Silver Armor Shining

If the weather could stay like this indefinitely for the next, oh, six months or so, with maybe just one day of pretty white snow (exactly on Christmas), I would be a seriously happy New Yorker. I love the layering of light scarves, chic little jackets, and the option of wearing boots while still remaining sans tights. Alas, this sort of thing tends to last about five days total around these parts, so I'm basking in it while I can. One of my favorite new pieces (that happens to suit this weather perfectly) is the borderline weirdly fuzzy Isabel Marant jacket I'm wearing in the pics above. It's soft and cozy and provides just the right level of warmth for temperatures that hover right around 60 degrees.

I'm wearing an Isabel Marant jacket, StyleMint tee, Maje shorts, Lulu Frost necklace, Chanel bag, and Ash booties. All photos by Mark Iantosca. xo

Anywhere You Want, Anywhere You Want

It's been a full, happy couple of weeks. Our clients at CA Creative have been keeping us busy, busy, busy. My french lessons are going along swimmingly, although I think a petit jaunt to Paris for some practice might be in order. I signed up for piano lessons the other week and had my first last night--it was so much fun and a lot of it came right back to me (I took lessons for 10 years as a kid). On that note, I think I'm becoming a rather prolific hobbyist, wouldn't you say? I'm not complaining or anything; one of my resolutions this year was to become a more "well-rounded person" with a plethora of interests beyond work, food, and fashion, and I think I've done my part to stick to that so far.

Also, we're starting to plan for a long 4th of July weekend in Montauk, staying at Ruschmeyer's--I plan to eat Fat Radish food everyday and spend hours in their treehouse (yes, they have an actual treehouse) with a good book. The very thought is enough to make me feel all warm and content inside. What an amazing start to summer.

I'm wearing an old Stella McCartney silk tank, a vintage Chanel pleated skirt, Chanel bag, and a bunch of necklaces and charms I never, ever take off (including ones from my mother and various dear friends). All pictures by Mark Iantosca. xo

We Were Gonna Live It Out

Thirteen days 'til spring. At this point, I'm seriously counting down. To me, spring always feels a little more like a fresh start than January 1st. For one thing, if the weather cooperates (fingers crossed), you get to toss the endless pairs of black tights you've worn every single day for 5+ months. That, alone, is reason enough to celebrate. Secondly, spring produce starts sprouting up at the farmers' markets, and suddenly things like asparagus appear again in your kitchen arsenal. And last but not least, a general feeling of hopefulness tends to permeate the city, making it's way into everything you do, from a walk to the corner bodega sans coat, to the first al fresco meal you take with friends. Everywhere you look, everyone has a special little bounce in their step, even the cool, apathetic New Yorkers here. It's time to shed the cold-weather layers, the winter weight. It's time to lighten up, to start over; time for a fresh perspective and new adventures. It's time to get going again. xo

I'm wearing an Elizabeth & James dress, APC fur jacket, Chanel bag. All pictures by Mark Iantosca.

The Truth is Just a Rule That You Can Bend

 

I love this time of year--there are Christmas trees going up everywhere I look (my buildings lobby, the Soho House, South Street Seaport), and everyone is bundled up cozily against the winter cold. It snowed for the first time this year yesterday--it was only a steady showering of light flurries, but still. Nothing beats the holidays in NYC.

That said, it's also one of the most hectic months of the year for just about everyone. The days are shorter, there are holiday parties galore to attend, Christmas shopping to finish, and work to squeeze in. The fashion industry generally likes to take the last two weeks of the month off as well, so all of the above needs to happen twice as fast. And for that reason, my wardrobe has been pared down lately--I've been in the mood to clean it up and stick to simple, restrained, streamlined pieces that are classic and a little more grown up and efficient. A silk long-sleeved blouse (albeit with a racy back), opaque tights, a time-honored quilted Chanel bag, sleek black patent booties--all pieces that work seamlessly from day to night, from board meeting to cocktail party. It's the time to multi-task and your ensembles should do the same. 

I'm wearing a Kimberly Taylor blouse, Kimberly Ovitz shorts, Club Monaco tights, Chanel bag, Christian Loubutin booties. All photos by Mark Iantosca. xo

I'll Write You a Harmony in C

While I was rummaging around in my closet the other day, I found two ages-old things that I had just about forgotten entirely: a tiny little Chanel camera bag and a smoky grey leather Topshop jacket covered in fringes. I picked them up, looked both pieces over inspecting them closely, and suddenly, even though I haven't worn either in years, they looked brand new. It was kind of amazing.

Don't get me wrong, I'm no stranger to recycling. In fact, I'm pretty good at it--in all senses of the word. I'm a firm believer in holding onto good pieces (they'll always come back into style), I always separate my papers and plastics, and I've had the (very) occasional moment of weakness (a.k.a. moments of insanity) when I thought resurrecting an ex-boyfriend was a great idea. (For the record, that one's not quite as advisable as other forms of recycling.)

The point is, if something's good enough, I'll always be willing to take it for another spin around the block. The trick is being able to tell. I think the Chanel and Topshop finds did pretty well, though, don't you think?

I'm wearing a Topshop jacket, Charlotte Ronson top, Kimberly Ovitz shorts, Club Monaco tights, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Chanel bag. All photos by Mark Iantosca. xoxo