Wonderland in New York City

For years I've wanted to see the National Ballet of Canada's production of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. When it first premiered in Toronto in 2011, I was so busy finishing up a graduate degree in Museum Studies and working at the AGO that the opportunity to see the production slipped by. When the production ran again in Toronto I was already living in NYC. At one point news of the production playing in Washington had me considering a weekend get-away. But finally came news that it would be performed at the David Koch Theater in Lincoln Center for a few days in September. Finally! For awhile I thought I might miss it out on seeing it again with travel plans looming however with things still up in the air on that front I was able to attend a performance on September 9. Despite having to leave the theater early because I was feeling unwell, I am very glad I got to see part of this ballet and thought it was delightful. I wouldn't say it was the best ballet I've seen in terms of dance but I really enjoyed the storytelling in this one and found it every bit as whimsical as I thought it would be. Beautiful costumes, sets, music, choreography and a timeless story that never fails to transfix and transport. 

And I had a really wonderful time putting together an outfit that was Wonderland inspired!

Outfit Details:
Dress: Time is of the Elegance Dress by Bea and Dot, Modcloth
Coat: Nanette Lepore Archival Sample Sale Wiinter 2014
Shoes: Skechers
Tights: Uniqlo
Socks: Kate Spade Mary Jane Trouser Socks
Belt: Anthropologie
Clutch: Novel Creations via Etsy
Pocket watch pendant: Watch and Glisten Necklace in Fauna, Modcloth
'Down the Rabbit Hole' necklace: Out of Print via LES Tenement Museum
Bunny Earrings: Anthropologie
Nail art by me

A City Made for Walking and A Dress that Keeps Up

 

 New York City is such an amazing walkable city, especially when the weather is beautiful, and there are so many things to explore. I am still learning about this city everyday. Several weeks ago I finally went on one of the free walking tours of the Flatiron District. Focusing on a specific area of the city and having someone tell you facts and anecdotes about various locations is such a great way to stop and really appreciate all the places you might hurry past in the day-to-day rush of city living.

I wore one of the Nanette Lepore dresses I bought earlier in the year at Nanette Lepore's Archival Sample Sale. So even though I went on this walking tour weeks ago, this post still seems timely since Nanette Lepore just had her show last night as part of Fashion Week. She is one designer who really loves and understands how to use color! I love the cut of her designs....everything from the necklines, hemlines, draping, and thoughtful details work for me. And beautiful fabrics and patterns too! I watched the live stream of her show last night...I am loving the neon yellows and pinks and bright whites! Such a fantastic designer...who clearly respects women in all her design choices and wants all of us to have fun with our wardrobes!

Outfit Details:
Dress: Nanette Lepore
T-shirt: Airism by Uniqlo
Belt: Anthropologie
Tote: H&M
Hat: Lord and Taylor
Sunnies: Kate Spade

Happy Saturday! Happy May!

It's Saturday! There's no shortage of amazing art to see! The weather is gorgeous! And May is finally here...which means summer days are coming our way!

Have a great weekend!

Dress: Nanette Lepore 
Tote: SPRZ NY, Uniqlo and MoMA collaboration
Scarf: Textile Museum of Canada
Tank: Le Chateau Junior
Jacket: BB Dakoka
Boots: Steve Madden Girl

Turn the Channel

This weekend flew by but there are a lot of things I'm looking forward to this week so I have no complaints. It was sort of dreary out today but I liked it. I'm finding myself longing for a true autumn day.  Uncharacteristically, I ended up wearing black and white from head to toe today (and to add to the uncharacteristic ensemble, I wore pants!). 

If you look closely you'll notice polka dots (on the pants), bunnies (on the shirt), and a bow (on the jacket) so not really as dark or as urban as this outfit might first appear.  It's funny but lately I've been drawn to some clothing items that are definitely out of comfort zone, like plaid skinny denim pants and a black lace blouse. I'm still a sucker for bright colors and twirly dresses, but it's good to mix things up. 

It's interesting how when you wear something different from what you usually do it can have such an impact on your outlook. I definitely feel like I'm in disguise or something when I put on clothes that fall outside my usual style. In all things I think it's important to find ways to extend beyond one's comfort zone and to see things from different perspectives.  While pushing styling limits may seem insignificant compared with other aspects of life, I still think it's a good test. Tapping into new styles stretches creativity and really makes one reflect on personal style preferences.  Clothes are more than things we wear, they are messages and reflections of ourselves.  And while we all may have a message we choose to project more often, it's nice to switch the channel every now and then.

Outfit Details:

Pants (old): AG Stevie Polka Dot (I actually purchased these from Lord and Taylor but their link is now longer active; you can find a lot of AG Stevie polka dot denim on Ebay right now)

Shirt (old): Banter Tee, Anthropologie

Jacket: Nanette Lepore via Ebay

Going Medieval

(close up of skirt)

I've always been drawn to Medieval and/or Renaissance Festivals; in fact any chance to "travel back in time" or become lost in another time/place is alright with me.  When I found out about the Medieval Festival in Fort Tryon Park last year I was pretty excited to check it out. Fort Tryon Park, setting for The Cloisters, feels pretty timeless to begin with but pepper it was tents full of fanciful items, costumed characters, and the sounds and smells of another time, and it takes on a life of its own. The Medieval Festival only takes place for one day so I'm happy that I was able to make it back for a second year. The weather was perfect, unlike last year when I ended up getting completely drenched.  Rain or shine, it's always fun to leave the modern world behind for a little while and get swept up in an idealized version of the age of chivalry. I have to say that one of the highlights for me is the train ride to The Cloisters....hilarious seeing the cars packed with knights, princesses, magicians, and all sorts of nobility, mythical creatures and medieval townsfolk. 

The "one minute it's warm and the next it's cool" weather this time of year always makes getting dressed a little complicated in my opinion as I mentioned yesterday's post so again I found myself wearing a bunch of light layers. I may not have wore a medieval costume but I felt like my outfit fit the setting, and I was probably a lot more comfortable than anyone who was in full costume.  Speaking of costumes, I was very tempted by some of the lovely costumes, headdresses and jewelry at the festival; Medieval and Renaissance Festivals always have the best artisans but from past experiences a Merlin necklace, flower chain hairpiece or a long flowing cloak doesn't seem so practical the next day.

Outfit Details:

Pants (old): Dex

Blouse (old): thrifted/vintage

Grey T-shirt: Perfect Fit Tee, J Crew

Skirt (old):  thrifted/vintage

Jacket: Nanette Lepore via Ebay

Bag (old): Betsy Johnson

A Well Placed Bow: Fun and Functional

The thing about Fall is that it's often too chilly to wear a single layer and yet sometimes when you add another layer you feel too warm. Fall, like Spring, can be difficult to dress for since the weather can (and often does) change several times in one day.  It's not unusual to start off the day freezing and wishing you had packed a pair of gloves, only to have it sunny and warm mid day, and then have the end of the day erupt into a windy and rainy mess.  So, yes dressing for this season can be frustrating but it's also an opportunity to stretch your styling skills.  Plus, when you are given a beautifully sunny and crisp autumn day it truly feels like a gift.

The outfit I'm wearing in the photos above is a pretty typical weekend Fall look for me. A simple dropwaist dress with a fun print, a pair of leggings and a light coat.  I love 3/4 length sleeve coats for this time of year. It's also easy to change the look slightly by wearing a longer sleeve so that it peeks out of the coat sleeve, or even adding a pair of gloves.  This bell shaped coat pairs well with slim cut pants, denim and leggings as well as with pencil skirts, but my favorite part is the simple black bow at the collar. This well placed bow keeps my neck warm and negates the addition of a scarf, but it's also just cute without being "too" cute. Bows are often just added to clothing for fun but I think this one is pretty functional too.

P.S. Yeah, I haven't yet retired my straw hat for the season. Soon.

Outfit Details:

Coat (old): Nanette Lepore, purchased on Ebay

Dress (old): MADE Fashion Week for Impulse, Sleeveless High Neck Galaxy Print, Macy's

Leggings (old): Forever 21 (lots of leggings here)