Ceci n'est pas une blog.

New York Subway Photography

2008-02-14T20:13:00.007-05:00

I just recently discovered the stunning and fascinating photography of Travis Ruse. This talented photographer has chosen to take his inspiration from a seemingly mundane exhibit, his daily commute on the subways of New York City. In doing so, Ruse has captured all of the small details and special moments that make the experience of riding in a subway car such an intriguing one. I know that I love coming into contact with all of these different people who come from so many diverse backgrounds in this intimate and contained environment. I always enjoy wondering where these individuals are headed and what activities fill their day in the city, and I can tell just by looking at these pictures that Travis Ruse is just as intensely interested in the subjects of his subway photography.

Be sure to visit the link and browse through the entire gallery - I picked out just a few to showcase for you, but each and every photograph is beautiful and interesting in its own right!

http://50bedroom.blogspot.com/2005_12_01_archive.html

Panic at the Disco - Nine in the Afternoon

2008-02-12T19:27:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the lack of steady posting lately - I have been kept very busy by papers and lots of reading! But anyway, I wanted to share with all of you the new video just released this Sunday by Panic at the Disco for the first single off of the new album Pretty. Odd. The full album won't be available until March 25, so until then we'll have to content ourselves with watching and re-watching this over-the-top, creative, and somewhat surreal video!

As far as the music goes, the band seems to be going for a more upbeat, poppy sound with this album. This decision will certainly spark some criticism, but overall I think it's a welcome change that lets us see a different side to their musical style.

P.S. Bonus points for anyone who can detect what's "missing" from the band!

Style Inspiration: The Sartorialist

2008-02-08T18:07:00.000-05:00

A fantastic new picture from the Sartorialist always seems to make my day! I can never seem to pull off head-to-toe black without looking washed out, but this stylish girl has definitely succeeded. I love the way she combined different textures in the gloves, bag, and jacket to add some dimension to an all-black look. Just to highlight some details, the bow in the hair is adorable (and so easy to incorporate into your own ensembles!) and the gloves are to-die-for!

Bloch Now Available at Shopbop?

2008-02-05T13:17:00.000-05:00

Luxury Ballet Flat, $170 at shopbop.com

As I was browsing Shopbop yesterday, I happened to notice the name of a designer I had never seen before on the website's comprehensive listing. Of course, I recognized the name Bloch as one of my favorite dancewear brands, but I didn't really think that the maker of my humble canvas slippers was really selling its wares on Shopbop. Sure enough, however, the $170 "Luxury Ballet Flats" seen above were produced by the same designer who supplies me with my $14 canvas ballet slippers. To be honest, I'm still just a little confused. Aiming high, Bloch?

Round Toe Ballet Slipper, $14.05 at discountdance.com

Style Inspiration: Margherita Missoni

2008-02-04T15:26:00.000-05:00

What's not to love about Margherita Missoni? Of course, she just happens to be the heir to the Missoni fashion house, but she is also a natural beauty with a unique style in her own right. Not to mention that she is intelligent (she studied philosophy at Columbia), ambitious (she is training to be an actress), and generally regarded as level-headed, given her family's fame and fortune.

I think that what makes Margherita so magnetic is her confidence and poise. So often, we see young celebrities and socialites attempting to pull off ultra fashion-forward looks who just end up being worn by their clothes instead. In Margherita's case, however, here is a girl with natural presence who is able to pull off even the loudest Missoni print dress with ease. Maybe it's in her genes?

New Outfits from Anthropologie

2008-02-02T21:14:00.000-05:00

For those of you who don't compulsively check Anthropologie's website for updates on a daily basis, don't worry - I can do that for you! I was delighted to see a selection of adorable and stylish new outfits for the spring when I logged on. It could just be that I'm getting tired of putting on a winter coat, scarf, and gloves every time I want to go outside, but I am really craving spring weather right about now. Browsing the new outfits at Anthropologie, along with some beautiful new items based around the theme of primary colors, certainly put me in a springtime mood!Garibaldi Cardigan, $228 at Anthropologie

Nocturne Wrap, $58

Browsing through all of the outfits, these two items really jumped out at me as pieces that could easily be incorporated into just about any wardrobe. The grey cashmere sweater is a great, flattering basic with a girly twist in the ruffly trim, while the wrap has a really exotic vibe but looks perfectly sophisticated paired with dark jeans, not to mention it's a steal (in Anthropologie terms) at only $58.

Bookcases

2008-02-01T18:23:00.001-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved curling up with a good book in a comfy armchair and spending hours enraptured by a moving plot and engaging characters. Of course, as a girl who is also obsessed with anything fashion and design related, this "hobby" logically led to an admiration for beautiful places devoted to reading. Case in point, I was amazed by the gorgeous library in the castle in Beauty and the Beast! Fast forward to today, and I think these two spaces represent a modern take on the traditional, dark wood library (complete with a ladder to reach the top shelves, of course).

Photos from dominomag.com

Welly Socks

2008-01-29T19:29:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post today, since the reading and coursework is already piling up very quickly! I got an email from ShopBop this morning (as usual - I am bombarded with emails from ShopBop) advertising their newest promotion - a free pair of welly socks with a pair of Hunter boots. I'm not in the market for new rain boots and I'm not necessarily a huge fan of Hunter boots, but I thought the idea of special welly socks was pretty ingenious! I don't know about the rest of you, but I never know what kind of socks to wear under my wellies, plus this pair looks particularly toasty for a cold, rainy, well-appropriate day.

So what do all of you think? Marketing ploy or best thing since sliced bread?

Straight from Paris - The Sartorialist

2008-01-25T18:45:00.001-05:00

Spring semester just started this week, and somehow I am already buried under a pile of work! Not to mention that I have been rushing from classes to extracurriculars to work - my Metrocard is definitely getting some exercise this week!

Anyway, I was very excited (as I'm sure all of you will be) to see that the Sartorialist has been posting street style photographs from Paris. I'm already feeling nostalgic about my trip last month - I'm craving French style and attitude! Even if I can't jet over to Paris right now, I can at least admire some fashionable French ladies from the comfort of my own dorm room, right?

As a side note, I do think it is refreshing to see the young, quirky side of Parisian style (mainly in that last photo but to some degree also in the third picture). We are so used to seeing neutrals/black in classic, sophisticated shapes that it is rewarding to finally see a fuller picture of the range of styles found in this fashion capital. And while I will always adore the chic side of Paris and the iconic French woman dressed in head-to-toe black, there is something thrilling about seeing someone break out of that mold and try something completely different and even somewhat shocking.

Project Runway Part II

2008-01-20T21:04:00.000-05:00

As a follow-up to my last post about Project Runway, I thought I would post an interesting photo to compare with Chris and Christian's avant-garde creation. Alison Kelly from Season 3 mentioned in her blog that the dress reminded her of a piece by Alexander McQueen. As we all know, Christian did work for Alexander McQueen, so some have suggested that Christian may have taken his "inspiration" from the designer piece. I posted the two photographs so that you can compare and contrast and then form your own opinions. So what do you think?

Reed Diffusers

2008-01-20T14:03:00.000-05:00

My (very thoughtful) best friend bought me a Yankee Candle reed diffuser for my dorm room this Christmas. The idea is that the scented oil will be absorbed by the reeds and dispersed throughout the room. Since we aren't allowed to have candles in university dorm rooms (fire hazard!), this is a great alternative option. This item is available in a number of scents, including Autumn Wreath, Christmas Eve, and Sun and Sand (love it!), and it is perfectly affordable at either $10 or $19.99 depending on your choice.

Project Runway

2008-01-19T21:28:00.000-05:00

Winter break is quickly drawing to a close, and I find myself scrambling to fit everything in before I have to head back to school for the start of the spring semester. In particular, I made sure to find time to catch up on episodes of Project Runway that I missed while at college.

I remember making a comment on here after the very first episode of the season that my favorite designer was Christian, and I am still completely behind him! With his snarky commentary on the other designers, I can't help but be reminded of Jeffrey from Season 3! Of course, Jeffrey's blend of talent and wit (plus a good dose of sarcasm) brought him all the way to the end, so maybe that combination will work for Christian too!?

I also remember admiring Rami for his elegant sense of style and ability to drape fabric, but the repetitive nature of his designs seems to be getting him in trouble with the judges! I was reading a blog on the Bravo TV website written by Alison from Season 3, and here's what she had to say about Rami.

In the music industry, a one-hit wonder is an artist generally known for only
one hit single. In the fashion world we call it "Rami."

I see what she means, but then again Uli went pretty far with her flowy silk dresses in colorful prints, even after the judges continually asked her to bring more to the table. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what next week brings!

Inspiration: The Container Store

2008-01-15T01:07:00.000-05:00

If you're anything like me, then you're probably super-organized and can find any item at a moment's notice according to your own highly-developed System. And if you're not, then maybe one of your New Year's Resolutions was to finally organize yourself so that you won't have to rummage through packed drawers to find what you need anymore.

Either way, I highly recommend The Container Store for everything from office furniture to desk supplies to filing systems. The website will give you access to the full range of ingenious items for your home and office, but I definitely suggest paying a visit to the store if you have one near you. Every time I go in for a particular item, I walk out with a handful of other organizational supplies that I just "had to have."

PBteen Loft Furniture

2008-01-12T17:03:00.000-05:00

Sleep and Study Loft, $1,799

Hmmm, does this photo remind you of anything? I just got the newest PBteen catalogue in the mail yesterday and was reminded of the amazing furniture at Espace-Loggia when I saw this great piece. Once again, I can definitely picture this in my 10 x 10 dorm room - stylish and space-saving! Maybe this means that cutting-edge European design will be more accessible to us in the U.S. sometime soon...

Style Inspiration: Anthropologie

2008-01-12T16:37:00.000-05:00

Without a doubt, my fellow Anthro addicts will understand my obsession with the outfits section of the website. I always love to see the stylish, quirky, and girly combinations the fashionable people at Anthropologie always manage to come up with. What I find so interesting is that you don't necessarily need to buy the specific items featured in the outfits (although the pieces are so beautiful I usually find myself rushing to the store to get my hands on them!). Typically, I can find items in my closet to layer or mix in the same way the pieces in the outfit are combined to get the same feeling.

And I just had to add this last picture, because it combines two of my favorite things - shoes and books! Plus I love the vibrant colors and vintage feeling.

Bringing Paris Back Home

2008-01-08T23:30:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite interior design/decoration catalogues has to be Ballard Designs. I love flipping through the pages to admire the stylish rooms accented with interesting details like vintage prints and decorative items collected from world travels. I spotted this unique perspective shot from underneath the Eiffel Tower in the most recent catalogue, along with a completely adorable (and affordable!) door stop in the shape of the Tour Eiffel. Perfect for francophiles like me who want to bring a little bit of Paris back home to New York!

Le Base de la Tour Eiffel Print, $279.95

Eiffel Tower Doorstop, $29.95

Trend: Chain-Link Prints

2008-01-07T15:11:00.000-05:00

Silk chainlink wrap dress, $148
Silk chainlink skirt, $78Links-print merino cardigan, $110
Links-print silk tank dress, $140

It's 50 degrees and sunny outside in New York today, and this beautiful weather has put me in the mood to shop for spring clothing! As I was browsing the spring collections over at Banana Republic and J. Crew earlier, I couldn't help but notice one particular print that kept popping up - chain links!

What was interesting to me was how this same pattern worked so perfectly for two compeltely different styles and sensibilities. Banana Republic's classic, work-friendly wrap dresses and tailored skirts looked chic and sophisticated in this modern print. On the other hand J. Crew's cardigan and silk tank dress looked preppy and quirky in this print when casually styled with cute shorts and flats.

Interior Design for (Very) Small Spaces

2008-01-05T07:33:00.000-05:00

When I was in Paris, I couldn't help but notice the posters for Espace Loggia plastered throughout the metro system. I was so fascinated by the tiny rooms somehow packed with all of the necessities of home that I just had to visit the website as soon as I got home.

The furniture is designed to fit in minuscule Parisian apartments, but my college-oriented mind imagined it in my own minuscule dorm room! Imagine being able to pack a bed, a sofa, a walk-in closet, a desk, an armchair, etc. into a 10 x 10 space, all by capitalizing on (wasted) vertical space. Does anyone else think this idea is absolutely genius?

Unfortunately, my college does not allow me to remove the uninspiring desk and dresser set from my room (although I am planning to sneakily hide my desk chair to replace it with a new office chair!). However, I could definitely see myself furnishing a small apartment of my own with a set from Espace Loggia in the future.

P.S. The site is in French, but don't worry if you're not francophone. Just choose one of the four categories on the top right and click through the pictures. Enjoy!

Observations on French Style

2008-01-02T19:09:00.000-05:00

I'm back from Paris and already missing all things French! I successfully navigated the metro system and was even able to put years of French classes into practical use. Visiting the amazing art museums located within the city was certainly one of the highlights of my trip - from the Pompidou Centre to the Musee d'Orsay to the Louvre (of course!) - I was able to see in person all of the stunning works of art that I had previously only seen in textbooks.

Needless to say, seeing French fashion up close and personal was also an exciting aspect of my stay. I am always impressed by the impeccable style of Parisians young and old. Essential components of the "French look," if you can call it that, include knee-high leather boots, black opaque tights, casually draped scarves, and yes, lots and lots of black and dark grey, along with small bursts of accent colors. Layering is key, especially in cold weather.

Just an interesting observation - I found it so refreshing to see girls with "natural" looking hairstyles in Paris. In the U.S., the popular look seems to be either stick straight or perfectly styled, whereas the standard in France is long and wavy, deliberately unstyled.

By the way, thanks to everyone who commented on my last post with advice and suggestions on my scrapbooking venture! I have finally gotten together all of my photos, maps, and various other papers and will officially start my project tomorrow. I will be sure to let all of you know how it goes! Plus, you can expect to see more regular posting now that I am back home for the rest of winter break. Thanks for visiting!

Bon Annee!

Christmas Preparations and Projects

2007-12-24T12:07:00.000-05:00

So I don't know about all of you, but my house is pretty hectic this morning getting ready for family parties and holiday festivities. I am proud to say that I finished all of my own gift-wrapping last night, so I'm free from most of the stressful last-minute preparations. However, as soon as the holidays are over, I need to start packing for my upcoming trip to Paris!

In the meantime, you can entertain yourself with a hilarious website that enables you to "elf" yourself by putting your own head on the body of a dancing elf! http://www.elfyourself.com/

I am also very excited to get started on my next big project - a travel scrapbook that will finally find a home for the many, many pictures and other miscellaneous items I brought home from my trip to the Mediterranean last summer. I already made a trip to the crafts store near my home to pick up all of the necessary materials (solid and patterned papers, an album, various stickers and decorative backgrounds). If you happen to be a scrapbooker yourself, please feel free to share any helpful tips or creative ideas. I have only made two scrapbooks in the past, and this promises to be a much larger-scale project!

Winter Coats from j. Crew

2007-12-23T11:10:00.000-05:00

I am officially home on winter break and getting excited to celebrate Christmas and enjoy some time off from school. That means that I am writing from the comfort of my own (very large!) bedroom at home, rather than a (cramped) college dorm room!

I recently bought a new winter coat from j. Crew, so I wanted to share with you some of the beautiful and classic coats from their selection. If you are planning on purchasing a coat from j. Crew, I highly recommend choosing one that can be customized by adding a thinsulate layer. When I visited the j. Crew store, I was disappointed to see that their coats were extremely thin and not suited to the New York cold. However, when I got home and went online, I discovered that several of the coats (including the two pictured below) come with the option of thinsulate, which provides an extra layer of warmth. I purchased the double-cloth lady day coat pictured below with thinsulate, and I can vouch for the fact that it really does add warmth without adding any bulkiness.
Double-cloth lady day coat, $298 (with thinsulate, $318)

Double-cloth sybil coat, $298 (with thinsulate, $318)

By the way, I absolutely love the dark poppy color pictured above. So perfect for the holidays, but very classic at the same time!

Work Spaces and Inspiration Boards

2007-12-18T21:21:00.000-05:00

Sorry for my absence -- finals were keeping me busy the last couple of days. I am happy to report, however, that I am officially done with exams and will have more time for my creative projects now! With that said, my newest "obsession" is browsing the collection of photos of inspiration boards available on Flickr. I am always so impressed by the innovation and creativity evident in these work spaces, not to mention the inspiration bursting from the pictures and papers displayed on the boards themselves. Now that I have had a look at some of these gorgeous spaces, I am motivated to create my own inspiration board to brighten up my day a bit while I am studying or writing papers at my desk!

All photos from Flickr, Inspiration Board (pool)

PBteen

2007-12-15T18:46:00.000-05:00

I just ordered myself a new office chair from PBteen (on sale from $179 to $149, by the way). I have been searching for a functional and stylish chair to replace the standard dorm room desk chair (which is neither comfortable nor good-looking). If you're looking for new seating, PBteen has a variety of desk chairs and lounge chairs on sale right now!

Speaking of PBteen, their website is always an amazing source of design inspiration for me. I love the way they combine items to create rooms full of personality, individuality, and youthful attitude. Of course, some of the rooms on display are a bit "over-the-top," but others are impressively sophisticated and full of creative ideas ready to be incorporated into your own space.

Holiday Decorating: Anthropologie Ornaments

2007-12-15T12:20:00.000-05:00

OK, so it's no secret that I am in love with Anthropologie, and their adorable holiday ornament collection makes me love this store even more! I think that what makes them so special is their slightly quirky, "hand-made" style. (Possible craft project over winter break??) Here are a few of my personal favorites, most of which happen to be on sale right now on the Anthropologie website, so be sure to check out the selection.

By the way, I adore the collection of cozy sweater ornaments. How lovely would it be to decorate a Christmas tree around the theme of handknit sweaters and scarves?

Holiday Decorating

2007-12-13T20:25:00.000-05:00

Here are some creative ideas for holiday parties and decorations, all courtesy of Real Simple (if you're not already a subscriber, I highly recommend this magazine). I was impressed to see that all of these suggestions are not only smart and inventive but also fairly easy to put together in a short amount of time.

Using craft stencils to write a festive holiday message on the wall.

Replacing traditional placemats with whiteboards to entertain your guests.

Making a mobile/hanging ceiling art out of wooden craft hoops.

Be sure to share your own creative holiday decorating ideas. I'm always looking for more inspiration!

The Sartorialist

2007-12-12T21:24:00.000-05:00

I am absolutely loving the latest street style pictures on the Sartorialist! These photographs seem to not only capture the unique style of individuals but also to unite far-flung cities in their common appreciation of fashion and creativity. I love to see how each person photographed interprets "trends" and incorporates fashion into his/her own daily lifestyle. And as much as we all love the glamour of high-fashion, I find it so much easier to identify with a "real" person exhibiting a day-to-day style as it relates to the atmosphere of the city.

With that said, I found this photograph particularly memorable. Besides the stunning background of Christmas trees and holiday lights, I love how this girl has put together a practical (read: warm!) outfit that also embodies the festive holiday spirit. Makes me want to grab a thick woolen scarf and cozy peacoat!

Holiday Decorating: 3D Paper Snowflake

2007-12-10T19:56:00.000-05:00

I found a website with really simple instructions to make amazing 3D snowflakes. They're surprisingly easy to make, but the end result is stunning! I made one in about 15 minutes to hang in my dorm room window for the holidays. I'm already thinking of all the possibilities to decorate and embellish these snowflakes (different colored paper, glitter, small silver bells, the list is endless).

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-3D-Paper-Snowflake

Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort

2007-12-10T09:40:00.000-05:00

It might be cold and rainy outside, but that hasn't stopped me from browsing the resort collections on Shopbop in my spare time (i.e. during "study breaks"). After a thorough perusal of all the options, I have to say that Marc by Marc Jacobs stood out to me the most for its bright colors and fresh attitude. The shapes and color combinations may not be ground-breaking, but that doesn't stop this collection from being quirky and adorable. Staying true to form, M by MJ offers pieces with youthful energy and thoughtful, feminine details. Not to mention that the hair tie is completely charming and manages to turn a little-girl necessity into a fashion statement.

Solid Silk CDC Top, $228; Raquel Faille Short, $198

Sailboat Print Top, $228; Slubby Chambray Short, $168

Wave Print Halter Dress, $198

Neon Marc Bobble Hair Tie, $28

Tory Burch

2007-12-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

So, I'm considering purchasing a pair of Tory Burch ballet flats. Even though these shoes were ubiquitous in New York this fall (seriously, it seemed as if everyone and their mother was wearing a pair of black Tory Burches!), I can't help thinking that they really complement my style. I normally shy away from large logos in favor of more discreet designer items, but I have to admit that I find myself really liking these! Of course, I am a huge fan of the ballet flat and love adding to my collection. Other than that, the elasticized back is perfect for making sure that the shoes don't fall off of my narrow heels. Plus, there is a pretty wide range of colors and styles available, so you can wear a trendy item and still set yourself apart with a daring color choice.

OK, so I've made my argument in favor of Tory Burch flats. Now, I'm interested to hear your opinions! Are you for or against?

Reva Ballet Flats, Tory Burch, $195

Things to Make You Smile

2007-12-06T01:09:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it, but the semester is nearly over and now it's just a matter of wrapping up loose ends and taking finals (!) before winter break is finally upon us. I am proud to say that I just finished my final paper for the semester, so I decided to reward myself with a little blog-reading and an entry for the day. The low temperatures have been getting to me lately (the walk back to my dorm at night is not fun), so this blog post is devoted to things that make me smile and remind me of bright, cheerful summer days.

I absolutely love van Gogh's paintings. Despite his troubled life, paintings like these do not contain any signs of it. These beautiful and serene landscapes always have a calming effect on me with their gentle swirls of shades of blue and green.

Wheat Field with Cypresses

The Olive Trees

I was lucky enough to spend two weeks in Greece this summer, and it was definitely an unforgettable experience. The narrow cobble-stoned streets lined with blue and white houses and tiny churches invite you to explore the small towns and see what lies around the next corner. Not to mention wonderful shopping opportunities -- silver jewelry, bracelets with the Greek eye motif, and breezy linen clothing.

And for your daily fashion fix, I love these adorable and summery sundresses dresses by Milly. I love the bright and cheerful colors, the retro shapes, and the carefree and feminine attitude.

Gemma Silk Mini Dress, $360
Button Yoke Mini Dress, $370

Quick Picture

2007-12-03T17:43:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again (and no, I'm not talking about the holidays). It's the end of the semester, which means that papers, projects, and final exams will fill my schedule for the next several weeks. Nevertheless, I'll leave you with a recent picture from the Sartorialist. This lovely girl's outfit is chic and polished, not to mention that it is also well-suited to the rainy weather - because form and function can exist together!

So Much to Do, So Little Time

2007-12-02T19:21:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I have been super-busy over the last couple of days and am currently buried under a mound of work! To make it worse, the next two to three weeks look like they are going to be just as hectic and work-filled. But don't worry -- I will try to make time for updates, even if they are very brief! So for now I will leave you with a few disjointed thoughts/suggestions/pieces of advice.

If you're in New York, definitely check out Loehmann's. I went in yesterday and found some amazing pieces that must have arrived only recently. Especially exciting were several racks filled with gorgeous blouses, blazers, and cropped pants by Rebecca Taylor (one of my new favorite designers!).
Make time to see New York City Ballet's production of The Nutcracker. It is such a fantastic holiday tradition, plus it is absolutely adorable to see families bringing their young children to see the show for the very first time. And even if you can't make it to see NYCB, take advantage of local companies and touring companies in your area.
Decorate for the holidays! Sadly to say, housing does not permit students to have live Christmas trees in their rooms (!), but I would still like to make my dorm festive for the holidays. I am thinking twinkle lights and maybe even a wreath hung in my window would be nice touches.
Check out style.com's feature on packing for holiday travel. Even though I will not be spending my break lounging poolside in the Caribbean (I am going to Paris this year), I can still admire the collages of colorful bikinis and chic cover-ups and daydream about tropical weather!
Put together your own non-school-related reading list for over the holidays and make a trip to Barnes & Noble to pick up your selections. Then plan to spend a few days over winter break lounging on the couch under a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and a good book.

That's all for now -- I will try to update again soon!

Shift Dresses

2007-11-30T20:10:00.000-05:00

I absolutely adore the look of a short shift dress paired with black opaque tights. First of all, this combination offer endless options for layering (cropped cardigan, turtleneck) and shoe choice (ballet flats, knee-high boots). Secondly, it is perfectly chic and classic while remaining "on trend" by channeling mod 60's-era vibes reminiscent of Edie Sedgwick and Twiggy. Classic black wins extra fashion points, but embellishment at the neckline or unique structural details only adds to the sophisticated-chic look.

Alice + Olivia Beaded Yoke Dress, $385
Milly Dot Wool Jacquard Colorblock Dress, $356

Milly Loop Shift Dress, $377

Plus, free shipping at Shopbop, and you know what that means - extra reason to go (online) shopping!

More Cozy Sweaters Plus an Update

2007-11-28T20:06:00.000-05:00

To follow up on my previous post about cozy sweaters for winter, I decided to purchase the lovely Anthropologie sweater that all of you loved so much for myself! I also ordered the Theory sweater in the dark charcoal color as a Christmas present for a close friend. I think that they are both perfect wardrobe additions, because they are great winter basics that can be layered over tanks or tees, but at the same time they have interesting details all on their own.

I also continued my sweater kick over at J.Crew. Lately, I have been really into the bright, cheerful colors and patterns of their preppy sweaters and cardigans. Not to mention that college students get an extra 10% off in all J.Crew stores by showing their schools IDs! Extra incentive to shop!! (Not that I/we really need it though.

Wool cashmere argyle cardigan, $88 from $98

Striped Cambridge cable crewneck sweater, $80

Glimmer-dot merino cardigan, $95

By the way, does the last cardigan remind anyone else of this Marc by Marc Jacobs cardigan? (Of course, the price-tag is a bit more forgiving!)

Kristi sweater cardigan, Shopbop, $258

Style Inspiration

2007-11-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been trying to be more creative with my wardrobe as far as mixing shapes and playing with proportions. I feel that my own personal style tends toward the "classic" end of the spectrum (i.e. I love the sophisticated-chic look of a great trench coat or the perfect pair of black ballet flats), but this does not mean that I do not also like to experiment with my outfits.

I happened to stumble upon this quote on the Shopbop website last night, and I think that it perfectly captures my prerogative on fashion.

Classic is no longer synonymous with boring. Tailored style has taken new shape in daring silhouettes and a fresh look at the suit. Trust in simply chic accessories. They last a lifetime.

With that said, here are some interesting outfit combinations that I find inspirational at the moment. Although I might not necessarily wear these exact combinations, I can definitely see myself picking and choosing certain elements in these outfits to highlight my own style.

Winter Fashion Necessity: Cozy Sweaters

2007-11-26T14:56:00.000-05:00

Anthropologie, Wrapped Up Cardigan, $168

Theory, Verdana Sweater Coat, $295

J.Crew, Lofy Alpaca Shawl-collar Sweater, $88

Fashion Obsession: Riding Boots

2007-11-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

I have been searching for the perfect pair of riding boots for quite some time now, and I believe that this stunning pair is the culmination of my search! Even though they constitute a major trend in fall/winter fashion, riding boots are truly a very versatile footwear style. Besides pairing them with skinny or straight-leg jeans, I love the look of riding boots with a shift dress or skirt layered with thick tights in grey or black. Not to mention that this pair from J.Crew is currently on sale, so be sure to order them ASAP if you're interested! (Tenley low-heel boots, $214.40 from $268)

By the way, please share your own ideas for working riding boots or other low-heel boots into your wardrobe this season. I am looking forward to putting together some interesting and creative outfit combinations incorporating these boots!

Theory

2007-11-25T10:56:00.000-05:00

So, I confess to being a Theory addict. I can rattle off the names of the various styles of pants. I am familiar with the slight differences between the many shades of grey available. I have an entire section of my closet devoted to my collection of Theory. My newest addition is the Steffen W Dress ($285), which I am planning to "winterize" by layering it over a long-sleeve top and thick opaque tights, paired with knee-high boots.

After-Thanksgiving Sales/The Gap

2007-11-25T10:24:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of updates over the long weekend - I was home from college and spent the time visiting family and friends. However, I certainly did make time for shopping (!), and I'm very excited to share some of my finds.

I have to admit that I usually bypass the Gap in favor of various other stores, but I'm glad that I decided to have a look yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised to find a selection of chic shift dresses that I can definitely see paired with some stylish low-heeled riding boots. Not to mention that both of these lovely pieces were on sale, so I got some great bargains!

Colorblock shift dress, $64.99; Navy wool henley dress, $49.99

Trend Watch: Bold Necklaces

2007-11-21T15:50:00.001-05:00

I love the idea of pairing a solid-colored top with a really bold, bright-colored necklace. When the two tones are from opposing color families, the contrast really brings out the full strength and intensity of each of the colors, as in this perfect example from J.Crew.

This reminds me that I need to update my jewelry collection with some really fun, statement-making necklaces. I tend to buy lots of delicate, dangly earrings while neglecting more dramatic pieces like over-sized necklaces.

Even better, I would love to learn how to design and make my own jewelry. It seems as if I am constantly commenting, "I could make that myself" whenever I see especially overpriced jewelry pieces, but I have never taken the initiative to actually do just that. Does anyone have any advice on jewelry-making? Motivational photos of creative jewelry projects? Fabulous bead/jewelry supply stores in New York?

Close-Up on Color: Marni Spring 2008

2007-11-21T15:16:00.000-05:00

Style Inspiration: Anthropologie

2007-11-20T22:26:00.000-05:00

1. Layered Mist Tunic, $98; 2. Looking Glass Tee, $168; 3. Pretty as a Picture Tee, $98; 4. Midnight Hour Dress, $218; 5. Colonnade Trousers, $158; 6. Le Monde Drops, $58; 7. Clock Strikes Top, $228; 8. Fumoso Necklace, $148; 9. Flowered Sky Shift, $158

Paris Street Style

2007-11-20T16:22:00.000-05:00

In anticipation of my upcoming trip to Paris, I have been spending my time browsing photos of Parisian street style. Let me just say that this little hobby is highly addictive; I don't believe that I will ever get tired of admiring the natural elegance and sophistication of French fashionistas. It seems that each and every girl has an easy, natural, and totally unique fashion sensibility that avoids the danger of seeming contrived.

Houndstooth

2007-11-20T13:15:00.001-05:00

My latest fashion obsession? ">Houndstooth. The bold, graphic print is completely modern, but it still manages to incorporate elements of classic chic, making for the perfection combination.

I remember spotting a few items in a Banana Republic store earlier in the season, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they are now on sale! Extra motivation to add some houndstooth to your winter wardrobe.

More Rainy Day Fashion

2007-11-20T09:54:00.000-05:00

Sigh. It's another rainy day in New York, so time to pull out the rainboots and trench coat yet again.

In terms of shopping, this rain has me craving this ">Magritte-inspired umbrella. It has the perfect balance of practical functionality and fashion-forward wittiness.

Plus, it beats the 5 euro umbrella I'm currently using, which was bought on the street in Florence during a downpour.

Discount Dance Supply

2007-11-20T01:27:00.000-05:00

As both a ballet dancer and a fashionista, shopping for new dancewear is the perfect combination of two of my biggest passions. And while ballet class is about much more than what you're wearing, a cute leotard/skirt/legwarmers ensemble can brighten up your daily class!

P.S. I do all of my dance-related shopping at ">Discount Dance Supply
. Local dance stores tend to be very overpriced, and I can testify that the exact same items are available online for a fraction of the price.

Tomas Maier of Bottega Veneta

2007-11-19T22:05:00.000-05:00

Hide and Chic

I just finished reading an interesting and refreshing interview with Tomas Maier, creative director of Bottega Veneta, that appeared in the New York Times Style Magazine on November 4th. For the head of an internationally recognized fashion house, Maier has a surprisingly down-to-earth perspective on the concept of luxury and how it relates to fashion. To give you an idea, here is a short excerpt from the article, but I really do suggest that you check it out for yourselves. He presents some interesting ideas that I think we could all afford to keep in mind, since it is all too easy to be swept up in the world of high fashion.

Used is good. A bag always looks best when a woman has carried it for years and it’s broken in. A jacket that you’ve had for a while is much more pleasant than when you just bought it, because it takes the shape of your body and has much more character.

And let me just say that this next line is an absolute gem. It goes so much deeper than the trite axiom "quality over quantity" and makes you really think about what can give you a sense of contentment.

I prefer to have very little, but it has to be exactly the right thing.

Longchamp Le Pliage

2007-11-19T21:37:00.000-05:00

OK, so I understand that the Longchamp Le Pliage is ubiquitous. Which means that fashionistas around the world will look on this bag with scorn and seek something more "exclusive." At the same time, it's a chic and simple every-day bag that is roomy enough for all the essential but still lightweight.

The solution -- a customized Le Pliage! Honestly, I feel like I'm giving away a secret here; of the thousands of bags I've seen, I have only spotted 2 customized ones besides my own.

The only downside is that the bag will cost you a bit more, not to mention shipping and handling direct from Paris, but I think that the wide array of choices more than makes up for the price markup! And even if you don't end up ordering one (or three), it's still fun to come up with interesting color combinations on the Longchamp website! You have the option of changing the strap length, choosing the hardware, and pairing any two base colors and stripe colors.

RedEnvelope

2007-11-19T16:25:00.000-05:00

Whenever I'm looking for a gift that is sweet, thoughtful, and a little different, I immediately head on over to RedEnvelope. The catalog/website has a huge selection of delicate jewelry, luxurious pajamas and robes, and unique decorative pieces for the home. As a bonus, your gift purchases come in a gorgeous red leather case with your own customized message to the receiver.

For Mother's Day last year, I bought my mom this beautiful "pea in a pod" necklace. You have the option of one, two, three, or four pearls to symbolize the mother's children. How adorable is that?

I am a huge fan of Murano glass, and RedEnvelope never fails to have several stunning pieces. I also spotted this precious baby elephant ring holder -- could be a cute stocking stuffer! (Not to mention, it's a bargain at only $38.)

I almost forgot one of my favorite little details about RedEnvelope. Each item you buy comes with a charming story to explain the thought behind the creation. For example, here's the elephant's story:

They say an elephant never forgets, which makes this adorable silver-plated baby elephant the perfect partner for helping you remember where you put your rings. A delightful addition to your sink or bedside table, his elongated trunk safely holds your rings when not in use.

Rainy Day Fashion

2007-11-19T14:54:00.000-05:00

It's another cold, rainy, and dreary day in New York -- the kind of day when you would love to stay in bed and read, not get up and go to a lecture. Sound familiar?

At the very least, I can cheer myself up by remembering the cute and cheerful options for rainy day fashion! Whenever it looks like it's going to rain, I pull out my chic Kenneth Cole trench coat (I'm usually against "must-haves," but I really do believe that every girl needs a great, classic trench coat in her wardrobe).

I also love seeing the array of colorful rainboots that crop up in New York when it rains. I searched out this particular Pucci pair for weeks with no luck, but I always spot at least one fashionable lady wearing them whenever it rains. Do you think it would be awkward to attempt buying them off some girl's feet?! Well, I guess that I will have to content myself with my own cute pair from Urban Outfitters.

PBteen

2007-11-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

I have always been fascinated and inspired by the concept of the college dorm room. Sure, they are typically cramped, badly air-conditioned, and often in less-than-perfect condition. But to me, a dorm room signifies a blank canvas, a chance to exercise those interior design skills (and shopping skills, too!). It seems like a fitting challenge for one of those reality TV shows (design a 100 square foot dorm room without painting).

So, I spent much of my summer purchasing bedding and pillows, comparing mini fridges, and planning out every last detail of my ideal dorm room. Since I have to give credit where credit is due, PBteen was a huge inspiration to me in sorting out my "design." In the end, 90% of the items in my room were ordered off of the PBteen website.

And yes, I absolutely love my dorm room, in spite of all its "flaws"!

Anthropologie

2007-11-19T01:41:00.000-05:00

Sure, we all look forward to Thanksgiving every year as a day to celebrate food, family, and friends. But let's be honest here - we also look forward to Thanksgiving as the beginning of the holiday shopping season. Can you say Black Friday?

In the spirit of the holiday, I have been perusing Anthropologie's website over the last few days. As always, I am completely in love with not only their clothing but also their unique aesthetic and viewpoint. It makes me wonder whether the world of Anthropologie actually exists outside of their (perfectly charming and endearingly quirky) stores.

For your enjoyment, here's an excerpt from their website:

Step into a candyland of grandeur, where the air is aromatic with the scents of sabarina and creme brulee.

A girl can dream, right? Sigh.

Pinkberry

2007-11-19T01:13:00.000-05:00

Earlier today, I finally made a trip to Pinkberry to sample their much-debated frozen yogurt for myself. Now, I am not going to address whether it is or isn't yogurt. Likewise, I am not going to question what exactly is in it. I'm not even going to touch the issue of the lengths some people will go to in order to get their hands on these stuff.

From a perfectly superficial perspective, Pinkberry is young and stylish (even if it edges dangerously close to the realm of cutesy). I tested the original, and sadly it's not the best-tasting frozen yogurt I've ever had. The point is, it's not even really about the taste.

Anyway, I admit that I do like the design aesthetic of their stores however, and the concise menu is refreshingly simple. Just enough choices, but not too many to bewilder you.

Project Runway

2007-11-19T00:26:00.000-05:00

I am always so busy Monday-Friday that I am forced to relegate TV-watching to the weekends. That's why I just finished watching the premiere of Season 4 of Project Runway, even though it aired on Wednesday night! I think it's safe to say that I am hooked. The only minor inconvenience is that I have to watch episodes in 10-minute clips on Youtube, since I don't have a cable TV in my dorm.

Getting to the actual show, I was relieved to see that the producers avoided a "gimmicky" first project this season. I always sensed some sort of injustice in eliminating talented designers based on problems working with garbage and gardening supplies. It makes infinitely more sense to establish the designers' relative skill in working with real fabric from the outset.

With that said, I honestly was impressed by Rami's dress. It was the epitome of simplicity and elegance, and it brought to mind images of a classical Greek goddess (I am choosing to overlook the rosette detail). However, my favorite to win is without a doubt Christian. I felt that his look embodied an international, high-fashion sensibility and delivered a fresh, modern, and young perspective.