Baggage Claim::Katherine Kwei...

I've become a bit of a bag lady as of late, so when I received an invitation to preview Katherine Kwei's S/S 2011 collection, I was "right on top of that Rose!" I've heard nothing but incredible things about the brand so my expectations were high.

The collection is a complete knock out...exceeding all my expectations and more! The quality is above and beyond, the colors are spot on, and the detail is intricate. A combination of Uptown preciousness with Downtown versatility.

While at the event, I had the opportunity to try my hand at constructing a traditional Chinese knot. I made it work, but not without some help from the tutorial board!

My knot is now an adorable key chain that hangs from my bag along side a raccoon tail!

Christina from Desmitten and me posing with our favorite Katherine Kwei bags

{photo by Nicky Digital}

I had such a great time catching up with new and old friends, chatting with Katherine about the collection, and succeeding at the DIY project! Katherine, it was such a pleasure to meet you! Thank you so much for the invitation and congratulations on an incredible collection!

Alegria Teaser...

I've been really bad about posting pictures from my trip to Peru. I know, I'm sorry! But here is a teaser video that my crazy talented friend, Adam of Loose Luggage , put together.

Alegria - Hope Through Art from Loose Luggage on Vimeo.

Stay tuned, there is a lot more to come!!!

Wardrobe Diaries:: Previews, Pulls, & Parties, OH MY!

The last couple of weeks my calendar has been packed with previews, pulls, and fabulous events. I love getting to see the clothes, shoes, and accessories up close...touching, smelling, it's a very meditative experience for me. Last week I was heading to the Dsquared/Margiela preview and wanted to dress up for two of my all time favorite brands...yes I know the designers wouldn't be there but they clothes were, so inadvertently they were present in spirit!

{image by Nate Poekert}

Dress:: Lela Rose grosgrain stripe dress

Jacket:: Juicy Couture cropped leather jacket

Vest:: Old Navy DIY denim vest (introduced here)

Shoes:: Christian Siriano for Payless black side zip boots

Bag:: LoGo by Lori Goldstein bronze ruffle bag

Scarf:: Custom designed scarf by Roxy

Belt:: Lela Rose black patent belt

Mind blowing Margiela trench coat...

Front//Back

Margiela sequin open toe boots!...drooling!!!!

Three of my favorite DSquared pieces.

SANG A Im-Propp...

Last week I was invited to preview the S/S 2011 collection of SANG A Im-Propp. I've been following the brand for a while so I was more than delighted to get an up close and personal tour of the new bags. The SANG A collection was started with an eye for exotic skin and leather accessories to rave reviews and has seen significant growth and success since its launch in 2006 and continues to develop in innovative and exciting ways.

The intricate and exceptional use of alligator, python, and ostrich skins, amongst others, quickly established Sang A as a designer to watch in the luxury accessories market. To date, the collection is still a combination of intriguing colors, shapes, and textures with an effortless since of style that has become the brand's trademark of the namesake collection.

The Mini Pop:: For obvious reason, this is my favorite bag, as well as the most popular for the brand. This is a working girl on the run dream bag! Mid-size sculpted day bag with pleated bottom and convertible zipper shoulder strap. And just so you get a better idea, the dimensions are W. 19" H. 14". The genius in the bags is that many of them have a laptop pocket and space for days. I'm the worst at bogging down my bags with everything including the kitchen sink and this bag accommodates for the unnecessary items I insist on carrying around. I couldn't keep my eyes off this bag during the preview, not to mention that it's in gold Python. I can't imagine a better bag to tote around from styling gig, to previews, events, and dinner/drinks with friends. It transitions for any part of your day and can be carried year round. LOVE LOVE LOVE. I'm going to to have to hustle a few jobs to be able to afford this deliciousness.

The Rise:: The designer was wearing this during the preview and I just about died. I'll admit it, since my trip to Peru I have been looking for something resembling a fanny pack! This is better than anything I could have imagined. Sculpted double wave belt bag with sash belt...GENIUS!

The Zip Up:: Every now and then I'm able to compact my life into a small bag for a night out dancing with the girls. I've been eyeing this for days now. Everything about the design and structure is stylish, unique, and functional... a quilted spiral-shaped clutch with wrap-around zipper wristlet.

Check out the website to see the full collection and styles available. Also, the collection is available exclusively at specialty retailers worldwide including Neiman Marcus, Kirna Zabete NYC, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, as well as select boutiques in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The global presence continues to grow, especially through involvement in various international and New York City-based charity organization.

Modern Electric...

A couple months ago I assisted my friend and mentor, stylist Tasha Cain, on a StyleCaster shoot. The shoot was inspired by Guy Bourdin's disjointed photo composition. The clothes, hair, and make up also referenced a particularly lush and luxurious brand of Eighties fashion in what Tasha describes as "rich bitch." The overall take being a fashion and beauty spread appropriately named Modern Electric.

Uhhhh my absolute favorite image!

Photographer:: Bon Duke

Stylist:: Tasha Cain

Makeup:: Jordy Poon using Lancome

Hair Stylist:: Anthony Campbell, Atelier Management

Manicurist:: Mara Taskin, Rita Hazan Salon

Models:: Mackenzie, DNA; Ellie Weston, Marilyn

Creative Director:: Emily Finkbinder

That 70's Show...

A couple weeks ago I was invited by Tory Burch to visit her showroom and preview her S/S 2011 collection. It was everything I love about clothes and fashion and completely inspired by the 70's. The collection housed everything from crochet skirts, bell sleeve maxi dresses, and even a pair of high waist denim flares (you know my obsession with bells and flares)!

This baja is so major! How adorable and juxtaposed would it be paired with these gold lame pants?!

Totally fell for these denim clog/espadrille hybrid. A summer must have!

Matryoshka Russian Doll...

As promised here is an image of nOir designer, Lee, wearing the dinosaur cuff from the event last week. Sheer perfection, I must get one for myself.

While I was at the event, I met a friend of a friend that was wearing the best ring I've seen in a while. My eyes jumped out of my head with excitement and joy rage quickly overcame me! Meet my newest obsession, the Babushka ring. The colors are vibrant and the details are exquisite!

Hello!!! Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen! nOir really is doing it for me! Lee's designs are quirky but with a glamorous realm. Perfect for everyday wear or special occasion (exactly what I'm looking for when it comes to accessories)! I must get my finger into this little doll! Crazy obsessed with it!

nOir jewelry//$200

Lee, I stand in awe of your designs!!!

xoxo-one of your biggest fans!

Doppelganger Dress Up...

I'd like to introduce you to my doppelganger, Ryan...

21 years old//Works in the film industry//Comic aficionado//Partner in crime

Really, you don't think we look a like?! I use the term doppelganger loosely. Ok, we do not look anything alike, but we are so similar in life that it feels like we were separated at birth. Ryan was visiting this past week from LA for his sister's birthday. Monday I spent the day running around the city shopping with Des (sis) and Ryan. Towards the end of our shopping afternoon, while in TopMan, I was informed that I could pick out anything for him to try and and we could have a dress up session. I literally think I squealed and was overcome by joy rage!

As you can see, I was more than excited to hit the dressing room with some new digs! Styling makes my heart beat!!

My favorite part of this look::the pants...intentionally shorter than Ryan is used to. I would have finished off the look with either a black bow tie or skinny tie and a pair of oxfords.

Christmas in October!!! We all agreed that this would be the perfect holiday sweater. It's paired with navy wool pants and a denim button down shirt (you all are fully aware of my love and uncontrollable tendency to layer)! For this look I would have thrown on a pair of vintage dark brown lace up boots with the pants tucked in and laces undone.

Here go the layers again!...and I've realized that I like a polished look that is a little undone...hence why shirt tails are often showing! I can't totally strip Ryan of his comfort level so I would throw on a cool pair of kicks (a new pair of denim Margiela high tops I spotted yesterday).

Des, thank you for documenting the day's adventures! Ryan, thanks for ditching your West Coast disposition and letting me play dress up/boss you around!! Just so you know I've sent these images to a couple modeling agencies so it looks like you'll be back in NYC before you anticipated!...

you're welcome! :)

Weekend In Review...

Last weekend I went to New Paltz to go apple picking with a group of friends...Well a very large group of friends. Apple picking is my favorite fall activities. Wanted to put together a few images from the day trip since I'm fortunate to roll with some amazing photographers and super adorable friends!

The kids...The one on the left is really 27 yrs old.

Wardrobe Diaries:: Dog Days Are Over...

I've fully embraced fall! I love the crisp air, layers, and copious amounts of jackets. Last week during the down pour of rain, I decided to suck it up and not schlep around in jeans and kicks. Last Thursday was a day of running around from previews, events, and trying to get in some work here and there. Before meeting up with a high school friend for the nOir event, I went to visit Roxy and we snapped this quick pic on her roof.

Top:: H&M leopard print romper

Cardigan:: Rodarte for Target lace cardigan

Jacket:: Juicy Couture cropped leather jacket (gifted)

Pants:: Thrifted high waisted tuxedo pants

Shoes:: Dolce Vita for Target studded oxfords

Belt:: Gap metallic skinny belt

Necklace:: Self designed tchotchke bib necklace.

I'm all about pants this fall (so far). I've been rotating these tuxedo pants pretty much every other day because they are comfortable, high waisted, and at the end of the day, they just feel right. Totally in the market and on the prowl for more tapered pants for this season.

nOir Walt Disney Classic...

Last week I went to the Gramercy Hotel to preview nOir's new collection. The collection was inspired by Walt Disney classics. The decor was perfect for the line and I was blown away by the creativity that designer, Lee, conjured up for the season. Lee has great taste, style, and an imagination and design that goes unmatched.

These dinosaur cuffs were the stand out peace for me. I should have gotten a better image of the actual cuff worn on Lee (hopefully that image to come soon). Beautiful and so cool, I was freaking out over it all night.

I was read to purchase this dinosaur ring as soon as I walked in. It is covered in purple gems and I'm pretty sure it would never leave my hand. So lovely!

Unicorn rings... I want I want I want!!!!!

Lee, it was great meeting you last week. Congratulations on a gorgeous collection, it is truly stunning.

National Business Women's Week...

Tory Burch's foundation is one organization that helped kick off the start of National Business Women's Week yesterday. The foundation provides economic opportunity to women and their families in the US. Tory Burch, together with ACCION USA provides small business loans to women entrepreneurs who normally would not be able to receive business loans from the bank. Tory Burch has created a capsule collection and proceeds go directly to the foundation. The collection ranges from silk scarves to tote bags and sandals all displaying the signature sunflower logo...The logo is created from a pendant Tory's father gave to her mother.

In honor and support of Tory Burch's foundation and the cause, I am giving away a copy of the foundation's CD featuring artists like Melanie Fiona, Citizen Cope, and Santigold. For a chance to win, please comment on this post leaving your blog URL and/or email.

* One winner will be randomly selected and contacted by e-mail after Sunday, October 24, 2010; if you do not have a blog or contact e-mail on your blog, please include it with your comment for notification. Unfortunately, this give-away is open to u.s. readers only.

What I Want Now...New Gems

I'm trying to update my wardrobe with some interesting stand out jewelry pieces. Over the last couple of days I've stumbled on some note worthy items that I really want to introduce into my wardrobe arsenal this autumn.

The first is this Brooklyn Bridge double finger ring from nOir. I'm a recent Brooklyn transplant and the commute into Manhattan every morning is my favorite thing. Taking the Manhattan bridge and seeing Lady Liberty, downtown skyline, and the Brooklyn Bridge is my favorite way to start my day.

nOir jewelry, brooklyn bridge two finger ring, $250

I think this bracelet is so sick! I'm all about it! I'm not sure how I stumbled across it but I'm glad I did. Beetle juice, beetle juice, beetle juice!!!

Litter SF, beetle hand jewelry, $125

Coco Canal's New Lover...

This morning I got an introduction and sneak preview to the Australian born collection, Lover. The collection started in 2001 by fashion and graphic designers, Susien Chong and Nic Briand. The brand is a mash up of pop culture references, quirky detailing, and intimate fabrications. The end product is a new approach to feminine fashion. The new spring collection is a debut of to die for bathing suits, lace frocks, and painfully chic sweats. When I got home I went straight to my computer to check out their fall collection as well. Here are a few quick images of some of my favorite looks from their previous seasons.

Velvet harem pants with a camel over sized jacket...YES PLEASE!

I'm a sucker for luxurious fabric so when I saw these velvet shorts I died. The styling is exactly how I would wear it too. So cute! I want these, I need these, Oh baby Oh baby!

Too cute for words!

I'm channeling a similar look today but with a bit of a rocker edge. Everything about this speaks to me. Perfect for a busy day running about the city from meeting to appointments and events. A+ appropriate attire for all facets of life.

{all images by Lover}

Needless to say, I'm a BIG fan of this collection and can't wait to see how they continue to grow.