Rock Shic

#97 Fourth of July Flair

Shirt: Language Los Angeles | Skirt: BCBG | Scarf: ModCloth | Shoes: TOMS | Sunglasses: Kate Spade | Necklace: Clobba Castro (San Francisco)

I must admit, the celebration of our nation’s independence day just sort of crept up at me this year (much as it does every year).   There were no definitive plans (apart from a wishful getaway to the Catskills which was quickly thwarted by work & logistics).  Yet… somehow, it all came together quite nicely (hubby and I ended up party hopping to four separate celebrations, starting from Central Park West and ending with a bang on our own rooftop downtown, who knew?).  I ended up having one of the more fabulous Fourth of July experiences in memory! It was a celebration of home... surrounded by great friends and good food.  It just goes to show, sometimes things can unfold beautifully AND organically, washing away the need to overplan (a hard discipline for me to follow, but I am learning!).  

Happy Fourth everybody :)

 

 

A townhouse BBQ

Friend made this beautiful fruit tart -- I am impressed!!!

A rooftop with a view -- Red, White & Blue!

Ending the night at our place...

Fireworks can make a girl smile

#87 A spin on colors

Top: Hollander and Lexer (Brooklyn) | Dress: Loehmann’s | Wedges: Eric Michael (Nemo Espadrille) | Glasses: Three Monkey’s “We are Plastic” (WAP)

I was en route for an emergency meni-pedi this afternoon when I spotted this fabulous look right outside of the Three Monkeys in Nolita (last featured here).  Turns out she works there!  I love the lovely combo of technicolored stripes and orange & tan color-block wedges (super appropriate for Summer!!!).  Plus, her ode-to-hipster frames and carefully selected accessories lend character to her overall look.  The sophisticated black linen top helps to pull the entire outfit together, taking it from cutsey to edgy-chic.  

#74 Breezy Cool at Lincoln Center

Dress: Anthropologie | Jacket: Awada (Argentina) | Bag: Charles Jourdan | Shoes: Harris (Barneys New York) | Necklace: Witchery (Australia) | Sunglasses: Armani

Miraculously, in spite of a rather hectic weekend, hubby and I managed to find some alone/date time together, at the Lincoln Center no less (huzzah!).  We had 3pm matinee tickets to see War Horse (no evening shows I'm afraid, given that tonight was the night of the Tony Awards!).  Believe me, I was more than eager to immerse myself in three hours of magnificent & stirring theater (life-size horse puppets made for riding? Bring it on!). 

In the spirit of whimsy and a dash of drama, I opted to wear something that, in my eyes, combines the idea of posh and folksy.  As it happens, I had this old Anthro dress tucked away in my closet from 2007 (I bought it in San Francisco on a business trip… for some reason, every time I venture out to SF, I always shop on Market Street and almost always end up at Anthropologie, huh).  This fun, flirty, summer number has all of the color elements that I adore (in fact, I have a dress by Amanda Uprichard which is in the same color scheme, last featured here).  I also love that there are buttons sewn from top to bottom, so that you can adjust the dress & its hemlines however you wish, based on the mood du jour!

Given that the pattern of the dress is fairly busy, I opted for some minimalist accessories (black, black and more black!!).  I bought this necklace from New Zealand over Christmas (for under $10!) from the fashion retailer Witchery (a Southern Hemisphere chain), and I am quite fond of its surprising versatility. 

The best part?  After the show, we took a breezy, leisurely stroll around the reflecting pool and enjoyed perusing the one-of-a kind boutiques as part of the annual American Crafts Festival at Lincoln Center.  Not a shabby way to wrap up the week, I dare say!

The arts fair -- set beside the Henry Moore reflecting pool (love!)

 

#35 Cinco Delectable

Dress: t-bags | Top: Improvd | Leggings: Uniqlo | Boots: Rocket Dog (from T.J. Maxx) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff

In the spirit of Cinco De Mayo, I am craving some bold colors and vibrant prints (not to mention plenty of tequila cocktails).

Here, this lovely damsel captivated me with her festive, eye-catching, and light-hearted wear.

I love the graphic patterns of her L.A. brand dress, and how she pairs it, pointedly, with a cute little of-the-moment hoodie set in a sumptuous deep blue hue. To me, the Americanization of Cinco de Mayo signifies a celebration of cultural independence and diversity, and her fab & creative look captures this very essence.

#26 Sweet Animal Prints

Jacket: Zara | Scarf: Louis Vuitton | Tee: Hanes | Leggings: American Apparel | Sneakers: Nike (custom made) | Bag: Chanel

Spotted – total cutie alert! Who knew that you can look so fun and posh while taking your little pooch for a walk?

I call this entire ensemble dress-down glam; adorned with the most precious little furry-ball Pomeranian puppy.  Reminds me of how much I want a puppy!! Mental note: harass hubby for a dog when he gets home.

This little guy’s name is Simba and he JUST turned one! The Lion King-inspired moniker is definitely appropriate and makes for a spot-on match for her killer leopard stole! (animal prints can be a bit tricky but this chica definitely made it work!!).  Plus, those bold, red-hot sneakers really serve to perk up her look and kick in some extra attitude, elevating her style from sweet & casual to street-chic luxe. 

#24 Moments of Calm (and Comfort) in Brooklyn

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.

#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!