Avant Garb

Even though pastels have been a common theme in the past couple of years for spring, it still is fresh and perfect for leaving the colder months behind. However, instead of head-to-toe matching pastels, opt for pastel accessories with a neutral outfit, for a pop of color, or a statement piece in a pastel tone like a pair of skinnies or silk blazer.

Current/Elliot Neon Yellow Skinny Jeans

Sergio Rossie Python Court Shoes

Dolce & Gabanna Pink Leather Day-Bag

RED Valentino Crepe Shift Dress

O'2ND Floral Mini Skirt

Acne Jade Crop Cable Knit Sweater

Essie Pink Nailpolish

Pop Nail Glam Pastel Polish

2. Neons & Neutrals

Vionnet Color-block Silk top

Marc by Marc Jacobs Striped Sweater

Diane Von Furstenberg Wrap Top

Designers Remix Sign Heels

Proenza Schouler Neon PS1 Bag

Poppy Jones Cross Body Bag

Zara Clutch with Foldover Flap

Modcloth Hit the Dancefloor-escent Clutch

See by Chloe Brown and Pink Belt

Marc by Marc Jacobs Katie Double Wrap Bracelet

Once a fad of the 80s, neon was often seen as perfection for ravers and aerobics instructors. However, now we're seeing a lot of neon paired with neutrals, making a chic and modern mix. Going with the color-blocking trend from last year, neons and neutrals paired together in simple patterns make sophistication easy. Now there are accessories, including shoes, purses, belts, and even jewelry that follow this new hot trend for spring.

3. Dainty 'Top-handle' Purses

(From Top to bottom & Left to right)

Edie Attache Bag

RED Valentinto Bow Top Handle Bag

Miu Miu Top Handle Bag

Zac Posen Top Handle Briefcase

Myuselly Louise Enna Arrow Lock Bag

J.Crew Edie Purse

Topshop Lady Bow Bag

Diane Von Furstenberg Mini Harper Shoulder Bag

Nine West Mini Bag

As you can probably tell from my recent 50's inspired outfit post, I've been loving everything dainty and feminine. Even though it may be hard to try and make the flowing a-line dresses work for every-day, there is still one thing that can give an outfit a bit of the 50's flair: dainty top-handle purses! With a dress, a skirt, shorts, or even jeans, the dainty purse adds a touch of femininity without going all Audrey Hepburn. And...it's the perfect accessory for this upcoming spring.

what are your favorite upcoming trends for spring?

Pastel Punk

2012-02-18T13:59:00.000-08:00

Publication: Cover Magazine February 2012

Photographer: Rasmus Skousen

Styling: Emelie Johansson
Hair: Mette Thorsgaard
Makeup: Trine Skjøth
Models: Amber Anderson & Caroline Corinth

Cover's new February spread is possibly the perfect spring-time reminder, besides ground-hogs day. I love the mix of florals, pastels, and neons especially because they don't over-power the classic and simple silhouettes. As for the lightweight 'holey' knits, I think they're perfect for springtime with a pair of shorts or even over a bright pastel/neon swimsuit. I can't get enough of this editorial as it just makes me so excited for the weather to warm up! That- and Caroline has been on my model radar lately.

It must sprout upwards

2012-02-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

Photos via. eglecekanaviciute

Being a nature and fashion lover myself, I was intrigued by the sight of Egle Cekanaviciute's 6 piece collection, after discovering the blogs: girlalamode, and drkmttr. It features these light and organic silhouettes, primarily made from burlap sacks or tailoring muslin, that convey the power of nature. I love the muted and minimalist style of the pieces combined with the plants. The collection itself has this beautifully organic, yet modern feeling, which I just love.

xoxo

simple pleasures.

2012-01-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

1. No-Makeup!

2. Sipping some hot chocolate when it's cold

3. The smell of new shoes

4. Blasting music with headphones
5. Painting a fresh coat of nail varnish

xoxo

let's go on a picnic

2012-01-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

Above photos via. weheartit

Zara Peter-Pan Collar Top

Topshop Paperbag Skirt

Peach Silk Lace Bra

H&M Ballet Flats

Miss Dior Cherie Perfume

Victoria Beckham Structured Leather Tote

Jane Norman Scalloped Collar Blouse

DKNY Vintage Leather Satchel

H&M Pointed Toe Ballet Flats

Scotch Naturals Water-Based Nail Polish

Natalie Schuterman Notebook

Jshoppers Lace Skirt

Joseph White Garcon Sleevless Blouse

Stella McCartney Cuffed Shorts

Tom Ford Hnery Black Shades

Dorothy Perkins Quilted Cross-Body Bag

Chanel No 5 Eau Premiere

Fujifilm x100 Camera

I've recently fallen in love with all things sweet and dainty. Everything from light perfume to lacy a-line skirts, and peter-pan collars. The whole femininity of the looks are just so beautiful and I know that once the weather eases up a bit, I might just forget about my leather jacket. And those little parisian 50's-60's style purses that rest on the fore-arm, forget about it....I'm swooning over them!

what do you think?

Stolen Girlfriends Club AW12

2012-01-26T19:07:00.000-08:00

Photographers: Maya Villiger & Derek Henderson

Models: Aris Sayd, Japser Seven, Vanya Polunin & Georgia Fowler

I've never heard of this New-Zealand based brand, but I'm loving this new lookbook! That sheer, lace maxi cover in the first photo is simply to-die-for!

check out the rest here!

Simplicity.

2012-01-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Alexander Wand T CDC LS Shirt

MOTO Supersoft Skinny Jeans

Acne Rise Nubuck Boots

Durance Pillow Perfume

Uniform Wares 250 Series Steel Wristwatch

Hermes Birkin Bag

xoxo

inspiration of the day.

2012-01-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

It finally snowed in New York :)

Style Muse: Anna Karina

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

In this video, Anna just makes me want to learn french and watch every single one of her foreign films. I have no idea what they're saying, but it just sounds so lovely and beautiful- I could listen to it for hours.

Anyways...she is my style muse at the moment. With her classic dresses, winged eye-liner, choppy bangs, and beautiful bone-structure, Anna embodies sophistication.

who is your style muse?

xoxo

Favorite Mac Products of all time!

2012-01-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

I've always been a fan of MAC for their vast range of bright colors and limited edition collections, however I tended to always keep my purchases to a minimum since their products could really be pricey. Ever since I actually got into makeup, though, I found that I just keep going back for some of the same MAC products because they don't break me out, they last a long time, and really just work with what I have.

This lip-liner in In Anticipation was a recent purchase, but made its way onto my favorite products because of its smooth consistency and color. I always find that some pinks just completely wash me out and look either too pasty or light, but this pink liner has more of a coral-undertone to it, which makes it bring out a natural tan in my skin and plays a twist on an every-day pink lip-liner. I often fill my entire lip with it or use it to layer with lipstick.

This lipstick in Pink Plaid is the perfect bubble-gum pink that looks perfect for night or day. It's one of my favorites because it's so creamy and it glides on so smoothly. Looks awesome under some Aquafor (I never really use lip-gloss).

Now as you can probably tell, I've used this Fluidline in Blacktrack a lot. Before, I used to go for a simple black-eyeliner pencil that I could just glide on and run out the door, but I always found it hard to get that angled wing with a pencil, not to mention liquid liner would just end up all over my face. So, after practicing with this gel liner and an angled brush from Ecotools, doing a winged-liner look became easier and now it's a look I do almost every-day! I think I might just pick it up in purple!

This eye-shadow out of any neutral MAC shadow in Satin Taupe would have to be my ultimate favorite. First, I do have to admit that I'm not too fond of glitter-shadows, yet my top three favorites are glittery, which is quite odd. Satin Taupe is one of those colors that can pretty much go with anything: I've paired it before with gold, silver, purple and blue....its just one of those chamelion colors. Also, I find that its really easy to blend and layer on. I've had times where I just used my fingers to blend it in and was able to have more control over how dramatic my look was as opposed to using a brush. Its one of those shadows that can never go wrong and it's my go-to for every-day (or night!)

Now this MAC Shadow in Trax screams wild! It has the mix of a light plum and violet along with little specks of gold glitter. I remember wearing this at my junior prom with a silver shade and it just looked so lovely together. I usually go for this color for a special occasion or night out because it photographs very beautifully.

Ah, my first MAC shadow ever, Twinks. I remember the day when I was just looking for a great evening crease shadow that was just different from the browns, and blacks, and grays that I often used from my Maybelline shadow quads. Twinks caught my eye because it was a mix between a bronze and deep plum. It had an easiness of a neutral but still was a pop-of-color that I was looking for. It looks fab paired with any paint-pot.

This was a mascara I stumbled upon when I was purchasing some makeup for a wedding. I was looking for something that was definitely waterproof, that lasted a long time, and had the drama of fake lashes. So, I found the Opulash in Optimum Black. I must admit, though, that when it says its long-lasting, it really is, so I would only recommend it for night. A good eye-makeup remover would do you some justice as well. But, say hello to really thick and false-looking lashes.

Photos: My own

Finally, saved the best for last: Mac Paint pots. Its one of the easiest products to use that last for a long time and can really brighten your eyes without much effort. Sometimes, when I really don't want to spend a lot of time doing my makeup, I just dab a little bit of the paint-pot and use some mascara and I'm ready to go. But my favorite part about it is the fact that it can be used for layering. I often use Painterly or Soft Ochre in order to cover-up some redness because they are flesh-tone colors. However, if you're looking for something fun, with a little glitter, and youthful sheen, I would go for Bare Study.

What are your favorite MAC products?

xoxo

i just came to say hello

2012-01-07T14:50:00.000-08:00

(Photos via. Eyul Aslan, SleepyHair, Dejvicka, Teva)

What I'm Listening to:

Feel so Close- Calvin Harris
Every Teardrop is A Waterfall (Swedish House Mafia Remix)- Coldplay
Around The World VS Television Rules The Nation- Daft Punk
Lights (Caizzz Remix)- Ellie Goulding
Dangerous (Deniz Koyu & Johan Wedel Remix)- James Blunt
Stronger (What Doesnt Kill You) (Nicky Romero Remix)- Kelly Clarkson
Hang On (Dave Aude Extended Mix)- Plumb
In for the Kill (Skream's Let's Get Ravey Remix)- La Roux
The One That Got Away- Katy Perry
Blue Jeans- Lana Del Ray
Starlight- Muse
Breathe Me- Sia

What I'm Reading:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

*they both happen to be two really really extraordinary trilogies!*

xoxo

army green.

2012-01-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Photos via. whatdoiwear

Even the whole grunge style has been going strong for years, I never thought I'd say how much I love it. Usually after a while, I tend to get sick of fads and just ready to jump on to the next one, but I feel as if the grungy look is definitely here to stay for a while. Army green, making it's way onto military inspired coats, anoraks, and peep-toe booties add a sort of edginess without black. However I must admit that black looks really nice with army green. Here are a few ways I would wear the color:

Manestrale Silke Wool Cardigan

True Religion Cape Town Skinnies

LD Tuttle The Curl Lace-Ups

Mark Cross Scottie Satchel

Sass & Bide Necklace

Fay Leather Buckle Coat

J Brand Flared Jeans

Givenchy Gold Cap Ballet Flats

H&M Faux Leather Duffel

La Garçonne Moderne Handknit Sweater

Current/Elliot Skinny Corduroy Jeans

Charlotte Russe Lace-Up Wedge Booties

Proenza Schouler PS1 In Olive Green

Cheap Monday Zeke Scarf

xoxo

A Hint of Lime

2012-01-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

3.1 Phillip Lim Pullover

Balmain Stretchy Leather Pants

Acne Alice PSS12 Silk Platforms

Proenza Schouler PS1 in Tropical Green

Uniform Wares Watch

hope everyone had a lovely new year!

xoxo

Maroon Inspo.

2011-12-30T09:46:00.000-08:00

(Photos via. Style, Streetpeeper, Style and the City, Fashionsquad, Stockholmstreetstyle, Flickr)

I can't seem to get enough of how lush maroon is. It may be that time of the year that has me lusting over deep reds and forest greens, but maroon truly is an all year round color in my opinion. With a more plum-y undertone, a maroon blazer looks so perfect with some white summer pants. With a more reddish undertone, a maroon blazer would be perfect on top of a thin gray sweater alongside a black winter maxi-skirt. It could even do wonders when paired with a spring floral dress or pair of shorts during Autumn.

I need to get my hands on a maroon blazer. If not, some maroon skinnies will do.

xoxo

knits knits knits

2011-12-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

(Photos via: On The Racks, Jean Greige, Le Blog De Betty, Song of Style, Miss Jenna Leen Cherie, What Do I Wear, I Love Runways)

Knitwear is definitely a staple for the colder months, however they're sometimes tricky to style. Often, I find myself trying to layer my knitwear in a way that keeps me warm but doesn't turn me into an Eskimo. Sometimes too much layering can really be uncomfortable under an already-thick winter coat or jacket. So when dealing with knitwear in the winter, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Try pairing your chunky cardigans with a belt. Skinny or wide, depending on your taste, a belt can really elongate your look and define your waist.
Under a chunky cardigan, wear a thin blouse or long sleeve shirt. Having thin layers make it easier for you to alternate between looks. Perhaps the heater is on at work and you're beginning to work up a sweat; it's good to have layers so you can deal with harsh outdoor and indoor temperatures.
If you're feeling drained and you're having one of those "I have nothing to wear" days, try pairing one of your knit sweaters with a scarf. Maybe a scarf in a bright color or an interesting pattern, regardless, your look will instantly look like you put more effort into it. The good thing about a scarf: it keeps you warm and looks good!
Now for those uber-fashionistas: there's been something I've been noticing a lot lately and that's removable collars. Recently, designers have been making these collars with all different kinds of prints and embellishments: some completely studded, some made of lace, and others made of sequins. They just make the look more sophisticated and modern, although there is an old-school-girl sentimentality in wearing them. I love these: Akira $39; Asos $27; Dannijo $318.

Stay warm!

BRAZILIA

2011-12-28T16:19:00.000-08:00

Photos via. fashiongonerogue

Photographed by: Angelo Pennetta

Out of all things I've ever wanted to accomplish, visiting an exotic land and drinking straight out of a coconut would have to be my #1 bucket-list task. It just seems so fun and adventurous, not to mention a good break from the wind and rain that has been making NY so cold and dreary lately. I must point out though how odd it is that it hasn't snowed yet in my town even after that strange October blizzard in upstate NY. Recently I've been just dreaming about laying on the beach with a good read and maybe a fruit smoothie. Luckily, some of the holiday resort-wear editorials have been keeping me company and fueling my sand-filled fantasies.

In the recent T Style holiday issue for The New York Times, Raquel Zimmermann modeled on the beaches of Brazil, showcasing some beautifully printed swim pieces and resort wear from labels such as Missoni, Derek Lam and Bottega Veneta. From many of the "beachy" editorials I've seen before, I notice how the styling can be too overdone and "too glamorous" especially with oversized sunglasses, bronzer overkill, and a hat that is way to floppy. However, I just love how Andreas Kokkino incorporated a more retro style into Raquel's looks. With the just the right amount of tribal, floral, and geometric prints, Raquel looks laid back and effortlessly beautiful.

Love this editorial and will possibly do my best to compile as many underwater photographs as I can! Really gorgeous shots!

xoxo

HOLIDAY Garb.

2011-12-25T13:54:00.000-08:00

Alexander Wang Blouse

Oasis Gold Sequin Skirt

YSL Lace-Up Booties

Michael Kors Leather Clutch

Nars Lipstick in Fast Ride

3.1 Phillip Lim Pullover

Vince Pleated Black Maxi-Skirt

Rag & Bone Buckle Boot

Lanvin Dora Lizard Clutch

Asos Gold Sequin Collar

Butter London Red Nail Polish

happy holidays!

xoxo

keep warm and snuggle up

2011-12-16T18:10:00.000-08:00

Photos via. opaki

A Delicious, Hot Cocoa Recipe!

Servings: 4

What you'll need:

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup half-and-half cream

Directions:

1) Combine the sugar, pinch of salt, and cocoa powder in a saucepan

2) Add the boiling water while stirring (for about 2 minutes without letting it burn!)

3) Stir in the milk until it's hot, but don't let it boil

4) Once hot, remove from heat and add the vanilla

5) Pour into 4 mugs, then add the half-and-half

*optional (but I love it)* Add whip-cream and some sort of fun topping like sprinkles, marshmellows, or mini chocolate chips.

enjoy!

xoxo

35∘F

2011-12-11T10:23:00.001-08:00

Organic by John Patrick Cardigan

Debenham's Scalloped Top

Le Mont St. Mitchell Parka

Proenza Schouler Skinnies

Chloe Giustino Booties

Proenza Schouler PS1

Daniele Fiesoli Chunky Knit Beanie

Annabelle Wallis

2011-12-11T09:15:00.001-08:00

Photos via. bullettmedia

Photographer: Nadya Wasylko

Stylist : Evren Catlin

Hair: Domingo @ Jed Root

Makeup: Jen Miles

Photographer’s Assistant: Amelia Coffaro

Stylist’s Assistant: Alexandra Weiner

ABC's 'Pan Am' star, Annabelle Wallis, was recently featured in a "pajama-rama" inspired editorial in Bullett Magazine. I love the fact that Annabelle doesn't force it and knows exactly what to do in front of a camera with the simplest of expressions. I love the easiness and casualness of the top-bun; I always seem to go for those when I'm having a bad hair day. But most importantly, the styling is exceptional and has this 70s retro pajama feel. Love the variety of different prints and mixing of pastel blues, corals, and pinks.

...and wow to the Chloe sweater and pant set in the last photo...it looks so comfy!

xoxo

dovile-virsilaite

2011-12-10T12:42:00.001-08:00

See the rest here!

Photographer, Alice Rosati, captures the day in the life of Dovile Virsilaite for Forget Them Magazine, featuring a luxurious array of fur coats (hopefully fake), leather hot shorts, and lacy tops. I find that it's often hard to mix a modern edginess with a classic, feminine look because they're both two separate worlds. But, Alice manages to make it work as Dovile captures both worlds with the kind of eclecticism that makes her fun, fierce and feminine all at once. Her poise and mysteriousness, not to mention those green eyes give these shots an innocence amidst all the sexy lace, animal printed leotards, and leather onsies. It all just works.

*want those leather shorts in the last photo!

xoxo

inspiration & current musings

2011-12-06T15:34:00.001-08:00

Photos via. fatal-passion

Current Playlist:

Amy Winehouse- Fuck Me Pumps

Empire of the Sun- We are the People

Michael Buble- You're Nobody til' Somebody Loves You

Nicole Simon- Haunt You

Nouvelle Vague- Dance With Me

Ou Est Le Swimming Pool- Dance the Way I Feel

Milk & Sugar & Vaya Con Dios- Hey (Nah Neh Nah)

Amy Winehouse- He Can Only Hold her

To-Do-List:

Learn how to make the most amazing peppermint mocha or cinnamon hot cocoa anyone has ever tasted (or at least pretty close to that)
Read Lolita By Vladimir Nabokov (Never got around to it, but always see it on peoples' top favorite novels)
Remember to cross off days on my calendar (I always remember when the month is over and it makes time frighteningly speed by me)
Find a new backpack and declutter my current one.
Try the new Urban Decay Naked II Palette (Heard that they now have more matte finishes! Score!)
Meditate.

Happy Tuesday. Hope your weeks are all going well!

xoxo

Sequins.

2011-12-04T18:29:00.001-08:00

Individual photos via. (tommy-ton, miss-jeanette, urban-outfitters, asos, fashionsalade, stockholmstreetstyle, neon-blush, lefashionimage)

Yeah they're pretty much in again.

I've always been a fan of sequins ever since they became a new years eve and holiday staple. But instead of a tight-fitting sequined dress or tank-top, this year is all about doing things major. Although I do appreciate and still love sequined mini-dresses and mini-skirts, try a sequined maxi-skirt or hot-pants instead. For a more sophisticated, edgy look, try a sequined blazer with a pair of jean trousers and a dressy top or over a pencil dress. I've been eying this one from Forever21 and I might just get my hands on it. If you're into the minimal look I would even just use a big statement sequin clutch or maybe a sequin adorned collar like in the photo above.

what do you guys think of sequins? any nye plans yet?

xoxo

Valeria Efanova

2011-12-04T14:14:00.001-08:00

Photographed by: James Mahon

The flowing hair, bare face, cold weather. Love it all in this James Mahon shoot! But Valeria's striking features are what make the shots even better. Those fierce eyes, long forehead, and thick lips make her look like an angel.

Here's a few more of the Israeli beaute:

xoxo