Monday, March 5, 2012

OH MY Céline

Okay, so I might be getting a little ahead of myself (it's not even Spring yet) but I just can't help it... The photos keep flooding in from Paris Fashion Week and the Fall/Winter 2012 Céline collection is just a knockout. Sticking with her affinity for flawless cuts and quality fabrics, designer Pheobe Philo never ceases to amaze me... She is a genius - enough said. I'm loving the stripes of color, the shoes, and am craving an all white look like the one pictured below. So simple, yet so chic.

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Céline F/W 2012 - Photos via Style.com

À bientôt!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Barney's CO-OP Spring '12

This fun, new spring '12 video from Barney's CO-OP made me smile. Not to mention, all of the clothes are absolutely amazing! I'm loving the 3.1 Phillip Lim pants, the ACNE blue suede biker jacket, the Isabel Marant embellished jacket, and the white Alexander Wang shoes... Check it out!



À bientôt!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

A Spring Wishlist

The majority of my wardrobe is comprised of neutral whites/grays/blacks and simple basics. So this spring, I really want to make an effort to add some prints and color to revamp my wardrobe and make it feel fresh and alive again. Here are some items that have been inspiring me lately...

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1) Carven Mountains Printed Habotai Dress: This beautiful landscape dress is the ultimate statement for spring with an outstanding print on an elegantly cut and lightweight silk dress.
2) Anntian Silk Dress: I love the dark green and pale yellow print of this dress - slightly tribal without overpowering. The subtle draping and gathering at the side makes for the perfect spring/summer dress: easily layered and wearable both by day with sandals and by night with heels (like the peep-toe Zara wedges pictured below).
3) Carven Fluid Satin Tank in Geranium: Although it's a basic, the bright color is sure to add a burst of spring to any look.
4) BLK DNM Shirt 28 in Citrus Yellow: There's nothing I love more than a good button-up blouse. The neon lemon color of this sheer top is the perfect version for spring.
5) Alexander Wang Liya Stingray Leather and Suede Pumps: Ever since I saw these shoes in New York at Tribeca boutique, OTTE, I haven't been able to get them off my mind. I'm usually appalled by any heel under 5 inches (I know, crazy) but there's just something about the perfectly pointed toe, thick ankle strap, and textured burgundy color of these pumps that have me dying to wear them with everything.
6) Zara Peep Toe Wedge Ankle Boot: I've been looking for a black, open-toe boot for so long now, it's not even funny. Of course, the second I found a pair of lace-ups I was in love with, they were completely out of stock... everywhere. Luckily, Zara has come to the rescue with this super attractive pair at a fraction of the price.
7) Nars Lip Gloss in Chihuahua: I've never been a fan of lip glosses... They're sticky and typically just too glossy for my taste. But this lip gloss from Nars is the perfect, natural shade and when lightly dabbed on, looks very matte. A perfect compromise.
8) Shourouk Asteroid Bracelets: Ever since the Man Repeller coined the phrase, "Arm Party," hoards of bracelets have been stacked on wrists everywhere. But these bracelets by Shourouk are super original and different from anything I normally see.

À bientôt!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

My Week in Pictures: New York City

Wow... what an amazing week in New York City. I even ended up prolonging my stay because we were having too much fun. But... all good things must come to an end, right? Nevertheless, I came home with a hefty suitcase, satisfied stomach, and a new found love and passion for a city that (believe it or not) I was never too crazy about before. Unlike my previous visits to New York, (in the middle of summer overcome by heat and humidity) this time, I lucked out with mild and beautiful winter weather; perfect for exploring the city and hitting all the spots I've been taking note of the past few months. Among the many adventures: a cookie tour inspired by Amy Thomas to both Levain and City Bakeries (they're both incredible), an afternoon of exploring and shopping in Soho, a visit to the Alexander Wang store (I nearly passed out from excitement), dinners at Balthazar and Morimoto, several inspirational visits to ABC Carpet & Home (interior design lovers rejoice - this place is amazing), and many a bowl-sized cappuccinos at Le Pain Quotidien (a chain I used to frequent with friends in Paris).

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The City Bakery on West 18th & 5th Ave.
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The City Bakery's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookie
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Street Art in Soho
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Alexander Wang Store - Soho
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Some Major Wishlists in the Making at Alexander Wang
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City Lights
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Escargots at Balthazar
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The Balthazar Salad
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Exploring NYC
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Clear Winter Day in NYC
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Snow at Night
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Levain Bakery on West 74th & Amsterdam Ave.
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Levain Bakery's Famous Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie
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Hamachi Tartare at Morimoto
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New Maison Martin Margiela Booties

It was pretty lucky that my trip coincided with fashion week; there was such energy in the air. And, needless to say, the shopping in New York was incredible. After months of admiring these beautiful clothes online, there's nothing like seeing them in the flesh. And my god... I'm just convinced that Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, and ACNE will never fail to impress me... I can't wait for more of their spring stuff to become available. Oh, and the new Rag & Bone and 10 Crosby by Derek Lam collections were also to die for - more on all of that later. By far, the best purchase of the trip (aside from those mouth watering cookies) were the Maison Martin Margiela boots that I snagged at 75% off - major score! There were only 2 pairs left, one of which was my size. Fate..? I think yes.

À bientôt!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Shopping the Incredible Prints

Looking for some incredible prints to add to your wardrobe this spring? While many amazing printed pieces will be hitting stores in the next couple of weeks along with the new spring collections, there are some great pieces you can shop now as well. Here are some I have gathered from the web... take a look!

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Carven Printed Silk-Habotai Top / O'2ND Floral Tank / ACNE Jody Printed Taffeta Top

For a simple printed addition to your wardrobe, look no further than a printed top or blouse. Instant style with minimal styling efforts. Like we saw at Dries Van Noten, a landscape print is an awesome statement, especially when pasted on a loose-fitted tee. Throw on a jacket or blazer and you're good to go. For something a little more feminine, try a printed silk tank or taffeta top and dare to show off your mastery of the prints by mixing them with printed shorts or trousers.


For a really effortless showstopper, look for a printed dress. J Crew and Topshop have some great affordable options this season while the coveted Stella McCartney takes us to a tropical paradise with her exotic creations. However, if you're looking to invest, the best of the printed dresses have yet to arrive with the spring collections (cue the Dolce & Gabbana).

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Céline Resort 2012 via Style.com
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Zara Printed Bomber Jacket / Zara Printed Blazer / Zara Printed Blazer
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Topshop Hieroglyphic Silk Joggers / Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Pants / Thakoon Rose Print Pants / Rag & Bone Racine Printed Wide Leg Pant


For a bold printed statement, look for a great pant or blazer. The above and beyond print for me this season is Céline's resort floral prints (trust me, the stitching is even more beautiful in the flesh), but Zara has some great and affordable printed jackets in their new collection, perfect for adding a little punch to a casual jeans and tee-shirt uniform. In the pant category, ACNE and Thakoon have turned out a fabulous, subdued black and white printed trouser or two this season (check out Topshop's for a more affordable option), while Rag & Bone's gorgeous yellow/navy print and D&G's colorful florals are the ultimate statement standouts.

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Mary Katrantzou for Topshop - Photos via Topshop

In further print news, designer Mary Katrantzou's capsule collection for Topshop will bring outstanding prints to stores on February 17th. The lookbook is amazing - can't wait to see!

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What prints are you loving this season? Check back for a New York City recap later this week!

À bientôt!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Great Reads: Paris My Sweet

February 1st marked the much anticipated release of Amy Thomas' first book, Paris My Sweet: A Year in the City of Light (and Dark Chocolate). A self-proclaimed sweet-freak, Amy's delightful book chronicles her experiences eating her way through Paris while working for Louis Vuitton on the Champs Elysées. While it is undeniably all very glamorous, Amy doesn't hold back from sharing her difficulties living the expat life in the city of lights. Suffering from a torn New Yorker/Parisian identity crisis, tough assignments at work, and difficulties assimilating with les parisiens, Amy's book is an honest account of her time in Paris that perfectly parallels her journey to find the best sweets in the city.

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As an avid reader of Amy's blog, God I Love Paris, you can bet I had this book pre-ordered weeks before it's release. Dragging my feet home from a long day of class last Friday, I suddenly remembered what would be waiting for me at my doorstep... The manilla Amazon envelope with Amy's book inside. Let's just say that by weekends end, I had devoured the entire thing and wished (oh so badly) that it wasn't over. Honestly, I loved every second of this book : from her hilarious dating stories and oh-so-perfect observations of les parisiens, to her vivid, mouth-watering descriptions of the best sweets Paris and New York have to offer, Amy had me totally hooked!

You can purchase Amy's book here, read an interview with her at paris (im)perfect, or get acquainted with her at her blog, God I Love Paris!

Happy reading and à bientôt!

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Spring Trends: Incredible Prints

While many trends may come and go, it’s nice to find some sartorial assurance in looks that just keep coming back season after season. Sure, Alexander Wang may stun us all by sending bad-ass models with slicked down hair clad in mesh windbreakers, track shorts, and motocross helmets down the runway. But no matter what, we can always count on the spring shows to provide us with an incredible print or two. Here are some of my favorites for spring 2012…

DOLCE & GABBANA
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Photos via Style.com
Bold prints may be nothing new for Dolce & Gabbana, but the 2012 spring collection took on produce in a whole new light. Eggplants, zucchinis, tomatoes, and hot peppers covered dresses, full skirts, and cropped tops alike, transforming the runway into one delicious outdoor market.

PROENZA SCHOULER
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Photos via Style.com
At Proenza Schouler, prints emanated sophistication with a tropical floral influence. The silhouettes were classic with interesting wrap, twist, and cutout details, while the colors were surprising; sulfur yellow, bright turquoise, dark brown, and orange.

DRIES VAN NOTEN
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Photos via Style.com
Finally, at Dries Van Noten, prints were masterfully combined in creating a digital illusion. Jungle inspired landscapes, ocean waves, and bright florals were printed on minimalist, ready-to-wear styles in creating a sartorial collage worthy of attention.

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Tomorrow, I head off to NYC to visit my sister and some friends for the weekend - so excited! With many spots already listed on the agenda (including a visit to the brand new Céline store in Midtown) hopefully I'll have lots of photos to share with you when I get back!

À bientôt!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

ASOS Spring 2012

The new ASOS Spring/Summer 2012 lookbook promises some affordable style this season, making both our wardrobes and our wallets extremely happy. The new collection embraces two of spring's biggest trends: the athletic (covered here), some smart color blocking, and the always appropriate spring floral (which I will be expanding on shortly).

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Photos via Fashionologie

The S/S collection will be available for purchase at ASOS.com in April 2012.

À bientôt!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Adopting the Sporty Trend

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Photo via Shopbop
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S/S 2012 Runways at Alexander Wang, Helmut Lang, and Rag & Bone

You've seen the sporty trend dominate the runways for spring and summer, now go check out my new post for the Savoia to find out how you can incorporate a little athleticism into your wardrobe!

À bientôt!

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

KARL by Karl Lagerfeld Launches Tomorrow!

The much anticipated and buzzed about KARL by Karl Lagerfeld womenswear line launches tomorrow, January 25th, on Net-A-Porter! And... once again, I find myself yearning to be in Paris to witness the mysterious KARL cube that has been set up in St-Germain-des-Prés. According to Vogue, the legendary designer himself will be opening the cube tomorrow at 4:30pm for his devoted fans on the left bank.

Can't make it to Paris? Understandable. But if you happen to be in New York, don't miss out on Net-A-Porter's celebration and KARL pop up shop at 375 Bleecker Street starting at 10:30am tomorrow. The first 50 guests will receive special gifts from the new line and one lucky shopper will get a $1500 gift certificate to Net-A-Porter.com. Other participating cities include London, Sydney, and Berlin. As for the rest of us, we can shop the collection online at at Net-A-Porter starting tomorrow at 7:30am PST.

The womenswear line consists of over 70 different pieces and with prices ranging from $35-$1350, well... let's just hope the site doesn't crash! Here's a little preview...

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Photo via Vogue

Happy shopping and à bientôt!

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Swedes Take Paris

That's right. The iconic swedish fashion label, Acne, opened its doors to stylish, minimalist shoppers everywhere last month in Paris. In what used to be a garage now exists the impressively sleek and modern boutique offering up some coveted scandinavian style. As a major Acne fan, I am just dying to visit this store at its chic Marais address (3 rue Froissart). Grab a buckwheat crêpe at Breizh Café, stroll through the Place des Vosges, and stop in for some sartorial eye candy at Acne? Sounds like the perfect afternoon in Paris to me.

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Photos from the Acne boutique opening - via 10 Days in Paris

On another note - I will now be taking on a second virtual project writing for the style section over at the Savoia. Unlike this little blog here, the Savoia is a full website with several contributing authors and a much larger readership so I'm very excited! My first post went live today so please take a second and go check it out!

À bientôt!

Friday, January 20, 2012

A Few Things

These detailed shots backstage at the spring 2012 Proenza Schouler fashion show are simply stunning. I love all the gold tones, stripes, and leather. And as always, no Proenza Schouler line would be complete without its supply of geometric details and exotic floral prints. I just think the combination of colors, materials, and intricate design are pure magic! From simple statement pieces like a knit sweater or a pencil skirt, Proenza Schouler produces something wildly fun and out of the ordinary. I especially love the last photo of Anna Wintour bending over to get a better look at the line-up.

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All photos via Jak & Jil

Have a good weekend and à bientôt!

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

It's a Sporty Spring with Alexander Wang

This year, the Resort and Spring collections at Alexander Wang take on an urban, sporty influence. Bright, neon colors, interesting fabrics, and unexpected details work together in creating fun, straight-from-the-athletes pieces. Worn together, they might be a little much, but a few separates here and there are sure to add some serious style to your wardrobe this spring.

HIP-HOP DANCER
Baggy, sweat pants and hoodies, tanks with cut-outs, funky sneakers, and backpack style handbags = laid back, hip-hop attitude

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T by Alexander Wang Draped Matte-Satin Tank / Neon Knitted Cotton-Blend Pants / Knitted Cotton Hooded Top
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Alexander Wang Marti Backpack / Dillon Paneled Perch and Suede Sneakers & Sneakers / Donna Hobo


JOGGER/MOTOCROSS CHIC
Drawstring details, short shorts, glossy fabrics, biker boots, and leather accents = a bad-ass marathon-runner, motocross-biker inspired look

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T by Alexander Wang Color Block Knitted Sweater & Alexander Wang Leather Shorts / Plaid Patchwork Windbreaker & Striped Shell Shorts / Leather Trimmed Gloss Jacket
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Alexander Wang Andrea Boot / Chloe Sandal / Kirsten Tote

SCUBA/SURFER GIRL
Bright colors, form-fitting dresses, textured scales, and zip details = a scuba diving, wet suit, surfer girl vibe

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T by Alexander Wang Neon Knitted Cotton Hooded Top & Skirt / Alexander Wang Striped Stretch-Fleece and Satin-Twill Dress / Alexander Wang Color Block Dress
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Alexander Wang Aida Pump / Zip Detailed Acetate Sunglasses / Perch Fumo Large Wristlet

À bientôt!