blues

denim isn't just about blue jeans anymore, and canadian tuxedos are no longer faux pas.  

a few years ago it seemed like dark wash skinny jeans held a monopoly over the denim market... but NOW there's high waisted, low rise, cropped, flare, trouser, boy friend, straight leg, skinny, light wash, dark wash, colored, selvedge, and distressed jeans.  PLUS denim jackets, vests, shirts, skirts, and dresses!  

it's wOnderful, really! 

below i put together how I wear denim for different occasions, to some of my favorite places in nyc:

dinner date

shirt (similar)     jeans     shoes    bracelets
 (all from madewell)

hudson clearwater is a "secret" restaurant in the west village with a rustic vibe, friendly staff, and delicious food.  extra bonus: there's a quaint hidden outdoor space for summertime dining!

hudson clearwater

brunch

denim tee - madewell           jeans - current/elliot (via anthropologie)           shoes - lucky brand

fives leaves is a casual cafe in greenpoint, brooklyn and is the perfect spot to grab tasty grub after a stroll through mccarren park.

five leaves

shopping

denim vest - jcrew    dress - attic and barn (via madewell)    sandals - elizabeth and james

artists & fleas is an indoor market in williamsburg, bk (and now also in chelsea) where one can find goods from emerging artists, indie designers, vintage collectors, and handmade crafters.

artists & fleas

fancy pants!

colored bottoms are everywhere!  what's next, you ask?!  fancy pants!

a.l.c.     madewell     zara     talbots     zara     jcrew     jcrew     zara     jcrew    

hats

a few weeks ago, i took a trip to j.j. hat center in midtown manhattan to help the b.f. spend his christmas gift certificate on the perfect hat.  i didn't know what to expect, but i was pleasantly surprised with the experience.  

the store has a wide selection, but at the same time isn't overwhelming.  marc, the dapper store manager,  was extremely helpful in showing us hats that fit the b.f.'s style (this guy is good).  we had a lot of fun.  

after visiting j.j. hat center, i decided i want a hat for myself.  i think i need to ease my way into it, so instead of investing in a borsalino (although they are amazing), i think i'll start out with something a little less expensive, to see if i'll actually wear it for longer than a season.  

here are a few that i like (ranging from $18-$80):

madewell     free people     free people     jessica simpson     free people

a little inspiration from some stylish musicians:

st. vincent    lykke li    justin townes earle    stevie nicks

christmas morn

what a wOnderful christmas! this is my first post from my iPad, using the moodboard app!  i'm so excited about everything santa (& co) brought for me this year:

dodocase     ipad 2    vintage map scarf (similar here)

coffee sleeve    the national "the boxer" vinyl    lavendar soap    handmade backpack

colorblock sweater (similar here)    striped sweater    "a once courageous heart"    aries bracelet

cold weather color

i'm tired of wearing black in the winter.  this snowy season, i plan to dance around town in cheery brights.  i did a little shopping this weekend and picked up a few colorful items at j.crew which i'm super excited about.  i was paging through Sunday Styles this morning and came across a wOnderful ad for a brand called C. Wonder.  the brand seems to be a lovely fusion of the preppy aspects of j.crew & the whimsical nature of kate spade but at a fraction of the price.  i thought, "this is the perfect brand to feed my sudden need for color."  i immediately googled the heck out of it and found that a store would soon open in Soho, and another shortly after at the Garden State Plaza.  I can't wait!

belt: kate spade; blouse: jcrew; dress: madewell; bag: cambridge satchel co; 

pants: jcrew; mittens: kate spade; skirt: jcrew

c. wonder ad from nytimes sunday styles section

an unusual classic

here's a classic piece that isn't black or white.  this dark green lace pencil skirt is interesting and eye-catching but the color and pattern are subtle and the silhouette is simple, so it can easily be paired with number of different tops.

skirt- ann taylor; blouse- ann taylor; pumps- vince camuto; cardigan- jcrew; belt- ann taylor; jacket- ya los angeles (the one i'm wearing is bar III); sweater- madewell

INSPIRED BuY...the contents of my bag - part 2

as i said in the previous post, i've been dreaming about the red jcrew edie purse for some time now.  however, i have/want way too much stuff so i'm not sure how practical that medium-sized bag would be for me.

so i decided to start looking around for something a little roomier and i came across this leather tote. this would be a great update to the canvas "brooklyn flea" bag i've been carrying around all summer.

here are some things i'd like to tote around with me everyday:

madewell leather transport tote - stylish, comfy carry-all
klean kanteen water bottle - attempting to ween myself off of plastic water bottles
concert tickets 
koh-i-noor rapidomatic mechanical pencil
rite-in-the-rain waterproof notebook
dreamcatcher keychain 
drifter pouch
ipad 2 with vers wooden case
fuji x100 camera - looks vintage, but it's a new digital camera and it takes awesome photos.  i want.  check out my co-worker justin's flickr set of x100 photos here.
iphone 4 and sony earbuds
kiehls no-shine lip balm
kate spade wallet - love the color
tide-to-go - some things never change

INSPIRED BuY...geek chic

i've always wanted to wear eyeglasses.  i've purchased and rocked many a faux pair, but i always felt a little silly wearing them since they didn't really serve a purpose.  i've recently noticed that i have trouble seeing street signs, and that powerpoint presentations are a bit blurry to me.

i realize no one believes me since i've always had a thing for glasses plus i eat so many carrots that i once turned orange (no joke).  however, i'll have you know that i had my eyes examined on friday and i DO, in fact, need glasses.  so there.

i've probably visited 25 different optical shops over the past few months, trying on all different styles of eyeglasses, but on friday i finally found the perfect pair: the Elizabeth & James "Spring" in Tortoise.  They are nerdy and hip all at once and i feel happy when i put them on.

my recent purchase inspired me to write this geek chic post.

1. suspenders - american apparel

2. varsity jacket - forever 21

3. penny loafers - madewell

4. nerdy glasses - elizabeth & james

5. ankle length pants - jcrew

6. backpack - archival clothing

7. novelty socks - jcrew

INSPIRED BUY...my dad

i wouldn't call my dad the most fashionable guy (his closet resembles doug funny's: a collection of green polo shirts and khaki pants) but he is pretty darn cool.  his brain is filled with tons of random information, he cruises around in a 1975 MGB that he restored on his own, he's a music aficionado, and he'll drive me home from wherever i am, at any time of night (or early morning), no questions asked.

so i thought i'd say thanks for everything he's taught me/done for me by dedicating this post to him (mom, your post is coming soon)!

i put together a collection of tomboy style below.  this is a look i'd rock when traveling out of town for the weekend.

1. tom's classic 101

2. madewell artisan tee

3. wesc oboe headphones

4. keil james patrick croffix sailing belt

5. wgaca vintage boyfriend jeans

6. the hill-side bandana

7. quality mending co. duffel

8. steve madden sallutte shoes