P.Etsy, I Love You.

OMG, I just found the most amazing thing on Etsy that 100% I will buy within the hour. LOOK at this. It's a glowing paper house nightlight made out of bamboo, LED lights and mini trees. It's incredibly cute. And best, it has images of NYC that shines through when it's lit.

Find it here on Etsy. It's $57.50.

When it's off it is just a perfectly cute white house, that would look amazing sitting on a dark wood desk or shelf. I am so obsessed with mini things. For some reason I never had a dollhouse growing up, but I literally still want one. I just love miniature versions of real things (ok, not ALL things, but most). Like for example, every year when I would go to The Breakers in Palm Beach as a kid, I'd steal the mini ketchup bottles and jam jars at brunch. I just needed them. I would never even open them, but I liked holding on to them and lining them up. I also have a section for my sample-sized makeup and skin care in my makeup drawer, and I keep it separate mainly because I like looking at how cute and small it is. I bought that mini jar of vaseline not because I use vaseline (I actually don't really know what vaseline is designed for), but I bought it because it's like 1/20th of the normal bottle which I love. To be honest, I wish I still had my set of polly pockets. This is just SO COOL. And the fact that it lights up and could illuminate a dark little nook in your room/on a desk or dresser would make it so cozy.

I assume this is the view that inspired the house with its images? 

Wouldn't this be amazing if you could send in pics of your own house and the artist could construct a mini version for you? These are the artists, and how awesome, they are siblings.

Another similar version here for $52.50.

Another one of my all time favorite recent Etsy purchases is this chunky 18k gold plated chain link necklace that I bought a few weeks back. I love it so much that I just went back for more yesterday and purchased another larger and even chunkier version of what I already had. I was so happy with the quality and price, and it reminded me of a few necklaces I don't even like as much and are pricier - like this Kenneth Jay Lane or this version by 1AR at Saks.

So this is the one that I just purchased above - my latest and largest one. It's $32, and you can have it made larger if you'd like. The designer is super nice and very helpful,  I had a few convos with her via message on Etsy.

You could also get a smaller one which would be an awesome bracelet if your wrist can handle it.

 I was thinking I could wear the two necklaces together, but we shall see. Either way I can't wait to get it. I don't think I was really inspired by any celebs for this one, but I do see they are enjoying the chain link necklaces as well.

Anyways, I love how this thick chain can spice up skinny jeans and a muscle t or dark tank, and can also be worn with a collared or dressier shirt for work. The best part is this necklace is LITERALLY $19, AND it is 18k gold plated, so the color is amazing. And even better against a bit of tanned skin in the summer.
 (On another note, please note Kim's "KW" earrings... how.. charming.)

Everyone's rockin the chain.

Find the smaller one (above) that I already have here. It's $19 and I've worn it like 10 times already, but probably more. 

If you want to check out other goods in the store go here.  I researched these gold chains, looking for the perfect one that was good quality (gold plated) with a cool thick design and this is hands down my favorite one, and it just happens to be at a great price. Love when that happens.

If you are interested in buying this make sure to write "Chic Redneck" in the notes when you purchase. (If there are enough orders the seller was nice enough to say she'd do a giveaway :)

PS. Happy Blonde Appreciate Month to my dearest blondes, Shelly & Sarah. This is a very important time for us, and I hope that we can celebrate this for many (fuck that) ALL of our years to come.

Consumer Behavior

I'm at it again! I have to say that I have a bit of an obsession with organizing my belongings, and living in NYC has only made it worse, or better, in my opinion. Literally from the moment I got off the subway today in Rockefeller Center this morning on my way to work, all I could think about is how I can't wait to get home and get more organized. I came up with a few ideas that I'm going to apply to cleaning my space/making it a SHRINE, and then a few more rules to dictate my future shopping habits.

CLEANING HOUSE

1. If the weather today was totally ideal to wear this _____ item, would I wear it? If no, toss it. No sense in hanging on to stuff.

2. Cheap vs. High Quality - I find that most of my good quality/designer stuff I just tend to keep for longer, wear more and just feel way better in than some of my cheaper/trendier/more on the spot purchases that I am lured into because of cheap price and assumed high value - except it's actually not. Any lesser quality trendy stuff from last season I most likely will not wear again, and that's the point of buying it. TOSS IT.

3. WHAT the hell is under my bed!? I have everything already organized into compartments - 3 large rolly bins (the day I don't have shit under my bed will be the day I know I've made it in NY, along with when I have a washer/dryer and dishwasher) plus 3 little zip around containers that keep 1) medicines/supplies 2) All nail polishes and items 3) Extras and backups: soaps, lightbulbs, etc. The containers that piss me off are the larger 3. They hold 1) Grad school notebooks, binders and books. I feel like I can't get rid of this until I graduate, but it is so heavy and I only open it to add more retired notebooks. 2) the "sweatshirt box" that also has scarves. I never wear these scarves. I also SHOULDN'T wear some of these sweatshirts, as they are fugly. TOSS SOME of these. The 3rd box has handbags. Although the ones I use are in my closet, I can't get rid of them. Maybe I'll find a way to ship these babies on a one way trip back to my parents house in Charlotte, NC, to my old room. That I now realize is a PALACE.

4. LESS IS MORE. Leave enough room between hangers so you can see what you have. Then it's like you're shopping in your own little personal boutique in the morning to get dressed. ALSO (very important) make sure to buy the thin little velvet hangers and ONLY use these in your closet. You can fit much more this way and the hangers all match, which is so visually pleasing.

5. COSTUME BOX (under my bed) - I am NOT in a sorority anymore. I don't have mixers. I barely have dress up parties, and I should never be a sexy cab driver again. Maybe a ballerina, but not the cab driver. Or an Amish person. I no longer need a dress up box. These costumes must go.

That was my Amish brother for the night, and real brother. His name is Zach and he lives in NYC too. He'll also be on Broadway someday soon.

6. Jewelry - how can I get this in order? I failed at an art project recently, when I tried to display my necklaces on my wall behind my bedroom door so that I would urge myself to remember what I have and wear it more. I have worn my necklaces more, but it has also made me buy more jewelry. In addition, I think I've developed a bit of anxiety as a result of looking at the little trinkets hanging there. I really like bold things that are sturdy, and am not a fan for some reason of small delicate things in a room, maybe because my room is smallish, and I just don't love chotchkies (SP? seriously have no idea).  I am going to purchase this hanging organizer so I can organize, and also hide my goods. And most importantly, easily pull them out in the morning to accessorize.

You can get something like this here on Amazon - for only $13. A small price to pay for organization.

7. Beauty products on my dresser - since I share a bathroom with my roommate, I can't really display my plethora of amazing beauty products, and now, my growing supply of anti aging products, so I generally keep them organized in my desk drawer. They need to all go back in there, aside from perfumes - which are pretty.

I took this to check out my newly purchased Celine sunglasses from afar because I thought they might be too big - but they are perfect and I love them, but I happened to capture just some of my beauty goods out and about on my dresser. These must find a home.

8. Undergarments - why do I have so many nighties and why don't I wear them? Again, throw away if it is something I wouldn't want to be seen in by someone else.

MOVING FORWARD: My Own Consumer Behavior

1. NO MORE ONLINE SHOPPING (for the most part). I've become addicted to the excitement of finding  items and hitting purchase, specifically in the daytime. Then when I get my packages, I have to deal with the annoyance of walking to the post office before work to return the stuff, or WORSE, not returning it and settling/keeping a mediocre item that I'm not in love with. This is done. I also need to stop spending so much on this nonsense. (This doesn't apply to Etsy and a couple other things, see below, I have reasons.)

2. BUY BETTER. Once I have space in my room (after the big clean) I will feel easy and breezy and able to leave my apartment in search of new and better items. I need to start shopping in more of the awesome boutiques that NYC offers (especially in Soho, East Village, etc) to find unique items. I used to do this more when I first moved to NYC, but now I usually meet with friends/am not in the mood to shop after work and on the weekends I like activities like brunching and having drinks and walking, and just haven't made a big effort to constantly browse the cool stores. Need to do this again. Also, I need to take advantage of Sample Sales to stock up on better priced designer items. (2 good blogs for finding Sample Sales are Madison Avenue Spy and Mizhattan.)  Well made items never fail. I can still shop online for 2 things: 1) home and jewelry items from Etsy - these are unique and good deals. 2) Any clothing item that I have already tried on in a store and know fits, but I find a better deal online.

There are so many great boutiques in the East Village that I haven't explored yet, even though I've lived there for 2 years. I've noticed there are a lot on 11th street.

3. BUY WITH THOUGHT - I recently read that you should try and purchase items that fit into 2 main styles of your choice, so that you end up with a closet that can be mixed and matched easily, rather than a bunch of random trends. I would say my primary style is Classic with a Menswear influence. I prefer tailored pieces in neutral colors, but I also like to add a sexy element depending on where I'm going. I like a bit of a edge mixed in to spice things up. I certainly am not trendy and need to steer clear of this, along with anything too girly/floral. The flowers are not really for me (along with any style that would incite someone to give me the "complement"... "OMG You look so cute!!" Fuck you. I'm not cute.
 :)

Good quality basics can't go wrong.

Love this menswear influence so much - with just the right amount of added sex appeal.

I love Sienna's classic style with a bit of edge/glamour.

Classic stuff like this can last for a while, be mixed and matched and always looks great. Or maybe she's just really pretty and I'm not even looking at the style. 

4. BUY FOR YOUR OWN LIFESTYLE - This is a major, major point, because while I would love a closet full of high heels, skin bearing tanks and studded shit, it just doesn't work out with what I do 40+ hours out of the week, which is a working at an online brokerage company. It's very conservative, so I obvi need to look professional. I also have 2 subway rides to work each day and then a good bit of walking, so I literally wear flats EVERYDAY.  I need to spend money on good, nice flats, rather than heels.  A good pair of black & nude heels will do the job. ha. Get it.

I need  a good pair of flats to get me through the day. These are by Elizabeth & James on Piperlime, on sale for  $195

I also tend to sit Indian-style at my job (ok, I'm tackling the professional bit one step at a time), so it's preferable if I wear pants and not heels for this position. A skirt and heels would make this suuuper awkward.

Hello, and welcome to my lap

So these are my own new rules for how I am going to clean, organize, and then restock my room and closet. If you have other tips please let me know! Staying organized in a small space is definitely an acquired skill, and very satisfying one, I might add, when done properly. How good does it feel to leave a space, know everything is in its place, and then come back into it?! Ahhh..mazingg.

No More, Thank you.

Yesterday I didn't feel amazing, so after my 2 pieces of pizza lunch and bacon egg and cheese breakfast, I thought I could get control of myself for dinner so I went to Liquiteria which is a fabulous juice and smoothie shop, with other super healthy snacks.

You really should stop in here if you're in the East Village - it's awesome.

I got the "Mean Green" which is a refreshing green smoothie that also has pineapple and some mango to tone down the greenery taste. You can taste a hint of spinach but I love it. So I got that as an appetizer and then also grabbed the first 4 juices I could see, because the store got me all motivated and healthy feeling. I really don't know much about juicing or detoxing, for that matter, so I figured that if I got a random mix of "drinks" that it would suffice.

Yesterday I kicked my little detox off with the smoothie, but then was starving so I opened up the red drink - something with Beets. There are other flavors in this one, most specifically ginger, and I can totally see how this curbs your hunger because it's freaking disgusting. I tasted it and then opted for the watermelon juice I got. (Disclaimer: I am only saying that MY taste buds are not cultured and developed enough to appreciate liquid beets.  I'm not saying the drink totally sucks, and I can totally see how a lot of people would love just chugging this thick, red, spicy concoction on a day when they have had nothing to eat for the last five days.)

Mr. Green. It's red, and it's potent.

Today I was left with the green drink, the beets (1 sip removed) and this Organic Pili Milk. Now after digging into cleanses this morning via the internet, I quickly realized that the juices need to basically be vegetables, and specifically of the green sort - so my watermelon drink and my faux chocolate shake aren't really having the potent detox effects I was going for. Either is my beet drink, that "accidentally" fell into my trash half way through. After that I may have gotten a bacon egg and cheese. I said MAY.

This is the nutty one. Kind of chocolaty tasting and definitely filling. But also not on the juice cleanse plan. Woops. 

So the Organic Pili Milk is my favorite thus far, even though I don't think it counts, because it definitely is filling (I'm chew drinking it) and I like the coco-esque flavor. I am very curious as to how many calories it has - and I am almost positive that I definitely am not starving myself with this one. I'm going to attempt drinking the green drink I have at home for dinner (yay) but then I'm going to drinks so that also negates probably any of my efforts.

Next "cleanse" I will be more prepared, knowledgable and mentally ready - especially when I am about to spend $45 on like 5 juices. If you are reading this and know anything about cleansing/detoxing/juicing, please share. I would love to hear some advice. I do realize that it is supposed to be like a meal supplement and not just a drink with your meal (kinda) so any additional info would be welcomed. :)

May I Have Some.. More??

There is just like SO MUCH that I want I can't even explain it. I read this article in some magazine yesterday  while having my nails done that said that you should spend 4% of your salary on clothing. WHAT a moron who wrote that. That doesn't even make sense. I couldn't even spend 4% on like.. (trying to think of the most random thing that I have no need for at all).. well good. I don't buy a bunch of random shit. Spending 4% of your income on like costume party attire sounds more appropriate. Or items with fur. Or leather shorts.

There is just so much I want need, and I am in this constant battle with myself of - well, if I can't wear it to work should I really buy it? Do I have something like it in my closet already? Is it worth the money right now? Should I just go work out instead of shopping and everything that I already have will look awesome? No. No. No. I just went on a big buying spree to finally look like a sorta professional at work so I am set with working attire. Now I need items to play in. By this I mean shirts to jump around the East Village and Brooklyn in - drinking/playing shirts. I have professional shirts, and playing shirts. For playtime I either like to show back/under side boob, or leg. Sometimes 2 of the 3 ;)

My new favorite styles that I can't get enough of are the exaggerated open armhole big sleeve tank tops (not a good search term, especially considering I am in search engine marketing) - ya know the tanks that drape much lower than your normal tank top so it shows some side boop when you hold your arms out - LOVE side boob btw. So they are referred to as "drop armhole tanks." SO sexy, especially with cuttoff shorts. I really want some super shirt cutoff jean shorts but I just think they are more meant for the west coast. or the beach somewhere. You can just get away with showing more skin there. Even though any style is basically acceptable in NYC, I just feel too "open" like when I am on the subway heading from East Village to Brooklyn and I don't want to show any ass during this ride. I'm not trying to invite more attention than necessary. Because most of the time this attention isn't (revisit pep talk that a mom would give to an insecure middle school girl) "good attention." And I'm down with good attention.

Find this here - they only have Medium and Larges tho, otherwise it would be mine :) It's also around $45 I think.

I got this from Asos.com and I LOVE it but I think it might be sold out? Go ahead and check. They have a lot of good drop armhole shirts, they are just tough to find. This is my biggest problem with asos - they use different words than we do in American language (joke) - but seriously. They don't use "racerback" and some other common search term phrases. 

Another little looksy that I still love are jumpers/rompers - whatever the difference may be. I just think they are so sexy IF they fit. They should either show a lot of leg, or a little back, or some part of the body - but not all. A couple I love are below. I just can't justify spending $300+ on a piece of clothing called a "romper" - plus I already have done this but it was on a tuxedo styled fancier romper (ironic, yes) and I haven't worn it enough to warrant the cost. I need to pull it out and wear it again.

This one is also on Revolve - super cute and pretty classic style. I like how it hugs the butt. 

And this (below) is my DREAM ROMPER. I need it. If I were to be a CMO and about to lead my ideal company meeting, I would do it in this (if there were no HR dept.). I would also wear sunglasses during the entire thing. And potentially go barefoot. After I kicked off the below shoes. I literally would feel like a million bucks romping in this. This is the reason why the garment is called a romper - because it makes you want to ROMP.

Find it here at Revolve. It's $396

Beach hair for the meeting.

These are the shoes I'd wear to the really professional meeting. Don't they look comfy? They are from revolveclothing.com by Boutique 9  - $180. So cute. 

I bought these Celine sunglasses at Bergdorfs last week and I am obsessed with them.  Pulled this pic from this site. They are so great - $340. A big size so you need a decent sized face to pull them off.

This outfit would make for the most ridiculous meeting ever. I'd lead a brainstorming session over glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and alternate between euro cafe sounding remixes and Taylor Swift. Then I'd probably just call the meeting off and go outside.

Nicole romps too. Who wants to get a spray taan!?!?!? MEEEE.

Beach Bound

In the spirit of the Hamptons - where I am headed this weekend with my best girl friends from middle school AND with our MOTHERS (mother daughter weekend yea yeaaa) I thought I'd post these amazing photos I found on Who What Wear from Vogue Paris (May 2013). OMG nothing could make me want to be in the sun, on the water, at the beach, more. These photos are amazing. Like they could sell the shit out of any nautical inspired clothing, perfume, makeup, hair products, anything. Sometimes images are just perfect and just ooze (sorry I hate that word) such a strong feeling and this is one of those cases. Enjoy! More pics of my own to come!

My Fave.

Ph: Gilles Bensimon, Stylist: Geraldine Saglio, Model: Edita Vilkeviciute

Happy Tunes

Need a happy Friday song? Listen to this one - it's so comforting for some reason. It's called "Nobody" by Hiatus.

On another note, there are lots of beautiful shoes out for Spring, and many of them at actually great prices. Aldo RISE (part of ALDO that gives designers a chance to work with its team) has collaborated with Preen to make these babies below. Love the white strappy heels. I've never been big into finding the lower priced pieces like these, but I actually think these styles are really great.

More here at whowhatwear.com

I love the bold styles this season - so visually pleasing. This pair of Sam Edelman sandals is super reasonably priced and has a very similar look. Definitely want these.

Sam Edelman "Trina" Sandal - Find here at Nordstrom - and they are only $100!

This black pair also by Sam Edelman is a perfect work shoe for Spring. For me the perfect work shoe is black generally, professional with a little flair, and also not a super high heel. I like to be put together but I don't want to regret my heel choice as I am pushing my way through 2 subways in the morning while rushing to work.

Find these at piperlime.com - $130. If you shop at piperlime they tend to send you 20% off coupons (I just got one), so  I will probably use for this pair. Also would be great to show a little ankle with a cropped skinny pant.

Leather is Better

If I had a dollar for every wedge sneaker I saw on a 30-something mother in Tribeca this past weekend... I'd have a lotttaaaa dollars. I'm having a bit of an internal conflict with myself about these "sneakers" because on one hand, it's cool, they are Euro looking...and adding a wedge heel is definitely more flattering than wearing flat sneakers, but on the other hand (or should I say, foot lols), why not just wear normal shoes if you are going to wear heels?!? They are a little too rap music video-y for me, but who knows, maybe I am behind the times. Or maybe the TriBeCa mothers are way chicer than I think. If I had to pick a fave, I guess it would be these black Lacoste wedges. I guess...

Buy them here, if you are so inclined.

They actually are a lot cooler styled and on..

From here

My next favorite thing that I am really excited to receive is my new pair of leather shorts that I got from ASOS.com. I just love, love leather shorts, and while they are relatively impractical, I am going to embrace them and scurry around in them once the air temperature hits basically around 73 degrees fahrenheit, ideally when humidity is less than or equal to 50% and the sun is setting. This basically leaves about .2% of this year for me to wear these shorts comfortably, so I am really looking forward to my well thought out investment.

ASOS Leather Shorts

Also on my short list of things I want/need are 1) this pair of Tibi Strap Heels in black because they are just perfect for everything, and honestly, the one strap across your foot plus ankle strap is by far the most flattering sandal 2) this cross shirt. I still love studs and embellishments, just no spikes.

Tibi Black Strap Heels from revolveclothing.com

Shirt by Motel - also at revolveclothing.com

If you're into a collared version that also has a cool but more western influenced stud detail, try this one. Plus it's under $50! 

From ASOS - find it here

And I just realized I haven't listened to one song all day, which is probably not helping my stress levels, so HERE, we can listen together. #TimeToBreathe