Summer Stripes

It's been a while, hasn't it? I'm back in Iowa for the week, prepping for my sister's wedding (and also working from home, probably a little too much…but the week before NYFW isn't the best week to take off work when your job is in the fashion industry and you write a semi-fashion related blog!). To be honest, I probably could have gotten a post together for the last few days, but I've been enjoying stepping back from technology when I can…and apparently the outside world, since I realized this morning I hadn't put a stitch of makeup on since Saturday. 

It's weird to think once I get back to NYC, summer will essentially be over—September truly is a month of madness, and I don't have a weekend without something on the calendar until mid-October right now (don't worry, I'll be sharing some of the more fun trips & plans here!). Pinching myself because yes, I just wrote OCTOBER already. I vowed, as I always do, to make this summer a great one, and for one of the first times in recent memory I'm pretty satisfied with how it turned out, but I wish (as I'm sure everyone does) we could tack a few extra weeks on the end…I need a couple more beach days, rooftop happy hours and summer picnics al fresco, please.

Lauren and I were strolling towards the park and came across a fresh-fruit stand with the most delicious smelling fresh pineapple. So, we bought one, and yes, I dressed it up a little…cliché but fun(ny), no?

Zara Dress || Sole Society Necklace || ECCO Tote || Illesteva Sunglasses || Loeffler Randall Espadrilles

Photos: Lauren Pruner

#SelfiesWithMountains | Phoenix pt. II

Sharing just a few more pictures from my Phoenix trip with you today. It was short & sweet, with me arriving (finally) at about 1a Saturday morning, Phoenix time, and heading out at lunchtime on Monday. Though it was my first time there (and really anywhere in the vicinity, unless you count numerous trips to Las Vegas in previous years), I honestly didn't do that much. It was great to see my best friend—we've known each other for over 15 years and hadn't seen one another in almost a year—and much of our time was spent hanging out, playing with her dog and drinking margaritas (duh). 

We did, however, take an afternoon to head to the Desert Botanical Garden, a very different version of the botanical gardens I'm used to in NYC, to take in some warm afternoon sunshine & beautiful Dale Chihuly artwork. If you're not familiar with his work, take a second to head over to Google—he's most recognizable for his works at the Bellagio in Vegas, but this Chihuly in the Garden exhibit really captured my heart. I also couldn't help taking a #shamelesselfie, complete with mountains & Chihuly, and of course snapped some—okay, a few hundred—photos of the mind-blowingly gorgeous sunset.

Side note: a lot of the visitors that day were a bit older (think: grandmas), and many of them were excited to see my friend & I taking #selfieswithmountains—as evidenced by them proclaiming 

as they walked by, "Oh, they're taking a selfie!". Giggles for days about this.

Wearing: Express Shirtdress || Lionette Necklace || Ray-Ban Sunglasses || ECCO Leather Bag

Kelsi Dagger Sandals || Givenchy Le Rouge in Magnolia Organza

Phoenix Florals

A few years ago, while traveling from NYC, I spoke out loud about how lucky I was to have encountered very few flight issues in my life so far, but it would seem I spoke much, much too soon. Most of the past year has been marred with delays and cancellations and re-bookings, and Friday was no exception. You may recall my last post was written while at the airport, shortly before I'd hoped to hop on a flight. Since I have apparently cursed myself—and, if you know of any ways to un-do a travel curse, I'll be forever in your debt if you share—it was several more hours, flight changes, cancellations and an entirely different NYC area airport later before I was finally Phoenix-bound.

Luckily, my wonderful friend was more than willing to pick me up when I finally arrived after 1a, and when you step off a plane that late at night to 65 degree weather after suffering through a never-ending winter, you'd be a fool not to be in a fantastic mood. Especially when the following day is National Margarita Day and you get to wear shorts to go day-drink a bit at a sand bar in 80 degree weather. 

Otte New York Sophie Top || Prabal Gurung for Target Shorts || ECCO Bag c/o

Kelsi Dagger Sandals || Lionette Necklace (similar) || Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Pre-Holiday Dressing

Midi skirts are truly the perfect all-season piece—I've been working various versions of this look all year. A great, just-below-the-knee skirt works with a silky tank & heeled sandals in the summer and a few more layers, like tights and a jacket, in colder months.  The slight sparkle in this jacket makes it a pre-holiday look, don't you think? (During the actual holidays, it's really a miracle if I get dressed—last Christmas, it was so cold in Iowa that I wore the same sweater for over 48 hours. Oops).

Dolan Clothing Jacket || Charlotte Ronson Top || Skirt (similar, on sale!)
Hue Tights || Ecco Sculptured 75 Booties

Photos: Joey DeBenedetto

ECCO: Sculptured 75

Since you all know that I've been pretty slow with updating lately, it shouldn't come as a surprise that these pictures are from a party I attended a few weeks back for ECCO shoes, celebrating the launch of their Sculptured 75 line for fall! 

It was my last day at my old job, so I was a little out of it and didn't manage to take ANY photos myself other than this snap of the adorable "Smile" theme. Thank goodness there was a photographer!

It was pretty dark in there, so you'll have to excuse the low-quality lighting of my photographic skills. It was great to catch up with Ashley, Jessica & Hallie, along with meeting a few new friends. I also picked up the Sculptured 75 ankle bootie, which I of course haven't had a chance to wear now that we're back up to 80 degrees every day. I'm looking forward to wearing them all winter (especially with a tights/skirt or dress combo)-they're incredibly comfortable! You can see how Ashley styled them (& read what she thinks) here.

*Ed. note (to myself): wear more mascara/eyeliner next time someone's taking your picture. A little blush wouldn't hurt, either.

Wearing: Anthropologie Dress || Faux Leather Jacket || Steven by Steve Madden Boots

*Party photos courtesy of ECCO/Mullen PR