Plaid Fad

BB Dakota Jacket.  Vintage Blouse and Boots.  Club Monaco Leggings.  Bop Basics Beret. 

gifted Rebecca Minkoff Bag.  Linda Farrow for the Row Sunglasses.

I admittedly have never been a huge plaid wearer. The checked pattern always felt a little too prep for me but this blanket jacket has quickly changed my mind. It is the ideal fall color palette, cozy and not too plaidy (if that makes any sense). I now have my eye on a few other plaid numbers, including this killer Rag & Bone biker jacket.

Wishing you a happy Halloween!

Switchin-It-Up

Estee Lauder Lipstick: Nude Velvet (for day) and Red Velvet (for night)

Lately I've been all about experimentation and switching up the ol' routine. This week I swapped bright lipstick in lieu a lighter pink for day, wore a glittery polish combination instead of the usual matte shades, and tested my culinary skills with various unique recipes including: homemade pesto eggplant pizza, baked macaroni and cheese with cauliflower as well as a vegan pumpkin bread. Sometimes life calls for a refresher to keep you on your toes and most importantly inspired! 

My girlfriend and I used dried figs, dates and apple sauce as natural sweeteners and substituted white beans for oil to make an uber healthy (and scrumptious) pumpkin pudding bread (recipe here).

Berets in various colors not only kept my head warm, but my ensembles interesting.

Swapping mustaches for cute chicks (aka a new girlie iphone case).

Reading multiple books at once because one story line would just be plain boring.

Playing around with various sequin and lip combinations. 

Wintery Mix

 Current Elliot Jeans and Tee.  BB Dakota Jacket.  gifted Bauble Bar Necklace. 

Bop Basics Beanie.  Linda Farrow for the Row Sunglasses.  Hunter Boots (similar).

It's full blown beanie season over here and today's forecast, a "wintery mix" (showers and possible snow flakes), has me all excited to curl up with my latest reads* and a steaming hot cup of apple cider. And for the record these jeans are actually orange although they may look red on your computer screen -- Halloween spirit! 

* I'm actually in the middle of 3 different books, which is very typical me!

Graphite Glitter Mani

I typically stick to dark nail polishes during the fall and winter months (Deborah Lippmann's Fade to Black is my default go-to and here's a complete list of my favorite polishes for fall) but lately I've been drawn to unexpected glitter combinations for a fun update to the usual routine. After some glittery experimentation, here's my latest at home manicure!

{2 coats} Deborah Lippmann Stormy Weather  +  {2 coats} Deborah Lippmann I Love the Nightlife

Deborah Lippmann makes the best sparkly nail polishes (I prefer the larger glitter - which I've found is easier to remove as well).

Autumn Edge

Vince Quilted Leather Jacket.  JCrew Sweater.  Parker Dress. Vintage Boots.  Alexander Wang Bag.

DIY Chain Necklace (available on Etsy here).  Commando Polka Dot Tights.  House of Harlow Sunglasses. 

Thanks to a generous birthday present from my in-laws and Shopbop's Friends and Family discount I was able to purchase the quilted leather jacket I have been dreaming about (and blogged about here)! As anticipated, I've been wearing it non-stop and am crossing my fingers that the weather holds out so I can keep sporting it as long as possible before my not so flattering puffy down jacket is forced to make it's winter debut.

Apple Picking

We spent this past Saturday on a farm outside of Ithaca roaming cornfields and picking apples. After picking a few dozen we warmed up with scrumptious melt-in-your-mouth apple cider donuts and coffee all while playing a fierce game of checkers. It was the quintessential Upstate New York fall day and I absolutely loved it.

And congrats to Sara Martinez! I can't wait to meet you at Lucky Shops New York.

DIY Mixed Chain Necklace

Statement necklaces are my favorite way to accessorize an outfit and this mixed chain necklace is incredibly easy to make yourself. The only difficult part is tracking down high quality chain!

What you'll need:

1. Chain (you can make many versions of this necklace - all gold, all silver, etc.)

2. Wire Cutters

3. Clasp and End Loops

Measure and cut chain to desired length. I made this necklace shorter, but long chain necklaces look great too.

Using pliers, attach circular end pieces and clasp. It's as simple as that!

If you aren't feeling crafty I've put a few of these necklaces in my etsy shop (here).

Leather-esque

Old Navy Sweater. Mink Pink Blouse. gifted JBrand Jeans. Fur from Intermix (first worn here).

gifted DVF Booties. Alexander Wang Rocco Bag. gifted Bauble Bar Bracelet. 

I've been wearing these wax coated jeans over the past couple of weeks in lieu of denim for a dressier look. There's something about their leather-like appearance that makes even the most basic of ensembles seem put together. And while they do lack that buttery softness that comes with real leather - if you're looking for a more affordable leather-esque option this may be the route to take (I happen to be rather fond of coated clay)!

Winterizing

Eugenia Kim Leopard Beret.  Valentino Bow Leather Gloves.  Eugenia Kim Turband. Topshop Fur Trimmed Gloves.  Rag and Bone Plaid Gloves.  Eugenia Kim Cable Knit Beanie.  Eugenia Kim Turban Headband.  Valentino Leather and Calf Hair Gloves.  Topshop Cheetah Gloves.  Rag and Bone Quilted Leather Driving Gloves.  
Old Navy Beret.  Topshop Leather Rib Cuff Gloves.

It's that time, I'm stocking up on winter accessories (beanies, berets, leggings, tights and a new pair of gloves) for my first East Coast winter that is just around the corner. I'm truly enjoying fall and even though I'm slightly nervous for the extreme temps the novelty of a snowy holiday season is rather enticing. Of course we shall see what tune I'm singing come February! If you live in cooler climates what outerwear and accessories (gloves in particular) do you recommend for those harsher months?

Lucky Shops New York {+ VIP Ticket Giveaway}

Hey New Yorkers, wanna shop the night away with me?! 

Think 70% off designer duds, cocktails(!), music and giveaways... 

Enter to win 2 tickets (for you and a friend) to attend VIP night on November 4th (6-9pm at the Highline Stages):

 1) leave a comment below 

2) fan Cheetah is the New Black on Facebook (here)  

I will announce the winner next Monday, October 24th. 

* For more details on Lucky Shops New York -- which takes place all weekend long (November 4-6th) or to purchase tickets at a 15% discount, use code: Cheetahisthenewblack  here!

Cozy in Pink

Vince Sweater.  Old Navy Blouse with DIY Studded Collar (seen here). 

JCrew Pants.  Miu Miu Heels.  gifted Rebecca Minkoff Bag. 


I always dress for comfort and this past Saturday was no exception. While in a mood to both dress up and remain cozy I paired my floral pants (first seen here) with my prized leopard Miu Miu's (the heels I wore on my wedding day this past June) as well as an oversized hooded sweater for a casual contrast -- which by the way happens to be beyond warm and has quickly become my new best friend. The combination was perfectly satisfying.  

Weekend Snaps

JCrew Sweater (similar style).  Vince Fur Infinity Scarf.  gifted HSN Kara Cuff.

 I spent the majority of my weekend wrapped up in colorful layers cozily sipping tea, reading and watching movies (an ideal Saturday / Sunday agenda). In between the spitting rain showers we managed to take advantage of the not too cold yet temps (mid-50s) with multiple strolls through Collegetown and the Cornell campus. Living so close to an Ivy League campus has really grown on me. I love how peaceful (and beautiful) our crisp morning walks are, and I'm really starting to cheerish this slower pace of life. 

Admiring the falling leaves while on a peaceful morning walk.

Cozy layers! By the way, Old Navy has affordable scarf and beanie options right now in fun vibrant colors. This neon green beanie is my current favorite (seen here).

Our only festive Halloween decor this year: orange roses (my absolute favorite). 

gifted HSN daniblack Leopard Flats.

Leather Lusting

Vince Quilted Motocross Leather Jacket.  Stella McCartney Quilted Faux Leather Bucket Bag. Miu Miu Leather Clutch.  Studded Leather Converse.  Bird by Juicy Couture Leather Dress.  Acne Best Leather Skinny Pants.  Vince Pleated Leather Skirt.  Proenza Schouler PS1 Large Leather Satchel.

Maybe it's the cooler temps, my leather sleeved trench, new Club Monaco leggings, or my recent Manhattan weekend (New Yorkers are always dressed in leather) but my pre-existing love for this classic, buttery material has now skyrocketed. Whether on jackets, satchels or converse... I'm craving it all! 

Colorful Walk

JCrew Sweater. Club Monaco Leather Leggings (I also like this pair). Vintage Boots. 

Fur from Intermix (similar: 1 and 2). gifted Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch. House of Harlow Sunglasses.

The trees are unbelievable right now! I can't get enough of their vibrant color, and I'm pretty sure my friends and family are tired of me sending them pictures of yellow trees... but they just make me so happy! 

Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish: Billionaire. 

NYC Diary {Part 2}

After living in hilly San Francisco, I really appreciate that New York is flat. Being that it's such a walkable city every time I visit I try to explore and really get lost in the different neighborhoods. This is the best way to stumble upon new gems that only a local would know about. One gem in particular that my sister and I discovered this past weekend was a wine and beer bar - The Otheroom in the West Village. Have you been? The exposed brick walls, dark lighting and cozy atmosphere would make for the perfect date night spot! 

Olive Oil on Popcorn at Norma Kamali. 

I could practically drink olive oil (it's the Italian in me) so this is going to be my new snack obsession!