A Festive Autumn

The seventy degree weather and sunny skies today made the first day of autumn that much more exciting. The one thing I can definitely say I love about living up north is the change in seasons. 

With autumn being my favorite, I went festive and finally whipped out my four dollar velvet New York and Company dress. I was a little hesitant when I initially purchased it, however I feel that velvet is a re-emerging trend that looks great if worn the right way. 

I decided to pair the maroon dress with yellow, white and tan wedges along with an American Apparel bright yellow clutch to add a pop of color. 

Searching for hidden gems

Found an amazing pair of Sam Edelman wedges...one size too big

Union Bay yellow and white detailed wedges

American Apparel yellow clutch 

Steve Madden rose sunnies

Fashion Week Snags

Chris Benz hand picked Essie nail polish from left to right ( A Crewed interest, French Affair, Sew Psyched and Action

My very first Fall Fashion Week in the city was nothing short of pure fashion bliss. From five inch heels struting the runway to the fabulous after parties, I certainly got my share of  Fashion Week glee.

At the Chris Benz party, guests were handed paper handbag's filled with freebies including a variety of Essie nail polishes handpicked by Chris Benz himself. The polishes were unique in both color and name. I have already began experimenting and have a feeling Sew Psyched (army green) will be the go-to color this winter.

Although Allure's beauty sale didn't have any freebies, it was a total steal. For a total of $5 I managed to snag a Nars dual eyeshadow set, Mac lipstick and gel eyeliner.  I reconsidered shopping for more when all the other beauty product fanatics had completely swarmed the very small room.

NARS Pandora dual eye shadow pallet, MAC Lustre lipstick and MAC liquid last eyeliner in point black

NARS Pandora Pallet in Shimmery white and black 

Making a statement

Wearing War headpiece by FRIDAY 

Making a statement with a particular piece of jewelry has always been significant to me. You could have the most simple ensemble thrown together yet those gorgeous earrings, statement necklace or killer headpiece is what gives you that extra touch to your final look.  

 During my interview with Annicia Lynton, owner of  FRIDAY  accessories I was impressed with her business savvy approach and unique ideas on fashion. At twenty-one years old, the girl seems to know what she is doing. Student at LIM pursuing a career in fashion merchandising, Lynton has already kicked off her very own successful business creating and selling fashion forward accessories.

Her line consists of highly detailed Egyptian-like headpieces in gold plated metal, bronze, silver and dark gold rust, all unique in their own way. Each piece sells for around $25 a pop and I am OBSESSED. Comparable to Nicole Richie's House of Harlow headpiece line that can sell for more than $100, FRIDAY has a unique array of carefully designed pieces that compliment every girl for half the price. 

Q & A 

When did FRIDAY kick off?

"FRIDAY started after I was asked to create headpieces for a fashion show at school last April. So many people continued to ask me about the pieces and were requesting to purchase them. That's when I decided to continue to make them."

What piece did you create for the show?

"I made the War and Egypt piece for the show. This is one of my most popular pieces."

What is your go-to fashion piece?

"My go-to fashion piece is a simple pair of comfy skinny jeans with an eye catching printed shirt...and of course a FRIDAY accessory."

What Inspires you?

"People who have great style. Someone who has that key piece that catches my eye."

What kind of girl wears FRIDAY?

"She is chic, loves to accessorize but understands that simplicity is best. She is a city girl between the ages of seventeen and twenty-four. She loves fashion and shopping."

Any other works or plans in the future?

"I am currently working on expanding my line into a unisex men's line. I just launched "HIM for FRIDAY". When creating the line, I envisioned the everyday man who has his own individual style. He is not afraid to add key pieces to complete his look. I wanted to create a line to compliment, not to compromise his everyday style."

A little bit of history...and something new

New York. A mixture of stiletto heels, chiffon blouses, cashmere sweaters and old pre-war brick buildings.

  Inspired by the retro-feel New York gives me, I decided to dig up three of my favorite gifted vintage pieces and new foxy heels. 

Bridesmaid gift from my best friends wedding: Vintage multi-colored clasp bracelet from the 50's

My grandmothers gold trimmed silk tank top from the 50's 

My mothers army green YSL belt from the 80's

The new addition to the closet : Jeffrey Campbell Foxy T-Strap heels in nude suede

Fashion...Food and Good Tunes

Urban Outfitters floral dress $59, H & M jean button up shirt $6, Jessica Simpson heels $20

In spirits of Bon Appetit Magazine-Brooklyn Grub Crawl I decided to christen my new dress from Urban Outfitters. I paired the floral yellow and white floor length dress with a casual H & M jean button up shirt tied at the waist.

While trying new hair styles is fun, I find myself resorting to the simple top knot bun. Lately the scorching heat has been nearly unbearable so a high bun just seems like the easiest way to go.

Carefully determining my makeup options, I decided to go light on the eyes and ruby red on the lips. I found that putting on a small amount of concealer before applying my lipstick helped the color last longer.

I wrapped up my ensemble with a pair of Jessica Simpson wooden heels just tall enough for my dress to barely hit the ground and was out the door. 

Brooklyn Winery wine tasting 

Waki Waki Performance

Drinks with a great friend

My final look

Stuart Weitzman

Consignment store find: $15 Stuart Weitzman starfish sandals

I found these babies at my favorite consignment store Mish Mash a few weeks ago and I cant stop obsessing over how much I love them.

Searching through any thrift or consignment store can seem a little tedious, however I truly have a passion searching for hidden gems. The minute I scavenged these Stuart Weitzman size six starfish sandals, I nearly hit the floor. In fact, I did hit the floor and tossed my ballet flats to the side as I carefully tried on my version of the glass slipper.

The sandals are carefully adorned with small and large multi-colored stones creating a  starfish design on the cotton candy pink leather. I paid about $15 for them and walked out feeling like a bejeweled princess. 

 I was inspired to get the sandals because they reminded so much of these Miu Miu startfish sandals only less than a quarter of the price! 

A Touch of the Seventies

My love for the seventies derived from my appreciation of classic rock and folk music. I distinctly remember being eight years old riding along with my dad in his car jamming to The Rolling Stones, David Bowie,  Bob Seger, Creedance Clearwater Revival and many more artists. While most kids were listening to Britney Spear's first album "Baby One More Time", I was requesting "Twist and Shout" on the radio. These artists not only influenced my taste in music as I grew older, but also my fashion sense.

Wearing: J. Crew floral pants ($18 at Mish Mash consignment store), Banana Republic striped shirt ($14 on eBay), Zara booties, Neiman Marcus vintage purse ($16 Mish Mash consignment store), Le Vian ring (graduation gift), Swatch watch (gifted), miscellaneous bangles ($4 thrift store find), Leopard belt ($2 thrift store find).

Frosting, Sprinkles and Magnolia's

During my visit to New York City this week I finally decided to give in and visit the famous "Magnolia Bakery" shop.

Besides the scrumptious carefully decorated cupcakes, I really enjoyed the interior design and the warm vintage feel the shop had. Every little detail from the hardwood washed out floors, mason jars filled with spring flowers and polka-dot aprons hanging on the wall made the bakery that much more inviting.

I was really inspired by each and every detail surrounding me and and felt as if my outfit fit right into the soft and bright color combination of Magnolia's Bakery. I had to laugh when I took notice to what I was wearing... It was as if I subconsciously dressed for the occasion. 

Wearing: Theory blazer ($25 eBay), Ralph Lauren button up ($20 RL outlet store), Express jeans ($30), Boutique 9 flats (gifted), Liebeskind purse (gifted), Vintage bangles, swatch watch (gifted), Betsey Johnson sunnies ($15 TJ Maxx).

A Collection of Inspiration

Whenever I see something that I like I always take a picture and save it. I use my digital albums as a personal inspiration board. Anything from a magazine page I saw at the store or a specific fabric that caught my eye, I take a photo and use it as reference. These photographs motivate and inspire me when I am throwing an outfit together. 

What currently inspires me: 

Metallics

Pastels

Florals

Bright Colors

Edgy Stone Jewelry

Fringes

Large Bangles

Toe Detailed Flats

 Leopard Print 

Whats your inspiration?

A Splash of Spring

I've had this orange skirt from H&M hanging on my clothing rack for the longest time and just recently purchased this Jones New York aqua shirt. Half asleep this morning, with today's ensemble in mind I put the two colors side by side and realized the combination was a perfect splash of spring. 

This year's spring trends are all about bold colors and I am obsessed.The fact that I am able to involve such vibrance in my daily outfit choice makes getting dressed in the morning that much more fun!

Wearing: Jones New York shirt ($3.00) , H&M skirt ($8), Theory blazer, Steve Madden wedges, Liebeskind purse ($100 on eBay), Swatch watch, Vince Camuto purple bangle

Sunshine & Color Blocking

Today’s sunny skies and rising temperatures was the espresso shot to my morning.

I decided to go bold and work with the color-blocking trend. Initially I wasn't sure how I felt about blocking two colors together, however after playing around with the trend a little I have conformed.

I really like stimulating colors so these fire engine red jeans did the job. My Jason Wu for Target pink and white polka dot button up was the perfect compliment to soften the complete look.  

Buddy, my favorite kitty decided he wanted camera action too and sneaked into some of my pictures. 

 Wearing:

Vigold Jeans, Jason Wu for Target button up shirt, Franco Sarto heels ($30), Swatch watch, BCBG bracelet, Vince Camuto soft pink bracelet ($15), Tory Burch sunnies ($50)