NYFW Day 2

Evening ladies! May I take your coats? Sorry, I felt like a butler there for a hot sec, but little ole me is back now. And you probably want to keep your coats because it finally feels like FALL!! Again sorry, but I get a wee bit excited over anything fall related, and when I stepped outside my door this morning and was greeted with chilly weather, my heart skipped a beat. I had been wishing for this day all summer long and it was finally here. Now fall, don't go breaking my achy breaky heart and disappear mysteriously on me. I need you to commit dude!

Well, after a long and exhilarating day 1 of NYFW, I was back to Lincoln Center to do it all over again. Even though I only had one day under my belt, I definitely felt more confident making my way up those steps, flashing my press badge like a pro (Ya, I was here yesterday. You might remember me.) and heading straight for the standing room lines. Ah, the dream. To wait in a long line of other clamoring fashionistas who will stop at nothing to get in their favorite shows. I kid, because actually I met some really wonderful people in those lines and I'm not sure I would have even made it in to Nicole Miller (my fav show of the weekend) had it not been for a nice lady whose spot in line I saved and who then gave me her extra ticket! I loved using the line time to just people watch, instagram my fav ensembles and really take in the whole environment around me. And those lines brought me to Jill Stuart, Son Jung Wan and Rafael Cennamo.

Quick outfit snap while waiting in line for Jill Stuart. Please note, I am wearing heels.  Store that info away for a little later. 

The lights dimming right before the first model comes on the runway is one of my favorite parts of the show. It is just so exciting and unknown! 

Jill Stuart showed some beautiful neutrals and creams and seemed very lingerie/bedroom inspired This delicate sheer dress reminded me of a sexier version of a nightgown. 

The finale walk through is my other favorite part, because you really get a whole vision of the collection, and you can draw better connections between the line. 

I loved the bright shades that opened the Son Jung Wan show. Plus, the beautiful braids! 

This gown was stunning! I loved the way it almost floated itself down the runway. 

Final show of my fashion week was the Rafael Cennamo presentation and what a way to end it. The gowns were extravagant and totally surprising. I felt like I was walking through a winter wonderland made of sparkly fabrics, beautiful pastels and bold greys. 

This was my favorite gown in the collection. It looked like a snow queen ball gown. Naturally I loved it. 

While the gowns felt more appropriate for celebs hitting the red carpet, there were several cocktail dresses that would be so fun to don, should I hit the jackpot tomorrow. This one reminded me of a blooming icicle.  

Top: Madewell, Pants: Old Navy,Sandals: Steve Madden via DSW, Sunnies: Marc Jacob, Necklace: Lia Sophia, Bag: THEIT, Ring: Grandmother's vintage, Lipstick: NARS Heatwave

Bad blogger confession: I took the heels I was actually wearing all day off right before we took these photos because we were walking to Starbucks, and my feet just couldn't handle one more second in heels. I know, I'm a rookie. 

I got to see my first blog friend, the wonderful Hannah, again! It was so great to catch up with her again and to finally get a photo together :) Hope to see you again soon! 

I have more specific reviews of my six show experiences and trend reports coming up next so stay tuned!

Bisous! 

NYFW Day 1

Bonjour loves! I hope you all had marvelous weekends! Mine felt like it was an entire week long (cue this scene from the Jerk) and now I desperately need a weekend to recover from my weekend! But I'd feel like a cad complaining since I spent Friday and Saturday in New York and Sunday at the National Harbor rolling around in paint with my girlfriends and looking like this.

I have sooo many things to share with you from my first NYFW experience, but I will try not to overwhelm you with photos. This was my first time attending shows at fashion week, so naturally I took an abundance of pics. Being inside the Theater waiting for the Rebecca Minkoff show to start was such a surreal experience, and I just kept thinking, I cannot believe I am here, waiting to see one of my favorite designers present her collection live. I felt like a kid on Christmas all weekend. When those lights dimmed I could feel my heart racing with excitement. And then, in a blur, it was over- both the RM show and the entire weekend. It was a rush of beautiful fabrics, prints and models with a background of flashing lights that seemed like it was ending before it had even begun. But, the great thing is that fashion week happens twice a year, every year, so here's to hoping I'll be at even more shows come February with a little bit more knowledge under my belt!

*I apologize now for the massive overload of photos, but it is really hard to narrow down 700+ photos!* 

Arriving at Lincoln Center after picking up my press badge. If you ever have a chance to experience Lincoln Center during NYFW, take it. It is a style-fest on steroids with chic on chic everywhere you look. Incredible.

Just taking a few moments to enjoy my surroundings before I head inside for my first NYFW!

I can't tell you how excited I was to spot a familiar face as soon as I arrived! Liz of So Much to Smile About is one of the brains behind CapFABB and a lady I've always wanted to meet. It was great chatting for a few mins and running into each later at Rebecca Minkoff. P.S. Don't you just love her vintage dress??

I loved everything about her mixed-texture outfit combining tweed, leather and sheer lace. Plus, those shoes and gorgeous waves!! Check out Allie's blog for more great looks!

The frenzy inside Lincoln Center. Stealing moments on those chairs in between shoes was a god send this weekend!

So this was a total highlight of the weekend! I got to meet one of my favorite bloggers, Katy of Sugarlaws, and let me tell you she is just as beautiful, sweet and bubbly as you would expect from her blog! Her neon skirt even matched my neon shoes :) Hope you enjoy the rest of your week, Katy!

First NYFW experience was the W118 By Walter Baker presentation and I LOVED it! The clothes were bright, beach-sexy and fun. I fell in love with a pair of blue/white printed shorts and pants on the right side (1st and third models) and was crushing hard-core on several of the maxis. What is even better is that this collection will be coming to Macy's! 

The pre-show craziness at Rebecca Minkoff, my first ever NYFW show!

Front row at Rebecca Minkoff

RM finale walk.

And of course I had to give you a quick peek at what I wore :) My brand new Theory dress arrived just in time to make its debut at fashion week, and it is definitely going to be a fall staple. It is long enough and professional off to work in the office when combined with a blazer, but the leather top makes it trendy/sexy enough for post-work gatherings. I paired it with a fun Lia Sophia necklace, YSL Golden Cherry gloss and neon yellow pumps (not seen) from Shoemint for pops of color. And of course I couldn't forget my classic Michael Kors watch or Marc Jacobs sunnies.

Oh, did I mention I chopped off 10 inches of hair and got it colored for the first time? No? Well I did. And I absolutely LOVE it. It is effortless to style, drying only takes 10 minutes as opposed to 30 and the color is so fun! It was a little more red than I expected, but you know what they say? Redheads are downright sexy.

My absolute favorite look from the entire weekend was this amazing outfit from Nicole Miller with a flowy train, black skirt and sleeveless leather crop top. If I could own one thing I saw this weekend it would be this earthy stunner right here.

Finale walk at Nicole Miller- my favorite show of the weekend, although that was a very close call between Jill Stuart and Rebecca Minkoff.

Saying goodbye to LC after a long day of shows!

Expect plenty more recap posts and photos, including highlights from each of the shows I attended and fashion week lessons I learned (hint: your feet will hurt no matter how much of an expert heel-wearer you are and photographing runway shows will be a bit stressful when you have to readjust settings to accommodate differing lighting at each show). 

Bisous!

Taking to the Trees

Aloha girlfriends! I hope you all had terrific Labor Day weekends! Any fun travels or chic soirees? I jetted away to the Florida Keys with my bestie, roommate and roommate's hubby. I apologize in advance for the ridiculously goofy photos that are to come in future posts! It was my first vacation in two years and the first time this group has all traveled together. Suffice it to say, photo documentation of every aspect of the trip occurred. Sorry, not sorry! 

Alas, there is no rest for the weary (I know, you're feeling really sorry for my traveling self aren't you) over in this part of bloggyland, as I head out tomorrow night to NYC for FASHION WEEK! Woo! Well, for me it is more like fashion day and a half as I am only in town Friday and part of Saturday, but it is still my first time attending as an accredited member of the press and I am super syked. I don't have a concrete show schedule yet, but you can definitely expect photos and recap posts next week. Plus, I'll be meeting up with some of my dearest blog friends like Hannah, Alex and Nnenna so you know there will be photo shoots! And you can follow along with the fun on Twitter or Instagram!

Top: Old Navy, Pants: Rock & Republic via Kohl's, Shoes(unseen): Steve Madden via DSW, Necklace: Onyx Feather, Watch: Michael Kors, Mani: Essie Lilacism, Lipstick: NARS Heat Wave

To me, fall officially starts after Labor Day, so yesterday was the first official day of Fall in my mind. Thus, I more than willingly threw on my new Old Navy polka dot sweater and my favorite cobalt blue jeans and voila! I had my first fall transition outfit. The sweater is nice and light so it can be worn on these in-between days of September when it is still warm, but not unbearably hot. Plus, my office is always freezing, so sweaters work for me!

Take a long hard look at that hair because it is (hopefully) the last time you will see it looking like this for awhile! I have a hair appt. tonight for a cut and color and if I am brave enough and follow through on my plans, it will look very different!

Hey, that's me! In a tree! I had to run out to my mom's house last night to pick up my boo boo bear (puppy) and mom was nice enough to take photos for me! She was so cute, she said I want to be artsy- go get in the tree! I laughed, but I obeyed because she's my mother after all!

I missed this little ball of fur so much!

Bisous! 

Golden Rebecca Minkoff Opportunity

Greetings loved ones! For some reason anytime I use the word greetings, even if I am just typing it (and let's be honest, when do I ever say the word greetings??) I have to say it  in an alien voice. And then I start thinking all about UFOs and Area 51 and Outer Limits (yes, the roller coaster) and it becomes this whole alien affair. Yea, try living inside this head every day. It's a chore I tell you.

Since you probably didn't come here to discuss extraterrestrial life forms I'm going to go ahead and skip ahead to the clothes. My next few weekends are kind of cray cray with all the (very fun) travel plans, running escapades and end of summer merriment, so tonight I took time to chill out with roommate and another friend. What better way to relax before a weekend of beach lounging (tough life, but someone has to do it) than by sipping margaritas and gossiping over tortilla chips? I swapped my work-appropriate pencil skirt for more fun boyfriend jeans and glammed it up with my favorite (and basically essential as of late) Rebecca Minkoff accessories. And then we marched ourselves right on over to Mexicali Blues for some girl talk, libations and nibbles. Perfect way to pass a Tuesday night if you ask me!

Top: Limited, Jeans: American Eagle, Heels: Rebecca Minkoff, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring/Earrings: Lia Sophia, Sunnies: Airport vendor (ya baby), Hair: c/o of a sock, Mani: REDSKINS colors! 

I have always shied away from boyfriend jeans, fearing that they wouldn't be feminine enough for my taste. But I have finally learned the secret to rocking the oh-so-comfy and potentially-very-chic style: accessorize with very girly elements. And what could possibly be more girly than a neon bag and strappy sandals! 

I should probably tell you that I have been basically LIVING in these shoes since I snagged them at an unbelievable price from Bluefly. I've worn them with colored denim, fancy dresses, casual summer dresses, to work, to parties etc. etc. And everyone LOVES them. I get oodles of compliments, my feet have never felt sexier and the BEST part... they are comfortable. I know, shut up right? I am serious though. Check out Rebecca Minkoff's summer sale to snag yourself a pair! 

P.S. Did I mention there's a sock in my hair? Yes, I am only about a bajillion years late to the sock bun party, but now I am kind of cool again because the trend seems to be slowing down, so I'm often the only one rocking it. Aka I'm a backwards hipster: I only jump on board once a trend is dead or dying... 

I can't wait to show these heels and this purse a good time this weekend down in Florida! They made the cut of travel essentials as soon as I saw them paired together in these photos. Also: See the Rebecca Minkoff bag styled for date night here. 

Ok ladies, I hope you thoroughly enjoy your labor day weekends! Stay tuned for lots more exciting travel news/posts, including fashion week tidbits! I'm off to get in some much needed puppy cuddling before I have to say goodbye to my baby for a whole 6 days :(

Bisous!

Summer has (almost) come and gone

Bonsoir my blogilicious babes! It has been a good long while since I used that (my favorite) greeting and tonight seemed to be the perfect night to bust it out! If I'm being honest, which I am, I am a little stressed out today and want to surround my self with all manner of happy/uplifting/inspiring things. So on that note, we aren't going to dwell on the stress, but make our way right on over to the beautiful: aka my hot friends who I got to spend the weekend with.

I already told you about how Pinterest planned my party for me this weekend, and how that was quite lovely. And I briefly alluded to the fact that the party involved the best people ever, but that needs to be elaborated on. You see,last year roommate and I decided to throw an end of summer party. Actually, I decided I needed a project to keep my mind off the fact that I was unemployed (slash procrastinate my much-needed job searching) and roommate indulged me. It ended up being this crazy mix of DC/college/high school/friends-of-friends crowd. And it rocked. Hard. Or at least we thought it rocked hard. So we decided to make it a tradition and go for round two! We wound up, again, with a mix of friends (albeit different faces for the most part) and it still rocked. We had a pretty sweet food spread from chocolate covered strawberries to guacamole, funfetti dip, pesto tortellinis and various Mexican/cheese dips that my amazing guests brought with them. And then there were the drinks. I think my brother said it best when he said "Everything I'm drinking is pink. And I love it." Ok, so maybe he didn't say the second part (it was more like I need a beer) but I like to pretend he loved it. We served strawberry basil margaritas, strawberry lemonade Popsicles and pink lemonade jello shots. Pretty floral arrangements were tucked in lemon-filled vases, and dips were served in flower pots to set the summer mood. And it was 50 shades of lovely (IMHO), but nothing compared to the company. All night long I had a goofy grin on my face (ok, so the margaritas might have had something to do with that), because i just couldn't get over the fact that I was surrounded by the most caring, wonderful, hilarious friends a girl could ever dream of. And I had them all in one room, mingling and getting along. It was heaven. They came from all over to spend one last night together before everyone goes their separate ways (back to school/jobs out of state) and it made me realize that for all my worrying about moving somewhere else, I know that no matter where my career takes me, this incredible group of friends I have formed will be there for me through it all. Whether it is my brother/best friend sending me a thoughtful text when he knows I need a pick-up, my like-family roommate calling on her drive home from work to catch up or any one of "the bros" posting some ridiculous and probably only funny to us comment on my Facebook, I know these people are my rock-solid foundation. They are the friendships that outlast everything, and can be picked up from where you left off without any awkwardness. They are once-in-a-lifetime finds and I am beyond blessed to have them in my life. And this post just got real serious, real fast. Sorry, not sorry because it needed to be said. So to all of you who made my Saturday night so memorable (and to those of you who couldn't make it but I know you wanted to) I thank you for giving me another summer of unforgettable memories. I love you all more than I could ever express!

*excuse the picture overload, but like I said, my friends are hot and they deserve their five minutes of fame. yes I just elevated being on my blog to fame status. deal with it.*

Our spread! 

Pinterest-inspired decor

So this was my pinterest-inspired hair pre-party. By the time guests arrived, the bow had been nixed (it looked funny from the side) and the curls were all but gone. Apparently working in a hot kitchen is not ideal for curls. 

My wonderful pre-party helpers. It is sometimes hard for me to ask for help, which is why it is so awesome when people volunteer, and I can just say YES PLEASE! 

My gorgeous roommate et moi. I say it every time, but I love this girl to death. I am starting to get all girly and emotional about the fact that she moves in about 5 months. I will miss her so much. BUT you can be darn sure we will make the most of our remaining roommate time. P.S. Note the lack of curls. This was about 10 min into the party :( 

Roommate took pity on poor little Eli who was overwhelmed by the party-goers. He kept following me around, and roommate gave into his whimpering and cradled him like a baby for about an hour, before we decided it was Eli bedtime. I swear, we treat him way more like a child than we should. He probably has a doggie complex. 

My darlingest college roomie who drove all the way down from Delaware after working a long day! Isn't she the greatest?? 

BEST. PHOTO. EVER. I am obsessed with this pic,and the fact that I had no idea this was going on behind me. The theme of the night was definitely photobombing, but this just takes the cake. Do you see why I love these boys?? Oh and girl on the left is the most amazing party guest OF ALL TIME!! She came over early and helped me get everything ready, and then she cleaned EVERYTHING (and I mean everything) up the next morning before we were awake.  Seriously girl you ROCK! (And I love you for way more than your party-help, I just can't get over how thoughtful you were with the party.) 

Talk about feeling short. These are just a few guys from a group of friends who have given me more laughs and joy in just a few short years than anyone should be allowed to have in a lifetime. I have a special place in my heart for each of them, particularly that handsome lug on the right (aka my brother!) He's single ladies! Serious inquiries only, please :)

My beautiful Elon lovies! 

I am just surrounded by attractive men, what can I say! 

I think at this point in the evening, brother was DONE with the photo session. Matthew, I'll keep it short and sweet, but I love you with all that I have. You are my rock, my best friend and the most important person in the world to me. I believe in you 100% and I just know that your senior year is going to be your best yet. Here's to all your dreams coming true, and to me finally getting that pink Mercedes you promised... hint hint. 

So I realize that these pics are probably not remotely interesting to anyone but myself, but sometimes you just need to share little tidbits of your life, so that you can have a visual memory years later. After all, isn't that why we all started lifestyle blogs in the first place?

Bisous!