Leaning on Cold

April 1, 2015, 7:35 am

≫ Next: Gone Are the Skinny Days

≪ Previous: Saturday Mood Board

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It appears that what is usually prime time for transitional weather is giving us less heat and just leaning on the cold side of things. But seriously, where are the days where you can finally say to yourself that spring is in the air?!

This time of year - APRIL - is usually joyful for so many reasons, like finally being able to walk outside with an open coat (and probably needing to remove said open coat due to warm afternoon rays), the divine smell in the air, and feeling a breeze that actually feels mild and soft. There has been none of this thus far, friends. And I'm starting to lose hope.


Details:
Coat - J.Crew
Jeans - J Brand
Boots - Alexander Wang
Hat - Bailey of Hollywood
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

Click to shop:

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Gone Are the Skinny Days

April 2, 2015, 4:26 pm

≫ Next: South Western Flavors (Not Coachella)

≪ Previous: Leaning on Cold

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Skinny jeans, my lovers of yore. We had good times, you and I. Boy, were they ever good. You once made me feel avant-garde, rock 'n roll, like Kate Moss, even. But the spark is gone and we've evolved in different ways. You see, I changed, I adapted to the times, I feel alive when I try new things. But you're just you, same, skinny you.

But I'll always like you. I'd love to still be friends. When I'm ready, I'll come calling and I know you'll be there.


Photographed by Yael Steren


Details:
Turtleneck: Splendid
Jeans - Vintage Wrangler by Refind Denim
Booties - Stuart Weitzman
Choker - BaubleBar
Click to shop:

South Western Flavors (Not Coachella)

April 8, 2015, 7:21 pm

≫ Next: Saturday Mood Board

≪ Previous: Gone Are the Skinny Days

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While everyone and their mother is gallivanting about the California desert preparing to groove to the sweet tunes of their favorite bands, probably wearing some cliché boho getup, feathers strewn in hair, we're still fighting off the chill here in the good ol' Northeast. So here's a look with a poncho as a token of representation to the South Western sartorial flavors that will be saturating your Instagram feeds all weekend.

So, to recap: not Coachella. Only a cheeky wink from afar.

PS shop the look below and get 25% off on Shopbop by entering code SPRING25 - you're welcome!


Photos by Ian Rusiana


Details:
Jeans - Zara
Poncho - Suno
Sneakers - Vans
Glasses - Ray-Ban
Click to shop:

Saturday Mood Board

April 11, 2015, 4:49 am

≫ Next: Cold Like the Night

≪ Previous: South Western Flavors (Not Coachella)

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The weekend is here and it's going to be a glorious one. The weather is going to be the best it's been all year - finally. Winter has been everlasting this season. I remember this exact weekend last year, we were already wearing shorts during the day. We're now starting to finally see some hope in the forecast. Hopefully this mood board leaves you inspired!

[Maja Myh, Vogue.com, Net-a-Porter, Creatures of Desire, H&M Life, Style.com, Pinterest, TFS]

Cold Like the Night

April 12, 2015, 2:00 pm

≫ Next: A Little Piece of New York City

≪ Previous: Saturday Mood Board

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I am so happy to say that there actually is no more snow on the ground, but it took time, let me tell you. The nights are still chilly and pea coats are a classic way to make the cold spring nights a little bit warmer. Little trims of fur never hurt either.

Gotta keep covered, especially when it's still so easy to catch a bug.


Photographed by Ian Rusiana


Coat - J.Crew
Jeans - Monki
Boots - Pour la Victoire
Bag and fur collar - Vintage
Click to shop:

A Little Piece of New York City

April 16, 2015, 6:49 pm

≫ Next: When Springtime is Singing

≪ Previous: Cold Like the Night

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What could possibly feel more New York than wearing an Alexander Wang designed sweatshirt atop a roof deck overlooking Manhattan?! I know, not much. While the weather is starting to make the city feel like magic again, I'd love to share one of my personal joys with you that I think is very evocative of these photos. It's one of the greatest feelings on the planet, one that could only be induced by this crazy town: getting out of work on a perfect summer evening, right at golden hour. It might sound trivial, but allow me to explain.

Picture this: the sun is still shining, yet the rays have turned a shade of dark marigold that reflect this incredible golden glow on all of the usually stark skyscrapers. There's a very specific smell in the air, one that can only be described as summer sundown - it's like a leftover aroma of the sun having shined so bright all day, cooking the concrete, mixed in with an ever so delicate warm breeze. I get thirsty for a crisp brew just thinking about it.

As you exit your building, you take a breath, you look around and you see thousands of people rushing to get home, the streets are buzzing, things are moving so fast, yet everything starts to slow down. At that moment, so many things come over you - you're surmounted by a wave of happiness, satisfied about a hard day's work being over, along with this sheer summer joy, and all you can think to yourself is: holy fuck, I live in New York City. It's pretty powerful.

And just like that, it makes all those tough winters completely worth it. It never gets old.

You know, it's the little things.


Photographed by Yael Steren



Details:
Sweatshirt - Alexander Wang X H&M (mens')
Jeans - Levi's
Boots - Stuart Weitzman
Hat - H&M
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Click to shop:

When Springtime is Singing

April 20, 2015, 7:13 pm

≫ Next: Road Trippin'

≪ Previous: A Little Piece of New York City

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When the weather outside starts singing to you, all's you want to do is return the favor. And is there anything that feels more in line with springtime than some cool, southwestern navajo vibes?!

Ok so my outfit doesn't exactly telegraph Four Corners, but our Sunday brunch spot was all about it. I'd never had proper Tex-Mex food before and I honestly don't see how anyone could not like this stuff: queso, guac and micheladas. If you're looking for a brunch spot in NYC, I highly recommend Javelina.

And in the meantime, I'll keep smiling back at Mother Nature as she keeps serenading us.


Details:
Trench - Zara
Chambray shirt - Ann Taylor
Jeans - Asos
Shoes - Adidas
Tote - Whipping Post
Click to shop:

Road Trippin'

April 23, 2015, 7:20 am

≫ Next: Saturday Mood Board

≪ Previous: When Springtime is Singing

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Do you follow me on Insta? Cause you should!

Anyway, the reason I ask is because if you did, you would know that last weekend, my man and I took a road trip to Newport RI for a romantic weekend getaway. Instead of hopping on a choo-choo, we opted to rent a car, and anyone who loves a good road trip knows that the two components that are of crucial importance are: the tunes and the attire.

This is not the time to whip out your college sweats. They might be comfy, but they're ultra dreadful -- you don't want to be one of those people at the rest stop, no sir, no ma'am. My suggestion: your most comfy pair of jeans, a loose top and some easily slipped-on-slipped-off sneakers.

Then just fight your pilot for control of the Pandora.


Details:
Jacket - Ann Taylor
Jeans - Monki
Shoes - Sandro
Scarf - H&M
Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
Tote - Whipping Post

Click to shop:

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Saturday Mood Board

April 25, 2015, 7:41 am

≫ Next: Business on Top, Party on the Bottom

≪ Previous: Road Trippin'

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Kicking it in Miami (follow the shenanigans on insta) and of course, all I have on my mind is warmth and the beach. Do I really have to go back to NYC?

[Wolfcub, Columbine Smille, Studded Hearts, The Haute Pursuit, Majah Wyh, Zara, Into the Gloss, Pinterest, TFS]

Business on Top, Party on the Bottom

April 28, 2015, 3:48 pm

≫ Next: Best Accessory

≪ Previous: Saturday Mood Board

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It's funny how a singular item can make your outfit something completely different. Case in point: before throwing on this sharp schoolboy blazer, I was feeling ultra peace and love in my retro leopard print boots and cropped flares. After slipping into it, I was overcome with an all-work-no-play attitude. Just kidding, there's always time for play.

Speaking of these cropped flares, I decided on the very morning of that day that I was going to chop the hems off these bell bottom-ish jeans to make them ankle length. They were all ripped from dragging on the ground and i was craving something different. What felt stale to me now feels fresh and I've been wearing them almost every day since.


Details:
Blazer - J.Crew
Jeans - Gap (DIY)
Boots - Zara
Tote - Whipping Post
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Click to shop:

Best Accessory

May 1, 2015, 7:24 am

≫ Next: Sunset Glow

≪ Previous: Business on Top, Party on the Bottom

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As a non-sharp person, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: all it takes to up your polished game is a trench coat and some loafers. That is it, for real.

But the best accessory will forever remain the one of the furry kind. My canine companion, #wallyface, is impossible to resist and therefore makes me impossible to resist, right?!?!!!


Details:
Trench - Zara
Blouse - Altuzarra x Target
Jeans - J Brand
Loafers - J.Crew
Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
Tote - Whipping Post
Click to shop:

Sunset Glow

May 3, 2015, 6:09 pm

≫ Next: A Few of my Favorite Things: Face Edition

≪ Previous: Best Accessory

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There's something to be said for a sunset glowing so bright going down on your face that it lights up the entire surroundings in an incredible golden hue. Double that when you're on your way to an anniversary date with your man. Triple that when you're temporarily residing in a lovely beach front bungalow in one of the most romantic places in New England.

That was basically the setting for this deceptively simple yet effective ensemble.



Details:
Top - Zara
Jacket - Gap (men's)
Jeans - Vince
Shoes - Louboutin

Click to shop:

A Few of my Favorite Things: Face Edition

May 6, 2015, 7:14 pm

≫ Next: Weekend Mood Board

≪ Previous: Sunset Glow

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It's been a while since I've done a beauty post but I've updated some of my products and since it's always a topic that is fun to discuss among us girls, I thought I'd share some of the things I'm currently using and loving in both the skin care and cosmetics departments.

Hope you enjoy and also dying to know what kind of things you guys use!


Skincare for me is really tricky because my skin is so incredibly sensitive that I have to be extremely careful with what I use. One of my biggest problems in all of my existence (I hate to be dramatic, but that's the spectrum of it) is the dark circles under my eyes. They're hereditary - my mom has them too - and no matter how much sleep I get or how much water I drink, they just don't go away. I've tried a lot of different things (including keeping spoons in my fridge to de-puff my eyes in the morning) and some products work better than others, but one I've become particular fond of due to real results is from a French brand called Skeen that I discovered last summer while in Paris. They have this loose powder that is essentially concentrated vitamin c that you apply under your eyes. It's kind of brilliant.

The Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell cleanser has made my skin pretty clear since I've been using it and I've been really loving the Liz Earle moisturizer as well. It's creamy and thick without being greasy and it absorbs very quickly. I got some of Glossier products back in the winter and I have to say, I've really been enjoying them (I'll probably dedicate a full post to them soon), and the rose water spray is super soothing for my skin after cleansing. I've been using rose water since last summer and I can't recommend it enough.

I do the Dermalogica Refining Masque a few times a week in the morning and on the days I do, I always have more of a glow, honest. For around my eyes, I've been using the Clarins eye balm, it's not gummy thick, which I prefer - I don't like how some eye creams feel like you're applying salve. I hear that it's not good when they're too thick either because you want your eye cream to fully absorb in your skin so that it won't leak into your eyes through the night.

The Crest White Strips are a once a week or every two weeks affair, which I do for 30 minutes at a time to ensure my smile stays nice and bright. I think teeth are so important so I make sure I take care of mine (fun fact: I floss every single night, even on very late ones, if you know what I mean). Of course, SPF is crucial to skin care and I try to always have it on when it's sunny outside. My favorite is the Replenix sunscreen, it's smooth, goes on clean and is not at all greasy.

Lastly, I go through phases with fragrances but through the years, my signature scent has been Dior J'adore and I like to put on the body milk instead of spritzing the perfume. It has a lighter, yet more all-encompassing nature to it, and it really smells divine. And to cap it off, one of my favorite prints by Stephanie Sterjovski: the heart of gold, which to me represents my favorite Neil Young song.

Click to shop my skincare:

Ok so, I cannot hide the fact that I am a total Nars addict (#narsissist through and through) and these are some of the products I use on my face on a daily basis.

My favorite foundation ever is this Koh Gen Do moisture foundation, it goes on so light and provides the right amount of coverage. I use the Nars concealer for the bags under my eyes (my biggest problem, as mentioned up there) and then to set everything, the loose translucent powder works magic.

A subtle stroke of the Nars contour blush, a smear of Matte Multiple in a soft pink shade called Anguilla on the apples, and when I'm feeling more frisky, I'll add my new favorite highlighter from this amazing brand called Kjaer Weis. To finish everything off, YSL Babydoll is what I swear and live by. There's no better mascara out there, I promise.

For a fresh pop of color this spring, I'm all about a bright fuchsia and my shade of choice is the Greta from the Nars Audacious collection. The Jean Paul Gaultier Le Mâle cologne is one of my favorite fragrances to wear, especially if I'm dressed up real fancy for nighttime. It brings balance to an overly feminine outfit and ads a bit of an edge. I love wearing men's cologne. I also sometimes steal some of my husband's Comme des Garçons Wonderwood too. When it comes to nails, I've been either into deep plums or as of late, metallic shades and I've also fallen in love with the Deborah Lippmann line of polishes.

Now your turn, tell me what you use and the products that you think I should try.

Click to shop my makeup:

Photos by Ian Rusiana

Weekend Mood Board

May 10, 2015, 5:50 pm

≫ Next: Double Down on the Denim

≪ Previous: A Few of my Favorite Things: Face Edition

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It's hard to believe that we are almost in mid-May. Time flies and I can't handle it. The really great thing about it, though, is that spring seems to have pretty much came and gone and summer is trying to claim its stake. Which I find to be absolutley glorious, because while I helm from the great north, I am a true warm weather human. Hope you enjoy this mood board full of fresh, beautiful images to welcome you to another week of stunning summer weather while entering the second half of May.

[Collage Vintage, Tibi, Style.com, Madewell, Net-A-porter, TFS, Pinterest]

Double Down on the Denim

May 12, 2015, 1:41 pm

≫ Next: Shoes Make the Look

≪ Previous: Weekend Mood Board

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A lot of things in life that we have come to know and love were born accidentally. Ex: the tarte tatin (french for upside down apple tart) was invented when a pastry chef mistakenly baked her pie upside down in the oven. Or how velcro was thought up after burs kept getting stuck to some dude's dog on a hunting trip.

I'm afraid my personal tale of accidental invention is not nearly as revolutionary as the examples I've just stated, but it's an innovative sartorial step nonetheless: after running out of hangers for my entrance coat closet, I just threw my two denim jackets onto the same one. Upon trying to get out the door quickly one evening -- the evening these photos were taken -- I hastily reached for what I thought was one jean jacket, when, in fact, I ended up with two in my hands.

Them being different colors and sizes and thus cradling perfectly into one another, the only logical solution left without having to run back upstairs to leave one behind was to layer them. And voilà! My new outerwear creation: double denim jackets. Boom.


Details:
Both denim jackets - Gap
Pants - Trash & Vaudeville
Shoes - Frye
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Click to shop:

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Shoes Make the Look

May 17, 2015, 8:19 am

≫ Next: A Few of my Favorite Things: Hair & Etc.

≪ Previous: Double Down on the Denim

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As women, we all know this simple fact of life: shoes make the look, amiright?! I always like to invest in a few new pairs every season, just to make my old clothes feel fresh. And this spring/summer, you most likely are plenty aware of the fact that high top gladiator sandals are THE shoe of the moment.

That means that no matter what kind of getup you might be donning, if you slap on some sort of footwear that looks like you're about to take an opponent down in the Colosseum, it means that you've successfully updated your style to reflect the times.

As for me, I'm not planning on fighting anyone in any ring, despite the fact that I may appear to be ready to do so -- I'm just walking through the ever-revolving trend door. That said, I've mentioned this countless times before and I feel the need to reiterate: not all trends are for everyone. If this isn't something that you would feel comfortable wearing, by all means, get yourself some slides instead (equally as hot this spring).

What do you think of the high top gladiators - ready to rumble or not a fighting chance?


Details:
Top - Ann Taylor
Leather shorts - Vintage
Denim jacket - Gap
Sandals - Zara
Tote - Whipping Post
Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
Click to shop:

A Few of my Favorite Things: Hair & Etc.

May 19, 2015, 8:35 pm

≫ Next: Now Trending: Classics

≪ Previous: Shoes Make the Look

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A couple of weeks ago, I shared some of my favorite skin care and beauty products (click here to see the post) and now I'm back with a few of my favorite hair styling products and a few other things I'm keen on. Please feel free to chime in in the comment section below!


I get asked about my hair routine a lot. I've been pretty lucky to have been blessed with easy maintenance locks and I don't tend to do much to them before I leave the house. Confession time: I only wash my hair once a week, I do not own a hairbrush, nor do I ever take a blow dryer to my strands - I let everything air dry and while it's still moist, I usually tie it in a bun to ensure I get some volume and texture to my otherwise pin-straight, flat lid. Sometimes I'll add a dollop of the Rusk Biofoam mousse while it's drying to get extra texture (although most of the time I'm just too lazy, true story).

I always wash with a purple shampoo, I think that it's absolutely essential to anyone who has blond hair to avoid brassiness and to keep the color fresh. I always switch up the brand I'm using, and currently I'm into the Rusk Sensories Bright Shampoo. I don't use a purple conditioner because I've heard horror stories about hair actually reflecting a shade of violet if you overdo it.

When it comes to styling, I alternate between a few things, but the one thing I swear by and that I could not live without is my Batiste Fresh dry shampoo. I use it even on clean hair. It gives that perfect undone and messy texture that I love so much. Other than that, I like to blend in some texturizing cream on my ends, again to perfect that mess I always seek to have. The creams I like are the Reference of Sweden Texture Cream 215 and the KMS Molding Paste. When I go out, I finish things off with some hairspray, and I swear by the regular ol' Pantene Pro-v's maximum hold.




Just a few pretty things that I love: the first Sartorialist book because it's fascinating to go through it and see all of the current famous style stars during their early days. My Coordinates Collection bracelet, because it's a stellar piece. My Verameat spiked ear cuff cause it's super badass. My J.Crew choker because my husband gave it to me for Valentine's Day. And finally, these exclusive Jeffrey Campbell x Free People slides, which I've been living in.



Shop my things here:

Photos by Ian Rusiana

Now Trending: Classics

May 25, 2015, 2:01 pm

≫ Next: Full Bloom

≪ Previous: A Few of my Favorite Things: Hair & Etc.

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Such is life: fashion goes through cycles and recycles itself, decade after decade, time after time. So while I might feel super modern in my suede fringe skirt, my bold red lips, my round sunglasses and my leather bucket bag, let's just say that I could also transcend the years. In fact, my mom often comments on my photos something along the lines of "That could've been taken in the 60s!" - which always makes me smile because what's cooler than authentically throwing it back?!

My point is, the classics are classics for a reason, but they're constantly reinvented and therefore constantly trending. The true focus of this post is arguably the piece of the season (no, not the ever so impressive Flatiron Building, although unequivocally quintessential) - the leather bucket bag. The all-time carrier staple of yesteryear (read: classic) has been revived to fit the modern uniform in all kinds of contemporary iterations.

This slick white leather version is from LUANA Italy, a label that is taking coolness, quality and affordability one step further. Their pieces will be available online in July, and if the compliments I keep receiving on this bag are any indication, they will surely be selling like hotcakes.


Photographed by Ian Rusiana



Details:
Cashmere knit - Club Monaco
Fringe skirt - ASOS
Booties - Stuart Weitzman
Lipstick - MAC Lady Danger
Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
Bag - Luana Italy (available on their site in July)
Click to shop:

Full Bloom

June 4, 2015, 3:30 pm

≫ Next: Saturday Mood Board

≪ Previous: Now Trending: Classics

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I always find nature fascinating. Surely everyone does, but year after year, season after season, I can't help but marvel at how it just takes care of itself. The constant renewal of the world's natural riches particularly gets me each time, and cherry blossom trees are one of those things that make this planet feel like magic.

They're so beautiful and so fleeting, there is no soul in this universe that wouldn't be completely hypnotized by these floral wonders. And as a blogger, they truly make the best background to pose in front of.

Oh, and quickly about my outfit: get a shirtdress this season. They're easy, comfy and stylish. Just do it, trust.


Details:
Shirtdress - COS
Shoes - Jeffrey Campbell x Free People
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Sunnies - Ray-Ban

Click to shop:

Saturday Mood Board

June 6, 2015, 12:29 pm

≫ Next: Like Butterscotch

≪ Previous: Full Bloom

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It's been a while since the weekly mood board landed, and I really wish I had a better excuse other than just being busy with life, but anything other than that would be a lie. Indeed, you've probably noticed that the posts have slowed down in general, mood boards notwithstanding. There has been a lot going on recently, which has left me feeling like I barely have time for myself, and therefore the blog has had to suffer in favor of keeping some form of sanity.

I will absolutely not let Fashion Over Reason go, as it's been open for business since 2007, but it has become less of a priority as of late, and I do hope that you bear with these new adjustments. If you miss my face, and are curious to know more about my life, please follow me on Instagram, I will be so happy to have you!

In the meantime, enjoy this beautiful June mood board I've put together xx

[Into the Gloss, Garance Doré, Free People, Collage Vintage, Fashion Eaters, Violet Grey, NARS, Elin Kling, Look de Pernille, Everlane, Pinterest, TFS]