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

Link Love

Kicking posts this week off in reverse—but it's good to shake things up every now and again, no? This weekend was both perfect and not long enough...I never seem to accomplish half the things I say I'm going to do each weekend (this weekend's list included finally hanging up some of my gallery wall…after three years, and no it did not happen). When the weather is as beautiful as it's been I try to spend as much time outside as possible before I adopt "hermit status" in the winter, so much of Saturday was spent on a rooftop in Brooklyn, watching the sun set and bidding a good friend who's on her way to London today au revoir (for now). Those city views, man. Sunday became an opportunity to clean up around my apartment, swap my clothes out for fall and make a (small) dent in the stacks of magazines that's always piling up.

It's been a while since I've done one of these so I have some good ones below—Happy Tuesday!

How to properly store your summer clothes (absolutely necessary—don't neglect them as you make the swap!).

I desperately want these floral slip-ons for fall!

Mackenzie wrote a beautiful post on getting out of a funk recently, I could absolutely relate.

As I try to regain my hold on the French language and make an effort to travel and immerse myself in other cultures more frequently, I really enjoyed this read on "Acting French".

How to fake a good night's sleep (basically, my morning bible).

These Zimmerman booties are pretty similar to my favorite Loeffler Randall ones (last seen here).

Truths about the fast fashion industry.

The best hotel bars in NYC…and there are some GREAT ones on there!

Found—the perfect sleek (and affordable) loafer for fall.

How amazing are these Hudson Woods homes?? Sign me up for one, stat, please.

It's true, so why not advertise it? Although if it were more accurate, there'd be an "almost" in the middle.

Summer might be over, but I'm still making an effort to pick up some of the books on this reading list.

10 Foods that make your skin glow.

Have you heard of Rails? They're my new favorite for plaid shirts this fall.

*image via

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

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

Little White Shift Dress

I've already headed back to NYC and then left from there for the Midwest, but I wanted to share a couple snaps from my trip to DC last weekend in an attempt to keep things somewhat chronologically organized. I had a nightmare of a time getting down there Friday night but managed to ditch the rain for a mostly sunny, fairly warm day that was perfect for wandering about.

 I've paid visits to D.C. every few months since I moved East for everything from baseball games (rooting for the Cubs, of course) to the 2013 Inauguration. It's no New York—sorry D.C.!—but it's near the top of my list for a weekend visit when I need to get away. The museums are free, the food is good and the light is nearly always perfect. It's easy to relax and unwind when you find yourself wandering the mall in beautiful weather or passing building after building with a rich, unique history.

I have my favorite spots to hit when I'm on the mall, like the sculpture garden (below) and the botanical gardens near the Capitol. I've also done my fair share of wandering through nearby neighborhoods, but I'm always looking for new places to check out. Any recommendations for my next trip later this summer? Food, shopping, sites to see...all fair game!

P.S...these shoes are about to become my summer favorite. I wore them all over D.C. for two straight days; they didn't rub or cause me any pain, and they look super cute!

Express Dress || Michael Michael Kors bag || Anthropologie scarf (tied on bag)

Ray-Ban Sunglasses || Michael Kors Watch || Loeffler Randall Espadrilles || Catbird and WWAKE rings

On the Waterfront

 Ahh, sunshine! It *seems* like spring is finally starting to poke its head from the bunker it's been stashed away in, but I'd rather not gush too much for fear of jinxing any hope we have of ever putting our coats and jackets into storage.

A recent sunny weekend and a friend in town called for a walk along the riverfront in DUMBO...after brunch at Joseph Leonard, puppy playtime with some fuzzy friends across the street and a stop by my favorite hat shop in the West Village. This was naturally followed up by a tour of several of my favorite croissant stops, including Balthazar for almond and Bottega Falai for cream-filled (both around NoLIta) 

Definitely earning my#croissantconnoisseur status.

Jacket (similar) || Express (Minus the) Leather Top || Acne Skin 5 Jeans

Loeffler Randall Boots || Sequin Collar || Ray-Ban Sunglasses || NARS Lipstick in Niagara

Catbird and WWAKE rings (in ring finger stack)

Get the Look

Flow-y Neutrals // Getting Inspired

 I don't know about you, but the winter-that-never-ends has put me in a serious style rut. I reach for the same sweaters, jeans and shoes day after day in an effort to stay warm and not be completely miserable, but the slowly climbing temps have me determined to change things up (Unless you run into me this week, in which case it will be pretty obvious I've been getting dressed from the pile of clothes always at the end of my bed. Is it Friday yet? Almost?). A lazy morning browsing Pinterest led me to this pin and I immediately realized I could replicate the look in my own way, thanks to this flow-y, pleated white skirt I usually save for hot summer days. I even played around in another pleated skirt while shopping at Bloomingdale's recently, mostly while avoiding orange-dress shopping for my sister's impending nuptials.

Paired with one of those go-to sweaters and a few of my favorite accessories—including my new favorite shoes!—and I was good to go. Now, if only that wind would die down for spring, too...

Zara Coat || Otte New York Sweater (similar) || Michael Kors Bag || Sequin Jewelry Necklace (similar)

Free People Skirt || Loeffler Randall Boots || Ray-Ban Sunglasses || Givenchy Rouge in Magnolia Organza

Photos by Rachel Schwartzmann

Get the Look

Weekly Wants

I'm kicking this week off with Weekly Wants, because I'm nothing if not unreliable (and the faithful visitors to this site know that Weekly Wants appears anything but weekly). I'm honestly a little impressed I managed to get something together in time for the week, despite a very low-key weekend filled with errand running, early-ish bedtimes and finding a bridesmaid dress for my sister's wedding. Last night was spent watching—what else—the Oscars! If we've met in real life, you've likely been privy to my excitement for the season, and unlike most of my female counterparts, it's not because of the fashion (but I'm still a sucker for a pretty dress).  For several years now, a good friend of mine and I have made it a point to watch all the best picture nominees and then some before the ceremony each year; this year, I finished in record time and managed to sneak in several others that were outliers during awards season. I also promised to stay off Twitter, but let'sbehonest, Twitter was made for awards shows—and there were some great tweets, like Ellen's epic selfie group photo (and my favorite altered version where Kevin Spacey was face-swapped onto everyone!) and this Mean Girl's reference to Lupita's win. Also, let's not forget the real theme of the night.

I also swear that I didn't intentionally include so many metallics in today's post because of the Awards, but it's kind of nice it worked out that way, no?

Clockwise from top left: Ray-Ban Sunglasses || Eddie Borgo Doorlatch Cuff || All That Is by James Salter || Loeffler Randall Elke Buckle Sandal || Warby Parker Reilly Tortoise Sunglasses || Nasty Gal Sweet Grapefruit Bag || Terrain United States Chalkboard Map (on sale!!) || Fallon Riche Signet Ring || Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote || Jonathan Adler Champagne Candle || Madewell Linen Ampersand Tee || Sass & Bide Distressed Skinny

Anthropologie Gold Dipped Cards

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Brooklyn Bound

A few weekends ago, the weather got bearably warm enough that my friends and I took a jaunt over to Brooklyn to hit up antique shops and the Flea, something we usually reserve for warmer seasons as the warehouse-style settings can be pretty frigid. After such a brutally long, snowy winter, 30-degree weather felt amazingly warm to us. First, though, we hit up brunch at a new little neighborhood favorite—The Sparrow Tavern, conveniently across the street from the one place in Astoria most people are familiar with, the beer garden. Not only were the food & drinks great, they let you snag a seat even if your whole party isn't there yet (and if you live in NYC, you know that's a big deal). 

Can we take a moment to talk about this sweatshirt, too? It's from menswear designer Todd Snyder (part of his collaboration with Champion—he's also an Iowa native), and though I've only had it a month it's quickly become a wardrobe staple. Sure, I'm partial to the blue color—no surprise there—but it's just plain comfortable. It's transitioned from nights at home to office wear to weekend wear faster than you can blink, all I have to do is pull on a blazer or throw a chic statement necklace on top!

Zara Coat || Todd Snyder Sweatshirt || Boyfriend Jeans (old) || Zara Bag

Loeffler Randall Booties || Baublebar Necklace || Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Museum Snow Days

 Last Saturday, I kicked off my morning afternoon with my weekly brunch date down at Cafe Orlin in the East Village (we don't go to the same spot every week, but it is the same people every week), and by the time we left—surprise!—it had dropped five degrees and started snowing. A friend and I figured that would be the perfect opportunity for us to hop on the subway out to Brooklyn and check out the John Paul Gaultier exhibit while it's in its last few weeks there, and it was oh so worth the ride. If you have a chance to visit the museum before the exhibit closes on the 23rd, I highly recommend it!

Zara Coat || Forever 21 Cardigan || Otte New York Pullover

Zara Scarf || Sole Society Tote || 7 For All Mankind Jeans || Loeffler Randall Boots

P.S.—how amazing is JP's work? The models even have moving faces, and some sing along with music or talk with a track—it was a little freaky at first, but pretty cool once you keep making your way through!