Rock Shic

#734 🌿🌸 An Ode to April Blossoms and Spring 🌸🌿

Dear April,

Don't take this the wrong way but...

1. Is it seriously April already? How is this possible?!
2. I really just want to be done with my taxes already… even though this year we technically get an “extension” to April 18^th – it still feels like I’ve been dealing with my accountant for like, forever and I just want this whole thing to end.
3. Why is it SO F-ING COLD outside? Today my colleague commented that it’s colder than most winter days in New York, and I would have to agree with her. Why, just last week we were all cheering for Cherry Blossoms and the emergence of Spring Spring Spring.  You  know how the cold makes everybody miserable.
   
4. Will I ever feel like I’m done with work and therefore making progress in life? (That's a rhetorical question by the way, secretly I know the answer).
   
5. I know this sounds odd, but I am strangely excited about Earth Day (April 22, 2016)... if not for all of the green posts I'll be seeing on Instagram #planet
   
6. Oh, and it'll be little man’s first picture day at school!!! (also happens to be April 18, 2016).  Note to self, need to beat hubby to the dressing game that day.  The important question is, tie or no tie?  (And should it be a bow-tie?!).
   
7. This may just be the one month of the entire year where I won’t have to do any form of traveling (plane or train). Scratch that, I'm actually getting on a train this weekend to Long Island... who said anything about standing still?
   
8. I ain’t mad at cha April!!! In fact, I embrace you and all of your cherry blossoms. In spite of your current freezing state of being (which I really hope is just an extended April Fools' joke) and the artificial snow on the ground on Bowery (purportedly for Will Smith’s new movie), I cannot help but feel this burst of happiness and hope that we, are, at last, OVER the hump of Winter!

… Here’s to April, and many more celebratory things to come for 2016.

P.S. If you could just take care of all of the random illnesses we've been getting collectively as a household that would be great too.  Something tells me that there's still random viruses incubating about town.  Oh, and let's not forget allergies... I really don't want to deal with those this season! Please take note.

Many thanks and cheers to Spring!!

Related Features:

Ring in Spring with Derek Lam

Spring time in New York

Add some Spring to your step

Breaking up with winter

 

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#731 OOTD in Miami

Happy Tuesday!

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).

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Sweater: Banana Republic | Shirt: Yumi Kim | Bag: Urban Outfitters | Boots: Sigerson Morrison | Sunglasses: Miu Miu

I met up with a friend yesterday in Brooklyn Heights.  The plan was to go on a little shopping excursion and upgrade him like Beyoncé.  Knowing that I’d be spending the better part of my day active on foot, I decided to go with my all-time-comfy, travel must-have boots, paired with some basic and easy essentials (you know, the kind you get a lot of mileage out of).  Really, my entire outfit was about comfort, wearability, and a touch of sass.  The most important thing is that it feels good to wear!

I’m addicted to these Sigerson Morrison boots!!  As a chick who is not very tall (and notoriously addicted to leg-extending heels), it is generally difficult for me to find flat boots that flatter.  However, these were the exception (and worth the investment!).  I bought these bad boys last September and took them with me on an anniversary trip to Montreal and Quebec City, where hubby and I spent the bulk of our time exploring cobblestone streets on foot.  The small detailing on the shoes makes them that much more special.  What’s more, the inside lining is an unexpected shade of iridescent lime – a little twist that always puts a smile on my face whenever I slide these boots on.

#20 Candy Colored Feat

Dress: James Perse | Jacket: Theory | Belt & Shoes: Anthropologie

It’s time for me to bid adieu to Washington (though I’m sure we’ll meet again).  For my last day of meetings, I decided to mix comfort with snazzy – striking a pose in my soft-cotton tee dress (which feels delightfully like pajamas!) and my favorite go-to blazer.

These pretty, multi-colored wedges keep me sprightly and balanced, making it that much easier to zip around town… and get home just in time for date night! Maybe afterwards, I can treat myself to some bubbles and cake.  

#19 Add some Spring to your step

Shirt: Yumi Kim | Skirt: Zara | Shoes: Corso Como

I paid a short a visit to the IMF today. It’s quite funny when you visit the grounds of an old employer.  Suddenly all of the anxiety and stress you used to associate with the place just melt away, leaving nothing but fond memories as you turn your gaze inward.

Fittingly, now that sunshine has (sort of) returned to the District, this chickadee is all smiles.  In the spirit of vivid shades, I decided to don a more Spring-appropriate look – playing with a brightly colored silk top (à la Yumi Kim), complemented by the draw-string pencil skirt I bought in Hong Kong years ago.  Polish off the whole ensemble with my Corso Como pumps from Sao Paulo and I’m ready to put my best foot forward!

#17 Capital Essence

Maxi Dress: Amanda Uprichard | Sunglasses: Michael Kors | Shoes (unseen): BCBG | Bracelet: From Senegal | Bag: Gucci

Back to Washington D.C.!  This city always holds a special meaning for me and hubby, given that our budding romance began here.  Some say that the city can be too transient at times, but to me it also spells a different form of livelihood – where the political energy is so plentiful it makes you want to pick up the Sunday Times and turn on BBC news (imagine!!).   It is a city of cultivated spirit, legacy, and landmarks.

Over the weekend, we got a good lay of the land by foot, from Capitol Hill to Logan Circle to Dupont to Georgetown (phew!).  Did I mention – it also happened to be one of the hottest days of 2012?  Thank goodness for my vibrant little Amanda Uprichard number, which totally delivered the ultimate summer-appropriate silhouette.  My encounter with the New York based designer is largely attributed to my proximity to The Cutie Room, a wonderful little boutique on Rivington Street (right across from the well-established Freeman Restaurant, of Freeman Alley).  Apart from being locally made and sewn (which I like), her designs are also easy to wear, with the delightful capacity to be simultaneously modern and romantic. 

On the wrist… a timeless and very special silver bracelet gifted from a dear friend.  This is my current “wear-with-everything and travels well” accessory.  What’s more, it was brought from a recent trip to Senegal!  I love to accessorize with pieces associated with personal travels, as it makes the experience of wearing them that much more inspiring!!

Joining the club, my favorite neighborhood in DC is officially Logan Circle (seen above).  Seven years ago, when I first arrived to work at the World Bank, I don't think that the neighborhood was even remotely on my radar (admittedly… I could have also missed a ton of other stuff).  However, today, the area is abuzz with funky design boutiques, outdoor cafes, art galleries, and eclectic restaurants (score for DC!!).  I especially like the beautifully restored row houses by the tree-lined cobblestone streets, with their distinctly tranquil and tucked-away feel.  Truth be told, this Manhattanite is just not accustomed to so much green!! One thing is for sure, if hubby and I ever move back to DC, Logan Circle would definitely be my first pick for housing.  That is, if we don't get priced out by then....

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Dress: Ellen Tracy | Sweater: H&M | Bag: Ted Baker | Sunglasses: Michael Kors | Shoes: Soula (Brooklyn)

Interestingly enough, the last time I wore this Ellen Tracy dress was when I was in DC, which is poetic that I packed it today.  There’s nothing particularly fancy about this piece, except the experience behind the garment.  I had literally flown in that morning from Sao Paulo to JFK, and went straight onto another plane that took me to DC for meetings, only to realize that I had (shockingly) not packed properly for the remainder of my stay. 

Tragically for me, the nearest retail store to my hotel was Filene’s Basement (gasp shock horror!), but it actually worked out quite well in the end.  The thing about bargain shopping, for me at least, is that it’s never quite actually a “bargain,” as you end up emptying way more out of your bank account than you anticipated.  The reason being, everything seemed like such a fab deal that you basically lose control!  (I know I always have this affliction whenever I leave Century 21).

Be that as it may…. I still very much like the way this entire outfit came together (paired with a sweater I bought from, of all places, Mystic Connecticut).  Also, I find it very appropriate for a casual office/spring day, wouldn’t you say?  My belief still stands… mustard yellow remains to be the best hue on Asian skintones. 

 

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Dress: T by Alexander Wang | Jacket: Anemone (Nolita) | Shoes: United Nude | Sunglasses: Dior | Cardigan: Ann Taylor | Flip Flops: Banana Republic

Snatched up this little Tobacco-colored number from a girlfriend of mine, and absolutely adore the eponymous line’s refined silhouette!!

I’m a sucker for muted, earth-tone colors (could be a Taurus thing), and the versatility of this zip dress is bar none.  The gold zip front, the side slash pockets, the detailed hemmed bottom, they all come together so seamlessly and add a provocative twist to an otherwise traditional shirt dress.  Pair it with a jacket or a lightweight cardigan, heels or flip flops, it all works!  My modern alternative to the LBD... and the best part is, it leaves ample room for personal finishing touches. 

#9 In Her Shoes

Dress: DKNY | Blazer: BCBG Max Azria | Glasses: Tom Ford | Shoes: Sigerson Morrison | Necklace: Banana Republic

I've recently inherited half a dozen (or more!) pairs of shoes from my beloved acupunturist, and I must say – I am kind of captivated by these retro-inspired Sigerson Morrison pumps.  They totally support me and make me feel both enpowered and unstoppable, as if I'm ready to charge in and dominate a boardroom.  Normally, I don't think of myself as a black pump kind of girl (I prefer neutral tones because I think they're more earthy/flattering and lengthen my legs, crazy I know).  However, I can just as easily see these as my go-to shoes for the season, particularly to the office.

Plus, knowing that my acupuncturist used to rock these babies at Lehman Brothers (pre-crisis of course), makes these shoes all the more special to me (like I’m walking in a piece of legacy past).  Is this what draws so many of us to buy vintage?  Who can say.

The rest of my ensemble is pretty simple, with an easy-to-wear DKNY tie-waist dress (acquired from San Antonio) that could carry my look fluidly from day to night.  Add a fitted blazer and an accent necklace and I’m good for work (or any occasion!). 

#5 Work and Play

Blouse: Anemone (Nolita) | Skirt: Rebecca Taylor | Shoes: Belle by Sigerson Morrison | Sunglasses: Armani | Necklace: Cutie Room | Bag: Louis Vuitton

Fashion for grown-ups!  This is one of my favorite work outfits.  I like it because the tucked-in blouse look makes me feel all grown-up/confident, and it goes perfectly with the pencil skirt.  I also love the detailing throughout the ensemble – the epaulets on the blouse, the designs on the side of the skirt (slimming!) and even the asymmetry of my pumps.  It’s all about lines lines lines dahling!

Think of this as retro femme chic.  If I dressed for Mad Men, this is what I would look like.