Superior Style Between the Seasons- The Black and White Edition

I am freezing.

Literally, FREEZING when I walk outside the door in New York. Last winter, was a piece of cake compared to the below 20 degree weather that has been a usual occurrence on the East Coast. Many of times over the past few weeks I keep telling my friends, "This is not my cup of tea..." Even my most stylish studded gloves can't make me smile when the cold, arctic wind is blowing in my face. Sometimes I have to touch my frozen nose to make sure it's still there.

The only thing that might be able to help me get through the next two months left of this chilling weather, could be to focus on the bright and vivacious colors that spring will add to our wardrobes.

I don't want to get overly excited and "spring" right into spring. Instead I think what we all need is a little direction on how to stay chic and put-together during those in-between season days...

Over the next few weeks, I will add to this "Superior Style Between Seasons" category, but for now lets focus on the iconic style of pairing black with white.


Here are a few looks that have some major between season sophistication:

By adding a bold lip, or a striking accessory we can give this look an extra kick into the warmer seasons. I suggest maybe adding a neon necklace or clutch to a black and white look (Rebecca Minkoff has great accessories or go to H&M if you wanna watch your spending) or wearing an unexpected orange lipstick (Nars has my favorite selection if you are looking for a bold color that can last all day).

Do not worry, we will get through these last few weeks of winter together. In the meantime, stay chic.. stay warm... stay sophisticated.

The Era of Icons

I have talked a lot about my obsession with this city, but I think I really owe it to my mother. My mom passed down a lot to me. Not only her jet black hair and her lack of height, but most importantly she passed down her passion for New York.

My father accepted a job in California when I was just a baby, and all I heard growing up from my mother was how much she missed this city. I think a strong reason why I am so in love with it here is because it reminds me of her.

Having a mother who modeled in the 1960's in New York, I also grew up yearning for a time in fashion where icons were always the buzz. Fashion was truly at it's prime in the 1960's and in New York, anyone could be the next socialite, fashion icon, and super model just by strutting down the street. 

What happened to the years where we had icons who inspired us and influenced us to be creative with fashion and not take ourselves too seriously? With every step I take in my journey with fashion as an art, I try to think of my own personal icons: my mother, and all of the other fabulous women that experienced this city in a time of change, adventure, and most of all innovative fashion.

Besides my own mother, here are a few fashion icons I live by:

• Elizabeth Taylor: not sure if her "violet" eyes, or her alluring sex appeal make me want to live my life as if I am right out of one of her films. Seductive, alluring, and at the same time effortlessly chic. She reminds me to play up curves and never forget to use my femininity as an accessory.

• Jackie Kennedy: reminds us all to be natural and classic. Sometimes all you need is the right pair of jeans, and ribbed turtleneck to look sexy. And on those rough mornings, maybe a pair of reaallllllllll big sunnies.

• Edie Sedgwick: Although her life may have been short (and a bit tragic), this fashion icon lived her life to the fullest in a way some may not even be able to do in a lifetime. Edie reminds fashionistas to be adventurous and never take clothes seriously. Fashion is about showing off who you are in an unexpected way.

I know that the era of icons might be over. I mean, what can we really get from the inspiring works of Lady Gaga wearing raw meat as a dress (ew!) or Jennifer Lopez dressing in nothing (well not nothing, but almost nothing), and DO NOT get me started on what these Jersey Shore girls are doing to fashion (fyi: it will never be cute to wear giant fur Ugg boots with acrylic nails and a trucker hat...sorry).

My hope is that we can all remember our icons. Try and live our lives dressed from head to toe as if they were all still with us today. I know that when I step out of my apartment and off of my stoop, I try and live as though today will be the most glamourous day. That I can become an icon perhaps to my children one day. And just like my mom, tell the stories of New York during the era of icons...

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