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

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

Weekly Wants

This week's weekly wants is a little clothing-heavy, probably because I've half a mind to do some serious wardrobe cleaning again as I prepare to put all my summer clothes away. As much as I love color (evidence here, here, here, here oh and here), I've been drawn to simple whites, blacks and military greens more often lately. Fear not-I'll never lose my color-loving side, but some days I think it'd be easier for me to get dressed in the morning if I had more neutral pieces to match some of my crazier ones. I'm also planning to pick up a French course this fall to freshen up my language skills (I did get a degree in it, after all), so a little "je t'aime" around my neck would be the perfect touch for fall. My love of gold accents is clearly showing no sign of slowing down, either. Oh, and can we take a minute to talk about 1820 House candles? I found a small selection of their items at a little shop in Boerum Hill earlier this summer and could not. stop. smelling. the sandalwood and cardamom scent the entire time I was in the store! One came home with me, but I've almost burned through it and am in need of several to go around my apartment. I have never smelled anything so wonderful in my entire life.

Clockwise from top left: 1820 House Sandalwood and Cardamom candle || Bailey 44 Leather Look Tee || Drink More Gin Print || Harvey Faircloth Plaid Jacket || Mettle Gold iPhone Case || Ragdoll Cropped Tee || Joie Bright Fire Ankle Boots (on sale!) || Sole Society Carla Tote || Jennifer Meyer Je t'aime Necklace || Rag & Bone Lariat Zipper Jean || Zara Waistcoat with Zips || Santa Maria Rose Wax Tablets

Otte Sale Picks

There's really no better way to kick off a weekend than with a great sale (hello, payday!). Otte NY is currently offering an extra 60% off already reduced sale merchandise through Sunday on brands like Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone and 3.1 Phillip Lim. You already know I'm there-I picked out some of my favorites, like the shimmery leopard print dress or laced-trimmed tee.

Clockwise from top right: 3.1 Phillip Lim Dress || Dannijo Arquette Cuff || McQ Cutaway Pump || Current/Elliott Boyfriend Short || Rag & Bone Perry Tank || 3.1 Phillip Lim T-Shirt || Roseanna Leopard Dress || Morgan Carper Vest

Spring Shoe Cravings

I've been realizing more & more when I go to get dressed in the morning that part of the reason I feel so limited in my clothing options (which really, trust me, aren't that limited) is due to the fact I don't usually have the right kind of shoes to fit the look/mood/style.

Don't get me wrong, I have a lot of shoes, but I always collected pumps & various high heels, thinking I'd be working in a dressier office setting. Thankfully, mine is pretty casual, but I still like to kick it up a bit (pun intended!) and my shoe wardrobe needs a little re-vamping to fit my daily needs.

I'm honing it down to the basic styles that are easy to pair with my current wardrobe of skinny jeans, printed trousers & casual dresses, i.e flat sandals, heeled sandals (a thicker heel is a must when you're hoofing it in NYC), loafers and wedge sneakers.

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I really am thinking about jumping on the wedge-sneaker bandwagon. Go ahead & judge a bit if it's not your thing, but I like the mix of sport & fashion (and, ok, those blue Zara sneaks are calling my name). 

xx

Booties with an Edge

Sorry to have gone a little MIA last week...I spent the days I had to work running around trying to get everything done, and then switched immediately to cooking mode to prep for the nearly 20 people we had in our apartment on Thanksgiving! It was a complete success, with enough leftovers to get us through the weekend.

After that came lazy mode (...and a little shopping, what can I say). I'm on the lookout for some new shoes & after two recent purchases of studded pieces, I've decided boot(ies) with an edge is my new thing for this season. The key thing to look for is an unexpected detail or fabric, whether it's a rich dark color, studs, or-my latest favorite-shiny, gold metals.

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I think those gold Rag & Bone's might be my next investment. Aren't they completely FABULOUS?

xx