Museum Snow Days

 Last Saturday, I kicked off my morning afternoon with my weekly brunch date down at Cafe Orlin in the East Village (we don't go to the same spot every week, but it is the same people every week), and by the time we left—surprise!—it had dropped five degrees and started snowing. A friend and I figured that would be the perfect opportunity for us to hop on the subway out to Brooklyn and check out the John Paul Gaultier exhibit while it's in its last few weeks there, and it was oh so worth the ride. If you have a chance to visit the museum before the exhibit closes on the 23rd, I highly recommend it!

Zara Coat || Forever 21 Cardigan || Otte New York Pullover

Zara Scarf || Sole Society Tote || 7 For All Mankind Jeans || Loeffler Randall Boots

P.S.—how amazing is JP's work? The models even have moving faces, and some sing along with music or talk with a track—it was a little freaky at first, but pretty cool once you keep making your way through!

Weekly Wants, Spring Shoe Edition

I think we've come to realize weekly wants isn't exactly reliable from me, but as I get into my rhythm for the new year I'll do my best to bring it as often as I can—and when I do, expect a little visual feast, and don't be surprised if you see some items turn up in later outfit posts from time to time (it's called "weekly wants" for a reason!). 

It's a double dose of torture look at the stunners above right now. I've put myself on a bit of a spending freeze while I juggle multiple plane tickets for weddings and friends with making a run at paying off one of my student loans this year (I'll definitely celebrate with a new pair of shoes if I make my goal) and to make things worse, I slipped on some ice a few weeks go, bruising my foot and causing lingering pain that's made it tough to wear anything that's not flat for more than an hour or two. 

So, while I suffer through the double pain of not having or getting to wear any of these, which are your favorite? 

Clockwise from top left: J. Crew Metallic Callie Sandal || Aquazurra Positano Pump || Gianvito Rossi Ankle-Strap Sandals || Kenzo Neoprene Bootie || J. Crew Collection Glitter Etta Pumps || Paul Andrew Nydia Heels || Loeffler Randall Fern Slip-On Bootie || Supra Cuttler Sneaker || B Brian Atwood Lodosa Lace-Up Bootie || B Brian Atwood Levens Cutout Bootie || Pertini Contrast Sole Brogues || Alexander Wang Jodie Pumps || Nicholas Jocelyn Pump || Sophia Webster Leilou Stripe Sandal || Carven Jungle Print Slingbacks || Alexander Wang Malgosia Lace-Up

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Errand Gear

 Two things dawned on me while uploading these photos. First, after some sparkly holiday outfits, my style has gotten notably more casual. It's partly a defense mechanism against the cold (it's a lot easier to get away with fleece ski leggings underneath jeans than dressy trousers), partly out of sheer laziness and no desire to deal with winter weather and cloudy, gray days. Layers are my armor for weekends spent running errands, doing everything I procrastinate all week, ahem, laundry and groceries. 

My second realization was that not a single photo was captured where I was really looking at the camera (and not making a dumb face), but in my defense it was an incredibly windy day and the new layers in my hair aren't as cooperative about staying put—not some weird case of shyness suddenly cropping up.

Zara Coat || BB Dakota Sweater || Pickwick and Weller Hanna Tee

Sequin NYC Necklace || Zara Bag || 7 for All Mankind Jeans || Schutz Shoes

Photos by Emily Tozer

Line to Love: Heidi Merrick Spring 2014

 One of my favorite things about the blogosphere has to be the incredibly new finds, shops and designers that it introduces you to. A few years back, I stumbled across Heidi Merrick while browsing blogs ones day, and I've been hooked on her line ever since. The luxe basics have a simple, California vibe (everything is designed and made in Los Angeles, which I love!) and designer Merrick is the daughter of a legendary surfer. She's also branched into home goods, from pillows to pajamas, simple slippers and scarves, all in luxe fabrics and pretty prints.

Most recently, she released her Spring 2014 collection for pre-sale and I am coveting everything. Top on my list is the Basque top, pictured above, but I wouldn't mind some of her oh-so-wearable dresses and pretty patterns, too! 

*All images via Heidi Merrick

Collared

 If you take a look back at every style/outfit post I've ever done, you may notice that I do not wear collared shirts, with the exception of a previous appearance of the one in today's post. I've never been a big fan of the way they look on me, but after getting this uneven hemmed sweater I took a little style inspiration from my co-workers and donned it over my sole button-down. The look has grown on me so much that I've set my sights on acquiring a few more—baby style steps, right?

You may have also noticed me 'gramming some #countrylife pictures a few weeks ago...my younger sister recently bought a house just south of Des Moines, and we shot these pictures outside her barn. Gratuitous photos of my family's horses below!

Zara Coat || Inhabit Sweater || Elizabeth and James Blouse || Boyfriend Jeans

Schutz Shoes Ankle Boots (on sale!!) || Ray-Ban Aviators || NARS Lip Pencil in Yu

The Style Line: My Side of Town

Just before the holidays, the EIC of The Style Line reached out to me to see if I'd be interested in participating in their "My Side of Town" series, showcasing my NYC neighborhood—which many of you know to be Astoria in Queens, just across the river from Manhattan. As far as city neighborhoods go, Astoria is incredibly underrated. Surprisingly close to Manhattan (the surprised are often Manhattan-ites) by subway—it takes 15-20 minutes to get to 59th Street—Astoria also boasts some of the cities best restaurants (like Taverna Cyclades and Trattoria L'Incantro‚ both making Zagat's list), a sprawling park and cheaper rents than most neighborhoods—usually for more space, too! Head over to The Style Line to read more about why I love my little side of town.

*All photos via The Style Line

(Pre-Holidays) Printed Prabal

Couldn't resist the tongue-twister to headline today's post, which is—shocker—full of shades of blue, this time a bright turquoise. If you're looking (not too) closely, you'll also notice a bright streak through my hair, which some of you may have noticed if you're following me on Instagram. It's since much faded—I shot these photos right before my trip home—since it has to be out in time for a shoot next week. Next time around, don't be surprised if you catch a little lavender in the tips!

Plenty by Tracy Reese Coat (last season) || Autumn Cashmere Cardigan || Prabal Gurung T-Shirt

Acne Studios Jeans || Schutz Shoes Boots || Muz Designs Pendant

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu || Manic Panic in Atomic Turquoise

The World is Your Atlas: Three Jane New York

It's no secret I love where I'm from and (permanently) showing it off, so I was incredibly excited when I discovered costume jewelry company Three Jane by Katie Schloss while browsing magazines for inspiration at the jewelry company I used to work for. There was an article on her growing company and the signature, customized map necklaces she creates that represent someplace special, real or imaginary (like the address "3 Jane Street") to the wearer. She creates 14k gold-plated charms with a tiny diamond on the chosen location, varying from monuments like the Empire State Building in NYC to wedding locations, proposal spots, favorite travels, schools and even fantasy locations (my favorite is a Great Gatsby-themed map!). 

Check out a little Q&A I did with founder Katie Schloss below, then hop over to their website to check out everything Three Jane offers—the line has been expanding to other jewelry, like semi-precious stone necklaces and a bottle-opener bracelet that was featured on Good Morning America.

When did you found Three Jane? We launched our website in November 2012, so our site just had its first birthday!

What was the inspiration behind the line? My little sister was studying abroad in London, and I was trying to think of a gift for her, which was no easy task.  Eventually, I came up with making a Map Necklace of the house we grew up in, that way she could have a little piece of home wherever she went.

From there, I started to create a line based upon travel, customization, and the occasional quirk.

Are there any particular places you feel attached to? The West Village, Paris (I studied abroad there), my parents' house in Connecticut.

What's your most proud accomplishment so far with Three Jane? I'm fortunate enough to have had many proud accomplishments.  We recently made all of the jewelry for Jennifer Lawrence's sister-in-law's wedding; we're in InStyle's "Holiday Gift Guide" (on stands now!); we've worked with amazing celebrities such as Allison Williams and Olivia Wilde. There's a lot to be proud of, but we're always striving for more.

What's next for Three Jane? We're currently working on a line of 10 custom pieces of jewelry, while working on a series of mini collections, each of which is based off of different places from all around the world.  We'll also be re-doing our entire website to create a better platform for these designs.

Who's the Three Jane girl? The wonderful thing about Three Jane is that there is no one Three Jane girl.  The Three Jane girl is anyone from a high school student to a soon-to-be mother about to welcome her first child into the world.  Three Jane is a company that wants to be with its customers through their most momentous occasions, so if I had to pick one ideal customer, it would be a girl who graduated from high school, college, got her first job, moved to her first apartment, maybe married, maybe had kids, sharing and commemorating each milestone with Three Jane.

How long have you been in NYC, and what do you love most about it? I've been living in New York City for 18 years, and it's truly one of the only cities that has everything: Music, food, fashion, art, Broadway… There are very few cities where you can find an opportunity, no matter your profession, and for that reason, everyday is filled with interesting people and endless possibilities.

What's your favorite place you've been to so far, and what's a place you hope to visit in the future? I went to Iceland recently, which is an incredible place. Great music, amazing people, wonderful food, beautiful scenery, and an excuse to wear your favorite patterned tights—it's impossible to have a bad time there.  I have a very long list of places I'd like to go in the future, Bali, Indonesia, Australia, Bora Bora, Fiji... the list goes on!

Check out everything Three Jane has to offer over on their website!

All photos taken by Rose Mayo for Blonde in this City. 

Busy Weekends

 Most people look forward to the weekend as a chance to relax, even more so when it's cold & snowy, 

but mine are—more often than not—packed full of everything I don't have time to get done during the week, especially when I've been out of town for a long time. I spend a few hours each day catching up on work and personal emails I don't have time to get to during the week, and I usually try to get coffee or dinner with friends in between running errands and hitting the gym or Soulcycle (sometimes both in the same weekend!). 

If you've never been to a Soul class, let me clue you in on a little detail—you usually leave looking a sweaty mess. It's a great way to judge how hard a workout you got in, but it's not so great when you're planning to head out in public afterwards (and equally not great when you're trying to keep your skin zit-free, something my skin has struggled with lately). Clearsil recently sent me some samples of their newest Superfruit cleansers in their Daily Clear line to help me #WinTheDay (even on a busy weekend), and I'm hooked—my skin feels smooth and fresh afterwards, and I've even gotten a few compliments on how bright my complexion is, which I know is not related to my current sleeping (and beverage consumption) habits. 

The cleansing pads are my new go-to when I'm in a rush, and I've slipped a bottle of cleanser into my regular gym bag stash. Clearasil is also offering a chance to try their new Superfruit line for free; you can find the line at just about any drugstore, and download the rebate form here. If you're looking for a new cleanser, I definitely recommend giving it a try—I've been a fan of Clearasil products since my teenage years (chlorine is really NOT your skin's best friend when you're a teen #swimmerproblems).

Wearing: Zara Coat, Bag, Sneakers || Acne Jeans

*This post is sponsored by Refinery29 & Clearsil, a brand I have used for over a decade. Thanks for supporting the brands that make Blonde in this City possible!

Goodbye & Good Riddance

Ahh, 2014. So glad you could make it, please come in. 

But, really—2013 was so NOT my year in so many ways. I spent much of the beginning of the year frustrated with my career and lacking motivation on the levels I needed it (luckily, a new-ish career path this fall has alleviated some of that frustration and stress). A lot of other little things built up over the last 12 months that made me long for a new year and a fresh start. Shortly after the beginning of the year, my grandpa took a turn for the worse and we lost him at the beginning of April. Thankfully, I was able to travel back and forth all of March and spend plenty of time with my family, but losing him and being far away from family was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through. Soon after that, I got very, very sick and spent much of my summer on and off antibiotics that left me irritable, lethargic and depressed. What I'd hoped would be an amazing summer turned into me going to work, then sleeping for 10 hours a night because I had no energy and no desire to do anything. I spent far less time traveling, relaxing, having fun and exploring my city last year than I ever hope happens again! The last few months I've felt happier (and ever so slowly, healthier) than I had in ages, and I'm hoping that trend continues. 

I'm sure 2014 and I will have our differences—these new years and I always do, but I am pretty determined to make sure I come out of this year with a positive outlook on my life, my career and everything in between. Although much of my travel will still be back to Iowa (thanks to my sister's impending nuptials), I want to travel around New York and the Northeast and explore it while I can! I've never planned on staying in NYC forever, and who knows where life will take me next (Paris, maybe? #daydreaming). So, 2014, here's to you, and to finding a happy, healthy balance for the next 12 months. 

xoxo

*image via