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Today’s Obsession: Lady Dior in Sequined Jacquard

I adore this bag... and enough said! Normally I don’t carry sequined bags, but the two-tone blue and orange creates a perfect contrast and the muted black logo and handle balance out the glitzy body. This bag screams evening glamour!

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Game Changer for Spring, part I

The long-awaited spring has arrived on the East Coast, and it is time to update the wardrobe too. There is such a beautiful selection of clothing for this Spring/Summer, and I’ve picked out a few game-changing pieces that should complement a classic wardrobe but also make you standout from the pack.

1. White Tops

The universal white/ivory top is a warm weather staple. My favorites are the dressy Erdem Naomi lace top (left) and casual chic Tibi tie-front poplin cropped top (right). They should go with pretty much anything you own.

2. Wide Leg Pants

I have been wearing skinny jeans since circa 2007... and I still love a good cigarette pant. However, it is time to add some wider leg options to the spring closet because they are breezy and create a relaxed silhouette. I like the Richard Nicoll crepe pants (left) and 1205 institution wrap-front denim culottes (right).

3. Spring Skirts

Spring update is incomplete if we don’t have any new print or lace in my opinion! Personally I prefer wearing print at the bottom rather than the top, because it is easier to juxtapose pretty prints with other features like volume, pattern placement and sometimes asymmetry. My heart goes to the Dolce and Gabbana wisteria print midi skirt (left) and the Preen asymmetry amara lace skirt (right)

4. Light Weight Dresses

Spring is the perfect time to experimenting with new silhouettes and add romantic colors to the collection. I love the pleated, trumpet bottom of the Barbara Casasola dress in muted red (left) and the split-sleeve, cape-like lavender dress from Merchant Archive (right)

5. Bright playful shoes

I am sorry to present 2 options from the same brand, but I really love them and Aquazzura has definitely be winning the shoe game lately. The wild things sandal in hot pink (left) adds just the right amount of drama and boho vibe, and the mirage sandal in blue (right) is sexy, vibrant and full of attitude. All of us New Yorkers can thus continue to wear all black through Spring just by adding these shoes. 

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Today's Obsession: Simone Rocha Pink Derbys

Pairing outfits with sharp oxfords is the easiest way to inject a cool, androgynous vibe into a look (and to embrace the bumpy streets of New York City)  -- but THIS PAIR, in pink leather and clear heels -- melts my heart! I usually dress a tad more feminine than what a pair of oxfords call for, so I am truly, thoroughly in love with these!

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Valentine's Day Dress Ideas {under 100}

Valentine's day is just around the corner, and given that today is Friday, I am sure you are already thinking about what to wear next week - whether it's a "date" date, or a fun hangout with friends or loved ones. Regardless of what your plans might be, it doesn't hurt to dress up and please yourself, among others. I had so much fun shopping for myself that I felt obliged to share a few picks (under $100) with you!

1. A refreshing dress with clean lines in pastel blue ($85)

2. An asymmetric black dress for the bold and edgy ($47)

3. For the girly girl who loves flowers and birds  ($49)

4. For a dressy and polished evening ($99)

 5. A casual, chic shirt dress (that you can wear very often) ($57)

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Circles Sautoir

My interests in dainty fine jewelry has grown beyond a simple pinky band or tiny pave diamond items. My latest everyday necklace is this sautoir with circles that you can move around. As magical as it sounds, the way these rosegold wires are twisted makes them stay in place wherever you move them! You can wear it in so many ways and it simply goes with any outfit.

Pro tip: check out your local intermix store to score this one at 70% off (extra 30% off jewelry in store right now!)

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Today's Obsession: Convertible Tote Bag - Backpack

I am easing into a healthier lifestyle, spending more time outdoors and ... also getting a bike. That means I am going to buy a backpack for the first time since college, which is not easy.

I was at one of my favorite boutiques in New York (The Rising States) last week and finally took the plunge - I got the Jules convertible backpack by Canadian independent designer Eleven Thirty. The best part? It doesn't look like a backpack at all once it is off your shoulder, and you can simply carry this chic tote around town. The shoulder straps can be made into one cross-body strap as well. Unlike most totes, this one zips up completely so nothing will come out of the plane cabin.

To make it even more chic in winter and even less backpack-like, I usually accessorize it with a silver fox tail and wearing only one strap on my shoulder for a cooler vibe. 

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2014 Holiday Wishlist - Home Edition

1. Sparkling Pine Cones Salt & Pepper Shaker

2. Marble and Brass Bedside Lamp

3. Brass Tipped Wood Spice Spoon Set

4. Mini Cocottes for Winter Stews and Bread Puddings

5. Marble Print Silk Pillows

6. Lucite and Brass Table Lamp

7. Golden Geometry Leather Coasters

8. Gemstone Soaps

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Lapis Cubes

The Union Square holiday market is one of my favorite spots to check out in New York when it comes to christmas shopping. Over the years the mix of vendors have become somewhat more consistent than before, but I am still able to find unexpected treasures. I got two unique lapis lazuli cubes cast within a golden structure this year from Bara Boheme Jewelry, and the owner was nice enough to customize the length of the chain for me on site. I like wearing them together and tying them up to make them into one - see my instagram for an example. The vibrant royal blue color goes really well with gold and fall colors in general.  This semi-precious stone dice necklace also comes in quartz, coral etc., and I fancy them in every color!

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Victorian and Art Deco Inspirations

I have been bitten by the vintage bug and now I am always looking out for objects with a past. I've recently met with Cindy who owns and designs for Cindy Penguin Jewelry / instagram - her pieces combine vintage filigree finds and new elements, which make a unique collection with a victorian/deco vibe. 

I picked out this pair with pink jade flowers for myself to be paired with maxi dresses. I think they also make a great gift for someone with an ultra feminine style. (Pro tip: everything is 40% off until Dec 2nd for Cyber Monday!)

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Warmth Above the Knee

There are a lot of cute dresses and shorts that I want to wear in winter but always ending up wearing pants, heat-tech and sweaters - today I decided to treat myself to a pair of over-the-knee boots and that is totally a game changer. Here are some of the pairs I like with low to mid heels to walk around the city.

1 (stuart weitzman 50/50 on sale!) 

2 (pro tip: this pair is on sale in store with extra 30% off)

3 (similar to #1 with back lace-up detail)

4 (similar elastic back for tight fit)

I am wearing #2 today on Instagram - they are practically flat and perfect for walking around.

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Grand Opening of Aurelie Bidermann @ Soho NYC

I have been a fan of Aurelie's jewelry since I first saw the gold lace cuff on net-a-porter 4 years ago. I always wish there is a place to try on her collection in person, and now, you can do that at 265 Lafayette St in New York!

I am honored to be invited to the flagship's grand opening last night. Obviously the recently launched fine jewelry collection and the impeccable aesthetics of her store and jewelry are the highlights, but I am personally most excited about being able to chat with Aurelie in person - she is one of the sweetest persons I've ever met - and she hosted us with champagne and the quintessential french delights - Laduree macarons.

It was such a lovely evening full of sparkle in the air ... and I can't stop thinking about this multi-bell bracelet. xoxo

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Now Trending: Edgy Ear Jackets

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 

I wear #3 from EF Collection and #4 from Kismet all the time and they are my personal favorites.

If you are looking to reward yourself with something special, Jacquie Aiche offers a great variety of special designs. You can also test drive similar styles from BaubleBar at the opening price point if you are not yet an addict like me xoxo

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Holiday Clutch Bags {below $200}

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

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Today's Obsession: Major Strappy Shoes

I was looking for pre-thanksgiving sales today and found these shoes - so major and so appropriate for parties. I always prefer closed toe pumps over sandals but I also love strappy shoes - there is a perfect marriage of the two in this shoe!

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Designer Watch: Rejina Pyo

Upon returning from Central Saint Martins this summer, I realized I have only scratched the surface of what that place can take you, and the work of CSM graduates never cease to captivate my mind. Today I want to introduce you to Rejina Pyo, a Korean-born, London-based designer whose eponymous clothing line is characterized by modern, clean aesthetics and highly intentional constructions. I want to wear such pieces every day.

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Sushi Shikon

In my mind, Sushi Shikon has surpassed Masa as a 3-Michelin star restaurant in terms of bringing me an authentic Japanese dining experience with an unpretentious setting, fresh ingredients, and Edomae sushi of the highest calibre. For example, each piece of uni nigiri mixes uni from different regions in Japan to create a balanced taste of sweetness and creaminess - which I have never seen elsewhere before.

Another highlight is the abalone dish pictured below, with an abalone liver dipping sauce to maximize the taste in each bite

All cuts of tuna / toro - though this photo won't do the taste any justice ...

I was told by our server that I should eat each piece of sushi within 45 seconds after they have been served, but I was unwilling to gobble down these delicate pieces in such short time ...

We met with the executive chef Yoshiharu Kakinuma briefly after dinner - but really want to thank him again for the truly amazing experience! 

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FW14 Moodboard - Accent Pieces

1. Charlotte Olympia Pumps with Dragon Embroidery

2. Chanel Shearling and Pearl classic bag

3. Maison Martin Margiela fox fur gloves 

4. Isabel Marant Sequin Skirt

5. Daniela Villegas beetle necklace

6. Jennifer Behr crystal hair comb

7. Clover Canyon Dress

8. Dolce and Gabbana crystal-embellished velvet slippers

9. Maison Martin Margiela Pompadour Deconstructed Open Two-Finger Ring