Dark + Stormy

First, shame on me for not acknowledging the monstrosity of a storm the East Coast suffered earlier this week. I was in constant contact with my two sisters who were in harm’s way — one lives in Manhattan, the other in D.C. — and both were safe and sound so I selfishly pushed Sandy out of my head as soon as the worst had passed for them. But — woah. My heart goes out to all of you who were affected by the storm, and for the many of you still without power. Let’s hope that’s the end of the crazy weather we’ve had the past year or so…

In that vein — this post is all about darkly chic looks. Leave it to clothing to cheer us up. Mmm, yes. Clothes. I’ve been coveting SO.MUCH. lately thanks to the turn in seasons. I’ve been stocking up on printed blouses, wooly sweaters, and, of course, outwear galore. Strangely (for me), I’ve been gravitating towards lots of black and leather this saison. For example, check out this very Elin Kling look — a boxy heathered knit($337) with leather-effect skinnies ($194) and these ah-mazing embellished flats ($895 — Valentino does it again)

Extra cool layered beneath this leather-tipped Reed Krakoff driving coat ($1,590) and perhaps this glossy little clutch to finish ($400)?!

Or, how about this leather-trimmed tee ($119) with this eye-catching snakeskin collar necklace ($58), a pair of denim skinnies, and these studded-strap heels, which my uber-chic little sis just scored ($89)?

Finish with these well-priced studded tote ($114):

And I like finishing it with this snakeskin wrap watch ($92 — but LaMer is offering 20% off all purchases today!):

Glam slam. For work, how about this printed bow-front blouse ($28) with some wool trousers ($158 — also digging them in the heathered camel color! Very cool) and a pop of color in the shape of this pair of uber-affordable suede pumps (love this color — $120):