variety of looks. Perfect for work, whether you work in a tattoo shop, or in a law firm. Wear one with anything from strappy sandals, to Converses, to oxfords, and it never looks out of place. No hardware, so you don't have to worry about matching the metal in your jewelry to your bag. There are also a wide assortment of price ranges to suit any wallet: I found my first (ZARA) leather shopper on eBay for $40. My second, and most favorite one is by Baggu; they offer different colors throughout the year, and sell in multiple stores so you can sometimes catch a deal if you shop around. (The Baggu one was $160, but well-worth every penny, especially when you consider the fact that lots of other leather bags cost $300 and up.)

Anywhoooo, suffice it to say that you need one. Trust me, you won't regret it ;)

Baggu Basic Leather Tote in Persimmon: $160

Genuine Leather Tote in Teal-  Alexbender on Etsy: about $210

All That is Silver and Gold

I'm pretty matchy-matchy.

That is to say, I'm the type of girl who has to wear a handbag with gold hardware if I'm wearing gold jewelry. I guess it's the control freak in me; the part of my subconscious that enjoys seeing everything in its place: organized, and "just so." 

But with the emergence of mixed metal mania, I couldn't help but get caught up in the appeal of changing things up a little. Jewelry designers all over have made it so much easier for us to layer our jewelry, in varying colors, textures, and styles and have it all look so chic.

Nowadays, I tend to keep my outfits pretty simple for the office, which is even more reason for me to go a little crazy with my jewelry. I'm still obsessed with midi-rings, so this Summer I made a point of collecting several gold-filled pieces to add to my ridiculous collection of silver. Needless to say, I'm hooked for the foreseeable future...

All rings from Etsy. Custom bracelet: ShopRyanPorter.com.

Summer's End

     As summer comes to a close, I find myself more and more obsessed with the image of me in an oversized sweater, leggings and ankle boots, trampling dead leaves as I frolic around the city.

     I actually don't even own a pair of ankle boots yet; I became inspired while browsing the blog of Courtney Trop. AlwaysJudging is her brainchild, and a beautiful brainchild it is. Courtney is a natural at putting together outfits that are the perfect combo of grunge, minimalistic, and chic, and her bag collection is to die for. She puts emphasis on go-to basics that are a little more luxe than the usual - silk button-up blouses, modal t-shirts - that you can wear repeatedly and incorporate in a variety of styles. She's also really sweet: I follow her on Ig and she is great about answering questions and recommending things. If you haven't checked her blog out, do!

     Anywho, back to Fall fashion ;) My most exciting purchase to date is a pair of Steve Madden Cinch ankle booties, which I bought in burgundy and are on their way to me now! I saw SM was having a 30% promo, plus free shipping and I couldn't pass them up. I love how versatile cut-out booties are; I've seen them paired with everything from skinny jeans to flouncy dresses. Can't wait to wear them!