VIVA PERU...

{coco kelly}

Today is the day!!!! I'm headed to Peru for the next two weeks with an incredible team of artists to teach art to kids! Things will be quiet around here for a bit but when I get back I'll be thrown into Fashion Week Chaos/AMAZINGNESS! In the meantime you can stay up to date on our Peru trip from our blog. Can't wait to see what the kids create, and especially can't wait to show you!

{coco kelley}

!Adios!

Wardrobe Diaries:: Pseudo Fall...

The first half of this week felt like Fall. Since it's only the end of August and I know better than to believe that I can start packing away sundresses and sandals, I have named it Pseudo Fall... those few days that sneak in to tease you...wet your whistle for layers, and scarves, and jackets OH MY!!!! In my excitement for the changing of seasons, when the opportunity for a jacket presented itself, I hopped on board full throttle. I've had this jacket perched at the front of my closet waiting for the temperature to make a little dip. Tuesday I was in Brooklyn for a couple hours running errands and interviewing a special someone and figured this outfit fit the bill for the day's adventures...

Jacket:: Juicy Couture military inspired jacket w. coat tails (gifted)

Shirt:: H&M Dolman sleeve striped shirt

Pants:: Skinny black men's jeans from Target

Belt:: Vintage elephant belt

Shoes:: Thrifted then DIYed cowboy boots

Necklace:: YesJess knit bow necklace (gifted)

Mid-day I acquired this adorable knit bow necklace, which I've been wearing everyday since. Just so dang cute! I was hoping for one more day of pseudo fall in hopes to wear a leather jacket... Doesn't look like it is necessary but I'll still probably wear it tonight for family style dinner with my friends!

What trends are you looking forward to this fall? Are you ready for fall to be here?!

do you live out loud...

I have been semi panicked and anxiously awaiting the launch of the Rachel Rachel Roy Fall 2010 Look Book. At the beginning of the summer I was asked to model (I use that term very lightly) as part of their real women ad campaign. Excited and a tad hesitant I accepted. I mentioned this a couple months back right about here! The day has come and my video, images, and quote, "Laughter is my first language" are all posted for the world to see!

(yeah that's me, bottom right)

Head on over to the Rachel Roy site, this is easy...www.rachelroy.com to see how everything turned out. View our statements, check out our looks, and meet some talented women I'm honored to know and be associated with.

Again, thank you so much to the Rachel Roy staff, Richard, photographer Dan Monick, powerhouse styling duo Anda and Masha...I had the best time and loved working with you all!

Nice Fanny...

Last winter a group of my friends and I crowded together in an apartment on the Upper East Side to talk about how we could bring our collective talents and resources to the Andean region of South America to serve a community of kids. That night along with many other conversations a non profit envisioned by my friend Shay and supported by our group of friends and industry professionals was formed called Alegria.

We are a group of New York City artists coming together to create art with the 800 children at La Sagrada Familia Community in Lima, Peru. We believe in the inherent value of expression through creativity. Our first trip leaves this Saturday, August 28th and we will return September 8th.

I'm beyond thrilled and honored to be a part of this team and can't wait to spend time with these creative and beautiful kids. In true form, I have/am procrastinating my prep and packing for the trip. For the most part I know what I'm bringing and to my own surprise, I'm trying to be as minimalist as possible. The only thing I'm still in search for is some kind of day pack to replace my North American version of a purse. I saw this little fanny pack and it's speaking to me! We shall see if I can find an equally adorable and suitable version for my trip, sans booty shorts!

{garance dore}

Want to know more about Alegria, check out our website and blog here. We will be updating the blog while we are in Lima so you can keep up to date.

The New Grilled Cheese...

If I wasn't working in fashion, I would have gone to culinary school and who knows where I would be now. When I'm stressed I love to cook. Something about starting something and seeing it through completion at the work of my own hands is therapeutic. I don't work a lot with recipes, I just go with what I feel, create from happenstance or pull together flavors from past dining experiences. For some reason I have been craving grilled cheese sandwiches all week, which would normally happen in the cooler months with a cup of tomato soup. I can't remember where I saw this recipe or if there was even one but this is what has come out of my kitchen multiple times this week!

Apricot & Mozzarella Grilled Cheese on Sourdough Bread.

My makeshift recipe::

*1 apricot per sandwich (or more if you'd like) cut in half, pitted, and then sliced into small wedges

*sprinkling of cinnamon and sugar on the apricot

*a few slices of fresh mozzarella cheese

*2 pieces of sourdough bread

*butter on both sides of the sandwich

Yep it's really that simple and completely delicious. It has this sweet and tangy flavor...well just try it out for yourself! Do you have any delicious dishes to share?!!? Always in the market for a new go-to meal.

Coco's Most Wanted...

FOR BEING SPECTACULARLY CHIC

L'Agence Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

The moment I met eyes with this long sleeve henley dress, it was love. It's exactly what I want for fall. It's an opportunity for copious amounts of accessories, and pairing with my jacket collection is endless... reason enough for me to wear it daily...ok every other day! No, but really, this dress is sheer genius. Though it may seem a bit beige (aka plain) you have to look past the simplicity. Henley for fall, so smart, ensuring that I'll be warm and toasty walking around in the city's chill. Then you have the long silhouette, I'm a sucker for a floor sweeping dress. I love the dress worn with the tough and rugged combat boots but I have my own styling ideas...

I'm in love with this jacket from Rachel Rachel Roy...a combo of two of my favorite fabrics, leather and (faux) shearling! Since I'm swapping out the combat boots, this still gives the look an edginess to it. I will be wearing this jacket for the entire fall and winter seasons!

{rachelroy.com}

If I'm going to be donning a floor sweeping dress, I'm definitely going to need to add some height to my 5'4 frame. I've passed these in the Steve Madden Soho window too many times now and just need to make them mine already. Army green is my go to color for F/W and anything with stud like embellishments I can't resist. I love that these boots have an air of clog to them and I always find that I'm most comfortable in a platform when it comes to heels.

{stevemadden.com}

As far as accessories go, I feel it only necessary to pile and layer on necklaces in mixed metals, maybe even something with a feather or two in the design. Oh fall, you can't get here soon enough! What are you anticipating for the 55 degree weather?!

Bucket List...

A couple weeks ago I mentioned the YSL Ovale ring and how it has found company with an assortment of pieces that make up the beginning to my fashion bucket list. I've been literal about my list and started to write down and compile images of my coveted fashion favorites. So without further adieu, here is a sneak peak in no particular order...

Fendi peekaboo bag:: Since moving to NYC I've overcome the age of monogrammed handbags. I may revisit it again later in life, but right now I'm looking for something that is classic and versatile. I work with a stylist who owns this bag and still the hot pink lining makes me weak in the knees. The structure, the quality...it's just so on point and timeless. Which explains the colossal price tag. One day....just one of these days!

Chanel 5018:: I've been in love with these since the day I laid eyes on them! I have quite a collection of sunnies that won't be complete until these are in my possession. Everything about the jet black tint with just a sliver of lucidity keeps these chic and mysterious. I'm a people watcher so these are the perfect pair for such a sport!

Miu Miu Platforms:: I know some of you are thinking these would be silly to have because they will be "dated," but I feel in 5 years they will still be as iconic, whimsical, and relevant. Anyone who doesn't own a piece from this season will be kicking themselves in the years to come for not snagging a piece from the collection...and I don't want to be a part of that crowd!

Hermes Belt:: Simply in love with this belt. It has the ability to add instant glamour. Wrapped around the smallest part of your waist or through the belt loops of your favorite pants the Medor belt can elevate the stature of an outfit or make it critically casual.

J. Mendel Fur:: My deep obsessive love for fur stems from Karen Robinovitz (she taught me to truly appreciate and embrace fur from her book Adventures in 4 Inch Heels) and my passion has been encouraged at the work of my mother's hands (exhibit A). In lame man's terms I LOVE FUR, and who does it better than J. Mendel?! Season after season I dream of what will come down the runway and drool over Mendel's luscious fur creations that are exquisitely draped, accessorized, and in perfect proportions.

Proenza Schouler Boots:: If you've followed this blog during a few fashion seasons you're aware of my uncontrollable adoration for all things PS. I click my heels together three times in hopes that the looks will walk off the runway and into my closet. The duo can do no wrong in my eyes and that includes their shoes and accessories. When I saw these embroidered lace up boots I swore I had died. It wasn't until I saw these shoes that I realized one day many years from now, I want to be sitting on the subway wearing these shoes with salt/pepper hair, an Iris Apfel/Zelda Kaplan ensemble, and knitting/embroidering while on my way to meet some friends for brunch.

Givenchy Jacket:: After fur, leather is my favorite indulgence. So you can only imagine by sheer joy and mere disbelief when I saw the studded leather jackets that marched down the 2007 runway. I searched near and far to find studs of enormous magnitude only to conclude ***sigh*** that anything I could makeshift wouldn't compare to the real deal.

So there you have it, the beginnings to a long and incomplete list of new/old fashion archive favorites. More to come in due time. Until then what are some of your coveted fashion pieces?!?

And God Created Woman...

This past Saturday afternoon the ladies and I celebrated Amy's upcoming October nuptials with a garden party brunch! The party was decorated in old pages from vintage books, parasols, dripping candles, aromatic floral arrangements, and photo art that time lined Eric and Amy's relationship from the beginning . The garden was idyllic. There were pots throughout overflowing with basil and a couple ripe deep red tomatoes made an appearance as well. It just so happened to be an incredibly beautiful and perfect day for brunch al fresco with some amazing women I'm blessed to know...and celebrate!

Candice brought the most incredible Parisian (I believe) cheeses...sheer bliss!

Amy loves her veggies so of course a Caprese salad was necessary.

The glowing bride to be!!!

Top:: Boulee short sleeve dress worn as a tunic

Bottoms:: H&M leopard print romper worn as shorts

Shoes:: Chinese Laundry fringe wedges

Necklace:: Coco Canal x Fenton Fallon vintage/twisted metal necklace

Up close and personal view of the necklace I made last week with Dana Lorenz of Fenton Fallon {here}. I've been wearing this everyday, I'm in love!

We are mere months from the long anticipated walk down the aisle. I can't wait to celebrate with Amy and Eric on their special day. It can't come soon enough!

Eye Candy...

I love sunglasses!!!! I have an ever growing collection of sunnies that I rotate throughout the year according to season, itinerary, destination, etc. So imagine my blubbering excitement when I heard that Miu Miu's iconic swallow motif from the spring collection is making a comeback this fall in the form of shades! The glasses will be available at Miu Miu and select department stores for $195 USD in pink, light brown, solid black, and a selection of graduated colors.

{images from miu miu addict}

I'm dying for the light brown pair... A MUST!!!!!!!

Ladies Who Think They Lunch...

{l-r:: me, becky, desiree, abbey}

This summer its been a bit difficult for my friends and I to get together because of work, vacations, adjusted work hours, etc. So a couple weekends ago Roxy hosted nine ladies for a "ladies who think we lunch" afternoon on her roof. She prepared the entire menu herself and it was incredibly delicious (for recipes from the meal head over to Kathleen's blog here).

*Toasted pita chips

*Fresh peppers

*Homemade yogurt dill dip

*Prosciutto wrapped melon slices

Chicken Avocado Sandwiches

Peach Tequila "Juice"

One of my favorite things Roxy makes, I could eat this every single day!

Edamame, Cucumber, Tomato Salad

Dessert was the cherry on top :) Roxy pitted five cups of fresh cherries by hand to make a Cherry Ice. It was so refreshing!

Such a delicious meal with incredible women!

DIY Fix...

{vinnie merlot}

Last Tuesday I was invited to the Fenton Fallon store down at Freeman Alley to meet CFDA-nominated jewelry designer Dana Lorenz. I was in the company of some of the most stylish and creative fashion bloggers to learn to DIY our own (one of a kind) necklaces. The jewelry 101 class was so much fun and exactly what I needed to kick start my DIY fashion fix...

We had the most incredible treats to snack on while hard at work. The cookies (so delish) are from Cookies.com.

{vinnie merlot}

Walking into the store was like being a kid in a candy store. When we arrived, there were tables overflowing with all sorts of pearls, chains, pendants, charms, everything... even cocktail glasses filled with Divvies jelly beans!

{vinnie merlot}

After sifting through all the available materials, Dana gave us a rundown of how to secure various components along with other helpful tips and tricks. I set up camp with a pair of pliers, battalion of friends, and a U'Luvka Vodka cocktail. It took me a while to figure out exactly what I wanted my necklace to look like, and even the finished product is different (but better) than the original idea.

{vinnie merlot}

It took a bit longer than I expected to finish my necklace, but I'm so in love with it. I had the best time making it (even when my fingers were throbbing). And just because the front of the necklace has a lot going on, I couldn't neglect the back...so I added the black flower pendent to give it so added charm! I give you the Coco Canal x Fenton Fallon necklace!

I ran into some old friends at the event, and walked away with new ones as well!

{all images vinnie merlot}

As we finished our necklaces and were leaving we had our photo snapped wearing our self designed pieces. {Top L-R} Wendy of Nitrolicious, Julia from Fashion Pulse Daily, Christina for DeSmitten (one of the first people I met when I moved to the city...it's been too long since we've seen each other), and yours truly!

Dana and Karen...Thank you so much for hosting the event and allowing us to make our very own Fenton Fallon inspired jewels!!!!

"I Do" Vintage...

Last night I received a call from one of my very best college friends that she is newly engaged. I screamed in the street I was so excited. I've been waiting for this moment (Katie and Matt congrats again)! Coincidentally I am attending a bridal shower today for one of my dearest friends here in the city. I was looking up wedding/engagement gifts and stumbled across these two pictures of brides. I love a vintage wedding dress. There is something ethereal and painfully chic about a bride wearing vintage, especially when it's done well, and accompanied by the perfect accessories.

Exhibit Bride A:: I'm head over white satin heels in love with this 1950's inspired dress. It's elegant, refined, has the best detailing at the shoulders and sleeves (sleeves seem to be making a wedding day comeback), and I believe the dress has a simple structured train. I'm thrilled that the bride opted for the bow instead of a birdcage veil...while they are gorgeous and draw attention to the face they are so expected now. The look is perfectly proportioned with a necklace, bracelet, pearl studs, and a faint burgundy pout!

{coco+kelley}

Exhibit Bride B:: Lets cut to the chase here... Seriously her legs look a mile long with the perfect dose of toe cleavage!...smart girl! The simple white sheath and tailored coat are perfect for a courthouse ceremony or get away ensemble. The hat, gloves, and dainty purse are the chic accoutrements that make this look even more appealing and adorable...but in a sophisticated way! The look is structured but not stuffy, bold but not flamboyant.

{coco+kelley}

Love LoGo...

When I was 3 years old I was Minnie Mouse for Halloween. My mom made me a pink polka dot dress that I wore at least once a week for probably a year. In the fourth grade I watched the MTV video music awards and dressed like TLC in the Waterfalls video (read::huge dork)! Senior year of high school I went to the Miss America pageant with a sketch pad in tow and scribbled down dress ideas, semi inspired by the contestants, for my mom to make for prom.

I've been in love with clothes, dressing up, and styling for as long as I can remember. I knew that I wanted to work in the fashion industry long before it seemed like it would become a reality. My mom introduced me to the not so serious philosophy of fashion/dressing and I wanted to take that idea and make it relatable to anyone-anywhere. Another reason I love and appreciate fashion can be summed up in two words... Lori Goldstein!! I don't remember when I fell in love with Lori and her work, but it's been an unrequited love affair ever since! In case you don't think you're familiar with her work, this should refresh your memory...

Cate Blanchett:: W Magazine

Rebecca Hall and Jon Hamm:: W Magazine

Rihanna:: W Magazine (I still get weak in the knees when I see this picture, THAT HAT!!!!).

Lori has this way of working with the clothes...as if she knows them intimately. The beauty in her styling is that there is no formula. She works from instinct, love, passion, and honesty. My favorite quote from the video is, "There is so much beauty but it's not superficial, cause it is really inspiring to women and to people..." Lori's work is art that tells a story, evokes emotion, and reconnects you to moments of your past. I have never looked at a piece of her work and not appreciated it for the angles, attention to detail, relevance, arrangement, fortitude, determination, femininity... The 20 year veteran knows what she's doing and how to draw people in. When trying to describe her to my friends the best I can do is... The Oprah of the Styling/Fashion world! It may not be the most logical reference but they get where I'm coming from. I would die to spend one day working with Lori and seeing her process for styling...from inspiration, brainstorming, shopping, every step along the way to execution.

Lori thank you for what you do, the beauty you bring into this world, and for the creativity you inspire!!!

{images by W Magazine, video by StyleCaster}

Choose Karen's HSN Wardrobe...

Hear ye hear ye all you fashion lovers! Karen Robinovitz, is going to be on HSN next week with her company Purple Lab. Like any stylish woman with great taste and TV worthy options in her closet, she is stumped on what to wear for her broadcast.

Look 1 Look 2 Look 3

Look 4 Look 5 Look 6

This is where you come in dolls! Head over here to vote on what look you think Karen should wear next week for the Purple Lab broadcast. While you're there, you can enter to win a tube of Huge Lips, Skinny Hips Lip Gloss!

Don't forget to tune in on August 19th to see Karen and the winning look!!!

DIY:: Camp Fenton-Fallon...

Last night I had the privilege of heading down to the Fenton-Fallon store in Freeman Alley with editors and my blogging cohorts. The store is tucked away at the end of the alley and when we walked in we were met with a clan of chains, pearls, and crystals (aka a dream come true)! CFDA-nominated designer, Dana Lorenz, hosted us with a jewelry making 101 class. I can't give too much away, but except a post soon with images from the DIY night. In the meantime you can check out the video of yours truly before class was in session!!!

WWD posted an article about the event yesterday that you can check out here. Check back soon to see how I faired!

Guide To Getting Dressed...

Last summer I was living in a one bedroom apartment with 3 of my friends...It started as unofficial roommates and by August we were staying up all night having dance parties, family dinner, movie marathons, and carting suitcases through the lobby to our new humble abode (Becky, thank you still for letting us live with you uninvited). There were many weekend mornings Nate, Becky and I would get up ready for our first cup of Joe that was being postponed by the, "I don't know what to wear!" dilemma ringing in unison by both Becky and me. We were literally running across the street to grab our venti skim whatever else you want to add to it, only to be bringing it back to the couch so we could plan the rest of our day. None the less, Becky and I wanted to be appropriately costumed for fear (read hope) that we might run into the decadent European from 36j in the elevator or get snapped for street style blog. Nate's patience would slowly fade and we knew we better hurry up when the foot tapping/stomping began to ensue with outburst of, "We're walking 10 feet then coming back home!" and threats of, "I'm going to leave you both!" This routine took place every weekend for about six weeks!

Yes I know I was jolting across the street and it was "early" but that didn't and couldn't deter me from looking somewhat pulled together. Nothing has changed either, I still change to run down to the deli, pick up UPS boxes, and return library books. And not that I needed it, but I felt comforted and justified by this...

Style is like a muscle: You have to exercise it regularly or you'll lose it ~Nina Garcia

{illustration by ruben toledo}

Wardrobe Diaries:: Wedding Bell Bliss...

A couple weeks ago a high school friend was in town for a wedding and asked me to go as his date. He grew up with the groom but other than that didn't really know anyone attending the wedding and wanted a familiar face...I was nominated and picked for the job! While I wish I could be more annoyed at the request, honestly, I love any excuse to get dressed up and prance around in a dress that normally doesn't get much love. I reached into the back of my closet in my full time fancy arsenal and found a little diddy that has been patiently waiting (for 2.5 years) to be worn. We took the ferry across the water to The Liberty House in Jersey City. Although it was unbearably hot, the food was amazing and the view of downtown Manhattan was gorgeous!

Dress:: Lela Rose silk faille circle hem dress w. embroidered belt

Shoes (not pictured):: Steve Madden peep toe black wedge

Sneak Attack...

Take a close look at these shoes...

{garance dore}

Does anything stand out to you? Besides being an updated more stylish version of my Adidas Sambas I had in grade school, Isabel Marant's sneakers have a hidden element. Inside the shoe is an incognito 3 inch heel. I mean, come on!!!!!!!! So what you're saying is I get to add height to my frame while looking calm, cool, and collected in my kicks!?... These shoes are like the push up bra for your legs! I'm dying for a pair, if anyone knows where I can purchase them, please let me know ASAP!!!

Always An Impromptu Photo Shoot...

Sunday night I headed to Woodside, Queens for dinner with two old friends Francois and Hadrien. I met Francois during my first internship in New York and during my free labor summer I met his nephew, Hadrien, who was visiting for a couple weeks from France. Since then we have kept in touch and try to get together to shop, raise a glass, or share a meal when Hadrien is in town. I was excited to catch up with the hilarious duo. When I arrived I was informed that a personal chef was coming over to make us dinner. I doubted, laughed, and mocked but before I knew it the buzzer went off and Luis arrived with groceries in tow. We had the most delicious meal that included tomato and artichoke salad with baby scallops in some outstanding vinaigrette as well as chicken with rice and concluded with a berry desert. It was an incredibly delicious feast.

We settled into the living room and after our food and wine comas subsided we had a dance party that quickly escalated into an impromptu photo shoot. I don't know if it's me but this seems to be a trend when it comes to dinner parties with which I'm in attendance (ie here).

I needed a quick break in between uncontrollably laughing and dancing around with Francois.

Francois wearing my glasses and posing with his bass he found being thrown out (it's gorgeous).

(He might kill me for this but he must know it's out of love)! Luis, our chef, modeling Hadrien's lucha libre mask. In his defense, we made his pose like this ;)

Top:: Traditional Mexican embroidered tunic

Scarf:: Vintage Chanel scarf

Not Pictured:: Miley Cyrus w. Max Azria chambray skirt (last seen here); Vintage leopard robe/dress (seen here); Vintage elephant belt (intro here)

{all images by hadrien denoyelle}

Step By Step...

I've been itching to get a few DIY projects under my belt this summer and just can't seem to find the time (which I shouldn't complain about)! Still, I have a long list of projects that I'm aching to initiate as soon as possible.

One of my favorite sites to look for new DIY projects is P.S.-I made this. Erica Domesek has one of the most creative and inventive eyes for making stylishly glamorous pieces. Her step by step instructions are easy to follow and always result in fun one of a kind pieces. Currently I'm channeling this pair of faux chandelier earrings made out of ribbon and magazine images!

{ps-imadethis}

I'm also desperate for a new laptop case. I think this is so adorable until I can afford my coveted Louis Vuttion case!

{ps-imadethis}

{nylongmag.com}

I found an intriguing DIY project in Nylon Magazine this month. You take 2 pairs of old jeans and with 12:: 7 x 7 x 7 triangles transform the old denim into a dress that can origami into a hobo. The instructions are a little tricky but with some uninterrupted concentration I think I can make it work.

{nylonmag.com}

Last night I was catching up with a new friend, who you'll be introduced to soon, and she told me about a craft night ever Monday hosted by Etsy. I can't wait to check out the next one and update you on the happenings. In the meantime you can check out their scheduled events here.