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.