À La Mode - Sparkly Sandals

 

 

 

Nothing heralds the start of summer more than the years first sandal sighting.  I've always been partial to embellished footwear when the weather heats up; nothing elevates a swingy cotton dress more than a pair of bejeweled treasures.  While I'd kill for Miu Miu's multi-colored gems, there are so many options available at a lower price point (example: Target's satin rhinestone-encrusted heels, wedding perfect at an insane $31.99).  From simple ribbon and beads to over-the-top glitz, find the style that's right for you and get ready to dazzle!

Pink Embellished Sandal, Wallis; Giuseppe Zanotti Design Embellished Sandal, Farfetch;
Miu Miu Metallic Leather Embellished Sandals, My Theresa;
Treasure Footed Sandal, ModCloth; Lola Cruz Gem Leaf Sandal, Lori's.

Trends We're Watching - Crop Tops

Remember when I said the 90's were back? Oh, if only I had known then what I know now. Crop tops, of all things, are back with a vengeance. I don't like to relegate any fashion to an age group, it feels inherently wrong to say that someone is "too old" to wear something. But I am. I am too old for crop tops and I am perfectly happy for it to be so.

Gosh they're cute on a teenager though, and Gwen Stefani.... Probably Madonna and Beyonce too, so maybe this has nothing to do with age and everything to do with fitness or body image. We can't all have rock hard abs or extreme, midriff-bearing, confidence though, and I certainly don't, so I'll be gazing at this trend from afar.

 

 

Button Front Floral Crop Top, Topshop;  Illusion Lines Crop Top, Nordstrom;

Joy Cioci Samara Lace Crop Top, ShopBop; BCBG Crochet Hem Crop Top, Zappos;

Lauren Moffet Crochet Crop Top, Steven Allen.

Summer Style - Sundresses

 

 

 

 

I love the ease of slipping on a sundress when the temperature rises.  A simple option, these breezy beauties manage to not only beat the heat, but with such effortless style.  And the best part?  Once the chill, fall air returns, you need only add a pair of ankle booties and a leather coat to make them work for you all year round.

 

Skinny Strap Sundress, Betsy Johnson;

Lush Cutout Ruffle Chiffon Dress, Nordstrom;

Flounced Colorblock Dress, Forever 21.

Summer Style - White Out

With Memorial Day now come and gone I've got summer fashion on the brain. I took advantage of the long weekend and finally (finally!) changed out my heavy winter clothes for breezy summer ones. Switching your seasonal clothes out can be exciting, it feels like you suddenly have a brand new wardrobe. There are pitfalls, however: there's always a moment where you realize how much you're lacking in some areas. This year I realized I have a plethora of summer dresses in every shade, but I'm seriously realizing I need some new slacks and blouses. After looking around at this season's options I can only wonder: what better shade to procure these items in than a cool white?

Free Love Lace Top, Nasty Gal; Hinge Battenburg Lace Top, Nordstrom;

Catherine Malandrino Ponte-Knit Straight-Leg Pants, Dillards; 

SL8 Studded Pocket Skinny Jeans, Loehmann's;

Tasseled Peasant Blouse, Anthropologie; Dolce Vita Fionie Tank.

L'Icona by Ferragamo

 

I adore wearing flats; walking everywhere practically necessitates a full-on heel-free wardrobe.  Even my wedding shoes were a stunning (and comfortable) pair of Steve by Steve Madden silver peep-toe bow flats.

To commemorate the thirty-fifth anniversary of their beloved Vara and Varina styles, Ferragamo has gifted their fans with a DIY web app.

Every detail is totally customizable; from the material to the color (and, of course, the lovely bow), the sky is the absolute limit.  You can even add up to three initials, which are etched on a metal plate affixed to the shoes sole.

I love the look of a citron base with an oxford blue bow + gold hardware for summer, and the bisque with a red bow is such a sophisticated twist for those who crave a little kitsch.

Although they are a bit dear at $550, the possibilities are endless - and you're guaranteed your very own perfect pair.

Ferragamo

Brooklyn Museum: Monumental Works by El Anatsui

Last week I finally got to the Brooklyn Museum to see the El Anatsui exhibit that I've been longing to catch a glimpse of ever since I spied their advertisements hanging in the subway and in my beloved New York Magazine. The works are collages (murals even, maybe. Or nouveau tapestries?) and sculptures comprised of mundane objects that have been painstakingly assembled to form beautiful tableaus of sweeping color. 

These objects have built-in texture and depth; they sparkle, even under sedate museum lighting. Bottle caps, paper and aluminum are strung together to form these beautiful pieces, and I couldn't help thinking how much I would love to have one on my own wall. The exhibit is on view through August 4th, and I can't recommend seeing it in person enough.

Brooklyn Museum: Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui

Covets - The Wet Brush

 

For the first time in I can't even count how many years, I finally have long hair again.  And, although I love the new length, I kind of hate fussing with it.  My routine in the morning consists of me washing it, spraying in my volume moisturizing mist, flipping my head upside down and drying it by hand.  When I try to run a brush through, it always gets caught.  Detangling sprays don't seem to work, and, lacking in the patience department, I have been known to pull too hard and accidentally brush a piece of hair off. 

 

Clearly, I need help.

 

I got the best haircut of my life last week by Brittany at Aura Style Lounge near my office.  But what excited me even more than my perfect layers was my post-wash comb through.  Fresh from the sink, my hair was effortlessly straightened in seconds.  Crazed, I had to know what her secret was; did she use some fancy spray?  A lux conditioner, maybe?  But, no - it was the Wet Brush!

 

The Wet Brush completely eliminates tangles.  With flexible bristles, it painlessly and smoothly runs through anyone's hair with ease.  No mess is too big, no clump too harrowing.

Completely sold, I'm going to be getting two - a regular size and the mini version for my purse.  After going through almost every drugstore brush and comb, I've finally found the ultimate fix. 

My poor, aching head couldn't be more pleased.

The Wet Brush

Of the Moment Nails... In Leather?

It's no secret that I'm a big fan of leather in bright hues, but when I first heard tell of a leather effect nail polish I was dubious at best. Upon some quick googling I was actually pleasantly surprised. In shades like Ladbroke Grove (a coral pink) and Dalston (a pale blue), this polish really pops. The leather effect isn't over the top, there's no need to do a top coat (like those crackle manicures that seem DIY impossible for me. Why is it the first nail always has less crackle than the last one?), and the colors are fresh for spring. Lemon leather jacket plus coral leather effect nails? Mint leather studded vest accented by pale blue leather effect nails? I'm totally feeling this.

Nails Inc: Leather Polish, Sephora.

Favorite Places - Goorin Bros.

I've never been a hat person.  Visions of a newly purchased cap flying away at the slightest sign of wind always seemed to stay my hand.  But on a recent gorgeous spring day, I finally found it - the chapeau of my dreams.

 

Goorin Bros. is a quaint little shop in the heart of New York City's West Village.  Walking in, you're instantly transported to the early 1900's; old-fashioned cameras, magnifying glasses and other antiquities sit amongst a seemingly never-ending assortment of hats.  Gilded mirrors rest on brick walls, instruments abound, and you'll always find richly a colored feather enticing you from a hidden nook.

The boutique offers it all.  Looking for a bowler?  They have a multitude.  Inspired by Sarah Jessica Parker to try a fascinator?  They've got you covered.

What amazed me even more than the variety of their products was the perfect fit of each hat.  Snug on my head without feeling tight or uncomfortable, I knew they'd stay firmly in place in any kind of inclement weather.

While I went with a classic straw fedora (replete with brown feather), I can't wait to try a nice wool version for the fall, or perhaps even a cloche.

Whatever your pleasure, Goorin Bros. quite literally has you covered!

Goorin Bros.

 

Cosmopolitan UK

À La Mode - Pastel Leather

Leather is making a real splash this spring, and I'm loving it in these playful shades. Baby blues and lemon yellows are sure to make you feel more festive on grey mornings. Especially when grey mornings seem to be in the majority. Are we in the middle of May or the beginning of April? I'm starting to yearn for sunshine and temperatures that stay above 60 degrees at night! Until then I plan on bundling up in pastel leather perfection.

 

  

Marc New York Nora Leather Jacket, Zappos; Vince Camuto Leather Biker Jacket, Nordstrom;

Calvin Klein Faux Leather Moto Jacket, Macy*s; Doma Zipper Leather Jacket, Revolve Clothing;

Sam Edelman Faux Leather Evan Jacket, Bloomingdales.

Couture de Minnie Collection by Opi

Minnie Mouse was my first style icon, and has influenced my fashion choices to this day.  Polka dot dresses?  I have about five of them.  Bow headbands?  Let's not even count.

OPI recently announced their upcoming Couture de Minnie launch, a line of Disney-inspired polishes hitting stores and salons this June.  Following last year's Vintage Minnie Mouse line, this years collection is more fashion-forward, incorporating traditional elements with modern runway trends.

I'm a terrible manicurist (I've been a nail biter on and off my whole life).  I normally leave color to the professionals, save sparkly bottles that are beyond easy to apply.  As such, I'm completely drawn to Minnie Style, a combination of red and white glitter.  A bubble gum pink, deep crimson, bright fuchsia, and textured red round out OPI's offerings.

With a shout and not a squeak, scoop up your favorite shade and cheer my first love, Miss Minnie!

OPI Nail Care

Life in Photos - The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

Last week the husband and I trekked to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens to see the (very) tail end of the blooming cherry blossoms. Petals were carpeting the garden lawns, a multitude of flowers were bursting with color and we meandered around the park laughing, taking an absurd amount of photos and enjoying the sun when it would come peeking through the predominately grey sky. Not long after we exited the park a menacingly dark cloud moved in to loom overhead, and we fled into the tunnels of the subway just as the sky opened up and the first raindrops began to tumble down.

It was a magical afternoon, and who can resent the rain when you've just seen the beautiful array of flora its spray provides?

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens