a little dressed up

One of the best things about warmer weather: wearing dresses without tights. I'm all for layering when it's cold, but it's so nice to let your skin breathe and soak up the sun a bit.

Last Saturday, Chad and I headed to Columbia University's Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library to see finished projects from the Historic Preservation program and a lot of other groups from the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. I jumped at the chance to get a little dressed up for the occasion.

I love the versatility of this Madewell dress, and I've already been wearing it a lot lately (like to the Poshmark party). I'm so excited to wear more dresses with bare legs now that summer seems to be here.

[dress: Madewell// heels: Nine West// bag: Steve Madden// belt: Forever 21// earrings: gift from my friend Anne]

feeling posh with Poshmark

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Trends Posh Party, an event celebrating the launch of Poshmark, an iPhone app for selling and buying clothing. The party featured a few bloggers and their virtual closets as hostesses.

Although I thought I didn't really know anyone at the party, I happened to sit next to Alex and Nnenna (who it turns out, I do know from her blog and the Correspondence Club). I always love meeting other style bloggers, especially since I still don't know too many people here in NYC, and I was so happy to run into Alex, Nnenna and a lot of other great bloggers. Thanks, Poshmark!

[dress: Madewell from Shopbop via Sorelle in Style giveaway// shoes: Contributor by Rachel Comey// tights: American Apparel// belt: Forever 21]

take a break

I know my outfit posts have been few and far between lately, and I feel somewhat compelled to apologize. While I am sorry I haven't been updating as often, I think this mini hiatus has helped me regain some motivation and inspiration as a whole. With that said, I do have some things coming up that I'm very excited about!

In the meantime, Chad and I took a break from things and headed to the Central Park Zoo last Saturday.

I think if I could choose to be reincarnated as an animal, it might be a sea lion...

We also caught glimpses of these guys:

[for Angelina]

I don't have many photos of my outfit because my camera died, but we managed to snap a few with our new 50mm lens.

[button-up shirt: Uniqlo// denim: Fossil// boots: Justin + Fossil// Orchid Grey bracelet: c/o ModCloth// Marc by Marc Jacobs cuff: c/o TJ Maxx// earrings and rose gold ring: c/o InPink and Selective Potential// wave bangles: c/o PoshLocket and Kenzie Faith// headband: packaging from StyleMint// bag: Steve Madden]

the blues

 

Do you ever get that "blah" feeling? The French call it ennui, and it always seems to happen to me a little during the winter. I think my feelings this year are more focused on missing my family and friends who live in other places around the country. I am so lucky to live such a lovely life with my husband and pup here in NYC, but every now and then, I really miss that feeling of home.

Chad and I were recently visited by my brother and our longtime friends Katherine and Jordan, who came up from Boston for a weekend. It was so nice to have familiar faces around.

New York also did this lovely thing of having perfect spring weather (I spent last Friday reading on a blanket in the park) and then crushed our hearts with a burst of windy cold. I hope it warms back up soon. These photos look sunny, but a few days ago I could barely walk up the street without being blown away.

I guess I created this outfit based on getting rid of winter blues...by wearing multiple shades of blues.

[dress: ASOS// sweater: Sosie// bag: Jason Wu for Target// blazer, earrings and chain: Fossil// cicada necklace: gift from my friend Sarah// tights: Uniqlo// loafers: Bearcat Vintage// belt: Forever 21// shades: Ray-Ban]

Southern charm

 

I may not have been born in the South, but I've spent the majority of my life living there. Every Southern girl I know owns at least one pair of cowboy boots, and I couldn't leave my favorite pair of Justin+Fossil boots behind when we moved above the Mason-Dixon. I usually find multiple opportunities to wear these boots during any season, any weather. They're a staple in my wardrobe, and wearing them now reminds me of home.

On this sunny Sunday, we took Eleanor to one of the local dog parks to socialize. She usually just hides behind us, but we're trying to get her more comfortable around other dogs.

[boots: Justin+Fossil// shirt and watch: Fossil// denim and peacoat: Uniqlo// vest and belt: Forever 21// bag: Steve Madden// bracelet: JewelMint// earrings: gift from my friend Anne// necklaces: Lucky Brand and my own creation]

spotlight: IFBcon

Last Wednesday, I attended the Independent Fashion Bloggers Conference at Milk Studios here in New York (I also went last September). IFBcon is a gathering of style bloggers and fashion experts that features informational panels, event sponsors and a forum for the blogging community. One of my favorite aspects of IFBcon is meeting some of my favorite bloggers and adding new ones to my bloglovin' list. This year, I was happy to catch up with Emijaa and meet a lot of bloggers, including Nicole, Odelia, Ely, Jessica, Casey and Alison. So great talking with you ladies!

[dress and watch: Fossil// vest: Free People// bag: Steve Madden// belt: Forever 21// tights: Uniqlo// heels: Beartcat Vintage]

What I learned from the panels this year:

Media Goes Mobile

• Have a unique voice, and eventually people will take notice.
• Always write what you would be interested in reading.
• Make connections through social media avenues you are comfortable using.
• Think about what you want to become.
• Your blog is your new resume.
• Broaden your horizons.

Your Blog, Your Dream, Or Just the Beginning?

• Establish credibility.
• Be transparent about your blog to your loved ones and employers.
• Don't forget to live life—put your computer away, turn off your phone, focus on your experiences.
• If you offer sponsorships, think about what you want for your blog as a brand. Be wary of companies that do not support your blog's purpose.
• Know what you're worth.

How to Make Your Blog Irresistible

• Your point of view is important.
• Drive your blog's traffic by seeing what works for you.
• Be innovative.
• Think about the value of every post. What will the audience gain from reading?

I loved the sponsors this year as well: ThinkThin Bars (one of my personal favorites...the only thing positive that came from my very short stint reading GOOP), ASOS, Zoya, J Brand, Arizona Tea and LifeBooker.

If you're a blogger in New York for fashion week (or a marketer interested in working with bloggers), I suggest attending IFBcon. You'll learn a lot, grab a bag of amazing sponsor goodies and meet a lot of wonderful people.

a bit mad

 Chad and I have been watching Mad Men again from the beginning, and I had forgotten how much I love this show. I keep seeing all the promo posters for the new season in the subway, and I'm so excited for the series to finally return in March! I call this outfit Mad Men with a twist.

Photos were taken at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, a gorgeous cathedral in our neighborhood.

 I don't usually wear outfits like this one, but I think it's fun to play dress up every now and then.

[skirt: I Heart Ronson// heels: J.Crew// sweater: Gap// belt: Forever 21// tights: Uniqlo// earrings: c/o of Bauble Bar]

go red for women

I know fashion blogging can get a little superfluous and self-serving from time to time, but today I want to focus on a serious cause.

Not only is February the month of paper hearts and heart-shaped boxes, this month also focuses on the health of the human heart. February is National Heart Month, and today the country raises awareness for the female victims of heart disease by wearing red. Heart disease is the number one cause of death and disability for women in the United States [source].

Although heart disease is a very serious issue for women and men in the United States, I think we often forget about the condition. Join me in raising awareness for the Go Red for Women campaign. Visit the website for more information about signs and symptoms, lowering your risk and how to get involved.

[thermal and vest: Free People (old)// skirt, bracelet and necklace: Fossil// tights: Uniqlo// heels: c/o Bearcat Vintage and Orchid Grey giveaway// belt: Forever 21// earrings: c/o Bauble Bar]

tangerine winter

Ever since Pantone announced "tangerine tango" as the color of 2012, I have been dying to wear this shade as soon as possible. The weather has been super cold in NYC lately, and tangerine is just the right color to cure the winter blues.

Chad and I had ventured down to Fifth Avenue to stock up on thick socks and winter wear in preparation for the snow this weekend (after living in the South for so long, I realized I don't really own proper socks or gloves). Enter skinny tangerine jeans by Uniqlo.

Here are some tips for wearing tangerine (or another bright pair of denim) in winter:

• Layer, layer, layer. It's cold outside (unless you live in California or Florida), so you need to keep that in mind. I've started wearing long-sleeved shirts and thermals underneath other shirts. No one can tell, and your arms stay warm all day.
• Wear neutrals to balance the brightness. To offset the color of the tangerine denim, I chose a gray sweater, denim shirt and leather jacket. I kept the accessories light as well.
• Chunky socks are your friends. I'm still getting used to wearing thick socks, so I've decided to fully embrace them. Add a rugged look to your bright denim with chunky socks pulled over pants.
• Let the weather choose your shoes. It obviously snowed this weekend here in NYC, so I wore my dependable Bean boots to keep my feet toasty and warm. I also happen to love the classic casual look of the boots. With icy and slushy sidewalks, suede or canvas shoes have a high chance of getting filthy. To dress up this outfit (on non-snowy days), I would lose the socks and pair the denim with a thick-heeled or flat bootie.
• Be daring with a punchy lip color. I wore Covergirl's NatureLuxe gloss balm in coral, a shade that almost exactly matches the denim. I kept my other makeup clean and neutral but played up the color with a bright lip.

Eleanor loves the snow...she's just not sure about her new snow boots.

[tangerine denim and socks: Uniqlo// Bean boots: L.L. Bean// leather jacket and necklace: Fossil// denim shirt and sweater: Gap// belt: Forever 21// cicada necklace: gift from my friend Sarah]