A Wilde, Wilde Party with Nanette Lepore

Hello, long lost readers! 

I had planned my triumphant return to the blog during my upcoming trip to Toronto, but a very exciting experience has caused an early return that I could not be more happy about! On February 15th I had the opportunity to view Nanette Lepore's Fall 2012 Collection during New York Fashion Week.

Who says just because the weather is drab and boring your wardrobe must reflect the same? 

Certainly not Nanette. 

These deliciously bright patterns and colors were inspired by Tarot Cards, dandyism, and Mr. Oscar Wilde himself. Each fun and flirtatious look gave a feminine, sexy fit that didn't "give away the farm" but instead gave the on-looker a sense of wonder and mystery (A quality that I am very happy to see make a return). 

 One of my favorites:

"I was inspired by the iconic imagery of the tarot and the mystical energy of Francesco Clemente’s recent exhibition at the Uffizi. This autumn/winter 2012-13, I seek to invoke the gods of dandyism and conjure the spirit of Oscar Wilde so that he can read my palm"- nanette discusses runway show with Vogue UK

And there were no shortages of celebs to be seen. Backstage I got a glimpse of Stanley Tucci, Kristin Chenoweth, Tyson Beckford, Arianna Huffington and I, quite literally, bumped into Channing Tatum at the after party (then promptly had a heart attack from the hottness). 

It was an amazing day and one that I will never forget. Many thanks to the beautiful and talented Natalia Lepore Hagan for inviting me!

-xoxo.

Time Out! (New York)

WOAH, wait, wait....Time Out -- New York??

Much to my surprise (and excitement) Time Out New York Magazine decided our New York City apartment was stylish enough to make it into their yearly "Apartments" Issue. 

Here are a couple of photos from the recent shoot:

Since the article came out I have been asked by a few people how we made our apartment come together in such a short period of time (about 5 months time.)

And while I didn't have an exact answer for this question because I, myself, was a little baffled that we even found time to hang a couple of posters, let alone fully furnish our apartment, in that amount of time but I would have to say that we found our decorating method through the idea of buying or thrifting anything we loved and just called it 'eclectic' 

And while this can also be considered the beginning signs of someone ready for an episode of "Horders," we found our inner self control once we felt a room was "finished" and stopped purchasing.

As far as thrifting is considered in New York City, it did take a little adjusting. For one, as far as price is concerned-- not all thrift stores are created equally. Although, they can offer very similar products the prices vary greatly. I recommend finding about 3 or 4 stores that you feel are priced competitively and stick to those. Leave the fancy "vintage consignment" stores to those who are willing to pay the price.

Also-- don't be afraid to check out the various flea markets at your disposal!

 Personally I do enjoy the Brooklyn Flea but what I enjoy even more are the plethora of 'stoop sales' that line the streets on your way to the flea market. Often, the clothes and home decor are just as cool and about a fraction of the price!

Here are a couple of my own Brooklyn stoop sale spoils:

Beatles artwork: $5.00 and Vases for a buck a piece!

But my best piece of advice when thrifting is for home decor is to be adventurous! If you find a piece and fall in love with it, don't hesitate, buy it! You can always find a use for a piece you love and you'd regret it if you let it slip away. (However, there is a special "re-think it" clause for those in the 'Hoarders' category.)

How have you turned your place into your "home, sweet, home"? I'd love to hear about other ideas!

-xoxo.

Always the bridesmaid...

....well, not always the bridesmaid, but most certainly never the bride. And that is totally fine by me...at least for now :-)

As fall begins to creep in the wedding season comes to a close. For me that is. This summer has been a very wedding filled summer for me because two of the people I hold most dear were married. One of my best friends and my brother. It has been a little hectic at times but it has always been well worth it and both weddings where truly gorgeous.

My best friend and beautiful bride, Erika

'What I Wore' for Erika's Wedding:

Dress: David's Bridal

Clutch: Thrifted

Pearls: A bridesmaid gift from a previous wedding

Hair Accessory / Flowers: Flower shop :) 

My brother and his lovely bride

'What I Wore' for my brother's wedding:

Dress: Urban Outfitters

Necklace: Thrifted

Clutch: Vintage Gucci - Thrifted (also one of my proudest finds) 

Shoes: DSW Shoe Warehouse

I think one of the reasons I loved both these weddings so much was because of the beautiful simplicity reflected in both the ceremonies and the receptions. I feel too often people lose sight of what makes a wedding special when colliding expensive, lavish cakes with gold, gilded event halls and finally throwing together hundreds of people to enjoy this expensive party.

I think there is a way to do a classic, simple wedding that still is special and beautiful...without breaking the bank.

Here are a couple of photos from, Ruffled, a great wedding blog that show some of my favorite wedding ideas:

I think these are the most beautiful vows I've ever heard

"Let the winds of the heavens dance between you"

Congratulations to both my brother and my best friend! I haven't a doubt that both of you will live long, happy marriages!

-xoxo.