February 28, 2014

How to Dress Stress Free for the Weekend

Stress Free Dressing



We are all stressed whether its from work, kids, personal situations, etc...why add dressing into the mix?Getting dressed shouldn't be stressful especially on the weekends when it's all about relaxing and enjoying your time. When it comes to getting dressed on the weekends I'm all about getting back to basics: basic top, my favorite denim jeans, and slip on shoes. You can still look chic while being dressed down. It's all about the key pieces like the slip on sneakers and basic wear.

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Jacket: Zara | Top: H&M | Jeans: American Eagle | Sneakers: Peter Pilotto for Target | Clutch: Zara
Knuckle Rings: c/o Hugssy.com | Sunglasses: Tobi.com

photos by Brian Cavanaugh

1. The Go-To Jacket. We all have our favorite coat or jacket hanging in our closet. Mine is my Zara "leather" motor jacket.

2. The Bag. Lets be honest, you shouldn't be carrying around a lot of things on the weekend. All you should need is your wallet, keys, cellphone, and of course lipstick! A small clutch or cross body bag should do the trick.

3. Basic Top. I love my basic wear. They can easily transit in your closet and be used to dress up or dress down a look. To add a chicness to your look do a printed top, like stripes or polka-dots. This adds a bit of interest to the look. Plus, these are classic prints.

4. Slip On Sneaks. I just picked up the Peter Pilotto for Target sneakers for only $29.99 which was the best decision ever! Slip on sneakers are perfect for the spring/summer months coming up. Slip them on with your favorite pair of jeans, shorts, skirts, or dresses. I fancy the sneakers that are printed. But I'm loving the chic twist that I've seen designers doing now with leather and calf-hair.

5. Favorite Jeans. It always goes back to your favorite pair of jeans. Whether they are boyfriend style or skinny jeans. I was happy that the weather was warm enough this weekend to wear my American Eagle ripped knee jeans, since these are one of my favorite pair of jeans in my closet.

Don't forget to top your look off with your favorite lipstick! My go to lip is the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Fiery. Red lips are ultimate chicness, but stick to your favorites. Lipsticks seriously pump up the volume in your look, plus they are a great confident booster.

What are your key pieces to stress free dressing?

February 26, 2014

Menswear Inspired: The Pussy Bow Blouse

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What a name for a blouse right? Pussy Bow...seriously who came up with that?  They have been made famous by classic designers like Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. These pieces have remained timeless chic pieces that have been staples in many woman closets for decades. They are fun to dress up in a super feminine way with a flowy skirt and pumps, but for me it's all about toning down the overly feminine look. I love seeing these tops paired with tailored pants and worn in a more menswear inspired way. So I decided to play with this top and my favorite pair of plaid pants from Zara.


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Jacket: DKNY | Sweater: Forever21 | Shirt: Old Navy (old) | Pants: Zara (on sale) | Shoes: c/o Ann Taylor | Bag: Alexander Wang (sample sale) | Hat: Ralph Lauren (Century21) | Scarf: NYC Street Vendor 


photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh

How would/do you wear the the pussy bow blouse?

PS. now to answer my own question thanks to Wikipedia " It takes the form of a bow tied at the neck, similar to those that used to be tied around kittens' and cats' necks."

February 24, 2014

Inspirational Monday: Ultimate Oscar Party


The Oscars is all about glam, red carpet dresses, and parties. So why not throw a glamorous party of your own including chic invites, delicious foods, and creative little cocktails. My Oscar party would definitely include everyone getting dressed up and looking fabulous. Maybe even rolling out a "Red Carpet" for the full effect. I love playing dressing up and this little H&M dress that I bought awhile ago is the perfect "Red Carpet" dress. Especially since I've only worn it once (during Fashion Week in September duh!) Plus what's more Hollywood than a fur coat! 


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Coat: c/o Lulu*s | Dress: H&M (old) | Shoes: c/o Ann Taylor | Necklace: c/o Ann Taylor

pictures taken by Brian Cavanaugh

To pair up a night of Red Carpet looks you need the right cocktails. Bailey's has you covered with a collection of different liqueurs to make your Oscar themed cocktails. My favorite cocktail shot is the Glamour Shot. It not only includes Bailey's new liqueur (Bailey's Vanilla Cinnamon Irish Cream Liqueur) but one of my all time favorite schnapps, Goldschlager. Goldschlager Schnapps will add the extra little kick to this cocktail, while making this drink sparkle. 

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How will you be watching the Oscars?


“Baileys Irish Cream. Stay Stylish. Drink Responsibly.”


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“Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Diageo via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Diageo. Diageo reserved the right to repost assets, quotes, and blog posts via their owned digital properties noting the author.”

February 21, 2014

NYFW Fall 2014: Georgine's To Be or Not to Be Moment

Georgine Ratelband debuted her namesake line Georgine under the tents at Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week on a snowy Sunday night in Lincoln Center. Though this is her fourth collection this was her first notable showing of her line...and what a collection to debut! Ratelband's inspiration for the fall season was Shakespare's Hamlet, which couldn't be more fitting for a debut line as it was her "to be or not be" moment. This collection had a darker undertone much like the play itself. The Georgine woman is feminine yet edgy, which is my type of woman.
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photo credit: Dan Lecca

This was Ratelband's "to be moment" for sure.  As soon as I instagrammed my favorite look I knew it was going to be a hit (see here). I mean every badass chick needs a black fur coat, leather leggings, and cool ass shades. Another one of my favorite looks was the dark brown coat with the pink collar. The pink collar gives it a nice refreshing pop of color for fall, especially in New York when it's a sea of black coats. Her use of fur, leather, and tailored trousers are undeniably luxurious. Oh how I wanted to curl up in one of her fur coats. Honestly wanted to run out in the snow with the pink tipped sleeve fur coat. Even backstage I stood there for awhile just stroking it, thinking to myself "pet the fuzzy wall" (Get Him to the Greek...anyone?). Actually it does have a calming effect...maybe that's why everyone wears fur during fashion week? Anyway, I can  see Georgine's line appealing to woman of all ages from us style blogger who look a little edge to those woman who love classic style pieces i.e. fur coats, black dresses, and fur shawls.

What do you think of Georgine's NYFW debut?


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February 19, 2014

NYFW Fall 2014: Saunder's Singing Detective Inspiration

Saunder's Fall 2014

by Tamara Walker of The Curvy Socialite

Despite Mother Nature’s relentless fury-- in the form of epic snowfalls and freezing temps that the Olympians in Sochi could only dream of-- New York played host to another installment of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. So with my big red coat (which my neighbor’s daughter has deemed the Samantha coat as it is reminiscent of the American Girls doll’s finery), and my oversized patent leather croc purse, I found myself headed to the fashion savvy neighborhood of Chelsea and the tres chic, High Line Hotel. The High Line Hotel, a former seminary turned boutique hotel, served as an impressive backdrop to the SAUNDER Fall/Winter 2014 Collection.
SAUNDER, a contemporary ready-to-wear line born of the creative mind of Manhattan-based designer, Emily Saunders, has been described as a reflection of her eclectic, worldly tastes. Each collection is infused with global style influences reflecting Saunders penchant for travel and her passion for the Big Apple.  
This season, SAUNDER did not only draw inspiration from abroad but from the 80s BBC miniseries ‘The Singing Detective,’ the story of a pulp fiction novelist hospitalized for a chronic skin condition and who spends most of his time in a feverish dream state where he marries his fantasies about being a Noir detective with the reality of the memories of growing up in wartime Britain. The collection combines the femme fatale aesthetic of the film noir era with the palette and geometric patterns of the 1980s to create a beautiful collection ideal for the likes of the contemporary New York woman.  Collaborating with SAUNDER for the second time, native New Yorker, Megan Isaacs, created a capsule collection of ten necklaces that showcased the film noir feel through a pop art lens. For added flair, the hair and make-up evoked the wartime era with vintage hair styles featuring deep waves and simple yet sexy lips in vibrant reds, wines and plums.
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The SAUNDER Fall/Winter Collection was definitely a favorite this season with its retro sophisticated feel.
Note from the Editor

Thanks to Tamara for treking through New York's crazy winter weather to make the Saunder's show for Fashionista NY Girl. This collection is so fun! I can totally see myself rocking the "baby doll" dress with the fur coat. 

What do you think of Saunder's Fall 2014 collection?

February 17, 2014

Outfit Post: What I Wore to NYFW Day 6

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Jacket: DKNY (from Fox's) | Sweater: T by Alexander Wang (from The Outnet) | Shorts: Zara | Shoes: Aldo | 
Bag: Alexander Wang (from sample sale) | Beanie: Forever21 | Sunglasses: c/o Hugssy.com

picture taken by Brian Cavanaugh

Yet again another casually chic look that I wore to day 6 of NYFW. Maybe it was the weather but this season I was def. feeling more comfortable then being overly dressed up. Which was good as Monday was a busy day for me from running around the tents to running to different shows off-site. As much as I love fashion week...I'm glad that its over. It always feel like a blur and then I get thrown back into my usual routine and always feel lost. I'm still trying to get back into the swing of things. Also happy that I have today off from work for Presidents Day. I can really use a day to just rest. Hope everyone who has the day off enjoys it!

February 16, 2014

NYFW Fall 2014: Concept Korea

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picture taken by Kimberlee 

By Kimberlee Van Der Wall from I Have a Degree in This

I had the pleasure of attending the Concept Korea show where some of the top emerging designers from Korea come to show at New York Fashion Week. This season presented four designers: KAAEL E. SUKTAE, CHOIBOKO, Beyond Closet and BIG PARK. The clothes were very fresh and modern. There was also a lot of hip hop music, which brought a great energy to the shows. Here are my thoughts of each:

KAAL E.SUKTAE by LEE SUK TAE  
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Photo Credit: CHP Image Creation

My favorite collection of the group. It was downtown chic to the max. The designer says he was "inspired by 1990's fashion, the collection translates 'grunge' into modern and new structural silhouettes." The 90's grunge trend is still going strong in Fall 2014. I'm obsessed with the oversized brimmed hats (very American Horror Story looking).

CHOIBOKO 

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Photo Credit: CHP Image Creation


"One of the charms of being human is that our memories aren't like computers. Instead, memories become distorted over time. This collection, 'Fabricated Memory', portrays my reminiscences of the white coat has been transformed over time." It was definitely all about the coats and oversized graphic prints.

Beyond Closet by Ko Tae Yong 
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Photo Credit: CHP Image Creation

"I drew inspiration from my time in the army. The collection imagines a soldier on leave, blending military staples with more relaxed dressing." Another collection that was filled with amazing coats. The models walked down to hardcore rap, which gave the collection an edge. It was a relaxed runway with models showing some swag. I'd definitely want a man to dress in one of these chic looks.

BIG PARK by Park Youn Soo 
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Photo Credit: CHP Image Creation

My second favorite collection of the whole show because it had that punk sensibility to it with checkered patterns, leather bomber jackets and corn rows on the models. Park Youn Soo said he was inspired by "a romantic moment between two loved ones over dinner." There were also playful looks with pleated mini skirts and combat boots.


Note from the Editor

Thanks to Kimberlee from I Have a Degree in This for covering Concept Korea for me! I'm so loving KAAL E.SUKTAE by LEE SUK TAE  collection of wide brim hats. This whole collection has a bad ass girl feel. Since I have a slight obsession with coats I totally dig BIG PARK by Park Youn Soo  collection of coats. Oversized and motor jackets...yes please! These four designers have a refreshing feel. It's always fun to see up-and-coming designers, they usually have the most innovative ideas...which these four designers def. prove.

What do you think of this collection? 

February 14, 2014

NYFW Fall 2014: Karolyn Pho's NYFW Debut

Karolyn Pho might not be new to the fashion scene as she has been a costume designer as well as a stylist to the stars (yes she also dated Shia LaBeouf) but she is new to the NYFW scene. Pho debuted her Fall Collection on a bitter cold Monday night at Pier 59 to a packed house. I got the chance to view the collection and meet the young vibrant woman behind the line. She is pretty much just like the girl she designs for, fun badass chick that commands the room when she walks in. This collection is for those urban hipster girls who like looking good while chucking down a can of PBR.

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all pictures taken by me. view more here.

Her line is full of metallics and skater dresses that reminded me of American Apparel. I couldn't help but think of the cool Brooklyn hipster girls rocking her clothing with a pair of combat boots and plaid shirts tied around their waste. I love that there is an ease and sort of reliability to her collection. I know there are def. a few pieces in her collection that I wouldn't mind hanging up in my closet, including the sweater crop top.


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February 13, 2014

NYFW Fall 2014: Skingraft's Jonny Cota Shows that He's Alpha Designer of Fall Wear

After being blown away by Jonny Cota's spring debut at New York Fashion Week in September, I could not wait to see what he had up his sleeve for Skingraft's Fall 2014 show. Let me tell you, it was a show not be missed. I've waited all season to be totally blown away by a collection and he did it. Cota's inspiration this collection was "the idea of drastic climate change and an inevitable return to a dystopian survivalist future." He looked to Siberian, Mongolian, and arctic tribal cultures who have adapted and created a community in harsh climates for centuries for centuries.

Woman's Wear:

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I want everything. I mean honestly this line had me falling out of my seat. The knit wear, his leather working, EVERYTHING. I can not say enough about his leather working and attention to details. I love that he's inhibited and isn't afraid to try new fabrications which included hand-quilted leather and mohair, shaved ponyhair. ribbed nylon-fused fleece and metal detail work. I'm completely and utterly obsessed with this collection. I'm going to need Skingraft to have a sample sale so that I can actually get my hands on these pieces. I mean come on!

Men's Wear:
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 all photos taken by me. see more here.

If you have read my write-ups on menswear I typically love the more traditional classic menswear pieces. With that being said, when rocker wear done right I'm all over it. I love that Cota has a little bit of something for everyone. Not a man that can pull of a kilt then how about a quilted style leather jacket. I even want the cargo knit sweatpants. Which I find hilarious, since I always make fun of my guy friends for wearing cargo pants. I guess you can put cargo pockets on anything!

To say the least Cota was made for fall. This is seriously his season. Leather, layers, and just ultimate badass feel. O and yes all shoes and accessories are from the Skingraft line!

What do you think of Skingraft's Fall 2014 collection?
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