Charity...Art...Fashion...

Tonight I'm attending a charity event for The Art of Elysium. Elysium is a non profit organization that provides artistic workshops in various disciplines for children battling serious medical condition. It's a mission that I have a passion for and couldn't think of a better way to spend a night supporting those who are fighting illnesses and volunteering their time. I'm so excited for this night! Thanks to a dear friend across the pond in London, I have the opportunity to go and be a part of this event/night (thank you K)!

{art of elysium}

Roxy, who you've been introduced to a few times on here, will be my date for the event. Looking forward to a fanciful night with this crazy/lovely lady. Will post pics later on documenting the night. Now I only have to figure out what I'm going to wear...

Have a great weekend!!!

Wardrobe Diaries:: MTV Breakfast...

Every Wednesday morning, I have a standing breakfast date with my friends Jean Michelle and Shay at their Mtv office. It is a morning I look forward to every week. We catch up on life, boys, family...whatever has happened in the last week. It's a special time for me to be present with two girls I love dearly. Normally I throw on jeans or a dress, something simple to get me through the morning because, lets be honest...I'm 1: not a morning person 2: always running late. Today was a break through moment for me...of sorts! I was on time and wasn't schlepping over in casual garbs. I can't give myself that much credit though, I forgot my phone along with just about everything else I usually tote around. I was still half asleep getting ready this morning (pre coffee) and was literally grabbing things as I was walking out the door. Definitely thrown off having to dress for the return of the chillier weather.

Scarf:: H&M ombre scarf

Shirt:: Thrifted plaid shirt

Skirt:: Lela Rose abstract plaid skirt

Tights:: Heather grey Hue tights

Shoes:: Thrifted and DIY-ed cowboy boots

Belt:: Gap brown leather belt

Jacket:: (not pictured) H&M army green military jacket

Serengeti In The City...

{marie claire}

Everywhere I look there seems to be an influence of culture infiltrating. A few posts back {here} I talked about editing down my spring/summer look and honing in on an industrial/bohemian aesthetic...still not sure what that means. However, I'm equating my desired look to have an air of culture to it. I fell in love with the printed skirts at Dries von Noten (don't even get me started on his mixology genius when it comes to prints). I've been turning my closet upside down this week trying to find an old over sized scarf turned sarong to use as inspiration...then I remembered that I must have unconsciously given the scarf to a college roommate as I was cleaning out my closet for the move to the city (kicking myself for that one). To make up for my loss I will be purchasing and possibly DIY-ing a new one while home in Texas.

{style.com}

Can we please talk about this head wrap on Vika Gazinskaya. DYING! I love the bold colors and the way she has twisted it to make what looks like a Mohawk. As soon as I saw these images I took the scarf off my neck to give it a try. I've got the beginning stages assembled and just need a more vivacious scarf and pattern to pull it off. It doesn't hurt either that she has a beautiful and flawless complexion.

{hanelli.com}

Manhattan Vintage...

Last Friday afternoon I met up with Leonora and Felicia, old friends and two designers at Lela Rose. I haven't seen them in literally a year and we were long over due and in desperate need of some quality hang out time to catch up on life! I met them at the Manhattan Vintage Show down in Chelsea, and really couldn't have asked for a better venue. We sashayed between booths as we ogled some of fashion history's most beautiful, questionable, confusing, glamorous, iconic garments. The no picture policy was of course enforced so nothing to show for the trip, but you can imagine what we were in the presence of.

I walked up to one booth examining a pile of shoes and then a rack of khaki hoopla (that was AMAZING) paying no attention to the man running the booth. As I dismissed myself, Lee brought to my attention the baroque and painfully cool gentlemen running the booth. As I tried to take a discreet glance back I realized it was Amir Toos. A flamboyant regular at The Satorialist, and a gentlemen that I think has made an art of dressing/styling. You can check out his style profile here. The day was incredible...great friends and conversation surrounded by beautiful clothes and accessories.

{the satorialist}

"Come Into the Forest..."

This past weekend I escaped upstate with some friends. We couldn't have asked for a cozier place to stay.

the main house...

midnight bonfire...

tree tops...

{all image by Eric Ryan Anderson}

...Happy Earth Day...

The More HUE Know...

There is something to be said for a person that knows themselves well. When they are confident and comfortable with who they are, it brings out their best, most creative, vulnerable, real self which is expressed in/through their craft. For Phoebe Philo of Celine, that means a collection that resonates with every woman and reverberates among fashion industry walls. Philo's spring collection is perfection! She took a more than basic color and transformed it into a fashion phenomenon (of sorts). Ladies and Gents can't get enough of it. Take a neutral color and make it animated through fabulously distinct and well constructed silhouettes. The focus then is highlighted in quality and sophistication (ie, the wide leg pants, my absolute favorite...HELLO LOVER!).

{style.com}

{marieclaire.com}

I'm not sure what could be sexier than a pair of nude heels. They truly are any girl's best friend, adding miles of length to your legs. Stumbled upon the CL for Philip Lim shoes yesterday and I'm cursing the day Becky left Louboutin to move to London! The stud detail down the middle is killing me. I pine, I burn, I perish! Yesterday I was running an errand with a new friend and was introduced to the black version of the Aldo heel. What a coincidence when I came home browsing the web and landed at the nude version. The silhouette is uber sexy and you can't beat the price.

{marieclaire.com}

I am a hot mess when it comes to bags. My purse-onality is to carry the bag that allows me to carry my life around in it like a suitcase. I tend to stick to darker colors because you never know what can happen with a pen in my hand...or even worse what I might accidentally set my bag into. "When I grow up" I imagine carrying something along the lines of the Kate Spade bag for a night out to dinner with the girls or for a date night. The A.P.C. bag is my dream come true...rich supple suede in a generous shape that allows for all my belongings to be cast away to the bottom (it's true with any bag I carry, even when compartments are provided).

{shopbop.com; topshop.com}

I have the hardest time wearing shorts, I've just never been a fan. It seems easier and more convenient to throw on a skirt and call it a day. When I saw these Thakoon shorts though, I thought, that's it. I'm all about the twisted and rouched detail. The length is ideal for days running around the city or for being on set. When I went to the TopShop/Nylon Anniversary party (here) I fell in love with this long lace skirt that is sans lining. I paraded around the store with it in hand and returned it to the rack at the end of the night, knowing I could get the same skirt for free if I brought it to my mother's attention (she's in the process of making me a few in different colors). I loved how sheer the skirt is...a demure silhouette in a feminine, perfect for spring fabric. And I love the look of wearing a pair of nude leggings underneath for a buoyant illusion.

{jcrew.com; lefashion.blogspot.com}

I'm in love with this J.Crew dress. Just a hint of color to keep it from fading into the background. It looks comfortable, easy, and appropriate for many an occasion. Fortunately for me, I don't need an occasion or excuse for this number. I'd wear it on a gorgeous day like today when breakfast hang out, coffee shop work day, and non-profit planning is on the agenda. I'm lusting for the denim/khaki top in the LeFashion image. Such a cool hybrid to incorporate two spot on spring/summer trends. The trend fusion is equally balanced and exalted when yoked with a tonal romper. I'm heading home to Texas in a few weeks, and for some reason I am most DIY productive when I'm there. So on the list of "to-do's::"

*Light Weight Long Cream (family) dress with a pop of color...Thinking hot pink for this one!

*Denim-Khaki Shirt Fusion...Love the look of the denim cuffs

Mom, get ready...we have some work in store for us!

Summer Wedge Sandals...CHECK

As most of you are well aware I have a very generous, talented, and creative mother. After I brief conversation I had with her this afternoon, I received this pic via a text.

She went to Target today and purchased the Cynthia Vincent for Target wedge sandals. I can not wait to start wearing them about the city. If you're interested in snagging your own pair, hurry to Target stores. Most only received one pair for every size and they aren't available to purchase online.

THANK YOU MOM!!!

***{edit}I can't wait to wear these with my Mandarin lipstick!***

What I Want Now:: Summer Wedge Sandals

It's starting to warm up here in NY and I'm eager for some new foot wear. I treated myself to a pedicure when the weather warmed up and I'm anxious to let my mistreated hooves breathe the fresh air. I'm still stuck on the Jeffery Campbell clogs but thought I should incorporate a vibrant, fun wedge into the mix of things.

{target.com}

I'm in love with these Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges. The multicolor, printed sandal is exactly what I need to add a dose of freshness to my spring/summer wardrobe...and they look relatively comfortable...always a necessity in this city. I'm heading home to Texas for a few days soon and hoping to find a pair in my size (since everything is always picked over in the city). I'm also crossing my fingers for the same print in the flat. A fun alternative to my usual matte slip-ons carried around day to day.

{talkprettytome.blogspot.com}

Mother-Daughter Day Out...

Love this image of Lela Rose with toe head daughter Rosie and matching canine Stitch. So precious and exactly how I remember them!

{jakandjilblog}

The biggest struggle for me in life is packing...I can never pack lightly, it's just not in my vocab. It literally took me 2.5 hours to pack for my weekend trip up state. Procrastination also has a heavy hand in the long winded process. I'll be in the mountains, woods, and rain for the weekend so simplicity SHOULD be the key component in my packing. I was clicking through a couple sites today and stumbled across this image of Halle Berry with two year old daughter Nahla, who happens to be the most beautiful person. DANG! I will be channeling Berry's look for much of the weekend.

{people.com}

Have a great weekend!!!

What I Want Now:: Sneak Attack...

I spent all of today assisting a stylist prepping for a photo shoot tomorrow. I'm in love with the concept and inspiration for the shoot...to be revealed later! A day spent fondling gorgeous clothes and frolicking about the city with perfect weather. I felt rejuvenated but anxious and eager to get into my own closet and play dress up to inspire some new outfit combinations. I stumbled across this picture and totally fell in love.

{kcamara.wordpress.com}

I've received an amazing pair of UES gray leather studded high tops (sneaks) for Christmas that don't get enough love. So they will be accompanying me tomorrow as I put my own twist and spin on this look. What's on the agenda you ask?! Assisting for a photo shoot and then heading to a friend's concert at Rockwood Music Hall. Will post a wardrobe diary tomorrow with the finished ensemble!

Robinovitz's Return to Me...

The end of my sophomore year of college is when I realized that I would make a career for myself in the fashion industry...and I was determined. I spent the summer working retail jobs, in charge of all visual displays, and read as many fashion related books as I could get my hands on. To this day, I really couldn't tell you what books I had read except one. While home for a week or so during that summer, I picked up a copy of The Fashionista Files co-written by Karen Robinovitz.

{amazon.com}

I think I read it cover to cover in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. I made a mental note to visit the Woodbury Common Outlet mall with girlfriends once I moved to NYC, the book triggered my love for fur, and it even conjured up the audacity to let me inform my engaged friends that I was wearing what I wanted to their wedding and didn't need to be a bridesmaid!! I fell in love with Melissa and Karen's voice, point of view, and passion for all things fashion.

Over the last couple of weeks I haven't stopped hearing of Purple Lab NYC, Robinovitz's beauty brand. I'm so excited to have her back in my life again (figuratively speaking). I love make up but haven't gotten this excited for a beauty brand in a long while (other than my orange lipstick). Each item has an adorable and creative name...Lashionista Modelista, Cheek Implants, Huge Lips Skinny Hips. As if that weren't enough the products are made with components/ingredients that condition and revitalize your skin and face. No extra steps are needed before applying...Swipe on the eyeliner/mascara combo and you're conditioning from the follicle to the tip, and that's just the beginning of it all. Check out the website and blog to get more information about how the brand is changing the beauty industry and what you apply daily.

I'm determined to get my hands on after dark lashionista modelista which contains diamond dust for a subtle sparkle...after all diamonds are a girl's best friend no?!

Oh Yes It's Ladies Night...

Friday night the ladies and I had a Girls Only adventure. It's been a while since we've been able to catch up and have a good dance. We started the night at Cooper 35 for drinks, appetizers, and gab fest 2k10. At the stroke of midnight we were on the dance floor at Pianos. I can't remember the last time we had a night out like this, and I forgot how a group of ladies calls a flock of creepy tasteless guys.

I scrounged up an old dress I forgot existed in my closet but wanted some new accessory to give it some life. I was going through my daily blog reads and it hit me...orange lipstick! It was a beauty trend on the spring runway, especially at the Prada show. I loved the look, but didn't think I could pull it off...That is until I saw Celia from A Fraction of Fashion debuting a new pout.

{afractionoffashion, prada}

Unfortunately I had to settle for a last minute substitution (lipstick is called Mandarin), but I plan on stopping by MAC at some point this week to pick up Morange.

My roomie Ariel...We don't have any pictures together so this is going on the fridge.

Becky my love...She has to constantly put up with my "I have nothing to wear, I hate my closet, I'm not going out, This is ugly" tantrums!

Mi madre made my dress (once again) from Lela Rose archived fabric! Not pictured is my new leopard belt buckle and Christian Siriano black ankle boots.

The Weekend Update...

I had an incredible weekend catching up with friends, going to shows, dancing, and enjoying the perfect weather. In desperate need of some sleep but will have pictures and updates in the morning!

{lefashionimage.blogspot.com}

The weekend is never quite long enough...

Whole Lot of Shaking Going On...

{thisdayinrock.com}

Wednesday night I had the opportunity and pleasure of seeing Million Dollar Quartet at the Nederlander Theatre with a group of friends. I was so excited to see the show knowing it wouldn't incorporate some of my favorite oldies, lots of dancing, and a harmonica solo! I have loved Jerry Lee Lewis for most of my life...Well really I think I loved Dennis Quaid as Lewis in Great Balls of Fire (a movie I saw when I was too young and was most likely far beyond my maturity level). Lewis, real or scripted, was outlandish, self centered, obnoxious yet all the while charming, irresistible, and unarguably talented. A dangerous combination yet for some reason I know I wouldn't be able to resist.

***side note, you must go and see this show, it's so much fun AND Levi Kreis who plays Lewis is not only incredibly talented and ridiculously good looking, but does the character justice beyond all belief***

One of the best parts about living in NYC is you can find inspiration in anything and everything. I walked away that night first of all, dancing, but also totally inspired. Part of it was due to my rejuvenated love for the style of the 50's. The other part was just the passion and dedication that went into the product the four musicians were creating. They never gave up, fought for their point of view, and didn't let NO stop them from pursuing their dreams. A lesson that often needs to be reiterated after being in this city for an extended amount of time. I know you didn't come here for a life lesson, so to the fun stuff.

Like previously stated, I fell in love with the style of the 50's all over again. Not the poodle skirts or the predictable matching and coordinating combinations...both of those have had their time and place. What I loved was how feminine dressing was. Maybe this is coming from a place of wearing too many over sized this or boyfriend fit that. I think what I was drawn to most was the appreciation for the female shape. Even when women were dressing provocatively there was an air of sophistication that blanketed the look. This past fashion week there were a few shows that hinted at a dose of 50's glam being injected into everyday wardrobes.

Isabel Marant can do little wrong in my eyes. The look at her fall show with the peddle pushing pants, haphazard scarves, and kitten heels (which still remains questionable to me, not sure I can get into them). Whether for or against, I loved the complete look.

{style.com}

I still can't remember where I first came across this Alexis Mabille image but I died when I saw it. And after seeing the show immediately started searching for this dress again to put in an order, via my mother, for the same silhouette in a white, black, and peach lace. I'm so in love with this dress and it's lady like allure.

{style.com}

Goodness...Gracious...

So in love with this picture of Jerry Lee Lewis...and so in love with him! He was ridiculous and eccentric.

Wardrobe Diaries:: Broken Hearted

Monday after hanging out with my two new friends, Suz and Charlotte, I met up with Roxy to sit on her roof and enjoy the rest of the perfect spring day. On the walk to the east side, we ducked into a few thrift/vintage stores just to snoop around. We walked into the City Opera Thrift store and greeting me at the door were two racks of furs. I took a quick glance but didn't want to fall in love for fear of having a broken heart. I flipped through the other racks in the store and while waiting for Roxy to check out I accidentally tried on the best fur of all times. It was super heavy, deliciously cozy, and assuming out of my price range (I didn't look at the tag, but anything over free is out of the picture)!

Roxy wouldn't let me leave without a quick pic to document my broken heart.

We then slipped into Goodwill. I was rounding the corner to flip through skirts when I found this delight hanging 3 inches from the floor. Immediately I held it in the air proclaiming my victory. Last summer I scored an amazing elephant belt (introduced here) and now it looks like I'm at the start of a great collection.

I'm obsessed with this light on Roxy's roof...and no it's not a McDonald's heat lamp!

Top:: Borrowed from Becky's suitcase.

Pants:: Sequin harem pants my mother made

Shoes:: Target silver bubble sandals

Belt:: Gap sage double wrap belt, permanently borrowed from my mother

Coffee Talk...

Two weeks ago I opened my email like any other morning excepting to find a few relevant emails, a lot of spam, and hopefully something interesting to do or see. As I sifted through one email after another I opened one that caught me totally off guard. I was being contacted by someone I had blogged about. I kept rereading the email in disbelief. Back in October I wrote about 18 year old Susannah Temko who beat cancer and introduced the fashion world to a facility/program that is determined to help other teens do the same (click here to see the post). I fell in love with the article she was featured in by British Vogue and believe in the awareness, support, and cause she is active in. On Monday I had the pleasure and privilege to meet Suz during her gap year trip around the US.

Monday afternoon in front of the Flatiron Building I met Suz and her friend Charlotte for lunch in Madison Square Park. I was so anxious and excited to meet the two. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to sit in the park, welcome each other into our lives, and have silly, girly, uninterrupted coffee talk! We did the initial introduction questions...where we are from, our interests, etc. By the time we finished our food it was like the three of us were old friends catching up. We divulged embarrassing stories, talked about our passions, confessed our celeb crushes, retold stories of friends like we were all acquaintances, discussed fashion, tales from our travels, boys...It was the best coffee talk I've had in a while.

What seemed like half an hour of hanging out was actually two hours and counting. We wrapped up on conversation, vowed to keep in touch and visit one another, and I saw them off to the train. I was so sad to say goodbye, I had the best time with them and look forward to visiting them in England!

Suz and me in Madison Square Park... How gorgeous is she?!

Suz, me, and Charlotte... I adore both of these women. They are smart, beautiful, well rounded, passionate, and hilarious... such a breath of fresh air.

Please come back and visit soon ladies!

Wardrobe Diaries:: Bunny Gaga

Sunday afternoon a group of about 30 of us gathered at a fabulous industrial loft apartment in Prospect Heights for brunch to celebrate Easter. It was the most perfect day, weather, company, and meal. It is definitely moments and days like this that make me fall in love with this city all over again. When we celebrated Thanksgiving together a few months ago, we themed it "A Mariah Carey Christmas-Thanksgiving." After all, a themed party is always better right?! Last minute two of my friends came up with an Easter theme...Lady Gaga Easter. So in honor and spirit of the holiday it was only necessary to bake a cake to top it off. Shuffle and Chinae had me on the floor with this one. Inspired by Gaga's most recent music video, Telephone, they presented Beyonce Bunny Gaga!

They debated on making the infamous cigarette sunglasses, but that didn't seem so edible! How adorable is the telephone bow?!

Shuffle and Chinae, chef de jour!!!!

I had the hardest time finding an outfit to wear...but this is what I ended up settling on at the last minute. I actually love it now too. Anxious and eager to wear it again!

Top:: Lela Rose bobble pleated silk faille top

Skirt:: Lela Rose abstract plaid skirt

Sweater:: Lela Rose navy cashmere cardigan

Shoes:: Frye ankle strap wooden wedge

Belt:: Lela Rose gray patent leather belt

Glasses:: Urban Outfitter aviator sunnies

Wardrobe Diaries:: Perfect Proposal

{chinae alexander}

My weekend started off with the most amazing day trip. Friday early afternoon I met a group of my friends at Grand Central Station to head up to Cold Spring, NY. If you haven't been, you must! It's a little over an hour train ride up the Hudson and drops you off right in the heartbeat of the town. It's home to quaint antique shops, delicious restaurants, and beautiful scenery. My friends and I love to escape the city for a quick trip whenever possible but this trip was for a stealth mission. My friend Eric whisked his girlfriend Amy away Thursday night to Cold Spring for the perfect surprise proposal. We sent a fake email out earlier in the week for a BBQ in Prospect Park to throw off the mission. Amy was under the impression that she would be surprising us with the engagement at the BBQ, but we snuck around Cold Spring getting food and champagne for a picnic on the river. We set everything up on blankets and crouched down by a wall to surprise Amy as her and Eric took a walk before "boarding the train."

!!!SURPRISE!!!

{nate poekert}

Clearly she was surprised and so excited to see us there! We spent the rest of the day lounging in the sun's rays, eating, sipping mimosas, and ended the night with a beautiful dinner on a patio overlooking the river. It was such a special moment to be a part of. I couldn't imagine two people more perfect for each other. I'm so excited for their lives to be joined!


Post engagement

{eric ryan anderson}

She's glowing!

{eric ryan anderson}


All of us returning to Grand Central Friday night! I couldn't ask for a better group of friends to do life with in this city!

{nate poekert}

Went down to the water to see exactly how cold it really was...FREEZING!

{eric ryan anderson}

Took a quick pic because I'm in love with this bag. It's the bag I purchased the other day at Salvation Army. It is lovingly referred to as the jimbay!

Dress:: F21 love turquoise tube dress
Scarf:: borrowed from Nate as the sunset. I was freezing
Bag:: ethnic wicker bag from Salvation Army.
Glasses:: Urban Outfitter aviator sunnies
Bracelets:: assorted bangles inherited from Becky

And here is another image of the new haircut. So in love with it...It's staying around for a while!

{nate poekert}