Gift Guide:: DeSmitten

It's officially the holiday season which means, you are probably starting to think about gifts to give and receive. So in honor of the shopping conundrum this week is dedicated to Gift Guides thought up by some of my favorite fellow bloggers. Lets start with my dear friend Christina of Desmitten. I've known her for pretty much my entire New York life. She has impeccable style and taste so take note of some of her favorite finds!

{click image to zoom}

1. House your organic flowers in this geo Vase by Rosenthal $85

2. Add sparkle to any outfit wearing one or more of these Stackable Bangles by Satomi Kawakits $150 - $280

3. Make your look pop with these Poppy Suede Pumps by Isabel Marant $620

4. For under $50 your eyes can be the life of the holiday party! Try Bobby Brown Eye Palette $45

5. Give whimsical inspiration all year-long with Lula Magazine 1 year Subscription $77

6. Wear this Peterpan Collar Open Back Dress from Asos for a classic feminine look. $65.51

7. You will never have to pass up fabulous furniture at the flea market if you have a Zip Car Membership, for New Yorkers, roughly $85

8. Pick your shape and size to Personalize a Vintage Inspired Tray $90-$250

9. Perfect to wear with princess sleeve coats, Long Diane Von Furstenberg Gloves $200

10. Learn about the woman who discovered Alexander McQueen and Sophie Dahl, from her husband's perspective. Blow by Blow: The Story of Isabella Blow

Garrison Shoot...

About a month ago I headed up to Garrison, NY to do a photo shoot with some friends. I have been anxiously awaiting to see the final images. So here are a couple to peek your interest...

These were my favorite shoes that I pulled...black and white rabbit fur boots!!!!

Originally I was going to make a skirt out of bubble wrap but with the help from my assistant we opted for a bustle instead. Better than the original idea.

The shoes again, I wasn't lying when I said they were my favorite.

This might be my favorite outfit from the day. It was a super last minute thought and I wasn't sure how it would come out on camera. Francine worked the look like no other and made me fall in love with the ensemble even more.

Clothes Encounter...

I feel like I'm apologizing a lot lately for the lack of posts...But in my defense work has really picked up in the best way possible. I don't let a moment go by without realizing how blessed I am to be working my dream job, with crazy talented people, and soaking up every ounce of knowledge and wisdom they graciously bestow upon me. So with the disclaimer out of the way, lets move forward!!! :)

The jobs I have been on and the people I have been working with have sparked a creativity like no other in me. I feel like the wool has been taken off my eyes and I'm seeing colors, styles, silhouettes, all of it the whole nine yards, for the first time in new light. I think my phone is about to crash from the overload of screen shots and image downloads recently. Earlier today I emptied out some of the memory on my phone to share with you.

{all the pretty birds}

Yes, I flagged this image because of the Sonia Rykiel pom pom headband. It's a little juvenile and for some reason I can't stop thinking about it...and how, with the help of my friend Yes Jess, I can DIY my own 7 inch pom pom to assault a headband. It could be the fact that I'm addicted to any and all head gear which stems from my debacle of not knowing what to do with my hair at the moment (which is a whole other conversation we need to have). In some way, shape, or form I need to facilitate some kind of action (DIY or purchase) to secure one of these door knockers for my head.

{all the pretty birds}

My wardrobe is more often than not a mix of soft-feminine blended with tough-substantial counterparts. When I saw this look, I thought, DUH! I have an identical jacket and pale pink skirt (which doubles as a dress) to make this look happen. I can see it now, anchored with a pair of grey shearling lined booties, and I think the dark Burgundy lips are the cherry on top. This just might be my outfit for a birthday celebration this weekend.

{all the pretty things}

Everything about this outfit makes my loins burn! The haphazard, "oh this ole thing" attitude and impeccable color combination is so on point. The added sparkle via the necklace is exactly the accessory that keeps this look fresh and ideal for day-to-night translation.

{all the pretty things}

Yes, I'm still on a pants kick and loving it! I got a quick glimpse of these plaid harem pants and it was love at first sight. I believe with all my heart and soul that these are the perfect pants. I have no idea where in the world I will find a pair of pants similar to this within my budget, so Mom...Get to work, Christmas is just around the corner and I need these to go along side a new fur! :) It's not just the pants that are rockin, but the look in its entirety. Baggy shirt, leopard scarf, and men's fedora...YES PLEASE!

And last a quick pic of me with my new friend, Rudy (aka Agyness Deyn's pup). I had the pleasure and privilege of working with Agyness this week. She's the nicest and sweetest lady, and aside from being super cool and gorgeous, she's also got a good head on her shoulders. During a quick chat between takes she showed me her website she recently launched with a friend called NAAG. You must check it out, a combination of fashion, beauty, music, culture...an all around good time of their favorite things, highlighting new and old talent.

I'm glad to be back with you guys! With the holiday this week, you can expect frequent posts from me!

xoxo

Alegria Benefit...

I've mentioned Alegria to you before, the non profit that I've started with an artist collective of friends in NYC. Well tonight is our Exhibit! We will be showcasing and selling some of the kids artwork from our trip this past September as well as screening a documentary from the trip and auctioning off my friend Adam's images. If you're able to make it out, we would love to see you there, share the kid's stories, and tell you more about what we are trying to do in South America!...invitation is below!

if you have any questions, please feel free to email me...

That's A Wrap...

It's no secret anymore that I love me a turban! I'll find any excuse to wear one even to the most pedestrian of events. So you can only imagine my excitement when I saw a whole article in the New York Times last week about my favorite accessory, written by the painfully stylish turban aficionado June Ambrose (article here). In honor of the Times and my obsessive infatuation with the newest head gear, as well as a long overdue turban post, I thought I would introduce you to the most outlandish turban I've sported as of yet.

{roxy, abbey, me}

Last weekend I celebrated my friend Candice's birthday with a hoard of friends down at the Seaport. I fussed with my hair for a bit before twisting up a turban to add some color and pizazz. Pink Lame... yes it did quite the trick, and a secret about it, it's actually a shirt that unfortunately has never been worn. Some people scoff while others applaud, and honestly the reactions don't matter to me. At the end of the day, "it's a wrap!"

Panting Over Dickies Girl...

I've committed this fall/winter to strictly pants (as much as possible)!! Cropped, wide leg, high waist, skinny, tapered, jeggings...you name it, I'm all about it! But just because I'm throwing myself full fledged into party pants, that doesn't mean I'll sport just anything out there. I still have high standards for pants, they must meet a few requirements::

-Flattering

-Versatile/Functional

-Fashionable

-Affordable

In my search for the perfect pairs to incorporate into my wardrobe, I've stumbled upon quite the gem! I was recently re-introduced to Dickies Girl, and it is was love at first wear!

I've planted my behind in a pair of DG black jeggings, and I don't say this frequently so you know it's serious... They have been life changing! I don't know if there is even a word to describe accurately their comfort level--they are that good! They pair impeccably with heels, sneakers, and/or boots, and can effortlessly be dressed up or down (versatile). Skinny jeans can be tricky for anyone to pull off and the fabric and cut have magically combined to elongate and slim my short gams (flattering). And just because I work with designer clothes doesn't mean that I can afford the designer price tag, so when I found out that the pants cost only $30, I was beyond myself! (affordable, what a steal!)

Dolls, you absolutely can't go wrong with these DG pants. Check out the website (Dickiesgirl.com) to purchase your own pair as well as to see all that DG has in store for you, and keep checking back because BIG things are under way over there.

For The World You Walk On...

Fall made a quick visit before winter-like weather settled into the city the last couple of days. And just in time for the winter chill, I received new boots that you're going to want to take note of! I never feel well prepared for snow covered streets or rain drenched sidewalks, and now that is over. This winter I will be stomping around the city in two new pairs of Cougar boots.

tibet//black//$75

How adorable are these rain boots?! I love the faux striped sock that peeks over the top of the boot. I recently had the first chance to sport them about the city and totally fell in love. Aside from being so cute, they are incredibly comfortable. My beef with most rain boots is that the soles are thin and super flat. But not in these bad boys. They pack a cushy insole and support for my barely there arch. I'm almost wishing for more rain just for another chance to wear more of the goodness!

ringo star//black//$180

Every girl needs a pair of "boots with the fur!"...Nelly said so! I don't know how I haven't acquired such gloriousness before, but I'm glad I was able to hold out until these arrived. I love the versatility of these boots. You can wear them with the fur folded over for all to see or hike them up to keep your knobby knees warm, loose and slouchy or secure and pristine. I can't wait to wear these in the blistering cold, and I'm uncharacteristically itching for a snow day! Worn with tights or jeans tucked into them, these will definitely be a very important and fashionable winter staple in my life!

Do yourself a favor and check out Cougar's website (here). The styles for their winter collection are just too cute for words, and I guarantee you'll be warm, cozy, and comfortable throughout all the winter frost!

Pretty Pennies...

If you haven't checked out Pretty Pennies by now, you have seriously been missing out my friends! It is a fashion site and blog that includes some of the best brands, ones that I LOVE! The company is based out of LA and takes great effort in supporting, encouraging, and bringing new brands to customers.

I was recently shopping around on the site and quickly accumulated a cart that would have cost more than my monthly rent...a fun yet incredible feat since the prices are more than reasonable. As I was unwillingly eliminating pieces from my cart, I thought I would share with you some of the goodies I'm uber excited about and determined to claim in the next week!

I saw this Hellz Bellz dress and immediately fell in love with it. First off, I'm a HUGE HB advocate since I worked with them at the beginning of the year for a few styling jobs. They are funky, fun, and totally relevant. Ok, back to the dress... Simple, pockets, and screams to be worn layered or as is. And I'm crazy about the length, just at the knee! I've been searching high and low for the perfect pair of over the knee flat boots and Dolce Vita always does it right. The brand's known for versatility--you can roll down the top of the boot for a cool black accent. I'm a sucker for accessories and the bangle set is so money. I'm a believer in more is more so these bad boys will all be worn together and stacked!

Hellz Bellz Couturier Dress// $29.99

Han Cholo Spiked Bangles// $34.99

Dolce Vita Donnie Boots// $199.99

Do me a solid and check out Pretty Pennies. Let me know your thoughts, what your favorite items are, brands your stoked about...you can even send me an email with an outfit you've created from your finds and I'll post it here. And to make your trip to Pretty Pennies even better, if you type in "COCOCANAL" in the promo code they will hook you up with 15% off your purchase!! I know right?!?!!?

Wardrobe Diaries:: Mums the Word...

Things have been a bit hush hush over here since the weekend, but for good reason. My mum has been in town! Hosting her is always a fun time...taking her to my current favorite restaurants, parading her through my neighborhood, and keeping her entertained in the company of my amazing, hilarious, and often ridiculous friends. Lets not forget the amazing shopping partner that she is as well.

Yesterday we spent running around on a shopping excursion...hunting for the perfect pair of high waist, tapered khakis. On our way out the door I snapped this adorable pic of her.

Jacket:: My Juicy Couture cropped leather jacket

Cardigan:: J. Crew grey and olive cable knit cardigan

Scarf:: J.Crew oatmeal cashmere scarf.

Jeans:: Black Gap skinny jeans

Is she not the cutest!?!?!

Jacket:: H&M shearling leather motorcycle jacket

Top:: H&M leopard print tank

Cardigan:: Urban Outfitters extra long grey cardigan

Pants:: Thrifted tuxedo pants (my fall staple)

Shoes:: UES grey leather studded sneaks

Hat:: Self designed turban

Necklace:: Coco Canal x Fenton Fallon self designed necklace

Belt:: J.Crew lemon/lime skinny belt

Sunnies:: Borrowed from my roomie!

I had the best time with my mum in town and was so sad to send her off this morning. It was such a treat to get to spend so much time with her and have her meet my NYC family.

Style Like U:: Lori Goldstein

I've been meaning to post this for a while now. How can you not just love Lori!?!?!!? J'adore her with every ounce of my being!

Lori Goldstein from StyleLikeU.com from Stylelikeu on Vimeo.