layer player...

showing off the dress under her skirt

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Skirt: Forever21. Black Dress/Neon Belt: Forever21.

Bracelets: Screwords. Watch: Michael Kors. 

Earrings: Forever21 (similar). 

Heels: Jessica Simpson (similar) 

Sneakers: H&M/Highlighter/DIY (not similar but Claire will die over them)  

Sunglasses: Target (similar). Heart Ring: Homemade/Gift

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 Here is Claire's take on the dress-layering that has been featured on the site pretty often. It's amazing what you can do with a LBD. Claire proves that if it's short enough (which, let's be real, all of her dresses are), you can throw a skirt over it to give it a much different look. This purple skirt is also a wardrobe staple as it can be worn as the pop of color for an outfit - or as a neutral. Purple is a hot trend for this fall/winter so if you've been on the fence about the plum hue in the past - say fuck it and give it a shot. 

She's also modeled the look with both sneakers and wedges - showing both a casual and more night/going out look. 

The sneakers were black & white when Claire bought them from H&M and then she took a highlighter to them like crazy only Claire can. And there is the beauty in disco high-tops. 

This is definitely an outfit that, come the cooler months ahead - can be paired with black opaque tights and boots. 

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Will you be trying out purple or layers this fall? 

bruce springsteen & the e street band...

Conor and I outside Metlife Stadium

Conor and Joe...and um, Sabarro?

Me and Ciara - Tailgating! 

A little sprinkle didn't stop our party!

Joe, Brian, and an Italian Combo. 

Caitlin, Conor, and Ciara - Tailgating! 

Walking into MetLife Stadium!

Stadium is cleared for severe weather conditions.
We wait patiently inside, hoping the show doesn't get called off.

Who will stop the rain? ....BRUCE....

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It was an incredible day and night on Saturday. After a 2 hour rain delay, Bruce finally took the stage. It was amazing to see Bruce and the band not only in Jersey, but on the eve of his 63rd Birthday! At midnight, 60,000 of us sang Happy Birthday to him. His family even brought out a guitar shaped cake. "Midnight Hour" was the first song they plaid after the clock struck midnight and Bruce was officially 63! 

There was an incredible tribute to the late Clarence Clemons, an appearance by Gary U.S. Bonds, fireworks, and an encore performance of "Twist & Shout" where he danced with his mother! 

He played for over three hours, naturally, and we didn't get back to Brooklyn until after 4am. So, I guess I should rephrase when I say it was a great day and night - it was also a fantastic morning! 

Until the next time the Boss and I meet... 

mumford & sons...

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Tonight I got some really amazing news - I won two tickets to see Mumford & Sons at the Ed Sullivan Theatre - a mid-day private show. I'm a big fan of the band but have never been able to see them live. It was so exciting to be able to take off of work early and shoot up to the theatre to check it out. It was also really neat seeing where David Letterman does his show - it's tiny! I have been to a taping of Jimmy Fallon's show and his studio was bigger than the Ed Sullivan Theatre (more room for the ROOTS!). It was so nice to be able to take Conor to a private, spontaneous show like this. He takes me to things like this all the time, so it was nice to return the favor! 

Although they wouldn't let me break out my DSLR for optimal zoom pics, I was able to snag these on my iphone. When the video goes up on CBS's Letterman Live website, I will be sure to post it here. 

Now...goodnight, I'm exhausted. Big day tomorrow! 

crochet the day away...

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Dress & Top: Forever21 [sold separately] (similar). 

Purse: Charlotte Russe (similar)

Boots: Diba (similar) Teacup Ring: Minted Jewelry. 

Wrap Bracelet & Sunglasses: Thrifted (similar). Earrings: Claire's

Something about this crochet top and its resemblance to a doily on the back of grandma's couch made it perfect for my little early bird dinner with Claire a couple of weeks ago. 

This black cotton/spandex jumper I'm wearing underneath it is one of my best purchases from Forever21 to date. If you don't have a tank jumper (in whatever is your color) - I seriously recommend getting one. It can be dressed up with a cardigan, chunky necklace, and heels - or dressed down with a hoodie and sneakers - but the possibilities are really endless. I should shut up before I give away all my future posts.

The bag is adorable, surprisingly roomy at times, and then utterly tiny at others. Also, it's a real bitch to open and close when your trying to text or hold a beer...or a diet coke. whatever. 

I really like pairing girly pieces with harder, edgier pieces. I'm also clearly (read: maxed out maxi) into layering things over my dresses. I get more use out of them and different looks. Also-  who am I kidding? I find an excuse to wear those fucking combat boots with anything. It's almost sad. They have been so good to me the past two years (a gift from the bf). The close up shot was horrendous, and they are really falling apart. I've already brought them to the cobbler (shoe repair) to glue the sole back on. I'm so distraught I can't even go on....

Is there something in your closet that - pun intended - should be getting the boot? 

julia & andrew's wedding

Andrew, Brian, and Kathy chatting during Cocktail Hour.

Sister's Mairead & Caitlin enjoying Cocktails! 

Mairead & Caitlin inspecting the knuckle-clutch. 

Caitlin signing the guest book - a map of Lake George. How cute! 

Brother & Sister - Conor & Caitlin! 

Twins - Mairead & Ciara during dinner. 

Parents of the bride - Neil & Mary!

The Bridal Party

The Bridal Party 

The new Mr. & Mrs. 

Julia & Andrew, coming out to Biggie Smalls. 

Natasha & Andrew tearing up the dance floor. 

Ciara! 

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It was a beautiful weekend in Lake George, NY where we celebrated Julia & Andrew's wedding lake-side! It was a small, intimate ceremony with less than 150 guests and the reception at The Boathouse was personal and lovely. The shabby chic decor was right out of Pinterest and completely to die for. 

Because this post has so many pictures, I'll keep it short - 

I had a blast with Conor and his family! Congrats to the Newlywed's and cheers to lifelong happiness!