Brooklyn Blonde

Spring Stripe

2013-05-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

Denim Jacket: J Crew | Dress: Zara | Shoes: Brian Atwood - also, here

Quick hello from sunny Miami. Went away with two of my best girlfriends for a little getaway and my abs already hurt from laughing so much. Staying at the beautiful Delano hotel and could not recommend it enough. Follow along on instagram.

Photos by Keiko

Taken by Storm

2013-05-13T06:47:00.001-07:00

Dress: thanks to BHLDN | Leather Jacket: H&M | Bracelets: BHLDN | Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Having a bit of a Carrie Bradshaw moment in this dress. You had to see us taking these photos as I was trying to do this incredible dress justice: long dresses + 5" (stiletto) heels + cobblestone streets make for quite an interesting combination.

Photos by Keith Hodne

Splatter

2013-05-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

Pants: J Crew (old) | Tee: Rag & Bone | Leather: H&M | Shoes: Jimmy Choo (cheaper version here) | Necklace: J Crew (old) | Sunglasses: Celine | Lipstick: LAQA & Co in Lambchop (a new fav!)

I got these pants almost a year ago (I think?), but just realized this is the first time they're being shown on this blog. That actually surprises me considering how much use I get out of them.
I've actually been trying to do that a lot lately. Shop my own closet and not get into the mindset that "new is always better..." Obviously, as someone who photographs what they wear, that's ~~sometimes~~ often hard, but it's forced me to push myself and get a bit more creative. The skirt in the last post is a perfect example. It's become one of those items I've worn over and over in more combinations than I initially thought possible. Same goes with these pants, so hopefully I can showcase another version soon!

PS: Even though I already shared it on my Facebook page, this song is currently on replay. Dancing in my seat...

Photos by Kim Pesch.

Day Dreamer

2013-05-07T06:49:00.004-07:00

Sweater via TJ Maxx | Skirt: Zara (old) similar option here | Shoes: Sigerson Morrison (on sale!) | Hat: J Crew | Bracelets: ISARO by Jill Golden for J Crew, Michael Kors | Rings: By Boe

One of my favorite combinations is pairing creamy neutrals together, especially when they involve different textures to give the outfit a bit of dimension.

Still editing photos from LA, so they should be coming soon!

Photos by Keith Hodne

Nautical Cool

2013-05-05T08:43:00.002-07:00

Quick little post today. Hope you're all having a fab weekend!

Minty Fresh

2013-05-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Jeans: Vince | Jacket: Zara (last worn here) | Tee: Rag & Bone | Shoes: Sigerson Morrison | Ring: YSL | Nail Polish: Ann Taylor

I'm currently in sunny LA and even though I've visited a few times, I'm always excited about being here. It feels like a different world and this city makes me want to drink loads of green juice, go to farmers markets, workout a whole lot more and just relax. I'm such a stereo typical, fast-paced NY'er that whenever I'm in a slower city, getting impatient about everything that's slow around me, I realize that I'm the one who needs to chill out. Baby steps, but trying to get there. Stay tuned...LA photos to follow!

PS: The nail polishes I'm wearing are available at Ann Taylor stores only (starting May 3rd). 50% of the nail polish purchase will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Love the colors and love the cause even more!

Photos by Kim Pesch.

City Prep

2013-04-29T06:34:00.001-07:00

Blazer: Ralph Lauren | Skirt: J Crew also here | Cotton V-neck Sweater: J Crew | Shoes: Aquazzura |
Sunglasses: Celine | Necklace: Leah Alexandra | Handbag: Vintage Chanel | Nail Polishes: Ann Taylor (available May 3rd, in stores only).

I love mixing slightly unexpected pieces like a structured blazer with something a bit more fun and youthful, like this striped mini skirt. We took these photos in Dumbo, which has movie worthy views that never get old and were lucky enough to catch an empty-ish path.

J Crew is having 25% off your entire purchase with the code SPRINGBEST. Just stocked up on a few of these cotton v-neck sweaters. Perfect for spring and summer!

I'm off to LA tomorrow - follow along on instagram!

Photos by Keith Hodne

Stripes & Flares

2013-04-25T06:06:00.001-07:00

I'm a bit excited to share some news today! For the next few months, I'll be one of the Maxx Style Scouts and on the hunt to find and celebrate women who bring out their Maxxinista. As someone who has been shopping their stores for as long as I can remember, this partnership was almost too fitting.

I love that I can express my personal style with amazing finds at T.J.Maxx. For example, the other day I came across these designer white flare jeans. As much as I love a pair of skinny jeans, I equally love a good pair of flares (my blue ones get a lot of love on my blog!). I paired them with classic black and white stripes and headed out to celebrate my dad’s birthday. I get a lot of questions asking if flared jeans are still in style and in my opinion, they're a fresh change from your basic skinnies!

Brooklyn Strollin'

2013-04-24T06:32:00.002-07:00

Jeans: Rich & Skinny | Top: Equipment | Leather Jacket: H&M | Shoes: Valentino | Necklace: HRH Collection | Handbag: Vintage Chanel | Sunglasses: E&J via StefaniBags | Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo

A little leather and mustard paired with my trusty white button down. I get so much use out of this shirt that I recently bought a second one. After wearing my first one for almost 2 years, I noticed it started getting a little dingy in color (definitely from the dry cleaning chemicals). With this one, I'm going to try to hand wash it to preserve the bright white color. Growing up, that's the only way my mom would wash her favorite shirts, so I plan to take a page out of her book on that one!

Photos by Keith Hodne

Weather Appropriate

2013-04-22T07:00:00.001-07:00

Top: J Crew | Skirt: ASOS | Sandals: Aquazzura

I wore this on our last night in Mexico and it felt only right to wear my brightest pieces of clothing that I own. I kept the makeup easy with a little tinted moisturizer, liner & mascara and for once, wore practically no jewelry with the exception of earrings. There's no messing around with the crazy tropical humidity.

Today I'm off to the city for a few appointments and previews. I'm planning to soak up this incredible spring weather as much as I can. It comes and goes way too quickly!

Photos by Keith Hodne

Poppy Delevingne

2013-04-19T05:47:00.000-07:00

Photo Credit: Stockholm-StreetStyle & Pinterest

When people ask me "who are your biggest fashion inspirations?" Lately, Poppy Delevingne is one of the first that comes to mind. She always manages to look sexy yet classy. Feminine yet with a rocker edge, all while incorporating things that we might have in our closet: a white blazer, a classic trench, a leather jacket, distressed jeans...etc. Her style reminds of me vintage Miroslava Duma, who if I'm going to be perfectly honest, I really miss.

Spring Sequin

2013-04-17T03:07:00.000-07:00

Skirt: ASOS | Top ? | Handbag: Tiffany & Co c/o | Sandals: Aquazzura | Cuff: Robert Rodriguez

These were taken the one day I decided that blow drying my hair, in Mexico, was a good idea. I stepped outside and basically turned into Monica from Friends in the crazy hair episode. Needless to say, my hair stayed in ponytail or slick bun for the rest of the trip.

On another note, I wanted to wish my father a happy birthday. I love you very much!

PS: Shopbop is having a 20% off sale off of everything, until Thursday with the code wearefamily13. Happy shopping!

Photos by Keith Hodne

Little Black Romper

2013-04-15T05:55:00.003-07:00

Mexico Instagram Diary

2013-04-12T03:50:00.000-07:00

Had an incredible week in Cancun, Mexico.

We stayed at the Le Blanc Spa & Resort and this was our hotel view. Absolutely breathtaking!

Ready for a day at the pool. Rockin' my floppy hat that I got from American Apparel a few years ago.

Fresh coconuts to start the day. One of my favorite parts of the trip!

Life size chess = photo op

Going to miss this view (and the swim up bar).

Preview of one of the outfits I wore one evening. Full outfit post next week!

Fruit and croissants for breakfast.

All in all, an incredible week. Already wanting to come back! Thanks for following along.
xoxo,
Helena

No Brainer

2013-04-10T06:56:00.000-07:00

Pants: Rag & Bone | Button Down: Equipment | Leather Jacket: H&M | Shoes: Zara | Cuff: YSL | Bag: Chanel | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunglasses: Celine | Watch: Michael Kors

I always say that the best thing about blogging has been the friendships I've formed over the last few years. Last week, I met up with one of my good friends, Christine, who is also partnering with Ann Taylor, for a catch up session and a shopping trip to one of their stores. Ann Taylor is currently running a "Trends with Benefits" promo which focuses on the color blue, prints and patterns and colorful shorts. I've been having a bit of a blue obsession lately, so naturally I went with blue. Christine stayed chic and classic and opted for stripes. To see the rest of the images and looks, click after the jump.

click after the jump!

The best colorful belt selection!

We both loved these leather pumps.

My outfit consisted of their floral blazer (in love with) and their white cropped jeans.

Christine had on the same white jeans paired with their classic striped tee and their perforated pumps

PS: Everything is 30% off of Ann Taylor right now with the code 4Friends13. Happy Shopping!

Photos by Me, Christine & Kim.

West Village Afternoons

2013-04-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Jacket: Current Elliott | Jeans: 7FAM | Tee: J Crew | Shoes: Aquazzura | Hat: Bailey | Handbag: Pietro Alessandro | Belt: J Crew | Necklace: Jennifer Zeuner

I always joke around that the West Village is my 2nd home (after Brooklyn, of course). Not only does Keith have his studio there (he's an Audio Engineer for TV & Films), but a handful of my friends live there, which means I'm often frolicking through the neighborhood.

In another news, I'm currently in beautiful Mexcio enjoying some R&R! Follow along on instagram.

Photos by Keiko

Black & White

2013-04-03T04:58:00.000-07:00

Let me start off by saying how much I adore a pretty lining. Whether it's on the inside of a handbag or a blazer, I think it adds such a beautiful detail to an item. I wasn't even planning on having a black and white AND print on print story going on, but hey, I'm digging it.

Photos by Keith Hodne.

{Almost} In Bloom.

2013-04-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

Jeans: Ann Taylor. Shoes: Aquazzura Amazon Lace Ups. Bag: Chanel. Watch: Michael Kors. Sunglasses: Ray Ban. Bracelets: J Crew, David Yurman, McQueen.

The other day I was having a conversation with a friend who said "people say Christmas is the happiest time of the year, but I really think that spring is.." I must say, I kind of have to agree with that statement. After having a pretty rough winter (especially after hurricane Sandy), the first signs of spring are putting an extra pep in my step!

PS: Just finished watching House of Cards and I cannot recommend it enough! One of the best show's I've seen in a long, long time.

Photos by Keith Hodne

In with the Blue

2013-03-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday! I wanted to introduce the new addition to my handbag collection. When I spotted this cobalt blue beauty (found it eBay from a reputable seller) my heart skipped a beat. Handbags have always been my weakness (my weakness for shoes came much later on). Ever since I started working and making my own money, bags were one of the main things I splurged on. I'll never forget my first "big" purchase. I was 18 years old and a freshman in college and was making about $6.50 an hour working at the GAP. My friends and I drove to Bloomingdales on 59th and Lex and I got myself the original Kate Spade nylon top zip. After that came a classic Gucci Jackie O and it was all over from there.

So back to this beauty. I decided to sell two of my Balenciaga city bags in order to justify this purchase. If I'm not constantly reaching for a certain bag, especially if it holds no sentimental value, I believe "out with the old, in with the new..." I get tired of things quickly, so that method has always worked for me. I will say, my black jumbo Chanel is still my very fav, so I wanted to go for a bag that was a classic, rather than an "it" bag, yet in a fun bold color. This bag fit that bill perfectly!

Stay tuned for full outfit posts next week. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Like a Spy

2013-03-27T04:52:00.000-07:00

Trench: Top Shop (old). Pants: Zara (similar). Top: Tinley Road. Shoes: Louboutin (similar here). Sunglasses: Elizabeth & James thanks to StefaniBags. Cuff: Robert Rodriguez c/o. Handbag: Hendri Bendel

Whenever I'm getting dressed for the day, I'll usually come out of the bedroom and ask Keith's opinion about my outfit. I value his opinion in a big way so when he answered me with "you look like a spy and I mean that in a good way..." I went with it. I've had this trench for awhile now and it's still one of those pieces I wear over and over again. Cost per wear makes me incredibly happy, especially when the item didn't cost a lot to begin with.

PS: I asked some of you for some music recs over on my Facebook page. So excited to discover some new stuff. Thank you for the recommendations!

Photos by Keith Hodne.

Ready for Spring

2013-03-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

Jeans: Paige c/o. Blazer: H&M. Shoes: Jimmy Choo (J Crew alternative). Clutch: DVF. Necklace: Gorjana (100% of the proceeds go to CHOC Childrens Foundation). Bracelets: Gorjana, McQueen, Michael Kors. Ring: Gorjana. Nails: Estee Lauder Dilettante.

Obviously, I'm completely over winter and ready for spring in this outfit. This is what I wore to the Paige Event this past Saturday and I wanted to thank anyone who came out! I combined their new Blossom Destructed Jean with one of my favorite blazers for a spring ready look.

PS: I'm wearing some amazing new pieces from Gorjana and they're currently having 25% off their entire site with the code "Bring on Spring.." Had to share!

For more photos from the event, click after the jump!

Photos by Keith Hodne

Our Paige model trying on the Emily Ultra Skinny in cloud/white.

Here she's wearing the Lou Lou Flare and their Skyline Angle Peg Optic White.

A huge thanks to Melissa from CA Creative, Bloomingdales & the incredible Paige team!

Dress Down Friday: Leopard Pop

2013-03-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

Boots: Stuart Weitzman. Jeans: Rag & Bone, Leather Jacket: H&M. Tee: J Crew. Bag: Scarf: Shawlsmith London. Vintage Chanel. Lips: MAC Ruby Woo. Sunglasses: Celine.

This is the outfit I wore on the plane from NYC to Nola. Gotta give these leopard boots some credit for being incredibly comfy for a decent sized heel! Also, I know this leather jacket has been showing up on the blog a lot lately, but the weather in Nola was slightly cooler than I thought, so this jacket became part of my uniform while I was there.

PS: Hope to see some of you guys at the Paige Event this Saturday. I'll be at the Bloomingdales at Short Hills Mall from 12-3. Really looking forward to it!

Have a fab weekend!

Brooklyn Blonde x Paige Denim

2013-03-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

NY & NJ Friends! This Saturday I'll be hanging out with Paige Denim at the Bloomingdales of Short Hills Mall from 12-3. Hope to see you there for a little styling or to just hang out. I'll be sporting my new Blossom Destructed jeans!

xo,
Helena

Sleek & Chic

2013-03-19T07:13:00.001-07:00

Blazer: SuperTrash. Jeans: 7FAM. Tee: J Crew. Shoes: Herve Leger "Olesia." Clutch: Clare Vivier (another version here). Sunglasses: Celine Audrey. Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo + MAC Red combined.

Sharing some more photos from Nola Fashion Week in one of my favorite color combos: black and white. It's so simple, yet always makes me feel chic. If you're somebody who doesn't like to wear white jeans, I equally love an all black outfit with a white blazer for a crisp + pulled together look! Here I kept my accessories rather simple: red lip, leo accent and a sleek bun.

By the way, my new favorite red lip is a combo of MAC Ruby Woo + MAC Red. I adore Ruby Woo on its own, but it's so insanely dry (even with a primer, which does help a lot) so I was looking for either an alternative or something to mix it with. I dig MAC Red on its own, but especially love them mixed together. For Ruby Woo lovers, have you found another red that you love equally or more?

Photos by Kim

Striped Story

2013-03-18T07:06:00.001-07:00

Jeans: 7 for all mankind. Top: Eqiupment. Leather Jacket: H&M. Shoes: Sigerson Morrison Brielle (in black here). Sunglasses: Celine. Watch: Michael Kors. Bracelet: Hermes, Michael Kors. Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo + MAC Red.

Photos by Keith Hodne