Studies of New York

Sorry I've been absent! Have been in New York since the end of May, interning with Vogue magazine! As you can imagine, life is quite hectic and crazy, and weeks seem to fly by, and I haven't been able to take as many photos of the city as I would like. But, I've been able to sneak a few in here and there.

I've always really enjoyed photography, and have always been envious of those who could capture moments in life as they happen; a "candid camera" photographer of sorts. I just don't think I'm that good of a photographer to merit owning a really nice camera. Even still, here's my attempt at capturing moments.

Mad Hatter's Tea Party

A revamp of Miss Alice's tea party, this time with Stella, Chloé, Diane and others as honored guests.
Don't forget to pack your lace gloves!

Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Who can take a rainbow
Wrap it is a sigh
Soak it in the sun
and make a strawberry lemon pie?

Willy Wonka had the right idea: colors brighten our lives (and our wardrobes). Though it is kind of late in the game as far as spring and designers are concerned, since Fall '09 has already been shown, I guess I only just noticed that every color under the rainbow was used for Spring 09. Among all the crazy prints and silhouettes, you can always count on a lovely solid in a lovely color to brighten your wardrobe. A sampling:

circles&squares&triangles

I just turned in a creative draping project for my Design III studio class. We could only use perfect circles, perfect squares or equilateral triangles to construct our garment. I decided ultimately on perfect circles, because the drape was so pretty! The straps are circles that have been folded into pie shapes, and there's some pleating at the bust line. 8 hours+some frustrating hemming=


It's a little revealing on the sides, so leggings or tights may be in order. But I'm excited to wear it!

A Few of my Favorite Things

Why don't you....

*listen to Brigitte Bardot's "Bubble gum"
*plant paper whites in a bowl
*take black & white candid photos

...of course, only if you have time on your hands!

California Dreamin'

Winter blues, be gone! Spring is somewhat around the corner, and that means time to start daydreaming about warm-weather plans and picnics with french bread and sparkling water. It's also a time for easy, carefree pieces that are still feminine and playful. A label to jump-start your spring fever? James Perse is a wonderful place to start.

Inspired by minimalist architecture and the breezy indoor-outdoor living style that only California could foster, James Perse designs for women and men who want "low maintenance high fashion" clothes that drape beautifully and fit well. Simplicity and sophistication are always in style, as is elegance paired with comfort.

Some pieces that I would love to frolic around in:



The clothes I picked are all in lovely neutral shades. I think sometimes women over think, or perhaps overlook simplicity, and don't add it into their wardrobe for fear of being "boring." You can always dress around a neutral, but it's a little trickier working around a busy pattern. These clothes don't wear you; the lines are clean, and the fit is loose.

You can find James Perse clothes online or in fine department stores, such as Neiman Marcus, Barney's New York, and Bergdorf Goodman. James Perse is also available internationally.

The Cube

No, that's not the name of the latest horror movie. (Wouldn't that be a great title for one, though?) It is, however, the name of just one of many revamped sections of the discount retailer, Marshalls. Back in October, I did a piece on their newly revised show section of the store. This time around, I was asked to cover The Cube, a part of the store geared towards the young adult crowd. When I went to Marshalls last week, I was really amazed at the number of brands that The Cube had to offer, all at really unbelievable prices. There were jeans by Seven for All Mankind, Level 99, and Levis. Skirts and shorts by Kenneth Cole Reaction, Express Design Studio, and The Limited. And of course, department store staple brands, such as Rampage and Jordache. The selection was huge, and I always have loved the thrill of the hunt.

End the end, I got 5 pieces, for a grand total of $51.46. Not bad, considering that'll get you about one leg of designer jeans. Read on for my purchases, and what I'm pairing them with!

The Jeans

These acid wash jeans are by Jordache, and were only $16.99. Even though acid wash jeans are a trend most feel should be left in the 80s, they can be modernized-chicly!- with simple flats and a solid top. Mine are skinny leg, which keeps it current. I wore them with black Tory Burch flats, a cream Ella Moss tunic and a black knit sweater, complete with cornflower-blue pashmina turned scarf.

The Skirt

This skirt, by the Express Design Studio, was only $3.00. Yes, $3.00. It's cream colored, with an off-white speckle print. It reminds me very much of J.Crew, which is fine by me. I feel like this will be great once warmer weather hits with flats, but for now, wearing it with tights is working out well. I'm wearing the cream top from above, and tucked it loosely into the skirt, and am wearing Stuart Weitzman heels (that were on sale!).

The White Shorts

These white shorts, by Rampage, were also only $3.00. (My luck continues!) They have a bit of stretch to them, and are wide enough that they're not skin tight. Plus, they're cuffed, which I think adds extra polish. Once again, I'm wearing my faithful Ella Moss shirt, plus a grey and cream vest from Urban Outfitters. And though you can't see my feet, I'm wearing strappy flats.

The Seersucker Shorts

These shorts, at a more than reasonable price of $5.00, are also great because they're mid-thigh, and loose fitting. The seersucker fabric makes it a great spring to summer choice. I thought I'd mix patterns and add a J.Crew plaid shirt, which has a simlar color scheme. I'm wearing great, sculpted heels by Nine West.

The Blue Maxi Dress
Finally, the blue maxi dress was about $22.00. The maxi dress trend will definitely carry over into this summer, and in a great deep blue, it's universally flattering. It would go great with flat gladiators or strappy flats.