After a zinger of a week last week (we all managed to come down with some variation of the stomach flue that munchkin brought back from preschool), mamma’s back on the scene (sort of); which largely entails just working lots. Fun fun fun.
I wanted to do an outfit post since it’s been soooooo long that I’ve done one of these largely. In fact, I can’t remember the last one! Was it here?? Fall? Really?!
These days, my Ferragamo Boots from Milan are by far my most favorites (I’ve literally worn the heck out of these all winter long, so my cost per wear is actually looking pretty good!). I love that they’re incredibly comfortable and super versatile (jet-set straight from the office to Miami w/only one tote bag in hand? No problem!!).
The other two key pieces I’m donning here (silk black dress and blue leather bag à la Times Arrow) are all recent acquisitions from Miami. The bag I bought from the lovely boutique over at the Edition Hotel, and the dress from the pop-up shop at the 1 Hotel (called Violet and Grace). Evidently I do all of my best shopping at hotels.
This Mint Jo Tote in Paris Blue, by the way, is EVERYTHING – and definitely going to remain a major Spring Staple for 2016!!! (For similar bags see here – I totally heart that Micro Helene Crossbody btw).
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.
Striped Cardigan: Delias | Shorts:
Theory (last featured here) | Flats: Tieks | Scarf: BCBG Max
Azria | Beach tote: Calypso St. Barth | Necklace: Forever 21 |
Sunglasses: Dior
I love that sense of child-like wonder which hits you when
you visit a place like the aquarium or the zoo (in our case, it was a
combination of both!). It’s not
something that I get to do everyday, but on our last day in Bermuda, we did
exactly that. For the ten dollars
admission to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo, I was pleasantly surprised
at the bang for your buck! Really, I never expected to see lemurs, pink flamingos,
and tree kangaroos in Bermuda!!!
It was also the first time I got to see enormous
Galapagos tortoises up close, which was just as impressive as on NatGeo. I suppose this is the place to go to unleash
your inner Peter Pan. Plus, an afternoon
spent feeding baby seals is hardly the worst thing in the world!
At the Bermuda National Museum (Royal Naval Dockyard), earlier in the day
Swimsuit: Ralph
Lauren Rugby | Shirt: Kimchi Blue (Urban Outfitters) | White cover-up:
Helmut Lang | Skirt: Berk's (Cambridge), last featured here | Necklace, Hat, & Earrings: Forever
21 | Beach Tote: Calypso St. Barth | Sunglasses: Dior | Cuff:
Nasty Gal | Scarf: American Vintage | Shoes: Dolce Vita
Even though February is not quite beach weather, we managed
to get in some sun and waves anyhow while in Bermuda. The beaches are absolutely gorgeous (though
windy!), and the sands have a slight pinkish huge (derived from calcium
carbonate and crushed bits of coral), which makes it both delightfully pretty
and power soft. Bermuda is known for its
pink-sand beaches and now I can see why!
We had a traditional Bermudian brunch at the Fairmont Southampton,
which consisted of salt cod fish and potatoes, along with bananas, avocado, and
hardboiled eggs (hearty!). Note to self:
most restaurants are shut on Sundays on the Island, particularly for brunch, so
it was really a toss-up between that and the Fourways Inn), after which we took
a quick stroll to the hotels’ private beach, which was stunningly picturesque, lapped
by crystal-clear, aquamarine water.
Even though I donned my swimsuit underneath, I knew that the
weather was going to be a bit iffy, which was just as well. Regardless, I brought along my favorite beach
tote (procured from my last trip to Montauk), along with my go-to sun hat and
wedges (a Beach must!!! As long as you’re not wearing *just* a bikini… in which
case wedges might be a bit much).
Top: Pookie
and Sebastian | Shorts: Zara (last featured here) | Flats: Tieks by Gavrieli | Bag: Calypso
St. Barth | Scarf: DVF (similar here) | Sunglasses: Anthropologie
A full day in the old British colony… and so much fun
already!! In spite of the off-and-on weather (it is their wet season, after
all), it still feels good to be getting about in shorts after being rugged up
all winter long. Of course – I kept it
smart with layers because, well, you just never know!
On our way to dinner in Hamilton at Bolero, more to come
later!!
Exploring the town of St. George's, a UNESCO heritage site
In the aftermath of Nemo – I went with a friend to the
movies (LOVED Silver Linings Playbook! It’s official, I no longer think Bradley
Cooper is cheesy).
I decide to go with my own tried & true winter formula
(see here), donning a new Reiss jacket courtesy of hubby (it’s kind of a long
story… but in a nutshell, hit up Reiss for some great winter sales!), along
with my cashmere Ralph Lauren leggings, and John Fluevog boots (planning to
wear the heck out of these puppies, before the weather gets warm). I saw this scarf via my friend the Hsu Closet,
and had to covet... it doubles as gloves too! (I can wear this all day long in
the office).
You know what they say, if you can’t beat them -- join
them, which is precisely how I feel about the cold these days. Although I must say, the weather is starting
to turn the corner! Just in time for Valentine’s day, or, as hubby likes to
call it, “men frantically running around in Manhattan day.” Seriously, there’s been literally a huge
queue outside of Godiva all day.
Oh, and did I mention?
Tomorrow we venture out to warmer climates in the Atlantic!!!! Truly cannot
wait.
After the storm… well it’s
not so bad actually! Things have settled
down in the city, and I’m afraid that Nemo was a bit like Irene for us
Manhattanites: overhyped and a bit anticlimactic. However, I did enjoy all that white on the
ground (when it’s still fresh and shimmering, before turning into nasty sludge),
which went so well with my new puff coat! (Yes, despite griping about missing
out on my last post, I did manage to find it on-line… and heavily discounted no
less!!!). It’s amazing how good you feel
when you’re all cozied up and warm, and vice versa.
As for my bunny gloves,
well – what more can I say, I love them!!! And what better time to rock these
babies than today?
Last but not least… Happy
New Year everybody! I, for one, am very
much looking forward to a Snake-charmer of a year!!
Shirt: H&M | Skirt: Oilily | Necklace: Nolan | Ring: Banana Republic | Earrings: Boutique from LES (closed) | Shoes: Kenneth Cole | Glasses: Face It by Alexandra Cassaniti | Bikini top: BCBG | Bag: FEED from Cynthia Rowley
On my way to my acupuncturist (my one excursion of the day), I was just recounting about how much I am over this baltic weather. Seriously, didn’t the groundhog NOT see its shadow this Saturday? Early Spring – that was the point, wasn’t it?
Perhaps it’s because I’ve caught my second cold of the season (seriously, when did my immune system become so weak?)… or that I missed out on this fabulous down coat from Brooklyn Industries last Tuesday… or better yet, because I’ve been working non-stop around the clock… whatever the cause, I’ve been particularly cranky and suffering a severe case of wanderlust.
What to do? Well – time to open the vault (as Andy Cohen would say), and look back on some travel favorites. This easy breezy outfit was a favorite of mine from my recent trip to Barcelona (the last time hubby and I were overseas! Imagine!!). I remember reading somewhere about how vacations bring out the best of our unfettered selves, and I couldn’t agree more! This was one of those “hmm I wonder what I can pull together out of my suitcase” concoctions – and it turned out to be one of my best travel combos to date. Not only was it comfortable and versatile, it also remained suitably true to my personal style – a little free spirit here, with a little edge sprinkled in there, whilst keeping it all sufficiently girly and femme-chic.
Most of the photos were taken on our way to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya – a must-see if you ask me! It houses some of the city’s finest art collection, and looks out over the city from the Palau Nacional (centerpiece of the 1929 World Exhibition). I’ll have to document the art some other time, but I was in absolute awe over the handfuls of Picassos, Dalis and El Grecos they had in stock. The best part? Though the museum’s a bit out of the way from everything, it’s actually quite close to Tickets, the tapas de jour installation from Ferran Adrià, which is just down the hill and to the east along Avinguada del Paral-lel. Ah how I miss it all!
A little nail art at the museum :)
I love wearing bikini tops when I travel, way more fun & saves me luggage space!
Jacket: Dolce Vita | Bag: IMAGO-A c/o | Sweater: United Colors of Benetton | Top (not seen): Icebreaker | Leggings: Guess | Boots: Sigerson Morrison (last featured here) | Scarf: Rugby Ralph Lauren | Hat: Nolan (in Nolita) | Gloves: Urban
Outfitter | Necklace: From Barcelona (Picasso Museum),
last seen here
Winter… what a
drag! This past week has been the worst,
although with so much work piling up, I’ve been spending most of my time
in-doors, and minimalizing my exposure to the outside world with a combo of taxis and
car-service (sounds bad but what’s a girl to do!).
You know it’s
pretty bad when your face hurts as you walk outside.
That said, there’s
no need to let these frigid conditions compromise your fashion sense! I caught up with a good friend earlier in the
week, who was in town from Boston. He
also shot some of my previous office looks (see "Dress for Success" and "Beacon Hill Sophistication") while I was up there on a business
trip.
I love this get-up
because it encapsulates my winter essentials:
1)
A fun,
preferably patterned, and cozy winter scarf (a wardrobe must!)
2)
An
amazing pair of flat boots (comfort and style are key components here! You
should definitely not compromise on quality). Just think of the cost per wear!
3)
Cozy
hat – okay I may have overdone it with my Eskimo get-up, but I LOVE this hat!
4)
Colorful,
statement accessories (this is as much for your own sanity and nourishment as
anything else)
5)
Thick,
preferably fleece-lined leggings, ideal for tucking into boots
6)
Long,
chunky sweaters (extra bonus for cashmere!) – great for layering
7)
Several
pairs of warm socks – my preference is either cashmere, or these ridiculously
warm possum socks I get from New Zealand.
8)
Leather
gloves (even better if they’re lined in cashmere or fleece!), now is a time
that even I bid adieu to my favorite fingerless glovelettes.
9)
That
perfect winter coat (in my case, I’ve been wearing the heck out of this Dolce
Vita number, which, in spite of its traditional basic black, delights with its
fine leather detailing). It is my personal
solution to the winter puffy jacket.
I’m still not ready to embrace the Michelin marshmallow look just
yet…. though never say never!
10)
A fun
and vibrant handbag, key for injecting some color into your overall ensemble
(particularly if you’re wearing a monotone coat like I am here).
Above all – warmth is
key! I am a staunch believer that you
should have some warm-weather staples in your closet, so that when the weather
hits 12 degrees (Fahrenheit) again, you know that you have those ridiculously
warm and fab pieces from your wardrobe to rely on.
Bonus part – NOW is the right time to raid those “end-of-season” sales, as
retailers are rapidly making space for Spring (they are an optimistic bunch aren’t
they). This means that you won’t have to pay
full price on any of these quality staples!
Though personally I recommend doing your shopping on-line because, well baby it's cold outside.
Hopefully with
RockShic’s easy breezy winter check-list above, you can stay cozy and stylish in the nastiest of weather!!!
Happy weekend everybody!
Jacket: DKNY | Bag: IMAGO-A c/o | Sweater: Club Monaco | Skirt: Ellen Tracy | Boots: Chloé | Scarf: Ann Taylor Loft | Sunglasses: Vintage
Bolle (made in France) | Glovelettes: Eileen Fisher | Earrings:
From a boutique in Tossa de Mar, from my Barcelona trip | Necklace: Clobba Castro (San Francisco), last featured here
Nothing makes me happier
than a brilliant, sunny day (particularly as I brace myself for the imminent baltic
conditions of next week). Additionally,
nothing brightens up an outfit more than bold colored statement accessories
(think, scarf, bag, coat, etc). Ever
since my recently captured street style in Soho, I have vowed to try and
deviate from my usual black winter coat as much as possible. I do slip every now and again, but I am
definitely making the effort to mix things up a little! It’s important because – well think about it…
during the winter, your outer layer is essentially all that people see, so you want to make it a good and lasting impression! Cue, winter accessories.
Speaking of bright
accessories, I absolutely adore this IMAGO-A geometric tote by the talented
Korean-born designer Yegang Yoo! This No3 Prism Tote has everything
I am looking for, comfort, quality, style, fine attention to details, and a vibrant color
to boot. Definitely a great companion
for both office and weekend-wear! For a
busy, on-the-go gal like myself, it’s also plenty handy, as it’s got ample room
for all of my supplies, and has great mini-compartments within to separate my
iPhone, BB, pens, notepads, etcetera etcetera. If it weren’t for my run in with Claudia from End of Century a few months back, I
would have never been introdcued to Yegang’s awesome work!
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.