Cheetah is the New Black

Minimalist... in black and white.

2013-05-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wearing: Vince Sweater. Rebecca Taylor Pants. Zara Heels.

Linda Farrow x The Row Sunglasses. Celine Black.

I was feeling the minimalist vibe and wore this black and white combination on one (chillier) day last week.

I'm in love with white pants in theory (I think it's such a cool look) but was worried about getting them dirty within .5 minutes of walking outside my apartment. I refused to sit on the subway in them (I'm not usually one to care), and decided a slouchy, dark colored sweater was my safest bet on top. Anyway, I'd love to hear your thoughts about keeping white pants *white* while out and about / headed to work – especially via public transportation. I mean it's possible, if I managed to do it then you surely can too!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Punk'd Out

2013-05-21T08:08:00.001-04:00

I made it to the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit at The Met this past weekend, and you guys it's too cool. You must go! Seeing those incredible pieces of fashion history in person was inspiring and the presentation / vibe was great. Even my guy who I dragged along enjoyed it. Oh and I went a bit fan-girl and bought this barbed wire tee (it was my favorite - wearable - piece from the exhibit sponsor, Moda Operandi's punk shop).

It was the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon... and on our way home we walked past the Bergdorf punk windows which look awesome. You should go see those after the exhibit too!

A little inspiration for how to incorporate safety pins and edgy details into your wardrobe this fall... (that red leather Isabel Marant dress is my dream!).

1. Rodarte Sweatshirt. Current/Elliot Jeans. Love Kills Earrings. Phillip Lim Clutch. Charlotte Olympia Pumps.
2. Isabel Marant Dress and Shoes. M'O x Met Ball Tattoos. Dark Eyeliner + Mascara.
3. Rebel of the Ball Tee. Mugler Skirt. Charlotte Olympia Clutch. Nicholas Kirkwood Booties.

And thanks to the sweet Polyvore and Moda Operandi teams who gave me this punk exhibit coffee table book and temporary tattoos, which will be fun to make use of!

Collage made on Polyvore.

Weekend Neutrals

2013-05-17T08:02:00.001-04:00

Wearing: Margaret O'Leary Sweater. Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jeans.

Rachel Zoe Bag. Zara Heels. Celine Sunglasses.

Life has been a bit busier these days so I'm especially happy when Friday rolls around. How about you?! Here's a little weekend (neutral)-style inspiration. I lived in this comfy Margaret O'Leary scoop sweater last weekend. It's the perfect mix of casual yet cool and a great loose knit for this transitional spring weather.

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Consignment Find...

2013-05-16T07:19:00.001-04:00

Wearing: 3.1 Phillip Lim Jacket. AG Jeans Chambray Top.

Rag & Bone Jeans and Tee. Zara Heels. Celine Purse.

This past Sunday I stumbled upon a small consignment store in my neighborhood (Second Time Around) where I scored this super cool Phillip Lim leather jacket. New York vintage and consignment shops seem rather overpriced to me so I was pleasantly surprised to find it at such a reasonable price point. I used to have my favorite go-consignment shop in San Francisco (Cris) and yet after almost a year in New York I have yet to find a favorite spot here. Any recommendations?? Like most consignment / vintage shops it's best to go frequently so I'll have to start popping into STA regularly before I actually report back if it's a favorite spot or not. Stay tuned!

I'd also like to note that I'm in love with these Zara heels. They're comfy and look expensive - I've already fooled quit a few friends who have thought they were designer. I now own them in both nude and black... and am totally thinking about that white pair too. ;)

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

It's All In The Details...

2013-05-15T08:34:00.002-04:00

Wearing: Vince Jacket. Zara Dress. Charm and Chain Cuff. (Full outfit here.)

A quick mid-week hello, and a look from this weekend. I wore this Givenchy-esque printed dress from Zara (it's a good one!) paired with a statement cuff, and red lips to a friend's 30th birthday party on Saturday night. The dress has a great boxy fit meaning I could indulge in as many appetizers, and beverages as I wanted!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Feeling Lucky

2013-05-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wearing: OTTE Top. Zara Shorts and Sandals. Layered Necklaces: Lionette, Ariel Gordon Love Knot and

Lulu Frost (my lucky numbers ~ remember this post?). Celine Sunglasses.

How was your weekend? Mine was great minus the fact that I didn't get to spend it with my mom (I really miss her). My guy and I went to brunch at one of my favorite spots (Bubby's) on Sunday and spent as much time outside as possible, two things that always make me happy. As a bonus it was warm enough to wear shorts and a tank for a short while! Oh and did anyone else get caught in the torrential rainstorm on Saturday? My girlfriends and I were shopping in Soho (without umbrellas) and I ended up walking home barefoot because I didn't want to ruin the shoes I was wearing. So yeah that happened... ha.

It might be all in my head but when I wear my lucky numbers from Lulu Frost I always have a great day!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Black, White + Denim

2013-05-10T08:31:00.000-04:00

Wearing: Equipment Sweater (also loving this style and this one from J.Crew). Rag & Bone Vest. Vince Pants.
Zara Heels. Lulu Frost Necklace. Celine Purse. Linda Farrow x The Row Sunglasses.

Happy, happy Friday! After a rainy start to the week I'm glad the sun is out today.

I wore this look on Monday... (I can sense the humidity is around the corner and my leather-pant wearing days are coming to an end so I've been trying to sneak any chance I can in to wear my favorite slouchy leather pants).

My friends are starting to comment about how often I wear this necklace... (it's just too good)!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

In The Studio With {TOCCA}

2013-05-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

As a long time fan of TOCCA beauty products, I admittedly didn't learn of their clothing line until stumbling upon the boutique (on Hudson Street) around the time I moved to New York last year. I was lured in by the fact that they carry my favorite hand creams and the cool bright blue neon sign hanging inside but quickly fell in love with the femininely polished aesthetic of the clothing as well.

I was lucky enough to stop by the TOCCA showroom a couple weeks back (hello gorgeous chandelier of my dreams!) to meet with designer, Emma Fletcher, and take a peek at the fall 2013 collection.

Trying on a floral headpiece ~ you know, just for fun.

The fall palette: dark and moody with a mix of petal pink.

Emma's inspiration for the collection (I loved learning that she is a big collager, as am I).

Emma showing me her favorite pieces from the collection. (How great is the lace detailing on her blouse?)

And lastly, my favorite part ~ playing dress up!

Wearing: TOCCA Jacket. Vince Sweater. Current/Elliot Jeans. Isabel Marant Sneakers. (look familiar?)

Big fan of this bomber style jacket.

I mean, how gorgeous is the TOCCA showroom?

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

One of a Kind

2013-05-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wearing: Sweater from Albertine. Helmut Lang Skirt. Phillip Lim Satchel.

Jimmy Choo Heels. Celine Sunglasses. Jennifer Fisher Cuffs.

I just love this sweater, the details really make it. The cut out back with sheer slip underneath, and the neon zippers on the sides that I didn't do a great job of showing off. It's a piece that I picked up at Albertine, a cool boutique down the street from me. I like to pop in to see what new designers they're carrying (like Waldrip!) and search for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Oh and please disregard the awkward fold line from storing this leather skirt away this past winter. I guess I should lay it out with heavy coffee table books on it or something before I wear it again... whoops!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

It's All In The Details...

2013-05-03T05:47:00.000-04:00

After a busy week it's always nice to see you Friday! I'm looking forward to playing catch up on life this weekend (eyebrows need plucking, laundry is piled up and brunch with my girlfriends ~ all of the important things).

Leaving you with few colorfully-floral and happy snaps from the day I picked up roses for my girls' night in!

Wearing: Vince Sweater + Blazer. Lionette Necklace. Coach Heels.

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Girls' Night In

2013-04-30T07:00:00.000-04:00

I recently hosted a couple girlfriends on a warm evening for rosé and appetizers. Girl-time was necessary (have I mentioned how thankful I am for all of my girlfriends?) and so I kicked my guy out ~ er, told him to work late because I'm mean like that. In order to make our apartment feel more spring-like I picked up white roses (my favorite) at the corner store and arranged them in a few of my vintage vases.

Living within a block of a bodega is one of the simple pleasures about city life, among many other conveniences, that would be hard for me to give up. I know that at any time of the day I can run over to grab water, popcorn, ice cream (for those late night cravings), Advil or in this case, fresh flowers.

Wearing: Rebecca Taylor Blouse. Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jeans. Dannijo Necklace. Nars Heatwave Lipstick.

I almost feel like this photo belongs in someone's wedding album.

Two vases from my trip to London last fall ~ purchased on Portabello Road.

Aren't girls' nights in just the best? Oh and I'd also like to add that when my guy did finally come home we sent him back out for more rosé. Real nice, I know. He's kind of the best (have I mentioned that I'm very thankful for him as well?).

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Dark Debut

2013-04-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

I'm all for experimenting with new hair colors, cuts, trends and evolving your look. Similar to personal style, hair is something not-so-permanent that is fun to play around with. As mentioned, I went back to a more natural (although not completely natural) dark brunette recently. I'm honestly surprised I kept my hair red for as long as I did (an entire year) but after spotting some recent dark hair inspiration I called my hairdresser and got in the same day to dye my locks. I was ready for a less high-maintenance change for spring / summer.

Wearing: Vince Leather Jacket + Sweater. Current/Elliot Jeans. Isabel Marant Sneakers.

Jennifer Fisher Cuffs. Celine Purse. Linda Farrow x The Row Sunglasses.

PS: How was your weekend? We took the train to DC on Saturday for our friend's wedding. I hadn't been to Washington DC in years so it was fun to do some of the touristy things again (ie: say hi to the White House) and visit a few of the museums. We hope to make it back again soon as I'd love to get to know the city better.

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Those Blooms!

2013-04-25T08:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday! I just can't get enough of the blooms... although just looking at these photos makes my eyes water. For some reason I thought I was escaping allergy season on the East Coast but no, definitely not. ;)

Wearing: Rebecca Taylor Blouse. Rag & Bone Pants. Dannijo Necklace.
Zara Heels. Celine Bag. Linda Farrow x The Row Sunglasses.

If you follow me on instagram you know that I actually darkened my hair this past weekend so these photos are actually from a week ago. I love the red and looking at these photos makes me miss it but I was ready for a change (switching things up is always fun!). Oh and let's be honest, the red was definitely high-maintenance.

PS: Wearing this baseball-esque colorblocked blouse again today!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Arts and Crafts...

2013-04-23T11:22:00.001-04:00

My ideal free afternoon is usually spent reading, flipping through magazines, collaging or working on some type of artsy project. The Libra in me likes things balanced and if I haven't had enough playtime in the form of arts and crafts it's not good. Seriously (insert giggle here)!

As you know I've been slowly but surely adding to my white framed gallery wall and last Friday I spent sometime painting a few more all while wearing pastel colored jewels from BaubleBar. Thanks BB team!

Wearing: BaubleBar necklaces and this Alex Mika Jewelry snake ring.

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Transitional Layering...

2013-04-22T09:26:00.002-04:00

Wearing: Opening Ceremony Dress. Vince Sweater. Rag & Bone Vest. Celine Bag.

Linda Farrow x The Row Sunglasses. Zara Heels. Lionette Necklace.

I wore this dress (seen here) three times last week, layering it various ways to transition it for spring. It may very well be the most flattering dress, cut-wise, that I own and I would love to find something similar for spring / summer but in white.

I hope you had a great weekend ~ we spent most of Saturday in Central Park and it was beautiful!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Party in Back...

2013-04-19T12:20:00.001-04:00

Wearing: Vince Leather Jacket. OTTE Blouse. Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jeans.

Sigerson Morrison Pumps. Cheetah is the New Black x Emily Rosendahl Clutch. Jennifer Fisher Bracelets.

A quick hello and mid-day post... not much to say besides gosh, what a week!

Here's a go-to look I wore earlier this week. A favorite new flowy blouse from OTTE that is about as sexy (if you can call it that) that I get with the peep hole in the back and fun flirty bright blue sandals.

Wishing you all a happy and safe weekend!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Currently Into...

2013-04-18T14:00:00.000-04:00

I am absolutely guilty of people - or I should say style - watching! This week I was inspired by one woman in particular who was unbelievably striking. She had on the perfect pair of vintage Levis, minimal makeup and a bold lip. Since spotting her I've been living in my trusty boyfriend jeans and playing up my lips as well. Here are a few other things I'm currently into and craving this week...

1. Spring jackets worn zipped up (as a top) and paired with distressed denim.

2. Silky dresses and pants dressed down with a denim vest.

3. Glowing skin, minimal makeup and a poppy neon pink lip.

4. Open toes (yay!)... and the perfect spring / summer sandal.

5. Adding more greenery and geodes into our apartment decor mix.

Collage made on Polyvore.

Mini Moments

2013-04-18T07:00:00.000-04:00

Count down to The Great Gatsby is so on.

This week has been a busy one and I thrive on busy but it's also been a rather unsettling one as I'm sure you can all agree. Since Monday's bombing in Boston I've been admittedly leery to take the subway, a slight worry-wart of sorts and glued to the news. You too? On a positive note, one of our college friends is in town (so fun to see him!), spring is here and New York is looking especially charming. I can't get enough of the photogenic cherry blossom trees in our neighborhood or get over the fact that I wore a dress without tights yesterday (my pale legs were very happy to soak up a little sunshine). Everyone was right, spring in New York is just lovely!

Weekend stripes + camo (look familiar?).

Coach does sneakers and um, hello ~ I'm totally into them!

Coffee table diaries, golden afternoon light and jewelry crush: Lionette.

Getting my health on at Melvin's Juice Box.

A delicious mix of bergamot and gardenia from TOCCA: Florence.

Once Upon a Time at Alice + Olivia...

2013-04-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks back, on a chilly very-un-spring-like morning, I popped on over to Alice + Olivia to check out their fall collection. Since the first time I visited their showroom I've been wanting to go back to snap some photos so you could see just how magically playful and very Alice in Wonderland it feels! Between the stunning views, gorgeous light cascading in, elaborate chandeliers, spiral staircase, and hello ~ the clothes, what's not to love?

Alice + Olivia is one of those brands that will always hold a special place in my heart, plus the not-taking-fashion-too-seriously-vibe that A+O designer, Stacey Bendet exudes is refreshing and fun. The fall 2013 collection is actually described as 'Fantasy Street Style' ~ a free-spirited mix of both sophistication and whimsy!

In order to hold up my favorite skirt (which may have been close to my height) I had to climb up on this chair. After teetering a bit in my heels and a brief moment of panic (aka "I could face-plant"), we got the shot! This photo feels like something Stacey would approve of, or has most likely done herself.

One of my favorite career tops (also love this leather collared one!).

I couldn't get over this iPhone case, obviously a play on Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

The Stacey heel... so good right?

Wearing: Alice + Olivia Leather Jacket. Alexander Wang Sweatshirt. Vince Pants.
DVF Booties. Dannijo Necklace.

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Repeat with a Touch of Pink

2013-04-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wearing: Equipment Blouse. Paige Denim Jeans. BaubleBar x LUVAJ and Dannijo Necklaces.

J. Crew Heels. Celine Bag. Linda Farrow x The Row Sunglasses.

This weekend I kind of checked out, technology and social media-wise that is, and it was honestly really nice. I left my phone at home most of the weekend and just focused on my guy. We kicked off Friday with an especially fun date night. We were treated to a yummy sushi dinner at Sen NYC where the highlight may have actually been the assortment of sake flavors we tried. Saturday I spontaneously talked my girlfriend Grace into getting her ears pierced with me and Sunday my guy and I spent most of the afternoon outside, enjoying the amazing weather!

Oh and as you know, this blouse has been on serious repeat mode. I've been dressing it up and down as seen here with distressed denim, layered jewels and a touch of pink.

How was your weekend?

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

In the Studio with Stephanie Waldrip

2013-04-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Stephanie Waldrip ~ next to her fall 2013 pieces.

After teasing you with this watercolor print blazer and gorgeous fur collar, I'm excited to share the rest of my photos as well as my Q & A with this designer to watch: Stephanie Waldrip.

Fun story, I actually met Stephanie at the shopping party I hosted with Cynthia Rowley a couple months ago (thanks again for connecting us Adrienne!). When I first saw her luxe line I fell in love with the uptown meets downtown New York-girl-vibe and wanted to wear everything (hence why I tried almost every piece on that day in her studio). Her collection is filled with incredible investment pieces that can be mixed and matched and are undeniably chic with a cool-girl twist.

Have you always wanted to design your own clothing line?

Yes this has ALWAYS been my 'A' plan. My Mom swears I came home one day in kindergarden and yelled "Mom I'm going to be a dress designer and move to Manhattan." Sometimes I have to stop and think, yes this is actually happening, I am really doing this.

How would you describe the "Waldrip" girl?

She has a clear ease in her own skin, a subtle glamour clings to her as it does to only a few women - it isn't conscious. She lends the impression of knowing slightly more, and perhaps, caring slightly less - commanding a room with just her "cool."

Can you tell us a little about the inspiration behind your fall 2013 collection?

I kept walking by this pop-up gallery with these wall size photographs of wild horses... they're gorgeous. The photographer is Roberto Dutesco and the images are of the Wild Horses of Sable Island. The Island is home to over 500 wild horses and the proceeds of Dutesco's photography goes to preservation of Sable Island. The images are very romantic and the horses seem to be in love. Which coincides with me falling in love around the same time I was designing. For more information / you can view the imagery here.

What is the design process like for you? Do you design with a certain "girl" in mind?

I am always designing for the woman I want to aspire to be and want to project that into my designs: confident, chic and optimistic. I am always sketching in my mind. Can't help it! But the most inspiring part of the process is largely derived from the fabrications and the history of the European textile mills. I focus on and research the origination of my fabric, and the history of the mills becomes part of the story that I am telling through each collection.

Who is inspiring you the most right now?

Rachel Roy, she is overall inspiring. I was fortunate enough to have been mentored by her, she has this cool about her that really puts one at ease. She has become a true staple in the industry and has the ability to create modern design for every woman.

What is going to be your go-to look this spring?

An easy top with a statement blazer and cigarette pant with a boot, and knock-em dead heels for night!

Waldrip is currently sold in New York at: Albertine and Condor as well as online at The Cools. It will also be available on Shopbop this fall!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Blush Crush

2013-04-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

Wearing: Rebecca Taylor Dress. Rag & Bone Blazer (similar). Jimmy Choo Pumps. TOMS Sunglasses.

I had planned to save this blush-colored cutie for a friend's upcoming wedding but I have admittedly already worn it twice, including Easter. I mean it was too perfect not to wear to Easter Sunday brunch... (told you it was going to be my new go-to every occasion dress).

UPDATE... Lulu Frost just announced the winner of the lucky number necklace!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Look to Try: Tank + Fur

2013-04-10T15:19:00.002-04:00

Wearing: Otte Cashmere Tank. Waldrip Fur Collar. Hudson Jeans. DVF Booties.

As we transition into warmer weather, try throwing on a fur collar over your tank or tee. Perfect for those who work in a chilly (creatively dressed) office. Instead of opting for a scarf, top your look with an added touch of drama. I personally can't get enough of the look and loved that Stephanie (Waldrip)'s right-hand PR gal threw her's over a vintage Halston dress. Cool working girl look to try? Yea I think so...

On another unrelated note, I've been wearing less makeup these days which I'm not so sure is actually the best look on me but I'm really having an au-natural moment. It's just nice to let my skin breath. I was re-inspired to keep up my fresh faced look after reading this feature on Linda Rodin. Oh and she totally sold me on this tee... I mean how great does she look?

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.

Currently Into...

2013-04-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

1. After chowing down on tater tots, quiche, waffles and champagne on Saturday morning a group of us walked over to the Joie Meat Packing location to shop and that's where I fell in love with this cutie of a bomber jacket.

2. My guy and I started watching House of Cards last week and I'm now intrigued by Rooney's sister Kate Mara (girl crush!). While we're trying not to rush through this Netflix exclusive too quickly we have admittedly watched quite a few episodes just in the past two days. Oh and how good does Robin Wright look on the show?

3. With the warmer weather comes my smoothies cravings. I'm currently on a blueberry and almond milk kick. So refreshing and satisfying on a sunny day. PS: They're predicting high 70's today... happy dance!

4. I have these gold headphones and they make me feel really cool while listening to music and dancing around in my apartment. Ideal for blogging although I'm not sure I would actually sport them outside of my place.

5. Loving the unexpected stripes (kinda like this look here).

What are you currently into this week?

Collage made on Polyvore.

Designer to Watch: Waldrip

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

Wearing: Waldrip Blazer. Otte Cashmere Tank. Hudson Jeans. Jennifer Fisher Cuffs.

I recently stopped by my friend and talented designer Stephanie Waldrip's studio to take a peek at her latest collection and found myself instantly drawn to this watercolor print blazer (spring '13)! I love the luxe detailing, the elongated hem line in the back and the fact that it was slightly too big for me ~ making it the perfect oversized fit. Basically my dream blazer. We were surprised at how well it played off the striped jeans I had on but I can also picture it with my distressed boyfriend jeans and pumps as a go-to for spring / summer.

More on Stephanie and Waldrip to come... (I know you will love her line as much as I do)!

Photography by Lydia Hudgens.