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Kissing Cousins: The Shearling Edition

Today’s Currently Coveting pick is brought to you by a very special episode of Kissing Cousins: The Shearling Edition. The two jackets pictured above that I’ve got my eye on for winter aren’t twins, but I’m sure you’ll agree that they look quite similar. Both oversized leather biker beauties are lined with furry delightfulness. Each version also has asymmetrical details in the front and some well-placed hardware that adds some character. Pound for pound, the naked eye doesn’t see a huge discrepancy at first glance. But you know what will notice a difference? Your wallet. Can you guess which one is the investment piece? Go ahead, I’ll give you a minute…

If you named the version on the right as the answer, then you would be WRONG! That’s the more fiscally responsible choice from Topshop and may further appeal to you if you’re more into faux leather/fur alternatives instead of the real deal Holyfield. The version on the left is the splurge choice from Acne with its luxurious leather and black shearling. It’s the jacket that launched a thousand (or tens of thousands of) internet searches (and is sold out almost everywhere).

Whichever way you go, you can rest assured knowing that many a great shearling wearer has come before you like Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Now it’s up to you to make your choice.

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Women in Clothes

Around the time I was 5 years old, I told my mom that I wanted to wear a slip, meant to be layered under my church attire, as a dress by itself. I couldn’t articulate it at the time, but I remember liking the shape of the slip better my voluminous, frilly Sunday best. This was obviously and completely inappropriate, and my mother shut that nonsense down immediately. (To be fair, I was clearly onto something…even if it was a decade too early both for my age and as a trend. Remember all of those slip dresses in the 90s?). 

When I was old enough to have summer jobs and earn my money, I’d save up for back-to-school shopping. My father wasn’t just tolerant of my interest in building a stylish closet but supported it fully. When I got home with my loot excited to show him what I bought, he’d egg me on with cheers of “Fashion shoooow”. 

Why the trip down memory lane? I tell you these little anecdotes to illustrate that, for as long as I can remember, I’ve been a person who has thought a lot and subsequently talked a lot about all aspects of dress. That’s why when I started reading Women in Clothes, I felt like this book just GOT me. This unique tome is a collection of essays, interviews, and observations about, you guessed it…clothes! 

Now don’t go thinking that this is some style guide or retrospective by a fashion insider speaking from on high. No, this is like having a conversation with a friend. You know what I mean. Sometimes necessary (“What the hell am I going to wear to this party?) and sometimes indulgent (“Do I need another pair of black stiletto heels?). The concept was born from a survey that intended to explore how women approach getting dressed. The ladies in this book represent a diverse group of cultures, backgrounds, professions and generations. There are stories that may feel familiar and points of view you have never even considered. At the very least, it will have you thinking about your own relationship with the way you use your style to communicate to the world. As far as I’m concerned, that’s always worthy of a conversation.

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A stylish Security Blanket for Fall? Don't mind if I do! See full story and pics, click link in profile. Tap the photo for credits! #ootd #smootd #fblogger #DUMBO #newyorkinfall

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Building Block

A couple of months ago, the lovely ladies over at Pas De Deux put the emerging brand Building Block on my radar. At the time, I didn’t have an immediate use for a new bag, but noted that I would revisit their wares when the time was right. As you can probably guess, a need arose as I have recently made a resolution to streamline my day-to-day work bag and to be more selective in packing up the essentials. What was the impetus for this efficiency makeover? I’m glad you asked!

I am currently in possession of a work bag whose sole purpose of its bag life is to lug around a laptop that weighs more than a small child. I’m going to be honest with you, I abuse the hell out of it and can’t blame all of the damage it has sustained on my computer. I overstuff it with anything I think I may possibly need for working remotely (chargers, notebooks, phones, underwater basket weaving materials). Then I proceed to further test the limits of its tensile strength by cramming in extraneous things in case I get stranded in a desert (books, magazines, clown kit). All of this being said, it should be of no surprise to anyone, except maybe Mary Poppins, that my poor valise is coming apart at the seams.

I’m sure you’re thinking that we could have been spared from all of this literary drama if I had just come to this conclusion months ago. Perhaps I get a cheap thrill from the possibility of this thing breaking mid-stride and all of the contents spilling out on the city streets only to be picked up and carried away by a flock of pigeons. Or maybe I want to be ready at all times for an alien invasion so I can barter any objects I’m carrying in exchange for alternative fuel technologies. These are all valid assumptions. But I have concluded that the real reason is because I view bags as an investment. I’m reluctant to put a good amount of cash into a piece that I will, with almost 100% certainty, ruin with my packing neuroses. Hence, the resolution that I mentioned in the setup to this post. 

And now we have come full circle, as the very foundation (pun intended!) of Building Block’s design philosophy centers around stripping away excess and establishing a new kind of luxury. Their bags are devoid of useless hardware and an overuse of logos. What they do have is a kicky little signature tassel for a little extra, added personality. The aptly named Business Bag is the specific model that I think is perfect to take me to a less cluttered work-commuting existence. Basic? No, I prefer remarkably minimalist.

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Structurally Sound

I have recently come to the end of an epically long stretch of consecutive weekends devoted to weddings, barbecues, birthday parties and other events of organized merriment. I suppose you could say that in the fun department, I was maxed out. (Side note: “Maxed out” is a phrase that I heard repeated rather loudly and frequently by a young, presumably hip couple next to my table at dinner last Friday. Let me know if this is actually a thing, I just parrot whatever the kids are saying these days.)

Now don’t get me wrong I love me some activities, but I was looking forward to a day without any premeditated plans. I decided the best course of action was to meander aimlessly and see where the day would take me. After an obligatory walk through the park, I ended up at Madison Square Eats. If you haven’t been, it’s essentially a pop-up-stuff-your-face-hole-fest, which is sort of like the more sophisticated distant cousin of Eating Around the World at Epcot. With the Flatiron building in the backdrop, I ate my weight in bulgogi tacos at Seoul Lee Korean BBQ, pulled pork empanadas at La Sonrisa and banh mi at Pig and Khao. Mmmmm, nom nom.

Thankfully, my last minute decision to throw on this sleeveless coat proved to be crucial in camouflaging what I affectionately call my food baby (which only makes an appearance after large meals). This particular piece is somewhat of a different silhouette for me. You see, as I have evolved my style over the years I experimented with wearing more structured menswear-inspired garments such as this one. In my wildest dreams, I imagined that I could convey the sort of cool exhibited by one Ms. Isabella Rosellini. Perhaps it’s because I’m not Italian film royalty and the longstanding face of Lancome, but I just could not evoke the same chic androgyny. Instead I usually came out looking like the lost member of a 90s boy band. 

More recently, I do think I’ve found a way to make it work for me by not going head-to-toe in more formal, masculine pieces. As you can see, I teamed up this gray coat with fresh white kicks, a comfy pair of cuffed jeans and a loose, lightweight tank for my weekend jaunt. I think it makes it a little less “why so serious?” and a little more seriously fun to layer.

Anyway, just to let you know how I ended my day, I continued along on a post-copious-consumption walk through Greenwich Village where I do what most people do…pretend that I live in one of those gorgeous historical brownstones. I’ve heard that SJP recently put hers up for sale, anyone want to go halfsies?

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A crisp autumn night curled up with a great book is delicious @womeninclothes

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Fall-Isms

I don’t know if it’s because I’m indecisive or noncommittal or what, but I tend to have trouble declaring favorites. Best-loved book? That’s crazy, I can’t just name one. I could possibly narrow it down to the Top 10. Most-liked movie? Obviously this depends on what genre we’re talking about. Outstanding outfit? Nope, sorry. I’d have to do this by groups, followed by specific categories under those groups, which would then be divided into subsections of those categories. And this would likely change depending on my mood.

There are, however, two exceptions where I am not ambiguous. The first is that I can say with 130% certainty that Animal is my favorite Muppet, which is a question that comes up more often than you would think. The second is that I can definitively say that Fall is my favorite season. The weather is temperate enough to warrant dining al fresco, the beautiful colors of the leaves as they begin to turn and the fact that pumpkin spice is added to pretty much all culinary delights.

In addition to all of the aforementioned reasons, I love the layering that is characteristic of this time of year. Getting it right is really an art, as you could potentially come out looking like Joey from Friends in that scene where he put on everything in Chandler’s closet (Could he BE wearing any more clothes?) 

With this in mind, I have come up with some friendly reminders as we move forward into Fall and attempt to get this layering thing right.

 1. Tights are not pants

If anyone can name the make and model of your undergarments through your hosiery, I think it’s safe to say that you need to have something on that’s long enough to cover all of that up.

2. Scarves make any outfit look cooler

This may just be more of my own empirical observation rather than scientific fact. However, whenever I want to add an interesting detail to my ensemble I throw on a printed scarf.

 3. Mind your boots

A flat, ankle boot is one of the best pieces of footwear for Fall. From my experience, it’s hard to find the right one. So when you do, make sure you don’t lose them. (see #TBT: Missing My Moto Boots).

 4. Oversized does not equal ill-fitted

My chunky sweater is like an adult-sized security blanket that I can and do wear over every outfit. It’s nice to have the option to curl up in it and take a nap anywhere I feel like it. However, keep in mind that the fit of oversized sweater should still produce a flattering silhouette and not make you feel frumpy.

 Now, I’d like to hear from you. Are there any tricks of the trade that you always follow as you transition into Autumn?

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Myths and Facts

A few weeks ago, a huge international announcement was made that changed the world as we know it forever. Something that I believed to be an unshakeable truth was revealed as a widespread misperception. I never saw this coming, I don’t know if anyone did.

Hello Kitty is not, I repeat NOT, a cat. She is a little girl (albeit one without a mouth).

Understandably, these types of revelations can cause any rational person to begin questioning whether or not things they’ve “known” their entire lives are what they seem. For example, it’s been a widely held belief that wearing white after Labor Day was a major fashion faux pas. This story was told time and time again, and we all accepted that it was a steadfast rule that must not be broken lest a bunch of fairies lose their wings. There has been some effort to dispel this old wives’ tale, but there continues to be discomfort in the population at-large with embracing modernity. 

I felt inclined to do my part in helping to expose this myth for what it is after a discussion with my table mate at a wedding I attended last weekend. Said guest was questioning this very thing, which I saw as an opportunity to get on my soapbox, put on my debate hat (figuratively speaking) and make him a believer. I think it worked. Or else he was just being really polite to some rambling stranger). The rule is arbitrary, at best, given the fact that Labor Day is only an American holiday. Do you think the rest of the world is running around saying, “Welp, it’s Labor Day in the USA…time to put away our whites.”

I’m here to encourage you, nay, demand that you put aside your reservations and don some white duds if that’s what you want to do! Mr. Wedding Guest, if you’re reading this…yes, this applies to men as well!

I’m not one to talk the talk without walking the walk, hence today’s Off Duty outfit choice. I ain’t scurred and you shouldn’t be either. White pants go on one leg at a time after Labor Day, just like they did before. This pair, in particular, happen to be wide-legged which is going to be a major look for Fall. I love the contrast of the volume on the bottom against a slinky black cami and a sleek ponytail. The black leather jacket toughens up the whole thing and says, “I’m a loner, Dottie. A rebel.” All of this black and white, and I think the choice of a bright red lip is a no-brainer.

If I haven’t made a compelling enough case yet, I’d be happy to pull together a powerpoint presentation at your request. But if I have, then please for the love of Hello Kitty, go forth and wear white!

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Crop Toppin' and Color Poppin'

I had been contemplating the return of the crop top for a while, trying to figure out if I could pull it off without going too Kelly Kapowski. I didn't want to buy a trendy piece that  wasn't versatile enough to wear with the rest of my wardrobe (throwing a side-eye at you, peplum).

When I came upon this silk A.L.C. version, I immediately had visions of layering it over dresses and pairing it with a couple of high-waisted options already in my closet for some proportion play. For this look, I liked the idea of mixing the top with these luxuriously comfortable-yet-chic, pants and then toughening up the look with leather. But, let's not forget a crucial ingredient for the Crop 'n Pop...Shake, stir and add some bright, blue suede shoes!

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Future Perfect - "Dior and I"

I am what you might call a Superfan when it comes to fashion movies. When I found out that Dior and I would be screened at the Tribeca Film Festival this year, I knew that I HAD to be there. I was moved by this great work of storytelling (more on that in a bit) and got an extra special treat when I had the chance to meet the director, Frederic Tcheng, after the Q&A session. I would like to say that I had a meaningful dialogue with him. What really happened is that I giggled like a schoolgirl and managed to say something unintelligible about how much I loved his Valentino and Diana Vreeland documentaries. But let’s focus on the film (and perhaps forget about my inability to use words when talking to Tcheng).

Dior and I follows Raf Simons as he takes over the helm as Creative Director at the storied House, having previously been responsible for minimalist brand Jil Sander. After a voiceover of the late Christian Dior’s memoir, we see Simons being introduced to the atelier. When asked if he prefers to be called “Monsieur”, the designer opts to be addressed by his first name. “As a token to modernity, we will call him Raf”. I felt like the tone of the movie was immediately set with this one statement indicating a creative movement towards the future.

Over the course of 90 minutes, we bear witness to the preparation for Raf’s first couture show. Not just with Dior, but his first couture show EVER. The deadline is looming just 8 weeks away which is not even half of the time that is usually required for a collection of this magnitude. Talk about pressure! Where this film exceeds in spades is capturing the emotion of every step of this journey. Coming to terms with the ghost of Dior, learning to work with the atelier, finding inspiration in modern art and balancing the needs of a business with artistic vision. For good measure and a bit of levity, there are a few well-placed expletives in some scenes that, as far as I can tell, are also an essential part of the process.

At the movie’s climax, Anna Wintour and a host of celebrities are present to see the unveiling of Raf’s debut collection with Dior in an elaborate flower-filled, fantasy of a show. I had a fleeting moment where I wondered if they could possibly appreciate the outcome of those months of hard work as much as I did, since I felt like I had been through it all with those dedicated individuals who made these otherworldly creations. Then, of course, I realized that they got to see these works of art in person (and have the means to wear them), so they still win. Either way, I left the theater inspired, and I encourage everyone to add this to their “must-see list”.

Reluctant Muse  Raf was initially apprehensive about participating in the movie because he preferred some anonymity, without the pressure and celebrity of being the creative lead for the House of Dior

Moonlighting  In some scenes, the dresses are covered. When questioned on whether or not that was to keep some level of secrecy until the show, the director noted that he was told it was because the moonlight can change the color of the fabrics

Flower Power  Because of the insane volume of blooms used for the couture show, they crashed the flower market in Europe 

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Under the Influence

Nirvana, Pearl Jam and the whole 90s Seattle music scene. My So Called Life. Marc Jacobs’ career-defining Grunge look for his final show with Perry Ellis. These were the things that defined my middle school fashion self. My closet largely consisted of jeans and t-shirts 2 - 3 sizes too big, plaid flannels and a pretty sizable collection of Pumas, Adidas Stan Smiths and Doc Martens. I had all the makings of an angsty, skater kid without the actual skateboard. 

Until one day when I saw a piece of cinematic genius that would change the course of my sartorial journey forever. I know it by heart, I can quote just about any scene and it solidified one of my life goals to be “5’10” like Cindy Crawford”. I’m talking, of course, about Clueless. The pièce de résistance of Alicia Silverstone’s film career. The matchy matchy jacket/mini skirt sets with over- the-knee socks were in sharp contrast to the intentionally disheveled ensembles that had thus far dominated my wardrobe. I saw this movie the summer before high school and knew that a closet overhaul was immediately in order, much to the relief of my mom who had been pleading with me to stop dressing like an angry boy.

I recently saw Clueless on tv over a rare weekend spent entirely at home, along with a string of other classics from my pubescent years that I have watched more times than I can count. It got me thinking about how much influence these pop culture staples had on my evolving style philosophy over the years. I made a list (I love lists!) of just SOME of my favorites and boiled down the greatest fashion lessons from each that still resonate for me today. 

  Clueless

Case Study Cher may have had an impressive collection of Alaïa and Calvin Klein body con dresses, but she wasn’t above also shopping at the more budget-friendly Contempo Casuals (R.I.P).

Lesson Learned High-low is the way to go.

Heathers

Case Study The original Mean Girls rocked blazers with padded shoulders and fearlessly ruled the school.

Lesson Learned If you want the power, you've got to dress the part.

Pretty in Pink

Case Study Andy, the loner girl from the wrong side of the tracks, wasn’t accepted by those snooty, popular rich kids. But no matter, she didn’t change herself to fit in. Instead, she handily crafted a very unique and very pink prom dress. And she STILL got the guy.

Lesson Learned Embrace your originality.

  Singles

Case Study It's a tale as old as rock 'n' roll. Janet loves Cliff. Cliff loves his band. Janet may have been delusional about her relationship, but at least she had a cool-girl sense of style. I loved everything about her flowery mini dresses mixed with leather jackets and combat boots. As a matter of fact, you may still catch me wearing some variation of this combo any day of the week.

Lesson Learned Let your good girl and your edgier side come together.

  Teen Witch

Case Study After Louise discovered her magical powers, her hair all of a sudden had volume for days. All of the guys wanted to be WITH her and all of the girls wanted to BE her. Top that!

Lesson Learned Big hair, don’t care!

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Fashion Nerd

It’s a Reading Rainbow-inspired kind of day, kids! If you’re like me, you’re probably looking for some summer reading, and I can help. I have amassed quite a collection of tomes including coffee table books, memoirs, style guides, and essays on my most favorite subject. This is undeniable proof that I am a fashion nerd. And not the kind of fashion nerd that you find when you search that hashtag on Instagram and Twitter. Those results mostly yield pictures of stylish people wearing glasses accompanied by the caption “Geek, LOL”. I think it’s great that being adorably dorky is trending, but I am unabashedly a bookworm. So let’s get down to business. Below are 4 lighthearted picks that I think are entertaining reads for the beach or wherever your summer plans may take you. But, as LeVar Burton would say, “You don’t have to take my word for it”.

   The Gospel According to Coco Chanel by Karen Karbo Learn about the life of the lady who is practically synonymous with the word “chic”. Most of us plebeians will never be able to afford a vintage Chanel tweed set, but you can read all about the inspiration behind the clothes!

 Bringing Home the Birkin by Michael Tonello Follow the hijinks as Tonello chronicles how he figured out the secret sauce for getting the coveted Hermes bag AND turned it into an eBay dream.

 The Meaning of Sunglasses by Hadley Freeman Why so serious, fashion folk? This book is an entirely fun-loving take on trends and their meaning. A witty style encyclopedia, if you will.

   D.V. by Diana Vreeland I wholeheartedly admire people who are true individuals and are comfortable in their own skin. The illustrious Diana Vreeland was all that and a bag of chips, so I’m sure you’ll enjoy her -isms in her self-penned memoir.

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#TBT: Missing My Moto Boots

I decided to dig back into some of my vacation photo archives for my first-ever Throwback Thursday post. What I found was photographic reminders of a gone, but not forgotten, staple of my past. Gather 'round and let me tell you a little story about the time that I managed to lose the perfect pair of moto boots. Not just once but twice. You would think that it’s easy to find this particular style of footwear given the fact that it’s consistently popular every year. However, I am very discerning (read: anal retentive) when it comes to investing in my wardrobe. So there were a lot of criteria that I was using as the basis for my purchasing decision.

First off all, we have to consider the height. It can’t rise too far up on my gams. 6 foot tall model I am not, so I try to avoid cutting off the line of my leg too much which unintentionally creates the proportions of a corgi. Next, I take into account the leather. Then, I have to see what accoutrements it comes with because I don’t like a lot of hardware on a pair of shoes that I intend to use for seasons and seasons to come. And lastly, how does it fit around the ankle? Too wide and you risk looking like your shoes don’t fit. Too tight and I have just one word for you…cankle.

Anyway, now you know how much thought went into the evaluation of dozens of options. I finally found a pair from Dolce Vita that, in addition to meeting all of my stringent specifications, was also priced well below what I was willing to shell out. See all of the photos of me cheesing it up for the camera? That’s me 3 years ago frolicking with them in Paris, happy as a clam. We made a great team.

Cut to a year later when I lost them in a bar. Wait, correction. I lost ONE of them in the bar when it fell out of my gym bag. Go ahead, judge me. I judge me, I know it’s a bonehead move. But clearly I couldn’t walk around like some peg-legged Pirate with only one boot. A quick search revealed that, GASP, they no longer made this exact style! I don’t give up that easily so I forged on to the far corners of the internet and managed to find the last ones (seemingly in all of existence) in my size. On clearance. What what! 

I’d like to say that this story ends happily but, as you saw from the prologue, it definitely does not. The second pair and I had a good run for about a year, before I wore them to the hotel I was staying at the night before my wedding. I placed them neatly underneath a table in the entranceway. In the hustle and bustle of the day after the blessed event, I forgot about them. My family called the hotel staff, and the concierge promised to hold them for me. But again, things were hectic (hectic, I tell you!), and I left for my honeymoon without getting back there to pick them up. When I called two weeks later, they didn’t have any record of them in Lost and Found. Vanished, without a trace. 

I still haven’t been able to find a suitable replacement for those beloved boots. Maybe someday I will, but I’ll never forget my first (or second). Next time, I swear I’ll never let them go again.

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Tri'd and True

Aaaaaand we’re back! I hope you had a lovely Memorial Day weekend full of good family and friends, good eats and good weather. It was touch and go here in New York, starting out with a rainy Friday night. Then more precipitation on Saturday, forcing us indoors for my first bbq of the summer season. With two days left to go, I knew I had to take drastic measures to ensure that the rest of the weekend would allow for some outdoor fun. I performed a little anti-rain dance that I choreographed for just such an emergency. Think a cross between an Irish jig and the Macarena. Laugh if you will, but Sunday and Monday came in sun blazing.

I wanted to keep it low-key on Monday so as not to tucker myself out too much before starting another work week. I opted for a leisurely stroll around TriBeCa to some of my favorite local spots. To honor the Sun gods for being generous, I decided not to be shy with the color. This bright blue sleeveless top is good for rising temperatures and is even more fun when I can make it look like a mullet by tucking in the front and letting the back fly free. Paired with my favorite slouchy trousers, I like to think it says that I’m easy, breezy. As you may know from previous posts, I love to add a feminine touch to balance menswear-inspired pants by bringing in the big guns…the highest of high heels. These particular ones could stop traffic or at least slow it down, given the fact that they are screaming neon green. Take a gander at the photos below to see how I spent the holiday and then leave me a comment about what you got your beautiful self into.

 Standing in a photo-op alley way. I think that guy behind me is checking out my blue tail.

 Keep it moving, nothing to see here.

 I am always detail-oriented.

 Practicing my sweet balancing skills on the railing in front of one of my go-to boutiques, Otte. 

 I ain't scared of no ghosts. Paying homage to the Ghostbusters firehouse. 

 Hanging with my bovine besties at Bubby’s.

 Relaxing with this cuddly Gimhongsok sculpture in TriBeCa park. 

 Debating whether I could master a Citibike in 4-inch heels.

 Upon closer inspection of the shoe situation...

 Opting not to bike, instead I sit.

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The Good Old Ads

These days, you can’t swing a cat without hitting an advertisement. Nor should you because that’s animal cruelty. Feline rights aside, have you noticed that online ads actually stalk you? Does this sound familiar? You click on a pair of sandals from your favorite eCommerce merchant but don’t buy them. Perhaps you then leave that site to read the news (i.e. celebrity gossip blogs) and then an ad with the item you JUST left is there saying “Hello there, pretty lady! Remember me, the footwear you left behind? I know you didn’t mean to. So come back here, put your credit card number in, and I’ll be at your house in 1 - 2 days”. Technology is a clever little devil, and there are a million and one ways to make sure we don’t forget. Hurry, we must all unplug from the matrix! Ok, sorry, I’m overreacting a smidge.

I’m going to go a little old fogey here for a moment, and say that back in the day I didn’t need a 360 degree onslaught for a Brand to be burned into my brain. I knew about Calvin Klein because of Kate Moss and Mark Wahlberg in their underoos. Anna Nicole Smith as modern-day Marilyn Monroe made Guess a household name. And of course, my favorite supermodel of all time, my original girl crush, Christy Turlington in the Eternity campaign. Not at all unexpected, this timeless beauty is being featured again in a brand new ad. This go-around it’s a family affair with her not-too-shabby-himself husband, Ed Burns. Did you hear that? That’s my brain short-circuiting from all of the hotness. Now THAT'S effective marketing.

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From Comics to Cuffs

If you have older siblings, I’m sure you looked up to them like I did when I was little. I anxiously (annoyingly?) tagged along behind my two brothers and did whatever they did, liked whatever they liked. They watched sports, collected football cards, watched G.I. Joe and were always reading comic books. So I did all of that, too. I’d pick up their well-worn issues of Superman, Batman, Aquaman and sometimes I’d get lucky to come across a female character that I could relate to. I found my superhero soulmate in Wonder Woman who had ridiculously awesome accessories to complement her villain-fighting attire.

What Wonder Woman taught me as an impressionable youngster is that you don't have to give up your sense of style to battle bad guys. She sported a tiara that doubled as a boomerang, yielded a golden lasso that could make you tell the truth and killed it in some red, knee-high boots that were made for walkin’. But her indestructible cuff bracelets were by far my favorite. I think I finally found the real life incarnation of those bulletproof beauties. See the gorgeous textured version from Saint Laurent in the pictures above. I not-so-secretly believe that if I can acquire one, they will give me super powers in addition to being a great outfit accent. Of course, we all don’t have supersize budgets so there is always the more checking account sensitive option below. I’d be happy to unleash my inner Amazonian warrior princess with either of these on my wrist.

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Peace and Quiet

Having now lived in New York for 12 years, I have become exponentially less fond of large crowds. Times Square and the Macy’s on 34th Street are equivalent to the 7th circle of hell for me, which may be indicative of a mild case of claustrophobia…but it’s more likely just because I’m growing more ornery with age. The cure for my as-yet-to-be-verified-self-diagnosis is to find little pockets of tranquility in this crazy town. 

When I first moved to the city and lived only a few blocks away, I would go to Central Park to marvel in the vast expanse of concentrated greenery smack in the middle of a concrete jungle. Perfect for a little “me” time. What’s amazing is that even with the large volume of people passing through at any given time, you can always find a spot that feels undiscovered to sit down and have a think. 

It had been a while since my last visit, so I made a point to go there this past weekend after a day at the New York Historical Society (more on that in an upcoming post). I wanted a transitional outfit that could work for the museum, walking around the park and then to meet friends out later for a casual dinner. The building blocks here include a lightweight striped shirt paired with a contrasting print scarf, leather shorties (which still work since oppressive humidity has not yet descended upon us) and my trusty ol’ ankle boots with what I consider a “sensible heel”. Check out the photos below of me enjoying some quiet time in one of the greatest parks in the world. Where do you head when you need to rejuvenate?