New York, New York

The last few weeks have been filled with extensive changes that in the coming months will transpire across every facet of my life. With such heavy happenings upon me, I feel excited, anxious, but most of all: ready.
I recently was accepted to transfer to New York University Stern's School of Business, and that is where I will be continuing my studies. A new location, new friends and new events are all in my future and I can't help but feeling excited about it all.

There is sadness surrounding these changes, and I will most certainly miss parts of where I am now. But life is a collection of moments and those were most wonderful, and I am hoping these will be as well!

Fashionable Pooch

Orange Days

This fall look from Allude Collections is so perfect. It has caught my eye since I stalked the pages of the Fall Fashion Runway Shows. Today I'm adapting the orange look with my bold orange blazer. I love the bold pop of color of the blazer and the severe structure.
Below is a photo of me wearing the blazer with my friend in Paris over the summer. I remember when I was in Paris over July it was unexpectately chilly. I had bought that Blazer in Barcelona the week before and was awfully happy to have it as we sat by the Siene River sipping coffee for a good two hours.

Relaxing Weekend

My girlfriends and I outside a sushi restaurant at the Borgata.

Chicken Fingers+Bravo= TrueLove

I hate how I rarely post my actual outfits, so my past weekend getaway to the Borgata was the perfect opportunity for me to snap a few photos. The weekend was a celebrated repreive from constant exams, financial calculations, interview nervousness and irrational behavior and a time to truly kick back with my three closest girlfriends. 

   Don the cliche comparison to Sex and The City, but really the show has the four of us in a nutshell. And everyone knows that quote comparing your girlfriends to your true loves, but I'm pretty much positive SATC has got it right on that one. There is nothing like relaxing with my four favorite girls! We all have a similar interest in fashion which is wonderful since it seems to come off my tongue quite a bit. But we all display our styles a bit differently, which always makes shopping together fun. I always go for the more outlandish trend-concious styles. Syra tackles fashion with a much more fun and care-free (similar to her personality) approach. She frequents NASTYGAL and is always sporting something outrageous! Katie can be more reserved by more high-fashion focused. Her 5'10 heigh can have her confused for an off-the runway model half the time. Melissa is much mute about her fashion choices, but is the girl in the room you can bet is sporting a pair of Gucci shoes or rocking a Vintage-y Feeling Band Tee.

In the top picture, I am wearing an Equipment Femme White Silk Top with 7 For All Mankind Gray Roxanne Skinny Jeans, Madewell Lace Up Ankle Boots and a (borrowed) Marc by Marc Jacobs Nude Bag. 

Spring is upon us...

With the weather hanging in the upper 50’s during a time that should be filled with puffy winter coats and mittens, I can’t say that I particularly yearning for spring. But nonetheless, I am excited to return to my coatless days.
Fashion week was last week, but of course it was all about F/W 2012. Thinking back to predicted trends for Spring 2012 I have composed a wearable list of the trends I def want to wear this spring.
1. Bold Prints Blouses

I was shopping in Bloomingdales this past weekend and found this fabulous Equipment shirt. I must admit, my love for the brand makes me long for just about every one of their blouses— but this one is perfect for this season.

2. Pink is the new Black
But, seriously. Pink is basically everywhere, in pant suits, in jeans and in blouses and most lusciously in pastel.
3. Mix-matched Bold Prints
I’m not going to lie this is very runway, but I think it has the potential to be worn on the daily— just know your audience. Tone it down for the office or up for a night out with the girls.
 4. Tri-color blocking
Not entirely innovative but it is back again. I have to admit I’m a little bit bored with this, until I saw this parker dress. White and green and gold are a bit more interesting…
5. Pastels
Don the images of pretty Easter eggs, and say hello to the softest trend for spring 2012. Pastels are super workable, and instantly bring a small pop of color. This trend has even ventured into nail polish, like "Navigate Her" from Essie’s Spring Collection. I noticed on my last trip to the nail salon, but figured with snow on the ground it was still a bit premature to sport such a light color.
6. Peplum Tops
It is certainly a nod to the 1950’s, but in a sweet way. I always feel like I’m playing dress up in the morning, so if I was feeling particularly mousy I would probably go with a top in a light, romantic shade. I feel like it could be a great date night top, paired with the obvious choice of a pencil skirt. Parker (one of my absolutely favorite brands) also has a tonned down Peplum top in bright red, which would pair nicely with jeans and pumps.
7. Cold Shoulders
I love this, but mainly for night. In silk styles I think the cold shoulder top reveals just enough skin!
 8. Florals
Florals always linger around springtime. I’m not going to lie florals always sound kind of boring to me. But this spring so many labels are doing florals in pants! I’m between this Citizens of Humanity and J Brands—
 9. Tribal Themed
For a laid back look, I love swinging cardigans. Summer is such a casual time, so I really can see myself working this with some ripped denim shorts hopefully on the beach.

Silky Styles for 2012

A few days have past since we have bid 2011 farewell. Now it's time for me to vamp up my wardrobe for the new year. In 2012 I am looking add a mix of beautiful silky tops, deep colors (like cobalt blue), and fun accessories to my wardrobe. Whatever is thrown at me, I like to keep my closet well stocked- easing the rest of life's stressors. Here is a list of three essential wardrobe pieces for me for 2012.

My three favorite pieces:

The Go-To Shirt: Equipment Signature Blouse (Vintage Green) $230

I cannot tell a lie- I probably over-wear this piece. The reason? The silky, comfortable feel of the blouse. I always try to consider comfort when picking pieces to add to my wardrobe. I know myself well enough to recognize the role comfort plays in my mind when choosing my attire prior to my morning cup of coffee. If I have a long day ahead of me, I'll often pair this shirt either with a gold bib necklace or with my black fur vest. 

The Intern/ Work Dress: Aritzia Franca Dress (Seche) $175

This dress cannot be more perfect for any office. Professionally appropriate, this dress always satisfies whatever dress code I must meet. I love the look of the dress with a harsh red lip for a more intense look. 

The All-Nighter Shoe: Steve Madden Whistle Wedge Boots (Taupe) $100

I'll promise you one thing: you will last all night in these shoes. When nights seem to promise no end, look no further than a wedge. I've almost switched my entire night-out shoe wardrobe over to wedges and it's simply a comfort thing. Whenever I rock these shoes I look to pair them with a body-con dress (in a bright color), or a black wrap dress. Even look to pair them with the Aritizia Dress pictured above for a long-day of running errands at the office.

Some Brief Revisions

Please pardon my shoddy appearance- my blog is undergoing a view visual revisions! I felt like the end of my semester was the perfect time to revamp and recenter my blog. I will be focusing on the three things that dominate my life: fashion, food and books.
However, tonight is dedicated to packing. I'm trying to peel through all of my stuff to get to the important things I'll need for my month at home. While certain things are a certain necessity, like my parka and boots, some of my selection are only little luxuries. I hope it won't be too hard to fit everything in time for my train at noon!

a look at my current selection

'Tis the Season

With final season nearing it's close, there is nothing I am more excited for then packing up my bags, choosing a nice book and heading home for the holiday season. This past month has been filled with more studying then I could have ever dreamt, and I couldn't be more excited to be nearing the end of this semester. It's nice to have a month to kick back and recollect your thoughts- and I have a lot planned to fill up all my free time.

To kick off the end of the semester and the holiday season, last week I hosted a little holiday get together for a few close friends. I choose to wear something easy to move around in, as I had hustle the wine and cheese, appetizer platters and cocktails out to the dining area.  Below are a few photographs of me from the party- wearing a White Flowy Patterson J. Kincaid Top, Snow-Colored Pleasure Doing Business Skirt and Steve Madden Rushhh Pumps.
The end of the party concluded with a little champagne toast to the end of the semester- which was quite fun in itself. It will be sad to leave my friends for the month- but I am happy to see my friends from home and to share my time with them.
I will arrive home on Saturday- which only leaves me with a week to do all my Christmas shopping! I have gifts picked out for my dad, boyfriend and sister already, but I am between a few things for my mom. I'll have to scrounge the malls when I get home to look for the perfect present.
I will most likely be back in the hosting seat when I come home- as I am planning a cookie swap party with my home friends. I have already made a few pre-batch tests and am narrowing my choices down between my two favorites: peanut butter blossoms and candy cane cookies. Since chocolate has always been my first love, I will most likely go with the peanut butter blossoms. They pair well with a nice cup of coffee and I can see myself spending my month at home nibbling on the remaining cookies.

Lazy Sunday

Sundays are always pleasantly lazy. I typically start my morning with a warm cup of coffee and some comfortable loungewear closely followed by a stack of pancakes. I realized I have been recently running low on some comfy classics and I have been looking to these for some serious lounging. These Splendid pants certainly look comfortable.
  


This Sunday is particularly nice because the leaves have begun to turn colors. I love the crisp air and the falling leaves. It makes me feel perfectly content to sit wrapped in a big sweater with a warm drink.

Decisions, Decisions....

So in the next few comming weeks I need to start thinking about if I want to study abroad. My college encourages us to spend the semester in a foreign country and there are plenty of great options to choose from. But after this summer, all I can think about is Paris.

Back to School

So four weeks have passed since my last blog post and I know that is awfully long. With getting ready for school and the beginning of the semester, I have been a bit busy. As the temperatures have dropped a bit in the recent weeks, my mind has been conjuring up images of boxy sweaters, dark wash denim, feminine blouses, capes and ankle boots. Oh yeah, and maybe thoughts of pumpkin pie, crisp apples, warm soup and hot chocolate...but I may be getting ahead of myself, here.

Patterson J. Kincaid Tencil Button Blouse

Joie Johana Fair Isle Sweater

Loving Kourtney Kardashian Style

I will admit that I watch the Kardashians so much that it seems as if I actually do know them. More than once in a conversation I've mentioned Kourtney's outfit as if she is a real friend that I do sushi with on Tuesday nights or something. But with all my Kardashian stalking (I am an avid Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Khloe & Lamar and Kim & Kourtney take New York watcher) I can't help but notice the most style-friendly Kardashian's new looks. 

All of the Kardashians previously had a similar LA look, but recently Kourtney Kardashian has been sporting some more fashion forward trends. I'm loving all of her looks!

Page-turner

Shop and Library in Paris, France

After a lengthy trip there are always a number of chores to take care of upon one's arrival. Unfortunately, this has resulted in solely devoting my days to the number of obligations I have overlooked. But amidst attaining an appointment for Cuppy's haircut (you won't believe how difficult it can be to squeeze in one small seven pound dog) and doctor's appointments, I always make sure I have make the time to read.
When I was in Paris two weeks ago, I actually stumbled upon the cutest of french library-type shops. It was part rental books and part shop, and despite the language barrier (I can barely say Bonjour!) I was definitely interested. How nice it was to see the classics adorned in the beautiful french language and the smell of the aged pages gave all of the books a rustic charm.
And while I am still in the middle of the Picture of Dorian Gray (which is wonderful and comes as no surprise as it is rendered a classic) and the Elegance of the Hedgehog, I will be most delighted to take a brief hour or so break to read this afternoon.

Nice to be Home

Well as you probably could have seen from my long-term absence, I have arrived back in the United States. My travels past me, I am settling back into my cozy life in New Jersey, enjoying a good dose of rest and relaxation. It is always nice to travel, but it is quite nice to come home, as well. With my travels in Barcelona, Ibiza, Paris, Geneva, Interlaken, Milan, Athens and Rhodes fresh in my mind, there are two things that I miss most about Europe.
One is, of course, quite predictable for me- the fashion. I miss the European attire that even the most seemingly disinterested sported. I miss how almost everyone seemed to take some interest in dressing themselves in the morning, even if they seemed to only be stepping into the market or Monoprix in Paris or for gelato in Milan.

My Best Friend, Syra, and I at the Louvre in Paris, France

The second thing I miss is the food. When I first arrived in Barcelona, I was excited by the ubiquitous presence of pork and beef and fresh vegetables and bright fruit. It was odd to me to see small markets, selling tiny amounts of vegetables and fruit as compared to the large supermarkets in the States. But the produce was bathed with bright skin, and I remarked many times how juicy the typical produce in the markets in Europe resembled the produce found in the organic section of my supermarket. Barca made me love lunch- as odd as that sounds, as I found it to be the biggest meal. Perhaps I most loved a good sandwich with pork meat and juicy green peppers followed by Crema Catalana (flan) or Profiteroles.

Yet another meal of Croque Monsieur

But as I continued my travels, my expectations were only surpassed with new delights. Paris offered escargot (Snails with a wonderful pesto seasoning), and croque monsieur (open faced sandwiches with cheese and ham) and crepes, eclairs, tarts or macaroons to tickle my sweet tooth after just about every meal.
Geneva and Interlaken stuffed me with sausages, fondue and chocolate. Amidst the scenic landscape of Switzerland, I even discovered my now favorite morning meal, Bircher- Museli, a sort of cold oatmeal with pieces of fruit that pairs delightfully with yogurt that has converted me to a breakfast lover.
Oh, and then there was Milan! Pasta, Gelato, Meat, Cheese. Oh, god.

On Top of Tibidabo (Mountain Overlooking Barcelona)

Sampling local candies in Paris, France

Athens and Rhodes made me more adventurous. I'll be honest- I'm not exactly the most willing when it comes to trying new foods, but Athens and Rhodes inspired me to try Grape Leaves, Moussaka and I was even to fit in my old favorite- Greek Salad before just about every meal. And just about all of it I combined with Tzatziki sauce.
Athens was rather interesting because their was a cab strike just about the entire time I was there, so getting around proved to be a bit difficult. However, it did not stop my enjoyment of the city and my group rented out buses to get to the Acropolis and Plaka, a section of Athens with small shops and plenty of restaurants.
I really did enjoy my trip and am extremely thankful for the wonderful experiences I had throughout the entire month. Every day I managed to do so much (most likely because I averaged about four hours of sleep a night throughout the entire month) that although the trip was technically only a month, it felt much longer.

Bye Barcelona!

So I said goodbye to Barcelona and went on my way to Paris. Despite both countries being in the European Union, the change between the two countries is so amazingly apparent. The cultures are surprisingly drastically different and it can most certainly be seen through the people, attitudes, values and ambiance of the cultures.

Barcelona is extremely open and welcoming. I tried to reflect the easy-going ambiance of Barca with my clothing and choose to wear a flowy maxi dress on my last day in Barca. I paired my Madewell Maxi dress with a skinny braided belt as it was a little big. Barcelona really lent itself to wedges and flipflops- I felt like I lived in my Lucky Wedges! I paired them with flowy hair and beckoned Barca goodbye.

Barca!

Last Tuesday I boarded my flight to Barcelona, and landed safely Wednesday morning lacking sleep but making up for it with a great amount of excitement. The plane ride was an overnight flight so I tried to keep occupied with The Picture of Dorian Gray and my best friend, Syra, by my side. Unfortunately, we had a lay over in Switzerland, but we made the best of it was an early breakfast- a cup of coffee (which was 8 Euros...literally!) and Muesli (for those of you who do not know, it is most similar to cold oatmeal). After our four hour layover, we took a quick flight from Geneva, Switzerland to Barcelona, Spain.

Although I was extremely jet lagged, the program I am on required a four hour orientation where I heard a little bit about the itinerary for the next few days. I am enrolled in two classes with my program, International Business and Financial Accounting, which are both going quite well as I have had my second day of class. Every morning we have class from 9 to 1:30 and then fill our days with touring, shopping, eating and sampling the night life. So far, I have visited La Rambla and toured the streets and shops. Above is a picture of a market in La Rambla with all of the little trinkets and different foods. Candy is certainly ubiqutous in Barcelona as everywhere my group tours there seems to be bundles of sweets that taste delightfully sweet.

Prep Work

So I have three days until my trip, and it's finally setting in. The packing has officially begun and so has the massive errand-running. This is what I wore to do it all in- pretty simple yet very comfy. These white wash Blank jeans are super comfortable and hold up pretty well despite their "destroyed" look. I paired them with a tie-d up blue and white striped H&M big blouse and my new wooden shoes. Despite the slight heel (3 inches), they are really comfortable and go very well with just about everything.

Below is just an idea of how much of this delightful cherry pie I induldged in. It has been my breakfast for the past few days, paired with a cup of black coffee. I like super sweet breakfast foods- like pancakes, waffles and crepes, so this fits in well with my usual repertoire. The cherry pie is actually light too. Made half with no sugar added cherry pie filling and half with regular sugar- added pie filling, the pie tasted just as sweet as ever. I simply lined a foil pie tin with pre-made crust, added the two different kinds of pie filling and patched the top with more pie crust. Perfect!

Polishing Up

Nail Color: Absolutely Shore by Essie

So my manicure chipped off, but when I found this new color by Essie I was all ready to paint my nails myself. It is called Absolutely Shore and shows as a soft mint/ blue color. It's easy for the summertime and requires two coats to get the color shown above. With Essie I usually skip a top coat and the color still lasts about a week. Not too bad if I do say so myself.

I'm quite busy preparing for my trip in the upcoming two weeks. I take off soon in late June, but I still have a few loose ends to tie up before I depart. My trip starts off in Barcelona, and then goes to Ibiza, Geneva, Interlaken, Paris, London, Milan, Athens, and Rhodes. In addition to all the traveling, I will be taking two classes, which reminds me I still need to order my books. My fantastic memory dictates that I keep a list of all the things I actually need so I am off to finally type up what I need and hopefully cover any unexpected surprises. There is one thing I do know for certain: July will be filled with fantastic food, wonderful cities, nice treasures and exciting experiences.

Maxi

Aritzia Dress, Lucky Brand Wedge Shoes, Vintage Watch

 Despite the warm temperature, I decided to don a maxidress I purchased a few weeks ago.  In the morning, there was a slight breeze but the length of the dress made up for the early chill. I grabbed lunch with my boyfriend around one and I could feel the temperature had a rose a bit, so I ate my yummy Asian chicken salad inside. Paired with nothing more than my warm leather Lucky wedges, it was such a relaxed look for the casual day I enjoyed. Probably the best thing about this dress is that it does not require any annoying undergarments (i.e. slip or such) which certainly adds to the simple allure of the dress and most likely influenced me to slip it on at seven o clock this morning.
I must take a second to talk about my toe color, as bizzare as that may sound. I kept seeing the Essie advertisement for various shades of blue, and when I found this egg's robin blue I just had to try it. The name is Lapis of Luxury.

Toe Color: Lapis of Luxury by Essie

Post lunch, I said goodbye to the boyfriend (who is not much of a shopper) and dragged myself to finally purchase this candle I have been pinning after. It's not very expensive ($16) but gives a wonderful scent that is reminiscent of a clean man (for when he's not available). The scent is certainly very delightful in the evening with a nice bath and pairs quite well with lavender soap (and perhaps a rubber duck?).

 Suede Blanc by Voluspa Candle

White Collar Worker

My job demands that I dress with a certain degree of professionalism- of course I do not mind! Today I have a small list of things I absolutely must get done including:

1. Going to lunch with my girlfriends

2. Getting my haircut (finally)

3. Buying a monokini