Everyone has their own list of what they consider to be wardrobe staples, and being the simple gal that I am, most things I consider to be must-haves are pretty basic. Like black and white t-shirts, a great pair of dark wash skinny jeans, black jeans, grey cashmere sweaters, etc. You get the idea: my adventurous sartorial days of yore are far behind me.
I much prefer neutrals and classics, which I personalize with my very own brand of undone nonchalance. Something that's taken years of trials and errors to nail, and that continues to evolve. The goal is not to reach perfection, because that would be the very antithesis of what I am, and how I want to look. I'm just not into that overly manicured look. My hair is always a mess, my nails are never done, I like things loose and casual, but I'm also a high heels and lipstick aficionado. But if you're a regular reader of this blog, you know all of that.
The reason I'm yapping away about all of this is because this outfit comprises some of my fall wardrobe essentials: a versatile pea coat, leather pants, cute sneakers and bright lipstick. Now tell me, what are some of your essentials?
One of the things that I am most certain of in life is that I am far from a morning person. It doesn't matter how much sleep I've had, how good my intentions are or how eager I am to get to my coffee -- waking up has been one of the most painful parts of my day for as long as I can remember. I still manage to rise at a decent hour, but it's not without an immense challenge.
On the contrary, I always get a jolt of energy come sundown. No matter how tired I am, it's almost like a chemical reaction once the daylight winds down and transitions into evening. I don't know what it is about my internal clock, but it's this inexplicable quotidian phenomenon that's occurred since I've been old enough to recall.
So golden hour is literally the time of day when I feel the most energized, and it also happens to provide a very small window of time to capture the most alluring photos thanks to the natural glowing light it provides. There's something about big cities that make the sun seem like it shines even brighter when it's low, almost as though at the end of every street lies a pot of gold that caught fire. Even better when those streets are tree-lined and look like a movie set. That's the thing with New York City, I never cease to marvel at all it has to offer, no matter how insignificant.
Last week, before this dip in weather occurred, my man and I took a half day off for his birthday and played tourist. I can't stress how fun it is to explore your own city, especially when said city is the Big Apple. It's so easy, and might I say normal, to just get caught up in routines, work and every day life, that we often fully omit taking advantage of what our lieu of residence has to offer. It was the same thing when I lived in Montreal and Paris: I missed out on a lot of these formidable cities' cultural offerings, because once I became a dweller, I took things for granted, as people do.
The very reason for why most tourists flock to metropolitan destinations is often ignored by its population. And that's very sad because big cities encompass so many riches that their denizens could greatly benefit from discovering. While I had many a missed opportunity in my hometown of Montreal, I try to make it a point to not fall into the same pattern here in New York. I've been here for a few years now and I never tire of exploring it, of attending new exhibitions, going to the theatre, shows, restaurants, open mic nights, etc, etc.
So, good on me for actually finding someone to share my life with who actually enjoys doing (most of) these activities. New York City also happens to be an intrinsic part of our love story and it was only fitting that we had a romantic day atop the Rock (that's the summit of Rockefeller Center, for those who are unfamiliar), among other things. And since it was a celebratory day, my trusty vintage sequined vest was out in full force.
It should be so fitting that I have a bit of a professor vibe in these photos since they were shot at a very particular location on the NYU campus called the Washington Mews. It's a really unique part of the city -- a cobblestone row -- that actually used to be old stables. How cool is that? New York is filled with these types of little secret gems.
Anyway, while I stole my husband's t-shirt (which happens more than I care to admit) and am wearing loose distressed jeans with a schoolboy blazer, it's always a good call to add a pair of heels to the mix so that people don't confuse you with an actual member of the opposite sex, know what I mean?
We're no stranger to nighttime shoots here on FOR. In fact, I quite like them because the flash is a complexion's best friend. And while this look is far from being evening wear, I have a penchant for going a bit against the grain and dressing down when the sun does the same. Nothing screams more effortless than looking like you don't really care, amiright?
Greetings, dear readers. Let's get right into it: remember this? That awesome photo shoot I was a part of with my stylist agency, Keaton Row? Well, I finally have a piece of the end result to share. It's always so fun to see the final product of a photo shoot after being involved in a production like this.
I'll spare you more words, as you can read all about this special project in the backstage post I shared with you a couple of months ago. And I'll finish off by giving myself a plug: if you live in the US and are in need of some style advice, holler right here.
Bags are not my thing. They're just not. I don't really care about having a statement slung over my shoulder, I don't really notice them on other people, I never fall short in my tracks when I spot a purse masterpiece... It really takes a lot for me to covet one. In my eyes, a satchel is far more utilitarian than anything and you'll most likely find me wearing a ratty canvas tote on any given day. I have one evening bag, my trust Bottega Veneta cross-body intrecciato, which has served me quite well over the years. You know exactly which one I'm speaking of, it's in literally in all of my outfit posts.
I'm sad to say that I think the time has come to start looking for a sidekick to BV. Not because I want to replace it, no sir, no ma'am. It's far too perfect and classic to ever put it to the side. But I need to give it a little break because it's showing signs of, um, aging, and I want to slow that down a bit. Getting a new bag to share the burden of wear could be considered as BV's youth serum, you know?
So while it takes a lot for me to actually fall in love with a handbag, I've had much time to think about what I'm looking for and what I want. Below are the contenders. Thoughts?
One of the things I try to maintain on this blog is authenticity. The outfits I post here are not premeditated ensembles that wouldn't fly in real life. My pictures are mostly taken with an iphone during an actual activity I am partaking in. The shoots I do with my photographer are looks that I've either already worn or plan to wear in the immediate future. I think being disingenuous is not only obvious to readers, but it's also less compelling.
In that spirit, I've never shied away from posting selfies on here in the past. When I am wearing something I deem worth sharing, but did not get the opportunity to ask someone to snap my photo, one must resort to their own devices, aka the #selfie. And to play on the #TBT theme, I bring you three looks - all selfies - from this summer that showcase my simple and easy style.
