i fall for fall

And just like that, summer is over. I've been in a blissful state now that things have cooled down. Sleeping with the windows open with the cool air coming in has left me rested and ready to start the day each morning. With fall comes a change of weather and some fun additions to my lifestyle. The Balenciaga buckle ankle boots are an ideal wardrobe staple but let's face it, I need to pay rent instead. (A girl can dream) Alexander Wang coin purse for my metro card, more film for my mini polaroid camera, MOR candle to scent my room, ck one pure color lipstick in lip lock for a perfect berry pout, cider donuts which I can not say no to at every flea market, a Movado watch in rose gold and gold stamped Kate Spade note cards to write well wishes to friends and family this season. Rock on fall, I love you.

putting on the spritz

Recently my days have been… stressful to say the least. Times where I feel stretched to my limit always remind me of endless hours spent in the design studio. Another student who was a year ahead of me always seemed to be on top of her game, even in times of complete chaos. You would never know that she had been in the studio all night because she presented herself calm, cool and collected. Lipstick on, hair clean and neat. She gave me a bit of advice that has stuck with me since that day. "I always try to look nice because getting dressed and putting on my makeup is sometimes the only good part of my day."

When I feel beat up because of the daily grind sometimes I wear my favorite dress or lipstick to pick me up. I may feel like I'm falling apart but that doesn't mean I need to look it. More than anything my fragrance picks me up the most. Above is what currently is on display on my bureau.

Top row, left to right: Coco Mademoiselle, Chanel Chance, Balenciaga Paris, Balenciaga L'Essence and Bottega Veneta. Bottom row, left to right: LAVANILLA Laboratoreis Vanilla Grapefruit, Vera Wang Lovestruck, Clinique Happy, Prada Infustion d'Iris and Marc Jacobs Splash in Fig (no longer available).

Glamorama

For one week every fall, girls all around the metro area get up extra early. They carefully put on their makeup, style their hair, match their bags to their shoes and go on a Starbucks binge. They critique every seam, stitch and zipper and upon discovery of any new name and a Starbucks fueled fury, blast their twitter, instagram and facebook with their knowledge of fashion. These girls breathe fashion. They stuff their toes into heels in hope to get photographed standing around looking chic at Lincoln Center. Suddenly what's not in, is in and the whole city feels like I'm living in some Glamorama spin off. (Less fucked up but just as bewildering.)

Everyone is asking me or telling me rather what show they saw, which model or celebrity they stumbled upon at the Le Bain fashion night out party. By telling me I mean scream/speaking on their iphones walking down the street or to their other fashion friend on the subway. PR girls everywhere are skipping lunch to go see Opening Ceremony but of course it was so worth it and what is lunch when fashion can fill you up anyway. Skipping lunch is the fashion equivalent to dying a thousand deaths in the name of a designer.

In the name of fashion, all PR, magazine and self-proclaimed style authorities should keep their voices down and conversations to themselves. And please stand somewhere else looking awkwardly chic but without-caring-I-look-this-odd-everyday-because-I'm-an-individual-with-a-creative-flair. I would like to get to yoga on time.

P.S. There is lipstick on your teeth.

hot number

 The summer here is hot. Without much of a winter I am expecting this summer to top all the others. Due to a lack of air conditioning, a lack of clothing seems to follow. In search for the most comfortable / girliest / sexiest summer sleeping attire I've landed on a few options above. Hoping some of these can double as accessories too for a hot summer night. Starting top row, left to right: VPL, VPL, MADEWELL. Bottom row, left to right: VPL, VPL, MADEWELL.

hats off

 I never wore hats growing up. My sister jokingly told me I looked weird in hats in middle school and it stuck with me. I always trusted her word so every time I put one, on my mind would reiterate her voice. I'd think, "it does look weird," take it off and place it back on the shelf.

Come fall while lingering around Soho one day I came across a black felt hat that didn't feel too weird. In a good mood, accompanied by a new fellow I decided to go with my gut. He gave me the thumbs up and in my "you're too cute to disagree with" mood I handed over my debt card. The fellow didn't last but the hat did. Certainly an impulse buy that was worth the price tag. I haven't been back to the shop since but there were two left, one camel and one hunter green. If you need a push here's one from me- indulge a little and hats off to you.

what's yours is mine

In a hurry to get out of the apartment and to the gym before laziness sets in, I quickly nabbed a shirt from my dresser. Halfway down the hall and halfway on my body I realized that it wasn't my shirt. It was mine because it was in my room buried under sweaters and random gym attire but it was more a relic of the past.

More than once I've found items that once belonged to boyfriends. Shirts, socks and/or sweaters show up unannounced and at moments where I'd rather they stay hidden in my drawer. They are those pieces that I used to wear to brunch Sunday when I was too lazy to put on my own tighter, more "fashionable" clothes. Items that smelled familiar and warm. Memories of running to get ice cream in the middle of the night because it went well with the movie we were watching and dressing head to toe in his clothes.

I think one of the most ridiculous things about a breakup is the "getting together of the things." I've always thought to just leave them and forget about it but the thought of me leaving and my things remaining always felt awkward and wrong. I'd rather clear the cabinet out rather than someone else having to. The problem is you can never get rid of it all and much like the memories that remain so does that one shirt that you happen to grab on a day where you already weren't feeling up to par. Well whatever, I put it on anyway and even though it no longer smells like him and all I'm doing is running errands or to the gym at least I know that it still fits and maybe one day I'll return it. But then again, maybe not.

ghouling good

Happy Halloween! I'm wishing everyone tricks and treats from NYC. I spent my weekend in California with both an old and now some new friends. The photo is of myself painted as a sugar skull. I've had an obsession with Día de los Muertos ever since high school. It's a tradition that I wish were celebrated here in the states. Wouldn't it be great to be able to dress up and celebrate the lives of those lost in a colorful, beautiful way? I love that the skulls represent the sweetness of life (sugar) and the sadness in death (skull). A big thanks to Matt for the photo and being the best California guide all weekend.

california dreaming

I have this idea in my head where I step off a plane and look immaculate. My hair is done, my makeup looks airbrushed, I'm in my suicide shoes (6" pumps) and my essentials are tucked perfectly into a small tote that is tossed ever so easily over my shoulder. I never, ever look like this. Surprisingly I am so excited about leaving for my weekend getaway that I don't have time for nerves yet. I'm more focused on packing and thinking about what I'm going to wear when I arrive to LA. This is my first trip to LA and California in general. Plans are set for food, hiking and a Halloween party and that sounds like a perfect weekend to me.

My imagination has me stepping off the plane and greeted with Katy Perry's "California Girls" and the entire cast from Laguna Beach. I know instead I will be greeted with matted hair, smudged makeup and a too heavy carry-on. Either way, off I go. Happy Halloween! <3

bergdorf blondes

Prior to my internship in the city, I had very limited knowledge and expectations. Sophomore year of college while on spring break in Miami, I hurriedly picked up "Bergdorf Blondes" before rushing onto my plane. Looking back I realize that this is how I came to imagined NYC. Full of socialites, luxe shopping, extravagant parties and extra perfect and glamorous women, this was the city I was determined to find myself in.

Now that I'm here I can't help but laugh. More than 5 times a day I gag because of the smell of garbage or a homeless person. Heels over 4" aren't realistic to trot around in and my feet look like they've been put through the lawn mower at the end of each week. The average size of engagement rings here are more than 80% larger than the rest of the world. And finally, you can be sitting next to a billionaire on the subway and not know it because it seems the richer you are here, the less you get to give a shit about how you look.

Nonetheless, I love it. I preach about Central Park and love that I can grab a cab at any hour to deliver me right where I need to be. For the third time I've decided to again read "Bergdorf Blondes." I love falling in love all over again with the magic of the city, even if some of it is a bit far fetched for a working girl like myself.

fall break

As much as I love summer in the city, fall here is like no other… well with the exception of the amazing falls I used to have at Penn State. With college football, cider, crisp air and beautiful colored leaves to look forward to, I've already been putting my fall wish list together. All combined makes the perfect look for a stroll through central park, a state game with college friends or a casual date with someone special. Hopefully you'll find something you love here too! From top left, moving clockwise: Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Parfum, Tory Burch Selma riding boot, Tarte LipSurgence natural matte lip tint, West Avenue Small Monogram Necklace, La Perla Vintage Plissé lace soft-cup bra, J Brand 620 Super Skinny Denim, Ralph Lauren Blue Label Megan Solid Oxford Shirt and S'MORES (the biggest must-have of the season)!

arm candy

So you see a guy at a bar. He's cute, stylish but not too stylish, seems normal and speaks well. You share a drink, some small talk. No girlfriend in sight, no wedding band. As he goes to order another drink you see it, his man jewelry. Not a watch but an actual bracelet that he's taken the time to select, purchase and put on this evening. Someone down the line told him, "No way man, that bracelet isn't feminine at all. It's cool." I'm here to tell you, you're friends are lying to you.

There are only two items of jewelry that a man should own. The first is a watch and the second is a wedding band. That's it, no exceptions. Man jewelry carries a distinct personality which completely cancels out that conversation we just had and instantly puts you in the friend zone.

Man jewelry tells me that you are conscious about what you wear and so conscious that you think you need a bracelet or necklace to feel like you've "completed your outfit." This means you probably take longer to get ready than I do. It says that you see yourself as masculine with a sensitive side. I don't want to know that up front. You can tell me all about your soft side on date 6, which mind you, you'll never make it to because of your man jewelry. Finally it tells me that some female in your life, either a past girlfriend or maybe even your own mother told you it looked okay. This bothers me most of all, it looks ridiculous. All of this leads up to the same end; you're not getting my number. Think of this as your own personal public announcement and soft nudge; leave your leather, gold and hemp bracelets at home.

short story

When exactly do you toss your leggings to the back of your dresser come spring? Do you wait until you see another baring all or are you the first one to break out your shorts and skirts with legs au naturel? The weather in NYC has been less than desirable lately but on those days that promise sun and a little bit of warmth I dream of stretching out on the park lawn. The problem with the beginning of spring though is winter skin. Months without sun exposure leaves my skin uneven. I plan to jump start my tan with lots of running outside and Jergens natural glow lotion. Out of all the self tanning lotions, I feel that this one smells the least strong. I 'water down' the lotion with a pump of perfumed lotion to make streaks less visible and to knock down the smell even more. I also have extremely sensitive skin and this is one of the only products that doesn't make me break out. What do you do to prep your skin for spring and summer to come?

maxed out

Obviously it's been snowing quite a lot, it's all anyone is talking about. I'm trying to make a conscious decision each morning to not let that influence my outfit. I saw the winter maxi look first here and then every time I saw the look, it haunted me. Sort of the same issue I had with the shorts with tights - I love it but when I put it on, I felt silly. But in honor of the blizzard last night and the fact that my favorite jeans are in the laundry - I put on my maxi skirt and off I went. I'm not sure how others feel about it but I think it's fun, comfy and different from my normal daily wear. So today I'm wearing black leather english riding boots, a black maxi skirt, black fitted tank, oversized purple knit and a knotted brown leather belt around my waist. I tied the look off with a clean bun and a cat eye.

it's black, it's white

Seems like the theme of the week is black and white. Every photo I am drawn too, every illustration, my own wardrobe, everything - black and white. I find this humorous because if you know me personally I'm much more of a bright pink (sassy pink as some of you know) type of person. I think it may have something to do with the snow lately. Everything looks so stark and clean. I love waking up early to see the perfectly covered rooftops and balconies out my window. Above are three pieces that I pulled today which back me up. I really want a dress like that; so simple and so beautifully cut in the back. Wishing everyone safe travels home this Wednesday evening. xx

shades of white

While my illustrator saves a project I thought I'd pop over for a Friday hello. It's been snowing all day here in NYC leaving the city pretty, quiet and very movie-esque. Above is a mood board for the day. Too cold to wear something like this but it reminds me of what snow looks like when it falls; shading everything white but still being transparent rather than opaque. Have a wonderful weekend. xo

a dress with an agenda

So it begins, the search for the perfect dress. It needs to say so many things but only those which are appropriate for the occasion. Is it black, cream or blue? Does it have lace, embellishments or beading? Short or long? I'm a full believer in less is more but I doubt that's a good mantra for this occasion. I'm excited for the snow but hoping it wraps up sooner than later. Ice, slush and road salt does not mix well with heels, a dress and a few cocktails. Wouldn't it be fun if it were appropriate and full-on expected to wear full gowns and tuxedos out all the time? I would toss something like the gown above on and zip out for a night on the town. I D-I-E (Rachel Zoe voice) for guys in tuxedos and live for reasons to go all out with hair, makeup and clothing. Maybe there's a trend in this somewhere or maybe I'm just ridiculous. Either way the hunt is on and it's an important one - it's the first date outfit.

back to my roots

Isn't it ironic? I colored my hair back to its natural color and then everywhere I look, bold, beautiful blondes. Sigh, I have such hair envy but it had to happen. To add fuel to the fire this blog came along. I look forward to the return of my blonde locks but for now I'll be rocking au naturel.

snow queen

Seems it's been snowing everywhere but NYC/NJ area so far this year. While I'm not a huge fan of winter in general, snow is one of the only seasonal changes I do enjoy. I used to sit in the snow for hours when I was younger. My dad was a pro at making snow people and I thought of myself as his right hand helper. I'm hoping for more snow once I get back to PA for the holiday. White Christmas Wishes! xo

let me tell you bout my best friend

I have a ratio of 2:1 with guy friends versus girl friends. This weekend though my best friend Mallory flies in from Chicago just in time for cider, halloween and fall frolicking in the city. While summer holds strong at my first favorite season in Manhattan, fall is a close second. I've been scouting out vintage shops for the past few weeks and writing down all my favorite coffee shops to make sure we gas up at all of them. I love my down time with the guys but am looking forward to some serious gal time with Mal. I plan on trying to seduce her with the beauty of Manhattan so that she'll move here with her amazing boyfriend Lorenzo. Fingers crossed! Photo credit to wildfox couture.

a precious pout

Some say that lipstick was first worn by Greek women who crushed semi-precious jewels and adorned their lips with them. When I was younger lipstick meant dance recitals, halloween and playing dress up at my mom-moms. Today it's an essential part of my daily routine. It's the last thing I do before I leave my apartment and the first thing I think about when putting an outfit together. Like I previously posted about my love of solid black with a pop of color, this is another way I achieve that look. I have little lips but color boosts them up and makes me feel confident and much like a classic movie star. Above are some of my favorite colors from NARS. Their matte lipstick is the best. It stays on forever and doesn't smudge or bleed to your skin. Left to Right: Funny Face, Jungle Red, Love Devotion, Manhunt, Roman Holiday