Pink Pony 10th Anniversary Bloggers Unite...

I'm more than honored to be participating in Ralph Lauren's 100 Bloggers Unite Against Cancer::Pink Pony Campaign.

The Mission::Pink Pony is distinct and unique in that they address the needs of the medically underserved bringing quality cancer care, access to cancer care, and early detection for those who need it most.

Pink Pony is a program that started as a tribute to Lauren's dear friend, former editor of the Washington Post, Nina Hyde. The commitment has continued by designated the infamous polo player icon to the Pink Pony Campaign which is the company's version of the pink ribbon. The campaign was initially established with a focus on Breast Cancer, but has expanded to include other cancers, is global initiative, and a year round effort. Ralph Lauren and the company have played a pivotal role in establishing the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative and have raised over $40 million to date.

This year in recognition of the 10th anniversary Ralph Lauren has many new and exciting initiatives: luxury products, the first annual Pink Pony online public auction hosted by Charity Buzz, and a text-to-donate campaign. How can you get involved and support you ask?! Well...

*The Charity Buzz auction will run on CharityBuzz.com from October 1st to October 21st. 100% of proceeds from the aucution will benefit the Pink Pony Fund

* During the month of October, join Polo Ralph Lauren’s worldwide initiative by texting PINKPONY to 501501 to automatically donate $10 {msg. & data rates may apply}

"Unexpected weather?!!? Toss on your Pink Pony wellies{$75} and umbrella{$95} to chase the rainy day blues away!"

*Check out the entire Pink Pony Collection here

{photos by Nate Poekert}

Please check out the other bloggers and see how they styled their Pink Pony Polo at AOL Stylist {here}.

Bend At The Knees...

I was tearing threw some glossies last night and found more images of my long skirts for fall inspiration. Exactly what I want and how I intend to wear them!!!

{instyle//marie claire//marie claire}

I can slowly see my fall wardrobe turning into long skirts and tapered pants...I feel pretty good about that too! What are you looking forward to wearing this fall and winter?!

Knees and Toes...Knees and Toes...

Coco Chanel believed that knees were the ugliest part of the female anatomy and I am gradually coming along side her in that belief. I'll explain... I enthusiastically embraced the raised hemlines the last couple of seasons...As did Ms. Chanel when she raised hemlines in the 20's, but to that end, they always stayed firmly on or below the bony joint. Now and again I like to show a good portion of honking thigh...there are definitely days and events that call for it, but the ability to be demure packs just as much sex appeal.

The trick is in the proportions. If I'm wearing a shorter dress/skirt my top half will be more covered up and vice versa...generally speaking! Recently I was revisiting my Fall 2010 runway inspiration images and became verklempt when I saw the below the knee full leather skirts and corsets doubling as breast plates at Louis Vuitton. The emphasis from the leg moves up north to accentuated waists and an overflow of breasts.

{style.com}

Oh sweet lady like demeanor! I'm excited for a change of length this fall. I've already been envisioning a plethora of just at the knee skirts worn with::

*sturdy platform heels

*thigh high boots

*cozy cashmere sweaters

*leather jackets lined in shearling

*well tailored blazers

ok... that's just the start! :)

A Spiritual Moment...

At midnight on my birthday I opened a special gift that arrived all the way from Tokyo. The incredible Roxy, who is dearly missed, sent me the most beautiful kimono I have ever seen. Please excuse my shoddy iPhone picture, but still appreciate it's beauty. It is a deep rich purple with humming birds, blossoms, and just so happens to be 50 years old. As my neighbors can attest, I jumped up and down in complete and utter bliss and then got a little sappy and sentimental... Hey it happens! I'm so in love with this gift and well I'm terrified of staining or ripping the fabric, I'm anxious and eager to wear it.

{the tote is from LaForet. Earlier this fall I assisted on an ad campaign shoot and Roxy headed over to the store to check it out)

During my daily blog reads I came across this picture and was spiritually moved! I've been having a few turban tantrums lately and can't seem to get enough (DIY post coming soon). And then this little chick lit (June Ambrose) had to throw on a killer kimono over her lady like blouse and change my view of the holy trinity! Now to find a way to use this as inspiration for my own kimono/turban style fusion.

{theglamourai}

Shoes Got Sole...

My birthday was last Friday, but I'm still receiving gifts from my amazing friends and family.

These arrived in the mail from my mother. I'm going crazy over them! Exactly what I want for my pants party fall wardrobe! In fact I think I might purchase the same pair in grey with silver studs!

Dolce Vita X Target

These sweet kicks arrived courtesy of my bestie, Nate (seen here). He's turned into a bit of a shoe hoarder (in the best way possible!!!!) in the last couple of weeks which obviously benefits me as well! Excited to wear with my LNA lace leggings...to kick start their wearability!

Generic Surplus Shoes

Welcome Home...

Since my return from Peru, I have been battling with the city and a ticking clock to find an apartment. NYC: 4 pts vs Coco Canal: 6pts

It is official, I'm moving to Park Slope, Brooklyn with two of my besties, Shuffle and Chinae, who you've been introduced to here! I'm so excited to move into our new pad and make it feel like home. We are in love with the space and location and for the first time in my New York life I will be living 1: In a brand new apartment, 2: Below the 4th floor! Don't get me wrong, the stairs for the last three and a half years have done wonders for my caboose and legs, but a second floor apartment is a dream come true! Now to the business of decorating.

Yes, it is absolutely necessary for me to have a sheepskin rug in my room. It feels luxurious, telling of my wardrobe, and grown up. This bad boy will only cost $25 at Ikea, granted it's not the largest rug possible, BUT, my idea is to purchase a couple and secure them together.

{ikea.com}

A sense of humor is the backbone to my life (paired with a roaring laugh) and I want that to come across in my room. I love these skulls with their accoutrements. (I see a DIY project brewing)!

{coco+kelley}

Closet space is always tricky for NY apartments...or maybe I just have a shopping problem. Whatever the culprit, I'm looking for creative ways to store some of my wardrobe goodies. I saw this image on Coco+Kelley and clicked my heels three times!

{coco+kelley}

I'm finally investing in a new sewing machine! I don't want to keep all the parts and accessories tucked away and this is an adorable way to have things on hand but without the clutter!

{coco+kelley}

I can't wait to move in and settle into our new abode. Once everything is mostly settled in, I will post some pictures. Have a great weekend!

Pencil It In, Club Monaco Reopening...

This Saturday, September 25th, Club Monaco will be reopening their Westchester Store...and believe me, you don't want to miss out on this! The store has been reformatted::women's only with more of a boutique feel and curated with vintage accessories. Kelly from The Glamourai will be there offering style advice and tips while Beautiful Stranger TV documents for their website gallery. If all of this isn't reason enough for you to attend, 10% of of the days proceeds will benefit Go Pink...a breast cancer charity that was started by some of Westchester's own high school students.

It will be an afternoon full of decadent treats, expert styling, and benevolence. I hope you can pencil in the event and make it out to the store. Please let me know if you make it and send pictures. I'll create a post with images from all attendees!

Ready...Set...Style...

Last Tuesday night I had the absolute pleasure of heading to the Ready Set Style Event at the Q Shop in honor of Lori Goldstein and her Logo Instant Chic fall collection. I've been combing through her collection for a while now and was beyond excited to see the new pieces and meet the stylist and designer behind so many life altering looks.

I fell hard for these black heels!!!

You know me and fur...faux or real! And the necklace plays double duty, you can take the pendant off and wear as a brooch. Multi functioning accessories...YES PLEASE!

Some confectionery treats by the equally as sweet Chef/Caterer Audrey Dettmar

LOGO fall collection!

When I arrived at the shop I was introduced to Lori and we quickly excused ourselves to the rack of clothes and accessory stations. Lori styled all attendees in pieces from her new collection. Lori accessorized my outfit by adding a copper bag (which I'm still dying over), a wrist full of bracelets, and an incredible brooch to my turban. I don't know why I was surprised that she knew me and my style so well in just a few short minutes... it felt like I was playing dress up with an old friend!

Lori and me after I had been "LOGO-ized!"

Lori herself was in complete LOGO apparel. I will be placing an order for her wool fedora and faux fur collar ASAP...and that's just the beginning of my order!

LOGO Wool Fedora w. Ribbon Trim (order yours here)//LOGO High Pile Faux Fur Collar (order yours here)

Lori will be on QVC today from 5-6pm so tune in and check out her collection. Also you can find more images of the event at her facebook fan page, here.

Lori, it was so great meeting you and being styled by royal hands. I hope our paths will cross again soon! Karen, my fairy God mother, thank you so much for the introduction and invitation. You literally make dreams come true!

Chantilly Lace Had a Pretty Face...

There is one thing that I would admit to being OCD about, and that is always having my nails painted. In college I went through a Revlon Red phase (still one of my all time faves) but I'm frequently experimenting with new colors and designs. In college a tradition started with my friends and once a week we would gather in the living room, turn on an couple episodes of trash tv, and have a nail painting party. Since this weekly routine I have made it a priority to maintain my digits. My lacquer has recently been edited down to a rotation of Revlon Red, Lincoln Park After Dark (OPI), Russian Navy (OPI), and Onyx (Sephora). The lack of imagination lately has been a little mind numbing so I was in desperate need for a mani makeover.

I've been affixed to my apartment working on a handful of DIY projects. I was engulfed by a sea of fabric scraps when I picked up a piece of lace and thought.... Yep, That's it! I ran to the bathroom cabinet and grabbed a bottle of Sally Hansen maximum strength top coat. After meticulous scissor work and lots of patience I ended up with a manicure that reminds me of Alvira meets Edward Scissor Hands.

Ok...maybe not the best definition but I'm loving my nails. The test is to see how long they will actually last.

To recreate for yourself you'll need::

-lace scraps

-reliable top coat

-toothpick

-scissors/nail clippers

* I started with a substantial layer of top coat

*Next I placed a piece of lace on the wet top coat and secured the lace with a toothpick (I cut the lace a little larger than my actual nail bed and trimmed the excess once the top coat was dry)

*Apply two more coats of top coat to secure lace, let dry and you're done!

Hope you have as much fun with this as I am! What are you doing to update your mani/pedi routine for the fall season?

In His Shoes...

I'm pretty sure I say this every season, but for Fall I really want to have a more edited look. By that I mean, I've been eyeing racks of tapered leg trousers that I want to roll into my apartment and call it a day. The idea of tights and dresses on a regular basis makes me break out into hives just thinking about it. I can't bemoan the autumn staple too much... I know it will be my go to for a quick and easy fix. But in a movement to bring my pant style to fruition these men's brown oxfords showed up at my apartment this morning (thank you madre).

There were purchased with every intention of executing a DIY project (I'm in a bit of a DIY mood these days, posts to come soon)! I saw this project a few months back on PS I Made This and have been eager to construct my own. Not sure of my color combination but excited to get things under way.

{ps-i made this}

Stay tuned for a plethora of DIY posts that are to come and to see this finished project!

Here Comes My Baby...

The Tremeloes', Here Comes My Baby, was on blast with visions of London streaming as you entered Chris Benz's S/S 2011 presentation this week. I'm not sure how CB has flown so low under my radar up until now. I was gasping at every new look I came up to and most likely had the goofiest smile from my fits of pure joy. The presentation was a collection of perfectly edited colors in substantial and delicate fabrics... A dreamy, whimsical collection that in my book, wins Best All Around.

I posted this image as a preview but I can't get enough of it. Leather in spring time colors is a MUST for me! DYING... Already asked my mother to buy a yellow cow to craft this little goodie!

Some of the ladies lined up. The orange leather dress caught my eye as soon as I walked in. Love Love Love... And I'm a complete sucker for wide leg pants, so it goes without saying, I was drooling over this mustard pair.

You'll have to check out style.com for up close and personal detail shots of these two looks. The top on the left was super delicious...a cascade of ruffles. The combination of prints on the right is utter perfection. I dream of the day I'll be skipping through the streets of London in the complete look.

Again, check out style.com for the details on these too. The ruffles on both were totally clutch but it was the long sleeve counterparts that put me over the edge. Maybe it's the erratic fall temperatures this past week but I'm a sucker for a good jacket or cardigan. The embroidered cardi on the right was so money.

Are you sick of me ranting on about my love of leather?!!? Well before I stop (doubtful this will be the last) I have to introduce you to this little blue ditty! COME ON. How can I score this for a wedding I have in three weeks (mom get a blue cow when you purchase the yellow)! I'm not a huge advocate for a suit, but this one packs a punch. It looks adorable together and the pieces are great separates to incorporate into any wardrobe.

The presentation was a star studded event: Kelly Osbourne, Carmen Electra, Susan Sarandon, Jessica Szohr and fashion all stars like Kate Lanphear (my girl crush) and Brad Goreski. It was a beautiful event for such a stellar collection. Congrats to Chris Benz and his team on a successful season!

Honor Roll...

Straight off the plane returning from Peru I headed over to Giovanna Randall's studio to help her and her team prep for her collection, Honor's, debut presentation. There has been lots of hype and buzz surrounding Randall's premier and the collection exceeded all expectations. The inspiration for the collection and the idea of the Honor woman is Grace Kelly or Catherine Denevue meets Cindy Lauper...yes a bit of a contradiction but once you see the entire collection you have a better understanding of what Randall is getting at.

Randall in her signature bow holster.

{eduardo javier//papermag}

The presentation was divided into different rooms with varying themes. The golf theme was one of my favorites.

{eduardo javier//papermag}

{eduardo javier//papermag}

I'm a big advocate for head gear... especially a turban. A couple summers back when Prada came out with their turbans my co-workers and I opted out of the $300+ price tag and made our own patterns for similar headbands and hats. Sex and the City 2 resurrected the trend and many designers have been showing updated versions for the 2011 Spring/Summer. I can't get passed the ones available at Honor. The colors, mix of textures, and patterns are haunting me!

{eduardo javier//papermag}

This was my favorite look at the presentation. Loving the vibrant red paired with the bold print and sealed with the oh so coveted turban. YES PLEASE!!!!!!

{eduardo javier//papermag}

{eduardo javier//papermag}

So excited for Giovanna and her fabulous team. Congratulations on such a successful debut! I look forward to more gorgeous seasons to come!

Dior Kicks...Creatures of Comfort

A new store opened this week called Creatures of Comfort that houses to die for designer collaborations on Mulberry just south of Spring Street. Lucky for me, I was invited to celebrate Jade Lai's opening hosted by Tiffany Tuttle (LD Tuttle) and Victoria Bartlett (VPL) with drinks, music, and of course racks of incredible clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Quick shot of the party happening in the back of the store...

I was accompanied to the party by a little cutie that arrived in some of the sickest kicks I've seen in a while. And wouldn't you know, Dior!! Love them, tempted to borrow them for a day just to see what it's like to be kicking ass and taking names in someone else's painfully chic-tastic shoes! The shoes were easily the piece de resistance for the outfit adding a swift kick (pun intended) of edge to an appropriately edited and stylized ensemble.

Sea of Green...

For fall camel became the color of choice for designers (and a color I fully intend to embrace). After attending some shows this week and clicking through others online, it seems that sea foam green will be a must have contender come the return of warmer weather. Some designers used it as a head to toe ensemble while others used it as an accent. Either or, I'm loving the soft, subtle, and sorbet shade.

{cynthia rowley//alexader wang}

style.com

{street chic:: elle.com}

{philosophy//diane von furstenberg}

style.com

I especially love the vast range of accessory colors that lend to a chic pairing. Shades of brown, camel, black, and metallic, I MEANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!

Leather is the New Black...

I've already expressed to you my deep affinity for all things leather (after fur it's my next favorite fabric). With the weather dipping down to the low 70's I've felt it only appropriate to start wearing my cropped ruffled leather jacket from Juicy Couture. Ok, so it's not quite fall yet but a girl can dream can't she!?! Anyways, this will be quick cause I'm running out the door yet again..but I had to share with you an image from the Chris Benz presentation yesterday.

This leather skirt was just the beginning of the CB glory!

I have tons of other pictures from the presentation, as well as some other shows, that I promise to post soon! Chris' collection was incredible!!!! Still trying to recover from all the leather perfection in fun vibrant colors!

Wardrobe Diaries:: FNO/House Warming...

Because of a crazy busy work schedule, I was unfortunately not able to attend many Fashion Night Out parties. I got off work late, had to be up early, and still wanted to make it to my bestie's (Abbey) house warming party. I felt like I've been schlepping around since my return from Peru so I was determined to look full time fancy!...

Abbey and I posing with "flat Roxy"...we're counting down her return from Tokyo!

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

Shirt:: H&M tissue thin over sized white tee

Skirt:: H&M black and white short body con skirt

Necklace:: Coco Canal x Fenton Fallon multi chain necklace

Ring:: Urban Outfitters 3-finger ring

Hat:: DIY turban with vintage brooch

Home to Chaos...

Hi Lovelies...Yes I have been off the grid for far too long, but I'm back. Peru was BEYOND WORDS. I spent a week in Lima and four days in Cusco. Needless to say, I had the time of my life and have tons to catch you up on. From the moment I landed back in New York I have been running around and working, all in the name of Mercedes Benz NY Fashion Week (aka my favorite week of the year, almost enjoy it more than my birthday and/or Christmas). Off to catch up on some much needed sleep but expect show updates, spring trend forecasting, and other fashion tid bits all coming up roses!

Went to the lama/alpaca petting zoo and this little nugget wouldn't let me feed any other lamas or alpacas...So Rachel and I decided to incorporate her in a photo shoot!

Walking around the plaza in Cusco...ok, I was shopping (wait until you see what I scored)!

Como te llama, lama?!...her name is Alicia actually, says so on her earring!

(all images hinate)

So glad to be back, I missed you!!!