9 to 5

Working at a hospital with a strict dress code could feel stifling for a fashionista.  However, I choose to welcome the challenge!  If you work in a conservative environment: layers, prints, color and accessories are your best friends. This is a comfortable look photographed by an aspiring photographer who is 6 years of age.  To my good fortune, he lives with me and is always willing to help.

Red (hair), White and Blue

An outfit post from a week ago. Just getting around to posting it now.

Blue Top: Baraschi; White Jeans: Citizens of Humanity, Shoes: DKNYC (old)

Looking mean and tough. Grrrrrrrrrr.  More importantly, a shot of an antique necklace that once belonged to my great grandmother.  Below, is a slightly better shot. 

 Ta Ta for now.  

Crocheted Sage Warrior

This is a little number I wore to meet the girls for brunch over Labor Day weekend at the Buttered Biscuit in Bradley Beach.  

Crocheted top, slip underneath: Anthropologie;  Skirt: Citizens Of Humanity; Handbag (below): Kooba 

Copper Maven is Back!

After a year hiatus, Copper Maven is back my friends!  I'm still hopelessly obsessed with fashion and excited to share my new digs and ensembles with you....

Corset top: Anthropologie; Pants: J Crew; Sunglasses: very old Gucci    

This is what I wore on a City Lights Party Cruise around NYC last week.  You certainly can't tell from the too-cool-for-school puss on my face but it was a great night.  This is the best outfit shot I  could muster up......and a testament to my favorite Annie song, titled Your Never Fully Dressed Without  Smile.

Doing the peplum trend here and keeping it simple in my black J.Crew Minnies.  In the past year I've moved away from over-accessorizing and moved towards taking Coco Chanel's advice:  take one accessory off before leaving the home.  Note the antique art nouveau necklace gifted to me by my lovely mother -in-law, another trend of the season: art nouveau inspired jewelery.  

 I think I may need to take some modeling lessons from my pals here.......aren't they funny?

Aren't they pretty too? 

Say good bye to your skinny jeans

Mother Jeans Photo: Adam Secore

The most anticipated news in fashion since the end of shoulder pads has just hit. Skinny jeans are on their way out! I have been waiting for this moment since the day the trend started, and my tush and I could not be happier. I have already properly given my thanks to the fashion gods and am now on the search for the perfect flared jean to add to my spring wardrobe.
Washes are on the lighter side this season and the resurgance of seventies style continues right through this spring into fall. One can certainly still wear their skinny jeans but I have a sneaking suspician you will feel much skinnier in your new flares. A boot cut is acceptable too, escpecially if you are on the more petite side. If you are really feeling groovy, a full-out bell-bottom is very on trend and would look great with a relaxed tunic or halter and a pair of platforms.
I'm a big believer in investing in good designer jeans. I wear them so often, the number of dollars spent per wear is way lower than what I spend on a nice dress for a wedding I'll wear once or twice. That being said, Paige Premium Denim has a number of styles that fit this trend as does JBrand and the newest buzzed about Mother brand of jeans. Alas ladies, the time has arrived, you can finally sigh in relief. So get into those fitting rooms, give some thanks (the fashion gods delight in gratitude) and enjoy every proportioned minute in your new flared darlings!

New Free People at the Jersey Shore

Free People has just opened up it's very own store at The Grove in Shrewsbury, NJ.  I visited today for a quick 10 minutes and plan to go back soon.  It's right off exit 109 on the Parkway and is a sure stop on your "Jersey Shore Shopping" list.  I only had a few minutes to try on one skirt and it, unfortunately wasn't a good match. However, just look at these clothes.....   

Here's the sweetie pie who helped me while I was there.....I imagine we'll be getting much more acquainted with each other.

.....and here's what I walked away with.  You didn't actually think I could leave this place empty handed did you?   

Trend Alert: Pleated Skirt

You'd think I've had enough of pleats with my eighties inspired high waisted pants but I'm not....I'm just getting started my friends.  I'm quite excited about The Pleated Skirt, a current spring trend.  I'm hoping to find one in a brilliant color to brighten up my spring wardrobe.

www.jenny-fromtheblock.com

www.whitelace.ro/

http://popcultureafternoon.blogspot.com/

http://www.halliedaily.com/

http://www.yesidress.blogspot.com/

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Annie-and-the-Mannequins

http://twitchvintage.blogspot.com/

http://stylebonbon.blogspot.com/

The pleated skirt has been all over the fashion blogosphere as of late and I'm optimistically hoping to jump on that bandwagon. Unfortunately, I won't be able to use my old cheerleading skirt from high school. These pleats are petite and dainty in silky, airy fabrics. Lengths are tea or maxi. I'm particularly in love with Liz's translation with the sheer maxi over the opaque shorts or mini skirt.  
What do you think of this trend?

Saucy Sara

Meet Sara. This little whipper-snapper is actually one of my bosses (having two jobs I have quite a few bosses.) Anyway, can't you feel the "sass" just coming off the computer screen right now?  Sara has great boho-chic style.  I love the bold colors and the seventies inspired print of her skirt with the striped cardigan.  She's as fun as she looks and always makes work a positive experience with her fun loving spirit  and saucy sense of humor (I sincerely appreciate that Sara).

The statement Sara's legs make: feminine, sensuality meets the cattle-herding cowgirl.  Speaking of cowgirls.....see any resemblance with another well known horseback babe?

Fishing Cages

 Why, oh why did I not insist on an hour conversation with the hairdresser before I trusted  her with one of my best assets? Why? Why did I not bring a picture? Oh woe is me....

Sweater: Thrifted, Cargos: Paige, Jacket: Marc Jacobs, Bag: Abaco (gifted), Shoes: Richard Tyler,
Belt: Anthropologie, Necklace: Sunshine Daydream (Point Pleasant)

These were taken when John and I went for lunch at Spike's, right by the fishing boats in Point Beach.  When we came back.....I had the lovely Aunt June cut my hair AGAIN!
Did I mention I went back to the hairdresser the day after the original cut two weeks ago?
I'm ashamed to say I am STILL fixated on my hair and seriously need to let this one go.  But just one question for you...do you ever trim your hair yourselves.....or cut a few pieces that you think the hairdresser did not cut short enough?

Color Blocking It Eighties Style

Trench: Banana Republic, Top and Pants: Anthroplogie, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: Forever 21, Sunglasses: A total mystery

Here is my translation of the 'color blocking' trend of this season.  Simply saying "pairing bright solids together is an upcoming trend for this spring "   would sound tragically boring.  Hence, the "color blocking" phrase was invented. 

Update: The hair is up in a ponytail due to my Adjustment Disorder brought on by a recent haircut.  My next post will reveal this said haircut...........stay tuned.

Eclectic Comfort



Blouse: Anthropologie, Crochet Top: Calypso, Jeans: Jbrand, Flats: Old Navy



I'm happy to introduce you to my sweet pup Chloe...named after the brand of handbag I aspire to one day own.  That's not true actually.  She came with the name when we adopted her from a very generous friend of my mothers one year ago.  Nonetheless, I do virtually pine over Chloe handbags on a regular basis and have begun to consider robbing a bank so I can finally have one.

Howdy Partner

This is what I wore to an event in NYC this past weekend which involved a Country Western theme and dancing.  Thankfully, the music wasn't country and I was able to dance my ass off.  As a matter of fact, I almost did.  These faux leather pants, which I had to have from H&M split right under my left butt cheek from seam to seam mid-boogie.  This is a sad post for me, provided I had to have these lovelies and wore them only 5 times before their sorry end.  I honestly would prefer real leather and have owned a few pairs of leather pants over the years.  Alas, it wasn't in the budget year and these made me almost as happy.  That being said, I adore leather pants and find no better way to look badass than with tight black leather pants paired with......anything. 

 I know leather pants aren't typical to country western themes but I try not to be too predictable when styling my ensembles.  This was actually thrown together quite quickly.  Those are often the looks that are the best..... thrown on without too much deliberation or neurosis and then out the door.  

Boots and Top: Target, Pants: H&M

 Doing a freestylee hoedown to a fiddle in my head.