Rock Shic

#487 Great Style Never Dies

Happy Monday! 

Hopefully this will be a better week in terms of productivity.  I’m definitely getting back into my groove – officially back into the East Coast time zone, and better able to streamline all of my activities and to-do’s.

Would you believe… as I was going over my photo archives (I’m currently putting together a little collaboration with enRoute magazine, stay tuned for details!), I stumbled upon the following streetstyle series.  I shot this look back in July of 2012, hard to believe!

Apart from the weather envy (I’m sooooo ready to give up my winter coats and scarves), I’m also digging her vibe and realizing that despite the fact that this look was shot nearly two years ago, she still looks oh-so-current and gamine-chic.

A couple of factors:

1)      The side-shaved-head look.  I personally cannot pull this off (haven’t shaved my head since middle-school), but I admire it all the same.

2)      The skinny, high-waist jeans.  Again, my new-mom body is not quite there yet, but I think she does a good job with this look.  (Okay okay, caveat: there is a “slight” camel-toe effect going on here, but that is a risk we must all bare when it comes to high-waist denim). 

3)      The bright accessories that pop.  For the most part, our lady in the spotlight keeps her entire ensemble pretty casual and monochromatic, then she lets it pop with her bright blue sandals (I, too, am feeling blue these days! Just check out my latest post-baby-chic series). 

So there you have it.  Oh, and I’m also totally into her highlights – very, very summer appropriate. 

Something to think about!!

#476 The Bowery Taste-Maker

Well hello there internet!  It’s certainly been a while. 

Somehow this entire past week has completely snuck away from me, was it the same for you?? Sigh – so much for my beach resolutions.

I recently came across some photos taken for my guest role at the Bowery Boogie.  The weather’s been great and all here in the Gulf-Coast (notwithstanding the recent chill that’s been thrown our way, brrr), but I do miss my Bowery street-styles!

To me, this entire ensemble (shot right outside of the Intermix on 332 Bowery), is definitively downtown-New York – with a touch of androgyny and hipster-chic thrown in.  It’s also eclectic enough that you can pretty much sport it in cities across the globe and fit right in (hats & sunglasses a must!).  In many ways, it encapsulates how I'd dress myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon whilst running errands.

Besides – you know that I could never resist a man who knows how to accessorize.  Case in point here. 

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#293 Second Installment on the Boogie

#255 Winter – Remixed

Alpaca Blend White Coat: Carven | Shoes: KMV | Leggings: Zara | Sweater: Comptoir Des Contonniers | Bag: Linea Pelle

Occupation: Healthcare Consultant

I was on my way to my beloved tailor on Orchard today, when I bumped into this super fashionable chica.  Winter can be a pretty drab time for street styles, as you’re less likely to get innovative varieties once everybody gets coated up.  However, my eyes totally lit up when I saw her.  That jacket! So warm and stylish and… soft! (Like a bunny!! Or better yet – alpaca).  And her Zebra-printed flats? Love.  Reminds me of a pair I had bought in New Zealand last Christmas (at a store called Witchery).  "Are you not cold?" I asked, seriously concerned.  She simply smiled and shrugged... I suppose this time of the year can be unpredictable and tricky.

I am also coveting her roomy and versatile Linea Pelle Dylan tote, makes for such an ideal day bag.  Seriously contemplating getting one myself!

I applaud her for her effortless styling… perfect for a weekend luncheon, rain or shine.  (She just happened to come back from a lazy afternoon of dim sum, and I couldn’t help but direct her to my neighborhood favorite, Mission Chinese, right across the street).  Oh, and our Chicago native even gave me some culinary pointers!  Apparently schwa, located in Wicker Park (one of my favorite part of town) is *the* place to go!!! "It parallels even Alinea" she whispered (now that's high prasie!).  Done and done – it's added to the list.

#244 The Ultimate Holiday Party Dress

Dress: Yumi Kim

I’ve been really into all things sparkly and shiny lately (chalk it up to a case of holiday cheers, I suppose).  However, I would definitely say that I found a perfect match today at Yumi Kim, as part of the Asian Women in Business benefit in the Lowest East Side (more on that later!).

For now, let us sit back and admire this little ivory shift dress!  Traditionally known for her beautiful silk patterns, Kim has recently forayed into the beading space both in her design and form, and Rock Shic loves!!! This cocktail dress (part of the Yumi Kim Holiday Collection) would be a fantastic addition to your party wardrobe this season… and in fact, Kate here intends to make it her go-to New Years Eve dress! “I had my eyes on it ever since she designed it,” she said as she winked at me.  Killer! 

P.S. This Bianca Beaded number may be sold out on-line, but you can still find some at the Yumi Kim flagship store on 105 Stanton Street.  Mention AWIB (Asian Women in Business) and you’ll receive 25% off storewide! Xo.  

The sparkbles at Yumi Kim (105 Stanton Street)

#241 Spot-on Casual

Jacket: Talula (her sister's!) | Scarf: Vintage | Shoes: Frye (last featured here) | Bag: Zara (from Spain) | Lace Shirt: Free People

I caught up with this chica on my way to brunch yesterday.  Her fashionable and functional street look was what caught my eye, as I did a double take.  But of course! Olive, black and white... it's such a great weekend-chic formula, everybody should have it in their repertoire (with some killer accents of course).  

I love this SF ex-consultant/ fashionista's olive jacket (a wear-with-anything shade as far as I'm concerned), plus those eye catching, gold studded shoes!!!! Definitely suitable for a relaxed walkabout just about anywere.  The entire ensemble is fun, head-turning, without being pretentious or over the top, a total winner in my book!  We shared a good laugh over Brazil, where this chica will be headed with her man... totally makes me sentimental about our recent trip to Rio!

#239 Consummate Downtown Cool

Jacket: Moschino| Pants: Akris | Shoes: Hugo Boss

Recently, I’ve been on the look-out for some bespoke, modern menswear… could be that lots of my guy friends are on the hunt for the ultimate winter-look (e.g., shirts, jackets, and suits).  I caught up with this cutie on the corner of Orchard and Rivington (on my way to my tailor).  I am in love with his cool wool, shearling lined, buttoned-down winter coat (that collar! Swoon).   The pairing of the fitted, skinny pants also lends a sense of sleekness to his entire silhouette.  It’s all very Freemans Sporting Club.

We had a good laugh, as we seemed to have swapped spots (he recently relocated to the UES from the LES).  Though never fear, as I have no doubt that young Dylan would be a discerning dresser no matter where he goes! 

#234 Graffiti Face on U Street

Top: Cheap Monday | Belt: Zara | Vest: Guess | Leggings: American Apparel | Collar Necklace: H&M | Watch: IceTime Watches | Boots: Trouvé | Nail Art: Salon Couture in Maryland

While in DC, I had the opportunity to meet a fellow fashion consultant in the U Street/14 Street Corridor (aka where I choose to hang in DC for some edgy style and modernist gems!).

I found the lovely Brandi Welch at a fabulous neighborhood contemporary store called Muleh, which sells a blend of modern furnishing, clothing and (my personal favorite) accessories!  Girlfriend really knows her designs and how to play with proportions, and reminds me of a younger, prettier version of Lil’ Kim (who, by the way, I was positively obsessed with all throughout college… I’ve even introduced hubby to the genius behind the album “Hard Core,” one of the prouder moments in our relationship). 

But we digress.                                                                                                      

What really sealed the deal for me were her intricately-painted and self-designed nail art.  It’s got it all!  Tribal, punk, sparkle… and even an ode to the late Keith Haring (how can you not fall in love?).  I have been really into experimental nail-decor lately, particularly of the pop-art variety (think: multi-colored nail colors on each hand, as I tried recently with black & gold).  Of course, our Brandi here took this concept to a whole other level, and I absolutely adore her for it! 

#225 The Sophisticated Lady

Shoes & Pants: Acne | Sweater: Vintage | Bag: Imago-A Prism Mini

Today was the perfect weather – mild and temperate, with amazing highs in the 60’s.  Hubby & I decided to go for a wonder in the neighborhood.  Who did we run into but the lovely Claudia Martinez!  Last featured here on RockShic Street Style. 

We had a good laugh, as I congratulated her on her new show on Bravo.  There’s no doubt that this chick is a knockout, and really knows her stuff when it comes to fashion.  I love that Claudia, like many New Yorkers today, embraced this lovely day (possibly one of the last sunny weekends we’ll have like this!) and opted for a jacket-free look.  Her palette is killer (I’m loving the blue and orange combo), and her flair and grace is ever so present and polished.  Definitely a winning casual-chic style as far as I’m concerned!

For more on Claudia, her art world, and her fashion boutique & gallery space, check out Bravo’s “Gallery Girls” and the fabulous End of Century in the Lower East Side! 

#220 Bundled-up Chic

Sweater: Henrik Vibskov | Shoes: Acne | Leggings & Bag: Cos | Gloves: Zara Knitwear (her line)

Occupation: Fashion (but.of.course!)

As the temperature plummets this week, and you ask yourself, “where is my proper winter gear?!!”  You should look no further than this chica right here as your warm and haute muse.  I’ve been obsessed with all-things tribal for quite some time (think: pants, jackets, sweaters… we’ve seen it all Summer long), and in particular of the black and white variety.  See exhibit A, for instance (taken this July – love the pairing of the bright orange btw!).

That said, it’s nice to see this trend’s seamless transition, in accordance with the changing weather.  Here – I think our fashion maven executes the look effortlessly and with verve… I also like the dash of purple on her fingertips. All bundled up and va-va-voom hot!  

#219 A Passion for Fashion

Shirt, sweater & coat: Topshop | Pants: Uniqlo | Boots: Acne | Bag: Proenza

As we’ve seen this Tuesday, aka the day after Sandy… New Yorkers can bring a pretty killer Stormville style no matter what the weather brings.  This is no less true today as I blazed through Soho post brunch, and caught up with this grungy, preptastic fashionista.  We had a good laugh about our respective black-out experiences, in addition to our mutual appreciation for Daniel. 

I first spotted her standout coat, which brought a beacon of light amidst the sea of black and grey.  This season, I promised myself that I would try to avoid the typical, run of the mill, basic black coat as much as I can (it’s difficult, but it’ll be worth the effort!!), and I shall use chic Jacqueline as an example (love love love her buttoned up collar look as well, which inspired my outfit here).  Plus, I’m totally digging her black and white houndstooth trousers... patterned pants are definitely going to give colored jeans some SERIOUS competition this season!