Savvy Shopper Adventures...

I have a special post for tomorrow... too exhausted to post it tonight and it requires extra care, attention, and eloquence. Here are some pictures from my adventure to Salvation Army in Woodside yesterday with Nate and Roxy.

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Are these images not incredible?! Nate took them with his iPhone! Check out more of what he's up to here.

Wardrobe Diaries:: Savvy Shoppers...

Spring has returned! Today was absolutely gorgeous! The delightful weather called for some spring shopping. The day was full of events, shopping, and run-ins with new and old friends. I don't know why I'm still surprised when I run into people I know on the street. Ok, now to the good stuff. We'll start from the end of the night and work backwards.

My fashion cohort and bestie Chinae and I ended the night in Soho at Topshop. Nylon was celebrating the retailers 1 year anniversary with a discount of 20% off. We shopped, had drinks, ran into Roxy, and saw some delicious eye candy. I left empty handed but Chinae checked out with a gorgeous new purse, and Roxy an acid wash denim vest.

Before we headed to Soho, we stopped by Macy's to see the new collection and collaboration by Rachel Roy with singer Estelle. Not going to lie, the store was crazy, you would have thought it was black Friday or something. We stuck around long enough to run into one of my friends from home (Texas) that is an assistant designer for Rachel by Rachel Roy. I snapped a few quick shots of two models as we were leaving.

I love the lining on this cropped trench and how it peeks out of the sleeve. So so so cute!!!!

One of the things I love about the Rachel Roy collection is the splatter paint prints. There is no exception here!!!!

Before dashing from Midtown to Soho I met up with two of my favorite shopping partners, Roxy and Nate, to trek out to Woodside Queens to visit an infamous Salvation Army location. Nate spotted a Burberry trench on our friend that was a thrifted jack pot and we were determined to come out equally as successful. How do you think we did?!?!?!...

Roxy made out with the most goodies today! I'll have to update you with pictures but I believe the final damage was $30 for a long leather trench, blue/black jacket, floral pants, stripe skirt, and I feel like there is something else. Needless to say, Roxy was the winner! And how much do you love her sunglasses?! They are her dad's (Bubba) Georgio Armani from the 80's. My dad was never that cool! :)

Nate didn't do too bad today either. He scored this suitcase for $5 or something ridiculous. Although we didn't find him a trench, folded inside is a new grey blazer that has tan leather elbow patches and wood buttons. It's one of my favorite things and lucky for me I can borrow it! The suitcase was definitely a steal and so necessary for our trip up north we are taking in a few weeks.

I left with a new bag. It was the first thing I saw in the store and only cost $4. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow with my new spring ensemble. It's perfect for a BBQ or picnic!

And now for a long overdue wardrobe post...

Coat:: Lela Rose trench coat dress

Dress:: H&M polka dot tiered dress

Belt:: Lela Rose patent leather belt

Shoes:: DIY cut off cowboy boots

Bag:: F21 studded purse

Fur:: Fox tail key chain

Glasses:: Urban Outfitter aviator sunnies

Carrie On...

I'm so excited for the forecasted 70 degree weather tomorrow through the weekend. The city comes to life in the Spring and I relish in the long days, outdoor seating, lounging in the park, and weekend getaways to the beach. I'm still trying to edit down my spring time look. I've spent most of my day looking at different websites, designers, movies, etc and fell in love all over again with Carried Bradshaw. Who doesn't love her?! Maybe it's Pat Fields we really need to be worshipping...Regardless scene after scene I'm always taking note of every ensemble from head to toe. I did a quick search for images from the sequel and this is what I stumbled upon...

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You can't not love this look. The simplicity is what draws me in. No fuss! Just a great white dress in an everyday cut with killer sunnies (my weakness). Contemplating renting this Halston dress for a weekend from Rent The Runway.

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LOVING! A great color, sensible silhouette, and it can be paired with anything to dress it up or down. Am I trying too hard to make this fit in my boho+industrial+feminine mold?! I think not. While home over Christmas I purchased a pair of gold barely there sandals that would coordinate perfectly!

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I feel like this look receives such mixed emotions. I couldn't love it any more. A voluminous extravagant skirt is exactly what is on my radar. Dying over the styling with the t-shirt and casual jacket, not to mention knock out shoes, and an ethnic bag. Of course that's what you wear in the desert!...and for me making it's way to the concrete jungle!

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Another Halston dream (also available at Rent the Runway). For the last couple of summers I have been sporting turban headbands. A friend I used to work with made a "beginner pattern" for me to follow and I haven't stopped turning them out since. It's easy to spruce up any outfit, keeps my hair out of my face, and has just been fun! While home for Christmas I made something very similar to the one picture above. I've been keeping it at bay and waiting until the warmer weather was introduced to dawn it. I love the idea of wearing it as a dressy option. Maybe this weekend will be the official debut (aka finally a wardrobe diary post, I'll admit it, I've been slacking).

Dear Spring, I hope you will be making an appearance this week. Your RSVP is a maybe but I've made room for you at the party. Come along won't you?!

What I Want Now...

I'm officially itching for more sunny spring weather. The buckets of rain the last couple of days have just been enough. Crossing my fingers for warm weather this weekend and trying to narrow down my wardrobe for the spring and summer. It's hard for me to explain the look and feel I have in mind. Somewhere along the lines of boho+industrial+feminine. Like I said, really hard to put into words so this is where the visual aids come in!

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I loved the look of Isabel Marant's s/s collection. It was infused with bold hues, easy flowing silhouettes, and nomadic/bohemian accents (ie feathers and fringe). It has a laid back vibe that is still relevant to city living. And the boots, who doesn't love a Marant boot!?

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I was greatly surprised at how much I loved the D&G collection. It was a strong departure from what they are known for, but still held onto the brand's provocation and sex appeal. Delicate lace and eyelets worn with distressed denim and leather. Since I saw the collection I have been mentally planning to pair my dad's old denim button up with a J.Crew eyelet hem dress, beat up cognac belt, and reworked cowboy boots. I can't wait for the warmer weather!!!!!! I adore the lace micro mini shirt dress with, once again, fringe boots.

I know this is just the beginning of my must have list, but this year I really want to keep a focused and edited look for an entire season. Did I just present a challenge to myself?!!? You lovelies might be holding me accountable!... TBD

Mane Attraction...

I know I'm long over due for this post... and at this point you've seen a couple images of me with my new cut, but still thought I would do a proper post and introduction! About a month ago I walked into Senses Salon on 5th Ave to see my hair guru Sidney. It had been a few months since my last visit and I was desperate for a change...Not that anything is that different. I took out the blue, exterminated the rat tail, and shaved the sides... I still owe you decent pictures of the actual cut, but for now this will have to suffice!

{image:: Nate Poekert}

I took in a picture of Kate Lanphear and walked out with a cut similar and better than I could have imagined! Super long on the top with a long side sweeping bang, shaved on both sides, and short in the back...In love with the style. Sidney never fails me!

Thought I would make up for my tardiness with a blast from the past! I'm very tempted to do my hair like this again, at some point! Not much has changed except for my hair...is that semi-disappointing?!

{me at age 2}

Dinner Turned Test Shoot...

Saturday night I headed to Prospect Heights for dinner with some friends. Kory had recently purchased a $16 bottle of BBQ sauce from William Sonoma and volunteered to make burgers. After some grubbing, chit chatting, video game action, and apartment tours Nate set up an impromptu studio. We took our turns posing for the camera as if we had just walked down the red carpet...And lets be honest, my friends and I have no problem being in front of a camera...we're a bunch of hams! What started as a simple quick snap turned into a complete production with hair, make up, and wardrobe changes...

Matty Mo:: admissions counselor, improv actor, karaoke enthusiast

Joe:: music snob & tattoo advocate working in the music biz, cookie baker/inventor, official little brother, confidant...and southern gentlemen!

Hilary:: musical theatre performer, dancer, Cali girl

Chanel:: editor, coordinator, love guru, blogger

Lauren:: producer, executive director/co-founder of The Love Alliance...and one of the funniest people I have met in a long time! Love how her hair blends in with the background!

Chinae:: pr/marketing director, fashion cohort, my rock

Nate:: interactive producer, photographer, musician, creative

Kathleen:: program associate, wife, future script writer, knock out

(they could be sisters)

Becky:: unofficial roommate, bag designer, fashion soulmate

Candice:: hair stylist, parisian enthusiast, passionate soul

K-Ball:: writer, blogger, connector, Texan!

Sarah:: marketer, blogger, future furniture designer

Victor:: stuntman, generous giver, my neighbor & 'lil bro'

Nathan:: improv actor, husband, world traveler, supporter

And yours truly!!!!

I'm not sure why photo shoots are always calling for big budgets... Here are the props from our test shoot...

*door

*lamp sans shade

*basic fan.

*paper plate

Photographer:: Nate Poekert

Make Up:: Chinae Alexander

Hair Stylist:: Candice Evans

Fashion Stylist:: ME!

Foodie Bits...

If you follow me on twitter, or know me personally, you are aware of the fact that I'm a bit of a foodie. Not too intense, but I love and appreciate a good meal...especially if it's homemade. When I'm in Texas my cuisine of choice is of course Mexican. Since living in New York I have found a special place amongst my taste buds for Korean. I think I could almost eat it everyday...every meal! I wasn't inspired to cook anything tonight (mainly cause of my lack of groceries) and I wanted something along the lines of comfort food. While lazily sitting on my couch trying to think of what it could be, it hit me... Bibimbop. There is a great Korean fusion restaurant (B-Bap) a few blocks from my apartment that I had forgotten about and neglected since last summer.

Ingredients:: white rice, beef, carrots, eggs, mushrooms, bean sprouts, seasonal veggies, and chili pepper sauce.

Here's a few images of some delicious dishes from my past....

::Hash Brown Casserole... Thanks to ERA's grandmother. My favorite Thanksgiving dish for the last two years!

::Tilapia pasta dish...Impromptu dinner when I was home for Christmas. I think it was tomatoes, olives, and lemon butter sauce.

I went to Maine last summer with a few friends and the food was as good as the scenery.

::Nathan and Victor made us pancakes as breakfast appetizers...Banana, chocolate, FRESH blueberry.

And what is Maine without a lobster boil?!

::Lobster, grilled corn on the cob, and blue cheese mac & cheese... Mac & Cheese has become my go-to dish for all potluck events. It's easy to adjust the recipe for portions and you can make it a zillion different ways.

For a better foodie inspired blog, please check out Beauty and the Feast...You will be fashionably inspired and hungry!!!!