Meet the Pleats

I am a lover of all things pleated. Whether it's subtle pleating on a jacket or a it's maxi skirt that's full of tight pleats from waist to toe there's something about them that instantly adds character to a garment that would otherwise be relatively ordinary.

photos by jenny

{Outfit}

twenty8twelve dress

Leifsdottir cropped jacket

Betsy Johnson heels

Lace & Leather

Lately there's been a lot of encouragement to put your fears aside and break out your leather in this bright and sunshiny summer weather. However, when I think of 90 degree heat and near 

full humidity nothing sounds less appealing than having leather on my skin, 

regardless of how buttery smooth it may be! 

That being said, as of late, for some reason {and it may be just a matter of placement in my closet} 

my leather skirt has been calling to me. 

So, I worked up the courage 

{well, not really because I saw that the temperature was only going to be in the mid 70's} 

and tossed on my leather skirt - HOOWAH!

Now, what to pair with this unconventional summer piece...? 

How about a light, loose, delicate lace top?! Bingo! 

Verdict on summer leather? I say, for crisp cool evenings and days when the heat has mellowed and the breeze is light, leather is a divine choice!

photos by jenny

{Outfit}

Madewell scallop lace top

A.L.C. Aimee leather skirt

Delman heels

J.Crew necklace

Earl Grey & a bit of Au Lait

photo source

There's something undeniably soothing about a warm cup of tea with a splash of milk in it; The warmth of the cup, the soft and sweet aroma that wafts up as you take a sip, and finally the smooth medley of flavor that dances across your taste buds - It's positively delightful! 

I've spoken before about my love of essential oils, and while I'm overjoyed with the selection found at various health food stores there were particular scents that I found myself craving, so I went exploring...

When I came across a tiny shop on Etsy called Alkemia Apothecary & Perfumery I was intrigued. 

I began to read, "Alkemia perfume oils are phthalate free and paraben free. They contain no fillers, chemical by-products, or other nastiness." - Ding, ding, ding! Well hello, Alkemia! 

With scent categories that range from Femme Fatale Florals to Vanillas, Cocoas and Sweets 

I knew that what I longed for was well within my reach. 

Now, for some unexplained reason I love the smell of warm, sweet milk... 

This is not a scent one comes across very often {believe me, I've searched!}, but within the Alkemia online store, there it was. "Au Lait": A cozy, ultra-cuddly blend of rich, creamy milk swirled with tonka, wild honey, and a touch of caramelized brown sugar. Cozy and creamy indeed! 

You had better believe that I ordered a bottle of it immediately and took it for a test spin the second I got it out of the packaging. Seventh heaven, I tell you! 

It got me to thinking... I do love a spot of tea... I wonder if there's perhaps some kind of "tea scent" resembling one of my favorites, Earl Grey. Back to Alkemia I went, but alas, Earl Grey did not exist... At least not yet. I inquired and was pleasantly surprised when the response 

I received was that they would be happy to create the scent for me! 

So here I am today, wearing Earl Grey layered with a touch of Au Lait and loving every bliss-filled minute of it. 

My, oh my, it is incredible what our sense of smell can inspire!

Hand Candy

At the moment I seem to have a deep affinity for rings. As my husband so lovingly put it, 

"Aren't you running out of ring 'real estate', babe?"

Nay, I say! The more the merrier in my opinion, and speaking of more I recently acquired a ring or two... or three, but hey! Who's counting, right?! {Truth be told, there's a fourth in the makes, but that's a different story!}  

OK. So I may have a problem. I swear there is an end insight! However, I can't be the only lady out there who loves to stack the dickens out of rings, and then pile them on each and every finger, can I?! 

Since discovering the fabulousness that is Catbird, I've found that they possess a plethora of 

beautiful stackables that range from simple and demure to intricate and edgy. Case in point...

Beginning at the top of this stack: the Jezebel Evil Eye ring is oxidized silver adorned with dainty rose-cut diamonds creating an overall delicate yet commanding look to the stack. Next down is the Blanca Monros Gomez Dainty Stacking Pavé Ring. Aptly named, this ring is just that - dainty. Its shape and mix of oxidized silver and rose gold make it utterly perfect for stacking, though it is quite beautiful on it's own, sans stack! And at long last at the bottom of the stack sits the colorful Elisa Solomon Ombre Eternity Band. This beautiful band is simple and dynamic all at once. The simplicity of it's design coupled with the stunning mix of graduating color create a ring that is a true show stopper.  

J'adore!

{Polish}

Deborah Lippmann "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" 

& "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)"

Hot Time in the City

There's no doubt about it, in New York City IT. IS. HOT. 

And when it's hot, I don't know about you, but I don't feel very inspired to look nice. 

Let's face it, your make up pretty much melts off your face, the clothes on your back stick to your skin, you get dehydrated, sweaty and all kinds of agitated easily. 

When I saw that it was going to reach the high 90's today I threw my head back and sighed, but then I thought..."No! I see you, Mother Nature, with your sweltering Summer heat, and I raise you a hat, checkered shorts and a light-weight white top... AND HEELS!" 

Outfit assembled, I took one look in the mirror and still cringed at the thought of putting any sort of makeup on, but then I thought of it - RED LIPS! Done and done. I walked down the stairs of my apartment building, still feeling the comfort of air-conditioning, and couldn't help but feel like I had already triumphed just by trying. Out the door I went and, well there's no denying it - I was assaulted by some seriously thick, hot air. I was indeed a shiny mess by the end of the day, BUT my lips remained intact! Hooray for Ilia's Crimson & Clover !

photos by jenny

{Outfit}

Catherine Malandrino top

Theory shorts (similar here)

Manolo Blahnik heels

Panama hat

Oliver Peoples sunglasses

Summer Bags

I think we can all agree that the perfect bag can really complete an outfit - With the Summer inspiring both bright, bold colors and outfits of crisp white it seems only appropriate to have a bag {or two} 

that will cater to all of your warm weather ensembles! 

Below are some of my faves from Shopbop.com

Bags 

{clockwise, starting w/ the top & center}

Madewell Canvas Territories Bag

Botkier Valentina Satchel

McQ Amwell Mini Cross Body Bag

Cleobella Sirena Raffia Tote

Foley + Corinna Patchwork Clutch

Lauren Merkin Essex Clutch

Diane von Furstenberg Adele Clutch

Sunshiny Days

Is it just me or do bright and bold colors seem to act as instant mood boosters?! 

It started with the pleated neon mini skirt. Next came the sunny yellow, deliciously silky top. I was already rocking bright green digits {Karma Organic nail polish in Froggy}, and before I knew it my lips were slathered in Ilia lipstick Neon Angel. I was bright - Feeling a little like a set of highlighters bright, but I can't help but want to wear colorful combos on these bright and sunshiny days! 

photos by jenny

{Outfit}

Otte Signature T top

Sparkle & Fade skirt

Coach heels

Vintage Persol sunglasses

Keep it Simple

It can be refreshing to wear 

something super simple {like a classic LWD} 

and pair it with a lil' something fun and casual {like some comfy sneakers}. 

photos by jenny

{Outfit}

Theory dress

Jack Purcell sneakers

Cherry Tiers

photos by Jenny

{outfit}

Opening Ceremony dress

Nanette Lepore top

Dieppa Restrepo oxfords

Lauren Wolf earrings

Red Rover

 photos by Jenny

{Outfit}

Rebecca Taylor blouse

J Brand high waisted shorts

Christian Louboutin espadrilles

" You Stay Classy" -Ron Burgandy

When my bud Hillary told me to brace myself for the picture she was about to show me, I really had no idea what to expect. What I saw was a tee-shirt so epic that I needed to run to Urban Outfitters immediately following our rendezvous so that I could acquire the very same tee-shirt for myself. It's everyone's favorite Anchorman, Ron Burgandy! Upon putting it on I couldn't help but want to shout, 

"News team: Assemble!"

photos by philip

{Outfit}

Theory blazer

Urban Outfitters Anchorman tee

Habitual denim skirt

Swedish Hasbeens peep-toe sandals

Vintage Persol sunglasses