Shop Coco Canal...

I just added a ton of new merchandise to the Coco Canal store... from sneakers to make up, and more of my summer must haves.

Head over here to check it out... Happy Shopping!

Styleowner Store...

If you're a regular here, then you are fully aware of my shopaholic tendencies. Whether it is research for work, virtual shopping, or just a day of indulgence, I feel revived and inspired being in the presence of clothes...in a really cheesy way, they speak to me. They are not asking me about my day or encouraging me to give the barista my number. My closet is giving me permission to explore different parts of my personality, experiment with trends, think outside the box, and on days when I'm running late, not have to think about anything at all. With all that said, I'm so excited to share with you the launch of the official Coco Canal virtual store that was set up for me thanks to Styleowner.

You will see this banner on the side, so feel free to click on it to step into a curated selection of my favorite brands and must have pieces. Head over to the wall to leave feedback, inspiration, and start beauty and fashion discussions. I'll also post styling tips, tricks, and suggestions. A big thank you to Styleowner for the opportunity to share my love and vision for all things fashion on their incredible forum. Click here to shop the Coco Canal store and check back frequently as new merchandise will be added on the regular.

Gift Guide:: Byrdie

Can you believe Thanksgiving has come and passed?! I'm still recovering from my glutenous meal and excessive shopping so while I recuperate, enjoy Bryn from the blog Byrdie's holiday gift guide. And check back the rest of the week for more from some of my fashionable blogger friends!

1. This gold bird bowl would make such a pretty and interesting centerpiece.

2. I've loved this calendar necklace ever since I first saw it years ago. It's perfect to commemorate a special date.

3. The Cartier love bracelet is on my dream wish list. It's something I would wear everyday and have forever.

4. Baggu has awesome products in great colors. I love this pretty, metallic pouch.

5. A fun, bright coffee table book - great for kids and adults.

6. I'm always a sucker for sequin. This party dress would be so fun for holiday parties.

7. I could totally use an ipad or macbook to easily jam in my handbag without weighing me down.

8. I've always been a fan of this fun New York skyline dinnerware.

9. This argan oil moisturizing stick is without any junk like parabens, fragrance, etc and perfect for multiple uses.

10. A sleek, functional (and bright) suitcase to make travel easier.

One Shoe Out the Coo Coo's Nest...

You know what I have to say on these bad boys already {blogged about them here, here, here, oh wait, here too!}! That said, you can only image my excitement when I heard there was a store in the city that still had them in stock. Friday afternoon I couldn't get uptown fast enough but once I arrived luck was on my side. My size was in stock in the bordeaux/black and black/black combos. With one on each foot I stood in the mirror gazing longingly and unsure which would be the best fit...

Ahhhh I did it!!!! I pulled the trigger, came home with the bordeaux pair, and couldn't be happier. Prepare yourself for many a wardrobe diary including these little gems!

Introducing Tina Returner...

I've been working in fashion (professionally) for a little over four years now so it should come as no surprise to hear that I am a shop-a-holic. If there were enough hours in the day I would literally stroll store to store gazing at every rack, row, and shelf. I have a physical reaction when it comes to clothes which usually begins with tunnel vision for the eye catching distraction. Sometimes it is the thrill of finding that perfect item that gets my adrenaline pumping while other times it is simply the purchase of something new that puts me over the edge into full blown joy rage. However my shopping addiction has also earned me the name, Tina Returner! I have an unfortunate tendency to purchase and immediately return. Usually it is not that I'm dissatisfied, but rather it was an impulse purchase for the sake of immediate gratification.

These new goodies I will however, NOT be returning.

My fashionisto Jacob, last seen here, sashayed into work last week with a present in tow. From his bag of goodies he revealed a Salvation Army gem that, dare I say it, is 70's boho meets spring 2011 Celine...

To beat the heatwave Friday afternoon I made a cooling pit stop into H&M. A quick loop around the flag ship store had me running for the nearest register to check out with another designer inspired addition--this time all in the name of Prada.

{runway images style.com}

Hi, My name is Tina Returner, and I'm a shop-a-holic!

About Face...

I've been a cargoes naysayer for quite a while and well, I think I might give them a second chance. After seeing this snap shot of June's look, I'm itching to march myself down to the nearest army surplus store and try a new type of fatigue.

I love the slouchy fit with oversized cuffs--however, I'm still not convinced that anyone needs this many pockets :)

Pink It's the Color of Passion...

Cause today it just goes with the fashion~'Pink' by Aerosmith

As I start warming up to the idea of spring and summer I'm noticing that my growing wardrobe is chalk full of the bold and beautiful neon family. The last couple of weekends I've acquired some key illuminated pieces.

*A mesh leotard from American Apparel to layer under tanks with low cut arm holes. I can already tell this is going to be a staple--and only the beginning of an expanding 'keep your cool' layering collection.

*I was hysterical when I found this H&M bag at Beacon's Closet a couple weekends ago. It's an envelope with a small handle on the back side right beneath a silver exposed zipper. The color is magnificent, the size perfect for a night out, and the rubbery plastic material gets me every time.

Haters, Haters, & I Made Myself So Easy To Love...

I shy away from pricey sunnies because I'm notorious for throwing them in my purse and forgetting about them (read, they have about a two week life span before they are scratched, missing a lens, or broken). As previously expressed, Friday was the sunniest warmest day we've had in a while which meant some new shades were necessary.

{H&M gold aviators $9.95}

{Hi Nate}

Sunday post brunch while strolling around with Amanda in The Slope, Nate snapped this pic amidst oncoming traffic!

What I Want Now...Geometric Secrets

I'm still denying myself the Isabel Marant wedge sneakers (here) so in the meantime I'm trying to distract myself with their runner up. While out on a personal shopping job I stumbled upon these 80%20 sneakers in Soho. The geometric boot-sneaker hybrid, like the Marant sneakers, house an incognito 3 inch wedge, made of calf hair, and is finished with blonde wooden toggles.

I think these are adorable, might have to pull the trigger on them!

Sole Sister...

The extended weekend proved to be good for the sole! I danced to 70's disco, brunched with girlfriends, treated myself to a mani, saw Blue Valentine, sashayed around Project in Soho, and along the way acquired some new goodies to up my shoes game. I'm a creature of comfort...I wear shoes that I can sprint around the city in and that can withstand being on set all day long. Every now and then I want to reach new heights and certain actions need to be taken to do so.

These were the first purchase of the weekend. Christian Siriano for Payless Mena Dress Boot. Faux horse hair and embossed patent lizard with gold tone hardware and reflective square heel. I've been keeping a close eye on these for a couple weeks now. Right before the holidays I spotted them on a rainy day when I popped into the store to shelter myself from the inclement weather. When the boots were no where to be found in Texas stores, I was determined to get back to the city to reclaim my footwear. The wait was worth it when I found them discounted to $25!

Accompanying the Siriano score on my shelf are these pale pink metallic cut out peep toe lace up booties. During a quick run through Beacon's Closet Sunday with the girls, I glanced over at these and thought, maybe just maybe. Originally from H&M and only costing me $9 this fateful day, I couldn't pass them up. The heel height is more than desirable for a night dancing or walking/standing for a full day on set.

Comfort: A+

Versatility: A+

I'll be wearing these now with tights and socks and bare footed throughout the spring/summer

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! :)

Isabel Marant Moves to New York

I'm excited to get word that French designer, Isabel Marant, will be opening a long awaited store in New York. The store will be located at 55 Greene Street (at the corner of Broome). Not only will her store be next door to her husband's--handbag designer Jerome Dreyfuss, but will also carry her lower price lined, Etoile and jewelery. I'm over the moon excited for the indie designer to open her doors in the heart of authentic New York shopping hub.



{all images from style.com}

Grooms Girl I'm Not

Yesterday I embarked on a day of running around the city from every flea market or thrift store I could think of in search for cowboy boots to DIY. Unfortunately my day of cowboy boot shopping was unsuccessful. However, I didn't leave empty handed. With all the weddings and engagements occurring around me, I decided to invest in a pair of tuxedo pants. No, I'm not a grooms girl, just an adventurous fashionista trying to make it in this recession!

For years I have been trying to find the perfect tuxedo pant that wasn't too pleated and who's silhouette wasn't too boxy, bulky, or overwhelming. I debated on getting a navy wool pair but instead settled for a pair in classic black. I emptied out all the change in my purse to pay the $3 price tag! I came home and started imaging looks centered around the pants. Right now my current thought is rolling/cuffing the hem and pairing with my new P.Lim DIYed navy sweater (with black leather bows), and my future cognac DIYed cowboy boots. I can't wait!! Will hopefully post a wardrobe diary soon.

Have a great weekend!

Shop With The Experts

About a week ago I found this new website called Style Q that is moving fashion into a virtual shopping network connecting fashion addicts to the creative brains behind celebrity looks. The website is marketed at becoming the new daily fashion destination to find and shop your favorite celebrity looks via their stylist. The stylist share the inspiration for the look, give advice about styling, and how to achieve it. You can buy items from each look whether its from a new show, episode, or red carpet event on the site. The site has an ever growing roster of stylist with client lists like pop culture news anchors, reality stars, and NY society women. The site is sure that you'll find a stylist that knows the personality, body type, and overall vibe of the celebrity you somewhat embody...or want to embody!!!! Check out the website and the current stylist spotlight on Monica Rose.

Have a stylist or style icon in mind that you're anxious to know more about??? Shoot them an email at stylists@styleq.com

Early Bird Shopping At H&M

My sleeping schedule is all sorts of messed up right now. So in my insomniatic state last night I decided to check out the H&M website. I rarely visit the site since shopping is limited. I scanned through their online magazine and fell in love with pretty much the entire fall collection. I attempted to narrow it down to some of my favorites, many of which seem to be inspired by Balmain...one of my favorite collections!

1: Crazy for this dress and the styling. I would love this dress, but I might have to pass this one to Ms. Becky! She would kill this look and I can only imagine the incredible shoes from her closet that she would pair with it. I'm itching for her to wear it with either her Loubitan purple leather ankle booties, or her Loubitan black suede thigh high boots (***hint hint***)

2: I took a break from tweed the last couple of seasons and I'm going to have to incorporate more of it this time around. This is as close to a suit as I get... Tweed jacket with matching retro-ish shorts. LOVE. I want to incorporate denim into this look...Maybe put a denim jacket underneath the tweed, or conjure up some denim trim in the form of cuffs to peek out of the sleeves!

3: All about texture here, and who doesn't long for luxurious velvet every once in a while. The shoulder detail again is exactly what I'm into.

4: Shine Shine Shine Shine On!!! What's cooler or more versatile then a sequin cardigan. Jeans, solid t-shirt, belted...not belted. This lends itself to unlimited options. Dying to pair this with the leggings from look no. 6.

5: The simplest silhouette gets a boost of fabulosity with a bold nondescript pattern. No accessories needed.

6: I don't think I can make it through another Fall/Winter in basic black leggings or tights. I love that these have some kind of detail and interest. Aside from my leather jacket, this can be another key "leather" piece to have for the season. Might have to get a couple pairs of these!

7: I don't think I can put into words what it is that I enjoy most about this dress. I just need to own this ASAP.

8: If I'm honest with myself I could probably DIY these jeans but someone else has already done all that work for me and I want to indulge in their handy work! Usually I'm not one for extremely distressed denim but this is more in line with something I would like. A little contradictory but... :) The top will be something I DIY. Trying to decide if I should use appliques, studs, beads (OH MY) for the shoulder detail.

I can only imagine how incredible the entire H&M showroom is. I'm not quite the early bird when it comes to shopping before I can actually wear but I can't miss out on any of these pieces. So for the next two months they will just have to hang nicely in my closet! And occasionally come out when I need to restyle my closet or want to play dress up!

American Apparel Excursion

I spent this evening in Chelsea and the Meatpacking District with a couple friends, grabbing a drink and some dessert. On our walk back to the apartment we made a quick trip into the American Apparel and immediately Becky and I both found our must have piece.

My pick is this chambray romper. Love love love! I want to wear it with my new elephant belt at the waist, my pair of Frye ankle strap wedges, and a floppy hat. This has potential to be the perfect all seasons uniform...Paired with a black fitted/studded blazer, sheer ankle length socks, and black peep toe booties or strappy heels with the hem pulled up to the calf!

YEP YEP YEP YEP!!!!

Becky's choice is this pair of black and white stripe biking shorts. Did a quick impromptu interview to pick her brain on why she loves the shorts.

What attracted you to the shorts: I love how skinny the shorts are as well as how skinny the stripes are...such a great proportion.

How would you style them: I would layer for sure...probably an oversize T, would love the Babooshka over sized T-shirt with chest pocket. Oooooo or with an 80's floral printed mini sundress!

Both of us are trying to figure out a way to wear these lace bodysuits. So far we've come up with under a blazer/jacket and under a cropped t-shirt...but the brainstorming is continuing!

Becky's Choice

My Choice

Button+Boo

I would like to introduce the collaborative efforts of two talented friends Kirby and Christina's new fashion baby... Button + Boo! The two met in London studying abroad in college, moved to NY after graduating and both work in the garment district. Their love for accessories and attention to detail was the starting point in creating their small collection. Kirby's line is a collection of wedding dresses, to be listed on the shop soon! Christina's line is a collection of adorable everyday wear...printed skirts and tops, rompers, cardigans. Everything I want to wear now!

I hope you'll check out their site and you find something you love!

Trunk Space

I wanted to get a quick post in before I head to Liberty Island with the masses for All Point West for the weekend. I wasn't planning on going at all, but Monday afternoon I received a phone call saying I won a pair of 3 day passes for the weekend! Thank you Daily Candy! Yesterday I went thrift/vintage shopping with two friends and felt like I scored the mother load. I'll post my finds soon, but had to share with you the elephant belt I scored. I have been looking for something like this FOREVER! I think I squealed when I picked it out of the bin! The best part is the actual belt can be take off and replaced with a different color/fabric...the options are endless!

Will most likely be sporting this all weekend!!!!

Odd Twin Trading Company

Last weekend I went to brunch with my friends Ellen and Chinae and then we went strolling around Park Slope to do a little vintage shopping. Chinae took us to this amazing vintage store called Odd Twin. The interior decoration is cute, a little cheeky, and houses an expansive library of some of the best vintage pieces I've seen in a while, at phenomenal prices. The store has a breadth of options in apparel, shoes, and accessories. One piece that has continued to stick with me was a gold tie clip that had a screw on it, while another had a miniature hose clamp. The store has such a great collection of vintage pieces and also re-works and DIYs some of their own projects!...Finally a store that gets it!!!

display in the store

Saw this marching band hat and about DIED!!!! I'm in love, I have no idea what I would wear it with, or where, but can't stop thinking about it!!!

I'm in love with this top! It's textured silk and a crop top... my current obsession! I want to wear it with a pair of black high waist shorts to APW this weekend...and in the fall with my Babooshka harem jodphur leggings, cognac boots, and a grey cardigan!

If you are in Park Slope tomorrow, Thursday July 30th, I hope you can make it to the grand opening party for Odd Twin. Located at 164 Fifth Ave (at Degraw) The store is offering 10% all purchases!

Babooshka Boutique

Last night I was hanging out with my friend Becky doing some "fashion research" and stumbled upon some great websites, blogs, and shopping sites. Having another fashion addict definitely kept me up until early morning (At 3 am a DIY project was started!!!)! From one site we were linked to an Etsy boutique that we are both obsessed with. We were introduced to a Pittsburgh designer and store, Babooshka Boutique. The first thing we fell in love with, and immediately purchased were this pair of black harem jodphur leggings.

pictures courtesy of Babooshka Boutique on Etsy

I just kept looking at the picture of the pants and repeating to Becky, "these are just stupid they are so cool!" I love the idea of wearing them with slouchy boots. It will take 6-8 business days to receive my pants and I can't wait!!!! Another piece that I loved from the collection is this oversized cropped T with pocket. It is made out of light weight sweatshirt material but the boutique also offers a similar top in jersey (grey or black). I was thinking about this top today while walking around the city and how badly I do want it. For some reason I want to pair it with some oversized, slouch, deconstructed jean shorts and kick it old school with some Reebok pumps!!! So far from how I would ever normally dress, but something I am itching to try with the new hair!

picture courtesy of Babooshka Boutique on Etsy

Hope you'll check out the site and find something that you love and are inspired by!