The Seasonal Drift

I am starting to have a bit of a problem; a shopping problem.
Stores at the end of July and into August get hyped up on the end-of-the-season sales. It is hard not to dip into these sales, but it might be a little hard to buy a new sundress when I have this creeping feeling that fall is right around the corner...

This seasonal drift occurs in NYC and affects the way I think about my fashion choices while I browse the stores. The last thing I want to do is invest in a new sundress when I know I might be wearing my puffer coat sooner than I think. It might be hard to believe right now, since it has been incredibly hot, humid, and (*ahem*) miserable here on the East Coast, but my advice to all of you shoppers out there is that you invest in pieces for your closet that can make your transfer into the seasonal drift flawless (and perfect for your pocket). Items that have darker hues, or that you can picture wearing with a leather jacket and perhaps a pair of boots will work best if you are making a trip down to SoHo to perk up your wardrobe right now..

• Sundresses:
Invest in dresses that have darker hues. I wouldn't invest in anything with pastels right now. It is perfectly okay to buy something totally summery but keep in mind, that you may only have a month or two left this year to get some use out of it. In my opinion, I would try and picture whatever dresses you decide to splurge on right now with boots, tights, or a leather bomber. Here are a few dresses I find can make it through the seasonal drift..

 

• Shorts/Skirts:
I am a huge fan of a dressy pair of shorts for a night out, or a fun brunch with friends. They are such a refreshing look instead of a typical mini skirt in the summer. If you happen to buy shorts or a skirt right now, pick a fabric that can translate into fall easily. I recommend a anything with pleats or a heavier material that will match well when worn with tights later in the fall.

• Shoes:
Lots of sales are going on with sandals right now. Personally, I would not buy a pair of sandals right now, unless you know you will want to wear them next year. Stay away from extreme trends, that might not last into Spring/Summer 2014. If you happen to stumble upon a pair of Sam Edelman's at a price you can't resist, go for it. But like I said, keep in mind you may not have too much time this year to wear them. I would opt for purchasing flats at this time in the season. Flats can translate easily into fall and will pair well no matter what season it happens to be.

In the end, be a smart shopper. Always keep in mind that the stores are always getting in new inventory. The sales that are happening everywhere right now, are to create the space for the fall fashion that will available in a few weeks... so make sure you can be smart enough to know what will be able to still be wearable this year, and what might have to wait for next. With these tips, I am sure that you will be able to survive the seasonal drift.

To Jewel-Up, or Jewel-Down...? That is the Question!

There is a particular art to accessorizing. Just like brushing the last blot of paint onto a painting, we all must be talented artists when putting the last-minute touches onto our ensembles.

I have accessories GALORE! Somehow, it is almost out of hand how much I have in my wardrobe; from hats to scarves, from statement necklaces to cocktail rings... but how do we put these accessories on without overdoing it or under-doing it? And when it comes to jewelry lately, are we supposed to stack a million knuckle rings on every hand or leave our outfit as minimal as possible? To Jewel-Up or Jewel-Down...? That is the Question!

Here are a few of my tips:

• Work 
-If you are having the urge to Jewel-Up: Unless you work in a creative industry, over accessorizing is never a professional way to go. Perhaps if your ensemble is simple like a LBD or black slacks and a simple top, a statement necklace could work perfectly. I would never recommend wearing any overly large and eccentric earrings to work (plus- you might get uncomfortable if you are on the phone for periods of time). And of course a classic cocktail ring is always appropriate.

-If you are having the urge to Jewel-Down: At work, there is never anything wrong with less accessories. If you happen to work in a professional environment that has a bit more of a strict dress code, it might be best to keep the jewels to a minimum to prevent looking too "flashy." Classic rings, necklaces, and studs will work best (Dont forget: Just because your accessorries are minimal, doesn't mean you cannot showcase your personal style!).

 







• The First Date
I think a lot of girls have the habit of over-thinking what to wear on a first date. We have all been there. We think what we wear on this date will eventually have an affect on if the person does or doesn't like us. I agree with this to an extent. Especially with accessorizing. My advice- Don't overdo it. These are totally acceptable jewels that can showcase your own style, without confusing your dude.. Long necklaces are always flattering and classic (and pair perfectly with a A-line dress or jeans and a cute blouse). Also- If your ensemble looks best with long earrings instead, opt for something sexy, yet simple.

 

 And last, but certainly not least...
• The Girls Night Out
My favorite time of the week is when I get to allow myself to get dolled up in an outfit that is totally "me" and my personal style and spend time with my girlfriends. I strongly believe that when girls go out, we get more dressed-up for each other than we do when we are trying to impress the opposite sex. This is the night to showcase to your friends your feminine, fashionable, and fun-loving side. Let yourself be experimental with fashion and let your closet loose!

 

In conclusion, my advice is always to stay true to whatever your personal style is. If you are always a simple jewel-down kinda gal... stick with it. Just no matter where you are and what you do, remember to stay chic and always fabulous.

The Fashion Crush

I stumbled upon my obsession with Miroslava Duma when I was flipping through one of my fashion magazines, and became enthralled with everything about her impeccable style. In case you are the few that are unfamiliar with Miroslava Duma; this icon used to be an editor for Harper's Bazaar, and since then has now continued to "wow" us as a freelance fashion writer for magazines such as OK Magazine, Glamour, and more. Miroslava is the daughter of a Russian senator, but is more known as her international status as a major fashion icon. Personally, I have waited for a true fashion icon to come into our lives, and here she is...

She is the epitome of my major fashion crush. She seems to make anything look overwhelmingly chic, that you cannot take your eyes off of her. Color-ways, textures, and silhouettes that might seem like they would appear on E!'s Fashion Police, she can pull it off...

Here is only a very tiny itty bitty sample of some of my favorite Miroslava looks...

I mean, there are not many people in the world that can make burgundy leather overalls look so incredible. I recommend finding your own fashion crush. On a day commuting home in New York City, sometimes its a complete mess of stretchy pants and tennis shoes.. It's nice to remember there are icons like Miroslava Duma out there getting dressed without a flaw in a single stitch..

Oscar Oscar Oscar

Yes, I love going to see a good movie here and there, but let's be honest the major reason I love Oscar night is not for the show, but for the fashion. I could, however, do without listening to what Kelly Osborne has to say about a flawless Marchesa gown (when did she become an expert anyways?)...

Needless to say, here are my top choices for the Best Dressed at the 2013 Oscars:

• Jennifer Lawrence in Dior: Although the dress might have been the cause of her stumble on those stairs, she picked a perfect gown to accept an oscar at the age of 22. The dress shows off her youthful figure, but also excels in exuding a high level of class.


• Naomi Watts in Armani Prive`: This custom designed dress looks as if each individual sequin was almost glued right to her body. The fit and the style compliment her perfectly.



• Jennifer Aniston in Valentino: looking more effortlessly stunning than I have seen in a long time. The red compliments her skintone beautifully.

And tragically, here are my choices for Worst Dressed..

• Anne Hathaway in Prada: The talk about her nipples, and the boring silhouette of this dress make me want to scream! I read that she picked this dress at the very last minute, I wish she hadn't...


• Kristen Stewart in Reem Acra: Why is this woman always looking such a mess? The dress did not even fit her up top, and someone pleaseeeeeee put a comb through her hair! I'm begging you!

• Melissa McCarthy in David Meister: I don't know who told Melissa to wear a bag over her body this year, but combined with this old-fashioned hair style, its a big NO NO, oh god NO! Whenever stylists tell curvier women to accentuate their curves, they are telling them for a reason. Wearing something like this, Melissa looks larger than she probably is. Even the draping over her hips is not hitting at the right points...

All in all, I have to say I was a little less than impressed with the fashion at the Oscars this year. I guess now that award season is over, I can just dream of another Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton moment for next year... I'll leave you with that inspiring image... "le sigh..."