Over the long weekend, I had a chance to catch up with an old friend from Boston, and sneak in a photo-shoot featuring my beautiful mohair coat dress by MASC. I’ve had this coat for some time now, but couldn’t really wear it during my pregnancy – so imagine how thrilled I was to take this beauty out for a twirl!
I love the cream, wine, and navy color combo of this coat. The sleeveless nature of the piece makes it fun and easy to pair with different looks. For the occasion, I chose this little fuchsia number from Adrianna Papell purchased recently (the satin roughing around the waist is oh-so-forgiving!).
This is a perfect piece for the fall, pity those days are numbered!!
A little pre-shoot snuggles with my 2.5 months old Nukie! See here for more baby features.
OMG, it’s like I blink, and another week goes by (similarly, I always feel like I blink, and it’s 7pm everyday!).
These photos were taken last weekend on Bond Street and nearby Lafayette (the former being one of my favorite streets in NYC!). Hubs and I had quite the expedition that day, starting with getting little Nukie his very own passport (gearing up for New Zealand!). Word to the wise, you should most definitely take your baby’s passport photo at home. Or better yet, if you’re doing a professional photo shoot, you can try to sneak that in there as well (all you need is a white background)… whatever the case, it comes out soooooo much better! We learned this the hard way, by having poor Nuke take probably one of the more unflattering photos thus far. A photo which mommy will certainly not be sharing via social media! (I'll save that embarrassing moment for his future girlfriends).
Here we take a much welcomed reprieve on Bond Street, en route to meet some friends for brunch at Acme. The weather’s starting get chilly (last Sunday being Autumnal Equinox and all), so I made sure to bring my trusty Sara Ebbett scarf a la Young British Designers.
And yes, mamma’s holding her favorite cup of brew! It’s the best way to combat fatigue these days.
Leather jacket: Max Azria (last seen here) | Dress: Isabella Oliver Vivien Print c/o | Clutch: Rebecca Minkoff | Sunglasses: Michael Kors | Necklace: From my travels to New Zealand | Earrings: Banana Republic | Tights: Topshop Maternity | Shoes: Michael Kors
I wanted to squeeze in one more outfit post before my 24th week, which is tomorrow (eep!). This week feels like one of my fastest weeks yet… with my body changing at rapid pace – too fast, perhaps! Today I was told by my doctor that I’ve gained too much weight (doh), and I need to chill with the eating – particularly sweets and such. I would venture to guess that no woman likes to hear that she’s put on more weight than she should, particularly not in front of her husband, but dems the breaks. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to pull back a little (cue – make an appointment with a nutritionist stat), perhaps be more health conscious (something I should do regardless), and, lucky for me I also kicked off my first session this Tuesday with a trainer (talk about timing!).
Truth be told, all that matters at the end of the day is a happy baby… but there are all types of health issues associated with too much weight gain, such as complications with birth, trouble with breastfeeding, etc. (not to mention feeling and looking sluggish all over, which is never good!). Okay, note to self… need to do lots of walking while in Portugal. Speaking of which, it is time to get back to packing! Why do I always leave these things to the last minute, I wonder.
We are officially into the start of the sixth month! I’m definitely starting to get huge, and, depending on what I wear, I can either *really* pop – or look somewhat preggers.
I figured that I’d go for broke with this Sandro and Isabella Oliver get-up. I love this Mae Drape Trench from the British-based maternity label Isabella Oliver, which I carefully selected from their list of must-haves. The cut is so versatile, as you can wear it on-the-go, with skinnies or leggings (as I do here), or dress it up more formally with a pretty frock and/or skirt for a night outing (although these days this mommy-to-be has a tendency to pass out right after desert!).
You’ll definitely see me try to work this trench into more of my maternity ensembles to come (I wore it to a Project Runway event on Friday and got instant compliments). Oh, and I was so happy to hear a Nolita shop-girl compliment me with, “that is the coolest maternity shirt I’ve ever seen!” She said, referring to my Sandro mesh-tee. Clearly, this is not actually a maternity shirt, since I got it pre-baby. Nevertheless, the fabric is stretchy enough and the cut is so fun that I couldn’t pass it up!
I must admit that walking around with my friend, and then to Soho on a shopping excursion made my feet tired (even with the chunkier heels I chose). These days, I am far better off in flats with support, though more than half of my shoes no longer fit because of the swelling (the horror!). I may have to look into getting some new footwear. Hubby suggested that I look into lace-up running shoes – clearly he doesn’t understand!
I guess a part of me still can’t believe that it is 2013. Like the start of every new year, I always begin… gingerly, taking a baby step after another. Though today, I decided to dive straight back into it! Why should I let the staggering cold (though growing milder) stop me from engaging with the world to the fullest?
By pure happenstance, I had read about the new “Event of a Thread” installation at the Manhattan Park Avenue Armory. The last time we experienced interactive art was on the rooftop of the Met à la Tomás Saraceno (though with better weather)… given that this was indoors, I knew I had to give it a whirl. Done by visual artist Ann Hamilton, the exhibit features 42 wooden swings hanging from 70-ft-long ropes… each one attached to an expansive silk curtain that billows and waves with each push of a swing. It was like one big playground!
Catch it before it’s done! Which, sadly – is rather soon (the exhibit ends tomorrow, January 6th, 2012). I highly recommend purchasing tickets online!
For the occasion, I’m not only mixing it up with my killer
Atlanta Weller ankle boots, courtesy of my collaboration with Young British
Designers – but I’m also happy to debut one of new favorite street-smart tees by NU Companie,
designed and distributed by the talented Adam Wolfson. One of the perks of doing what I do is
meeting young, bourgeoning designers and entrepreneurs, and Adam is a prominent
example. I was super impressed by his
company, and totally dig his designs. I
chose the “NU York” tee because I feel like it perfectly symbolizes my
hometown… bold, edgy, and ready to play!
Happy New Year! We’re keeping it casual this New Year’s Eve, which so far has lent a remarkably calm space for me to reflect on this past year. Rarely has a year gone by at such lightning speed (is that what maturing is all about?). However – I will say, 2012 has been monumental for me, in part because it was the year Rock Shic was born. I am so fortunate to have had so many amazing opportunities and developments come my way, and I look forward to more fabulous and creative ventures in 2013!!!
Top: Charlotte
Taylor | Skirt: Boutique from Lower East Side | Faux fur stole: Nine West | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff similar (from Lucky Shops NY) | Boots: Zara | Sunglasses: Armani | Collar Necklace:
Patricia Field | Earrings: Gift from Aruba
Happy Saturday! It’s
hard to believe that we have literally three days to go before Christmas. I say this, as it literally means limited time to get ourselves sorted for our first-ever Christmas
luncheon for the “orphans” (aka Manhattanites who have not left the city… much like ourselves).
Though I am excited – in more ways than one! These photos were taken by the lovely and
talented Logan Lee Lamson, writer,
creative spirit, filmmaker, and super sweetheart.
For the occasion, I
wanted to do something decadent yet still fresh and young – so I picked this
fantastically whimsical, gramophone top by Charlotte Taylor, also a product of
my recent collaboration with the Young British Designers. This fur stole (faux of course!) I’ve had for
ages, sine 2004!! My boyfriend at the time had criticized it for being “too
over the top.” But what did he know about fashion anyways? (Isn’t that
precisely why he’s been relegated to the “ex” category? Ha). Last but not least, the skirt I donned
happens to be one of my favorite A-line pieces, hand-made by a designer in the
Lower East Side (whose name sadly escapes me).
The fit is fabulous and super flattering (I wouldn’t recommend jogging
in it though!), and very reminiscent of the glamour and appeal of the “Mad Men”
era.
One thing is for
sure, nothing exudes more power and confidence than this combo right here!
Anyone who knows me knows that I love to rock a pretty frock
– be it for work or on the weekend. It
just so happens that this lovely maroon-colored dress, courtesy of Young British Designers, is versatile for both
occasions. I wore it first for a kick-off
all-day planning session at the office, where I garnered plenty of compliments
(blush), and then again on a weekend outing with a girlfriend, who expertly
snapped some photos while we twirled in the park.
I love the overall effects of the dress, which is instantly
slimming and tremendously flattering (the paneling and pleating in the front
does wonders to hide any tummy flaws, I swear!). The unexpected wine color also lends a
refreshing air of sophistication to the entire look, making it the modern-day
LBD, if you will. As for the
blazer? Well, it’s one of my new
go-to-pieces which you’ll find me in all season long. Basically, whenever I want to feel pulled
together, I turn to this trusty Helmut Lang jacket with leather paneling. Really,
you can’t go wrong… I give presentations in this, as it makes me feel
empowered! Roar.
Shirt: From Anemone
(Nolita) | Necklaces: Nolan | Boots: Isen Diamond Ankle Boots by Young
British Designers | Skirt: Helmut Lang | Rings: Marc Jacobs | Jacket: Zara | Cross Body Bag: M. Hulot Prussia Bag by Young British
Designers
As I’ll often say, my go-to style for the cold typically
comprise of a pretty frock, stockings of some sort, and boots (I find that
black tights & black boots work quite well, and has an instant slimming
effect). That said, I also endorse
mixing it up every once in a while with… (gasp!) colored tights and some more
edgy-funky booties.
These Isen Ankle boots by Atlanta Weller, from my recent
collaboration with Young British Designers, happen to be just the right
mix! The first night I debuted them, I
was showered with compliments. “These
are hot babe,” said my bestie from Sao Paulo, “but are they comfortable?” Surprisingly…. Yes!!! Beautiful, durable, and ultra-versatile, now that’s
a combo!
I’ve paired it all up with the Prussia Bag by M. Hulot, both
chic and functional – it works quite nicely as both a casual bag for the
evening, and a day-bag to the office.
The rest? Well… as we all know, a dash of black leather sleeves is the ubiquitous
trend of the season (just ask Bill Cunningham!), and I love my Helmut Lang
skirt (recently worn in Spain on my date with Dali).
The flouncy blouse was an impulse purchase goaded on by a good friend visiting
from SF, “the red is such a great color on you!” She applauded (I was dubious
but ultimately caved to the peer pressure). Though
let’s face it – often times your friends know you better than yourself…. as
this very blouse has grown to be one of my key closet staples (a perfect fit for
both the office and the street!). Win.
The view from our terrace of the Lower East Side -- Manhattan
The Prussia Bag by M. Hulot... with the as-yet-unfinished Freedom Tower in the background!
As you know, I love artsy and edgy fashion, and I am all for
supporting independent emerging designers, some of whom have been featured on Rock
Shic. I believe that the fresh eye,
creativity, and sharp awareness these folks bring to both the fashion and art space
is what ultimately drives this ever-evolving and competitive industry. Maybe it’s the artist-daughter spirit in me,
but I’ve always had a strong penchant for small boutiques over large department
stores.
In any case, this is Rock Shic’s first international
collaboration to date, as it features a broad and unique spectrum of various designers – Jasper Garvida, Felicity Brown, Kinder Aggugini, Eudon Choi, and
Jean Theo, to list a few (all Brits, of course!). Fitting too – as hubby was also born in
England. As a matter of fact, I’ve
always looked upon the UK quite fondly… I’m not sure what it is (certainly not
the weather!). There is just something so
fundamentally chic and gritty about the pulse of the country, which definitely
sets it apart from its European counterparts. I believe this teaser video from @YBDfashion
says it all!
Over the years, I’ve also seen many good friends and
colleagues relocate to London, partially due to the weakening U.S. market, and
partly because… well it’s just so-darn convenient for the adventurous, jet-setting
crowd! Ryanair, anyone? There’s also a part of me that secretly believes
that one day, hubby and I will retire back in the UK (though he is still
lobbying pretty hard for New Zealand).
Me atop the London Eye -- visit here for more tips on my travel & packing style!
At the British Museum (2010), which has a special place in my heart, as that's also where daddy's work is collected!
A crisp, cool morning in London... wearing my Xmas colours.
These are some of my personal favs from London -- I look a bit bleary-eyed, as we've literarlly just landed. Hubby had to keep waking me up while we rode the tube!
202 Cafe in Notting Hill, one of my favorite spots!! The French toast with maple syrup and bacon is a signature dish.
About Me
Based in Manhattan's Lower East Side, Rock Shic is an excerpt taken from my personal lookbook of real people around the world. It is a combination of aesthetics, fashion, lifestyle, and travel. I also offer personalized Lookbook Consulting and Styling upon request. Please contact me at rockshic (at) gmail (dot) com. Services include: Wardrobe Analysis, Closet Organization, and Personal Shopping.
