speaking of steven alan....

i've been following the expansion of SA's collection with a lot of interest, but have yet to really invest in any non-shirting items because all i seem to buy these days are button-down shirts. as intrigued as i am by the references to alex katz's paintings for their spring 2012 collection, i am having a hard time finding pieces that really resonate with me. i do, however, like the clean modern lines of many of the pieces. the collection reminds me of the early 90s, and A.P.C. in particular. i am very curious about the quality of their shoes, especially the new mary jane sandals, which are the sandal version of a pair of much coveted A.P.C. mary janes from many years ago.

regardless, i will definitely be purchasing at least 2-3 new SA button-downs in the coming months. you can't really go wrong with their shirts. add a pair of slouchy Current/Elliott jeans in a fun color and a new pair of sandals for my ever-growing feet, plus my old stand-bys, Surface To Air boyfriend jeans, and i'll be ready for spring.

steven alan dresses

aside from the fact that very little i covet will fit me, i have been dreaming up shopping lists for nyc. the agnes dress reminds me of my catholic school jumper. it would be so sweet paired with a thin cashmere sweater, wool tights, and oxfords. i'm still in love with the vivian dress in the floral print. next to rachel comey, steven alan makes my favorite prints.

anyone else out there pregnant this fall and winter and feeling frustrated by the fitted waistlines this season? i need to invest in a pair of j brand maternity jeans and a down parka, but am at a loss when it comes to everything else. dressing for a long winter can be daunting, especially as every additional layer adds to your discomfort.

waiting on some sign

this is the month when i'm tired of seeing the same spring stock in shops but not ready to commit to any fall collections. the sticker shock of shopping in toronto has made me hold ever tighter to my purse strings, but an impending trip to CA in less than two weeks means i may be in for a mini shopping spree.

i've never thought of myself as a floral print person (stripes and more stripes, please), but these two Steven Alan Fall 2011 pieces have me intrigued. i'm still on the hunt for a dress for my friend's wedding. ermie's huipil in ave. 51 print is a top contender since comfort seems to be the theme of the season.

steven alan sample sale online

there are quite a few fall pieces available right now!

work

madewell trouser jeans, steven alan boyfriend shirt, bensimons

same shirt, different jeans. i haven't cut my hair in 8 months!

this week:
so grateful that i was able to keep my teaching job in spite of low enrollment
exciting news and a giveaway!

nyc...clogs and overalls

our trip to nyc to visit friends last week was such a welcome break. we still managed to spend a few mornings at the park along riverside drive, and i didn't shop nearly as much as i wanted to, but that's how it goes when you're on leon time.

i bought an undershirt from India at Maryam Nassir Zadeh in a lovely dark forest green. apparently they cost $0.35 in India! i also bought white overalls from the Steven Alan outlet, which i've been coveting every since i saw fanny bostrom's wedding photos. they are so comfortable, and i've really enjoyed the baggier silhouette.

we went to bu and the duck finally, which is conveniently located across the street from steven alan in tribeca. the shop was filled with amazing vintage toys and furniture. i bought leon a pair of linen overalls, which he's modeling with his new shoes from sweet william.

i had less luck with shoes, although what else is new? i fell in love with these golden goose clogs, but the shop was out of my size. stephanie and i went to no. 6 (right next door to built by wendy) to try out their clog heels. my feet are so wide that i had a hard time even putting the T-strap clog on, and stephanie found them to run narrow, too. i'm guessing they'll stretch out a little, but i don't think there's much hope for me. so i ended up buying a pair of sven clogs in black, which were surprisingly sleek and minimalist for clogs. however, after a walk to the park and back, i now have blisters and aching feet. perhaps the 39s are too small, after all. or maybe it's the high heel. not sure what to do about this.

i was deciding between the svens and the boating moccasins by SeaVees, which were as comfortable as a good pair of sneakers, and now i wish i had gone with the latter. and so it goes!

steven alan online sample sale

via stylebite

steven alan sullivan dress on sale

photo from frances may


i was at the tannery (the new one, not the downstairs one) in harvard square, and they have the sullivan dress on sale for 50% off (originally $236). i saw a P, S, and M. i recommend sizing up on this. i tried it on at stel's, and it's tight in the chest and short. i was fine with the length in the S, but the buttons were pulling at the chest (and i'm just an A cup).

i also tried on the topsiders, and the shop guy told me they have to fit snug. my heel was slipping out of the 8.5s, and they were out of the 8s, but he said that should be my size. i'm normally an 8.5 or 9, so i'm feeling nervous about buying something that ends up being too snug. it seems like it runs true to size, but do you feel like it's best to wear them tight like slippers (sockless)? i didn't mind the color they had, either, although i still like the lighter color at jcrew best.