Wardrobe Diaries:: School's Out Forever...

Last Friday night we celebrated Roxy (and Shao's) graduation!!!! Both have just received a second or third degree and are on their way up in their creative fields. So proud of both of them. In true form, I only have a few pictures from the night...maybe one day I'll be better at documenting!

me and roxy outside foundation...love her dearly!

matty mo and me taking a break from dancing...

I attempted to create an outfit that was totally new and different for myself. Roxy and I named the night the "no pants party" since we both seemed to be lacking them as we left for dinner! Not sure how I feel about my complete outfit but so in love with the shorts. Needs something though, but here it is anyways...

Tee:: H&M 3/4 sleeve black tee

Shorts:: American Apparel white lace tap shorts

Shoes:: Cynthia Vincent for Target ethnic print wedges

Necklace:: Lee Angel brass chain

Accessories:: two American Apparel gold chains connected as a holster/vest

Also, I went to see Sex and the City 2 last night (mainly cause I didn't want anyone to spoil anything for me if I waited). We received swag bags for opening night with tons of goodies. My favorite freebie was a set of metallic gold nails. Not usually one for press ons but couldn't resist. Still getting used to something this bold, but slowly falling in love with them...

What do you think?

What I Want Now...Rachel Rachel Roy

A couple months ago I spotted Kelly of The Glamourai wearing the most adorable Rachel Roy gremlin ear cuff. I've been coveting it ever since and frequent the site in hopes of it being restocked... No dice!!....

{the glamourai}

I was checking out the site again today, still with high hopes, and stumbled upon a plethora of goodies. I'm so in love with the Rachel Rachel Roy collection. I started dropping items into my cart and realized that I had amassed a total that was double my rent...nearly an impossible feat considering how reasonably priced the collection is. So without further ado, I present to you my edited (believe me, this was hard) list of a few RRR Must-Haves!

{cargo tab top $46.99; combo harem pant $99}

I saw this top and quickly realized I wanted it in every color for the entirety of the summer. It's casual but relevant, versatile, and has just enough detail to keep it from being just another basic top. Can we talk about these pants??!?!?! DYING, no really I think you need to check my pulse! A hybrid of jodphur and harem pants, why didn't we think of this earlier? I would wear these year round paired with wedges, barely there sandals, flats, and boots. The color palette is ingenious. So adorable with these two pieces styled together and the bold shoe. Determined to bring all of these home!

(ps, the model is my sweet friend amanda. we grew up together in texas and she's part of the incredible creative design team at RRR; amanda don't hate me for this!)

{triple chain matchbook necklace $34; oma double strap wedge $76.30}

As evidence from the gremlin ear cuff, the accessories are charismatic and unrivaled. I love this necklace that has a matchbook paired with a few other trinkets. The daintiness of the chains is offset by the cheeky matchbook center piece. The Oma wedge just screams my name...the print, the platform wedge, and the composite of black and brown! This florid pair of shoes is exactly what I want to be trekking about this city in for the summer, appropriate for every aspect of my life.

If you aren't in love with the collection by now, then you need to head right on over here and check out everything they have to offer.

{all images from rachel roy}

1 Dress. 365 Days...

A friend recently sent me this video and I fell in love. Please watch the entire clip, I promise you'll fall in love with Sheena Matheiken and be completely inspired.

Uniform Project Picture Book from The Uniform Project on Vimeo.

I died over this and I think I've watched it at least twice a day for the last week. The project started when Sheena pledged to wear one dress for an entire year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. With the challenge before her, she decided to back it with something that had some relevant consequence. It didn't take long for Sheena to find an organization to fundraise and support. She looked to the gaping need for education towards under privileged children in Mumbai. Sheena partnered with Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions were sent to Akanksha's School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for slum children. And thus from a personal fashion challenge and a desire to have people engaged in her year long sustainable puzzle The Uniform Project was born. In one year UP has raised $95,009 which sends 263 kids to school. Please check out the website and blog to see what else is happening and how you can get involved.

I Can't Sing...

While home in Texas a couple weeks ago my mom and I got to talking about Bob Dylan. Until recently I had never really listened to his music (not sure why not, he can play a sick harmonica)! I think Bob was for my mom and his son, Wall Flowers front man, Jakob was my cup of tea. Bob Dylan was always more of a style symbol to me...Now I see him as both a musical wizard and fashion-savvy minimalist.

His style has always been easy and simple. A conundrum of fitted dark color turtle necks, perfectly tailored jackets/blazers, pants almost as slim as Mick Jagger's figure, and the infamous black sunnies that went everywhere with him. Dylan's facile style and demeanor seems more appealing then ever. I love me some accessories and intricately styled ensembles... but this simplicity of putting on well tailored pieces with a stand out signature accessory seems to call my name more than ever. I think in the coming days I will be channeling a low key Dylan style to get me through an already intensely exhausting week.

{christopher niquet}

How incredible are his boots? Lusting for a pair equally as chic...

H&M Fashion Against Aids Preview

Last night I was invited to the preview of H&M's Fashion Against Aids collection. The window displays were incredible, the scene was festive, and the clothes were everything I wanted but don't need! As you're already aware, I'm horrible at documenting me adventures so you'll have to make due with the shotty window display images! But I will say the band, White Lights, was so much fun and some fashion elite (one of my faves in particular Robert Verdi) made it out for the fashionable cause!

Bryant Park location...

Exhibit A:: Fell in love with this faux denim cut-out dress. I restrained myself and refrained from an impulse purchase. It's just so dang cute though!

Swag bag on the way out....What you got in that bag?

H&M magazine, printed poncho (for sale and part of the Fashion against Aids collection, 25% of the proceeds from the sales benefits youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects), campaign button, and White Lights card for a free EP download.

I tried to walk away empty handed and it didn't work out. I had to be part of the cause and purchased this fringe top. It has beading as epaulettes on the shoulders and the back is open (hence you see my hand peaking through)! Still trying to figure out what to pair it with, I had to give it a good home!

Thank you to H&M and Erin for the invite as well as everyone that helped launch the event and campaign. It was a beautiful and perfect night. What are you waiting for?!?!!? The collection has looks for both men and women and the proceeds go towards awareness projects!!!! GO... GOOOOOOOOOOO!

H&M Preview...

{hm}

Tonight I had the privilege of attending H&M Fashion Against Aids preview event at the Bryant Park location. I was honored to be invited and had such a good time shopping, snacking, listening to live music, and making new friends in the dressing room (talked a guy out of pleated front shorts and into a chambray vest). I planned on picking up a few basic summer staples and ended up leaving with a full time fancy top! You'll have to check back tomorrow for a recap of the event with images and to see what I left with. It's a new contender for the weekend festivities!

Friday Night Lights...

I have a tendency of getting ahead of myself frequently and in many areas of my life! All of yesterday, I was under the impression that it is Wednesday and we're half way to the weekend...Oh to dream! My weekend is full of birthday, graduation, and house warming celebrations so of course I'm already attempting to plan my outfits accordingly. I give my closet a hard time, but in all honesty it treats me very well. However, sometimes at the end of the day I want something new and unexpected. After a phone conversation (most of which was spent making fun of me for a particular movie and then discussion over outfit options for the weekend) with a soon to be graduate, Ms. Roxy, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to partake in the lingerie as outwear trend and spice things up in a pair of lace tap shorts (***GULP***). Donning such suggestive bottoms means I need to offset the look with something more covered up and moderately masculine. I kept thinking a jacket of some sort but nothing in my repertoire seemed to fit the bill. Then it hit me...

Black long sleeve slouchy tee

+Lace tap shorts

+Uber sheer knee high socks

+Tenacious gold chain necklace

______________________

My full time fancy meets subdued masculine party mix! (shoes to be determined but most likely black heels of some sort)

{alexander wang t, anthropologie lace tap shorts, m&j chain, american apparel knee highs}

Aside from being ahead of myself, stubborn and stuck in my ways for outfits happens to be my other kryptonite. Trying to remain open minded when it comes to the latter half of the ensemble. I encountered these adorable lace bloomers and thought, maybe just maybe! Some serious styling tricks will come into play to negate the transparency of the shorts though (ie flesh tone biker shorts???).

{american apparel}

Believe me, I know...I even surprised myself with this here!!!! We shall see if all goes according to plan on Friday and how well I can execute the idea. Wish me luck and stay tuned!

Blogger's Coaching...

Everywhere you look there is some kind of designer collaboration taking place. Whether it's a Target Go designer or H&M one time exclusive, there is no denying the communion between high and low. The newest partnership to catch wind is blogger fever. Designers and brands are turning to the blogging world for opinions, points of view, and branding...And Coach has acknowledged the power of style bloggers as well. This week Coach will be releasing their project with four of the top style bloggers, Krystal Simpson...Kelly Framel...Karla Deras...Emily Schuman. Images have been surfacing and I know it will be next to impossible to attain a bag or two once they go live for pre-sales.

Krystal's bag ($498) was no surprise to me. I think it fits her personal style to a T but also relates and translates well for others. She played upon the current fringe trend, but in a way that retains relevance for seasons to come.

I love the functionality of Kelly's bag ($398). It's an adorable shape, complimentary color, and plays double duty for day or night accompanying.

Emily's sugary sweet bag ($498) is in the same modesty as her blog. It's classic with an air of elegance that plays up a tongue-in-cheek sentiment with the prim and proper confectionery color.

This transforming clutch ($398) was designed by Karla and is another piece that is to be pined for. It's paired with a detachable strap to make it a cross body bag when you need to be mobile.

You'll find that the bloggers were mindful of convenience that doesn't lack in any style. Mark your calendars, pre-sales for the limited edition bags starts Wednesday, May 19th!

{all images from purseforum}

Iris Apfel:: An Eye for Style

Who doesn't love Iris Apfel?!

Guess Who's Back...

{iamkory.com}

Finally back in the city from a week vaca in Texas... Many wardrobe posts to come once I'm settled in!

What I Want Now...Fashion Nostalgia

{imbd.com}

I recently watched Almost Famous followed by Dazed and Confused. For the last couple of months I have been attracted to all things 70's inspired. I have always been inspired by the fashionable nostalgia of the hippie culture decade, and more recently it has been showing up on my "must have" list in every form imaginable. I've spent quite a bit of time running from thrift store to thrift store looking for such desired pieces. Still on the hunt for some additional garments...

{eBay.com}

I'm DYING for a pair of vintage 70's Levi Strauss high waist bell bottoms. For the last year or so I've been proclaiming the return of wide leg britches. Whether others follow suit or not, they are a must have piece to incorporate into my wardrobe.

{style.com}

Another Derek Lam piece I'm coveting. I love the off the shoulder silhouette and the "in the buff" color. I'm no where brave enough to wear as is, and there is a vague premonition to pair with the previous mentioned.

{payless.com}

Lets not stop while we're ahead. I feel vexatious for even repeating myself about clogs, but what can you do. My mom found this pair at Payless, part of the company's collaboration with fashion house Alice and Olivia. Another clog option to dip my toe into!!!

What decade is inspiring you?! What do you want now?!

Sir Mix-A-Lot....

I've been neglecting you guys, but for good reason. I'm home in Texas enjoying family time with my parents, sister, and nephew. I can't lie, it's been a very relaxing time of laying by the pool, sleeping in, home cooked meals, and some incredible shopping. I have been catching up on fashion and doing research through a stack of glossies. I saw this image in Lucky Magazine and flipped over the medley of stars and stripes at Derek Lam. I think it's absolutely genius and a fresh take on the mixology trend that is a buzz.

{lucky magazine}

{style.com}

"Mixers" are definitely in the air...only a few pages after the Derek Lam spotlight, I landed on this adorable ensemble of polka dots and seersucker. Texture, proportion, and a complementary palette, Jackpot!

{lucky magazine}

Keeping my eye out for similar pieces while I'm engaging in more vintage shopping. I think playing with patterns is such a great way to expand the scope of a style/editing eye.

Mother's Day Style Icon...

Most of you have already been introduced to my mom... Either from a wardrobe spotlight, a special feature, or because she's created something fabulous for me. I am home in Texas for the next week. While packing for the trip I realized I haven't been home for a Mother's Day celebration since high school. My mom is my best friend, biggest cheerleader and advocate, and a constant source of inspiration. She's beyond generous, our family rock and voice of reason, talented beyond belief, and one of the most creative people I have ever come across in an array of artistic mediums. She's been a fabulous teacher, sensitive curator, nurturing mother/grandmother, and is adored by everyone that meets her (just ask any of my friends)! So lets start from the beginning...

How adorable was my mom?! I love the color of the canary yellow dress and her pig tails.

I couldn't resist posting a few images of my Grandma Leila (mom's mom). You'll see that she was incredibly stylish and beautiful and my mom inherited every ounce of style and beauty.

I want to frame these two images of my mom and dad. My dad had just returned from war and it was around Christmas. Please take a long look at my mom's fur trimmed coat. DYING!!! She should have kept this for me. I definitely have acquired my love for fur from her.

I love that my parents are wearing his and her trench coats. Classic in every way.

On her way to the hospital to have a baby and look how she's dressed! Accessories are spot on too, adorable purse, coiffed hair, and the perfect little suitcase.

Channeling Twiggy... and she made both of these dresses of course!

Not long after my brother was born. In love with this pink dress and her hair in the perfect up do.

Always spot on with accessories. I might have to re-post these so you can see the details. Her stripe bell bottom pants I'm lusting for. Exactly what I want now in the same vain as Balmain's fall collection a few seasons ago.

My mom pregnant again but this time with my sister Leila. Loving her jeans...Currently watching a similar pair on eBay. Wishing that top was passed down to me, would love to pair it with DIY studded cut offs.

This is my absolute favorite outfit I've seen my mom in. It is in the same vain of an ensemble I would wear now and it is exquisitely accessorized.

I mean come on.. How cool is she in her aviator sunnies, hobo bag, and casual effortless sandals?!?!?

Seriously perfectly accessorized...red polish on her fingers and toes, delicate necklace, and amazing wedding ring. Oh yeah and a cute little daughter to boot!

My mom and sister in flowing sundresses in the Dominican Republic.

As you can see, my mom is indescribably and jaw droppingly chic. My firmly planted allegiance to fashion begins and ends with my mother's iconic style. Mom thank you for everything you do for this family, for me, my friends :) always with a smile and cheerful heart. I love you!

!Happy Mother's Day!