Bright Idea

Jacket: Ark & Co, Silk Shirt: Amanda Uprichard, Leggings: J.Crew, Necklace: Vintage, Bag: Balenciaga, Shoes: Christian Louboutain

A few weekends ago, a good friend of mine was having a blow-out 50th birthday party at an incredible space in the west village. Not only was it an incredibly fun mix of people, but the night was topped off by an amazing jazz band who slowly developed into one of the most amazing groups I've heard in a long time. I needed something that would go with the fun vibe of the evening (and, although unaware of this at the time, an outfit that I could dance until 3am in). I picked up this necklace at a flea market that very morning and was needing to wear it immediately. From there I was in a very "color/ texture doesn't matter" mood... as I'm sure you can see, and ended up going with the above. 

Layer it up

Denim Collared Shirt, Crochet Sweater, and Belt: J.Crew, Blazer: Zara, Black Linen Shorts: Theory (find similar here and here, Bag: Balenciaga, Blue Suede Pumps: Chloe.

Layering is something I've only recently given a try. Because of the fact that I have a smaller frame, I always thought layering things would have a bulky-looking effect...the end result being not very attractive. I however found this J.Crew crochet sweater at the back of my closet, and have to admit, completely forgot about it! Thought I'd give some fresh air try out this layering thing, as I felt it was a perfect contender. When put against the slightly different shade of pink of the blazer and the sharp black of the shorts, it makes a really beautiful combination. I thought adding the belt would give a little waist definition and a little more color contrast. All in all I think I'd give this layering thing a try more often.

Saturday Brunch

Silk Blouse: L'Agence, Pants: J.CREW Minnie Pants, Sunglasses, Ray Ban,
Flats: Steve Madden I-Dreemy flats, Bag: Chloe, Rings: Vintage.

Saturday brunch in New York is usually something I forgo in favor of a lazy homemade breakfast (preferably pancakes) in my PJ's at my apartment. But on this occasion, the egg sandwich at The National Cafe in the Lower East Side was calling my name. And one has to dress appropriately for the post-brunch drinks that almost always follow...and this case was no exception!

Mix it up.

Mixing colors that aren't necessarily obvious is something I've always loved. I recently acquired this hot pink clutch and have since been pairing it with pretty much everything. This combo is one of my favorites. The pink and the bright red of the print compliment each other beautifully! Throw in some fringed T-strap heels (which belong with almost everything, in my opinion) and you're good to go!

Dress: Maje, Blazer: Stella McCartney, Clutch: Asos (buy here).

Shoes: Christian Louboutain (find similar here).

Have a great Monday!

Pop of Color

Scarf: J.Crew (find similar here and amazing printed ones here, Watch: Cartier, Ring: David Yurman.

Sweater: 3.1 Phillip Lim.

Leather Skirt: Katherine Feiner,
Bag: Chloe

Sunglasses: Robert Marc.

Heels: Christian Louboutain (find similar here and here).

I have a serious love of bright scarves. They are an effortless way to add a great pop of color to any outfit. By adding this bright orange/red silk linen scarf to the outfit above, it gives a fresh look to what would have been a very neutral ensemble. This particular scarf has served me well, doubling as a cover-up on the beach during the summer months. It pops next to the paler tone my skin takes during the winter (I've tried not to blind you with these photos), but also looks amazing with a tanned complexion. All around, whether it's a solid, or a bright printed scarf (see links above) it's a perfect piece to have in any closet! Happy Thursday!

Summertime in Italy!

So I've just learned that I will be Italy-bound this June! My boyfriend and I will be going to attend the 40th Anniversary bash of luxury menswear label Stefano Ricci in Florence. I'm so excited, not only to be in Italy again, but to have the opportunity to dress up for the black-tie affair - one that will surely be a beautifully over-the-top celebration (as only the italians can achieve). Immediately I started thinking about what to wear to this event (naturally), and also what else I could possibly cram into the suitcase- I have yet to learn the art of traveling light... it might be time to admit that it is a skill I will not acquire in this lifetime. Oh well! Below are some options that are screaming Italian Escape...

Top: Tibi Silk Tank, Short: Current Elliot "The Boyfriend" Denim Shorts, Studs: Kendra Scott Carly Earrings, Flats: Kate Spade Elina Flats, Bracelet: Aurelie Bidermann Braided Gold Wrap Cuff, Hat: Hat Attack.

Dress: Tibi Silk Chiffon Dress, Earrings: Dori Csengeri Terra Couture Earrings, Sandals: Jimmy Choo Fiona Sandal, Nail Color: Essie Ole Caliente.

Gown: Dolce and Gabanna Open Back Lace Gown, Clutch: Anya Hindmarch Valorie Glitter Clutch, Earrings: Alexis Bittar Leger Dome Earrings, Heels: Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-Back Sandals.

Sophisticated Party Time

Full Skirt Drop-Waist Dress: Maje.

Silk- Tie Necklace: Katherine Feiner

This has to be one of my favorite dresses ever. The full skirt, and drop-waist make an incredibly sophisticated and classic combination. These days with all the body-hugging party dress options out there, I saw this as a breath of fresh air! I wore this to the Robb Report / Xante event at the Surrey Hotel I wrote about a few days ago, and it was absolutely perfect. The same effect can be achieved with a drop-waist full skirt and tank...

A Little Leopard

Dress: J.Crew.
Black Tuxedo Blazer: Stella McCartney.
( Similar found here and here).

Silk-Tie Necklace: Katherine Feiner 

Lip Color: Nars "Red Lizard".

I'm always looking for ways to mix up the staples I have in my closet. This J.Crew leopard shift dress has been go-to for me all summer. Although I have a serious addiction to black clothing, I have an equally serious attraction to prints and textiles. This leopard print is subtle enough to transition from season to season, and can be dressed up or down. For the above photos, I was getting ready for a night out, so went with a classic black blazer, a big statement necklace from my own label, and my new found obsession-this red lipstick by Nars (a massive departure for me as I haven't touched bright lip color since my ballet dancing days...round of applause please)! See below for some amazing printed shift dresses..

Happy Friday!

Stud It

Studded Jacket: The Kooples.
Simple Black V-Neck Top: Katherine Feiner

Necklace: Natalie B designs.

Jeans: J Brand.

I scored this jacket on sale at Le Kooples is Paris about a year ago. I always thought that I was not a stud girl, but the fact that they are small and delicate totally sold me. I needed an outfit for a casual meeting, and I think this did the trick perfectly. I would absolutely recommend everyone to have some sort of a statement jacket in their wardrobes. I cannot even tell you how many times I'v been running late. or can't muster up the energy to put together an interesting outfit. This jacket has saved me on many of those occasions! Below is a collection of "statement" jackets available now....

1) Sandro Vertige Jacket, 2) Karl Octavia Sequin Biker Jacket, 3) Top Shop PU Trim Ruffle Bomber,
4) IRO Agnette Jacket, 5) Sass & Bide Love Assembly Embroidered Twill Jacket.

Neons and Sequins

Top: JCrew (find similar here and here).
And although it's not the same color, this one is amazing. 

Simple Black Pumps: Christian Louboutain.
Similar found here, here, and here (patent leather).

Patent Leather Clutch: Chloe. Similar found here and here.

Beaded  Skirt: Gryphon (similar found here , here, and here).

We've been experiencing some seriously warm weather for February here in New York over the past few weeks. Taking advantage of it a few days ago (which was a good decision, because it didn't last), I decided to break out the neon pink blouse and pair it with one of my favorite skirts; a black sequin beaded mini by Gryphon that I picked up in London a few years back. Now, I call items like this my "investment" pieces. Finding a fully beaded mini under a certain price point presented a small challenge for this post, but for something like this I don't mind splashing out a little more than usual as I've worn it to DEATH over the past few years...getting more than sufficient return on my investment. I've managed to find a few that I love, so check out the links above!

As far as the blouse goes, I have to say, I am a big fan of this whole neon color trend. It obviously works amazingly in the summer when you're working with sunny days and tanned skin, but in the winter you can never go wrong with a serious pop of color during a grey day. Check out below some more neon pieces!

Bright Colored Bottoms

Red Trousers: JCrew (find similar here, here, and here).

Gold Cuff: Muse- Paris (find similar here and here).

Bag: Balenciaga.

Earrings: Purchased at Bettina Duncan at Fred Segal in Los Angeles. Get a similar effect here and here.

Black Sweater: Marc Jacobs.

I have to admit, I am not a trouser girl. I was not blessed with that much height, and standing (very proudly I might add) at 5 foot 3, I always thought it a rule of thumb to steer clear of trousers like these all together. But there was no way I could say no to this color, and after commissioning the very friendly staff at JCrew to track these down for me, I decided that they were worth an attitude adjustment. And even after suffering through the inevitable John Travolta Saturday Night Fever quips, gently and lovingly dolled out by some of my closest male friends, I can officially confirm that colored trousers have become a staple in my closet moving forward! Below is a list of some other styles I will be needing in the very near future...

1). Tibi Silk CDC Pant, also comes in pink, 2). Top Shop Premium Wide Leg Trouser,
3). Miu Miu Stretch Cotton Cropped Pant, 4). JCrew Minnie Pant in stretch twill
5). JCrew Hutton silk-faille wide leg trouser

A Little Lace-y Moment

Top: Maje (similar found here and I am needing this).
Rings: David Yurman.

Earrings: Alexis Bittar.

Shoes: Christian Louboutain  

Clutch: Chloe. Nail Color: Really Red by Essie 

Pants: JCrew Minnie Pant. 

In case you haven't already guessed it, Maje is one of my absolute favorite brands. Having lived in London for so long, I felt oh-so special for having the ability to pop over the channel on the Eurostar and score some of this label's incredibly chic pieces in Paris. About 3 years ago the label expanded into London, and a few months ago they landed in NYC. Even though the novelty of having something Parisian that couldn't be found state-side yet has been diminished, I am thrilled they have finally made their US debut (even though my bank account might disagree with me). I was given this lace top as a gift this christmas and it has quickly become one of the key pieces in my winter wardrobe (who can go wrong with cream silk crepe and black lace? Seriously). I try to keep it simple and clean above by continuing with the black and white theme. For an added sophisticated look, these Alexis Bittar studs (also acquired during the christmas season) worked perfectly. A small pop of bright red from the nails and the bottom of the heels completes the look!