Herb gardening in New York City

Emerson Thorpe white cut-out blouse, Marc by Marc Jacob stone necklace, Rich and Skinny legacy jn coated jeans,
Barney's Co-Op maroon mary jane shoes
New York, NY

 There is a tiny herb garden on one of the patios of my office on the 11th floor.  The 11th floor in our building is a bit of a sanctuary with patios, bright line and beautiful views of the city.  I find myself camping out on this floor more and more when I have insane amounts of work to do, and it's relaxing to take a stroll in the patio areas, like this herb garden.  In the spring, I'm sure the garden will be blooming with the greens that may flavor the food in our kitchens.

I liked the juxtaposition of shapes and lines on the patio and the brown plant holders. It was a perfect backdrop for my new white blouse from the Denim Habit.  The jeans, a pair of Rich and Skinny brown coated pants are also from the store. But what really help the outfit along are the accents.  This necklace, always steals the most compliments out of everything that I wear.

I bought it at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store on Damen in Chicago. It's light, despite the big stone, mostly due to the resin material that is used for the chain.  The stone on the necklace is gorgeous, with a fantastic detail of a cloudy brown haze in the middle. It was the perfect accent for the pretty outfit.

Marc by Marc Jacobs necklace

On my feet are a ridiculous pair of modern mary janes that I bought from the Barney's Co-Op in South Coast Plaza.  They are a pair of my favorite office shoes since they make me 4-inches taller and are just comfortable enough to walk quickly on carpets.  I've even scaled a ladder in them.

The jeans are one of my favorite purchases, though they are skin tight. I have to reserve them for pretty blouses on top so I don't look like I'm headed to the meatpacking clubs instead of my office.

Items pictured:

Emerson Thorpe white cut-out blouse: Buy 
Marc by Marc Jacob stone necklace, 
Rich and Skinny legacy jn coated jeans: Buy
Barney's Co-Op maroon mary jane shoes

Blazing it up in an unseasonably warm Central Park

Blue Blazer, Pashmina, Free People Shorts, Barney's Co-Op leggings,
Plush fleece-lined gloves, Dries Van Noten booties,
Chloe Paddington bag
New York, NY

The weather in New York has been beautiful lately. I took this last week after an early morning work-out at the Columbus Circle location of my gym. I ditched out on a run after yoga and decided to have a mini-photo shoot instead.  Most days I wouldn't dream of taking of my coat in January, but for some reason we've been so lucky.

These were taken near the front entrance of the park.  Those these 5-inch booties are easy to walk in, I wasn't prepared to do a hike into the far reaches of the park.

I bought the blazer from Coex mall in Seoul last summer.  It's actually a men's blazer (big surprise!).  The pocket square detail and the lining has a great pin-stripe that makes it more fun and whimsical. The leggings are a favorite of mine that I bought from Barney's Co-Op almost two years ago.  They've held up remarkably well.

Most of all, I put this outfit together to show off my new Dries Van Noten booties.  I scored them from the Scoop Street sale section in the meatpacking district. I loved the height and the scrunched elegance. If I ever have to hit the NYC nightlife in the snow, these are what I'm going to be wearing.

Last, but not least is my Chloe Paddington bag.  It's a variation on the traditional Paddington with a little lock that is produced in their "Aurore" bags this season. Most of my Chloe bags are from two or three years ago, when Chloe was a bit more street than pretty.  I miss the casual and slouchy look of the bags from that design house from that time period. It was before the Paraty came out. Maybe they'll re-invent themselves again.  However I just saw the accessories on the site led by the new Creative Director, Clare Waight Keller.

SNOOOOOOOORE.  :-)


Items pictured:

Blue Blazer, 
Pashmina, 
Free People Shorts, 
Barney's Co-Op leggings,
Plush fleece-lined gloves: Buy
Dries Van Noten booties, 
Chloe "Paddington" bag

Bearing down in a ADAM dress in Whistler, Canada

ADAM black sweater dress, Gastone Lucioli Grey Boots
Whistler, Canada

Bears are everywhere in Whistler.

At 1 a.m. on Sunday night, we spotted one. A wooden one, in the lobby of the Hilton hotel while on the search for a bar that would stay open.  We failed miserably, so we decided to take some ridiculous pictures with the huge Hilton wooden bear. The bellman were pretty amused.

The dress is a nice sweater dress that I often take with me when I travel. I actually threw this and my classic M for Missoni dress in my duffel bag for this trip.  What I love about this dress is that it has pre-attached jewelry.  The only accessory that's needed is shoes, and my over-the-knee Gastone Lucioli boots always do that trick.  And best of all, no ironing!

Don't get me wrong. This dress was a rare fashion moment after having a decadent dinner at Bearfoot Bistro, one of the loveliest restaurants in Whistler. I spent most of the weekend looking like this:

What can I say.  You have to choose your fashion moments.

Items pictured:

ADAM black sweater dress, 
Gastone Lucioli Grey Boots

Admiring the sunset in Mount Vernon, WA

Black T-Shirt, Forever 21 Shearling Vest, Forever 21 lace dress,
black tights,  Koolaburra Brown Boots
Mount Vernon, WA

Hello gorgeous...sunset.

The chilly and clear air of northern Washington created a beautiful sky outside of an outlet mall in Mount Vernon, WA.  It goes to show that some areas of the world are beautiful, no matter what.  I was in the area because I was headed up to Whistler, CA to go skiing for the long weekend.  More beautiful and epic pictures of my Whistler trip can be found at notesbyspark.com

Sunset in Mount Vernon, WA

But back to the clothing. I'm wearing a Forever 21 shearling jacket that I turned into a vest.  (Previous Post).  I'm wearing a black t-shirt over a lace dress sheer top that I also got from Forever 21.  I had quite the haul that day.

On my hands I'm wearing Jocelyn rabbit fur gloves in navy blue, with great thumb holes.  Unfortunately they didn't make it all the way home with me. I'm 80% sure one of the mates is sitting in the Seattle-Tacoma airport.  Isn't it sad when you lose fabulous items?  Sigh.  I'll move on.

On my feet are patterned Koolaburra boots, made from the same mold as Uggs.  This line comes a bit more fashion-forward with crazy prints and patterns, but come from the same land down under.  I dig the Phoenix pattern, and the comfort combined with fashion make them work.

No matter what I was wearing though, nothing could compare to the great setting of the sky.  It just goes to show that beauty happens, just make sure you are wearing something worthy of your environment.

Items pictured:

Black T-Shirt, 
Forever 21 Shearling Vest,
Forever 21 lace dress,
Black tights, 
Koolaburra Brown Boots

Detroit Ten T's bring in the fun in Brooklyn

Detroit Ten Camera T, Akira Vest, JBrand Teal Twill pants
Alexander McQueen Filligree Pumps
Brooklyn, NY

To finish out my week of menswear, I thought nothing could be better than sporting the Detroit Ten T screened by my Michigan turned San Diegoan buddies.

The Detroit Ten brand was created by my friends Dmitriy Kats, Dan Duchene and Jamie Kasuboski.  They design the screens and create the shirts in the basement of an apartment in Mission Bay, San Diego.  I grabbed this camera shirt from them a couple of months ago when I was in town.  I always "borrow/steal" Dmitriy's shirts when I'm in town, but this time he actually gave me one to wear.   There's no better place for proud, retro T's then Brooklyn, so that's where I chose to shoot the look.  This is the fire escape outside of my sister's window on a gorgeous winter day.

The retro camera was the perfect shape for my Akira vest, and as I always do, I pair something sickeningly high-fashion with the male look to balance it all out.

Alexander McQueen Calf-Hair Filligree Skull Pumps

Enter my new Alexander McQueen Calf-Hair Filligree Skull Pumps that I snagged in San Diego as well. They're utterly impractical, and ridiculously gorgeous.  Don't they make my legs look wonderful?

I have yet to wear them to an event, but I have the perfect outfit for where I must sit for a long time, and and these shoes would suit them perfectly.

Oh and if you like the T's the crew in San Diego are printing and setting up more as we speak.  Give me a holler and I'll put you in touch with the group for a Detroit Ten T!


Items Shown:

Detroit Ten Camera T, 
Akira Vest, 
JBrand Teal Twill pants
Alexander McQueen Filligree Pumps

Rockin' Jellybean shirt from Self Edge in NYC

By*Robert James Jacket, Rockin' Jellybean for Dry Bones shirt,
DL1961 Emma Leggings in Red, Christian Louboutin open-toed pumps
New York, NYC

Rockin Jelly Bean top

My menswear shopping didn't stop at Robert James. I found an incredible store called Self Edge in the Lower East side full of extraordinary shirts and disgustingly premium Japanese denim jeans.  I walked in because I loved the store window, but I stayed and perused the racks because a funny customer came in after me with four pairs of jeans that he needed tailored.

All he wanted was Thomas' (the salesperson) advice, so I stuck around to hear their conversation. I must say, Thomas advised him very well on all aspects of jean hemming and tailoring. If you are a particular man, this is where you should come to get your items altered.

The store has locations in San Francisco and LA as well, but San Fran was the start of this ingenious enterprise.  They source a lot of their clothing from Japanese designers, and work hard to curate unique and fun pieces.

I found this shirt by Rockin' Jellybean, an artist who created the pattern that was put into a shirt form by Dry Bones.  Thomas told me that the eccentric Rockin' Jellybean artist is quite the character, who only grants interviews while wearing Mexican wrestler masks due to a harsh motorcycle accident leaving his face injured forever.

With that kind of story, I wanted the shirt even more despite the steep price tag. The print itself is hilarious, with a biker chick and skulls all around.  I felt like it was a shirt that a yakuza boss from the 70s would wear around Tokyo. I'm so happy I can now channel that bad-assness in my everyday life. I doubt Rockin Jellybean ever thought his top would be worn with a pair of high-heeled Louboutins though.

Close-up of the print

I paired the shirt with my red pants and strappy pumps, because I wanted some extra girl style to be worn with it.  My new Robert James jacket went surprisingly well with the color-scheme.  I actually really dig the contrast of the pattern to lining as well.

Pattern on Pattern goodness

The next time I wear this outfit, I'm going with hair in a high bun with chopsticks and my crazy red lipstick.  I'm going to be gansta geisha.  I'll post an update when that's ready.

Cheers to Rockin' Jellybean and my new favorite shirt.  The material feels heavenly and I wish I could wear it everyday.  Maybe when inappropriate pin-ups are allowed in my office I'll be able to wear it more consistently, and without the jacket.

By Robert James menswear is mywear

Robert James Military Jacket, DL1961 Emma Leggings in Red,
Christian Louboutin strapped, open-toe pumps,
New York, NY

When I was "living" in the LES for a week pet-sitting my favorite feathered friend, I meandered into By* Robert James, a clothing store tailored men.  Their slogan: Simple, Honest, Handsome. I made it my mission that day to just look at menswear because I thought that way I wouldn't buy anything.  I'm so wrong about that mission.

I immediately fell in love with the clothes of Robert James and the vibe of the store, which is probably because he's an Ohio man and is a Buckeye to boot.

The dark wood combined with the vinyl records playing in the background is what I want my home to feel like.  The clothes are beautifully tailored, and made with fantastic materials and a lot of wool.  During my visit Mr. James himself was running around the store helping to fit people and make his sales.

I went with my female friend Pung, which goes to show how little reason I had to go back into this store. But I walked in, wanting to try on a bowler hat again, and instead got distracted by the sale rack.  On it, I found this amazing military (Marine Corps to be specific) inspired wool jacket with a beautiful lining.  Mr. James said he chose the lining because it was indicative of a soldier coming home from war.

I love it when Menswear has these sorts of details.

The lining only makes an appearance on the out edges of the collar and pockets, unless you do a full on flash like this:

By*Robert James Military Jacket,
 By*Robert James Polka Dot Shirt

The polka-dot shirt is also one of Mr. James' pieces. With my broad shoulders, mens button-up shirts always seem to fit in a good way for me.  Maybe when they make them even more tailored that'll be all I buy.

I chose the J-Brand flare-lets because nothing makes my legs look skinnier, and I loved having the volume of the legs be so full.  It is a sailor-inspired take on the military jacket.

I was so in love with the jacket I wore it for the rest of the week, including with my JBrand Martini Flare Leg jeans.

By*Robert James Jacket,
JBrand Martini Flare Jeans

Though he is an amazing salesperson to men, he definitely wasn't really used to selling to women.  Another girl in the store was trying on the jacket after she saw me put it on, and she swam in it.  She obviously was way too thin for it.  She looked sad, and Mr. James turned to her and said "It's a good thing."  I think he back-handed called me fat.  :-)

It's okay.  He's probably not used to the sensitive ears of mine.  And it looked so good I wasn't going to leave it in the store. But...sigh.  We all can't be extra smalls!

Thank goodness I've had enough compliments wearing it that it's lessened the burn of having man-shoulders.  Robert James sir, you are forgiven.

Items pictured:
Robert James Military Jacket,
 DL1961 Emma Leggings in Red,
Christian Louboutin strapped, open-toe pumps,

Falling Whistles - The socially responsible accessory

Baldy being a "Whistleblower for Peace"

I can't tell the story as well as the site does.  So please check out http://www.fallingwhistles.com/

However, I will sum-up for folks on non-flash enabled devices.

Basically, whistles like these are standard issue in the "Democratic" Republic of Congo to children soldiers drafted in war.  Those chosen to carry these whistles are too small to carry guns. Thus they are given these whistles to signal that enemy troops are approaching and try to scare them away.  That action also gives away their positions, and adds to their doom, which is also the intention.  They are tasked to receive the "first round of bullets," as one video with the organization describes.

These whistles are from an organization called "Falling Whistles," whose goal is to generate awareness and conversations about these child soldiers in the Congo.  I spotted one on a customer, loved it and it started this conversation.

They're available at  http://www.fallingwhistles.com/ in a variety of metals and looks for around $34.

I bought a brushed and a silver whistle that will be gifted to a friend who is supremely into these kinds of things.  You can donate the cause as well, or try and get one of the founders to speak at an event.

Prada reading glasses, Feel the Peace Turtle Drama Top,
Falling Whistle necklace,
New York, NY

The whistle is a perfect little accessory.  And it makes me feel even better since it was a socially responsible purpose.

Join the conversation.

Items Pictured:
Fallen Whistle:  BUY
Feel the Piece Turtle Drama Top
Prada Eyeglasses

Browsing books in a High Tech Library

Forever 21 Shearling Vest, Chelsea Flowers Blouse,
Hudson Nico Jeans, Chloe Zip-up boots,
New York, NY

On the fifth floor of my office, there is a library...a high-tech library.

You can scan through books by subject and touch on these huge screens that represent the collections visually. This books are powered by the Google Books library and you then can "check out the sample" to read in only the presence of the library and then purchase the entire volume for later.

You purchase by logging into your Google Books account and then it syncs to your device on the Wi-Fi network.

I haven't been to an actual library in ages, but isn't this amazing?

Select a title

 You can even choose a book that's interesting, and get a closer look.  Basically "taking it off of the shelf."

I highly doubt a real library will every real take on this sort of high tech functionality.  But it would be nice to have these sorts of carousels in airports, cafes, or any other sort of reading establishment.

But on to the clothes.

On top I'm wearing a shearling vest that was once a jacket that I bought this Christmas from Forever 21.  I didn't like it, so I removed the sleeves by taking out the stitches. I'm also wearing the vest inside out, because I preferred the shearling on the outside, and the fur to be on the outside. I tried wearing the removed sleeves as legwarmers, but I looked RIDICULOUS.  I wanted to replicate the look of a Rag and Bone Shearling Jacket I saw on Moodboard. (Link)

The former sleeve of the coat

It's not nearly as fabulous, but for $45, it's close enough.  Besides I didn't need another jacket, I wanted a vest and this worked perfectly.  Butchering a $1k Rag and Bone piece is out of the question. We all have to be realistic with high-end purchases.

Popping the fur collar

There already was enough splurge in the outfit.  The orange top is a wonderful button-up blouse by Chelsea Flowers, and has the great detail of a slit in the back to show the bum perfectly.  It retails for a pretty penny, but it's so wonderfully light and comfortable that I want to wear it everyday.  I'm sure it's due for tons of repeats.

The biggest splurge item are these amazing Chloe Boots that I bought at the Barney's Hangar sale in Santa Monica when I was a "starving" newspaper reporter.  They were worth one entire paycheck and they were 60% off.  Man I'm glad I sold out to a technology company.  :-)

Chloe Zip-Up Boots

Though these boots have a special place in my heart, I'm wondering if I should try consigning them.  They barely fit, and they probably could be a solid staple in someone's wardrobe who wears a size 6 1/2 or 7 with skinner calves than I.

Should I keep or try to sell them?  I'm so torn!  What do you think?

If you want the vest, this is what it looks like in the middle of alteration. I bought it at a Forever 21 at South Coast Plaza.  Go find it! All you need is a stitch remover and you have yourself a two-way reversible vest.

Items Pictured:
Forever 21 "Reversible Vest"
Cheslsea Flowers, Button Up Top: Buy
Hudson Nico Mid-Rise Jeans
Chloe Zip-up Boots

The last day on the Red Couch in Chelsea Market

Zoa Gold Headband, Ash & Dan Infinity Scarf,
Zoa Boyfriend white T, James Perse Tank Top,
Rich and Skinny Brown Legacy Jeans,
Phillip Lim 3.1 Heels
New York, NY

This red couch has become my office away from my office over the past few months.  It's a wonderfully comfy couch in my friends offices and I go crash there and do work when I want to be a little distracted.

It's kind of like when you chose to go studying in a cafe instead of a library in college.  You wanted to get stuff done, but you could afford to be a little unproductive.  The women in the office are hilarious, fun and give me a great ear to what salespeople are still selling to their clients.  So in the end, everyone wins.

Regardless, this is probably going to be one of my last times in the office because my friends are moving office locations.  So here's one last homage to the red couch.

My traditional spot in the office

As for the outfit, it's my way to feminine up a over-sized button up shirt.  Throw super skinny jeans and really high heels with them.

3.1 Phillip Lim Shoes

These 3.1 Phillip Lim shoes are killer, and I basically just wear them around the office.  Wearing them home can be a bit tricky.  These kinds of shoes are what I call office/date shoes.  You wear them inside and when you get to sit for long periods of time.

More and more of these shoes are going to make it onto the blog.  I bought a little too many of them this past winter.  But I can't resist them.  They look great and they make me look great.  Two things that I love in apparel, despite the lack of comfort.

Items Pictured:
Zoa Gold Headband, 
Ash & Dan Infinity Scarf: Buy
Zoa Boyfriend white T, 
James Perse Tank Top, 
Rich and Skinny Brown Legacy Jeans,
Phillip Lim 3.1 Pumps

New Year's Eve preparation in the Lower East Side

Missoni for Target Infinity Scarf, Alexander Wang open back dress,
Abby May cuff, Miu Miu Platform Wedges,
New York, NY

You always need a New Year's kiss, and Baldy -- the pet of my friend Julia Ramsey -- was more than willing to pucker up as I was getting ready for NYE shenanigans in New York.  I was pet-sitting for him last week, and he was wonderful company when I was getting ready. He insisted on being on my shoulder the whole time, but he added wonderfully to the picture.

I was headed to a chill house party and then a hip hop dance party in Brooklyn, so I wanted something comfortable, casual and that would keep me cool while I danced the night away at The Rub's NYE celebration at Southpaw.

More back

More front

Around my neck I wore a scarf that I snagged from Target.  It's a part of the Missoni for Target collection that ravaged the states a few months ago.  It's light and goes well with the little number, and had just enough warmth for when I was in a house without my jacket.

Missoni for Target Scarf

The only jewelry I wore was this fantastic cuff that I bought from the New Designer market in Chelsea by Abby May Accessories. The market occurs every weekend at 9th Avenue and 14th street, and she was one of my favorite finds.  I picked up two items, this just being one of them.  The delicate wire work went with everything about this gray outfit.

Abby May cuff

On my feet were my favorite Miu Miu Wedges.  These babies have gotten me through many a dance night. The black wedges give height to the long dress, and the wood is extremely comfortable.  They've been my companions for almost every dance night I've had for the last two years.  Here's to two more!

Happy New Year everyone!

Items pictured:
Alexander Wang, gray open-backed dress
Missoni for Target Infinity Scarf
Abby May cuff
Miu Miu wedges

Beach paradise in Kauai

Helen Kaminski Hat, Olive Green Romper, Thomas Wylde Bathing Suit
Princeville, Kauai, HI

Helloooooo Kauai!

I picked up this romper in COEX, a mall within in Seoul last summer for maybe $10 and didn't think of it until this trip.  I'm so glad I did. It goes perfectly with my Oliver Wylde bathing suit that I got from Hautelook a few years ago.

My sis told me that this wasn't really an "outfit" but look how cool the back looks:

Regardless, this is my standard attire when on the beach.  Something light and comfortable with a huge floppy hat to fend off the wrinkles from forming on my face.  The hat is a Helen Kaminski that I bought from Gilt Group.  It's been to Spain, Cali and now Kauai with me.  It was expensive, but worth it for the secure fit, and good quality that's enabled it to maintain it's shape.  Also, the silk scarf really ads to the look, while providing ample security that the hat won't fly off my despite the windy weather.

Okay I'll admit it. I wanted to share the amazing pictures from the beach in front of our hotel.  It's outrageously picturesque.  I'll be posting more about my Kauai adventures at notesbyspark.com if you want more details, and even some bad fashion moments when I'm on vacation.

I can't look like this all the time!

On the road again in Brooklyn, LAX

True Religion Leather Jacket, Feel the Piece Turtle Drama Top, Multi-strand pearls, Markus Loffer Pants,
Kate Kanzier Zebra Zip booties, Sue London Travel bags
Brooklyn, NY

I was on my way to Kauai from Brooklyn.  I start my journey by taking the subway to JFK because you really can't beat a $7 fare versus a $58 cab ride in traffic.  Thus I have to wear something that's comfortable, light and trendy enough for the streets of New York.

I see this and think: comfortable, relaxed and trendy.  See.  You can hit the road in basically sweatpants, but amp it up with some awesome shoes.

Kate Kanzier Zebra boots

Basically, they look good in any location.  It doesn't hurt if the sky is gorgeous and a plane is parked outside the window too.  

Waiting for my flight in the LAX Admiral's Club

So again, dear Americans.  This is my plea to you to stop looking so scrubby when you fly.  You don't have to sacrifice style for comfort.  You just need to buy some comfortable, stylish pieces!

Items pictured:

True Religion Leather Jacket, 

Feel the Piece Turtle Drama Top, 

Multi-strand pearls, Markus Loffer Pants,

Kate Kanzier Zebra Zip booties, 

Sue London Travel bags