SAY CHEESE!

I've passed by this sign at the Melt Shoppe countless times and each time I always think to myself that I need to have my camera handy next time I'm passing it. It's a pretty swell sign don't you think? The last time I walked by on the way to work I was wearing a lot of yellow and couldn't resist the opportunity to snag a photo.  Small problem though....the morning commute...steady stream of people heading to work at a brisk pace plus scaffolding on either side do not make for a conducive photo op. As you can imagine, I got a lot of perplexed and annoyed expressions so please excuse the blank/'I'm not here' expression. on my face. Cheese!

Outfit Details:
Skirt: Plenty by Tracy Reese
Blouse: Anthropologie
Striped Top: American Eagle Outfitters
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Scarf: Anthropologie

Old School Vibe

Stairs that lead to a sunken gated playground. Accents painted in primary colors. And a dress that might have been worn at sock hop in days gone by. It all feels so old school and I like it.

Outfit Details:
Dress: Anthropologie
Henley: American Eagle Outfitters
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Hat: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Kate Spade New York

Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival 2014

Like many people, I grew up watching Easter Parade with Judy Garland, Fred Astaire and Peter Lawford so being able to actually see the Easter Parade in person these last few years has been amazing. Obviously, a lot has changed since those days. The Easter finery on parade along Fifth Avenue now is a lot less demure, definitely more colorful, and often over-the-top. As much as I really love all the old photographs from Easter parades gone by, I really appreciate all the unique stylings represented in the more recent parades.  The crowds are a little intense, and professional photographers are a bit reckless (um, dangerous...) with their equipment, but getting into the fray to see all the outfits and hats up close is part of the experience (warning: you may want to wear some extra padding....just saying....). Happy Easter!

Outfit Details:

Skirt: Anthropologie

Coat: Nanette Lepore (from Archival Sample Sale 2014)

Sweater: Kensie

Purse: Nine West

Bonnet: Lord and Taylor

Boots: Steve Madden Girl

Scarf: Textile Museum of Canada

Tights: Hue

Polka Dot Socks: Hue

Rockefeller Center Looking Egg-stra Special

Yesterday I turned another year older (gulp!) but despite that inevitability I had a great day. The weather was sunny and warm and there were a lot of fun things to see/do around the city (I can always rely on NYC for having lots to explore/something new around every corner). One of the things I did yesterday was check out all the Faberge Big Egg Hunt eggs that have now been gathered in Rockefeller Center. Total mayhem trying to see each and every one of them but well worth the effort. The crowds at Easter are not dissimilar to the throngs of people at Christmas.  I had a pretty wonderful day though even though I spent part of it in a sea of pushy people. But can't go wrong with a day that included some of my favorite things: cacao berry oatmeal, lots of time walking around the city, being outside in the sun (no cardigan needed at one point), stopping by Lincoln Center to pick up tickets to the ballet, a little shopping with a Bday discount in hand, a good documentary, stocking up at the fruit and vegetable market, and a dish of Wink cake batter frozen dessert to cap off the day (seriously, how does pea protein taste so good?)! All of that made getting another year older a little easier to take...or at least distracted me from the reality :)

Outfit Details:
Dress: United Colors of Benetton 
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Leggings: Forever 21
Bag: Kate Spade

A Walk in Central Park

I can't stand to be inside when the weather is nice, especially when it has been such a long winter AND when I know it's going to be rainy and/or cooler the rest of the week. I made sure to get in a little extra sunshine in on Monday while I could, taking a leisurely stroll around Central Park.  Sunny and warm (but not too warm) with a slight breeze...perfect weather. It was really hard to head indoors knowing that the next day it was going to be dull and rainy. Maybe that's what makes Spring such a wonderful time of year...those rare days when the weather is just right feel extra special. 

Outfit Details:
Dress: Porridge via Anthropologie
Jacket: BB Dakota
Hat: Anthropologie
Belt: Anthropologie
Boots: Steve Madden Girl

Palm Sunday

What a weekend! The weather couldn't be more lovely. It was nice seeing so many people out enjoying the parks. I spent a good part of the morning walking around the Upper West Side and Central Park before basking in the sun for awhile in Bryant Park I always love this time of year, when the days start to get warmer and sunnier and summer has yet to begin. All the colors of spring seem to sparkle in the sunlight and there's a calm and hopeful feeling that only Easter can bring. With Easter only a week away, I decided to wear a skirt that always reminds of an intricately painted Ukrainian Easter egg, with its panels of vibrant colors and patterns. This skirt is pretty heavy and once the weather really starts to turn towards summer I'll have to pack it away for the season but for today it felt like the perfect thing to wear. Hope everyone had a restful weekend!

Outfit Details:
Skirt - Corey Lynn Calter
Top - Anthropologie
Tank Top - Le Chateau Junior (does Le Chateau even have a Juniors section anymore?)
Belt - Anthropologie

I'm not wearing a coat! YES!

Saturday was amazing! I met up with a friend I hadn't seen since undergrad/archaeology days, which let's just say is quite awhile ago.  We spent time catching up while walking the High Line, checking out some galleries and having brunch in Chelsea. Earlier in the day I wandered around the Union Square Greenmarket to enjoy all the spring time blooms before stopping in at the Rubin  Museum  and exploring a couple antique shops along the way. It was the kind of day where I woke up really early and couldn't wait to get outside. Oh, did I mention that it was in the 70s?! Not only did I not wear a coat, I didn't feel the need to bring any additional layers with me either. AND I broke out the straw hat. I think we still have a few cooler days ahead but it's so nice to know that we are truly (at last!) well into spring.  I've been waiting for this weather for months and I know I'm not the only one!

Outfit Details:
Dress - Free People
Tights - Anthropologie
Hat - Lord and Taylor

Inspired by Piet Mondrian (or a box of crayons or a Disney character)

Image Source




Maybe it's the milder weather, but I've really been gravitating toward bright hues and bold patterns lately. It's so nice to not have to wear a million layers of clothing and to enjoy strolling around outside. And this outfit that I wore earlier this week is definitely bright. I'd like to say I was inspired by the Piet Mondrian postcard I have on my dresser, but in truth some days I'm just as inspired by a box of crayons or a jellybean display. There are so many color combinations I really love but there's something so comforting and satisfying about primary colors. 

Outfit Details:
Dress: Anthropologie
Long Sleeve Shirt: Uniqlo
Cardigan: Anthropologie
Tights: Hue
Jacket: BB Dakoka
Tote bag: conference swag

Little House on the Prairie Re-Mixed for the City

This brown dress is covered in tiny pink flowers that remind me of the subtle pattern you'd see on dresses in Little House in the Prairie. But with its bell-like sleeves, pull on styling and twirlable skirt it's probably more comfortable than any prairie dress was (and the hem length is a little high for those days).  I paired the dress with ballet pink tights to bring out the color of the flowers and then pulled on a pair of my trusty brown boots to bring everything together. A little old fashioned country-living style made urban. 

Dress: Think Closet
Jacket: BB Dakota
Tights: Hue
Boots: John Fluevog

Sunday Walks Lead to the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Whenever it's finally nice out I just feel like walking forever. One of my favorite walks is to stroll along Central Park West and then cut across the Park to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, spend some time at the museum, and then walk home along Fifth Avenue. It's a lot of walking but highly enjoyable, especially when the weather is cooperative. And nothing is better than those first days of spring when the weather is actually enjoyable to be out in.  

Outfit Details:
Dress: Anthropologie
Cardigan: Anthropologie 
Long Sleeve Shirt: Tristan
Bag: Co-Lab by Christopher Kon
Scarf: Textile Museum of Canada
Jacket: BB Dakota
Socks: Hue
Boots: Ugg