the glamourai

{ friday }

2012-01-27T10:50:00.000-05:00

this has been one of those weeks in which friday seemed like it took an extra-long time to arrive. so happy it's finally here!!

{ miu miu hat (recently worn HERE), vintage sunnies, cotton candy coat (also seen HERE), gifted LL bean signature sweater, susan hanover & alexa leigh necklaces (see them in better detail HERE), coach classics bag, textile elizabeth + james jeans, zara boots }

{ pavé party }

2012-01-26T00:00:00.005-05:00

lately i can't get enough of delicate gold jewelry, especially when it's dotted with sparkling stones. two new favorite pieces include an evil eye necklace by susan hanover, and alexa leigh's star+om lariat (both above).

of course, i'll forgive my pavé a little peacocking when it's as smashing as david yurman's chunky, gemstone-studded chain bracelets (below). unfortunately, i'll have to save up plenty more pennies if i want to add those puppies to my permanent pile!!

{ peekaboo } i see you

2012-01-25T00:20:00.008-05:00

{ borrowed david yurman earrings, neiman marcus cashmere sweater, alice+olivia tank, tibi skirt, gifted truvow clutch, donna karan tights, coach boots (last seen LONG AGO) }

remember last week when we were talking about stylistically surprising sweaters? well, i found another really cool one!! i love the way it drapes open in the back, allowing for oodles of layering appeal below (to wit, i enjoyed the way it played with my lavender alice+olivia chain-trimmed tank and voluminous tibi skirt). and speaking of peeking, i'm really feeling jeremy's voyeuristic take on this ensemble. his pics cast a sultry haze over an outfit that's otherwise as covered-up as they come.

{ boots + brollies }

2012-01-24T00:00:00.014-05:00

{ miu miu hat (yep, i just had to buy it), david yurman earrings + necklace (on loan for a shoot, but i couldn't resist test driving them myself!), halston heritage trench (last seen HERE), opening ceremony sweater (similar HERE), gifted joie elephant print shirt, vintage polkadot skirt, anya hindmarch bag (last seen at fashion week) navy hue tights, bottega veneta boots (recently seen HERE), samsonite umbrella }

yesterday was gloomy and grey ~ meaning of course that i was expected all over town, with hiding out in bed a definite non-option. whenever that happens, i'm grateful for the day i decided to invest in a pair of rainboots pretty enough for meetings ~ and an umbrella to match! speaking of these kicks, i recently wore the same pair HERE, but do you also remember them from way back when?!

and below, some ideas for how you can get the look right now, should you be so inclined:

GREY: buckled hunter boots and marc by marc jacobs panther print umbrella // ORANGE: hunter lace-up boots and shed rain umbrella // BLACK: juicy couture boots and swaine adeney brigg umbrella // BROWN: timberland boots and marc by marc jacobs animal print umbrella

{ makeup faves }

2012-01-23T12:00:00.005-05:00

i get a lot of questions about my beauty routine, but the truth is i don't really have one. i am pretty promiscuous where products are concerned ~ i like to try em all!! that's why i thought it would be fun to begin integrating regular beauty posts into this site's spectrum of stories, to let you in on what i'm loving of late.

since my favorite area to experiment on is my eyes, that seemed like the best place to start this series. my sister recently turned me on to chanel's illusion d'ombre eyeshadow, and i must say i'm amazed. it is hands down, by far, the most long-lasting eyeshadow i've ever encountered! put it on in the morning and find yourself still crease-free in the evening. below, the three colors i've been using most: mirifique, ébloui, and épatant:

i also recently decided it was high time i tried urban decay's famous naked2 palette, which sephora's website describes as 'the most anticipated sequel of the decade'. marketing hyperbole notwithstanding, it didn't disappoint. it contains every neutral you'll ever need, making it great for gals on the go. i love to use the chanel colors above as a base, then blend with one of the shimmery shadows below:

do you have any new favorites or time-tested standbys that i simply must try? or any beauty questions you'd like me to address? let me know in the comments!

{ bling } jeans

2012-01-20T06:00:00.005-05:00

{ tiffany sunnies; evil eye necklace from neiman marcus, gold bar necklace from maya in austin, white + warren cargo coat (previously seen HERE), madewell shirt, neiman marcus cashmere sweater, gifted joe fresh jeans, catbird rings, camille zarsky clutch, zara boots }

i've really never been much of a jeans girl, but all of a sudden i've found myself captivated by the new novelty denim dotting the market. first a python print pair, now these gold-waxed wonders. this is my kind of casual!!

{ new bags }

2012-01-19T01:45:00.006-05:00

i've been on a bag-buying-bender recently!! these four are my favorite new acquisitions: your classic chanel 2.55, a vintage gold-hardware ferragamo that i'll wear till i rot, that giraffe-applique-pattern charles jourdan clutch that does day-to-night double duty, and this red-froth box with beaded bow that was generously gifted to me by my pals at lena erziak. that one's obviously got #fashionweek written all over it.

{ sweeter } sweaters

2012-01-18T00:00:00.007-05:00

ever since acquiring that michael kors number you saw these past two days, i've been on a mad hunt for other sweaters with similar surprises. anything to make winter a little more fun, right? here's a slew of found favorites for you to peruse ~ click around to see what tricks are up each piece's neatly knit sleeves (the best part is, all but one are on sale)!!

TOP ROW: yigal azrouel sweater, girl by band of outsiders sweater, vanessa bruno wrap sweater, junya watanabe striped sweater
BOTTOM ROW: A.L.C. cardigan, alexander wang cut-out cardigan, duffy open-back sweater, alexander wang cardigan

{ more } from before

2012-01-17T00:00:00.006-05:00

you saw a snippet of yesterday's togs HERE, and below is the whole shebang ~ plus an easy road map for xeroxing it for yourself:

{ clockwise from above center: rick owens beanie, similar sweater, ray ban sunnies, similar watch, diego dolcini shoes, hudson jeans, rag + bone blouse, pour la victoire bag }

{ all } in the details

2012-01-16T11:15:00.004-05:00

i love items that seem basic at first, but upon closer inspection surprise you. like a sweater with strategic cut-outs, jeans with the subtlest python pattern, and whisper-thin rings worn on every single finger:

{ michael michael kors sweater, rag + bone shirt, pour la victoire bag, gifted hudson jeans, fendi watch, catbird rings }

{ homeostasis }

2012-01-12T09:05:00.001-05:00

i know i've settled back into the new york swing of things when i'm once again swathed in layers of wonderful, uncomplicated, fail-safe black:

{ rag + bone hat, ray ban sunnies, primary coat, moon collective dress (from beehive in austin), pour la victoire bag, hue tights, l.a.m.b. shoes }

{ crème brûlée }

2012-01-11T00:00:00.006-05:00

with our sojourn in malibu temporarily terminated (yes, there is a potential part four, but you'll have to wait a bit!), we return to normal programming around here for a while. however, in the interest of keeping things sunny at least a little longer, how about a costume the color of custard:

{ lanvin for h+m sunnies, cotton candy coat (available in red HERE), gifted ani lee dress, fendi watch, pour la victoire bag, chanel boots (they zip from toe to thigh ~ i'm obsessed!) }

ship { wrecked }

2012-01-10T00:04:00.007-05:00

"think of all the joy you'll find / when you leave the world behind / and bid your cares goodbye / you can fly" - walt disney's peter pan

PART III { photos + cinemagraph by jamie beck + kevin burg (follow jamie on twitter!) // styled by + featuring kelly framel // clothing, jewelry + interiors by kelly wearstler (you can also follow her on facebook and twitter) // hair by sam divine // makeup by kristee liu // click through to revisit PART I & PART II of this series }

CLICK HERE to see all the pretty cinemagraphs from this collaboration. and does anyone else remember when jamie and i first met (under a year ago)? who could've guessed the delightful adventures that were in store for us then?!

{ some } velvet morning

2012-01-09T00:00:00.034-05:00

i've long felt lucky to be building a life out of endeavors that excite my imagination, and to collaborate with an ever-changing cast of conspirators ~ each of whom teaches me something unique. but i've never been happier than i was when abandoned in a grandiose beach house with jamie and kevin and a trove of cool clothes. we established a quick camaraderie over two favorite things: working hard and telling stories in images. from there, we immediately, giddily glided down the same rabbit hole: we ate and dressed and dreamed and drank and talked and planned and shot and laughed and lived together. together, we felt we could make something special.

visually, we wanted to go somewhere new, to whisper our shared secrets to you. things can get a little strange out in california; all that lingering light plays tricks on life. pods of dolphins slip into sight; birds sing, unseen. the shackles are gilded and the cages palatial. yet the colors are lovely, and there's always the promise of escape on the PCH...

PART II { photos + cinemagraph by jamie beck + kevin burg (follow jamie on twitter!) // styled by + featuring kelly framel // clothing, jewelry + interiors by kelly wearstler (you can also follow her on facebook and twitter) // hair by sam divine // makeup by kristee liu // CLICK HERE to revisit PART I of this series }

{ malibu } dreamin

2012-01-06T00:00:00.009-05:00

for five days in malibu, i lived in a dream. i found myself in a dream house, in a dream world, working with the caliber of collaborators i'd always dreamed i'd meet. we had free reign of an aesthetic surreality, to play dress up and make as many pictures as we pleased. we basked in the sun, we binged on bluesy tunes, we supped on champagne and we revisited the videos that inundated our adolescences. we swung on the swings and spun our feet in the sea. we got so unbelievably inspired, in love with the moment. here begins the series of work that ensued:

PART I { photos + cinemagraphs by jamie beck + kevin burg // styled by + featuring kelly framel // clothes + jewelry by kelly wearstler // hair by sam divine // makeup by kristee liu }

{ chicken }

2012-01-05T00:05:00.014-05:00

yet another lovely thing happened in 2011: bunny (my itty-bitty papillon pup) and i welcomed a little CHICKEN into our lives:

i met chicken when i was away on the LL bean signature shoot in puerto rico. she was one of many, many stray dogs we saw roaming the country during our week-long stay. they were everywhere, in families and packs of all ages and shapes. in an otherwise breathtaking place, the sight of this lent a heart-wrenching undercurrent. even worse, they were all so loving and sweet; i wanted to take at least 100 of them home with me.

what was different about chicken was she was all alone. our crew found her while shooting one day in an especially remote location, on a mostly-untouched part of the island. she looked very ill. there were no other dogs around, no tourists or neighborhood people to slip table scraps to her. and yet she was the sweetest pup of them all.

without a real plan in mind, i simply decided i had to get her off that beach, and one of our local crew members volunteered to drive her to the closest veterinarian. the vet turned out to be an amazing guy, who has personally rescued hundreds of dogs from across puerto rico, and who still texts me weekly (three months later!) to check in on chicken's well-being. he discovered she was much, much sicker than i'd expected. we immediately had to put her into emergency surgery.

two and a half weeks later, her stitches were removed and chicken boarded a cargo flight to new york city (big thanks to dr. castro and william grey for helping me coordinate this complicated operation). picking her up from the airport was such a surreal, joyful experience! but her health problems lingered, and it took another month of treatment before she was properly on her feet. it was so hard to watch her go through it all ~ after she'd already been through so much ~ which is why it's now so indescribably rewarding to see her healthy, and happy in her comfy new life.

as for why i named her chicken? after she'd been whisked off to the local doc, i was chatting about hypothetical names for her with craig, the makeup artist on set. i told him how i had originally planned to name bunny 'little edie' (after edie beale, of grey gardens fame), but that when i met her i just couldn't see her as anything other than a bunny. craig said, "didn't edie used to call everyone she loved 'chicken'?" i'd forgotten that detail from the film, but looking out across that near-empty oceanfront, dotted with wild chickens instead of scorched sunbathers, i knew that had to be her name. and i'm so grateful to have found her.

{ wearing: lanvin for h+m sunnies, rachel rachel roy earrings, primary jacket (previously worn HERE), rodarte t-shirt, holy-g inc pants, tabitha simmons boots (recently seen HERE) }

{ fresh start }

2012-01-04T15:30:00.013-05:00

hello friends; happy new year!! i apologize for leaving the blog unattended for so long. after an action-packed year with almost no time off, i guess i just needed a little break. anyway, i'm back, i'm rested, and i'm ready to reminisce a bit about the big, little, and wonderful things that have happened over these past twelve months.

IN 2011... i began growing out my previously super-short hair (this is how i style it now). it's come a long way:

IN 2011... color blocking was big; i also wore a ton of graphic black and white:

IN 2011... i visited milan (twice!), and even got to style the window of dolce + gabbana's flagship store in that city:

IN 2011... i filmed this glimpse into my life. one of my best friends got married, and i began collaborating with another on this blog's photography (thank you jeremy; i've loved our partnership!):

IN 2011... i wore my helmut lang crop-back jackets (and my karen walker sunnies) a LOT:

IN 2011... i met one of my design idols, then ended up collaborating on a shoot for her brand, while staying in her decadent malibu beach house (more on that coming later this week!):

IN 2011... i twice more got to work against a backdrop of palm trees, both in brazil (where i modeled in a campaign for corello) and puerto rico (where i styled several upcoming catalogues for LL bean signature). and i learned how to surf during another shoot in montauk:

IN 2011... i had the opportunity to redesign someone's apartment for the nate berkus show, and worked as a contributor for glamour.com. i created a razor for shick (which will finally hit drugstores around the world in 2012!), and was appointed as an ambassador for tiffany's eyewear line:

IN 2011... i was honored to be named one of new york's 50 most stylish. my love for fashion & design took me to many new places (literally and figuratively!), and every day allowed me to do fun & interesting work:

thank you so much for reading, supporting, and following along with me on these adventures and those still to come. i couldn't do it all without you!!

PS: in further honor of fresh starts, i am in the process of giving the site a little facelift, so please expect to see some aesthetic alterations creeping in over the next few weeks. change is what keeps life interesting! here's to more of it in the new year.

{ who } wore it better

2011-12-21T22:45:00.002-05:00

filed under: the most delightful roasting i've ever received!
lucky magazine recently enlisted several male bloggers to take on the postures of me & a few of my style blog sisters. the results literally had me laughing out loud:

{ above: original post HERE // below: original post HERE }

yes, john januzzi; you wore it better. CLICK HERE for more LOL's!!

{ been } an awful good girl

2011-12-20T00:00:00.000-05:00

this miu miu hat shot to the top of my wishlist so fast, i just might have to give it to myself for christmas!!

{ gilded } lily

2011-12-19T00:00:00.012-05:00

this outfit is what i wore later in the same day i donned THIS ONE; just before dusk it became my evening ensemble:
as you can quite clearly see, i was still inclined to take full advantage of all the gold jewelry at my disposal. even a teeny taste can lead to incurable addiction!!

for nighttime i decided to really gild the lily: in addition to the kim kaufman necklace i'd worn earlier, i layered a coin-style necklace by temple st. clair. since the bangles before weren't nearly enough, i added a hexagonal 'dragonfly' cuff by susan suh. i slipped on temple st. clair hoop earrings, and gold-toed boots by tabitha simmons (a recent score from the bergdorf goodman shoe sale!):

i wore my favorite threadbare rings from catbird, plus a bigger, layered lovely, on loan from david yurman:

i stuck with my current favorite color story, and accessorized my accessories with a paisley brocade dress by tibi:

to all that i added a classic bag with gold hardware, and my favorite subtly-luxe coat:

you all know i'm a gal who goes for gold every day of the year ~ but it's especially fun to layer on around the holidays. thanks again to the world gold council for giving me this opportunity to indulge!!

{ gifted david yurman sunnies, primary coat, temple st. clair and kim kaufman necklaces (previously seen HERE), tibi dress, temple st. clair, bertoni, and susan suh bangles, rings from catbird & david yurman, hue tights, corello bag, tabitha simmons boots }

{ the marble faun }

2011-12-16T02:30:00.002-05:00

to cut to the chase: for me, this outfit is all about THE SHOES!!! i'm frenetically obsessed with these works of rodarte art. they originally walked the runway as part of look 3 in the spring 2011 show ~ and recently became mine (for a song!) at the brand's sample sale. swooooon.

{ tiffany & co sunnies-turned-tinted-spectacles (originally introduced in THIS POST), halston heritage trench, white + warren sweater, corello belt, gifted dee & ray skirt, gifted camille zarsky wallet (big enough to also hold keys & phone when i don't want to carry a proper bag), rodarte shoes }

{ roxanne }

2011-12-15T00:00:00.003-05:00

photographer roxanne lowit has a talent for making real life look like a fashion shoot ~ and fashion shoots look like real life. i've been a fan of her work for years, but running into her last week at a party inspired me to share a bit of her oeuvre with you. enjoy!!

{ all images via roxannelowit.com }

{ black } and yellow

2011-12-14T00:00:00.004-05:00

a nod to yesterday's color story, in the form of a few things i'd love to see under my tree this year:

{ clockwise from top left: asos boots ($52), j.crew bag ($448), falke stockings ($36), j.crew iphone case ($25), gretchen jones necklace ($98), bodum coffee press ($50), dannijo collar ($172), michael michael kors skirt ($270), kate spade earrings ($38), oliver peoples sunnies ($375 ~ i used them in THIS SHOOT! }

{ golden girl }

2011-12-13T16:15:00.013-05:00

black + gold has always been one of my favorite color pairings ~ in fact, this outfit is basically the dressed-down descendant of THIS ONE. of course, i prefer even my casual costumery with a heavy dollop of dazzling, so this gold-flecked coat and a decadent drizzle of gilded jewels were thrown in for good measure:

while the clothes all came out of my closet, most of the jewels are only mine for a while. one of the best things about prepping for shoots is watching heaps of bling filter through my studio ~ saying goodbye to them is one of the worst. however, i fell so deeply in love with the pieces seen here today that the world gold council (an organization that supports designers who work with the aurulent ore), agreed to let me hold onto a couple items for a few extra days' worth of wear. i gleefully took full advantage.

the necklace strung with two amulets comes from temple st. clair; i love the way the baubles feel like mystical crystal balls. the long locket hanging below them is a one-of-a-kind piece by kim kaufman. it's decorated with beautiful diamond-winged birds, and it felt like such a gift to get to wear!

the bangles are a mix of temple st. clair and bertoni ~ the simple-but-smashing sorts of pieces i could really get used to wearing every day.

since i was having such a major jewelry moment, i layered the look with a chain-fringed tank and subtly studded bag. why wear less sparkle when you can wear more?!

thank you to the world gold council for letting me live out my fine jewelry fantasies for few days! i will be a very sad girl when this carriage turns back into a pumpkin; there's just something about gold that i can't get enough of.

{ eugenia kim beanie, tiffany sunnies, primary jacket, temple st. clair & kim kaufman necklaces, rag + bone blouse (last seen HERE), alice + olivia tank (previously seen HERE), temple st. clair & bertoni bracelets, david yurman & catbird rings, blank nyc jeans (last seen HERE), rebecca minkoff bag, jean michel cazabat boots // see the full-length look ON FACEBOOK }

{ beauty muse }

2011-12-13T10:40:00.002-05:00

{ photos by victor demarchelier for vogue korea // via fashion gone rogue }

{ santa } baby

2011-12-12T00:00:00.006-05:00

{ dress courtesy of modcloth (available in white HERE), rorschach necklace and cuff on loan from sachin + babi }

continued my holiday dress-up streak last week with this vintage-inspired frock and a fun rorschach blot collar and cuff combo (borrowed from my friends at sachin + babi). i love the way these accessories work for festive occasions, but can imagine them being just as chic with a simple white t-shirt and jeans.

while you're around, CLICK OVER TO MY FACEBOOK PAGE to see how i wore some more s+b to yet another holiday soirée recently ~ and take a moment to ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY if you haven't already. we're picking a winner on wednesday, december 21st!!

{ a tiffany holiday }

2011-12-09T00:00:00.009-05:00

as i mentioned to you HERE, i'm currently working with tiffany & co as their eyewear ambassador ~ which means that this holiday season, all my girlfriends can look forward to a little blue box under their tree from me!!

but first, a few treats for myself were obviously in order:

you've seen me wearing the gold aviators like crazy lately (examples here, here, here, here and here), so i acquired the rectangular jazz style (above right) to mix my go-to game up a bit. i love that their arms are dotted with tiffany-blue crystals ~ it's such a wonderfully subtle touch of luxury. i also had several sunglass styles turned into prescription spectacles. you saw me wear one of them (the butterfly style, whose lenses i replaced with a super-light grey tint) yesterday, and i'm also loving my new script-inspired cat eyes (above left) and key-trimmed glasses (below):

i'm planning to dazzle my friends (who are probably reading this. darn) with the pièce de résistance of tiffany's holiday offerings: the garden cat eye style (below, in tortoise and ocean blue). oversized, dramatic, and finished with crystal-packed, floral filigree arms, it's easy to see that they were inspired by the diamond brooches in tiffany's archives. they're pretty spectacular:

{ wearing: tiffany & co rectangular key sunglasses-turned-spectacles, vintage necklace, elie tahari jacket, alice temperley dress // all glasses c/o tiffany }

CLICK HERE to peruse all of tiffany & co's superb eyeglass styles!!

{ LBD }

2011-12-08T00:00:00.004-05:00

{ gifted tiffany prescription specs (made from these sunnies), thakoon dress (similar options HERE and HERE), dolce + gabbana shoes }

holiday soirée season is in full swing ~ these days i have events nearly every evening, and after a busy workday i'm thankful for zip-and-go dresses (like this thakoon one), that allow me to transition into party mode within minutes! plus, a little bustle at the back never makes me mad.

who makes your favorite go-to cocktail frock?

{ easy / breezy }

2011-12-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

{ tiffany sunnies, white + warren cashmere wrap, erin fetherston blouse (previously seen HERE // i also wore a dress in this print HERE), camille zarsky python clutch and cuffs, blank nyc bell bottoms, zara boots }

{ numero } uno

2011-12-06T00:00:00.005-05:00

i've gotten an insane amount of wear out of my karen walker 'number one' sunnies. to prove it, here are just a few of the many posts i've made wearing them:

{ revisit the above looks: ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE }

{ revisit the above looks: ONE (you've gotta scroll down) // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE }

{ revisit the above looks: ONE // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE }

that's why, when i saw that they've finally been restocked online, i knew it was my duty to share the news with you. buy them HERE (or HERE!) before they're sold out again ~ and enjoy them as much as i have!!

{ on holiday } with sachin + babi

2011-12-05T00:00:00.014-05:00

{ victor osborne hat, sachin + babi medody dress, B brian atwood shoes }

{ victor osborne hat, oliver peoples glasses, sachin + babi cher gown, ash shoes }

{ paul smith sunnies, sachin + babi emma dress, club monaco belts, lena erziak apple minaudiere, jean michel cazabat shoes }

{ black baseball cap, sachin + babi marilyn dress, jean michel cazabat shoes }

{ sachin + babi earrings and willow gown, vintage hat, B brian atwood shoes }

{ black baseball cap, sachin + babi necklace, mary tyler top and amelia shorts }

{ oliver peoples glasses, sachin + babi anna jacket, belle blouse and taylor skirt, lena erziak bag, ash shoes }

{ sachin + babi earrings, bangles, and leighton gown }

{ helene berman hat, sachin + babi earrings, turner jacket and sly pant, lena erziak bag, jean michel cazabat shoes }

as promised! this is the exclusive editorial that jeremy and i shot for sachin + babi. we had such a great time bringing the clothes to life with the help of model renee peters, as well as eugene williams on makeup and noelle chen (from kerastase) on hair. if you like the vibe, CLICK HERE to enter to win a piece of sachin + babi clothing of your own!!

all clothes by sachin + babi // styling and art direction by kelly framel // photographs by jeremy james for theglamourai.com.

{ behind the scenes } with sachin + babi

2011-12-02T07:45:00.002-05:00

as i mentioned to you tuesday, this week i've been seriously slammed ~ but my days have been filled with such enjoyable, rewarding work that it hardly seems arduous. one of my favorite projects was wednesday's shoot with sachin + babi. i'll be sharing the photos with you next week, but in the meantime, here's a behind-the-scenes sneak peek:

the full shoot is too cool and i can't wait to share! don't forget that i'm also hosting a giveaway with sachin + babi, wherein you could win any of the three pieces featured in THIS POST. just CLICK HERE to get your entry in!! and CLICK HERE to see another way i've worked these special clothes into my own wardrobe.

{ sunshine }

2011-11-30T00:00:00.006-05:00

i may be back in black this week, but that hasn't stopped me from dreaming of a few colorful lovelies. we all must arm ourselves with a little sunshine on those grey winter days:

{ clockwise from top left: kolae trousers (i wore them in green HERE), agent provocateur leopard gloves, 3.1 philip lim blouse, ray ban sunnies, giovanna battaglia (i'm stealing that scarf-around-the-waist idea!) by vanessa jackman, asos neoprene skirt, marc by marc jacobs chevron skirt, deborah lippman nail polish }

{ black + gold }

2011-11-29T00:00:00.002-05:00

{ lanvin for h+m sunnies, vince top, primary skirt (i wore the solid black version of it HERE), michael kors watch, rebecca minkoff bag, hue tights, gifted jean michel cazabat boots }

i'm deep down in the dizzying depths of an extremely busy week ~ and like most new yorkers, when life gets extra harried, i resort to wearing mostly black. hey, it's easy.

{ mixology }

2011-11-28T00:00:00.007-05:00

my style is forever evolving, but in a way this outfit felt like a throwback to what i was wearing back when this blog first began. i guess big gold jewelry, paired with possibly-too-many prints (never!) is always going to be my safe place.

it started with this padlock-spots-plus-snakeskin-print sachin + babi blouse, which encouraged me to keep piling on the patterns. polka dots and leopard have always seemed like neutrals to me, and it just made sense to finish it all off with richly colored leather accessories, to highlight the blouse's singular, emerald leather stripe.

{ tiffany aviators, zara coat (previously seen HERE and HERE // similar style available HERE), necklace and blouse courtesy of sachin + babi, michael kors watch, vintage skirt (also worn HERE and HERE // similar style available HERE), rebecca minkoff bag, bottega veneta boots }

PS: don't forget i'm hosting a giveaway with sachin + babi (designers of this subtly-intricate top) ~ CLICK HERE to enter!!

{ rebecca taylor } ss12

2011-11-27T12:00:00.005-05:00

we had a little burst of warmish weather this weekend, and it made me wish i were rocking this rebecca taylor look (seen at fashion week in september) ~ a little nod to now with that cargo jacket, visions of the spring to come in the silk skirt, and killer shoes to finish it all off.

{ love } forever

2011-11-25T11:45:00.008-05:00

i hope all of you here in the states had a very happy thanksgiving yesterday ~ and that everyone else had an amazing thursday!! i have so much to be thankful for, including terrific readers (thank you!), a great family, and an incredible group of creative, kindhearted friends.

two of them, marie and fred, were recently married in austin (i flew in from this shoot to attend), in a celebration that was distinctive, inspiring, and very them.

my dear friend whitney (we've been thisclose since 6th grade!) and i served as flower girls, in crowns i whipped up (using this process, but with fuller garland and real flowers). she wore a custom-made louise black dress and vintage cape; i coordinated in an over-dyed marni gown (i bathed it in navy dye to better match whitney's look) and alexander wang boots.

the bride was beautifully bold in a buckskin, fringed poncho and ball skirt (made by leslie crow of heyoka leather and paired with white cowboy boots), the groom even bolder in a red velvet, saville row suit with black leather lapels (paired with a bolo tie and bare feet!).

it was a joyous occasion in every way, and i thought you might enjoy seeing this little peek as you head into a long weekend filled with family and friends.

{ special thanks to jordan and jacqueline for bestowing their hair and makeup magic on whitney and me!! }

{ introducing } sachin + babi

2011-11-23T00:00:00.001-05:00

{ LOOK 1: tiffany aviators, pink vintage coat (borrowed from jamie), sachin + babi blouse, camille zarsky clutch, gifted kolae pants, zara boots }

{ LOOK 2: lanvin for h+m sunnies, self-designed necklace, sachin + babi leather-trimmed coat and sequin-panel dress, juicy couture bag (previously seen HERE and HERE), B brian atwood boots (knee-high variation available HERE) }

i was pleased to recently make the acquaintance of designer couple sachin + babi ahluwalia, whose clothes i'm wearing in today's post. they're one of those super-creative couples who not only seem to do it all, but also coolly do it together.

for years they've run ANK, an international, couture embroidery business, ANKASA, a high-end home decor line (who's newest store just opened this monday at 1202 madison avenue!), and most recently, they launched sachin + babi, a super-modern, super-wearable collection of artfully-embellished, elegant, cool-girl clothes. and a line of jewelry! these are my kind of people.

that's why i'm extra-excited to be working with them on some upcoming projects ~ kicking off today with a month-long giveaway on their facebook page. CLICK HERE to enter to win any one of the sachin + babi pieces in today's post (blouse, coat or dress ~ winner's choice!). afterwards, CLICK HERE to peep some behind-the-scenes pics from my sachin + babi studio tour ~ then stay tuned for more!! we have some really cool stuff in the works.

{ you fit me better } than my favorite sweater

2011-11-22T00:00:00.004-05:00

the title of this post comes from this obsessed-with song ~ and yes, this is most definitely my favorite sweater these days. worn with my current favorite hat, sunnies, carryall, and my favorite-favorite pants. basically, i've had this total combination on repeat a lot lately.

{ victor osborne hat, tiffany sunnies, RD international sweater (courtesy of modcloth), gifted stylestalker shirt worn underneath, blank nyc pants, rebecca minkoff bag, zara boots }

{ behind the scenes } with the coveteur

2011-11-21T16:25:00.004-05:00

love these behind-the-scenes snaps of bunny & me at home, from my shoot with the coveteur. check out similarly intimate glimpses from the coveteur's other stylish home tours on their fun tumblr!!
{ FYI: the blouse i'm wearing is available HERE // the pup, however, is one in a million! }

{ diana } in malibu

2011-11-20T20:30:00.008-05:00

these are the third and last batch of photos taken on my diana mini before it got swept up in ocean waves, while i was trying to land an aquatic shot in malibu. of course i'm so hooked on this new toy that i've already ordered another to replace the now-water-logged one. i'm excited to keep playing around with its possibilities!!
PS: for those who have asked, the aqua wedges can be found HERE.

{ diana } at tiffany's

2011-11-18T09:30:00.005-05:00

one more batch of photos from the same roll of film as yesterday's post, taken with my diana mini. you've seen photos from my dinner at the st. regis's tiffany suite already, but i love how this camera gave the night a totally different look. compare for yourself!!

{ diana } in puerto rico

2011-11-17T00:00:00.011-05:00

lately i've been experimenting with taking real-deal film photos on my diana mini camera. it's like the original instagram ~ it makes for surprising, nostalgic color combinations in an old-fashioned, square format. and it's so much fun waiting for the film to develop, while anticipating the surprises inside! a delightful indulgence in today's digital age. here are a few favorite frames i just picked up, from last month's trip to puerto rico:

{ jamie }

2011-11-16T00:00:00.004-05:00

seriously fell for jamie, as we spent 5 days collaborating together in california. if you're not following her blog already, you should be. this girl (along with her equally-talented fiancé, kevin), is most definitely going places.
{ PS: here she's wearing a knit dress by prabal gurung and these l.a.m.b. shoes // i had to show you this picture (taken on this trip) since she's totally nailing this week's accidental theme }

{ colorblocking } continued

2011-11-15T07:30:00.001-05:00

as i promised earlier today, to follow is my finest shot at fall colorblocking. yesterday was one of those perfect, picturesque days in new york, when a girl can get away with wearing open-toed shoes and a jacket. that's my kind of perfect, anyway. the leaves are starting to turn and drop, but there's still a bit of green left on the trees. in other words, the city is in on this season's sartorial spirit, colorblocking along with us!

{ tiffany sunnies, necklace from catbird, lamb jacket, zara dress, primary clutch, gifted B brian atwood shoes }

{ color } block

2011-11-15T00:00:00.008-05:00

as you know, i'm a huge fan of brian atwood's work, and partnered with him earlier this year to help launch his secondary line, B brian atwood. i had a lot of fun working with his team, and thus was excited when they sent me a sneak peek of the brand's new video campaign ~ i couldn't wait to share it with you all!! it's the sexiest take on colorblocking i've ever seen:

can't live without the shoes in the video?! get 'em RIGHT HERE!! and tune in again later today, when i'll check back, wearing my favorite pop-of-color kicks from this collection!

{ hi/lo }

2011-11-14T10:45:00.001-05:00

thanks to aimee's blog, i recently became aware of style at home's high/low feature, in which the same room is decorated in nearly-identical ways, once with and once without a real-world budget. if the rooms above weren't labeled, would you automatically know which is the high-cost and which is the low? it's a fascinating reminder that good design can come at any price ~ all you have to do is focus on a goal and be determined to find affordable solutions. they're out there!

{ kim's world }

2011-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:00

don't you just want to live in it? { via tank }

{ back } in new york

2011-11-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

{ victor osborne hat (last seen HERE), tiffany sunnies, halston heritage trench, marni blouse (last seen HERE), gifted rebecca minkoff bag, blank nyc pants (also seen HERE and HERE) , zara boots }

even after one of the best weeks of my life ~ which took me first to malibu for the kelly wearstler shoot, then to austin for a dear friend's wedding (more on that later!) ~ there's no place like home. i'm glad to be back in new york for a while. desperately need to get caught up on life ~ but first, sleep.

{ wishlist }

2011-11-09T00:00:00.001-05:00

{ clockwise from left: alice + olivia sequin pants, sandro printed blouse, rachel comey sleeveless coat, urban outfitters cap, maje leather pants, missoni shoes, alexander mcqueen clutch, alexander mcqueen cuff }

a few days of living dangerously fabulously have left me wanting to up the glamour-ante on my regular, everyday experience. a few of these things might help achieve that goal? thinking leather pants are especially necessary.

{ instant gratification }

2011-11-08T14:15:00.005-05:00

jamie and i were so overwhelmed by the beauty of kelly wearstler's house and clothes that we couldn't stop instagramming in-between our actual shots. i made a little facebook album with them, so we could revisit all our favorite photos. and those are just iphone pics ~ JUST WAIT till you see the real thing.

{ did you see } my tweets

2011-11-07T04:00:00.008-05:00

i just wrapped an admittedly obnoxiously-awesome weekend, spent staying in kelly wearstler's malibu beach house, styling and appearing in her resort 2012 collection campaign ~ as shot by my friend jamie. if you follow me on twitter, you're probably already annoyed by the awesomeness of this experience. if not, just wait! we shot things i didn't know were possible. serious surprises coming soon...

anyway, the above shots were made in her house the day i arrived. i wore tiffany sunnies, a zara vest, a white + warren sweater, a juicy couture bag, a kelly wearstler skirt, and alexander wang shoes. and then i changed into THIS.

{ yes } please

2011-11-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

DESPERATELY need this jacket. feel like it's kind of a winterized version of the linen number i abusively wore all summer long.

time { for sunshine }

2011-11-03T00:00:00.004-04:00

i'm backing up all those luckily-not-lost photos before packing to head to LA (then austin!) for a few days. revisiting these shots from erin fetherston's spring presentation is getting me into the right mindset for warmer climes:

{ photos by jeremy james }

PS: remember that giveaway we had going on? well, white + warren is pleased to announce our winner: congratulations to amy kircher ~ expect an email shortly!
PPS: wanna know where i'm staying in LA? here's a hint (or you could just check my twitter). i'm totally freaking out!!

{ new neutrals }

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

olive and khaki are the more casual alternative to my beloved black and white ~ and together they recently made for an effortless outfit comprised of all my new favorite pieces!

let's start with the hat, shall we? i bought it at victor osborne, when i was in the store pulling pieces for a shoot. i'm so excited that my hair's gotten long enough to peek out from underneath hats just in time for fall, and this one's been getting a ton of wear already.
THIS DRESS is another much-loved piece lately. actually, i'm surprised by just how much i've worn it in the short time we've been together. it worked with flat sandals for a night-out in puerto rico, then with black tights and a blazer for a birthday party back in new york. and of course, i also wore it with my favorite fall boots on the fine afternoon when these photos were taken!
THE JACKET was a gift from white + warren ~ which i was so grateful to receive, as i'd been on the hunt for a cold-weather workhorse to fill the roll in my wardrobe that THIS VEST played all summer. speaking of white + warren, don't forget that today is the last day to enter the giveaway i'm hosting with them!! we'll announce a winner tomorrow.

all in all, i felt like this ensemble encapsulated where my style is right now. it was tailored but relaxed, and layered but unfussy ~ just the way i like to feel!!

{ victor osborne hat, elizabeth & james sunnies, gifted white + warren jacket, E1 london dress courtesy of modcloth, michael kors watch, gifted coach clutch, alexander wang boots }

{ flash } drive/back/light

2011-11-01T21:30:00.004-04:00

for the past two weeks my laptop's been in the shop ~ a truly devastating ordeal, as it contained many as-yet un-backed-up photos. now that it's miraculously healed, i'm enjoying pouring over some memory evidence i thought i lost ~ including these! some fresh behind-the-scenes snaps from this studio project that i styled for LL Bean Signature. i can't wait until i can actually share the finished shoot!!

{ currently } at home

2011-11-01T00:00:00.007-04:00

i'm constantly, subtly rearranging my spaces. here's the living room, circa yesterday afternoon. newest updates include: turning the lucite desk-cum-dining-table base on its side, repurposing the piece into a coffee table // fresh lampshades // replacing my worn-to-shreds barcelona chair with a cozy black velvet wingback // picking this delightful footstool up on amazon.com.

look { sharp }

2011-10-30T00:00:00.004-04:00

still on a printed knits kick!!
{ vintage emanuelle khanh sunnies, gifted INC sweater (find it HERE or HERE), primary skirt (i ordered THIS VERSION too!!), gifted juicy couture bag, banana republic socks, B brian atwood boots (last seen HERE) }

{ dia } de los muertos

2011-10-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

{ photos by zooey grossman, who coincidentally shot me for THIS and THIS }

for me, the halloween festivities are kicking off this evening. i'm planning to channel this planet blue shoot and throw together a glammed-up dia de los muertos situation. somehow, i suspect i still won't be able to top THIS PAST COSTUME. ah well, what are you going to be??

{ the sweater side }

2011-10-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

when i first moved to new york from my mostly-balmy hometown of austin, texas, i was pretty sweater-inept. i never really had to wear them before (in my past environs, one jacket layer would typically suffice for the coldest days of the year), and definitely did not appreciate their chic possibilities. fast-forward a few years and i've more than come around to the sweater-side of life (see yesterday's post for proof)! i am happily wearing THIS WONDERFUL ONE while typing this post, and currently have a few quirkier varietals queued up on my mental wishlist:

{ top row, from left: cooperative raccoon sweater ($54), carin wester top-stripe sweater ($184), hot topic (shocking, i know!!) panda sweater ($36.50) // middle row: fred perry laurel wreath sweater in ivory ($319), dkny lipstick sweater ($195), dkny cherry-stripe sweater ($225) // bottom row: zac posen cardigan ($288), cooperative porcupine sweater ($54), fred perry laurel wreath sweater in navy ($319) }

{ kirsten }

2011-10-28T00:00:00.001-04:00

{ photos by terry richardson for T magazine }

{ cashmere } to share

2011-10-27T00:00:00.010-04:00

{ gifted tiffany sunnies (from THIS EVENT) + white and warren cashmere travel wrap, renee c. sweater (also seen HERE), bishop of seventh pants, corello shoes, primary chambray snakeskin clutch (from their just-relaunched e-shop!) }

i'm a big fan of white + warren's cashmere-centric collection (remember the fun summer shoot we collaborated on?!), and i've rhapsodized over my love for their travel wraps several times already. that's why i was so excited when they offered to give one of them away to one of you!!

to enter to win, simply CLICK HERE to fill out an entry form, and you'll be well on your way to sumptuously-soft style. our winner will be announced next thursday, november 3rd. bonne chance!!

{ waist down }

2011-10-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

{ cuffs: bulgari, khirma eliazov, juicy couture // zara vest (similar HERE), TOV dress (remember it from WAY BACK WHEN?!), rue de jeans, corello bag + boots }

{ dinner } at tiffany's

2011-10-25T00:00:00.015-04:00

{ i wore: tiffany earrings, necklaces and bracelets (on loan for the evening), gifted kimberly taylor dress (worn as a top), hyde belt, zara skirt (last seen HERE), tiffany clutch (recently seen HERE), manolo blahnik shoes (seen in my kitchen in THIS POST // i found a similar pair for you HERE) }

last thursday night i had the extremely unique privilege of hosting a dinner party at the newly-redesigned tiffany suite at the st. regis hotel in new york. as a fervent fan of both interior design (especially inside swanky hotels! my, how i adore them.) and jewelry (speaking of swanky, i was subtly dripping in borrowed diamonds all night. i loved it.), it was truly like living in a dream.

i was entrusted with this honor as tiffany's newly-appointed eyewear ambassador, and as such i invited a few fellow online scribes to make themselves at home with me there. we celebrated the launch of their latest frames (i've been wearing THIS PAIR nonstop ever since), and were treated to manicures courtesy of deborah lippman, endlessly flowing champagne, and a decadent dinner laid out on tiffany settings by tuxedoed waiters. a girl could really get used to this kind of life!

thank you so much to my friends at tiffany for this unforgettable experience, and to jamie, elana, heather, karla, tracey, sydne, carolyn, julie, and anya for graciously attending. of course i tweeted my whole way through, and shared a few extra instagram pics on facebook too!!

{ so much } cool stuff

2011-10-24T00:00:00.011-04:00

{ from top: minkpink sunnies, watercolor playing cards, 'celine' skateboard decks, lana del rey (yes, i'm as obsessed with her as you are), halloween-ready sugar cubes, christopher kane clutch, street art that reminds me so much of THIS POST, chanel backpack, the kooples f/w 2011, ysl duffle }

there is just SO MUCH COOL STUFF out there. it's no wonder shopping is so much fun! speaking of, i'm having a little sale of my own, clearing space for new jewels. check it out if you like.
{ above images via THE FANCY // similar lust list HERE }

{ more } black + white

2011-10-21T09:30:00.003-04:00

after yesterday's post, i feel like i owe you guys something a bit more colorful. but i've been living in black and white lately! i'm sure it has something to do with being obsessed with THIS BAG and wanting to wear it everyday.

{ lanvin for h+m sunnies, helmut lang jacket, rag + bone blouse, vintage moschino skirt (recently seen HERE), camille zarsky clutch, gifted ash shoes }

{ versioning } black skirt / white shirt

2011-10-20T00:00:00.001-04:00

as i get a little older (and a LOT busier), my style seems to be getting more streamlined and defined. along the way, i've come to understand the value of truly great basics, and on mornings when i'm pressed for time, a black skirt + white shirt combo never fails me. i love that the look can be taken in so many different directions! here are a few iterations that i hope might inspire you to think of ways to elevate your own plain jane faves:

VERSION I // ruffled blouse + leather skirt
{ elizabeth + james sunnies, self-made necklace, theory blouse, h+m skirt (recently seen HERE), marc by marc jacobs clutch, stuart weitzman shoes }

VERSION II // man's shirt + fringed skirt
{ lanvin for h+m sunnies, american apparel shirt, (borrowed from the boys), vintage embroidery-turned-brooch, coach classics bag, primary skirt, banana republic socks, corello shoes }

VERSION III // polo shirt + knit skirt
{ vintage yves saint laurent sunnies from ebay, american apparel polo shirt (as above, it's from the men's department), zara skirt (i'm also lusting after THIS SIMILAR STYLE), vintage studio ferre belt, michael kors watch, banana republic socks, loeffler randall boots }

last week { in san juan }

2011-10-19T00:00:00.006-04:00

my friends are still teasing me for giving in to the allure of instagram on twitter (i foolishly fought it for so long), but i have to admit, it DOES make for good (and easy on the go!) travel snaps. this is a little peek behind the scenes on last week's shoot in san juan, puerto rico.

{ the flare }

2011-10-18T00:00:00.011-04:00

{ juicy couture sunnies (remember them from HERE?), mackage jacket (also seen HERE), gifted kelly wearstler blouse, (blanknyc) pants courtesy of modcloth, camille zarsky bag, zara shoes }

here's a better look at what i showed you yesterday. of note: kelly wearstler is so cool she hand-paints her own prints, and i love these pants so much that i bought myself two extra pairs after modcloth sent me the first. i plan on wearing them to death this winter!

{ preview }

2011-10-17T00:00:00.004-04:00

so happy to be home again! while i get unpacked and settled back into a groove, here's a preview of tomorrow's post... i love what jeremy did here.

having { a moment }

2011-10-16T00:00:00.002-04:00

{ arthor elgort for glamour via moodboard }
baseball caps are suddenly very FASHION and i'm loving it!!

{ primary } spring 2012

2011-10-14T00:00:00.005-04:00

if you follow me on twitter, you know i've been away from home all week, working on a job in puerto rico. it's been fun but challenging ~ each day has started at 5am and ended around 11pm, with most of that time spent on hot strips of sand or deep in muggy jungles. in other words, if you've emailed me, i probably have not responded. but this is what i live for, and i can't wait to show you the results! in the meantime, here's a little something i styled during new york fashion week, for the spring 2012 primary collection:

{ all clothes + bags by cleo schroeder for primary // photos by greg swales }

{ killing it }

2011-10-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

finding these boots while away in milan inspired me to take a second look at zara's footwear offerings. i gotta say, they're sort of phenomenal ~ AND they're affordable!! { shop them HERE, HERE and HERE }

{ acute angles }

2011-10-11T00:00:00.002-04:00

{ forever21 sunnies, self-designed necklace, club monaco dress-turned-top (previously seen HERE, HERE and HERE), vintage belt, h+m leather skirt (similar option on sale HERE), camille zarsky clutch, zara boots }

in order to transition my wardrobe for fall without spending a fortune, i've been reworking pieces that have already had their fair share of wear. for example, this top used to be THIS DRESS. i felt like it was ready for a change! and i'm simply loving the look of interestingly angled layers, though it's hard to find tops that are cropped just right. better to do-it-yourself (or have your dry cleaner do it for you, like i did).

i always like to kick off a season by rethinking what's already in my wardrobe before adding in new duds. this time next year, don't be surprised if this skirt is six inches shorter!!

{ citrine dream }

2011-10-10T00:15:00.000-04:00

this space manages to be modern and minimal, without abandoning lush and layered. and the way they've worked in color ~ letting yellows (including mustard, flax and brass) be the dominant hue ~ is nothing short of masterful.
{ images via nuevo estilo }

{ wired }

2011-10-07T00:00:00.003-04:00

{ karen walker sunnies, halston heritage trench (also seen in THIS POST), kelly framel necklace, equipment shirt, vintage skirt, camille zarsky clutch, alexander wang shoes }

in one of those only-noticeable-in-real-life surprises, the cuffs and collar on this top are WIRED. i didn't realize this until my outnet order arrived, and it was such a delight to discover! i spent half the day these photos were taken sculpting, setting, twisting, and re-setting the exact angle of each malleable inch. CLICK HERE to get a better idea of what i'm talking about.

{ tamu's shoes }

2011-10-06T00:00:00.005-04:00

tamu mcpherson, the talented eye behind all the pretty birds & fashion director of grazia.it, has some pretty amazing taste in footwear. every morning in milan, i got so excited to see what she'd show up to the shows in. here are two of my faves:

{ coveteur'ed }

2011-10-05T09:00:00.002-04:00

i've been coveteur'ed! CLICK HERE to see it all.
{ photos courtesy of the coveteur }

{ goodbye bare }

2011-10-05T00:00:00.006-04:00

{ gifted kelly wearstler necklace, club monaco blouse, alexander wang shorts (also seen HERE), primary clutch, gifted pour la victoire shoes }

i actually wore this outfit nearly two weeks ago and hadn't gotten around to posting it yet. now, it's way too cold for me to wear bare legs like this! oh well, perhaps you west coast gals can get a little inspiration here. over on this side of the states, i'll be frantically pulling all my pants out of storage.

{ behind } the scenes

2011-10-04T00:00:00.009-04:00

immediately upon returning from milan fashion week, i rushed straight into work on a super-fun shoot, styling the spring 2012 lookbook for LL Bean Signature. the first day was spent putting together looks in their showroom...

...and the second day was spent on set!! i'm beyond happy with how this project turned out, and i can't wait to show you the results. in the meantime, here are a few sneak peeks from my brand-new instagram stream (i finally caved and am suddenly, begrudgingly addicted. it's twitter with pictures!):

anyway, stay tuned for the final photos, which i hope will be ready very soon. i swear, there was magic happening in that photo studio!!

{ preparatory }

2011-10-03T08:30:00.001-04:00

fall may be creeping up in spurts and starts, but when winter inevitably hits, it always seems to do so full-throttle. that's why ~ for the first time EVER ~ i'm stocking up on weather-ready accessories BEFORE they become necessities. just ordered the boots below ~ the ones on the left for when it's snowing but i still have to be seen (unfortunately, meetings happen in january too!), and the ones on the right for every other run-around day:

as for cold weather caps? i'm thinking a jil sander-inspired DIY just might be in order:

{ block party }

2011-09-30T00:00:00.009-04:00

{ karen walker sunnies, kelly framel necklace, nümph sweater courtesy of modcloth, stella mccartney corset, dedegumo watch, coach classic duffle, banana republic socks, alexander wang shoes (best seen HERE) }

had a pretty spectacular week, but man am i ready for the weekend! slouchy dresses are my jam for the next few days.

{ one look } four lenses

2011-09-29T06:00:00.003-04:00

my last day in milan, as seen through four different photographers' lenses:

image 1: via mr. newton, image 2: via catching moments, image 3: via the photodiarist, images 4 & 5: via cafe mode, image 6: via the photodiarist in color

{ wearing: lanvin for h+m sunnies, rachel rachel roy earrings, helmut lang jacket, madewell blouse, kelly framel necklace, bordelle bra, dedegumo watch + gifted khirma eliazov and bulgari bracelets, camille zarsky clutch (recently seen HERE), missoni pants, stuart weitzman shoes }

{ dolce vita } milan p2

2011-09-29T00:00:00.004-04:00

some seriously sexy swagger on the milanese catwalks // frankie morello, pucci, and emporio armani { CLICK HERE for more from milano }

{ lag time }

2011-09-28T00:00:00.006-04:00

{ lanvin for h+m sunnies (i recently put lighter lenses in them & now love them MORE THAN EVER!), gifted ralph lauren denim + supply jacket, cecico top courtesy of modcloth, dedegumo watch, alexander wang shorts (no, your eyes do not deceive you; i love my black pair so much i just bought this second set in olive green), corello bag & shoes }

i ducked out of milan a day early, rushing back to new york for a styling gig. since arriving i've been running around prepping for that ~ and let me tell you, jet lag is for real. also lagging? the arrival of fall!! i've been wearing sweaters and jackets anyway, even though it's officially 5 degrees too hot to do so. oh well, FASHION FIRST.

{ photo diary } milan p1

2011-09-27T00:00:00.003-04:00

{ some snapshots from milan // sherbert-toned tribal references at marni, elisa nalin's chunky fendi bracelets, pillows on each seat at etro, a pop art spectacular at iceberg, and unexpectedly sliced silks at mila schön }

{ the duomo }

2011-09-26T00:00:00.002-04:00

{ lanvin for h+m sunnies, club monaco jacket, kelly framel jewelry, gifted kimberly taylor blouse, forever21 skirt (recently seen HERE), corello bag, alexander wang shoes }

shot in front of the duomo on day 1 of milan fashion week ~ tourist alert!!

{ grazia }

2011-09-25T09:45:00.012-04:00

i'm currently writing to you from milan, where i am honored to be a guest of grazia magazine for fashion week. before coming over, they asked me to shoot a story and share a few words for their website on the topic of grace ('grazia' is the italian word for this). it's a trait i certainly aspire to exude, albeit one i don't always achieve. anyway, in case you don't speak italian (me neither!), i've included excerpts from the piece i wrote below:

{ karen walker sunnies, primary blouse and skirt, forever21 cropped cami, gifted corello bag, alexander wang shoes }

GRACE. Grace is a virtue that’s far-too-infrequently celebrated these days. It’s not about stature or prominence or even glamour. Grace is elegance. It is deference and authority in equal measure. It is good manners, it is kindness and it is a sense of propriety.

But grace is not stuffy. It is being comfortable in one’s own skin, while conscientiously allowing others to feel equally at ease around you. In fashion, this means dressing in a way that is appropriate to your lifestyle and surroundings. That is, embracing your age (at any age!) by combining femininity with a dose of mystery, plus a necessary nod to functionality.

{ nine west sunnies, club monaco jacket, kelly framel necklace, vintage dress (last seen HERE), corello belt, yves saint laurent shoes }

Happily, graceful is the perfect word to describe this season’s long-skirted look. Full and pleated, or languidly bias-cut, it matters not. Either way, the look is simultaneously timeless and contemporary. It harkens back to the silhouettes of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, but can be paired just as easily with a utility jacket and wedges as a trench coat and pumps. Modern mid-length skirts can veer fairly formal or incredibly casual – this is not a 1950’s sort of femininity. It’s current in that it’s comfortable and it’s elegant because it works in nearly any situation. You’ll rarely feel under-dressed...

{ juicy couture sunnies, halston heritage trench, meg dress, gifted corello clutch, lamb shoes }

please CLICK HERE to read the rest of the article and see many more pictures of these looks on grazia.it. then, CLICK HERE to check out my up-to-the-minute updates from milano!!

{ auburn }

2011-09-22T00:00:00.004-04:00

{ vintage yves saint laurent sunnies from ebay, self-designed necklace, gifted tory burch blouse, dedegumo watch, gifted bulgari bracelet, vintage bag, zara skirt, christian louboutin shoes }

it's officially that time of year when we're straddling seasons: summer brights suddenly feel silly, but it's not yet cool enough for full-on fall layers. so i've got a little of everything in here: lace-up sandals, meet color-blocked skirt (black and navy, every new york girl's favorite combo!), meet autumn-auburn blouse. plus a bag passed down from my great-grandmother ~ for me, the best part.

{ new eyes }

2011-09-21T00:00:00.001-04:00

i posted about lauren santo domingo's apartment HERE, and was excited to again spy some of the same pieces (like that adorable bulldog!) through the covetuer's lens last week ~ it's fun to see a home evolve, its contents reinterpreted from a fresh perspective:

{ frances }

2011-09-20T10:25:00.002-04:00

if you've been reading awhile, you may recall that i recently collaborated with shu uemura on this day-in-the-life-style video (check it out if you haven't already!). anyway, they just released another installment in the series, this time featuring fashion photographer frances tulk-hart, and i thought you might find this peek into her world & work to be pretty interesting:

{ the very next day }

2011-09-19T08:20:00.005-04:00

{ forever21 sunnies (last seen HERE), helmut lang jacket, marni knit top, forever21 pleather skirt (i picked it up in their times square store last week), dedegumo watch, coach classic duffle, j.crew sandals }

ran around in this comfy costumery last friday; i haven't had a day off since fashion week ended on thursday, but have at least been giving my feet a break with flat sandals. i have a huge project currently on my plate ~ as soon as it's cleared i'll get to work on a big fashion week photo diary for you all. fingers crossed that happens before i head to milan!!

{ a sweatshirt } and sequins

2011-09-16T10:00:00.006-04:00

{ self-designed necklace, club monaco sweatshirt (from the men's section!), vintage louis vuitton sequin skirt, gifted camille zarsky clutch (last seen HERE), khirma eliazov cuff, alexander wang shoes (also worn HERE) }

another fashion week look, as captured in the living room of the w times square. like i said last season, having a lincoln-center-convenient crash pad during this crazy time is invaluable (if you've tried to get around nyc this week, you know what i mean). i'm so grateful to them for putting me up ~ between the traffic and the manic hours, having an oasis that's only 5 minutes from the tents is a life-saver. and this time around, bunny came with me! i adore a hotel that's dog-friendly ~ being able to run back and snuggle her up during random breaks in the day makes both of us very happy.

by now we're back home in brooklyn, but life hasn't really slowed down. looking forward to getting some sleep in october?

{ michael angel }

2011-09-15T00:00:00.006-04:00

because of my friendship with the w hotels, i was able to sneak into michael angel's presentation on tuesday and preview the collection before anyone else. what an honor! it was so nice to really be able to linger over the details in the clothes ~ the intricate prints, surprising linings, thoughtful layering, super-precise collars and patchwork construction truly blew me away. and there's a trenchcoat in there that i doubt i can live without:

{ b brian atwood } in stores today!

2011-09-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

{ B brian atwood 'factorium' shoes // as originally worn HERE // available at saks fifth avenue and bloomingdales }

i first introduced you to the B brian atwood collection HERE, and the full line is finally in stores TODAY! in case you forgot, i will be co-hosting a launch celebration tonight from 6-8pm at saks fifth avenue (611 5th ave) ~ and you're all invited! please join me (and a gaggle of my fellow bloggers) to fête two of our favorite things: shoes and champagne!!

{ disco dream }

2011-09-14T00:00:00.001-04:00

{ kelly framel necklace, primary silk dress, dedegumo watch, khirma eliazov cuff, tiffany & co clutch (last seen HERE), yves saint laurent shoes }

wore this dress to shows on saturday, then snapped these photos upon my return to the w hotel ~ my fashion week home-away-from-home for the second season now. more on that coming soon!!

{ the fashion ranger }

2011-09-13T00:00:00.003-04:00

{ i wore: primary blouse, zara skirt, camille zarsky clutch (my wardrobe's fashion week MVP!), corello shoes }

getting a cab when you need one is among the hardest parts of fashion week (that and the lack of sleep), so i was happy to team up with mercedes benz's fashion ranger on saturday. they drove me around to shows, and in between i prowled the town, scouting for the fiercest leopard-spot-sporters on the scene (including superstar stylist june ambrose, below):

you all probably know that leopard is by far my favorite print, so this was a fun project to be a part of. click over to my facebook page for TONS more street style snaps!!

{ you're invited }

2011-09-12T15:25:00.001-04:00

in town for fashion week? please join me & refinery29 this wednesday, september 14th from 6-8pm at saks fifth avenue, to (finally!) celebrate the in-store launch of B brian atwood. see you there?!

{ love }

2011-09-12T00:00:00.002-04:00

saturday night, i stopped by milk studios to check out pamela love's spring 2012 collection. a band jammed in one corner, while a bevy of models perched on persian rug piles, decked in dune-colored costumes topped with tooled-leather details ~ and lots and lots of jewelry... {CLICK HERE for full post}

{ fashion's night out }

2011-09-11T00:15:00.002-04:00

{ with chriselle, reed krackoff, and leandra at coach's fashion's night out party }

i had so much fun during fashion's night out ~ more readers than i knew i had turned out for both the coach and mackage parties, and i truly enjoyed getting to meet each and every one of you. and i am so grateful that my talented friend jeremy was on hand to document the festivities ~ click over to my facebook page to see how it all went down!