BOO!

Happy halloween you guys! I've got nothing planned other than passing out candy, sadly. Hope you have a more exciting fate?

[Never Underdressed]

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Beetlejuice (x3)

If these pants aren't reminiscent of Beetlejuice, I don't know what is. All jokes aside (though that wasn't a joke), these jeans always pack a punch and make a statement, even if I'm only wearing a boring old black tee. I highly recommend striped pants. No matter how paralyzing you think they might be, these bad boys are extremely versatile: this very same outfit could have been easily elevated with a sharp black boyfriend blazer and a pair of rock 'n roll stiletto boots. Or I could have gone a different route with a crisp white shirt and some edgy sexy shoe. See? Blank canvas, wink!


Details:
Pants - Paige Denim
T-shirt - Helmut Lang
Shoes - Sandro (similar)
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Sunnies - Raen
Lipstick - YSL #12 Forbidden Burgundy

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Perfect Denim

I'm really, really, really feeling these R13 jeans. They're kind of the perfect mix of slouchy and skinny. Get theme here.

[la garconne]

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Bazaar Print

Nights out staying casual and comfy without compromising on chic. Nothing beats that. I have no good story to tell, except that I initially passed up on this top in stores while shopping with PIC (partner in crime) Stephanie, but scooped it up without thinking twice when i found it on sale online just a few weeks later. And that, ladies and gents, is what you call a score.


Details:
Top - J.Crew (similar)
Faux leather pants - Trash & Vaudeville
Loafers - Chanel (similar)
Bag - Bottega Veneta

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Bumble Bee

There are certain color combinations that are big no-nos, simply because of the visual connotations they evoke. Example: green & red - Christmas; black & orange - halloween; black & yellow - bumble bee. Wait, what? Yes, the latter pairing is precisely what you're seeing below. I've chosen to break the rules, rebel that I am. In order for this to work, you have to choose the hues wisely. Going with a sunny yellow could've potentially been disastrous and I probably would have been solicited for honey. But this was not the case here, no sir, no ma'am. This amazing shift dress is almost like a lemon-lime hybrid color and telegraphs kind of neon, so pairing it with black felt cool. I know what you're all thinking: this amount of color is completely out of character. And you're right. But something about the shape, cut and material just made that bold shade attract me like a bee to honey (too much pun for ya? my apologies), and truthfully i felt good in it -- that's the important part, is it not? Such are life's mysteries.

The industrial waterfront zone of north Brooklyn provided the perfect setting for this getup and an NYC icon even makes a (very subtle) cameo. Can you spot it?



Photos by Ian Rusiana

Details:
Dress - Bally SS13 (similar)
Shoes - Sandro (similar)
Sunnies - Raen Optics
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Jacket - ASOS (similar here & here)
Big ring - Saint Laurent
Other rings - Vintage
Rope bracelet - RJ Graziano (similar)
Chain bracelet - H&M (similar)

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Snake Charmer

I always tell people that I've never met an animal print that I didn't like (same goes for sequins, but I'll save that story for another time) and probably the only thing that could ever make me abide by a more is more motto. Seriously. This snake print shift was irresistible, having both a vintage and rock'n roll vibe, but still telegraphing glamour in some way. How's that for a twist?


Wearing this on a Friday night, i decided to just go with it and cake on the face goo. I don't ever wear this much make up, my routine rarely deviating from BB cream or tinted moisturizer, under eye concealer, blush & mascara -- but putting on this slithery dress, I was overcome with an inexplicable desire to go big instead of going home. And truth be told, I was a little bit excited to use some of my favorite products, which all happen to be YSL (they make seriously great cosmetics): the Volume Effet Faux Cils mascara, the Forbidden Burgundy lips and the Effet Faux Cils cream eyeliner.


I think this made me totally Friday-night-ready. And then i had one scotch too many #oops.


Details:
Dress - Zara (similar)
Boots - Nine West (similar)
Leather jacket - Mackage (similar)
Earrings - Catbird (similar)
Chain bracelet- H&M
Black bracelet - Favery
Lips - YSL Rouge Volupté #12 Forbidden Burgundy
Mascara - YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils
Eyeliner - YSL Effet Faux Cils cream liner in Deep Black
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Ralphy

I'd like to take moment to revisit one of my favorite fall collections: Ralph Lauren. I always really appreciate his aesthetic, as he completely epitomizes the American Dream, the Waspy country club look, the wild wild west, the image of Americana, I could go on -- however, his fall 2013 collection was so dark, imbued with mystery, regal, even. Above all, it was simply stunning. With the inevitable equestrian references, there were also touches of Parisian schoolboy elements, as well as pieces evocative of Russian tzarinas meet Gilligan's Island. Essentially all good things in life encompassed in one flawless collection by one of fashion's masters. Can I look like this when the mercury drops? Thanks.

[style dot com]

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Indian Summer

I always talk about how lucky we really are to have four distinct seasons on the East Coast, as well as how fortunate I was to have grown up experiencing nature's most wonderful, vast offerings. Sure, there was no beach nearby, and palm trees will forever have an exotic connotation, but nothing can compare to living through the thrill of solstices and equinoxes. Although I always complain about winter (i truly loathe it, but it's not as bad now seeing as I don't live in Canada anymore), i do genuinely feel giddy when the air changes, nature transforms, wardrobes beg to be rotated and everybody's suddenly emotionally electrified with a sense of renewal. There's just this undeniable energy and momentum that builds up every time we find ourselves on the cusp of a seasonal shift. That's actually why fall happens to be my personal favorite -- in spite of it leading us straight into winter -- I can't explain it any other way than it having a magical quality. I wouldn't want my ode to come off as a hyperbole, but i will go as far as saying that it's one of life's natural highs, in my humble opinion. Plus the fashion happens to be beyond, but that's for another story...


There are other incredible things about fall on the east coast, but more specifically, I'm referring to a characteristic typical to this area of North America, an old adage that refers to a period of unusually high temperatures after a frost has already occurred. It's a term now used way more loosely and you're certainly already familiar with it: the amazing spell known as Indian summer. We haven't had a frost yet, far from it, but until last week, autumn simply hadn't really arrived. Which explains my outfit below, something i wore during the last week of september. Shocking, I do realize, however the magical thing about Indian summer is that it can feel like fall in the air, but you can still get dressed without torturous dilemmas like whether you'll be too cold if you don't bundle up or get too sweaty if you do. It's quite exciting.


In this neutrals-only look (you know colors aren't my forte), I ultimately decided to go with the nude tote (directly above) to add another dimension, instead of my usual Bottega (first photo). Seriously though, how much can one wear that bag, really! I meannn. Anyway, it was the perfect ensemble for conducting a little business while being comfortable and still announcing to the world that i've got an edge, thanks to a leather mini and an ever-fun zebra print. Now that fall is lurking more than ever (though still not fully here), I could easily have swapped my silk tank for a simple fitted cotton turtleneck, added some tights and slapped on booties in lieu of sandals. #tricksofthetrade

What are your thoughts about seasons? Fall? Or do you live in a climate that happens to have year-round consistency?


Details:
Silk tank - H&M (similar)
Leather skirt - Vintage (similar)
Vest - Zara (similar)
Sandals - Zara (similar)
Nude bag - Zara (similar)
Black bag - Bottege Veneta
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Ring - Saint Laurent
Bracelet - H&M (similar)
Necklace - Vintage (similar)
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No Color Whatsoever

Don't worry guys, I left my cape at home this time around. Ok, you got me, I kid. But it's impossible not to reference the caped crusader when wearing such a color-less outfit, wouldn't you say? But I digress. Saturday night fun times were had in this all black getup and I have an inkling that it may have something to do with my monochromatic disposition: even whilst wearing flats, donning all black inevitably makes one feel invincible, incognito even, but above all, cool as hell. Delusional? Perhaps, but i like it that way. Seeing as I'm quite the tomboy, borrowing from the boys comes naturally to me, which is precisely what I've done here. Loose tee? Check! Skater slip-on kicks? Check! Tuxedo pants? Check! Although I love these pants, which were acquired in Paris a few years ago, i rarely find the occasion to wear them because they can telegraph "office" or "maitre D" faster than you can say hello. So I aimed for each component of this look to work a double-shift (pun intended): the pants elevate the shoes and jacket, whereas the shoes and jacket bring the trousers down. I know, I like to think of myself as a genius too. (Again, I kid). Happy Monday everyone!


Details:
Tee - Helmut Lang (similar)
Pants - Lanvin (similar)
Shoes - Sandro (similar)
Leather jacket - ASOS (similar)
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Necklaces - Vintage (similar here, here and here)
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Tuxedo

This cream silk tuxedo top spoke to me as soon as i saw it. It strikes that perfect balance between sexy, garçonne, dressy and relaxed, while having that aspirational dressed-up PJ vibe. I just had to take it home. Here, I kind of gave it a rock 'n roll flair, as I tend to naturally do... It was also kind of instinctive for me to pair snake and leopard print together; not only have I never met an animal print I didn't like, but I also think that these two guys are quite complimentary. Completing the look with minimal jewelry, of course -- you know me by now, right? I'm sure you'll agree that i didn't need anything other than these super stunning Michael Spirito gold tooth studs and sick Iosselliani stacked rings. NYC's beautiful Highline provides the perfect backdrop, and that's all I've got for now! 

Photos by Ian Rusiana

Details:

Top - Julia Jentzsch

Cutoffs - J Brand

Shoes - Whistles

Bag - Emm Kuo

Hat - Topshop

Stacked rings - Iosselliani

Earrings - Michael Spirito (similar)

Sunnies - Ray-Ban

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Paris Best

Dear readers, you very well know that when an outfit is too OTT (that means over-the-top, mom), has too many trinkets, is too busy or just too loud, it ain't really my thing. It's quite apparent in the aesthetic of this blog and on matters of which I post that my taste level is more, shall I say... subtle. So in all candidness, the circus act that is fashion month street style makes me cringe more than it leaves me in awe. There are some true gems that I cannot get enough of though, like Camille, Hanneli or Hedvig. But my number one winner (she wins a mountain of praise from yours truly), the look that made me see stars, that provoked inner fireweorks and that made me weak with both envy and desire is the one below worn by Giorgia Tordini from Grazia Italy. I know, so simple, right?! But it speaks so loudly, it might as well be shouting. Le sigh.

[facehunter]

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When Prep Met Rock

This look is a little bit conflicted, but it totally works. I'm wearing preppy loafers and a tweed blazer, but it's all rockified thanks to studded trims, tight skinny denim and my trusty wide brim hat. It's kind of a great way to make jeans and a t-shirt (my uniform) look a tad more put together.


Details:
Tee, blazer & denim - Zara
Hat - Topshop
Loafers - Chanel
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Ring - Saint Laurent
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Satin, Brocade & Lace

Talk about a mix of textures, putting together some satin, brocade and lace to step out on the town... ish. And by that i mean wore this for a date a few weeks ago and had an awesome time -- perhaps it was the saucy see-through top and the red pout? Maybe. Moving on, I realize that the quality of these shots isn't exactly formidable, but it still shows the look and thought it'd be worth it for nighttime inspo, should you ever need any.


Details:
Lace top - vintage (similar)
Brocade pants - Zara (similar)
Mules - Nina Ricci
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Lips - MAC LAdy Danger
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