Easy Breezy

I picked up this dress earlier in the summer after I spotted it on Jacey (apparently I wasn't the only one-Molly told me last week that she did as well!) and proceeded to wear it entirely too much. I'd normally shy away from white-I'm a magnet for spills when I wear it-but the versatility of this dress was too perfect to pass up. It's fully lined (I can't tell you how many times I've returned or not purchased white pieces because they're too sheer) and works with just about everything in my closet. I can't wait to pair it with tights & a blazer when it gets colder!

On a sadder note, this dress was inside out on my floor recently when I went to light a candle. The match didn't want to light at first, then splintered and broke just as it did, landing on the dress! Thankfully, I put it out before it burned through both layers, and the fact that it's lined was about the only thing that saved me. I've become so attached to the dress I spent nearly an hour trying to find it online, to no avail! Ah, well, at least it's not completely ruined.

Dress, Express (similar) || Quartz Necklace, Sparkle Farm

Cuff, Sequin Jewelry || Boots, Jeffrey Campbell

One Year Ago...

So, a year ago today, I decided to post for the first time on this little slice of the Internet I'd claimed for my own (several months before I actually posted-but do us both a favor and don't worry about going back that far). It may be a little cliché to say "Hey guys, today's my 'blog-iversary' and here's a cupcake and you should celebrate with me!" but that's why I chose a donut cake instead (clearly more awesome). You don't have to celebrate with me, but if you end up eating an extra donut (or cupcake/cookie/cake/sweets etc.) at least I'm giving you a pretty great reason. 

On a more serious note, this has been a wonderful journey, adventure and learning experience. I've made some great connections and incredible friends. I don't know where I'll be-in life or with this blog-a year from now, but I hope that wherever I am I've grown at least half as much as I have this past year. Lastly, thanks to YOU for coming here, whether it's your first visit or you drop by daily-I may post for myself, but it's the readers who keep me inspired! 

Line to Love: Zara Fall Shoes

After a brief (unplanned) hiatus, I'm back! I thought things would settle down post-fashion week, so I naturally was lazy and planned zero content, but then things got crazier than I ever imagined they would. Of course, I'm not letting my currently hectic life stop me from daydreaming about new shoes, so I picked some of my favorites from the Zara fall collection-and, if I were to make a guess based on previous Zara habits, at least three of these beauties will end up in my wardrobe by season end. 

*Ed. note: it's also a safe bet that a full Zara wishlist may follow. Please tell me I'm not the only one who keeps a browser window open just for my current Zara wants!

L to R from top: High Heel Pointed Shoes || Silk Satin High Heel Court Shoe || Leather Sling Back with Ankle Strap || Leather Ankle Boot with Block Heel || Mid Height Suede Court Shoe || Ankle Boots with Elastic Panels || Basic High Heel Leather Ankle Boots || Patent Blucher || Leather Sneaker with Zip || Suede Court Shoe with Metallic Trim || Metal Heel Ankle Boot || Suede Flat Boot || Pointed Moccasin with Tassel || Block Heel Leather Ankle Boot

NYFW: It's Like You're my Mirror

Finally sharing my last post from NYFW with you today! I've had this H&M dress for almost a year, but since it's just a tad ridiculous, I'd never gotten the guts to wear it (seriously, sitting at my desk in it all day would just be weird). Thankfully, NYFW is all about being a little ridiculous, so I did a little night-before planning. Normally, a statement dress like this wouldn't work with a statement necklace, but something about the Supernova necklace from Sequin works perfectly with the slightly galactic-themed print of the dress. The mirrored sunnies were entirely unintentional, but when you're wearing a mirror-print dress...

 

Dress, H&M || Necklace, Sequin Jewelry || Sunglasses, Ray-Ban || Bag, Zara || Boots, Jeffrey Campbell

*Ed. note: I am aware my bag looks like I'm carrying everything but the kitchen sink that day, and that's because I basically was.

P.S.-did you catch this look on the NastyGal blog & Pinterest?? I'm a little giddy-excited at having been included!

Photos: Katelyn Herlein

NYFW: Elizabeth and James Presentation

I'm probably going to keep everything short & sweet this week...not only do I have a major life change happening at the end of the week, I was also unlucky enough to catch the season's first cold last week and it's only been getting worse. While I appreciate the reminder to use the hand sanitizer I keep on my keys more often, getting 5 hours of sleep a night because I can't breathe out of my nose just isn't going to cut it. 

On a less-gross note, I was lucky enough to nab an invite to one of the last presentations of NYFW for Elizabeth and James. Not only am I a longtime Olsen twin fan (possibly related to the fact that my sister & I were frequently told we looked like them growing up), I'm a huge fan of their both their lines, too. Even though I went years without wearing a button-down, the blouse in this post has quickly become a staple and I'm planning to make my first major handbag investment this fall with their leopard print satchel.

My favorite look in the presentation was this white silk trench with a slouchy, ripped boyfriend jean and delicate black kitten heel. Everything about it screams oozes downtown cool. The collection was a mix of relaxed silhouettes and tailored separates, easily dressing any girl for work, weekends and nights out, too. The finishing touch comes from simple leather totes and satchels, plus a cool pair of shades. 

I don't know about you, but I'm already excited for spring to return (I know, I know, most of you are probably fall people-but hey, a girl can dream!). 

Ya Gotta Be Original: Long Island City

I follow a mix of bloggers, brands and photographers on Instagram, and a few weeks ago one of the photographers reached out to me to see if I'd be interested in a photoshoot! I'm a pretty big fan of Jorge's portraits and how he uses them to tell a story, so I of course said yes. We met up in Long Island City (for those not familiar with NYC, it's just across the river from Manhattan in Queens-NOT out on Long Island!) late one afternoon, and Jorge was kind enough to send me some of his favorites. 

You can check out the full spread, story and other work on his website, and don't forget to follow him on Instagram!

Wearing: H&M Pants || Zara Top || Nine West Sandals || Muz Designs Iowa Pendant

P.S. Want a peek at the crazy-cool look I wore for NYFW on Tuesday? I got snapped by NastyGal-check it out on their blog, and also on their Pinterest!

*all photos courtesy of Jorge Q.

NYFW: Flirty Florals

I mentioned in yesterday's post that I kicked off NYFW last Wednesday, then didn't attend anything for three days (which included sleeping through a few things Saturday morning, oops!). I decided to pull myself together Sunday for one of my roommates' birthday breakfasts, then headed uptown to hit a few events, including the RewardStyle NYFW party at the Empire Hotel (I was pretty terrible about taking pics with anyone, but met some great bloggers-some who I knew of already & some I didn't!). I also used the gorgeous weather as the perfect excuse for a flouncy, floral dress one last time.

Sunglasses, Ray-Ban || Dress, Free People (old) || Blazer, H&M (similar, similar)

Shoes, Zara || All jewelry except rings, Sequin || Nails, Butter London in Blagger

Photos: Hallie Wilson

NYFW Recap: Lulu Frost

I had the pleasure of kicking off my (fourth!) New York Fashion Week with sparkle and shine at Lulu Frost's #NeonBaroque Spring/Summer 2014 presentation last week-and then didn't attend anything NYFW for three days after, oops! Last week went by in a blur of time, bringing with it a huge, unplanned life change that threw me for a loop, but in the best kind of way. I took a few days to myself to adjust (and sleep), but I'm back in the swing of things just in time for a few great shows and events to round out the week. 

I've long been a fan of the Lulu Frost line, but was particularly excited to attend this presentation after reading about founder Lisa Salzer over on Tales of Endearment earlier this summer. The models were dripping in a mix of neon and clear jewels, with touches of the trademark art deco influence of the line. Having quite a bit of experience in the jewelry industry myself, it's refreshing to see a designer source vintage jewels into incredible new pieces. The neon tutus caught my eye, too (we all know I love a great tutu-a neon addition is so going to be my thing for SS14). 

P.S.-if you're looking to catch up on all the happenings of NYFW, Hallie is posting great daily recaps over at corals + cognacs!

 ...and below, a couple snaps I shared over on Instagram! Make sure to follow along for real(ish)-time updates the rest of the week :)

Sweetly Striped

I know we're in the midst of NYFW, but I'm taking it back a few weeks with this look. One of my guilty pleasures when home includes shopping at Von Maur, but every now and then my mom will surprise me with a package-or in the case of this dress, bring it along for my birthday when she visited this past May! It's been perfect for summer, with just the right amount of playfulness and a breezy texture for hot days. The muted coloring will help it transition perfectly to fall with a pair of tights & a blazer.

P.S.-can we take a minute to admire the gorgeous Coach wedges I scored at 80% off last month? Definitely one of my better sale finds, and they were practically made for this dress.

Dress, Von Maur || Shoes, Coach || Necklace, Sequin Jewelry

Lipstick, Revlon Strawberry Suede (discontinued, similar) || Nails, Butter London/All Hail the Queen

Photos: Jessica Sturdy

NYFW: Street Style Inspiration

It's hard to believe that September's here already and NYFW is upon us! I know to some, it barely registers on their radar, but because of my (non-blogging) job I've been at every NYFW that's taken place since I moved to NYC. This season, I'm making more of an effort to hit up some shows and events outside of those related to work, and *thankfully* the weather looks like it's going to cooperate pretty well! Although I've put a moratorium on my spending habits for the past few months, I'm still looking at some of my favorite stylish gals for outfit inspiration, both for the coming weeks and throughout the fall.

Hallie's look is currently featured on Visa's Facebook page as part of their 

#GoinSix campaign-check it out here!

Images: top, left, center, right; 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

101 in 1001

In 20 years, you will be more disappointed by what you didn't do than by what you did. -Mark Twain

When I first saw Mackenzie's list of 101 in 1001, I thought it interesting but not for me. You see, I don't do well with making plans (like moving to NYC on a whim) and I can find setting a time restraint on things to be more stressful than motivating-which is why you'll never hear me set a goal age for marriage, kids or any of those other "milestones". I have, however, come to think that vocalizing your goals can be productive, like telling myself I was finally going to finish this list I started 6 months ago and share it with you all. Whether you follow along with me over the next 1,001 days is entirely up to you!

1. Write my 101 things
2. Join a master’s swim team
3. Be active at least 3 times a week for one month
4. Get my second tattoo (December 2013) 
5. Run a mile without getting winded (or having hip problems)
6. Run a 5k
7. Stay up all night & watch the sun rise over the city from a rooftop
8. Be in a parade in NYC
9. Upgrade to a newer dSLR camera
10. Start shooting black and white film again (September 2013)
11. Develop and print in a darkroom
12. Sell a photographic print (digital or film)
13. Pay off my credit card debt
14. Go to Paris before I turn 26
15. Learn how to meditate
16. Read 5 books in French
17. (Re) learn Spanish
18. Go hiking in the Appalachians
19. Regain my flexibility
20. Learn how to sail (or at least go sailing!)
21. Do five different DYI projects for the home (1/5, spice racks)
22. Volunteer at an animal shelter
23. Take an advanced photoshop class
24. Learn Adobe Illustrator 
25. Go to 10 different art exhibits (2/10, JP Gaultier in Brooklyn, Charles James at the Met)
26. Get up earlier than the latest possible time I have to for at least 1 week
27. Be at least 5 minutes early to work for at least 1 week (January 2014)
28. Do yoga in the morning for at least 1 week
29. Get back on pointe
30. Take classes in: hip-hop, jazz, contemporary, broadway, ballroom (1/5, hip-hop)
31. Learn to make cinnamon rolls (March 2014)
32. Get a photography image published by a magazine or major website
33. See 10 broadway plays (1/15, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder)
34. Participate in a dance performance
35. Go to five different ballets (2/5, JR performance, Young NYCB performance)
36. See a concert in Central Park
37. Go to all the major art museums in NYC (MoMA, Met, Guggenheim, Whitney, New Museum) twice a year
38. Get a membership to the NY Botanical Gardens
39. Visit the Cloisters
40. Go hiking in upstate New York
41. Spend a weekend on Fire Island/the Hamptons (October 2014)
42. Go to the beach 10 different times between during the warmer months
43. Do a boudoir photo shoot
44. Send Christmas cards to friends
45. Get a blowout (April 2014)
46. Spend a whole day pampering myself (sleeping in, massage, mani/pedi, etc.)
47. Get business cards (September 2013)
48. Take an art class
49. Wear something other than jeans for an entire week
50. Learn how to make a button down shirt work on me (Winter 2013)
51. Go to the NYC transit museum
52. Post on my blog every day for a week
53. Read at least five “classic” books (0/5)
54. Rent a car for a roadtrip (10/19/13-trip to Storm King)
55. Spend a weekend hitting up the best antique & flea markets
56. Redesign my blog to better reflect my style
57. Invest in a designer/everyday bag (Spring 2013, Botkier bag/resort 2015 Pashli)
58. Attend a NYFW show outside of work (September 2013)
59. Visit five new cities (0/5)
60. Maintain a comfortable emergency fund (at least 3 months of expenses + a little padding!)
61. Send snail mail to friends for birthdays, holidays and other events each month
62. Go for a bike ride in Central Park
63. Take lunch to work every day for a week at least 10 times a year
64. Visit 10 jazz & blues clubs for live music (1/10, Little Branch)
65. Invest in at least five designer-level, classic wardrobe pieces (5/5) (Alexander Wang Vest, Theory Sweater, Mary Katrantzou heels, Acne sweater, Suno Dress)
66. Clean out my wardrobe at least 3 times a year
67. See a Cubs game in Chicago
68. Have a picnic in the park (Summer 2014)
69. Have guests over for a meal on our (overly spacious) back porch
70. See 10 new classic films à la Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly etc. (0/10)
71. Get a facial
72. See a comedy show (Summer 2014)
73. Buy a pair of designer shoes (Choos, Louboutins or Blahniks, etc.) just because
74. In one week: go to a dance class, spin class, for a run and for a swim
75. Cut out sweets for one week
76. Continue my education with French classes (December 2013, Duolingo App!)
77. Re: #76, continue my education with photography courses
78. Purchase coffee for the person in line behind me
79. Go to yoga every week for two months
80. Make five vintage clothing purchases...bonus points if they’re under $50 each! (1/5) (Vintage blue dress)
81. Put up a gallery wall in my apartment
82. Invest in 2 new high-quality & original pieces of art for the wall (1/2) (Van Holmgren Original)
83. Go an entire month (eek!) without shopping for clothing/accessories etc.
84. Make a truly killer playlist (March 2014)
85. Take a day (or weekend) trip once a month for 6 months
86. Spend an entire day away from technology (phone calls with family not included)
87. Celebrate two years in NYC (10/12/13)
88. Make a noticeable change to my hair (December 2013, turquoise hair, May 2014, lavender hair)
89. Purchase something from Tiffany’s for myself, just because
90. Go to a multi-day music fest
91. Take someone’s portraits in film
92. Set and/or adjust my career goals each month
93. Smile for no reason every day
94. Learn to be nicer to strangers on the street (also known as don’t intentionally run into people in your way, even if they’re being an idiot stopped in the middle of the sidewalk on their cell phone)
95. Play a musical instrument again
96. Re-learn how to play the piano
97. Drink tea instead of coffee for one month
98. Swim before work three days a week for two weeks
99. Learn how to make sushi
100. Surprise my best friend for a weekend trip (Visited Phoenix, January 2014)
101. Let go of inhibitions and conventions

...and if we want to make this a nice, even number of 102, let's make that goal to run into Ryan Gosling on the street :)

*image via