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

Beach Day

It seems like a cruel twist that as I write this, the skies outside my window are dark and the air is cool, but just two days ago it was what I think is universally referred to as "the perfect day"—85, light humidity, a breeze in the air and hardly a cloud in the sky. Which meant the only logical thing to do was load up a friend's car and head out to Jones Beach.

Getting there was an ordeal…we'd originally been planning on the weekend before, but bad weather ruined that one for us and we were dying to get out in the ocean one last time before summer ends. Thankfully, postponing a week brought us three straight days of heavenly weather and the chance to use my friend's car instead of a rented Zipcar. A godsend, if you will, because about 10 minutes out from the beach as we cruised along at about 10 miles an hour, we got rear-ended! I'll spare you the long story except to say that no one was seriously injured (I've been nursing a headache for a couple days and a touch of soreness in my neck; my other friends in the backseat also hit their heads) and the car suffered minimal damage; the worst parts were the occupants of the other car trying to make small-talk with us and getting to the beach an hour and a half later than we'd planned. All worth it once we arrived, though!

We try to pack beach days in to as many weekends as possible, but somehow much of this summer escaped before any truly solid days could be had—until Sunday, that is. The Rockaways are a great option if you don't have a car  available, but they can get crowded and the water's a touch dirtier than you'd probably want to admit while there; the nearly 2-hour subway ride in your swimsuit is considerably less fun than a quick 45-minute car ride to the cleaner beaches of Long Island, too. The sparkling blue hues struck us as soon as we crossed the sand, and I think my friend & I made it all of 15 minutes before we were in the water. The beach towel above wins for my new favorite beach accessory, though—huge, soft, and a giant whale of an image of a presumed old New Yorker cover! It took me an embarrassingly long time to get a beach towel (ahem, this is my first) out here and stop taking my bath towels with me...especially considering this one's super affordable ;)

Getting knocked on my ass by a HUGE wave…still not sure if I should be thankful my friend was there to capture the aftermath!

And, of course, what good is a beach day if you don't say a little thanks to the sun and sea gods after a long soak in the ocean? There are no more beach trips on my calendar in what's left of summer, but I'm hopeful we get a beautiful season next year.

Roxy Romper c/o Zappos || Victoria's Secret Swimsuit || Italia Independent Sunglasses c/o Zappos

Goorin Brothers Hat || Steve Madden Backpack c/o Zappos

J. Crew Maren Sandals || Home Source Beach Towel c/o Zappos

Summer Rain

A few weeks ago, my friends and I hatched a plan to drive out to Jones Beach for an entire day, which you may remember is on my summer to-do list…car was booked, work was requested off, sunscreen was stocked up and beach essentials were purchased. Mother Nature, that fickle creature, had other plans for that day. 

I got a text last Tuesday asking if I'd looked at the forecast…so I wincingly checked it to see a high of 75. And rain. Lots of rain from Friday til Sunday, so we cancelled the car and rescheduled everything for this coming weekend, and then guess what? It barely rained! Sure, the sun didn't come out much, but I don't mind when I'm dozing on the beach to the sound of gently crashing waves and chatter of happy people (this weekend: high of 85 and NO CLOUDS). Bring it, weekend. 

Since I had to figure out what the heck I was going to do with my weekend, I opted for the next most logical decision to beach: brunch (part of the three B's, the third of which is booze…a little different than the ones my sorority banned during initiation week: boys, booze and bars. I'm clearly a sucker for alliteration). I visited an old favorite in my neighborhood and a new place I'd been wanting to check out for ages in Manhattan—all accompanied by my new favorite summer accessory, the backpack (the fourth B in this equation). Can someone explain why it took so long for me to jump on this trend? I sure can't. 

Inside my bag for the weekend: camera (obvi), my latest summer book, a few magazines I haven't gotten around to, my external mophie charger, makeup bag, sunglasses, actual glasses, an apple and Organic Avenue grapefruit juice. Not only does the bag hide the exorbitant amount of sh*t I find myself carrying around on any given day, the straps equally distribute the weight and I barely notice I'm carrying 15 extra lbs around with me, which is usually split between an overstuffed bag on each shoulder. I'm thinking a classic leather one is next!

Zara Linen Top and Classic Pants || J. Crew Maren Sandals || Steve Madden Backpack c/o Zappos

Italia Independent sunglasses c/o Zappos || Michael Kors Watch

C. Wonder Chain Bracelet || Essie in Play Date

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

Vibrant Color

Ahh, colorful street art! Every time I see the mural on the Bowery Wall, my mood is instantly lifted. My company has a store around the corner and when I first spotted the change in mural (I'm not sure how well-known this is, but they commission artists to change the mural on the wall every few months. The last one featured a lot of portraits if I remember correctly!) I knew I had to get in front of it for some photos at some point. Sadly, this was not the day I was dressed like a human highlighter, but maybe it's a good thing I was a little more neutral for a change. 

I wore this to a (seriously yummy) brunch with Emily at Balthazar a few weeks ago when the sun finally decided to come out and warm up the city for a day. About halfway through our photo taking session it felt like my jacket was adhering to my skin...not a pleasant feeling, but a welcome change from constantly shivering.

Another quick tidbit about the mural—the artist's name is Maya Hayuk and she's done some amazing work around the world. You can check a full list of all the walls she's painted here; I highly recommend checking one out if it's in your area!

I've also been on a street-art spotting and 'gramming kick, and this is another favorite of mine recently spotted in SoHo. Don't be surprised if you see it pop up in the background of some photos soon!

Leather Jacket (similar) || Steve Madden Fringe Bag (this season's version) || Forever 21 Top || Boyfriend Jeans

Zara Boots || Ray-Ban Sunglasses || Michael Kors Watch || YSL Lipstick in Rose Culté

Holiday Sparkle

After several days of no Internet, I'm back! If you follow me on Twitter, you know I left NYC on Thursday evening to head back home with my family for two weeks. I got in late Thursday...to discover that there was no Internet at my parents' place. Normally, I'd enjoy the break from technology, but when there's work to do, blog posts to write and TV shows to watch (current binge: The Wire), it's a little bit disconcerting, to say the least.

Anyways, I mentioned before that I attended a few holiday parties while I was in NYC, and to me the holidays aren't complete without a little sparkle (blame it on the dancer in me—I grew up around a lot of glitter and sequins). I always hit up the Parker sample sale each season, which used to be downright dangerous when I worked in the same building. They have the most amazing silk beaded pieces, and always at a steal even when they're full price (hand beaded silk can be disgustingly expensive!). During the spring sale, I found this turquoise beaded jacket hiding in the racks between party dresses and silk prints, and I knew I had to have it. After a warm, dressed-down summer, I finally have a chance to put it to good use for a friend's dressier holiday celebration! Thankfully, it was warm enough in NYC for me to snap pics of the look before I left, too. 

Parker New York Beaded Jacket || H&M Dress

Hue Tights || Steve Madden Pumps || Ray-Ban Sunglasses

Get the Look

Photos: Joey DeBenedetto

Polka Dots

If I were to truly evaluate my wardrobe, I think I'd find that I'm mostly attracted to a variety of solid colors, sometimes with embellishments, and the occasional crazy, bright print. Rarely anything in between (let's not spend too much time on what this says about me, OK?). Apparently, despite its usually girl-ier nature, polka dots are kinda becoming my thing (remember this post?). Next to conquer—colored polka dots, duh! 

And, just for fun...this is what happens when you keep trying to photo-bomb my shoot! (There are several teenage boys just outside the frame.)

Jacket (old, similar) || Otte Pullover || Acne Jeans || Sole Society Giuliana Boots

Street Vendor Scarf (from Italy!) || Lionette Necklace || Steve Madden Bag

Photos: Joey DeBenedetto

Lust vs. Must: Leopard Print Satchel

In case you haven't heard by now, Elizabeth & James (yes, that would be one of the lines designed by the Olsen twins!) is releasing its first line of handbags this fall. Since I'm on a bit of a leopard kick, I feel in love with the leopard print satchel as soon as I laid eyes on it, but the $625 price tag doesn't quite mesh with my plan to pay down some debts-I'm looking at you, student loans-so I found a cheaper alternative. This studded duffel from Steve Madden still has plenty of room to store everything I find myself carrying around while looking chic, as leopard always does!

Lust || Must

Shades of Blue

If you haven't caught on by now, you'll know after this post that I live for color. Specifically, wearing as much of it as possible, whether it's every shade of the rainbow in one outfit (pinky promise, this has happened) or wearing every shade of a particular hue, like this blue hued confection I wore to brunch with Jessica & re-worked with a bright blue pencil skirt later in the week. Perhaps I was feeling rather inspired by the fantastic color of these Ray-Bans I scooped up on a whim after leaving my previous pair of cheapies in the seatback pocket on an airplane!

Top, Express | Jeans, 7 For All Mankind (50% off!) | Sunglasses, Ray-Ban

Bag, Steve Madden | Shoes, Nine West (similar) | iPhone case, Rifle Paper Co

Necklace & Bracelets, Sequin | Lips, Revlon Love That Pink

Thanks for taking my pictures, Jessica (& hooray for spring & sunshine)!