Wardrobe Diaries:: Color Me DIY...

A wardrobe diary is long overdue around here! I woke up late yesterday morning and in my rush to get out the door, I opted out of wearing a jacket. Seeing as the spring days are getting longer and warmer, the wearable life of my very limited sweater collection is coming to an end. I only say that with slight disappointment because I found and purchased my favorite sweater only a few weeks ago.

Yes, the sweater really does radiate that much neon...obviously you understand why I love it so much. Upon closer inspection, you would be able to see that H&M took a white cable knit sweater and painted neon over it--GENIUS! And like most of the fashion crazed world, I have been drooling over the Acne pop trash jeans. The only difference is I refuse to pay the MSRP that is upward of $400-500. Instead I took notes from B. Jones and a pair of $15 wranglers and got to work. I am so pleased with how my jeans turned out (meaning I've been wearing them religiously). In true Coco Canal form my look had to be layered. Oversized white shirt, distressed jeans, neon, and spiked heel boots...I would say my extra 45 minutes of sleeping really paid off in the form of sartorial last minute, grab and go style.

Shoes:: Sam Edelman Pax Bootie

Pants:: DIY Acne Jeans

Shirt:: H&M sheer dress (worn as a shirt)

Sweater:: H&M neon painted sweater

Mirror Image...

I've been trying some new things out with my look the last week or so...here's the evidence of my experimentation via instagram.

If you dare to care, you can follow my action on instagram @mkemph.

Happy Monday!

Wardrobe Remix:: sneak peek...

A quick snapshot of my remixed outfit from work last night...

Stay tuned for a wardrobe diary post coming soon!

Wardrobe Diaries:: "Macking" In My Muumuu...

At the end of the work day there is a tendency to sit around Jacob's computer and take ridiculous pictures. I know, I don't understand it either, but it makes us laugh and keeps things entertaining.

{l-r daphna, ruby, me, & jacob}

In the wake of our photo booth shoot, Jacob snapped a few pics of me in my 70's boho attire. I bought the caftan last summer while home in Texas. I was over the moon when I found it buried in the local Goodwill for 99 cents. My sister absolutely hates it, and yes the unbreathable polyester gave me a moments hesitation, but I really couldn't pass this one up.

Caftan:: Thrifted duo of prints caftan

Headband:: DIY turban

Necklace:: Wire covered horn necklace (gift from Becky)

Shoes:: Marc by Marc Jacobs gold jelly gladiator sandals

Bracelets:: F21 yellow enamel bracelet, F21 wooden bracelet

Pedal Pusher...

I'm fortunate to work with a motely crue of talented artists that have evolved into my incredibly inappropriate, hilarious, and dysfunctional family! One of my dearly beloveds from the office is Jacob. We met last November (he was working at Vogue China and I was an assistant stylist for one of their shoots). When I caught his gaze through those lilac glasses between rolling racks, I knew this would be a friendship that would last longer than the 2010 Copenhagen catwalk. Yesterday I was doing my daily Internet scavenger hunt and swiped this image of a beautiful color blocked beetle.

{images from Fashion Squad}

When my little peach strutted into the office today, his ensemble immediately reminded me of the perfectly perched critter sitting on my desktop. Post work I went satorialist on his color blocked ass.

If you haven't figured it out, J is an expert when it comes to a block party. To keep up with more of his outfits, inspiration, and witty banter, visit his blog, JCup, here.

Wardrobe Diaries:: The H to My M...

I've been on a bit of a shopping binge lately and H&M has been my poison. The mega retailer is straight killing it lately...

Vest:: Old Navy army jacket (I chopped the sleeves off)

Top:: H&M ivory chiffon sleeveless top

Bottoms:: H&M strapless harem jumper (worn as pants)

Shoes:: H&M espadrilles

Necklace:: DIY hardware store necklace

I ducked inside H&M last weekend and spotted this dream in a pair of soles. Yes, yes very much Prada inspired but the better to strut down the street with my dear.

For a DIY touch an embroidered heart on the chest pocket and a necklace I made with items from the hardware store (climbing rope, nylon string, and copper pipe).

Wardrobe Diaries::Put It Together & What Do You Got...

I have a new found obsession with all things color--especially neon. I've always been a basic/neutral kind of gal but as I start to feel summer springing upon us I can't help but want to throw on a medley of prints and colors. This last weekend the weather was perfection, so for brunch with a few friends there was no holding back.

Cardigan:: Lela Rose cropped cardigan

Top:: F21 tie dye tank

Bra:: H&M polka dot bandeau

Pants:: H&M floral print harems

Wardrobe Diaries:: Sequin Disco

Last night I met a group of my friends at Desiron in Soho for the opening reception of an art exhibit in their D Gallery. I lent a dress to my roomie to for the event and then realized it was subconsciously exactly what I wanted to wear. I rushed home after work for a quick change and remembered that I had a special pair of pants on loan from a little nugget that needed a disco spin about the city...Not to mention it was the perfect spring weather which meant NO JACKET!!!

Top:: Lela Rose tinsel tank

Belt:: Target black patent wide belt

Pants:: Topshop blue sequin harem pants {borrowed from my little fashionisto Jacob}!

Shoes:: Cynthia Vincent x Target printed wedge sandals {intro here}

Bag:: Logo Instant Chic {Lori Goldstein's line} bronze ruffled purse

Necklace:: Coco Canal x Fenton Fallon DIY multi chain necklace {intro here}

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!

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

Style Copy Cat:: Joanna Hillman...

For the last 25 days I have been following the styling chronicles of Bazaar's senior market fashion editor- Joanna Hillman. Who isn't inspired by the bright lipped editor's enviable and often duplicated style?!?! Throughout my virtual stalking, I've come to realize that Hillman rocks a pair of pants like no other.

Day 1

Day 19

Day 20

Day 22

Day 16

Day 14

Day 12

{all images:: Harper's Bazaar}

My vow to pants for the winter has been rejuvenated and inspired. Looking forward to more of my two legged friends. Catch up and keep up to date with Hillman's wardrobe diaries here!

Wardrobe Diaries:: Turban Twins...

Just after thanksgiving my sister gave birth to a little girl, Addison Julie. I have been anxiously awaiting her arrival, to Texas and into my life. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE and ADORE my nephew, but a little girl to dress up...that's a dream come true! We've been shopping for head wear for Addison and I knew exactly what she was in need of!...

Addison in her first turban!!!

Auntie Mo Mo and Addison...Turban Twins!

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.

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.

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.

Wardrobe Diaries:: Run Around Sue...

I'm back from the best wedding ever and can't wait to share some images from the weekend festivities. Last week was a bit hectic setting up shop in my new apartment, helping to get things together for the wedding, various meetings for new projects, and running around personal shopping with friends for the upstate nuptials. Comfort was a necessity for my hustle and bustle week but style is always a priority. Before our departure I met up with my girl Jean Michelle (introduced here) for a stroll about Forever 21, dinner in Hells Kitchen, and ended with a wedding day fashion show (aka the boys apartment showing us their outfits for the wedding ceremony).

{image by Nate Poekert}

Jacket:: Juicy Couture cropped leather jacket {gifted}

Top:: F21 beige cuffed short sleeve blouse

Pants:: Custom designed sequin harem pants made by my mother

Shoes:: Dolce Vita x Target black studded oxfords

Bag:: LOGO by Lori Goldstein ruffle hand bag {gifted by Lori Goldstein}

Necklace:: Coco Canal x Fenton Fallon self designed necklace

Glasses:: F21 tortoise shell frames

Head Gear:: Scarf turned turban specially designed by Roxy {seen here & here}

Metro Manly:: He's Back...

In general fall is my favorite season. I can't get enough layers, jacket are by far my favorite article of clothing, and chilly accessories seem to be more versatile and punctual. Not to mention it's a great excuse to steal pieces from our Y chromosome counterparts! I'm working on a side project with/for Nate and needed a recent picture of him. He snapped this while at work earlier this week and it is the perfect example of why I love autumn attire. Cozy layers, mixed neutrals (I spy army green aka fall's hottest color trend), and it is well edited and executed.

Excuse me sir, what's with the purple boa? :)

Jacket: Salvation Army, used to have suede elbow patches but a DIY project was executed

Shirt:: H&M stripe thermal long sleeve shirt

Jeans: Earnest Sewn (gifted) dark washed straight leg jeans

Shoes:: Generic Surplus army green sneakers

Scarf:: Gifted from Red Light PR

Shades:: Prada aviators

My friends and I are headed up to Cold Spring, NY today for the wedding of the year (mentioned here and here). Will have tons of wardrobe posts from the festivities when I return.

Have a great weekend!!!!

Wardrobe Diaries:: Tux Lux...

When it rains, all bets are off...Suddenly my closet becomes bleak and nothing seems quite appropriate. I stumble through outfits until I throw my hands up and surrender to a dress with rain boots or leggings+cardigan combo. Yesterday was a day of meetings, lunch dates, coffee talk, wedding emergency shopping (not for me) and dinner with friends. I wanted to be comfortable for a full day about the city but also had to beat the rain at it's own game. Battling with my rainy day wardrobe I fumbled through harem pants, skirts, and a few dress options before remembering a pair of tuxedo pants I unpacked over the weekend. I slid into the pants and the struggle for weather appropriate shoes overwhelmed me. I was dying to wear a new pair of shoes but didn't want them to be assaulted in rain puddles and grimy streets. From the corner of my eye I spotted a pair of gray leather high tops equipped with black studs and couldn't resist.

I snapped a quick pic as I was heading for the door.

Top:: H&M Brenton stripe dolman sleeve top

Pants:: Thrifted pleated tuxedo pants

Shoes: UES gray leather studded high tops

Belt:: Gap metallic skinny belt

Jacket:: (not pictured) Forever 21 hooded leather jacket (posted in previous post)

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

Wardrobe Diaries:: Pseudo Fall...

The first half of this week felt like Fall. Since it's only the end of August and I know better than to believe that I can start packing away sundresses and sandals, I have named it Pseudo Fall... those few days that sneak in to tease you...wet your whistle for layers, and scarves, and jackets OH MY!!!! In my excitement for the changing of seasons, when the opportunity for a jacket presented itself, I hopped on board full throttle. I've had this jacket perched at the front of my closet waiting for the temperature to make a little dip. Tuesday I was in Brooklyn for a couple hours running errands and interviewing a special someone and figured this outfit fit the bill for the day's adventures...

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

Shirt:: H&M Dolman sleeve striped shirt

Pants:: Skinny black men's jeans from Target

Belt:: Vintage elephant belt

Shoes:: Thrifted then DIYed cowboy boots

Necklace:: YesJess knit bow necklace (gifted)

Mid-day I acquired this adorable knit bow necklace, which I've been wearing everyday since. Just so dang cute! I was hoping for one more day of pseudo fall in hopes to wear a leather jacket... Doesn't look like it is necessary but I'll still probably wear it tonight for family style dinner with my friends!

What trends are you looking forward to this fall? Are you ready for fall to be here?!