Wardrobe: What I Wore to NYFW

Here's what I wore to NYFW. You may have already had a glimpse through Instagram. Not as lady-like as I imagined for my first time; I was quite possibly the only one wearing Patagonia! I was, however, very warm and comfortable all day long. Some women had their legs exposed and no sweaters. What were they thinking?! I wanted to wear something I could stand outside in for hours so I could capture the excitement without freezing to death. I also packed my bags and ran out the door in less than an hour, so considering that I'm pretty happy with this look.

As a high heel enthusiast, I was disappointed I couldn't wear them but there was a blizzard after all! I've had those combat boots since high school and it was fun to give them new life. 

For a shot of me in full photographer action, check out Cheralee's recap over on her blog, Miss Lyle Style. 

Coat: Patagonia, scarf: DeNada Design, sweater: Gman's, denim: Joe's Jeans, bag: Madewell (similar), boots: army/navy surplus store, Lipstick: my new fav shade from NARS

Wardrobe: Buenos Aires, Argentina

sweater dress, handbag, flats, scarf, sunglasses, perfume, lipstick (in Bahama)

For a trip to Buenos Aires, I recommend keeping things simple and relaxed. It's a cosmopolitan city but its not fussy - more Paris than New York. You can get away with bright colors, too, though most people wear black. I love this sweater dress and scarf combo for shopping, going to an exhibition, or simply sipping wine. Add a slip to keep the sweater comfortable, warm, and modest. I like this one from Spanx.

Unfortunately, this city is known for some pretty crafty pick pockets so its important to wear a cross-body bag that zips closed. It would also not be wise to wear any jewelry, especially gold and diamonds, as you will be targeted for a (possibly armed) robbery. That sounds scary, but it is important to be aware of these things when traveling, no matter how unpleasant. It should not stop you from exploring! Being aware of potential threats can help you have a safer, more enjoyable adventure. So instead of jewelry, accessorize with a pretty fragrance, bright lip, and your favorite pair of sunglasses.

Wardrobe: Busch Gardens

Shirt, Bag, Denim Shorts, Sandals, Bracelet, Sunglasses

First of all, I'm ashamed at the number of times I've featured jorts on this blog (here, here and this makes three). However, they are awesome and there were five pages of denim shorts to choose from on Shopbop which means others feel the same way.

Secondly amusement parks are hot so it just make sense. I try to keep it classy though, no white sneakers and fanny packs here. Go hands-free with a cross-body bag and keep your look breezy with gold sandals.

How adorable is that Kate Spade bracelet? And Karen Walker can clearly do no wrong with her sunglasses.

Wardrobe: Clearwater Beach, FL

Boyfriend shirt, jean shorts, panama hat, earrings, tote, bikini (bottom, top), flip flops, ring

These days, most people I know do not have the luxury of living in a community with a pool, let alone near the beach. The beach is a special place many of us go to vacation. Instead of buying specific bathing suit cover ups for your next beach get-a-way, bring versatile pieces, like a cotton button up and tote bag, that you can wear on other days of your trip too. I love wearing a button up to the beach (it feels cozier than a t-shirt) and I like to wear it open to show off my fab swimsuit beneath!

For Clearwater Beach, keep the jewelry simple with colorful stud earrings and a tiny ring. And because its a casual, slightly tacky environment, don't leave home without your jean shorts and flip flops. That was pretty much my wardrobe growing up (except I wore Birkenstocks everyday!)

CapFabb meet-up: What We Wore

Nikki of Cupcakes for Breakfast, Tammy of A Loyal Love, and Julia of JulipMade

Krystal of The Feisty House, Kellie of The Yuppie Files, and Tammy

Last Tuesday there was a CapFabb (D.C. blogger group) event at Madewell in Georgetown. So many beautiful women came with their most stylish foot forward. I was too busy eating high heeled cupcakes meeting everyone that I only took a few pictures but I can't wait to hangout again, ladies!

Wardrobe: Cold Weather Birthday

sweater, booties, trapper hat, coat, bag, earrings, pants, gloves

As you may know, it was insanely cold this weekend. In New York City it was 20 degrees outside and at one point the weather channel said it, "feels like 10 degrees." I'm not even sure how to understand how cold that is. If it's below freezing it's reason enough for me to hibernate. Too bad my birthday is in January, as you are well aware, and I like to go out to celebrate.

It has come up in conversation hundreds of times recently and was especially a topic of conversation during my party. How does one dress for 10 degree weather when going out for a night on the town? My typical go-to is a silk button-up blouse and sky high pumps, but that doesn't work when it's cold because my feet freeze.

This look was inspired by the ladies at my birthday party and Tammy, who wears leather pants. These are waxed cotton but I see what she's onto here. Perhaps the leather or wax helps keep out the wind? eh? I have a fur lined trapper hat and as silly as it is, when the temperature drops below 30 degrees, I don't leave home without it. It's a life saver.

When I showed this look to Gman he said, "It's funky confident." The woman wearing this isn't afraid of a good time and doesn't take herself to seriously. Now isn't that how we all want to feel on our birthday? Young and free?

Weekend Recap: It's in the bag

I'll start by saying I did not leave the house on Sunday. I didn't even change out of my pajamas! It was as glorious as I imagined it. I only left twice on Saturday to forage for food and to use a treadmill.

Gman and I planned this weekend of hibernation before the holidays and it really was just what we needed. I began working on some of my goals for this year - like re-learning French with some lessons via Rosetta Stone and doing a bit of art history research which I hope to share with you soon. We also planned some more trips this year!

However the most exciting part of the weekend was the generosity of my parents, who gave me a new handbag for my upcoming birthday! I've been wanting a Clare Vivier bag for over a year now and was so excited to finally own one. As soon as I tore open the box from Anthropologie, I knew I wouldn't be able to wait until my actual birthday to use it. We are now attached at the handle. Not only have I barely separated myself from it, but the smell of that buttery soft leather is intoxicating. Yes, I will keep it. No, I don't have a problem.

Thanks mom and dad!

What I Wore: a trip to Publix

Publix is pretty much the best grocery store EVER. Its clean, organized and the freshly made deli sandwiches are heavenly. We call them Pub Subs and when you are visiting you've got to eat one. Get one and bring it with you to the beach for a picnic.

I wore this casual, comfortable black strapless dress almost everyday while in Ft Myers. My bag is a hand-me-down from my great grandmother which she got in Mexico in 1971. It's my favorite. And the shoes? You'll have to wait to Friday to hear more about those...

Wardrobe: New York City for The Holidays





Shirt, sweater, scarf, gloves, bag, boots, lipstick, jeans, coat

New York City can get pretty cold in the winter, so bundle up on this trip! I have this Patagonia coat and am totally in love with it. It has two layers that you can separate or combine for different levels of warmth. It's waterproof, windproof, and snowproof. I always feel comfortable when I wear it, even when it's 17 degrees outside!

I am all lusty for that fur scarf too. Mom and Dad, it's on the list!

Wardrobe: Dublin and Glendalough





necklace, jeans, jacket, umbrella, wellies, top, bag

While Gman and I were in Ireland it was cold and rainy. We went in March and got the impression from the people we talked to that this type of weather was pretty normal for most of the year. Dressing for the rain, especially when living out of a tiny suitcase, can be challenging. But it's important because having wet feet and trying to tour a city is no fun {blisters and whining abound!}.

I recommend a leather jacket and some wellies to stay warm and dry. As you know, I love my Hunters but I was recently introduced to this company, Joules, through numerous blogs. I love the feminine details on their rain boots, like these flowers. Wellies would have been perfect for our trek out to Glendalough too - that peet moss is muddy and would ruin most shoes {I wore some like this}.

Dublin is a casual city so this look could easily go from running around all day to listening to live music at a pub in the evening. Generally speaking, I like to add bits of ladylike elements to my rainy day look - the rain makes me feel flustered and frumpy. Well, except for the one rainy night in Paris...

What about you, how do you dress for the rain? Do you find it frustrating or exciting when your travel destination is rainy?

Wardrobe: Caribbean Cruise

dress, top, bottoms, sunglasses, sandals, bag, bracelet

A cover-up that doubles as a day dress and multi-functional sandals were perfect for relaxing at the pool and touring the city. Don't be afraid to have fun with your wardrobe for this trip, a cruise is the time to sass it up!

My over sized straw bag was perfect for throwing in a towel and sunscreen or picking up some souvenirs. I didn't realize it at the time, but apparently The Bahamas are known for their straw goodies and some of the vendors interrogated me about my bag. One complimented me on the quality and asked who made it, assuming his competition was to blame. It was made in Morocco.

PS - I wore this cover-up and this dress for dinner. I don't normally buy Victoria's Secret because no matter what it is you can bet a push-up bra is built in. However, my sister swears by their swim suits so I gave it a go. I was happy with my purchases and found the quality of the swim suit to be much nicer than their bras and panties.

Wardrobe: Montauk Chic

Swim suit top, brief, tunic dress, sandals, tote, sunglasses, bangles



I had a little too much fun browsing the JCrew final sale items, so this week's wardrobe is a bit JCrew heavy... 

Although Montauk is laid-back and beach-y, keep in mind you are still relaxing with fellow Manhattanites. This gives you the excuse to wear those heels to the beach with your tunic cover up instead of flip-flots and jorts for a change. Heck, if you are feeling really fabulous throw on that wide brim hat! Where else are you going to wear it?

Wardrobe: Summer Neutrals in NYC

Dress, braided belt, sandals, handbag, ring, earrings, sunglasses

I'm all about the Little Black Dress. Whenever I go shopping I run the danger of bringing home another one to add to my already larger than necessary collection. This little silk number (Silk in the summer? Yes, I wear silk almost everyday. It's fine.) would be perfect for shopping and strolling on a hot summer New York City day. I love the vintage touch of the side buttons on the bodice and cuffed sleeve. Pairing it with light neutrals keeps you cool in the sun yet elegant enough for a spontaneous stop for dinner with your girlfriends. If you are in need of a little color, try my favorite summer lipstick shade, bright pink Nars Funny Face.

Also remember this ensemble for an early springtime brunch in New York? I love New York fashion (and black and tan as it were...).

Wardrobe: Florida

I'm lusting over this perfect Florida wardrobe... and how beautifully organized it is!



via Patterson Maker

What's in your bag?



photo my own, Bear Mountain

Once you reach the peak of your mountain hiking destination, you'll be ready to rest and check out the sweeping views. Unpack your picnic spread of Salame, Grueye, fresh local apples, mustard, olives, and a french baguette. And what better way to celebrate your foray into nature than a half bottle of champagne? If you don't like sitting directly on the ground - and adding more dirt to your experience - then bring a small blanket to rest on as there aren't many picnic tables. Don't forget you camera, lots of water, and some baby wipes to clean the great outdoors off your hands before you eat. ;)

Stick all your goodies into a rugged yet elegant backpack. I couldn't resist these...

Marc Jacobs, Madewell, Patagonia