Playing with Neutrals

Madison Square Eats has returned which means outdoor lunch is always a must. 

If you're in NYC during the month of May (or just plain live here) - #MadSqEats brings much needed variety to the bleak food options we have around here. Not to say I don't love my Bread & Butter (I really do love them at times) but sometimes you just need a sangeria and sloppy tacos.

Whenever I head out to that wonderful oasis of food and dranks I tend to go as is. That means: no laptop, my purse (currently obsessed with this one from Ora Delphine), a light convertible jacket from Mo-Ka, and my Timex watch for keeping track of time.

Yes, I do still have my phone on me - but if I'm lunching with friends or solo I try to keep the hour to detox from social and relish in the moment. Hour of zen if you will.

This was too good I had to share. Me having a hangry moment pre-lunch #bloggerbloopers.

Shirt: American Apparel  Skirt: American Apparel (similar style)  Jacket: Mo-Ka  Necklace: Custom  Purse: c/o Ora Delphine  Shoes: c/o Elliott Lucca  Watch: Timex  Sunglasses: Asos (similar)  Lipgloss: Buxom Full-On Lip Polish in Megan

But let's get back to the Mo-Ka jacket. It's been on my person non-stop (insta-proof ova here) for its light-weight feel and is perfect for that in-between spring-to-summer season. You know the type - hazy misty mornings, humid lunches, and breezy night walks. Bonus points for all the extra pockets in all the right places. It might be there for aesthetic purposes, but I like to think they had bag lady syndrome sufferers in mind - i.e. me.

Are you a fan yet? Lucky for us Mo-Ka has given all of us an additional 20% off any purchase from their e-store here by using code STYLEBORO20. Not only that one lucky reader has the chance to win a jacket of their choosing from Mo-Ka or their sister brands.

Giveaway details and entry will be announced on Instagram tomorrow (5.12.15) at noon so make sure you're following along here to win!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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Full Bloom

Remember when I mentioned a few months ago how I was saving up for a few investment pieces? Well here's the Equipment silk shirt and I am straight up in love.

It took me about two months to save up - I even found it for way less on eBay! So ladies, if you're ever looking to add a few designer pieces always shop around. Shopstyle is like the google of shopping and eBay will always surprise you with something wonderful.

And it arrived just in time to clean up real nice for my dear sweet mama. She always been a fan of me in florals - well, anything that makes me look femme basically. Now the question is, can I avoid spilling anything on this shirt with my niece around.

Let's hope so (fingers crossed).

Shirt: Equipment  Skirt: Amour Vert (similar style)  Necklace: Baublebar (similar style)  Purse: Miu Miu  Shoes: c/o Easy Spirit  Lipgloss: Maybelline's Color Elixier in Breathtaking Apricot via PINCHme

I actually wore this entire look to work last week - the weather has been so uh-mazing for bare legs across the island. But, as you can see the mini skirt is a little too mini when combined with heels. I made sure to switch to flats to keep it PG rated around the office.

As soon as happy hour rolled around though - that was an entirely different story. These EasySpirit heels definitely came out to play.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens.

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Being Basic

Sometimes it's okay to be a basics bitch. In fact, I'm all about it right now. 

I've been trying to reduce and scale back on all fronts: product, lipgloss, bedding, clothes, and shoes (holy crap the shoes). But, I've also been diligent in getting things to the tailor (my best friend essentially) and replacing my well-worn basics, from undies to the classic striped tee, for more substantial basics.

That means better well made pieces to go the extra mile, and if my bank account can afford it - something a bit on the luxurious side (my bank account called and said no way jose). So instead of spending $10 on a white tee every season, spend $30 for one with better fabric that will last all year and maybe the next. By the way Everlane has some of the best tees around.

Yep, let's get rid of the crap + clutter and replace it with fewer amazing pieces. Basically my mantra for the year if you haven't noticed.  

Here are a few other basics that I've been detoxing then upgrading. It might be a good starting block for you too (if we're on this same decluttering kick together):

- socks: we're on our feet all day long, its only wise we treat our feet to scratchy-free material that also allows for breathability. I got my socks down to about 18 pairs.

- underwear (also known as panties): I actually went through my underwear drawer and realized I owned too many. I couldn't even remember the last time I purged them. To the trash went the lace thongs, overworn, and faded pairs, and in came cotton or seamless pairs. I've pared this down to 16 pairs, all mostly from the Calvin Klein (never fails) line. Panty lines have been MIA ever since. 

- bras: one thing I learned while working in bloomingdale's intimates section is to never skip on support. Did you know that 4 out of 5 women wear the wrong bra size? An ill-fitting bra can cause back-pain and ruin an outfit - with that being said get fitted next time you go bra shopping. If this is a little foreign, this article has lots of more bra knowledge. I have a good set of bras (5 pairs to be exact) all from Calvin yet my t-shirt bra was in desperate need of a replacement. Which, of course I did.

- cami/white tee/black tee/striped tee: Find the best quality your money can get you for each (or whichever fits your life) and donate/sell the others. Like I said, Everlane and Marine Layer are great contenders to keep in mind. Both produce shirts in small batches and only with the finest materials while staying aware of their carbon footprint.

- sweatpants: told ya I was basic. But in all honesty, we all need a pair of lush sweatpants that can take our Sundays from 1 to 100 real quick. I found this pair from Nike and have never ever looked back.

- This might be a good time to revisit your "uniform" and replace any pieces you've worn to bits with a few higher quality items that can hopefully stand the test of time.

Feel free to chime in and add your basics (and where from) in the comments. 

P.s. Keep in mind, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither should your wardrobe. Take your time (and budget into consideration) when building your closet.