Dress like a greaser

AG Jeans (similar), Forever 21 tee, Level 99 Jacket, Clarks flats, Loft belt, Michael Kors watch, World Market earrings

I've said it a million times and I'll say it again: Simple is good.  Sure, there's a place and a time for fuss, but not in my day-to-day, thanks!

With my clients and customers, I've always relied on a list of basics.  Once you get a trusty team together, they all work together in beautiful ways that just make the dressing game so much better.  I don't have an endless budget (quite the contrary, in fact), so I need to make my pieces work in many ways.

My current favorite pair of jeans are these distressed AG Leggings.  Paired with a plain white tee and a trusty moto jacket, I feel put together and fuss-free.  I love a statement accessory, and my earrings from World Market give me just the edge I need.  My leopard flats are also brought out time and time again -- a comfortable basic that goes with just about anything.  Get my drift?  Altogether, I feel a bit tough... then again I do have all the makings for a classic greaser getup.... maybe without the flats!

So, this spring, think of versatility in your purchases!  Do you have a pair of jeans you never want to take off?  Basic tees in basic colors?  Jackets/blazers?  Anything moto-inspired is super "in" and will keep your look polished (and perhaps a little dangerous).  What are some of your favorites that you wear time and time again?

Back in the saddle

NY Collection blouse, AG jeans, old belt and shoes, MK watch

After having been holed up for two and a half days, it was good to finally get out and get to work today.  I had a wicked combination of strep and an ear infection, which kept me laid out for several days.  The good news is that I finished the first season of Orange is the New Black (watch it now!) and caught up on my snoozing.  Sometimes it takes an icky bug to make you stop and relax.

Now that I'm back at it, I'm feeling a little more myself!  The outfit I wore today felt so me.  A simple silk blouse is such a great wardrobe staple.  It doesn't need any complicating or layering, and it's elegant in contrast to a pair of distressed jeans.  With the simplest of accessories, a menswear watch, simple hoops, a western belt, I felt complete but simple.  We were unusually busy at the store today, and I was grateful for my fuss-free getup.

Wish List 2012

Wish List 2012 by eterlak featuring kate spade

#1: Moleskine journals: Must be in fun colors!  I love when I have one of these handy when inspiration hits me.  In old journals, I have everything from old art ideas to Christmas lists to recipes.  Even better than writing when in the moment is looking back at old renditions of myself. 

#2: Shun knife:  Used one of these puppies at my aunt's house while chopping up some veggies for a big vat of soup.  I never knew that chopping could be so... dare I say... enjoyable?  ENJOYABLE chopping.  Who'd have thunk?  I'd love to have one of these to add to my kitchen.

#3: J.Crew denim shirt:  Is it silly I've wanted this for the better part of a year?  And I still don't have it!  It just seems like the most darn versatile thing in the universe.  I can think of like 60 ways to wear it right NOW! 

#4: Crate & Barrel apron:  I'm spending enough time whipping up culinary exploits in the kitchen that it's time to upgrade from the child-sized (though adorable) red apron I kidnapped from my grandma years ago.  I love it, but it doesn't quite cover me.  Sorry, clothes.

#5: AG skinny jeans:  I'm so glad to be working at Hot Mama.  Otherwise, I would never have discovered the beauty that is premium denim.  Way back when, I used to think it was a lot of money for a similar product as less expensive brands.  Just let me say, whoa.  Put these babies on, and it was like, "Are these jeans or pajamas?!?  Let me check, because I forgot!"  Yeah, that good. 

#6: Uniball Signo pen:  Never before have I been so tempted to snatch a server's pen at a restaurant than I was today.  Signing the check felt like waving Triton's trident.  POWER, baby.

#7:  I recently upgraded from my super-old iPhone to to the 4S.  It's white, and it's pretty.  I don't trust myself to keep it that way.  I'm continually charmed by Kate Spade's phone cases, so I think I'd finally like one of my own. 

Welp, there it is, folks.  My lust list.  When I sat down to put it together, it felt a wee bit selfish, and maybe a bit childish.  Who makes a Christmas list anymore?  But, you know what?  It's kind of nice to do a little retail daydreaming.  I think it helps you get to know yourself better.  :)