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 ;)

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

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

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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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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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

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Kicking It

It's official—I'm becoming something of a sneakerhead. Back in the day, I was an avid collector of all things Converse (most of which literally fell apart while I was wearing them. #grungekid). The turquoise Supras you see here are my latest acquisition, although not everyone is a convert; my roommate told me they were only okay if I wear them to SoulCycle (hey, I do wear them to Soul...and to meet friends for brunch...and to work when I'm feeling lazy. So sue me).

Also, I might not be wearing any green in these pictures but trust that I'm wearing it in person today; 

my last name is a dead-giveaway for being Irish and I really don't want to be pinched if I can help it! 

Scroll down for details on an amazing gift card giveaway in honor of the holiday, too :)

Zappos is giving away a $317 gift card to one lucky winner today for 3/17! The Zappos Gold Rush Icon will appear on a new item on Zappos ever hour today between 11a-11p EST—simply click the icon to enter! They'll be posting clues on their Facebook page, but I'll give you one clue right now—all 12 items are green (duh). While you're over there, feel free to make a wishlist of what you'd use the $317 on. I'm eyeing these sneakers, this bag or these sunnies in yellow!  

Zara Military Jacket || Leather Jacket || Theory Leather Top || Boyfriend Jeans || Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Supra Sneakers || Zara Tote (Similar) || Catbird and WWAKE rings || Sequin Jewelry Collar

Photos by Emily Tozer