From Madrid to Manhattan

I'm back!

And I have news. It's not the groundbreaking kind, don't worry. It's more of the I-didn't-buy-any-clothes-while-I-was-in-Spain kind, the not-even-from-Zara variety. I know. I'll give you a moment to collect yourself off the floor and settle back in your desk chair.

When I wasn't dropping euros on queso y jamon y calamari y the cheapest wine ever, I was spending them on hand-painted ceramic plates (and matching bowls). And serving spoons made of olive wood. It feels so nice to be buying things that I'll have forever and ever for my apartment, or until, at least, I break them. I have officially turned into my parents.

But it's so refreshing to be back in New York, the land of scallion cream cheese and That 70s Show. Photos from Madrid and Barcelona will definitely arrive shortly!

Photo courtesy of: Anthony Limas

All Wrapped Up

This weekend, I finished up my Christmas shopping. I had a long list this year: my family, of course, my friends, and then the wonderful people who helped me get to the place I am today (which would be: employed). At first, I was a little lost. What should the price point be? Are there any things I shouldn't give?

I'm not a very good gift-giver, but I have one rule when I'm searching for the perfect present: it has to be something that the person will love but wouldn't normally buy him- or herself. Things like Lollia bubble bath, which is beauty-editor approved (not by me, but a seasoned beauty director)(I promise), is just extravagant enough without being excessive. C. Wonder (created by Tory Burch's ex-husband and co-founder of her eponymous clothing line) also has a fantastic selection of affordable yet adorable trinkets. I love these bright enamel boxes and pretty glass plates.

What are your go-to gifts?


[photo cred here and there]

Flat Out Gorgeous

I love a good wedge, but my affection for ballet flats is no secret.

Help a terribly indecisive girl out. Which style is your favorite?

(From left to right): Madewell skimmers, J.Crew ballet flats, and Marais maryjanes

[photo cred to AMY STONE // COFFEE TALK]

Coffee and a Thought

I have been terrible about keeping up with blogging. I used to wake up with hours to spare, which I would then spend reading my favorite blogs and updating my own. Now, I wake up to a strict schedule. I'm too anxious to waver from it—between events and working at the office and finding time for the gym and walking everywhere in between, one misstep can throw off an entire day.

But I've realized that I make time for things I find important: a weekly hour of speaking French, boxing classes, going home a few times a month. So why does blogging get the short shrift? I have no idea, but I'm going to change that. If my blog were a kitten, the ASPCA would be hunting me down right now. I love blogging. I love to write about things other than holiday hair styles or the best fashion picks for the season (although I really enjoy that too).

So, in conclusion, I am back and less crazed. Stay tuned for a concerted effort and, in the meantime, here's a shopping list I put together for you.


[photo cred here]

October Mornings

Fall is so lovely. My roommate and I wandered up Lexington Ave to Edit New York, where I bought a Joie sweater (after feeling just how soft it was)! The weather has been so perfect--cool and crisp and sunny. What were you up to this weekend?

[photo cred to 1, 2 and 3]

I Want to Go Shopping

The other day, I got lost in Bergdorf Goodman on my way to an event. This isn't to say that I took a quick look while en route. I actually had an event at the BG Bergdorf Goodman restaurant and had to wander from floor to floor in order to find it.

While my wallet (and heart) were sobbing, I realized that I hadn't gone shopping in such a long time. I stumble across adorable flats as I traipse around the blogosphere and roam Club Monaco for office-appropriate pencil skirts, but it's been ages since I've brushed my hand over a pair of suede booties or gotten lost in a rack of cashmere. I shop online so much that I've lost the tactile pleasures of being in a store.

Beautiful Bergdorf's is a prime example of the luxury that accompanies shopping in a store. I love RueLaLa and Gilt Groupe as much as the next girl on a budget, but you lose part of the experience. You can't touch the fabrics or stare at a dress for ten whole minutes (or else it'll be out of your shopping cart and in someone else's). So this weekend, I'm going to walk down to Bergdorf's and look and touch and try on some jeans and probably buy one thing. It'll be on sale, but that's alright. It still counts.

[photo cred here]

Skirting Around

It's been so hot around here that I've completely abandoned pants for skirts. I'm obsessed with really breezy, feminine numbers as of late—chiffon and leather with pleats and tucks. I'm currently pining after this Robert Rodriguez crinkled chiffon skirt (does it ever get better than crinkled chiffon?) though my wallet isn't.

I spent my weekend curled up with my AC unit and occasionally wandering out at night to explore the Lower East Side. How are you beating heat? I would do terrible things to have access to a pool right now..

[photo cred to 1 and 2]

Chambray Style

I know I wax poetic about silk and sequins, but I can't deny the fact that I'm a sucker for a good tee. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways... tees look great with skinny jeans and a pair of Bensimons (I'm going to mention my new kicks in every post this week, for I've worn them since they appeared on my doorstep and they've actually rendered me incapable of wearing anything else). Tees are simple enough to tuck into a frilly masterpiece of a skirt. Tees are soft, comfortable, and unbelievably flattering when you have the right fit and material (I love anything by James Perse, and my best friend swears by Madewell's artisan tees).

But sometimes (and I can't believe I'm about to say this), my tees get a little old. Maybe not old — a bit worn, if you will. After eight seasons, my tee needs a supporting actor to swoop in and help it win an Emmy. You know who that superstar is? Chambray. I get that this is old news, but here's the thing: the typical blue wash and classic shape just aren't doing it for me, so one of them needs to change. This is what separates an Emmy Award-winning supporting actor from the masses:

A ha! See, not slow on picking up the trend (which would make me a terrible style blogger); I'm just tweaking the trend to my own tastes. If I'm going to sell-out, I'm obviously going to do it for something a) grey, like this shirt by Rag & Bone on the left, or b) cut longer and reminiscent of oversized men's shirts, such as this J.Crew tunic. Are you a sucker for either one of these or more about the classic chambray shirt (which, of course, is a classic for a reason)?


[photo cred to 1 and 2, both via havelessbemore]

Spring Kicks

I just want to scoop up an armful of the new ballet flats from J. Crew and run. I'm already indecisive, and now I have to choose between snakeskin, Liberty florals, jacquard, studs, and tweed? Neon orange toe caps? Really, snakeskin?! I'm a sucker for snakeskin anything. LE SIGH.

By the Seashore

As inspired by all things nautical:

1. I actually don't own a striped bateau top as of yet (I know, I'm so ashamed of myself) but I am beyond head over heels for this one by Cardigan New York, which was featured in a photo shoot on A Cup of Jo. It looks so gorgeous (and French!) with the red lipstick.

2. I adore the detail on these anchor earrings from Catbird. I rarely wear earrings and when I do, they're usually studs, but this pair is just so pretty and the fossil ivory, unexpected and quirky.

3. I already bought/have worn/won't stop wearing the black and beige pair of Marais flats, and now I'm hankering after the blue. A straight guy complimented them. A straight and very attractive guy. If that's not a good reason to buy a new pair of shoes, I don't know what is.

[photo cred to Our Edge via We Heart It]

Monday Morning

I apologize for the sparse updates - my commute to NYC is hellish and I sleep during most of it. I absolutely love my internship at Allure, though; I learn something new every day and particularly enjoy having a security pass for the Condé Nast headquarters in Times Square.

I bought a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti peep toes. They're lilac and have enormous platforms, so there's a good chance I'm going to topple over while wearing them. Unfortunately, they were only available through a Ruelala sample sale, so I can't seem to find a photo of them. During my hunt, though, I stumbled across this sweet duo:

Typically, I'm not partial to anything that matches perfectly. I like when there's a working relationship between two pieces - they complement one another, but manage to avoid looking like a set. These broke my rule. Wouldn't they look awesome with a short black dress for a night out? I love that black patent perfectly grounds the python print and puts a spin on two great classics. On the other hand, I would wear these with a flowing white dress:
The bright, spunky hues are perfect for the summer, and the embellishment is beautiful. They somehow manage to back away ever so carefully from gaudy (as I usually tend to find gemstones to be) and towards elegant. The best part is that I'd want to wear the pieces together instead of separating them and trying to find some way to incorporate each one on its own.

Actually, the real best part is that they're available here, where many of the Summer 2010 styles are marked down. And with that, my dears, we start off our week!

MadeSOwell

Lovely things about my internship:

a) I shared an elevator with Anna Wintour this morning.

b) She scares me.

c) I'm so happy I ditched dentistry in favor of magazine editing.

Madewell has recently debuted an online store that offers a fresh twist on J. Crew style at prettier prices. In particular, ruffles boosted simple vests and dresses, giving them a more stylish and upscale edge. They also update J. Crew staples and put a youthful spin on classics. My two favorite picks?

Both available at Madewell online, these pieces keep ruffles from looking too girlish by letting them act as details instead of the main event. Both beg to be belted - the first with a skinny belt and the second with a thick, masculine belt to up the androgyny factor. Even better, they're affordable for the subtle touches that they lend to any outfit ($62 and $88, respectively). Thus begins my torrid love affair with Madewell.

FOUND

Ah, the most perfect dress for work from Anthropologie. It looks truly awful on a hanger but so so good on a human being. I love how it's simple, chic, and yet a little bit weird. The hemline is a cheeky twist on ombré with the black to grey to white, and the hemline itself is at a perfect length. All that's left to do is try to make some magic happen with my bank account...

Heaven in a Hammock

Doesn't this look like the most delicious spot to read a David Sedaris essay, drink some fresh squeezed lemonade, and while away the afternoon? I love hammocks so much more than benches and lounge chairs, and this one by Anthropologie is no exception. The exotic colors and scallop fringe look so perfect to nestle in on a pretty afternoon, with nothing to listen to except the breeze. Is there anything more perfect than the lovechild of a swing and a bed?

Wedge Extravaganza

Weak spot: wedges. Wedged boots, wedged sandals, wedged anything. I can wear them to class without feeling too dressed up or out for the night without worrying that I'll end up barefoot on the walk home. I don't have the longest legs in the world, so these provide length without sacrificing comfort. A nude-hued style is by far the most flattering, as it visually extends the leg line. I happen to be a sucker for cute ankle straps as well: my two favorite picks from the list below are the Charles David "Dizzy" and Pour La Victoire "Tarissa"; if I could afford the See by Chloe wedges, they would be cradled in my arms right now. I prefer spare details and the occasional bold pop of color (couldn't you just see the red with worn, rolled up jeans and a slouchy striped tee?). It's just sheer convenience that these are considered "trendy" right now. I'd like to rename them "never leave my feet ever I love you I promise I'll get pedicures we'll be together forever."






(from top to bottom)

Charles David Dizzy Espadrilles, Zappos, $135

J. Crew Sardinia Wedge Espadrilles, J. Crew, $118

Dolce Vita Pela Wedge, Piperlime, $165

Kate Spade New York Metro T-Strap Wedges, Bloomingdales, $225

Pour La Victoire Tarissa Strappy Platform Wedges, Bloomingdales, $290
See by Chloe Ankle-Wrap Wedge Sandals, Saks Fifth Avenue, $335

Monday Morning

I had such a wonderful weekend dragging my brother and sister around Evanston with me. It was nice to have them for the whole weekend while our parents are gallivanting around Italy, gleefully enjoying their freedom from our bickering, bantering, and inappropriate jokes. This week, bright fuchsia tulips, warm breezes, and the glow of the sunlight on Lake Michigan are on my mind. I really want to drink green tea and munch on fresh fruit all week, but this might be more because my boyfriend is visiting next weekend and less due to real motivation for healthy choices.

I don't know how I stumbled across Abercrombie & Fitch's website. Will all of my style cred be deleted immediately? I wouldn't blame you for it, because I haven't worn the brand since I was fifteen and trying very hard to be cool. (I failed). (Miserably). But for some reason, the Pick of the Week is indeed a piece from Abercrombie:

Reasons why I would like to have this hanging in my closet:

1. The bow! The slight cowl neckline! The detailing on this that sets it apart from a tee but retains a tee's natural ease and comfort!

2. The mental image of this, worn with grey jeans (rolled up) and beat-up leather sandals.

3. THE PRICE.

4. $34.

5. The super inconspicuous moose and the lack of any garish A & F ABERCROMBIE YEAH text.

6. The fact that if I covered up the moose with a Sharpie, I'd probably forget that I even bought it from Abercrombie & Fitch.

Deal.

I hope you're having a wonderful start to your week!

Polite Pinstripes

I haven't been around much. I'd like to blame it on the seventy degree weather that all but shoves me outdoors, but the slew of paper assignments that have rained down on me are actually to blame. Fortunately, I've had the time (of course I have) to come across this little babe, which just so happens to be the uber-belated Pick of the Week:
I'm still on my work-appropriate kick, so I've been keeping an eye out for skirts that fall longer than my fingertips reach. This skirt stands out thanks to the exquisite draping and the subtle pinstripes that are nearly invisible at first glance. The silhouette, along with the buckled strap, is modern and edgy, but the subdued stripes take it down a notch and usher it into "professional" territory (right? RIGHT?). I would tuck a slim, embellished camisole into this and top it with a black men's blazer - natch, with the sleeves rolled up. Nude heels would finish it off nicely, and it would translate seamlessly from day to night with a quick adjustment of accessories.

Working Girl

I've been on a desperate hunt for clothes that can be categorized under the "professional" heading. I figure I can wear pencil skirts with embellished tanks and light jackets (for the love of God, no boxy blazers or bland cardigans). On the other hand, I know that it will be summer in New York City (sticky, concrete, and unpleasant), so I must keep an eye out for any light, flowing dresses. I have to admit, though, I'm more than excited to pick up blueberries from the streetside fruit vendors on my way to work, as I did every day last summer.
I considered buying armfuls of cheap dresses to fill the deficit of "appropriate" in my wardrobe; I then realized that a) I'll probably need "appropriate" clothing after graduation anyway and b) I don't like cheap clothes because there's a reason they're cheap (poor quality, usually). As a result, I've made it my duty to haunt all sample sales, which is how I found this gem:
I know. I KNOW. I wish the picture was clear enough for the detailing on the bodice to be more visible, because it really is exquisite. Unfortunately, Rue La La allows other shoppers to purchase pieces that are already in your shopping cart (Seriously? At least Gilt gives a ten minute period) and I missed it. Naturally, I entered a stage of severe self-loathing for slight procrastination before finding a very similar dress, though without the pleating on the bodice. Still, this particular dress is available here at full price. It is so unbelievably perfect for summer and marries fashionable with professional quite beautifully. For now, I will be roaming the sample sales to find some more pieces (while studying for my midterms, of course). If you have any suggestions as to how I can reassess my college wardrobe with an eye to professionalism, let me know! Hope your weeks are going splendidly!

Jungle Fever

I have a weak spot for animal jewelry, though I err on the side of bizarre rather than kitschy. My parents cringed when I returned from a high school trip to Rome sporting a sterling silver snake thumbring. They're the sort to tell me that sure, I can get another piercing - as long as they can do it with their dental drills (which is a surprisingly effective way to keep your children in check). Plus, my mother funds my entire life, so I'd might as well try to avoid driving her completely crazy.
In addition to the thumbring, I have a bronzed octopus necklace and a starfish headband. It only makes sense that I've developed an enormous crush on Erica Klein's designs:

I love that the ram is actually subtle and, if worn among a mess of bangles, would require a second glance for recognition. My favorite, though, is most definitely the lion door knocker ring. It's extremely quirky, very unique, and would make my mother question my taste. There are more options on her website here, though the upgraded materials (emeralds, 18K gold, etc) make for higher prices than on Shopbop. If you can afford the better quality, by all means, go for it. If you're a junior in college with no money making prospects in the near future, spring for the cheaper versions, which are just as lovely.

How to Wear a Romper

The secret to wearing a romper is this: make it so cute that you don't hate yourself every time you have to pee. Half the time, rompers make a person look as though she's been squeezed through one of those Christmas tree netting contraptions - completely inappropriate and generally frowned upon by any gentrified community. (I guess that this point, I'd might as well admit that I've always wanted to climb through one of them, so take my opinion with a grain of salt).
Let's have a little chat about this:
There are a multitude of sins about this romper. I don't even know where to start. This is no more than a glorified pair of long johns, right? The buttons, the awkward neckline, the disconcerting come-hither glare, the very questionable pairing of boots (BOOTS), and the camouflage shade of green that works to camouflage nothing - they are all available for purchase right here.
If rompers give way to such designs, why wear rompers in the first place? This is why:
You may be paying double the price of the other for this, but who can really put a value on dignity? The color is subdued, which perfectly offsets the cheeky feel of a romper, the draping is impeccable, and I LOVE the haircut. The shoes complement the material, making this piece (available here) ideal for a classy, delicate romp.