Se fiesta aquí

I know I butchered the verb tense (along with singlehandedly making up the tense and meaning completely), but as D-D-D-D-Dr. D would say, what I'm getting at is the phrase "Se habla español aquí", or "Spanish is spoken here". Clearly, I haven't studied my español since senior year of high school when I somehow managed to receive a 4 on the AP exam, but what can I say? Everything Señor has taught me since seventh grade stuck. Now, who would have thought I would be applying this knowledge to my own little fashion blog so many years later? More importantly, who would have thought I would reference two professors in one post? Creepy. Moving on.

In essence, partying happens here. Party is not a passive verb, but if you understand what I'm trying to convey, it just kind of works... similar to how "fratting" became a gerund as ubiquitous among my daily vocabulary as is the word "Calloway". Double lives, anyone? But I digress. So it's that time of year again: final exams, heinous Christmas sweaters and apparently, chasing black raspberry Belvedere with Four Loko. Christmas time is upon us, meaning New Years isn't far behind. I always like to give a nod to everyone's beloved Topshop during the holidays because it's a brand which exudes such sparkle year-round. In short, if the holidays were rolled up into a sole apparel brand, Topshop would be it. This year's NYE selections highlight texture, movement and simplicity-- three of my favorite concepts for sure. Last year, I was about vintage (thanks, Mom) mixed with fast fashion basics; now, I'm intrigued by understated pieces that can be played up by meticulous details and loud-in-a-good-way accessories.

Limited Edition Twist Dress, $340

Chainmail Vest Dress, $370

One Shoulder Drape Dress, $110

Slinky Cape Sleeve Tie Waist Dress, $80

Iconic Heavy Beaded Dress, $270

One Shoulder Suede Dress, $310

Chain Back Bodycon Dress, $100

It actually pains me how distracted I am right now, so commentary will come later.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Spur of the moment

Versatile pieces to create a surprisingly consistent look. Thank you, fellow New York City fashionistas, for your inspiration. The legitimacy of this outfit in real life is questionable, but I'm sure one with the right attitude and swagger could pull it off... that denim-button down is tricky with the speckled babydoll dress but as always, that's what makes it interesting.

And here I go to Boston...

Matt Shirt

Twenty8Twelve, $131

Speckle Babydoll Dress

Topshop, $90

Logo Clutch with Chain

Tory Burch, $325

Felicity Chandelier Earring

Anthropologie, $28

Crystal and Pearl Symphony Bracelet

J. Crew, $60

Nuisance

Steve Madden, $100

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Life in technicolor

London. I still love everything about her. Bustling tube stations, mild-mannered children and obscenely priced menu items ($46 for a legitimate sushi lunch- and that's now with the current exchange rate)... I miss House guest lists, coat checks and constant invitations to bottles and table service at Molton House and funkybuddha. Simply stated, everything looks cooler with a Union Jack stamped on it, and fashion itself is no exception.

I was lucky enough to attend a legendary September concert (as well as the after-party at Cafe de Paris)  featuring just about the most epic lineup of all time- Coldplay and Jay-Z- at Wembley Stadium. It was here when I noticed this adorable 15-year-old schoolgirl sporting a slim, lightweight blazer over a versatile b/w tee tucked into a pair of jeggings accessorized with a thin black single-row grommet belt. How could I not pick her out from the crowd? That's what I love about Londoners- being put together is the rule, not the exception as it is in America. (But honestly, the more I roll my eyes and sigh about Wake Forest kids and their homogeneous dressing habits, the less likely they are to do anything at all to wow me.)

 Hannah

Wembley Stadium

17 September 2009

Sweet-natured Hannah introduced herself to me as a die-hard fan of Topshop (really though, who isn't?) and a lover of River Island, where I have yet to make a purchase. While I admire the sense of cohesion throughout her entire outfit, my favorite part of all is her pair of shiny flat patent leather oxfords. These shoes are just brilliant. As a tribute to Hannah and her oxfords, I chose several inspiring styles from Steve Madden's Spring 2010 collection upon which new March outfit concepts could be based.

 

Tuxxedo- Black Leather, $49.95

 

Tuxxedo- Cognac Leather, $49.95

 

Tuxxedo- Black White Leather, $49.95

 

Tirah- Black, $69.95

 

Tuxx- Gold Multi, $89.95

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Accessories 101

If you know me at all, it shouldn't come as a surprise that I'm guilty of putting less emphasis on accessories than my creative license warrants. It's taken me my entire life to perfect my own style philosophy in terms of dresses and separates, yet I still find myself getting flustered when presented with the responsibility of working with an unlimited option of small items that each have the power to change the outfit's ultimate story. Baby steps are good, though, and I've decided to take on this learning experience one day at a time. Already, I've purchased some everyday wardrobe staples (like my cognac H&M cross body satchel) that I can't imagine my outfits functioning properly without.

In short, Londoners are all about their accessories. It's uncommon to walk around a single high street without being able to count on both hands the sheer number of long-strap satchels and meticulous silk scarves that the locals tend to be sporting. Below is an ever-growing list that I've compiled of the most popular accessories in London today.

(Side note: I was ecstatic to find that each selection remains within an affordable £30. Lush.)

Tights with personality

Feather Printed Tights

Urban Outfitters, £25

Wool beanies / berets

Unisex Wool Beret

American Apparel, £21

Gold-chain cross body satchels

Patent Shoulder Bag

new look, £5

Chain-print scarves

Vintage Belthain Scarf

Miss Selfridge, £15

Skinny headbands

Stretch Vintage Style Leaf Hairband

ASOS.com, £4

Neutral-toned cross body satchels

Buckle Cross Body Bag

Topshop, £30

Chunky circle scarves ("snoods")

Knit Design Snood Scarf

Marks & Spencer, £15

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Authentic Esoteric Performance

I'm so excited that I'll get right to the point: this post is dedicated to New Year's Eve. Whether I was watching the ball drop from my grandparents' townhouse in Queens or more recently, painting the town red with my best friends, I've been spending New Year's in New York as long as I can remember. There's just something wonderful about being in the City on New Year's that seemingly can't be replicated anywhere else.

Following up with this theory, I've always done my very best to personify the need to respect the holiday and all the fabulous dressing it entails. Last year's ensemble showcased my characteristic balance of high and low labels (a black Old Navy shift dress, deep purple Target tights and Tory Burch heels); this year's selections come straight from Topshop, another quintessential Londontown staple.

Velvet Embellished Dress, £45

Knitted Shoulder Pad Dress, £45

Metallic Tulip Dress by Rare, £49

Lace 1-Shoulder Dress by Rare, £29

Scanning my selections for less than ten seconds, I can already envision my style philosophy evolving. Undoubtedly, being in London has had a genuine impact on my wardrobe decisions, but the reality of it hasn't quite hit me until just about now. I so enjoy the simple color schemes and subtle sophistication of my above four selections. Put any of these dresses together with a stunning pair of cage shoes, a practical carry-all clutch and a glass of champagne and I'll be set for the very first night of the rest of my life, or in this case, 2010. Close enough.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.