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...

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!

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).

The City Bakery on West 18th & 5th Ave.

The City Bakery's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookie

Street Art in Soho

Alexander Wang Store - Soho

Some Major Wishlists in the Making at Alexander Wang

City Lights

Escargots at Balthazar

The Balthazar Salad

Exploring NYC

Clear Winter Day in NYC

Snow at Night

Levain Bakery on West 74th & Amsterdam Ave.

Levain Bakery's Famous Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookie

Hamachi Tartare at Morimoto

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!

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!

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.

J Crew Jules Floral Print Dress / Topshop Rosey Posey Dress / Stella McCartney Hawaiian Print T-Shirt Dress

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).

Céline Resort 2012 via Style.com

Zara Printed Bomber Jacket / Zara Printed Blazer / Zara Printed Blazer

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.

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!

Great Reads: Paris My Sweet

Photo via Lost in Cheeseland

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.

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!

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

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

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

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!

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).

Photos via Fashionologie

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

À bientôt!