Oh My, Lord and Taylor...

 

There is seriously something magical about Lord and Taylor. I am not quite sure if it's the scent of the fragrance department, or the large array of quality leather boots located on the 2nd floor, but I literally turn into a crazy person the moment I walk through the antiqued revolving door...

This weekend was Lord and Taylor's infamous anniversary sale (which usually also marks the one-year anniversary of my sister and I literally losing our heads in a department store). Last year I was foolish, it being my first year in New York and all, I didn't think to use my savings at Lord and Taylor and buy a new winter coat, or the usual essentials for the cold weather... Man, oh man did I learn my lesson!

Lord and Taylor's Anniversary Sale is always 40% off of all Coats, 25% off of all shoes, and 20% off of most other regularly marked items. Here is a small peak of the few things that I was able to walk away with at a decent price!

• Chinese Laundry Puffer Coat

This coat is guaranteed to keep me snuggly during the FREEZING winter commutes to work, to dinner, and any place I decide to venture to by foot for the next 4 months. Growing up in California, my blood gets cold at a temperature of 65 degrees, so a warm, down puffer is extremely essential. This puffer offers a warmth, without sacrificing style. The exaggerated collar doubles with a "snap" to become a full-coverage hood (so useful during snow flurries). I highly suggest this puffer if you are a fashionista who does not like to freeze this time of year...


• Sam Edelman Booties

I snagged these booties and instantly fell in love with their versatility... They have a chic and simple loot to them, but the soles are skid-resistant (great for the ice in the mornings) and are not too casual that you wont be able to sport these with a LBD to work or out to dinner.. The oxblood color uniquely fades to a black shade at the toe to make these feel and look extra special.



• Michael Kors Faux Fur Cardigan

This cardigan surprised me with how utterly warm it was. With the exaggerated faux fur collar, there is no need for a scarf during a windy commute. The knit is made of 100% wool, and will pair chicly with a pair of tall boots and leggings. This cardigan really adds the drama on its own, no need for much else.

• Lord and Taylor Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves

I have to admit, I did not even know what Lord and Taylor exactly was until I put on a pair of my Mother's cashmere-lined black leather gloves with the small tag that read, "Lord&Taylor" on the inside. These gloves have always been so special to me because they reminded me of a time when my mother was living in New York, and these gloves must have kept her warm for years. I picked up a pair in red this weekend. I know they will last me a lifetime, and what goes better with red lipstick, than a pair of red leather gloves anyhow? These gloves are available in almost any color you can imagine...



All in all, I did very well this year. I feel confident that this winter I will not only be warmer than ever, but I will be kicking any blizzard's butt in style... Thanks again to Lord and Taylor, another trip through that antiqued revolving door done well..

Vinyl Records...

Commuting through New York City, your choice for a handbag is crucial. You need to have just the big enough bag to carry a magazine, a pair of mittens, and pretty much your entire life. However, a large bag can weigh on your shoulders to a point that by the weekend you need your regular visit to the message therapist down in queens to get the large knot out. Trust me, I know... 

I recently bought a black leather handbag that had gold chains and embellishments all over it, and it truly is a fabulous show stopper. However, my shoulder is now killing me. With the chains and studs, the handbag ALONE (without any of my goodies inside of it) probably weight about 10 pounds. I am not kidding with you.

Vinyl bags are our solution. Not only are they 100% weather resistant where I can be confident that in the rain, snow, hail, or even random tornado that hits New York my IPhone is safe and sound! 

I went to Bloomingdale’s this week and bought myself a beautiful vinyl bag by Longchamp with a gift certificate from my birthday. Not only can I fit practically my entire apartment in this bag, but it is light as a feather. And at a reasonable 145$ for a handbag that will last my entire life, I think it I got a pretty good deal. I purchased the bag in a neutral black that I will be able to sport all year round. However, this useful tote is available in all colors of the rainbow to fit everyone's unique preferences.

Here are a few more vinyl bags I suggest:

• This tote is from Kate Spade and is available at Bloomingdale's for $248. It definitely is durable without sacrificing style.

• Marc Jacobs is known for jumping on the vinyl handbag train; every season coming up with new and innovative, quirky patterns to lay upon his useful totes. Sport one of these while commuting to  school, or even for a day in the park and you won't be worried about having to leave anything behind.

As a New Yorker, these are a must-have. Let’s face it, we never know where we will end up at the end of the day. We can leave our front door for work, and end up at an underground jazz club until 4am, and you might want to pack a few things to be prepared without having the weight on your shoulders..

Boots are all the Buzz....

Growing up in Southern California, I did not really know what it meant to see the seasons change. With a daily high of 73 degrees throughout the year, throwing on a small cardigan when we would eat dinner "al fresco" out on our patio was the only clue that Christmas was probably right around the corner. My mother used to talk about the seasons in New York like it was straight out of a movie. She was in love with the fall here, and even as a child my grandmother used to send me “New York leaves” all the way to California in the mail. With their vibrant colors of orange and yellow, it was something foreign to me and only something I could dream of being a part of some day. 

New York has a way of making everything so exciting. The smallest things can turn us on, and there is a strong sense of life in the air. This week, the temperature is dropping, and the window displays are changing.. and boots are the buzz.

Here are a few picks of my favorite staples for the season:

• I actually scooped up a pair of these last month as a gift for my birthday. I was in the need of a boot chic enough for work, or going out at night, but casual enough to pair with jeans for the weekend. These boots look awesome with tights and a LBD and have enough of a heel to heighten my 5’1” silhouette. With a price of only 108$ these Steve Madden Rifffle Booties are definitely a steal.

• This boot is great for the rebel in us all. I bought these boots back in the summer and fell in love. They definitely will get you a  bit of attention, but nobody will even try messing with you on the subway during your commute (trust me...). For such a show stopping shoe, $125 is worth every penny.

• Fringe is definitely a fall trend right now. This style is great for getting your inner “rocker girl” out.  These little booties by Sam Edelman pair great with a dress for a casual date night, or even look great for the office. They are a little more of a splurge at 185$ available at Bloomingdale’s.

• Recognize these? These Chloe` knockoffs are simply gorgeous and can go with almost anything in my wardrobe. Not to mention they are absolutely comfortable. On a day when I just dont feel like putting on a heel, but I still want to feel fab, these are just the ticket. Check out zara.com for this rocker-chic look at a reasonable price...

This is the best time in New York. Take a stroll through Central Park, or snuggle up and open your window to the crisp, cool breeze. And for now, boots are all the buzz...

The VogueGasm

Everyday for the past month, my eyes light up when I take my steps by all of the newsstands on the streets of New York. Even when I pass by the bodega tucked in the bottom of the Queens Plaza station, my head turns in hopes that the new September issue of Vogue is sitting in the window...

I settled for "Lucky" or "In Style" but nothing says fall fashion like the enormously thick and yummy issue of Vogue.

As a young girl, my mother subscribed to Vogue. She got it in the mail every month for as long as I can remember.  The issue stocked full  of glamorous fashion stories from the makers of this fabulous industry sat on her sleek black desk until she took in with her to bed. She sat in bed with her black-framed Burberry glasses on and turned each page, folding down the pages with pictures of quilted lamb leather handbags, or chic, tailored tweed skirt suits. The air in her bedroom filled with the essence of fashion and perfume ads; these are images as a young girl I will never forget. My mother engraved a distinctly strong passion for this industry that lies within my heart forever. When I see the September issue of Vogue, it not only inspires my own sense of fashion, but also brings me back to that nostalgic, simple time in my life.

Well, today as I was going to the Duane Read on my way home from work to pick up some toothpaste, my eyes lit up with the same joy that lit in my mothers when she laid in her bed folding over those pages...

I like to call this look/feeling "The VogueGasm"... It happens every September and gives us hope for a whole next year.

As each leaf slowly starts to fall from the trees, and the weather gets a bit more chilly, I hope you have a VogueGasm of your own. Be inspired. And snuggle up in your bed and fold the pages....

A Night Full of Kristalls

Tucked away in the back of the Swarovski Crystallized specialty store in Soho, is a cafe that will leave you breathless (as if the thousands of crystals in the store don't do that on their own)...

I had the pleasure of being able to experience this cafe with the invitation to a private event last week. The cafe truly was amazing and something I think anyone who is hungry or thirsty in the middle of their shopping extravaganza downtown, must come across for themselves.

Cafe Krystall has only been open for two short months, but within that short amount of time, they have got a space that is extravagant down to the very tiniest detail. The cafe has everything from happy hour to Sunday brunch, all which offer a guest something extra special. At happy hour, you are delivered an array of specialty tea sandwiches prepared by the renowned chefs in the kitchen, and if tea sandwiches aren't really your fancy, there are plenty of small plates dishes that do anything but break the bank. Brunch will begin in about two weeks and will feature sparkling specialty cocktails and plenty of traditional savory favorites; making yet another chic place to visit with girlfriends on a Sunday afternoon and I couldn't think of a more fabulous place to do such a task.

The ambiance speaks for itself, detailed to the very last drop. As the crystals that are shining on the wallpaper surrounding the space entice you, and the giant chandeliers make you feel as though you are living a life of someone who makes a seven-digit salary; you will feel special and sophisticated here without having to spend as much as a celeb.

Not to mention the staff here was extraordinary as well. I have never been at an event and felt so much excitement and positive energy from the people who work at an establishment. All of the employees were eager to show us a tour and bring us down to their private space downstairs (available for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, etc.).

I highly recommend trying out Cafe Krystall during your next trip downtown to Soho. The cafe will leave your breathless, and feeling sophisticated all the way till your last sip of your sparkling champagne.






For more information about the amazing menu and location visit:

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/cafe-kristall/

Cafe Kristall

70 Mercer St. (At Broome St.)

New York, NY 10012

(212) 274-1500

The Blackbird vs. the Bluebird

We all have style. I find that there is no such thing is not having style at all. Granted, the mom in the grocery store in your neighborhood is wearing sweatpants and Crocs; it's still her style. My style has always been a bit on the black side. Growing up in a la la land in southern California, I had an inner urge to rebel and embrace my naturally jet-black hair by wearing dark jeans with a black top, or even an LBD with black tights and black shoes. It wasn't long before I was known as "Wednesday Adams" amongst my friends. But that was the real me, and even if all my friends looked like they popped straight out of a Matel Barbie box, I guess I didn't mind flying solo in my own style sky...

Here in New York, I blend in quite a bit better. There are plenty of us with dark hair, wearing LBDs in the middle of the scorching summer. We seem to beat to the same style drum out here. It got me thinking this week, "Women are blackbirds or bluebirds flying in their own style skies"...

Blackbirds look forward to fall. When it is more socially acceptable to wear violet vintage lipstick paired with textured tights and an oversized lux knit sweater dress. Blackbirds (no matter how hard they try) incorporate black into almost every ensemble all year long. They long for colder days, and at the first sight of a leaf falling to ground, smirk slightly knowing its almost time to break out their black leather booties. Blackbirds fly in a fashion world that is utterly Coco Chanel; "Breakfast at Tiffany's; and simply chic.

Bluebirds on the other hand, love pink; love yellow; love all the colors of the rainbow. They have taken the neon trend to another dimension and are obsessed with anything that shines as bright as the sun. They fly in a style sky that is bright, spontaneous, and full of adventure. From top to bottom, they dress to brighten up their reflection in the mirror and just about anyone they see.


I would like to break this medium. I would like mutate these birds together and create a new breed of fashion. This past summer I have packed away the textured tights, packed away (most of) my LBDs and embraced the bluebird deep within. This does not mean I have shut everything black out of the wardrobe. Black is one of the most flattering and sophisticated colors in fashion. For example, for the office this week, I paired a hot pink knee-length skirt with a black peplum top and leopard belt. Finished the look with a pair of black booties and "vuah lah!" black/blue-mutation at its finest! I look forward to continuing the mutation into the fall. Where I would normally stick to all dark hues, I can't wait to incorporate my brights into next season's wardrobe.

I recommend you to embrace your inner bird. Whether its blue, black, or a bit of both. It's all about what your true style is; and making it YOU. Don't forget who you really are and always try and have fun. Whether its summer, spring, winter or fall. Endulge in a Rebecca Minkoff  hot pink MAC Crossbody and wear it into the next season. It's ok to fall off the norm of what you are totally bound to, and try to fly with a whole new flock.

Falling Forward

As I turned the key of my tiny New York mailbox, a rush of excitement came over me as I saw the first fall fashion magazine had been delivered. Like a small school girl I jumped for joy in the lobby of my building... Finally we all get another chance. We all start over, and with the sweet scent of fashion in the air, we all begin to fall forward.

Here are some looks which I am most excited about for this fall:

Burgundy:

I cannot wait to get my hands on this lush color this season. The hue of this red brings out the best in almost anyone's skin tone and can go great with brown or black.

  

Houndstooth:

Lately, I have seen this print popping up in stores more often. This pattern can be seen on a pair of chef's pants, but when worn the right way, you can create a chic look instantly. I love this pattern on a skinny pant with a bright collared top. Where ever you can add a pop of this pattern, you are sure to seem on trend for fall.

Studs:

This embellishment has taken a new turn by becoming a primary staple to almost any ensemble. This trend first made its way to stores early this year and seems to be sticking around for fall. Embellished flats, tops, belts, and jackets can make a look become edgy and stylish. Be careful to not put in too much studs into an ensemble (you might start to get that "biker chick" look). Added carefully to a feminine look, studs add something special to an outfit and will always make you feel on trend.

Lace:

What woman doesn't want to dowse herself in a fabric so utterly feminine and chic. This fabric has been around for centuries and continues to make us feel special and chic. Adding lace to and item of clothing can make you feel dressed up even for a walk in the park.

 

Peplum:

We seem to be having peplum popping up everywhere these days! Peplum is not only flattering to any silhouette, but it adds an old fashion femininity to an outfit that we have not seen for a while. Whether you are curvy, or boy-ish figured, peplum looks great and will make you feel instantly girly. Whether the silhouette is worn to the office, or out on the town you will be on trend in any of these looks.

Stay tuned for more fall finds. I promise I will do my best to give you the latest on what I am falling forward for. In the meantime,  I don't know about you, but I am saving every paycheck so that I can start getting my wardrobe filled with the latest fall trends. Happy shopping!

Dear NYC, You Make the Best Boyfriend...

As a young single woman it's natural to want a companion or someone to have a giggle with every now and then, but since I have moved to this city, New York is the best boyfriend I have ever had...

We had a romantic bagel and coffee in the morning in Queens, followed by a classy mimosa at a fancy French bistro in the minst of the cobblestones off of Thompson Street. I felt the itch to discover something new (New York is always keeping me fresh on my toes). I decided to walk through Soho and browse the independent jewelry vendors on Prince St. as well as making a trip to the Young Designers Market (or The Market NYC) over on Bleeker. New York gave me the best day I had experienced in a really long time. We shared a wonderful hot summer afternoon under the sun exploring passion and fashion and he never complained he was missing the Yankee game...

Shopping on Prince St.


While walking in Soho, it's all about the shopping, and hardly anything else. Wherever you turn, there are new stores opening and more vendors to browse. My favorite vendors stay put on Prince St. (facing South). You might occasionally see repeated knock offs or cheap costume jewelry, but for the most part independent jewelry designers set up shop along the sidewalk and offer their one of a kind jewels at a decent price.

I did some browsing and came across a hilarious man by the name of Castro. He does not call himself a designer, rather an individual protesting against similarity and boredom. All of his designs are unique and custom made; all which also happen to offer an extremely edgy and unique look.

He was not pushy about buying anything, and I was only there to browse. His style stood out to me as being something truly original and noteworthy. Check out http://www.castronyc.com to learn more about his designs and style. He was truly something special and I picture very big things for his creative future.

The Young Designers Market (The Market NYC)

After I strolled on Prince St. I made my way over to The Young Designers Market. This indoor venue of independent, fresh, and friendly designers are all found in a single location. The Market NYC offers designers which are all completely different from one another. I was a little afraid of walking into this space and finding a bunch of "hipsters" selling the same kind of designs, but the range of originality varies vastly through this unique shopping experience.

The first designer I stopped by was Terry Ross Jewelry. She offers a simple and elegant stone necklaces, rings, and bracelets set in hand-dipped 18k gold. I was able to leave her booth after falling in LOVE with a simple black crystal necklace with a tiny, elegant gold link chain for only $40; something to wear everyday. She was friendly and extremely passionate about her designs which was a refreshing change from trying to find a necklace from a saleswoman at a department store. Visit her website at http://www.terryrossjewelry.com for more info. She really has something to offer for everyone.

The next designer I visted was selling gorgeous print scarves. Even though it was about 90 degrees out in New York this past Saturday, I couldn't help but find myself drawn to her unique knit scarves. I fell in love with a navy and grey horse and carriage print scarf. This design will look fabulous in the fall with just about any color with skinny jeans and a pair of fabulous boots.

As if the scarves don't simply just sell themselves, Agnes helped me try on the scarf and kindly showed me a few different and original ways I will be able to tie it for the fall. She was so helpful and friendly without being pushy or overly aggressive. View her designs at http://www.amagnes.com and fall for her prints as I easily did.

After my shopping adventure, I hopped into a cab to meet some friends for a sunset cruise around the island. It was a very special day for New York and I. We fell in love all over again and I feel as though we can wake up and do it all over again in the morning, perhaps for the rest of my life...

New York City. Now that's a boyfriend worth keeping.

Move Over Christian Grey...This is the Summer for Women

While basking in the sun in Long Beach, Long Island this week, I turn to the next page of my slightly mangled copy of "Fifty Shades of Grey." I have been carrying this book around with me with me all summer. I have read it openly on the subway on my commute to work at 8 o'clock in the morning, or sitting in Central Park with a family with small children around; and as I approach another situation where Anastasia is "discovering herself," a thought comes pouring over me, "this really IS the summer for women."

We can have Christian Grey whenever, wherever and nobody can look down on us or frown upon our judgment. We can sit in a two hour movie and watch "Magic Mike" dance himself into our hearts and leave us fantasizing about it for the next two months of the warm, steamy summer. We can wear hi-top wedge sneakers with our Ann Taylor dress to work, and we can still enjoy drinking a cold glass of pinot grigio on ladies night with our girlfriends. We can have it all this summer and here are just a few ways (within art and fashion) to get in on this staple trend of the "powerful feline."

Art:

In New York, there is never a shortage of art. Everyday, we are exposed to culture written on the walls or dressed on someone's body. This summer, take advantage of the Met's exhibit of "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations," on view until August 19, 2012. I had the pleasure of viewing the exhibit during the first month of its opening, and it took my breath away.

The similarity between these two women and their artistic, and unique talent of making fashion something powerful and fun is something to truly think about. Both of these women are powerhouses. They take a step beyond making fashion for the consumer or for the retailers, but making it for the footprint it will leave in the culture of fashion itself. Both designers prove that fashion is not meant to be about being serious, but taking a step in a direction that goes unexpected. Its about surprising others and putting yourself in a place you never thought you could find yourself in.

Take part in viewing this exhibit, it might inspire you to try new things, and follow what is uniquely designed inside each and every one of us.

Fashion:
Trending now on the streets in New York, I see a variety of differences between the way one woman dresses to another. However, one trend lies beneath it all; the powerful feline.

I would like to think that we, as women, all wake up in the morning and dress to impress, but sometimes we run late and hit the snooze just a few too many times (I do it just about every morning Monday through Friday). Fashion today is making it easier for us to look powerful with less of the effort. Whether you are sporting hightop sneakers with your LBD, or a studded ensemble to be noticed at the board meeting, we are the ones who are taking the spotlight this summer.

Here are a few of the fashion trends I suggest that can make you feel effortlessly POWERFUL.

Hi-Top Wedge Sneakers- I spotted this image on Rebecca Minkoff's blog earlier this week and was instantly inspired to try this look out before the summer is over. This woman looks powerful, but not too serious. She is playful with her fashion sense and looks as though she can make just about anything work. For her look, I recommend browsing through http://www.asos.com for a great assortment that won't burn an unnecessary hole in your wallet.

Collared Shirts with Studded Hardware- I think this trend will stay for fall. Nothing will look better than a gold studded collar laying neatly over your new burgundy peacoat. These men's wear inspired silhouettes add instant power and edginess that all of us are looking for these days. Browse through http://www.zara.com/us for a great look at their collection. Every week more of this trend seems to be popping up in their designs. Here are a few of my favorites:

To put an end to this Sophisticated Sunday, I want to wish you all the summer of YOU. Whether you are hanging with friends in South Hampton, or enjoying your favorite book on the couch with the AC on full blast; remember to take a moment to embrace that of which is the true meaning of summer. New beginnings, new adventures, and a new sense of self. All which are powerful, and ever-so-possible. This is our time.  

The World of the Sophisticate

It has been said by many, that the term sophistication is to "become less natural, especially to make less naive and more worldly."

Life can get a bit routine. We all mostly work from nine to five, go to the gym, make dinner, and then do it all over again the very next day. However, on Sunday afternoon when the streets are a bit more quiet, perhaps we can all stop and take a moment to be sophisticated; be chic; and of course fabulous.

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sarah, and I recently moved to New York City from Southern California. So many people I have come across in recent months have asked me "what in the world were you thinking?" Do not get me wrong, I know that roots are extremely important, and I was brought up in one of the most beautiful parts of this country, but it is New York City where I have found a true sense of sophistication in my day-to-day life and a passion of sharing it with others.

My mother and father were both originally from New York City. My father, a true musician and glorified "rock star" in the 1970's, and my mother a model during the fashionable "mod" era, I was brought up on the glamorous stories of "old New York" and what has been a dream to experience myself. Since embarking on the adventure (moving to NYC last April 2010), the inspiration I see on my commute to work, or walking through Central Park on the weekend, is practically overwhelming. New York is everything I always dreamed it was, and with each day I find it is more than I ever expected.

The purpose of this blog is to share with my fellow sophisticates what has inspired me within the past week. Whether I am on the streets of this crazy city, or finding out about the latest brunch spot, SundaySophistication will sum up New York City's finest moments all in a single posting.

I hope that this blog brings you the chic and fabulous-ness that is only New York City. I hope that I can calm down the week for you and bring you back to what is within all of us; that which is only the true heart of the sophisticate.