Brocade This, Brocade That

I'm going to both apologize for and blame any mistakes or grammatical errors in this post on House of Cards...

I wanted to finish the season before too much time passed and someone inadvertently spoiled it for me, which meant multi-tasking between blogging and Netflix (thankful for whoever invented Smart TV's). I succeeded at about 10p last night…and all I'm going to say is, this was really Claire's season (sorry, Frank!). I haven't talked to many other people who watch it yet, so if you did I want to know what you thought of the season! 

Anyway, back to the reason for today's post, aside from the fact that I needed to get one up since it's been a while (oops). Let's rewind to a few weeks ago—I don't want to get too in-depth on NYFW because really, what do I have to say that's different from what anyone else can say? I think Hallie summed up what's going on in the blogging industry side of NYFW pretty well in this post; I did very little reach-out on behalf of my blog, but I did attend some shows for work—or, more aptly, I had invites to a lot of shows for work that I didn't even make it to. We hosted a little party at the SoHo Grand on Friday night that week, which meant an early morning, late night, and whopping five shows missed that day (including my favorite, Suno!). 

Saturday rolled around and I finally rolled my already-dragging ass out of bed to hit up Tibi & Mara Hoffman, which the NYFW gods had put one right after the other in locations 50 blocks apart. I hoofed it a few blocks east after the Tibi show to beat the crowds, snagged a cab, and zoomed uptown as fast as I could. Both shows were beautiful in their own right—Tibi had a great color palette for fall with unexpected pastels and soft, chenille-like fabrics, while Mara Hoffman continued to grow away from her signature printed fabrics and experiment with embellishments and hints of oversized accents. Afterwards, I met up with Emily to grab some much-needed caffeine, catch up before she jetted off somewhere warm, and snap some photos in the snow…we are fashion bloggers, after all, and what's a winter without snow photos? I kid, obviously, but it does make a nice accent (and help hide the huge bags under my eyes). 

It will be interesting to see how NYFW continues to evolve in coming seasons to accommodate bloggers and the demand for instant gratification, but for now I'm just glad it's over. It was right back into a busy work week for me after the weekend, and I haven't really slowed down since—spring is coming, after all! I've been packing my calendar and just this past weekend saw both the New York City Ballet and a Broadway show; yesterday morning was spent hanging out at Jonathan Adler's incredible SoHo store to kick off his collaboration with Pond's, and tonight I'm going to get my ass handed back to me with my first-ever class at the Fhitting Room's new location in Flatiron. Wish me luck! 

Zara Jacket (old)

Elizabeth & James Brocade Blazer

J. Crew Blouse 

Acne Studios Jeans

Tibi Brocade Boots

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli

Bite Beauty Lipstick in Violet

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 ;)

White After Labor Day

September, man…

Halfway through, and yet it feels like we just got going. What started as an unintentional hiatus here turned intentional after a few days. It was a hard decision to make, consciously letting go of the content I'd been trying to build up and ignore the numbers in favor of focusing on my personal and professional lives outside this space, but it was necessary.

Now that I'm ready to dive back in, I'm also working on creating some new content outside of "hey, here's what I was wearing when I did ________ over the weekend"...as much as I love a pretty outfit picture, I know that I love coming to blogs to discover new and exciting things and I hope to be able to bring more of that to this space! Stay tuned. In the mean time, here's a "hey, here's what I wore to NYFW and my Zappos Recharge event weekend before last" post ;) 

While I've been stepping back from NYFW in recent seasons now that I don't attend quite as much for work, it's still impossible to avoid completely...but this season I think I found the perfect mix of meet-ups, events, shows and downtime (note to self: next time, don't get back from a trip 36 hours before it all starts and it'll go even smoother!). Breaking chronological order here, this look is from Sunday, when I spent the day catching up with a girlfriend over brunch at a new-to-us spot in the West Village, swinging by a presentation downtown and heading up to Lincoln Center to host a style session at the Zappos Recharge booth. If you dropped by to say hello, thank you!! It was a ton of fun, the Zappos team is a blast to hang out with (and I was majorly coveting all the pieces they had on set, natch).

I've already broken the no-white-after-Labor-Day rule multiple times, but I've never been very good at following rules in the first place. On my last night at home, my mom and I were clearing out an old closet (saying goodbye to all my school formal dresses...a little sorry I don't have pics from that for a good laugh, but there is a great one at the bottom of this post!) and we came across a few silk skirt-suits of hers from the 80's. She said she'd never wear them again and they luckily fit me (a little tightly), so I stuffed my suitcase to fit them in! This skirt is from one set, with the jacket, it's a little Victorian/older Chanel looking and I opted to dress it down thanks to the hot temps and my supreme laziness (sorry, mom!). 

And, just for fun…if you've ever wondered what fashion bloggers are like when they're taking pictures of themselves, on, the street, so we can post pictures of ourselves on the Internet…well, I can't answer for everyone else, but I can tell you I get pretty ridiculous. If I haven't seen the person taking my pictures in a while, I use it as an opportunity to play catch-up. Which means about 65% of the photos end up with me looking ridiculous. I'd guess another 15% of the time I'm doing things like the below, which is what happens when I'm tired and…gesturing? Walking like an Egyptian? Auditioning for Wheel of Fortune (Vanna White retired, right)? At this point, even I don't know.

J. Crew Linen T-shirt || Vintage Silk Skirt (similar) || Steve Madden Backpack via Zappos

Converse All-Stars || Michael Kors Watch || Three Jane NY Map Necklace || Illesteva Sunglasses

P.S.—if you want to see more outfit outtakes, let me know in the comments!

Photos by Emily Tozer

Fall Plaid + NYFW Details

You guys, it's September. If you're in denial about the unofficial end of summer, don't worry, I'm right there with you. Acknowledging it means the true end of summer is fast approaching (just over two weeks away!) and I know how winter likes to rush in and ruin everything. In the meantime, though, us NY'ers are using NYFW as one big distraction, and the weather has been hot and humid to match.

Usually, I start prepping and planning for September fashion week about two months in advance (this is the sixth NYFW season I've participated in!), cleaning up some of my press documents and getting on the radar of a few fashion PR agencies, getting an idea of what I'll want to wear and whether said item is already in my closet. This year has been a tad different after spending so much time away recently for my sister's wedding and a few things on the job-related front, but what I really love most about NYFW in September are the events and chance to catch up with so many friends who travel in to town. 

In between some other shows and events this weekend, I'm really excited to announce I'll be hosting a styling session with Zappos at their Zappos Recharge station, directly across from Lincoln Center, on Sunday from 2:30-3p! If you're in the city (even if you're not attending shows that day) please come by and say hi! If you are attending shows and need a break this weekend, Zappos Recharge is the place to be…they'll have fresh Blueprint juices, charging stations for all your electronics (especially important if your phone is anything like mine!), beauty and braid bars to touch up your look, a dress-up closet, runway and photo booth, from 10a-7p on Saturday and 2-7p on Sunday.

You also may spot me in this Joie skirt sometime this weekend…Zappos carries over a dozen designers that show during fashion week, and since plaid is a huge trend for fall I jumped at the chance to add a fun plaid mini to my closet. It took me a few tries to make sure I didn't look too school-girl in the rest of my look (especially since I really insist on wearing sneakers as much as possible) but I've got a few tricks up my sleeve for styling it now.

Joie Skirt c/o Zappos || Zoe Karssen T-Shirt || Converse sneakers in Optical White c/o Zappos

Bite Beauty Lipstick in Violet || Sequin and Baublebar Bracelets

NYFW: It's Like You're my Mirror

Finally sharing my last post from NYFW with you today! I've had this H&M dress for almost a year, but since it's just a tad ridiculous, I'd never gotten the guts to wear it (seriously, sitting at my desk in it all day would just be weird). Thankfully, NYFW is all about being a little ridiculous, so I did a little night-before planning. Normally, a statement dress like this wouldn't work with a statement necklace, but something about the Supernova necklace from Sequin works perfectly with the slightly galactic-themed print of the dress. The mirrored sunnies were entirely unintentional, but when you're wearing a mirror-print dress...

 

Dress, H&M || Necklace, Sequin Jewelry || Sunglasses, Ray-Ban || Bag, Zara || Boots, Jeffrey Campbell

*Ed. note: I am aware my bag looks like I'm carrying everything but the kitchen sink that day, and that's because I basically was.

P.S.-did you catch this look on the NastyGal blog & Pinterest?? I'm a little giddy-excited at having been included!

Photos: Katelyn Herlein

NYFW: Elizabeth and James Presentation

I'm probably going to keep everything short & sweet this week...not only do I have a major life change happening at the end of the week, I was also unlucky enough to catch the season's first cold last week and it's only been getting worse. While I appreciate the reminder to use the hand sanitizer I keep on my keys more often, getting 5 hours of sleep a night because I can't breathe out of my nose just isn't going to cut it. 

On a less-gross note, I was lucky enough to nab an invite to one of the last presentations of NYFW for Elizabeth and James. Not only am I a longtime Olsen twin fan (possibly related to the fact that my sister & I were frequently told we looked like them growing up), I'm a huge fan of their both their lines, too. Even though I went years without wearing a button-down, the blouse in this post has quickly become a staple and I'm planning to make my first major handbag investment this fall with their leopard print satchel.

My favorite look in the presentation was this white silk trench with a slouchy, ripped boyfriend jean and delicate black kitten heel. Everything about it screams oozes downtown cool. The collection was a mix of relaxed silhouettes and tailored separates, easily dressing any girl for work, weekends and nights out, too. The finishing touch comes from simple leather totes and satchels, plus a cool pair of shades. 

I don't know about you, but I'm already excited for spring to return (I know, I know, most of you are probably fall people-but hey, a girl can dream!). 

NYFW: Flirty Florals

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I kicked off NYFW last Wednesday, then didn't attend anything for three days (which included sleeping through a few things Saturday morning, oops!). I decided to pull myself together Sunday for one of my roommates' birthday breakfasts, then headed uptown to hit a few events, including the RewardStyle NYFW party at the Empire Hotel (I was pretty terrible about taking pics with anyone, but met some great bloggers-some who I knew of already & some I didn't!). I also used the gorgeous weather as the perfect excuse for a flouncy, floral dress one last time.

Sunglasses, Ray-Ban || Dress, Free People (old) || Blazer, H&M (similar, similar)

Shoes, Zara || All jewelry except rings, Sequin || Nails, Butter London in Blagger

Photos: Hallie Wilson

NYFW Recap: Lulu Frost

I had the pleasure of kicking off my (fourth!) New York Fashion Week with sparkle and shine at Lulu Frost's #NeonBaroque Spring/Summer 2014 presentation last week-and then didn't attend anything NYFW for three days after, oops! Last week went by in a blur of time, bringing with it a huge, unplanned life change that threw me for a loop, but in the best kind of way. I took a few days to myself to adjust (and sleep), but I'm back in the swing of things just in time for a few great shows and events to round out the week. 

I've long been a fan of the Lulu Frost line, but was particularly excited to attend this presentation after reading about founder Lisa Salzer over on Tales of Endearment earlier this summer. The models were dripping in a mix of neon and clear jewels, with touches of the trademark art deco influence of the line. Having quite a bit of experience in the jewelry industry myself, it's refreshing to see a designer source vintage jewels into incredible new pieces. The neon tutus caught my eye, too (we all know I love a great tutu-a neon addition is so going to be my thing for SS14). 

P.S.-if you're looking to catch up on all the happenings of NYFW, Hallie is posting great daily recaps over at corals + cognacs!

 ...and below, a couple snaps I shared over on Instagram! Make sure to follow along for real(ish)-time updates the rest of the week :)