Summer in the City: Museum Day

A few weeks ago, I posted a few things on my warm weather to-do list in (and around) the city, but it was laughably short compared to all the things I still want to get around to before cooler temps drive me in to hibernation (kidding, sort of. Do bears drink wine when they hibernate?). Something that's always on my to-do list is to visit more museums—NYC is chock full of 'em, and I've barely made a dent in that list during the last three years. It's not exactly a secret I'm making the beach a priority this summer, but I've got a few friends visiting over the weekends leading up to Labor Day, and there's no better time to visit a museum than when someone is in town and you don't know how else to entertain them...and appease that voice in your head that begs them not to ask you to go to Times Square—especially before you've had a drink (or two). 

I prefer to be as casual & comfortable as possible when I visit museums (see here). I usually end up at a nearby bar for a drink afterwards so comfy sandals are a must, and a carry-all tote is perfect for the random bits of paper I seem to accumulate whenever I visit anything cultural, not to mention stashing my camera when I don't want to look too much like a tourist. My simple summer make-up trick? A swap of Nars Satin Lip pencil in Yu & oversize, reflective sunnies.

Iro Distressed Tee || Baublebar Antique Links Necklace || Michael Kors Bailey Crystal Bezel Watch

Spektre Sunglasses || Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Yu ||J Brand Carly High Rise Short

Baggu Basic Leather Tote || Gentle Souls Sandals

Guggenheim image via

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Floral Art

Taking you on a mini-throwback Thursday to a few weeks ago when I was back home in Des Moines and to one of my favorite downtown locations, the Pappajohn Sculpture park (recently & newly beloved by Lucky's EIC Eva Chen, too!). But first, the story behind this dress!

I was wandering through Flatiron late last summer and found myself browsing the sale racks at Anthropologie looking for things I didn't need when this floral number with 3-D appliqués jumped out at me. I checked the tag and was crushed to see it was a size too big and there were no others in sight. I hustled it over to a sales girl who told me it was an online exclusive that had been returned in store; there were only a handful left in the entire company and the closest one in my size had ended up in a store in New Jersey. Since I'm car-less, I opted for the easier route and tried it on anyways—and it fit! The midsection is a bit on the billowy side, but given my recent habit of eating bagels every day I'm more than OK with that. 

It's the perfect summer travel dress because it doesn't wrinkle and calls for few accessories, so I tossed it in my suitcase last minute on my trip home a few weeks ago to wear out to dinner and a night of live jazz. I hadn't gotten to spend much time in the sculpture garden since I moved, and they've added some incredible new works, like the one I'm standing in front of and a Keith Haring piece (oh, hey again, Eva Chen!). Already planning to spend an afternoon wandering the area with my mom when I'm back again later this summer!

Anthropologie Dress || Zara Heels || Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody || Sequin Cuff (on sale!!)

NARS Satin Lip in Timanfaya || OPI Teal the Cows Come Home

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Warm Weather Beauty

I know I'm not the only one who equates spring/summer weather with all kinds of lighter layers—both in clothing and in beauty! I like to shed a lot of my makeup when it's warmer and opt for just a few layers of skincare—moisturizer, sunscreen, and a sheer tint, topped off with a bright lip and a hint of a cat-eye. 

If you're irked that all the images I've gathered for my beauty moodboard are blondes, well, hey—I go with what I know! I've always been a blonde but in the summer sun my hair really bleaches out. It takes a lot longer now that I work a desk job and not at a pool (insert nostalgic sighs for summers past here), but I definitely get a white-ish blonde layer on top and I fully expect this summer to be no exception. I'm already prone to letting my hair keep the mind of its own that's developed, but in the summer I really let it go and opt for braids, beach-y waves and tousled tresses as much as possible. Even if I won't be spending this summer on any other beaches than New York's, I'd like to pretend I can fool passer-by into thinking I just got back from a Mexico vacay.

So, tell me—how do you simplify your routine for warm weather?

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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)

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Pretty as a Picture

I'll give a brief preface to this post regarding my recent absence—although really, I feel there's nothing too exciting to tell, other than that it's attributed partly to a very busy schedule and partly due to lack of inspiration. No one wants to read about me b*tching about the cold or see me wearing the same five sweaters over and over again because I'm trying not to become the world's first human icicle. As I adjust to a new schedule and think happy thoughts in hopes of warmer temps, I'll also make more of an appearance back in my corner of the web.

Now that's out of the way, let's get to the reason we're here, shall we? I spotted the gorgeous pic at the top of this post a few weeks back (probably while browsing Pinterest, if we're honest) and HAD to save it. I'm not even really a "pinks" kind of person, but there's something about the tones, mixed with touches of blue and gold, that really caught my eye. The result is my attempt at living inside a beautiful image, or at least taking a little of it with me until I find my way to a place that gorgeous. 

Clockwise starting from top left: Zara Sandals || Kacey K Evil Eye Necklace || Zara Skinny Trousers || Alexander Wang Lia in Rose || Deepa Gurnani Stone Statement Cuff || Ray-Ban Mirrored Aviators || Heidi Merrick Sahara Dress || Sequin Jewelry Macaria Necklace || Alexander Wang Rockie in Nectar || Charlotte Olympia Cindy Suede Pumps || Vita Fede Mini Titan in Rose Gold || Baublebar Coral Jellyfish Necklace || J. Crew Collection Cashmere Sweater || NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Roman Holiday || Butter London Nail Lacquer in Trout Pout

Errand Gear

 Two things dawned on me while uploading these photos. First, after some sparkly holiday outfits, my style has gotten notably more casual. It's partly a defense mechanism against the cold (it's a lot easier to get away with fleece ski leggings underneath jeans than dressy trousers), partly out of sheer laziness and no desire to deal with winter weather and cloudy, gray days. Layers are my armor for weekends spent running errands, doing everything I procrastinate all week, ahem, laundry and groceries. 

My second realization was that not a single photo was captured where I was really looking at the camera (and not making a dumb face), but in my defense it was an incredibly windy day and the new layers in my hair aren't as cooperative about staying put—not some weird case of shyness suddenly cropping up.

Zara Coat || BB Dakota Sweater || Pickwick and Weller Hanna Tee

Sequin NYC Necklace || Zara Bag || 7 for All Mankind Jeans || Schutz Shoes

Photos by Emily Tozer

Collared

 If you take a look back at every style/outfit post I've ever done, you may notice that I do not wear collared shirts, with the exception of a previous appearance of the one in today's post. I've never been a big fan of the way they look on me, but after getting this uneven hemmed sweater I took a little style inspiration from my co-workers and donned it over my sole button-down. The look has grown on me so much that I've set my sights on acquiring a few more—baby style steps, right?

You may have also noticed me 'gramming some #countrylife pictures a few weeks ago...my younger sister recently bought a house just south of Des Moines, and we shot these pictures outside her barn. Gratuitous photos of my family's horses below!

Zara Coat || Inhabit Sweater || Elizabeth and James Blouse || Boyfriend Jeans

Schutz Shoes Ankle Boots (on sale!!) || Ray-Ban Aviators || NARS Lip Pencil in Yu

(Pre-Holidays) Printed Prabal

Couldn't resist the tongue-twister to headline today's post, which is—shocker—full of shades of blue, this time a bright turquoise. If you're looking (not too) closely, you'll also notice a bright streak through my hair, which some of you may have noticed if you're following me on Instagram. It's since much faded—I shot these photos right before my trip home—since it has to be out in time for a shoot next week. Next time around, don't be surprised if you catch a little lavender in the tips!

Plenty by Tracy Reese Coat (last season) || Autumn Cashmere Cardigan || Prabal Gurung T-Shirt

Acne Studios Jeans || Schutz Shoes Boots || Muz Designs Pendant

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu || Manic Panic in Atomic Turquoise

Weekly Wants

I'm looking at the calendar while I type this and having a hard time believing it's already near mid-December. I go home for two weeks in just nine short days (more on that to come), and won't be back in NYC til after the new year! I know most blogs, websites, magazines, e-mail blasts etc. etc. etc. are taking this time to share gift guides with you, and in a way weekly wants is a gift guide—to myself. I wholeheartedly believe in buying myself gifts, frequently, as a reward for all the hard work I do for myself. Selfish? Maybe a little, but I'm also a pretty fantastic gift giver so I'm not too worried (I'd share some of the things I've picked up for friends so far but I don't want to chance them coming across this). I may post one or two with you in the coming weeks, but this weekly ode to my own shopping addiction will certainly keep on comin'. 

*if anyone is looking at this to shop for ME, that twist front dress has been on my mind for weeks now. 

Clockwise starting from top left: Express Scoop Neck Tee || Jimmy Choo Anna Shoulder Bag || Sandy Hyun Emerald Deco Earrings || Equipment Roland Printed Sweater || Dwell Studio Crosshatch Decanter || Terrain United States Chalkboard Map || Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien Poster || West Elm Faux Fur Throw || Tbags Los Angeles Twist Front Dress || Todd Snyder x Champion Sweatshirt || Schutz Cailyn Bootie || Ranjana Kahn Embellished Collar || J. Crew Minnie Pant || Nars Guy Bourdain Cinematic Lipstick in Future Red

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Weekly Wants

I'm not sure what's been spurring my newfound affinity for soft neutrals and luxe leathers, but I'm pretty much OK with it. I'm keeping with my color-loving roots, though-a great wine colored statement bag or shimmery blue trousers are high on my wish list this winter. Since adding any Stella McCartney to my wardrobe this season is a dream, this (gorgeous) checkered Zara coat will have to make due in it's place! I've also recently made a personal resolution to write more-whether it's jotting down thoughts on my mind, or taking on a deeper project like a short story or personal essay, so carrying notebooks around at all times is a must. These Rifle Paper Co. versions are MUCH prettier than my current 'books! I noticed this past weekend that I'm starting to look a little pale in my photos; mixing this bronzing illuminator with my usual skincare routine should do the trick, though.

Clockwise from top left: Baublebar Neptune Pendant || J. Crew Collection Capri in Tie Silk || Ankasa Crown Skull Pillow || Zara Checkered Coat || Anthropologie Saxon Gloves || Deborah Lippmann Nail Laquer in Glitter and Be Gay || J Brand Moto Jeans || Nars Illuminator in Laguna || BB Dakota Candace Colorblock Jacket || Rifle Paper Co. Gold Foil Notebooks || Danielle Nicole Alexa Tote || Rag & Bone Newbury Bootie || BB Dakota Lame Trim Blouse

Baby Blues

Saying goodbye to the last of my swingy skirts-sans-tights with this post! The mix of pastels, fluorescents and neutrals in this look is one of my all-time favorites (Jessica's, too, judging by the number of pics we snapped). The trees are still slowly turning colors here, though I feel like NYC often skips from green to bare back to green where trees and seasons are involved. Upstate New York is an entirely different story, though!

Zara Jacket (similar) || Gap Striped Tee || Zara Skirt || Anthropologie Scarf

OPI Polish in Every Month is Oktoberfest || Clutch (borrowed from Jessica)

NARS Lipstick in Carthage

Photos: Jessica Sturdy

Weekly Wants

Look at me, getting my sh*t together this week (so far)...but since I've long been eyeing so many of the things in this week's post, it was pretty easy to pull together. I've even been to the gym and done some cleaning, with plans to hit up a spin class, get drinks with a few friends and *hopefully* relax by the weekend.

I'm simplifying my look now that the weather's getting much colder-a sweatshirt, relaxed jeans and slip on shoes would be perfect to have on hand every day. Simple accessories like a pink lip & this adorable map necklace from Three Jane are all I need, especially once the jackets and scarves start to pile up. 

Clockwise from top left: Franco Sarto Zahara Shoes || Target Decanter || NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Never Say Never || Todd Snyder x Champion Sweatshirt || Express Stella (minus the) Leather Legging || Siiso Giclee Print || Pickwick and Weller Hanna T-shirt || Three Jane Map Necklace || Zara Fur Shopper || The Beau by AG Jeans || Terrain Tumbes Throw || Lulu & Georgia Sweet Pea Jar || Être Cécil Cheetah Striped Tee

Chunky Knits

When it starts to get cold, I start to get lazy (more so than usual). I wake up in the morning and start pulling on every layer I can find, and when it's almost time to leave, I look in the mirror and go "Really, Rose? You know you can't leave the house like that," and I have to frantically scramble to find something more seasonally appropriate-because it's still around 70 here during the day-leaving myself a nice big mess to come home to each night. I was a little too anxious to wear this Theysken's Theory sweater, though. I picked it up on sale from Matches Fashion in late summer and was immediately taken with the soft, cozy knit.

Sweater, Theysken's Theory || Pants, Zara || Shoes, Jeffrey Campbell

Necklace, Sequin Jewelry || Lipstick, NARS Carthage

Photos: Jessica Sturdy