Wardrobe Makeover

My mom and I are currently making over my wardrobe! Pictures of our successes will be posted this evening!

Spotted Little J in Chelsea

I never would have guessed myself to be a Gossip Girl fan, but since the start of the new season I've found myself trying to stay up to pace with all the drama on the Upper East side.  In the last two weeks while getting coffee with friends for our weekly Monday-"Funday" I've seen  Jessica Szohr and Ed Westwick strolling the neighborhood hand and hand.  But it's Taylor Momsen that I cross paths with the most.  The first time I saw her on my block, I thought what a coincidence, the second and third run in, I thought, she likes Chelsea as much as I do, and when it became a regular occurrence  I came to the conclusion that she lives in the neighborhood!

Taylor's style has bled into her character, or vice versa...either way it's bold and captivating.  I found these images from her Nylon Magazine shoot and fell in love with the style, mood, and the lighting! 

See you on the stoop neighbor!

Spring's Most Wanted

I can't bemoan too much about the rain considering the weather this weekend was incredible and such a refreshing and replenishing treat.  I spent Saturday and Sunday in the park with friends soaking up the sun, good conversation, NYC skyline views, and ice cream floats.  After a brief taste of spring, I woke up Sunday ready to switch over all my winter clothes to spring... and of course that made me want to replenish my S/S wardrobe.

I'm trying NOT to pull a Carrie Bradshaw and spend my life savings on shoes... Though it would be nice, I need to be practical.  The last couple of seasons I've become a huge aficionado of Payless.  Their shoes are cute, well priced, and I don't feel bad when they have to be thrown out at the end of the season.  

Lela Rose Fillmore Slip-On

Lela Rose Caruth Check Wedge

Payless Scarlet Fringe Sandal 

I used to have an adorable beige and black printed umbrella but after it was brutally assaulted in the last rain storm, I figured a little water never hurt anyone and have gone without ever since.  One of my friends, Annie, showed up today in the rain with a sun-brella and I thought it was most adorable thing ever.  I immediately came home to search for some and found these paper and lace parasols.  I'm determined to find a cute alternative in Chinatown or at Pearl River Mart!

I live in dresses once the warm weather kicks in but I'm always looking for updated shapes and silhouettes to bring into the mix.  And color is key, I can't imagine anything more drab then a bare neutral palette for the best time of year in the city.  I'm obsessed with the orange/blue combination.  Hits a little to close to home being Florida colors, but I'll make this sacrifice for fashion.  And the sarong as a dress, I mean how easy and simple is that? Perfect for a day at the beach, outdoor concert, or lounging in Prospect Park with friends.

Who doesn't want a jumper for the summer to wear with some ornate sandals, cool accessories, topped off with a straw fedora! (***mom start working on a jumper pattern, I'll take one in a few different fabrics)!

Strong Shoulders

Big Kid Bibs

One of my favorite pieces of jewelry is this Lela Rose "King Tut" necklace.  It's from the designers Spring 2009 collection and a bold statement piece that I can't wait to get more wear out of. 

Recently I was surfing the web and came across a blog that highlighted "bib necklaces." Immediately I expected to see my necklace, but no love was shown.  I did however love many of the necklaces they did showcase and can't wait to put my necklace to good use, and hopefully find some vintage necklaces with the same charm, character, and propriety!

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZip

I was flipping through the latest issue of Lucky and came across this skirt from Phillip Lim's Spring 2009 collection.  I had completely forgotten about this skirt and how incredibly fabulous and innovative the collection was, and how badly I want this skirt!  For obvious reasons, I can't afford this skirt but I'm determined to get my mom to replicate the fabulousness (wink wink mom!!!)!  I want all three pieces, the dress, skirt, and the top! 

 

The pieces remind me of a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs flats I purchased a little over a year ago.  I love the zipper detail and my flats are in desperate need of new soles and TLC!  

Other designers have picked up on the zipper detail too.

 

Weekend Wears

It's only Wednesday (hump day) but I'm already itching for the weekend.  I have fun and exciting plans the next few weekends, and I'm eager to get a few new spring pieces for this erratic warm weather.  I'm loving these casual looks that incorporate an edge, spunk, and and personal style.  All three looks are styled from everyday basics accentuated with unique accessories.  So ready for a few fabulous weekends in these knock out garbs!

  

Beauty Shot

I just love this picture. It has always been one of my favorite shots from America's Next Top Model.

Wunderbloc

Spring weather finally graced us with its presence this weekend.  I spent the day in the park with friends soaking up the sun, throwing the football, and topped it all off with some people watching.  I'm always so inspired by people on the street and the looks they can put together.  I want to know their back story, what inspires them, who their influences are, who/what they are wearing, where they shop...And then I remembered a website that does exactly that, Wunderbloc.  The website is geared towards informing you about the fashion, arts, boutiques, etc that are in various areas and communities.  

One of my favorite aspects of the website is the Fashionista forum.  It highlights personal style and captures the exclusivity and accessibility of shopping and style in the city.  Each image is like a small portrait into the life of each individual.  I love how the photographers don't just capture a person, but seem to incorporate individual style, attitude, and personality with every shot. 

The website depicts so much of what I love about this city.  How the environment lends itself to individual creativity and interpretation.