Ends and Beginnings

Ah, the official end of winter—only, if you live in NYC like myself, it's got us in a vice grip for as long as it can. These photos are actually from earlier this season, and I realized this week I needed to post them before the weather changed...ha, ha! By the way, if you're a curious weather nerd like me, today isn't actually the first "day" of spring—it doesn't start until 6:48p tonight! Fingers crossed for a warmer, more spring-like tomorrow.

The West Village is, hands down, one of my favorite places to be on weekends (and, ok, it makes for cute photos). The little side streets are never crowded, and my friends and I tend to wander around admiring the brownstones and joking about owning one someday...#marryrich, right? I like to get brunch around noon at Joseph Leonard—if there's a wait, my friends and I usually head across the street to a cute letterpress shop or the nearby puppy store. I would never buy a puppy from a puppy store (#adoptdontshop!) BUT, it's not the dogs' fault they're there and playing with a puppy is a 100% guaranteed way to put you in a good mood. Post-brunch, if the weather is playing nice, we usually wander around Bleecker and the surrounding streets, popping in to cute shops. Since I have a sugar problem, it's a safe bet I'll be scooping up some candy from Sockerbit.

This weekend is going to have a different kind of puppy time in it, though. A few months back, I signed up for orientation with Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue so I can start volunteering, and I finally made it off the wait list! I used to volunteer with a rescue league back home and have been wanting to get involved out here in NYC for quite a while, but I actually found that a lot of shelters are outside the city besides the big ones like ASPCA and the Humane Society, and I wanted to work with a smaller rescue where I can get more involved and be of help. 

Alright, back to wishing for spring weather to match up with the start of the season. Anyone going someplace warm that can fit me in their suitcase soon?

wearing:

Zara Coat

Zara Plaid Scarf

360 Sweater Cashmere Sweater

Rag & Bone Dre Jeans in Surfer

Loeffler Randall Fenton Bootie

Illesteva Sunglasses

Sole Society Bucket Bag

Indian Summer

Today's post is an homage to the weather, while we all nervously await the arrival of colder weather this weekend (only 45º on Saturday…I don't want to think about it).

Here in NYC, we're going to hit a high near 70 (!) for the day. While that's not quite like a summer 70, where the sun feels warm and you could even break a small sweat, I'll take it. Today's IRL look includes a sleeveless black maxi tee dress with a light sweater layered on top, but I'm nostalgic for a few weekends back when temps neared 80 and I was able to head out in my favorite chambray pants and a lightweight (ahem, slightly sheer) tank for a day of brunch and rooftop hangs in Brooklyn. After today, I think it'll be time to say goodbye to bare legs 'til next spring, and start looking toward my next adventure…London! That's all I've got for today, as I've got to dash out the door for a work conference (well, really I have plenty of time, but it'd be a waste of a day if I miss the free coffee/breakfast part…that's like, at least half the reason I agree to go to these things).

Francesca's Collections Tank  (old) || J. Crew Chambray Pants || Jeffrey Campbell Loafers

Michael Kors Crossbody || C. Wonder Chain Bracelet || Illesteva Sunglasses

Suno in Blue

I've got one more NYFW post for you today…I know I'm late on this (by, oh, just a few weeks!) but this look has some of my favorite things, EVER, in it, and I had to share the story behind these shoes.

It really should come as no surprise I'm decked out in head-to-toe blue, but when I was getting dressed, it wasn't a conscious color choice, although I probably subconsciously selected the pieces when I purchased them because of their hue—and, as my mom would say (about my color addiction and many, many other things) "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." And, in case you're really wondering, I showed up to the office in all blue today, maybe a subconscious choice after editing these photos last night!

I wore this look on Saturday during NYFW for a morning presentation and early afternoon show (where it rained in between, and somehow I managed to get in a cab BEFORE the downpour), followed by a meeting with some of the Zappos team and the rewardStyle rooftop soirée at the Empire Hotel. I'd acquired both the shoes and dress earlier in the summer but hadn't worn either yet, thanks to my generally lazy attitude towards dressing this summer that included lots of sneakers and t-shirts. Suno has become one of my favorite designers to watch each season, so when I spotted this dress from their Resort 2014 collection on sale at Les Nouvelles and there was just one left in my size, it was fate. I'm already wishing it were next spring so I can wear this look on repeat!

Now, for a story about the shoes. These are from the Mary Katrantzou x Gianvito Rossi that was carried in a few select stores and online worldwide, and let's just say that full price they would have been double my rent. I first spotted them way earlier this spring and it was lust true love at first sight. If you were to take my personality and style and somehow turn it into a shoe, these babies would be it. I knew I needed to have them, but I had no idea how I'd make it happen since I've been trying out this whole living on a budget thing (with varying degrees of success). I checked in on them about once a week anyways, and earlier in the summer saw the price drop about 30%! Still too expensive. So I waited. And waited. 

Then, they dropped again, to about 50% off! Still pretty pricey, plenty of sizes left, so I decided to wait more, and by this point had logged them in Hukkster (RIP!) to track when they dropped in price again. One day in August, I was at one of our stores for work and saw an email on my phone noting another drop in price to something somewhat justifiable—success!! I immediately logged in to purchase as soon as I got back to work...but my size was sold out. To make the rest of the story a bit shorter, I emailed and called various stores here and abroad, including MK headquarters in London, where someone tipped me off to the shoes running a bit small, so I ordered a full size up, figuring I'd stick some foot pads in if need be. I shouldn't have worried, because they fit perfectly. And now we're going to live happily ever after.

Suno Dress (lots of Fall '14 here) || Mary Katrantzou x Gianvito Rossi Heels || Illesteva Sunglasses

Michael Kors Watch via Zappos || Sequin Jewelry Bangle

Photos: Emily Tozer

And, because what's a good outfit post from me during NYFW without an outtake…I give you the below. This is what happens when you're physically and mentally exhausted (I still hadn't had time to unpack my suitcase from my trip a week before), your feet are starting to hurt and you've visited a few too many open bars before you shoot photos. I think Emily had asked me to walk back and forth and I'm extra terrible at making a walking photo look good, so I started goofing off instead. Think I'm going to make this my new dance move ;)

Easy Denim

No matter how much I protest, it seems fall weather is pretty determined to swoop in on us. As I write this, I'm wearing a sweater (!) layered over a silk blouse with jeans, and this morning I even had on a jacket. Ugh. Let's take it easy, weather (pretty please).

I've become pretty comfortable with the fact I'm a jeans-girl. Sure, I love a great dress, printed pant or even a skirt, but when I'm lazy and, more often than not, running short on time, denim is easy. I have several pairs I can dress up with a nice boot and top as needed, but I'm usually pretty casual both on weekends and in the office. I've been picking out more and more pairs in recent years with distressing—something I avoided as a teenager, since I was pretty good at wearing my jeans til they got holes in them myself and didn't need assistance from a factory. Now that I'm able to invest in a little higher quality and spend most of my days at a desk, I don't mind a few frays and holes.

While boyfriend styles have become my go-to lately (I live in this pair from Gap; also love this wash and these Rag & Bone's), I wanted to get a patch-inspired pair after reading this interview with Eva Chen. I love the silhouette of these Greywire's (a high-quality and affordable denim line in collaboration with Elie Tahari!) and they're the perfect intro to the patchwork trend without looking too retro.

Zara Blouse || Greywire Patchwork Jeans || Sole Society Carla Satchel || Illesteva Sunglasses

Loeffler Randall Espadrilles || Michael Kors Watch

Photos: Ashley Manfred

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

Governor's Island

A few weeks ago I unexpectedly had a friend in town for the weekend, so my plans for laundry & cleaning quickly switched to beaches, brunch, a little shopping in Nolita (my favorite neighborhood for it!) and a ride across the ferry to Governor's Island in search of the mythical hammock grove. 

The trip over happened on a whim. We didn't feel like spending forever and a day on the subway to get somewhere quiet/relaxing (and where I'm not tempted to spend money...sorry, NoLIta/SoHo!), so I suggest hopping a train downtown to catch the ferry to the island for a few hours. Also, a catch to note—it's not free anymore! I was a little disappointed to have to pay, but at least it's only $2/roundtrip. 

Parts of the island were busy with kids, parents and lots o' tourists-on-bikes (I suggest walking on the grass to steer clear, as I don't entirely trust their pedaling skills), but there's still plenty of space to wander around, and various old buildings and houses are open on the weekends because of exhibits. They're mostly emptied of furniture now, but I like imagining how the rooms might have been filled and what it would have been like to live there. 

Some serious, long wandering (the island is WAY bigger than it looks) finally led us back to the mythical hammocks, but it was a little disappointing...the weather was near-90 degree, not a cloud in the sky. The trees were only planted in the last year, so I suggest slathering on some major SPF (which you should be doing anyways!) before you head out there. We finally found an open one to hop in for a little while right after taking these pics, but by that point the sun was getting to me and I was ready to head for the air-conditioned subway ride home...so of course we had to wait 15 minutes on the platform. Life in NYC, am I right?

P.S. I spent last night #GlamFamChat'ing with Hallie on the best tips & tricks for instagram. Check out the feed on Twitter here, or for a more condensed version head over to her blog!

Zara Silk Tank || Anthropologie Shorts || Zara Tote 

Illesteva Sunglasses || Joie Sandals via Zappos || Sequin Bracelets || Michael Kors Watch

When Getting Dressed is Easy

Getting dressed in the morning for me goes one of four ways...1. I have no idea what I'm going to wear (those mornings rarely end up here, ha!) and change at least twelve times before leaving my apartment, leaving my room to look like it was hit by a tornado 2. I plan an outfit in my head the night before/as I'm laying in bed in the morning, but it doesn't turn out at all how I want it to and I revert back to plan one 3. I get dressed in something basic (white tee, jeans/shorts, a simple dress) that I've worn time and time again and 4. I plan something in my head and it actually WORKS. Sometimes, this is because I've worn a variation of it before, but the rest of the time it's because I properly remembered the portions and cuts when imagining how it will look on my head. 

As I'm sure you've already guessed from the title of this post, this look fell under category #4. I've been seeing Otte New York's Ellen Dress around for years and was impressed with the versatility and its ability to look flattering no matter the body shape wearing it (sisterhood of the traveling dress, anyone?). I'm a little surprised it's taken me so long to get it on the blog, given how much I wear it, although when I first tried to wear it I'd just gotten out of the shower and had a fresh layer of coconut oil (which I use instead of body creams) on...note to self, don't put on delicate silks until everything is rubbed in and dried. Thankfully my new best friend the dry cleaner was able to get the spot out. I can easily see myself transitioning the dress to cooler temps with a jacket, and layering leggings underneath come winter!

Otte New York Ellen Dress || Steve Madden Fringe Bag || Loeffler Randall Booties

Illesteva Sunglasses || Sequin Jewelry Necklace

Check out all the colors Otte has to offer here, and for more styling inspiration check out Hallie's posts here, here and here, Alicia's belted look and Kim's easy style.

Photos by Lauren Pruner

That Face

Somehow, this week has gotten away from me and my first post of the week is going up on a Thursday. Also, can we talk about how it's already Thursday? I know discussing the quick passage of time isn't exactly a "new" thing, but I'm still amazed at where it goes when I sit down to think about it. Summer is going to be over before we even realize it…I'll be ending mine in Iowa, so I really only have a few short weeks left of summer in NYC! Better get moving on my mini-to-do list.

If you live in NYC and we mingle in some of the same areas, there's a really good chance you've passed me on the street in this dress lately. It's a Zara sale find that almost didn't happen…I'd been eyeing it (yes, there's a pun in there) online before the sale started, but didn't rush to make a purchase that night and it sold out in my size within a few hours. Fast forward a week and I found myself in the Fifth Avenue store before dinner with a friend,  and there's a handful left! But all in a size M (I think the entire store was left in a size M, which in hindsight probably saved me a lot of money). I bought it anyways, and the rest, as they say, is history. I actually favor the looser fit over something skintight, so "the face" and I have become fast friends.

Zara Dress || Illesteva Sunglasses || Sequin Bangles || Capwell + Co Necklace

Photos by Ashley Manfred