What I Wore Book Party

Last Wednesday I attended the What I Wore Book Party. I have to say, it was a lovely affair. It took place at the DKNY Soho store. I shopped. I drank free champagne handed to me in fancy glasses from handsome men.

And most importantly, I had the opportunity to meet the lovely Jessica Quirk. That's me on the left! Jessica's husband took the photo, and she posted it on her blog today.

I purchased her book, and had a chat about blogging with her.

She wrote me a darling message, and even complimented me on my outfit. What a delight.

Naturally I have already finished the book. It's chock full of handy tips for picking outfits for each season, and the drawings are gorgeous. Things I've learned:

• A pattern is woven into fabric
• A print is a design printed on top of the fabric
• Accessory organization is an art
• Those velvet covered hangers I have to keep clothes from slipping? They're called flocked
• There's another person in the world who uses wine bottles to keep their boots upright

My recommendation, if you're looking to reinvent your wardrobe, pick up the book! And check out her review of the book party here.

Spring Coats

Recently, I bought two spring coats. I had been searching for a new spring coat for a while. My wool coat is a little bit too heavy for this time of year, my rain coat is only appropriate when the weather is bad, and my fleece coat is just a little too casual for the office. The search has been on for a while. At first, I was convinced that I needed to have a brightly colored coat (yellow, blue or coral). I was enjoying the brights of spring, but the more and more I ran into people wearing easter egg hues in the subway, the more the colors offended me, and I realized I needed a nice neutral to add to my wardrobe. I mean, a bright yellow coat could be very limiting to my work wardrobe unless I want to run the risk of looking like a bumblebee every time I wear black.

The first one I purchased was from Ann Taylor Loft. Their spring stuff is SO adorable. It was all I could do to walk out of their without maxing out my credit card. Their sandals, accessories, coats, and dresses are totally wearable for work and play, and I left with a list of at least 5 things I want to go back for. It doesn't help that I am slightly brainwashed by What I Wore because she makes everything look so cute, and LOFT is currently sponsoring her. I am happy that LOFT is getting the publicity they deserve this season.

The second is from H&M and is part of their garden collection, which is made with all "green" sustainable materials, and some of them organic. What a better excuse to feel good about shopping than saving the environment? I went back and forth about buying this coat, because a coworker has the same one. But from the moment I saw it, I knew it had to be mine. Finally I gave in and just bought it. I'm not usually a copy cat, but we both have such different styles, it's almost like a different coat. AND it is a gorgeous creamy beige that I am such a sucker for.

The initial plan was to buy them both, compare at home and then return one. But let's be serious, does that ever work? I tried them both on at home, and decided that I loved and had to keep both. And I don't feel bad about it either. The Ann Taylor one was on sale for a mere $75 from and original $128 (half off!!!). And the one from H&M was only around $50 to being with. You can't beat two coats for only about a buck twenty. I've already worn them both about 4 times. They are perfect for the slightly warm, slightly chilly spring weather we've been having lately, and totally worth it.