Big City, Quiet City

Happy Fourth of July! Let me just start this off and say I hope wherever you are, it's not raining—this whole Hurricane Arthur thing is killing my beach vibes, I had serious plans to be anything BUT serious, camped out on the beach. Oh, well...still dragging my butt out of bed for an early morning #ParkerParty, Party in the USA style!

 I mentioned in my last post that I really look forward to this weekend every summer, as it's one of the few holidays I don't travel (something to think about if you're moving cross-country…most, if not all, your vacation time goes to trips back home!). A lot of my NYC friends didn't originate here, either, and hopped planes back home or to vacations of their own for a few days, so I'm taking advantage of the quiet(er) city and hitting up some of my favorite spots and a few new ones this weekend, like when I wandered through some new streets in Brooklyn last weekend in a somewhat subtle red-white-and-blue.. Want to see where I go, or have suggestions for me? Follow me on Instagram, and leave a comment below! Hopefully this weather will clear up in time for me to catch some 

East River (!!! finally) fireworks from a Brooklyn rooftop tomorrow night ;)

Donna Morgan dress c/o Zappos || Illesteva sunglasses || Capwell & Co necklace c/o 

Michael Kors watch c/o Zappos || Twins for Peace Sneakers c/o || Zara Tote

Twins for Peace

It's no secret I have a growing sneakerhead obsession as of late (it all started with these bright blue Supras). So, naturally, I was browsing sneakers on Shopbop when I stumbled across the most amazing pair I'd seen yet—decorated with Mr Men Little Miss from childhood! I bookmarked them and came back a few days later to make a purchase, only to find out they'd already sold out in my size (there's still several sizes left in the high top and black-and-white versions!).

I started (desperately) looking on other sites for my size and while I was unsuccessful, I discovered even more about the brand behind them, Twins for Peace. They collaborated on a pretty extensive collection with Mr Men Little Miss, and offer several other styles—like the Boubou, a super-classic and wearable pair, pictured above. I especially love that they work in luxe fabrics like silk and leather (eyeing the turquoise & black combo, of course!).

After obsessing & tweeting about the brand for a few weeks, they reached out and asked if I'd like to stop by their showroom in NYC to learn more about the story behind the company & view the entire collection (check out my snaps here and here). I don't think I could say yes fast enough. Their motto, "Be Cool Be Good," came from the desire to be a brand without pretension while creating unique, timeless, covetable (by me, ha) shoes. They took the be good one step further by starting a one-for-one program in 2009, donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair sold. Clothing and accessories purchases further help by funding healthcare and education, and they work with foundations in low-income countries to employ local workers and factories, further investing in that country's economy to help break the poverty cycle. They've worked with communities in Brazil, Mozambique, Colombia, India and Tanzania so far. 

They also work with the Gacha Foundation (there is very little on them in English but they support localized education efforts in Cameroon). Each pair is hand beaded, with a portion of the proceeds kicking back to the foundation. I couldn't stop obsessing over the amazingly intricate beadwork on this pair at their showroom. 

Images 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Read more about the story behind the brand 
(the twins who started it are great-grandchildren of the Hermes family!)

Bon Week-end + Link Love

I am writing this at 8:30a in my bed and it's already over 60 degrees outside. Did anyone else feel like this weekend finally got it together and we can enjoy the weather now? I spent much of yesterday running around Manhattan, thankfully with my umbrella since there was a little intermittent rain (& some serious thunder, which I loved). I did two SoulCycle classes yesterday, once in the morning and once in the evening, which is a first for me, and my jell-o legs today aren't exactly happy about it. Regardless I'm ignoring their very loud protests and heading to Brooklyn this morning so I can get my porch garden in order before I skip town the next two weekends! If you're still laying in bed (and I don't blame you), here's some of my favorites from around the web this week.

Lulu & Georgia has beautiful Mexican Serapes—for just $25!

People used to tell my sister & I we resembled the Olsen twins. I wish that were true so I could visit Mary-Kate's new pad.

I cannot stop obsessing over these sneakers from Twins for Peace

The WSJ had a really interesting article on the Rise of the Shelfie.

Hitha f*cking loves science—and she has some great recommendations for the rest of us nerds.

Teeny, tiny cars on adventures over on HonestlyWTF.

Stocking up on my favorite face sunscreen for the warmer months.

In need of a great weekender bag for all the trips I want to take this summer—I like this one from Lo & Sons and this one from Everlane.

Hallie's Outfit Outtakes always have me laughing. No blogger is safe from terrible and/or ridiculous photos.

Oh, and Happy Mother's Day! This is one holiday I can fully get behind—now go show your mother some love & thanks if you're lucky enough to be with her today.

*Image via Kessara