Outfits built for motion in NYC

Chulo Pony vest, Bead and safety pin necklace, British V-neck T,
H&M White belt, Henry and Belle Skinny jeans in Onyx,
Sophie Vans in tan, white and black
New York, NY

Sometimes you just need to jump around.  People usually want to get that done in jeans and a t-shirt.  That's what I put together here, just with a little more flair.

I've been a little bored lately with some of my poses.  And unfortunately I can't take it to the level of the haute couture 4th and Bleeker style bloggers, and I doubt I ever will.  But I wanted an outfit to have fun in.

Close up of the accessories

I've had the vest and the t-shirt for years.  I bought them in Chicago a few years ago.  The British T is a shirt I snagged for $5 from Urban Outfitters.  It's been one of my faves.  The vest is a Nordstrom Rack find, and it just adds a bit of formality to everything.  The necklace is stranded beads and safety pins that give a elegant rocker look. I bought it at the independent designers market that used to be on Bleecker.  Now it has moved to another location, but it was two years ago and now the artist's name escapes me.

On my bottom half is a H&M men's belt, which I wear a lot, and a pair of Henry and Belle jeans from Denim Habit.  I got them for free for working a event they were hosting at the store.  They're uber comfy and stretchy so it makes it easy for me to do moves like this:

At the end of the day.  It's always time to jump around time like this.  Whoo!

Straw hats and 2 a.m. L Train rides

Monster Threads Hat, Ally flowered tea, Hudson Nico Skinny Jeans, Chanel Flap bag,
Kate Kanzier  Green Brogues
New York, NY

Two a.m. waiting for the L train heading to 8th Avenue on a Saturday night in New York feels like a scene in a movie that will be written about the nostalgic age of 2010's in New York living.

Sure I could have taken a cab home, but I kind of dig taking the subway home late at night. There are always plenty of people to keep me company.

The jeans are my Hudson Nico skinny jeans, and on my feet are my Kate Kanzier green brogues.  It's a combination that I put together often, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

I had gotten dressed for the day at 9 a.m., after a blistering 75 degree day.  So I thought the straw hat and light button-up shirt, both purchases from my Australian adventures last month, would be fitting for our unnaturally warm NYC weather.

I thought my gray leather jacket would be an overkill for the day, but it turned out to be my lifesaver after the 20 degree drop. By the end of the night, the cold rain had me clinging to my Helmut Lang leather jacket.

Good night New York.

Helmut Lang jacket

Stripes and stripes on bright colored tights in NYC

White silk headband, Light Blue Drew Blazer, Striped Silence and Noise Dress, Kate Spade Striped Tights,
Costume National blue patent leather pumps
New York, NY

Yes.  Work has been so crazy lately that I've been on my phone non-stop.  Kind of lame huh?  But at least I look pretty good while doing it.

But let's talk about the outfit. I've been reading everywhere that this spring is all about "color blocking," or adding in crazy blocks of color into an outfit.  So I decided to imitate. Enter these bright and fun Kate Spade striped tights.

I usually wear the blazer and dress with grey tights, but I recently bought these textured Kate Spade tights, and have been waiting for the right way to wear them.  I dug the stripe on stripe action, so I decided to go with it. The dress was bought years ago from Urban Outfitters, and it used to be too short to wear around on it's own.  My how the hemlines have risen over the years.

Close up of the stripe on stripe action

Overall, it's just a nice way to spice up an overcast afternoon. On the grey streets of New York, it's nice to add a bit of color to the city environment.

Biking fashionably in NYC

Missoni for Target vest, white puff-sleeved blouse,
Free People balloon shorts, Striped socks, J.Crew black boots
"Jack" my bike
New York, NY
Photos by Kristen Chard

Hello world, meet Jack.  Jack is my handy bike that was custom built for me by a guy named Keith in Chicago who makes AMAZING bikes.  Check out his story and his work at bikeith.com.  I found one of his bikes in a store in Chicago.  I immediately had Keith build me a fixed gear bike, and Jack was born.  He's now three years old. Since then I think Keith has moved to somewhere else in the Midwest, but sometimes I wish I could get another custom build from him.

"Jack the bike" and I have had a lot of adventures in Chicago and now New York.  In the summers (and now ridiculously warm NY winters) I bike the 5.5 miles from home in Brooklyn to my office in Chelsea.

Today, I wanted to show off my beautiful bike because he is the perfect accessory to my black and white outfit. Otherwise, this outfit is entirely composed by items picked by my sister, Jean, excluding the shorts.

The vest is a great item bought by my sister.  It's a piece from the Missoni for Target collection that she snagged before the whole Target.com site crashed.  Underneath it is a puffed white sleeved shirt that we bought in Korea for $5. She picked it out of a pile of crap.  On my feet are are her black boots from J.Crew that she purchased online and I convinced her to keep them.  (hehe)

My contribution are my black balloon shorts that I bought from Free People and striped socks that you can see peaking out from the boots.  The socks were great to keep the leather from rubbing on your skin, and add a cute little detail to the look.

Finally, the bag I got for free.  It's a bag that I got from work in Chicago years before I even had Jack.  It goes so well, that it's my go-to biking bag.  Plus it added the perfect amount of color and spice to coordinate with Jack.

The bag has seen some better days, but it's held up great.  Most of all, it is a perfect size to fit my laptop and my outfits for the day.  When I bike the 5.5 miles, I stick the outfit in my bag and shower at the office.  I always have to pack non-wrinklable clothing.  This outfit was the perfect ensemble to suit all of my needs for the day.

No parking where?

And finally, huge shout-out to Kristen Chard for taking these great pics. She did a fantastic job.

Matching with magnificent mini doors in Caroll Gardens, Brooklyn

Chloe Sunglasses, Jocelyn Infinity Scarf, Goodies grandpa cardigan,
 Chanel Flap Caviar bag, JBrand Navy twill pants,
Coach red patent leather loafers,
Caroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY
Photo by Camilla Leikvoll

During an epic wait for a table for brunch at Buttermilk Channel, Sayaka took us on a walking tour of her neighborhood, Caroll Gardens.  She showed as an amazing little nook with a street full of mini doors that dot the "first floor" units of the street.

These doors come on the bottom floor of a row of houses in the heart of Caroll Gardens.  To give some scale, I'm 5'3".  We'd have to stoop to get into these doors.

Me and Sayaka looking to see if people are home

What was uniquely hilarious is that we saw a resident leave her apartment and lock the mini door.  I should have asked her if everything was that size, but considering how tall she was, I assume that it would lead into a normal height-ed apartment. 

The street reminds me of something you'd stumble upon in a quaint european city, or even a fairy tale world that you need magic to discover. 

Aren't they just adorable?  There are at least eight apartments on this block with these mini entrances. Maybe I'll make another trek over there for another cute fashion shoot one day, but I do love the exploration outfit I chose for the day. It was inspired by Camilla.

True Religion Leather Jacket, Infinity Scarf, Top Shop textured sweater,
Genetic Shya Jeans, Black Booties, 

Camilla is always well-put together. She looks comfortably casual in a new pair of jeans she picked up from Denim Habit this weekend.  She's also rocking my True Religion leather jacket. 

The morning when we got ready, she got dressed first, and her textured sweater reminded me of my Grandpa cardigan so I decided to copy a bit. I did ask permission first, but imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.  Besides, the final execution of the outfit looks so different that no one would think that I was mimicking her in a way. That's another key to putting things together, taking things you like from inspiration and make it your own.  

Regardless, going out to eat brunch is a comfort game, and I love my grandpa cardigan. In fact, I sleep in it sometimes. I wanted to keep the grandpa look going so I reached for my great red patent leather loafers that I've had since I was in college. 

To bring some color consistency (and warmth) I put on my navy blue infinity scarf and Jbrand skinny leg Navy pants. With such a loose top, I needed to put something super skinny on the bottom.  I dig the dorky look that came out. It was perfect for the day in Brooklyn, and for discovering these fantastic doors!

An Annie Hall inspired Jumpsuit and tie in NYC

Missoni multi-colored scarf, Splendid Contrast Lapel button-up,
Suspender jumpsuit, Black Booties
New York, NY

I woke up this morning and put this outfit on as an experiment.  I think it worked out pretty well.  Camilla, who is staying with me this week in NYC, asked if I was going to put this on my blog, and I happily said yes.  I think it's a nice addition to the fold.

On this slightly chilled day, I thought greys and office appropriate attire would be perfect.  I put my Rag and Bone military trench coat on top of the whole look to enable me to face the outside.

Chilling on the Sky Bridge with my Rag and Bone military trench

 The scarf is a wonderful piece that is actually my sisters, but I love to play with how to tie it and make it actually look like a tie.

It also has great vibrant colors, which work well with such a color neutral outfit.

Close up of the beautifully colored scarf

But let's talk about the jumpsuit, the real fashion forward item in the ensemble.  I bought this jumpsuit last summer in Korea for maybe $20.  It's a one-size fits all, light cotton number that is ridiculously comfortable to wear.  I like to wear it like suspenders, and the back is perfectly suited for this look.

The bottom half, or the trouser part, comes with a great slouch to it that's uber comfortable, and actually uber fashionable right now.

Though when I look at some of these photos, I wonder if kids will jeer at me in 20 years for wearing something like this.  Eh.  I'm okay with that.  I think I look pretty awesome.

Shopping in Tweed and Skeletons in NYC

Ophelia & I Tweed Blazer, Religion Skeleton button-up, JBrand Midrise Skinny Twill,
Dries Van Notten booties, Miu Miu Sunglasses, Celine "Watch Me Work" Bag
New York, NY

I love the meatpacking district in NYC. I love the cobblestones.  I love the shops.  Most of all, I just love to walk around and take in the atmosphere of NYC.

Today I wanted to take a little walk and enjoy the wonderful day.  It turns out I got to take some fun pictures while I was at it.

You can't see too well in this look, but the devil is in the details.  The accents of leather and other tidbits are what make this outfit distinctive, on top of the extremely well-fitting blazer that I bought from Ophelia & I in London earlier this winter. (Thanks again Alice)

It's all about how things fit you sometimes.  But these blazer fits well and has great leather details on the lapel collar, and leather elbow patches.

The shirt is a Religion men's shirt that I bought in London this winter as well.  It fits well enough, but the lovely skulls are what made me purchase the top.  Who cares if it's a little big when it's under a great-fitting blazer?

Gratuitous elbow patches

Skeleton collar accents

Sigh.  This is one of Ophelia & I's many re-worked vintage pieces that they have available.  I featured some of her other designs before, mostly in terms of the studded blazer that I like to wear with concert T-shirts.

On the bottom I'm wearing my JBrand Navy Twill pants.  There are no other pants that make my legs look as skinny as these.  On my feet are Dries Van Notten booties that I got from the Scoop outlet not to far from where I was walking that day. I should plan another trip soon and see what else I can find.

The bag, oh the bag.  It's a Celine "Watch me work" bag that is made with patent leather.  The metal chain makes it easy to throw over my shoulder when I wish.  It's super versatile, and I've even wore it when bike riding home.  A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do sometimes.  Nothing is better than up-style gear with a little bit of an edge like this purse has.

Here are some more action shots of the wonderful afternoon.

Just being cool in front of Ports

Oh Look.  My shadow!

"Will I ever be able to afford this stuff?"  She thought while lusting at a shopping window.

Stepping up with some sashay

Yeah my booties are hot.  

Updated Vintage brings Birdy behavior in NYC

Bon Bon Trust Bird Blouse, H&M Military Belt,
JBrand Martini Flare-Leg Jeans, Black Booties
New York, NY

I got this amazing top from the independent designers market in Chelsea. The brand is Bon Bon Trust, the brainchild of Suzanne Goldenberg.  Her current line has amazing screen prints on sweatshirts.  This top is a very different version of it.  I love the volume and screen print of this bird top.

There is an option to button up the collar, but I like to leave it open and utilize the asymmetrical flow of the shirt.

Here's a close up.

Overall the top is lovely and comfortable.

Goldenberg is one of a growing number of designers who source their materials from vintage pieces and update them.  I love the shape and flair of those designs, and this shirt is one of my new favorites.  I dressed it up considerable with these JBrand black flare-legged pants, but I wanted to keep the volume up around this outfit. Plus nothing elongates you more than flare-legged jeans and super high heels that are hidden.

Check out www.bonbontrust.com for more information about her line.

The lovely sun that day also added to some amazing lighting.  This butterfly bench on one of my offices terraces was a great place to relax and have some fun with this outfit.

Items pictured:
Bird blouse by Bon Bon Trust
JBrand Martini Flare Jeans
H&M Men's military belt
Black and silver booties

Big bows and bright colors on a sunny day in NYC

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Vest, Martin & Osa White Tulle Skirt,
Black Gold Booties, Metallic headband, Chloe Sunglasses
New York, NY

I'm wishfully thinking that it was spring already.  Don't let the bare sleeves fool you.  I'm actually FREEZING, but the light was so gorgeous that I couldn't resist wearing this outside.  However, the below picture is how I was really dressed for the world.  I look much less springy.

Golde coat, Martin & Osa Skirt, Black Booties

I love this outfit.  It's one of those special outfits that I pull out on days when I'm totally at a loss for what to wear.  I've had the skirt and vest for years, and love how the combination makes my waist look smaller. And who doesn't love a huge bow?

I bought the Golde jacket from an Intermix in Chicago a few years ago, and it's gold buttons always make me smile.  It's roomy and comfortable, and has a nice length so you can see that I'm wearing a skirt underneath it.

The shoes are a pair of simple black booties with great gold detail.  I bought these from a street vendor in Seoul when I was there four years ago.  They've held up so well, and they're very comfortable. I'm hoping that they'll last another 4 years.

I took these photos on the brightest terrace on the 11th floor in my office building.  It's a beautiful floor, and I like to go there and hang out when I have back to back meetings.  It's relaxing to see beauty when you're discussing commercialization projects.

These yellow table/seating things are new, and I couldn't resist to hop on top of them.  There was a meeting going on next to the window, so I tried to hide.  But I'm sure the people saw me frolicking outside without a coat.

And now you can too.  Enjoy the fun.

Dirty hair days equal fun hats Part 2

Mink Fur Hat and Marc Jacobs Sunglasses

Again, there isn't a good excuse for looking a mess when you have access to an amazing hat.  I bought this last year at American Rag Cie in Newport Beach, CA.  The fact that it was a mink hat in Newport Beach is probably why it was on sale.  Ironically, my mom bought me an almost identical mink hat this winter.  Something like this, you can always use 2 in my opinion.

The sunglasses are Marc Jacobs that I picked up in a Nordstrom Rack the same trip in California because I thought they looked smashing together.  They were on super sale because, well, they're ridiculous frames.  They really don't look good unless they're in stylized context.

Also, somewhat embarassingly, I will admit I throw on things like this on days when I have the most to cover up.

Step 1.  Realize yet again I'm having a bad hair day.

Step. 2 Figure out which hat will cover my messy hair.

Step 3. Find some sunglasses that will match the mood.

Step 3 and a half.  Make sure the sunglasses match the mood.

Step 4. Bring it all together now.