What I Wore

Yesterday was my last full day of fashion week and I decided to go out with a bang. I wore a black dress to the Harper's Bazaar breakfast but when everyone else went off to Michael Kors show, I decided to go shopping for a new afternoon outfit.  I headed over to the J.Crew Collection store on Madison Avenue at 66th Street, my home away from home. I found a bunch a great things but decided on these green brocade pants.  The outfit I threw together was very different for me but fashion week is definitely not the time to be a wallflower. 

Collection Cafe Capri Pants in Jade Jacquard - After buying these pants, I ran home and stitch witcheried the hem which my tailor is going to have to now fix.  For day they looked good with the blue shirt and I also bought a black cashmere crewneck to wear with them with it gets cooler.  I also plan to wear them to Amanda Nisbet's book party next week with a black blouse and tuxedo jacket and heels.  

French Blue Susan Shirt from Club Monaco - I never met a blue shirt I didn't like and this one is baby soft and relaxed.  

J.Crew Leopard Calf Hair Belt - I would never wear a leopard belt with jacquard pants usually but it seemed appropriate for fashion week to step outside my comfort zone.  

Roger Vivier Thong Sandals - My feet could not do heels one more day so I wore my favorite flat sandals.  The best thing about the shows in September is that everyone is wearing flat sandals. Many of you asked about these sandals the last time I posted them.  They aren't online but if you call one of the stores, they can help you. 

Hermes Birkin - My bag was purchased vintage from an estate sale.

Tassle Necklace - I made this myself with a tassle from a vintage necklace and another long chain I had in my jewelry box.

Lanvin Bracelets - I bought these in Paris years ago.  I wish they made they again because everyone loves them.

The Branch Green Ring - Green, gold and wood that I bought at Treillage always garners compliments. 

Lookmatic Glasses - I worse glasses to hide the bags under my eyes.

Estee Lauder Violet Electra Lipstick - Nothing like a bright lipstick to make you look and feel more alive.

If you're a long time reader, you know this is the way I like to post my outfits.  Some of you keep asking me to take photos of me wearing the outfits.  I'm not a fashion blogger nor do I want to compete with girls who are 22 or a size 2 so please stop asking me.

Photo by moi 

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Chic at the Shows: Day One

I'm going to attempt to recap each day at the Spring 2013 shows at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.  We'll see how far I get due to exhaustion and lack of time.  But I can tell you what happened on Day One.  I missed my first two shows for various reasons.  I managed to get some work out of the way before getting dressed in my J.Crew Collection dress that is actually much greener in person than it looks here.  I accessorized with my favorite Roger Vivier sandals, black Birkin, simple jewelry, Tom Ford sunglasses, and Belle du Jour hair.  I was definitely channeling the 1960's and the Upper East Side. 

It was my first time attending Chadwick Bell and I already want to order a few of his dresses including this acid green draped dress with sheer back.  I didn't take my big Canon today because I didn't think I was sitting anywhere to get good shots.  That of course meant that I had a great seat due to the interesting runway set up.  Lesson learned. 

This deep green silk georgette version had sleeves.  I'm obsessed with dresses with sleeves. The theme of the Spring 2013 collection from Chadwick Bell was austerity and adornment creating a juxtaposition, the Southwest, the vastness of the desert, and the journey to Nirvana. The colors were just perfection too. Chadwick Bell is definitely a designer to watch. 

It was while waiting for the show to begin that the fashion week Gods smiled down on me and I received my confirmation for Carolina Herrera.  I die. 

Then it was straight into Tadashi Shoji.  This is the view from my seat where I also learned that my twitter account reached 20,000 followers!  Thanks to everyone who likes to read my ridiculous tweets!

None of my iPhone photos came out so I am borrowing this one from my friend Blue Carreon of Style Intel.  I loved all the lace dresses at Tadashi Shoji including this cerulean blue, as well as others in terracotta, paprika, blue lagoon, desert bloom, nude, black, and pale iris.  

Monika Chiang had a packed presentation.  I loved the all the green pieces.  

And of course all the orange in the spring 2013 collection.  

I also ran into designer Chris Benz who was on hand for an eBay event.  He said he liked my uptown lady look and reminded me that his mom reads my blog.  (Hi Mrs. Benz!)  I can't wait for his show on Monday.  I think Chris is the next great American designer! 

Afterward, my friend Blue and I headed out to grab a little pick me up.  When we got to 65th Street, we saw a hoard of paparazzi surrounding a taxi.  We couldn't tell who was in it until the occupant rolled down the window to let them get a shot.  I let out a squeal "It's Pippa!" which she heard and then smiled at me and Blue. It's going to take a lot this week to top our Pippa Middleton moment.  Oh, and her book Celebrate comes out the same day as mine on October 30, 2012.  Please buy them both! 

I skipped out on all the Fashion's Night Out hoopla because frankly it's too insane for me. Instead, I took some time to catch up on emails and read all the days news.  The best part of fashion week is getting The Daily at the tents. 

Now for the magic question, what do I wear tomorrow?!  

All photos by me via instagram except where noted. 

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Breaking the Rules

Everyone has heard the rule that you can't wear white after Labor Day.  Rules are also meant to be broken.  I don't think it's appropriate to wear summery white clothes or anything linen after Labor Day but a little white can be fine.  If you are going to break the rules, I suggest pairing white with darker colors or heavier fabrics.  White jeans look great with a cashmere sweater or a navy blazer.  In my case, I decided to continue wearing my white raw silk Billy Reid jacket. Technically it's more of an ivory so maybe I'm not really breaking the rules.  But to quote John Bender in The Breakfast Club, "Being bad feels pretty good, huh?"

Billy Reid White Raw Silk Dinner Jacket - This is my new favorite addition to my closet.  No one crafts a jacket like a menswear designer and the fit is impeccable.  It's also currently on sale.  If you don't see your size online, you can call a store to see if they can locate one for you as they did for me. 

J.Crew Alabaster Blythe Blouse - I own this classic blouse in many colors.  It looks just as good with jeans as it does with a skirt, and army pants in this case. 

J.Crew Garment Dyed Camp Pant - When I saw these army green pants in J.Crew, I immediately thought they looked like Jenna Lyons since she often wear army pants.  I also thought they'd be perfect if I ever went on safari. Right now, I just wear them in the urban jungle of New York.  The green isn't available online but I bought them in the Soho store.  I can't wait to wear them into autumn with a fur vest and cute flats.  

Roger Vivier Snakeskin Sandals - These were a great pre-sale find at Saks earlier this summer.  They are dark enough to wear as long as the weather stays warm. 

Miu Miu Bag - It's a black hole and I can never find anything in it but it's the perfect shade for fall. I bought it last August so I don't know if they still make it. 

Lookmatic Tortoise Apprentice Glasses - Once you need glasses, you need multiple pairs and I'm loving these new frames from Lookmatic.  They also have a huge selection of sunglasses too. 

Vintage Pearls - I bought this strand of vintage Baroque pearls at the flea market for $40.  I might wear another long gold vintage necklace instead but it's nice to have options. 

Vintage Breitling Watch - Thanks Dad!

Fenton Fallon Cuff Bracelet - I bought this gold bracelet at the recent sample sale and it's also become a favorite.  The pearls say uptown and the studs say downtown.  

Asha by ADM Topaz Ring - I've had this ring for years and the smoky topaz is also perfect for fall. 

Essie Potato Fields Nail Polish - I've gone light on my manicure and it's feels fresher than all the brights from summer. Sometimes I layer one coat of Mademoiselle over one coat of Potato Fields.  Crazy I know. 

Nars Chinatown Nail Polish - I've also switched to this classic shade for my pedicure.  

Photo by moi via Instagram 

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Traveling Chic

My flight on Friday was cancelled "due to weather" by the fine folks at USAirways so I'm flying home on Saturday now.  On the bright side, the extra day gave me time to get some work off my plate and take a photo of my travel ensemble.  It was inspired by Charlize Theron's outfit in my Traveling in Style post yesterday. 

Blazer - I love traveling in a blazer but sometimes they can be a little constricting.  This "Jogging Blazer" from Zara is made of a sweatshirt type of material that stretches for comfort.  

Jeans - I only wear J.Crew Matchstick Jeans.  They are a great price so as soon as they fade, I can buy a new pair. 

Tee Shirt - The J.Crew Vintage Cotton V-Neck Tee is super soft and also a favorite. 

Scarf - You have to travel with a scarf no matter what the season because you never know how chilly it can be on a plane. Cashmere scarves from Club Monaco are perfect. 

Tote Bag - I have a few Goyard bags from Barneys because they chic and virtually indestructible. Although, I may upgrade to a Celine tote for autumn. 

Sandals - These Roger Vivier sandals are also a favorite.  My old pair finally fell apart this summer so I bought a new pair in black and another in yellow.  Tan will be next. I also carry a pair of Chanel two-tone ballet flats in my bag in case my feet get chilly. 

Sunglasses - I wanted a pair of Ray Ban Aviators but the Classic Green Lens style wasn't right for me. These are the over sized Classic Aviators with Golden Lenses that I found at Bergdorf Goodman. 

Watch - Vintage Breitling from my dad. 

Necklace - I found this gold three ring necklace at the Brooklyn Flea years ago.  I just ran into designer Elma Blint at the Williamsburg flea market recently and bought another necklace.  I love her designs.

Ring - Green, gold and wood by The Branch that I bought at Treillage always garners compliments. 

Pouch - this is my new favorite purchase that I found by Pamela Barsky at the Artists and Fleas outpost near the Brooklyn flea market.  She has a ton of cute sayings on two different size pouches.  She also sets up at Chelsea Market so check her website or twitter for the schedule. 

Magazines - I'm old school. I don't care if you can read magazines online. I still love to travel with actual printed material to read when I travel.  

Later skaters! 

Photo by me via instagram. Click to enlarge. 

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