rag & bone realness because mondays...

(my Christmas surprise to myself)

i wasn't expecting to be able to break this out till late march at the earliest, but since nyc weather has decided it makes perfect sense to plummet to 3 degrees one week then channel spring-like temps the next, it looks like this bomber gets to make its debut in january :-)

i'm in a new york state of....freezing....

...and you would think i built up a more admirable tolerance living in Chicago for 3 years. but whatever tolerance i had, it's long gone by now. or just absolutely frozen on account of the incredibly rude temperatures nyc has been experiencing. 

i know this term has been on repeat for the past week but, polar vortex. seriously. that is the most succinct way to sum it up.

anyways, i blame the aforementioned term on the reason why i haven't worn anything remotely stylish so far this week. i know, i know, a lot of you are exceptionally talented at looking trendy and terrific even with a -12 degree wind chill, but im still a newbie at all this and ive basically been living in sweatshirts layered over zip-up hoodies plus a pair of winter leggings from american apparel (you might be doubtful about american apparel being able to create an item of significant warmth and/or coverage, but i assure you these leggings are intensely insulating).

but THEN, today, i received a little something in the mail - something that i treated myself to as an early birthday present. so in case anyone's keeping track, this week it's been 3 unstylish looks, 1 winner:

Rebecca Minkoff Tee

ny, i love ya, even at your most brutal

festive pop o' color because holidays

Aqua red sweater for holiday sweater-weather

SOLD Design Lab distressed boyfriend jeans to ease me back into denim (i know leggings aren't pants. but still. i'll admit, i've gotten into the (bad) habit of choosing my waist-down attire based on ample stretch potential).

luxe leather

some days - and mondays most of all - you just want to channel your inner badass. the ultimate item to throw on and look tough? a classic leather jacket. bonus points if it comes with a hood.

happy friday the 13th!

it's frigid. so let's dress in as close to appropriate fashion attire as possible before heading out there, yes?

beanie: free people (similar style here)

fluted skirt: j.crew

merino tippi sweater: j.crew

vest: aqua

booties: steve madden (similar style here)