Spring Bloom

Since the weather has decided to be a crazy bi-polar mix of hot then cold, I have decided to pretend it is warm and rock bright colors, and hopefully the weather will catch up. Mind over matter right? Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos have been creating colorful and innovative designs for years, but the main stream market has just caught on with the latest Target collaboration. Since I have lived in NYC the last (gasp) 8 or so years, black has consumed my wardrobe, but now all I want is color, color, and more color. I recently chopped off my Barbie-esque signature locks, in favor of a long modern bob, which doesn't scream Malibu Barbie with a bright colored frock (thank god). That being said, heres to more pops of color and warmer days ahead. 

Top: Peter Pilotto for Target, Skirt: Peter Pilotto for Target, Shoes: Zara, past season but similar here, Bag: Christian Louboutin, similar here, Gold jewelry: Estate Jewelry. All Photography by Robert Clyde Grima.  

L'enfant Terrible: Jean Paul Gaultier

For the last day of the Jean Paul Gaultier Retrospective, I ventured to the Brooklyn Museum with my fellow Parsons Alumni to see the genius the man himself. To see his clothing online or in magazines simply cannot ilustrate how truly unique and creative his work is. As a designer, I know the blood, sweat, and tears it (not-so-figuratively) takes to create a collection, but his couture pieces are wearable art. Most people think of his iconic corsets for Madonna's Blonde Ambition World Tour in the 90's, and the exhibition highlighted these pieces, but also some of his most creative and unique designs as well. The exhibition was one of the largest I have ever seen, with each room dedicaed to themes and trends of his development as a designer. One of my favorite themes was the idea of the human body, and the body suit of jeweled red veins was mesmerizing. Gaultier not only created unique designs, but pushed the boundaries of gender, race, and what beauty really means. 

Image Courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum 

Fur Jaacket: My own design of fox and rabbit, T-Shirt: The Cast NYC, Jeans: J Brand, Boots: Zara, Bag:Christian Louboutin (similar bag here)

Let Them Eat Cake

When I was offered the opportunity to get my nails painted by Mei (the infamous nail artist known to her thousands of Instagram followers as ciaomanhattan2012) I knew I had to create an epic idea. Maybe it was the recent pastel parade down every runway that had me thinking over and over again about the perfect idea, but I knew pastel colors had to play a role in my most recent foray into nail art.  Among such classics like; Clueless, The Virgin Suicides, and Cruel Intentions, the historical drama/comedy Marie Antoinette by Sophia Coppola rings in as one of my all time favorite movies. The clothing, makeup, and use of Versailles Paris in France is beyond perfect, and the opulence of the movie created the best inspiration for the ulitmate feminine and pastel colored nails. Fleur de lis, cupcakes and a glittery crown were just a few of the ideas created by Mei, and I think they ended up being just like the movie, epic.

A few of my personal favorites from Hadria, the midi ring and sunburst ring

Rings by Hadria for her newset collection 

Let's talk Cropped, Baby

Cropped tops have gone from 90s comeback trend, to a full on wardrobe stable in the past few seasons. In the summer we saw tight cropped tanks in neutral colors, to long sleeved sweaters and tops in the winter, but with Spring 2014 right around the corner, a lighter approach to the previous darker styles has been cropping up (pun intented) all across the fashion map. From pastels to fuzzy grey knits, the cropped trend is staying. Let's just say, I'm extremely excited for what the next warmer months have in store.

Zara cropped top and Azlee ring, with my hunky friend Tony

Miu Miu cropped cashmere sweater 

Jason Wu cropped fringed crepe top

Alexander Wang uniform irregular pleat cami top

Aspen Winter

When packing to go home for the Holidays to Aspen Colorado, I always have the mouantians in mind, but I like to keep my NYC style as well. Easy tops that work well with  snow boots are a must, so your options can be limiting. Percee is one of my new go-to brands with easy yet edgy options in my favorite neutral colors. The high-low hem is playful, and the pop of white on the yoke is edgy enough to keep it interesting. I love mixing Prada pieces and fur with my looks for winter, and the Prada jacket was the perfect addition to keep my look "mountain" minded. 

Jacket: Prada, Leggings: American Apparel, Blouse: Percee, Boots: Donna Karan, similar style here, Purse: Chanel, Sunnies: Kate Spade 

All photography by Danny Brown 

Meow Mix

I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and mix and match prints and textures for a fun afternoon with girlfriends. Leopard and leather were the perfect eclectic mix for the outfit, and by pairing classic pumps, a Chanel bag, and cat eye sunglasses, I kept the outfit grounded without being too crazy. 

Jacket: Vintage Fur similar here, Leather Dress: Hunter Bell NYC, Belt: Adrianna Beer custom, Pumps: Zara, Cuff: Hadria, Sunnies: Kate Spade, Bag: Chanel 

View fullsize

Adrianna Beer and I goofing around at the Wythe Hotel. All photographs courtesy of Tini Cochran. 

Kaws Saturday

New York has endless sources of inspiration, and spending Saturday visiting galleries is one of the best ways to clear my mind and get inspired. One of the top galleries I wanted to visit was the Mary Boone gallery with an exhibition on Kaws, and it didn't dissapoint.

COMPANION by KAWS

T-shirt: Oak, Leather Leggings: Theory similar here, Jacket: Zara, Creepers: 3.1 Phillip Lim similar here, Tote Bag: Foley and Corinna, Jewelry: Hadria and Estate Jewelry

Sitting Pretty

I am fortunate enough to have made friends with some pretty amazing photographers in this city, both professional and amateur. It truly is amazing how a great photographer  can capture your spirit, with just one image. I have assembled some of my favorite pictures throughout the years, enjoy! 

Photography by Robert Clyde Grim

Photography by Andreas Joseph

Photography by Samantha Tiews

Brooklyn Beat

After living in Manhattan for over 6+ years, I finally made the move  to South Williamsburg. While my wardrobe typically consists of black clothing, I love to add unexpected details like the rose gold zipper, and leather sleeves of the Hunter Bell dress I designed. The "Polly" dress is versatile enough for day to night, and even works in Manhattan or my Brooklyn neighborhood. I love mixing accessible clothing with designer pieces because if you combine the right pieces, they can all look expensive and cohesive. 

View fullsize

Dress: Hunter Bell  , Boots: H&M last season, but similar here, Clutch: Zara last season, but similar here, Wallet: Alexander Wang