Spring 2012 - I Started a Wish List (part 3)

okay Oscar shoes, a peplum top...and my favorite thing in the whole world (other than shoes and clutches)....a t-shirt!

Prabal Gurung, fashion's wonder kid, is doing T SHIRTS this season!  OMG, right?

he posted this picture on this tumblr back in late 2011, captioned with "I hope y'all like them as much as we do" or something equally as charming (he's too adorable for words, honestly), and like...duh, Prabal.  we LOVE THEM.  

i love a great tshirt. dress it up or down, it's a classic that you cannot go wrong with.  the purple prints that Prabal is giving us... so good.  i'm kvelling for this - a must must must have.  no word on price yet, but whatever.  i have to have one of these!!

Spring 2012 - I Started a Wish List (part 2)

time to add to the Spring 2012 Wardrobe Wish List...

this floral print peplum top by J.Crew is killing it, right?

it's an unexpected, fashiony little top to throw on with skinny jeans and sky high pumps for a sassy Friday in the office look, you know?  i'm imagining it with my hair in a high, voluminous top knot, neon pink lipstick, and my oversized cat-eye The Row sunnies.  major, right?

(available at jcrew.com & in select stores, $350)

style file - this week's highlights, what i wore

i started to think about spring this week - which..oddly enough..we also had our first significant snow in Manhattan this week also.  regardless, i think of Spring as most people do.  new beginnings.  fresh starts.  some Springs are more needed than others at different times in our lives - and this upcoming Spring is one i actually need.  'Spring Fever'..if you will.  lots to do when you hit the restart button.

i think when you do hit the restart button - you have to dress the part.  hence why i'm pretty 400% positive that those minty green Oscar wedges will prepare me perfectly to handle whatever comes my way.  a well-heeled woman is a well-prepared woman, i always say.  ..uhh..right?  you are your shoes?  whatever, i just really want them.

sticking in this idea of a romanticized Spring, i actually wore an Alexander Wang Resort 2012 dress to work this week with 5.5 inch sandals.  seriously.  i got it for Christmas and could no longer wait for an appropriate "Resort" moment.  25 degrees out? screw it.

dress, T by Alexander Wang. sandals, Vince Camuto.

the back of the dress is obviously the star.  the draped vent in the back shows the sexiest part of the back off.  i found this dress at Barney's while shopping with my mother before the holidays, but didn't buy it.  so her and my grandmother got it for me for Christmas - and apparently getting it in the longer length (it also comes in a shorter, knee length) in a size small proved to be quite the task.  the gals at the Grand St. Alexander Wang store helped her track it down - so bravo to awesome customer service.

the shoes - super tall and super super chic.  just got them.

striped top, J.Crew. poplin skirt, J.Crew. leopard tights, Ann Taylor. glitter oxford flats, J.Crew.

see...they're leopard print tights!!

going to the bookstore in the snow...must wear boots.  jeans, J.Crew. cashmere blend sweater, The Gap. citron tank, J.Crew. boots, Frye.

headed to Soul Cycle for a vicious sweat on a snowy Saturday!  leggings, Lululemon. oversized men's tshirt underneath, Nike. hooded DWTN sweatshirt, SoulCycle. puffer jacket, Banana Republic. hat, REI SoHo. socks, DKNY. boots, Hunter.

out for coffee this morning - i decided to break out my FAVORITE wool coat...this Calvin Klein beauty.  given to me as a birthday gift in college, it's about a size too big now, but actually - the oversized-ness of it all makes it glam.  The pleated hem is great, the wool is beautiful, and the neck can either be left open with lapels and a high collar or buttoned up and folded over in a stiff, military-style collar.  the belt brings it all together - perfect coat to throw on over ANYTHING and instantly look chic.  never underestimate oldies/goodies.  coat, Calvin Klein.  jeans, J.Crew. sneakers, Jack Purcell. sunnies, The Row.

what i listened to this week...

• Stage Dive - SOL
• Lights (Bassnectar Remix) - Ellie Goulding
• Stone Cold Sober - Paloma Faith
• Paris - Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
• Watching You - Rogue Traders
• With a Heavy Heart (I Regret to Inform You) - Does It Offend You, Yeah?
• She Talks to Angels - The Black Crows
• Dearest - The Black Keys

New Years Resolution Updates(!!): 1. still working on full camel but making incredible progress.  have to go slow..the back is a delicate thing. 2. booked my slot to take the GRE for end of February.  here we go...eyes open, jump!  3. chrono nutrition is still going great - harder on the weekends than weekdays, admittedly. 4. i bring my lunch to work everyday and i LOVE it!  5. ah Proenza...soon.

February starts next week...this is no joke.  also - The Year of the Dragon starts today.  it's supposed to be the most powerful, lucky year in the Chinese calendar.  just a thought, but you better make the most of it, you know?

xx

bag lady: adventures in toting brains & style

life is defined by the people in my tribe.  and the shoes on my feet.  and the bag on arm.  right?

going back to school to get my PhD is happening within the next 12 months for me - as i've discussed.  now, i know you've all been thinking...oh my god what kind of bag will she carry while sitting through a Stochastic Process and Simulation Lecture?  and hey..trust me...this has been stressing me out too.

going back into academia poses a LOT of sartorial problems, for me anyways.  first of all, hello? despite being 25 - i'm a 'baby face' and can, without a problem, pass for being 20, 21 at the oldest, so the choice of what bag i will carry my TI-89 and MacBook Air around in must be carefully considered.  no Longchamp tote bag or printed nylon Marc by Marc Jacobs bag is acceptable...as i'm no longer an undergraduate sorority girl.  i must send the signal to the frat boys that, hey..i may look young enough to be on your level..but just if you notice my bag...you'll know to just move it along.

naturally, as i'm a complete and total Proenza Schouler slut, my first inclination is the PS1 Tote.

beautiful, isn't it?  it's a great size, obvi matches my black PS1 medium that i carry on the reg, and is perfect to sling crossbody and just causally roll into graduate level engineering lectures while wearing my favorite J Brands, my camel leather bomber jacket, Celine sunnies, and a messy topknot.  and Miu Miu heels.  

another option... the Balenciaga Arena Day Bag...

it's a great shape and total classic, but i'm not totally positive textbooks or a binder would fit in it.  but the mirror that all Balenciaga bags come with..total bonus points.  then i wouldn't spend 3 minutes in each lecture using the reverse camera function on my iPhone to reapply my lipstick.  (that's what that reverse camera function is for, right?  on-the-go make-up mirror?)

okay so if i end up not being able to drop a cool 4 figures....this Kate Spade Cooper Square Katarina is pretty chic...

i really love Kate Spade - always full of whimsy and a sense of humor and this bag is a great shape with bonus points coming in the form of a shoulder strap.  i wish it came in like...bright red though.  it's such a classic shape, i want more POP!

another wallet friendly option, the Michael Kors Hamilton Large Tote...

Michael Kors accessories always look super luxe..great leather, great color, super chic shape.  the chain for the shoulder strap is an extra rich touch, and the ostrich embossing is SUPER chic.  it's a really great option that would look amazing with my Kors riding boots on cool fall days.

and finally, back to 4-figure reality (aka inching closer to the edge of out of control)..the YSL Muse Bag

an obvious classic.  the bowler shape may impede zipping when i have a binder or my laptop in there, but god i think i'd survive.  i'm imagining this with my Giambattista Valli leopard print dress, Wolford stockings, black leather bomber with fur collar, a really glam blowout, black patent Loubs and cat-eye The Row sunnies.  the engineering department wouldn't even know what hit 'em.

what do you guys think?  PS1 Tote?  YSL Muse? Kate? Michael? Balenciaga?  any other suggestions?

this is obviously a huge point of stress for my PhD adventure (besides taking the GRE, writing amazing statements of intent, and getting accepted...natch).

(images via proenzaschouler.com - shop.nordstroms.com - katespade.com - barneys.com)

Spring 2012 - I Started a Wish List

i know it's January 20th, and NYC is expecting it's first few inches of snow tomorrow, but i've already started making my wish list for my spring wardrobe.

Oscar de la Renta released its Spring 2012 ad campaign this morning - and OMG i'm obsessed with these mint greenish/blueish strappy peep-toe wedges that Karlie Kloss is rocking with the swingy feathery strapless dress...

i mean, i'm obsessed.  they showed on the runway last fall with the same dress, and also come in various colors (nude, neon green/yellow, and black...), but i think i'm pretty openly obsessed with the minty green/blue ones.  i mean, i'm already thinking of great outfits - ankle length cerulean blue pants, a floaty, gauzy white blouse, hair up in a big top knot...cat eye sunglasses.  i'm SOLD.

as soon as these are available (which yes i'll be stalking Bergdorfs and the Oscar store on Madison!) - they're going to be MINE.  i may even stalk the Oscar Bat Phone - aka the personal shopper number.  

they're so perfect for spring, right?

(photos via vogue.com and oscarprgirl)

award season 2012: The Golden Globes!

The 2012 Golden Globes is the first major, major awards show of each year - which means it's the first major opportunity for stars to either stun us - or look like a total mess.  the Globes are a mixture of television and movies so it's a full house with many different perspectives on fashion... you know.  a few awkward moments, a few hot messes, a few 'omg i'm never eating again' moments...and ALTHOUGH...Tilda was there this year, she did NOT present any awards for best televisual series, sadly.

so without further ado, here are my picks for best and worst dressed!

Best Dressed

1. Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace & Christian Louboutin clutch

I MEAN...COME ON.  Angelina Jolie - making all other women irrelevant, as usual.  this Atelier Versace dress is tailored within an inch of its life, accentuating Angie's perfect bod, and the slit is a sexy touch paired with a modest neckline.  the gown looks deceivingly pink, but it's actually a cream colored silk...the red lapel and the red carpet are throwing your eyes off in pictures and making the silk of the body look pink...so no, she's not channeling Valentine's Day.  although even if she was, who cares?  her makeup is stunning, her bun is FLAWLESS - and she's the only woman in the world who can pull of a dress like this ...and have her tattoos showing.  no doubt, best dressed, by far.

2. Rooney Mara in Nina Ricci

Rooney was very obviously, incredibly nervous, but this beautiful, simple, almost minimalistic Nina Ricci gown was a show-stopper.  paired with her uber-thin Lisbeth bod, her sharp features, the simple ponytail, her pale skin, and almost no accessories at all - Rooney is perfection. it's just the right amount of edgy and feminism together.

 3. Claire Danes in J.Mendel & Bulgari jewelry

Claire looked elegant and edgy in this great J.Mendel gown last night, showing off her stunning body and well-toned back.  the sihloutte is perfect for her and the red lipstick compliments the art deco vibe of the dress beautifully.  

4. Emma Stone in Lanvin & Lanvin jewels & Cartier clutch

beautiful color, beautiful fit, and perfectly edgy/fresh/young for the up and coming superstar Emma Stone.  when she was interviewing with Ryan Seacrest (ugh), she seemed so excited about her dress, she loved the colors, and it's cool to see a star so excited about getting dressed.  she looked beautiful!

5. Tilda Swinton in Haider Ackermann & Fred Leighton jewels

oh Tilda, you're so fierce.  this ice blue Haider Ackermann was absolutely flawless on the eccentric actress who was nominated last night - and the most charming moment, for anyone who was watching the red carpet arrivals, if you caught Tilda getting out of her car, you also caught Haider in the backseat with her, giving her a kiss for good luck.  so sweet!  i love that Tilda always stays true to herself and i also love that Haider was there to personally dress his muse.

honorable mentions: Frieda Pinto (Prada), Natalie Portman (Lanvin), Jessica Biel (Elie Saab), Selma Hayek (Gucci), Julianne Moore (Chanel), Kate Beckensale (Cavalli), Nicole Richie (Julian Macdonald), Katherine McPhee (custom Donna Karan), Michelle Williams (Jason Wu)

best accessory & best corset: Madonna's glove (!!!) in Reem Acra & Andrea Riseborough in Westwood

best couture moment: Dianna Agron in Giles

and now...the WORST!  (in no particular order!)

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

you guys, this is southern belle gone wrong.  the crazy, piecey hair, the bodice which i'm positive her boobs are going to fly out of at any second...it's just all wrong.  she's such a pretty woman and would do better to NOT channel Jessica Rabbitt.

Sofa Vergara in Vera Wang 

snoooozebutton.  she wears this same dress to every single awards show.  literally.  she was Vera Wang in a mermaid shape to every single major red carpet.  just picks a different color.  IT'S SO BORING.  Sofia, we get it. you have a hot body.  but please try something new.  the sexy latina thing you always do is getting old.

Lea Michele in Marchesa 

1. she's really annoying.  2. her posing on the red carpet is more than anyone can handle. 3. she looks like an f'ing figure skater in this. 4. it is a beautiful dress that looked beautiful on the runway...but it's all wrong on this snotty brat.

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture

i know she has no choice but to wear Dior - but that headband...she had a choice.  and she should have chosen no. the dress isn't awful but i think it's a little too youthful for Charlize - who is the ultimate in sophisticated glamour.  the bow and the color didn't do anything for her.

Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier

she told Seacrest that her daughter helped her pick it out.  UM, OBVIOUSLY.  there are no words for the trainwreck that is this dress.

Jessica Chastain in Givenchy Couture

icky fit, the neckline is all wrong for her figure, and that skinny belt isn't doing her any favors.  poor choice and poor representation of Givenchy Couture.

worst dressed cast: Glee, again.  sorry guys, your 15 minutes are up.

worst date of the night: Stacey Keibler, Clooney's date.  every shot of her, she looked like she could not even believe her life right now.  and George Clooney is for sure only about 2 months away from dropping her on her ass.  like..she has to go on group dates with Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Angelina Jolie?!  no, move along, honey.

worst hair: Zooey Deschanel in custom Prada.  it looks like a wig, right?  or hair from a 1980's hair contest?

most lost potential: again, Nicole Kidman, in Versace (it almost looks like H&M for Versace. holy shit).  you are so stunning..why do you pick such terrible dresses?!  and why is your husband's blowout better than yours?!

that's a wrap!  see you all for the next red carpet!!


(photos via style.com & vogue.com)

style file - this week's highlights, what i wore

this week - you guys.  the first full week back to reality post-3 week vacation.  totes bru.   i was in Bikram 3 times this week, each time getting stronger and stronger, and at the end of one class that the god-sent Tricia taught (ps it was no joke 120 in that room at one point - she was taking us beyond the next level), we were in savasana and she said "it's the year of the dragon - what are you going to do with your fire breath this year?" so yeah.  ruminate on that.

also, it was 16 degrees when i woke up this morning.  it reminded me of this time during undergrad, last semester of my senior year, the windchill was -30 degrees and they did not cancel class.  i guess 16 degrees isn't as dramatic at -30 degrees, but i'm a New Yorker - we don't do weather like this/i love being dramatic.

anyways...i'm going to start you off with the best story of my week - which revolved around this first outfit...

so i was sitting on the E train, wearing this... (pants, J Brand. black tank, The Row. tshirt, J.Crew. shoes, TOMS.)....and reading this....

an article from a Human Factors Industrial Engineering Journal about pilot behavior when modeling paired flight approaches (whatever, judge me. i love it)... and the guy sitting next to me, out of no where, says "Hey girl...i dig your red pants and your smart magazine."  ....!!!!!  CAN YOU THINK OF A BETTER WAY TO START YOUR MORNING?! i died/lived for it.

not feeling color.  ponte leggings, J.Crew. long sleeve modal shirt, Alexander Wang. boots, Frye.

i've had this dress for awhile, and now it's too big on me :( white girl problems.  so i took that green sash ribbon from another dress and tied it so tight i could barely  breathe around my ribs. it was a satisfactory temporary solution.  dress, Anthropologie. shoes, J.Crew. green belt, from another dress.

saturday errands in organization and aviation. jeans & pink shirt, J.Crew. tshirt, StyleMint. leather bomber jacket, Banana Republic. shoes, Jack Purcell.

i've been feeling casual on weekends.  jeans, J.Crew.  tshirt, Free City. shoes, Bapes. hat, REI SoHo.  body, by Bikram LES.  and yeah... the chick in the Bapes, carrying the PS1.  

also - i wanted to share with you guys... the dogs got new sweaters.  and omg they TURNED IT OUT for a little puppy photoshoot in their new looks...

(they did this all by themselves. giving us a Pottery Barn catalog story)

little Tofie - my sister's maltipoo - 6 pounds of pure trouble - showing us a side view of his new sweater.

Charlie - our cockapoo - working his stripes against the contrast of the rug. and he's like 'aren't my ears amazing?'

the two boys modeling together, like 'we are sooo cute, can you even stand it?' (along with my adorable older sister, Stephanie)

ok so we all get a little crazy over our dogs...

what i listened to this week...

• Perfect Darkness - Fink
• You Be Killin Em - Fabolous
• Anything you Synthesize - The American Dollar
• Never Mess with Sunday - Yppah
• Warrior - Nelly
• Stage Dive - SOL (thanks Aaron!)
• Trojans - Atlas Genius (thanks Eric!)
• Til Kingdom Come - Coldplay

ahh three day weekend, by the way.  thank you, MLK - and p.s. spin class this afternoon started out with a techno remix of his "I have a Dream" speech. swear. only in New York.

so - Year of the Dragon.  how are you going to use your fire breath?  

quick update: i'm totally going to nail full camel pose by march, i feel it.  chrono nutrition is officially my obsession, and i'm still studying away from my GRE. i'm determined to f'ing nail it!