Matchbook Launch Party...

Wednesday night post-work, I "ice skated" down to the Coach store on Prince Street for the launch of the new online magazine, Matchbook. The party was just as charming and lovely as the magazine and its creators, Jane Warren and Katie Armour.

Co-hosted at the coach store by Lela Rose, Rita Konig, and John Derian, the event had coach craftsmen on premise demonstrating some of their leather work. I couldn't be more excited for an online magazine. I love Armour and Warren's goal for the magazine, "To inspire women around the globe to create a fabulous life that they adore!" To kick off their premier issue, they couldn't have picked a better cover girl: stylish, warm, and feminine designer Lela Rose! You must check out her article to get a glimpse into her new Tribeca apartment, her design inspriation (for her line and her home), and to snag her homemade biscotti recipe.

I can't wait to see what the next issue will showcase. Katie and Jane, CONGRATULATIONS! The first issue is beyond words, and the two of you are so lovely.

**On a random but related side note, I found my dream come to life at the coach store...coyote pillows! I'm over the moon that they actually do exist but now desperate to recreate my very own (since I know the price tag is more than I could handle)! Stay tuned lovelies!

{all images by Joe Schildhorn/BFAnyc.com}

Matchbook Toast...

I'm so excited for tonight... I will be toasting Matchbook Magazine's creative director Jane Lilly Warren and editorial director Katie Armour at their magazine launch.

Check back soon cause I'll be reporting back to you on the event happenings!!!

Wardrobe Diaries:: Man Repelling Inauguration...

Yesterday I was invited to an event at What Goes Around Comes Around hosted by Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller, Elizabeth Spiridakis of White Lightning, and Tiffany Gong of Six Sick Girls. The room was full of eclectic clothes on both the racks as well as on the guests.

View of the room...

The Man Repeller herself (not at all repelling) in all her glory!

And then there turned up to be a picture of me.

DIY plaid scarf

DIY rabbit fur vest (thanks to my mother)

Cropped Juicy Couture leather jacket (gifted)

Target black racer back tank

Thrifted printed harem pants

For more juicy details of the night, head over to The Man Repeller's blog, here....Your's truly also made a cameo on Leandra's site. I'm over the moon, officially a man repeller!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!!!!

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!

Wardrobe Diaries:: SoSume Launch...

{nickydigital}

I'm apologizing ahead of time for being so far behind on posts regarding events I've been to recently. July 15th I headed to INVEN.TORY with my partner in crime, Roxy to the Sosume launch party. It was sweltering due to a broken air conditioner but that didn't stop us from doing some shopping, mingling, and cutting up a rug.

Who knows what we were laughing at?! Actually, I think we were supposed to be serious and started cracking up right before Christina (the photographer and our new friend) snapped our mugs!

{nickydigital}

{nickydigital}

Dress:: Lela Rose button hem dress

Belt:: Goodwill find back in Texas

Bag:: vintage Chanel embossed bag

Sunnies:: F21 cat eye sunglasses

!!!Funniest sign ever!!!

I'm Still Here...

Hi dolls, I know I have been M.I.A. for the last week or so. I've been busy with some freelance jobs, collection previews, and incredible events...all to be posted on here before the end of the weekend (hopefully). I couldn't neglect you any longer so I wanted to post a quick pic from last night's World of Juicy w. Erin Fetherston event. I can't give too much away just yet...

The event was amazing. I met some incredibly fashionable ladies:: Felicia, Dina, Julia, Karen, and Aly that kept me laughing all night. And I finally met the chic Karen Robinovitz. We chatted about everything from bags, shoes, food, and men, and it felt like we were old friends reconnecting. (Karen love and adore you, thank you so much for last night!).

I can't wait to post more about the actual event with pictures. So much to share with you so check back soon! I've missed you all dearly!

Wardrobe Diaries::Give Me Them Bright Lights...

To celebrate July 4th my friends and I climbed to a rooftop in Hells Kitchen to get a clear view of the flaming sky on the west side. Our 30+ party lounged with drinks, music, an assortment of food, and the most beautiful summer sunset.

{loose luggage}

{loose luggage}

{loose luggage}

{hi nate}

One of my favorite pics from the weekend with Roxy (L) and Abbey (middle). The three of us are never allowed to live together because we would get nothing done except a) continuous dance party, b) make believe band, and c) too much laughing at those around us. Needless to say, I love and adore these two!

{hi nate}

I didn't pose for many pics that night, so my wardrobe post is unfortunately limited...

Shirt:: H&M breton stripe tunic

Pants:: (not pictured) black shorts

Sunnies:: F21 faux Alexander Wang shades

Shoes:: Target gladiator sandals