Friday Inspo

March 14, 2014, 1:00 am

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Doing these Friday Inspo posts always unavoidably makes me examine and reflect on the date and time of year because those mood boards are just that: they reflect my, well, mood, which is closely aligned to the weather and time of year. It is all intrinsically correlated to the types of photos I gather and carefully put together in an order that will leave you inspired and, hopefully, conveys what I'm feeling. So here we are, mid-March and hovering between a suffocating winter and an all too bashful spring. This seasonal transition is one of the toughest in memory. Perhaps you'll find that the images below mirror that emotion.

[tfs, pinterest, mija, the haute pursuit, style.com, the coveteur]

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Springtime Fever

March 16, 2014, 2:00 am

≫ Next: City Slicker

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Quick post today, broaching the subject of the long awaited rise in temperature. It's still up and down, but last week we got to take a leisurely stroll in minimal layers -- just a casual Sunday look -- and it felt so.damn.good. Can't wait for the sunshine's warm rays to be a permanent fixture. Hope you guys are having a great weekend xx.


Details:
Trench coat - Zara (similar)
Denim - ASOS
Silk shirt - Yves Saint Laurent (similar)
Sneakers - Adidas
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Beanie - American Apparel (similar)
Circle scarf - Gap (similar)
Doggies - #WallyFace& #HoagieMan :)
Click to shop:

City Slicker

March 18, 2014, 8:21 am

≫ Next: Big Red

≪ Previous: Springtime Fever

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I've been sitting on these photos for a while -- obviously, since you're certainly noticing that my hair is still long here. They were taken right before the chop and then fashion month happened and I wanted my coverage to be uninterrupted, therefore I decided to save them for later. I'm excited to share them because I'm in love with the city vibe they capture. That's the beauty of shooting on the streets of New York City: there's always going to be something in the photo that is bigger than yourself, that is rivaling for the spotlight and that nearly succeeds at upstaging you.

Looking chic and effortless is at the very core of my style credo -- too much polish doesn't feel right and sloppiness just isn't in my sartorial vocabulary. Upon a recent people-watching seance (one of my favorite activities, especially in this city), I inevitably started finding associations between the dwellers passing me by, with one specific thing jumping out: a certain attitude. Whether or not they subscribe to my personal ideology of dressing-like-you-don't-care-but-secretly-you-do, New Yorkers are a mixed bag: all sorts of different dispositions roam the streets, personas and characters abound, and takes on fashion are executed in a thousand ways. The inspiration is endless.

Going back to me, though (ha), the way I approach getting dressed is very straightforward: taking simple pieces that, once paired up, come together really well as a whole. And then I try to add a little something that can elevate the entire thing, like a great shoe, a scarf, or in this case, a bright lipstick. I've worn many variations of this look: replacing the skirt with jeans, or swapping out the stilettos for a flat boot. It's easy, versatile and, I think, a prime demonstration of the effortless chic city slicker.



Photos by Ian Rusiana

Details:
Turtleneck - Polo Ralph Lauren (mens) (similar)
Skirt - Balenciaga (similar)
Boots - ShoeMint (similar)
Bag - Vintage (similar)
Lipstick - MAC Lady Danger
Sunnies - SOLO Eyewear (similar)

Click to shop:

Big Red

March 20, 2014, 1:00 am

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≪ Previous: City Slicker

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I have a love/hate relationship with the color red. Sometimes I love it and sometimes I find it to be annoying to look at and too abrasive. I'd say that since last spring, I've been more on the love side of things -- perhaps my newfound consistent fondness for the bright hue is here for the long haul? In fact, this linen boyfriend blazer is one of my favorite pieces and for this specific look, I mindlessly reached for it on Valentine's day, not even making the correlation with the color of love until later.

This combo is kind of a go-to for me: simple shirt and denim with an oversized blazer. It's super easy and kind of a default uniform. When my grandmother passed some years ago, I was lucky to inherit a lot of her jewelry, but also her amazing Liberty scarves collection, which I've been sporting with utmost pleasure as of late. It ads a little flair, wouldn't you say (canine in the background notwithstanding)?



Details:
Blazer - Ralph Lauren (similar)
White shirt - Valentino (similar)
Jeans - J Brand
Boots - Frye
Scarf - Vintage Liberty of London (inherited from my grandma) (similar)
Belt - Vintage (similar)
Double ring - Chic Peek
Click to shop:

Friday Inspo

March 21, 2014, 1:30 am

≫ Next: Above Board

≪ Previous: Big Red

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Spring! It's OFFICALLY here as of yesterday and it's been long awaited by most people residing in North America, with what has been one of the worst winters in recent history. I've only got summer on the brain and here's a warm weather mood board that is sure to take your mind far, far away... Happy weekend gang xx

[pinterest, tfs, wolfclub, elin kling, columbine smille, domaine]

Above Board

March 24, 2014, 12:08 pm

≫ Next: Ask FOR #5: Who to Follow on Instagram

≪ Previous: Friday Inspo

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If one would take a gander at my wardrobe, they would notice a few things at first glance: tons of denim, loads of t-shirts in both black and white, and an overabundance of stripes. I loooooove stripes. In every shape (small ones, big ones, gradient ones, spaced out ones, cramped together ones) and form (horizontal, vertical, diagonal, long sleeves, t-shirts) -- I am a shameless stripe magpie. I am endlessly attracted to striped shirts. If I engage in a bit of retail therapy, I will go straight to the striped shirt area. If a man wears stripes, it makes him hot. It's one of those prints that are both forever classic and trendy all at once. The most fail-proof go-to, if you will.

So now that I've establish the extent of my stripe compulsion, it won't come as a surprise that nautical sartorial vibes are also real big in my personal book of style. After all, horizontal stripes automatically conjure up images of sailors thanks to their definitive uniform. I'm also a sucker for ankle-length slacks, a good boat shoe and a neck handkerchief. So how about channeling my inner sea(wo)man with a wintery twist? Pop on an oversized fur chubby, swap your Sperrys for the ever-urban thigh-high boot and make the change from clean, precise horizontal lines to fuzzy-wuzzy blurry-as-can-be chunky knitwear.


Details:
Striped sweater - H&M (similar)
Fur coat - Vintage (similar)
Denim - Zara (similar)
Boots - Ebay (years ago) (similar)
Hat - Gap (similar)
Rings - Saint Laurent&Chic Peek
Click to shop:

Ask FOR #5: Who to Follow on Instagram

March 26, 2014, 1:00 am

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≪ Previous: Above Board

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Wowza, I can hardly believe that my last Ask FOR was back in January. I certainly did not see the time fly and I'm happy to report that I am now back to regular contributions to this self-emposed-yet-oh-so-fun advice column. Don't forget to submit your questions, by either leaving a comment below, emailing me (address in side column on the right), Tweeting at me or shooting me an Instagram comment.

Moving right along, for this episode of #AskFOR, I am sharing the accounts that uncontrollably trigger in me an urge to double tap my iPhone screen thanks to compelling, high quality visuals. These accounts are THAT good. So what made me decide to let you in on my Insta love is because whenever my girl friends and I get together, we always end up swapping who we follow, then cooing and awing ensues over who to start stalking ASAP. Why not pass that knowledge onto you? I'm sure you, too, are always looking for new accounts to sweep you off your feet and I'm here to indulge you.

You've probably heard of a majority of these feeds, but certainly you'll also be making a few new discoveries today. I've rounded up the accounts that sit at the very top of my list and have broken them down into three categories: personal style, brands and lifestyle. Let's get started and hopefully by the end of this post your feed will be filled with new and refreshing stuff to keep you busy for a while.

P E R S O N A L S T Y L E

My favorite Instas from the style blogger set.

@camtyox
Brand collaborations coming out the wazu, street cred in profusion and more designer items than high street are just some of what this half French, half English gal has that we don't. Plus, this top influencer knows how to take (and make) a good great photo. Now if anyone could explain to me what her handle stands for...



@garypeppergirl
Nicole Warne knows how to strike a pose and she'll give you wanderlust on a hole new level. Her style couldn't be further from my own, but her images are simply magnetic -- her account is filled with incredible lust-worthy, picturesque images of her travels around the world. This is globetrotting at its finest.



@jxxsy
Natalie Joos is a casting director turned blogger extraordinaire, portraying just how fun fashion can be on her blog Tales of Endearment. But the magic is in her Insta: this quirky fashion insider brings so much life to her photos, it's impossible to resist. Injecting as much charm as personality, her feed will undoubtedly leave a smile on your face while you watch her chronicle her jet-setting adventures in a not-so-serious-yet-serious manner. It's really hard to think of anyone who is genuine in this industry and Natalie's warm charisma jumps out of her photos.




@majawyh
Probably one of my very favorites, this German bombshell has won the looks and style lottery. Her aesthetic is flawless and her IG feed is a perfect reflection of it.



@mija_mija
Not sure what's in the water in Germany, but here's another sublimely put-together girl with impeccable taste. Her blog is amazing, but her Insta is the real kicker, with detail shots of highly coveted designer pieces, pretty blooms and outfit shots.




@oraclefox
I don't know what this girl does besides blogging, who she is, or where she's from in Australia, but all I know is that she makes me want to do what she does, be who she is and live where she lives. Her feed is filled with endless extremely high end designer clothes and accessories, a few editorial shots (mostly of herself) and breathtaking, endless white sand beaches. Seriously? She probably has a third nipple or something, jus sayin'. (I kid, I'm extremely happy for her)




@stopitrightnow
Ok, if there was one way to describe LA-based influencer Jayne Min is U L T I M A T E C O O L C H I C K. Her unique tomboy-meets-lady brand of laid back California cool is unparalleled, with a dry sense of humor that dominates her every move. If you don't like this girl, I don't think we can be friends.



@tashsefton
Another Aussie, you guys. Forget Germany, what the hell are they drinking in the Land of OZ?? Tash Sefton is everything I conjure up when thinking of Australian style --- a very special kind of cool and easygoing. The better half (sorry, Elle) of They All HAte Us and [distressed] denim aficionado, this mother of two (!??!!!) will give you serious wardrobe envy with hers consisting mainly of Chanel, Valentino, Céline, Givenchy and Isabel, which she wears in the most unpretentious, insouciant, effortless-chic way by pairing everything with destroyed denim, loose tees and leather bomber jackets. Never have basics looked this good. Seriously.




@theblab
Kind of a newbie on the scene (who knew that was still possible?), Labériane has the trademark parisian chic style in droves. This girl actually looks like she's one of the French voguettes. Enough said.




B R A N D S

As a brand, being on Instagram is everything in this day and age. It can actually tip the scales of success of failure, but not every label knows how to use it properly. Here are the ones who deserve all the Insta-success they've worked hard to acquire, in my humble opinion.

@catbirdnyc
I am so lucky in life because I actually happen to live a few blocks from the brick and mortar Catbird, the teeny tiny jewelry boutique tucked in the heart of north Brooklyn, that has amassed an seriously impressive (and international) cult following. I'm sure it has something to do with their insanely charming, not to mention pretty and lust-inducing Instagram account.




@clubmonaco
The CM peeps know what they're doing. They have a plan and a strategy, you can just tell. I mean, if you tie together all of their social media activities, their Tumblr is called Culture Club and their Pinterest boards run the gamut from delicious recipes, to artwork, to ridiculously exotic vacation locales. Club Monaco wants to make you dream and they're taking you along with them wherever that may be possible, whether it's on a photo shoot location in the Caribbean, at a hot restaurant for Sunday brunch or meandering through the magical streets of New York City.




@greenwithenvyboutique
Ok, Australia, I can't, seriously, just stop already. Your fashion is just sooooo good. Melbourne-based boutique Green With Envy takes designer wear from bougie to ultra cool. You'll want more, more, more once you tap on Follow.




@jbrandjeans
For a long, long time, J Brand was the only denim i cared for. It fits so perfectly, it was hard to look elsewhere to satisfy my jean cravings. Since launching their ready-to-wear line last year, the label has kicked it in serious high gear. If their Insta was pretty good before, now it's a major focus and you can tell that's how they reel in their fans and give them a full portrait of who they should be and, more importantly, what they should be wearing. It's made all too clear by the power bloggers they "regram" wearing their jeans. That mixed with über cool, edgy look book shots makes their IG a must-follow.




@madewell1937
Calling all denim mongers, this one's for you. Knowing real well what their bread and butter is, the folks over at Madwell make sure to appeal to their customer's soft spot by curating images that transport you in their world of jeans, jeans, jeans. All that in the ever-so-cool chic way, upholding that tomboy, easygoing energy.



@narsissit
Whether they're introducing their new products or taking us backstage with them at all the hottest fashion shows, the NARS account takes you deep into their beautiful (and crazy fun) fantasy world of makeup. Toys for grown women, for real.



@netaporter
The queen mother of luxury online shopping knows what makes a good Instagram account. They involve their customers, they keep on top of their arrivals, they show us their editorials, they launch and promote new branches (beauty, Porter magazine), they run promos and contests... but all without making you feel like you're being sold anything and with beautiful imagery to boot.



@raen_optics
Raen is way up there in my books. They're a very special breed of SoCal and you just want to be part of their world: surfers, skaters, hipsters, rad dudes, tomboy beauties. It's a lot of beach-loving, wave-riding, muse-tastic photos. Oh, and their shades are prominently displayed throughout. Gnarly.





L I F E S T Y L E

All-encompassing type photos, some fashion, some photography, some food, some architecture. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. Are you picking up what I'm putting down?

@_thecurators
Again with Australia (redundant or trendy? You decide). This is actually the account for a boutique that hasn't even launched yet and they've already amassed an electric following of thousands, thanks to their namesake activity: curating. Or was it because of their Aussie roots? Anyway, if their merch is anything like the aesthetic they've projected on Insta, the store (coming this April) is golden. 




@apairandaspare
Geneva Vanderzeil started her blog as a way to inspire women to get their DIY on and now she's writing books. Can you get any more fabulous? Her photo feed reflects her impeccable taste and her adventurously stylish globetrotting ways. All that while maybe teaching you how to make a thing or two.




@goop
Love her hate her (for the record, I am of the former camp), Gwyneth has exquisite taste and her successful website GOOP is a pure reflection of that. It's also made her a serious contender to dethrone be Martha's successor. Anyway, their Insta feed is just a fast, more direct access to their awesome discoveries, whether it's about a beauty product, an amazing place to break bread or how to actually make your own bread. Plus you can catch a glimpse of Gwyndog once in a while.




@leaftv
Props to Geri Hersch of Because I'm Addicted for turning a blog about posting fashion editorials into a huge online reference and for getting her mogul on and founding LEAF TV, a video platform that shows women anything and everything they could possibly want to learn how to make about Life, Eating And Fashion (get it?). The vids are impeccably produced, incredibly charming and inventive, and condone a super stylish, clean living. Get into it.




@mariejoelleparent
If you're into looking at dynamic images of New York City, do it through the lens iPhone of Marie-Joelle. She's a French-Candian journalist who lives in NYC yet still works for a newspaper back in her homeland. Can you say dream job? She captures the city's authenticity, real New York moments, and takes her followers on her cross-country journeys (she travels a lot for work) and true to her calling, always reports back on Insta.




@parisinfourmonths
The most beautiful, magnetic images of Paris. This Swedish photographer and Parisian transplant knows how to capture the magic of the city of lights and makes us dream. If her IG feed isn't enough, I urge you to look at her blog (warning: it may provoke an uncontrollable urge to drop everything as you know it and relocate to Paree).



@thecoolhunter_
One of internet's first famous names, the Cool Hunter brings his very special eye for all things mind-blowing to our favorite social media network. 




@wolfclubwolfclub
Warning: this account is not for the shrinking violet. Brydie Mack, the photographer behind Wolfclub, has a penchant for the perverse, provocative, ultra sexy and mind-blowingly sensual. Oh, and the nude. She is most certainly not afraid to celebrate the female body in her art while straddling a very fine line between appropriate and obscene, yet never crosses over. Her images are magnetic, if not jealousy-inducing (did you see those bods?). 



Let me know if there are some accounts that you find completely major that I should also be following, I'd love to know what your favorites are or if I'm missing out on anything!

Oh, and while you're at it, feel free to follow me as well!

Friday Inspo

March 28, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: The Perfect Boyfriend

≪ Previous: Ask FOR #5: Who to Follow on Instagram

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March is already coming to an end and April showers are waiting right around the corner. In our case, the showers have already started and rain is going to be with us all weekend, kind of like an unwanted but necessary guest. Hope you guys make the best of it xx.


[tfs, pinterest, harper's bazaar, wolfclub, style.com]

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The Perfect Boyfriend

March 30, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Daily Grind

≪ Previous: Friday Inspo

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Whoever said the perfect boyfriend didn't exist hasn't met Rose and Theresa from Refind Denim, who have set out to create the most amazing destroyed boyfriend jeans you've ever laid eyes on. I can honestly attest to the fact that perfection has indeed been attained. Let's do a little exercise: close your eyes and think of the absolute ideal, most flawless, ultimate type of distressed denim that make regular cameos in your sartorial dreams. Now head over to their website -- I guarantee that you'll find just what you were picturing. Make sure to also have a gander at the amazing blog they've got going, where boyfriend jeans inspo abounds, special promos are announced and for a peek inside their world of denim. It's kind of awesome. They're also on Instagram, out to prove that #theperfectboyfriend is not a unicorn.

Anyway, I brazenly took my boyfriend (chuckles!) for a spin on a not-so-warm spring day and fell even more in love, in spite of all the holes giving the chilly air direct access to my bare legs, thus contributing more shivers to my already shivering self. You see, these jeans have everything going for themselves, they're both the star and a blank canvas. They can be complimented in many ways: with a feminine pump, loafers, beat-up chucks, a sexy strappy sandal, t-shirts, chunky knits, long coats, the possibilities are endless. I personally went with a pump for a few reasons, one being that it was cold and secondly, you guys know how much I love offsetting the items I wear for a well-balanced, rounded outfit. Perhaps the only style rule I live by. Case in point: oversized tomboy jeans, pointy stiletto pumps and a button down that straddles the line between masculine (loose dress shirt) and feminine (satin).

On my neck is this amazing oversized, chunky ID choker from Rings & Tings that I've been fully abusing. Sometimes an accessory can just make or break a whole look and I can't think of the last time it wasn't decorating my collarbone -- mind you, I do take it off for my slumber. But I digress. I'm not one for crazy accessories and while I'd normally think of this type of thing as too bold, I just gravitated towards it, probably thinking to myself that if I have that thing on, then I don't have to wear anything else jewelry-wise. Rings & Tings is just such a great go-to for fun, accessible trendy pieces. Highly recommend.

Regardless of this particular day being cold as hell, what I'm wearing pretty much embodies transitional weather dressing -- my favorite. And it's another lesson in putting simple pieces together that look really cool as a whole. (On a side note, I can't believe this coat is still actually white. Props to myself!)


Photos by Ian Rusiana

Details:
Shirt - Joseph
Jeans (#theperfectboyfriend) - Refind Denim (similar)
Pumps - Guess (similar)
Coat - J.Crew (similar)
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Necklace - Rings & Tings>
Rings - Chic Peek and these too (similar)
Silver pearls - family heirloom (similar)
Click to shop:

Daily Grind

April 1, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Summer On the Brain

≪ Previous: The Perfect Boyfriend

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The kind of outfit one feels most at-ease in differs greatly from one person to the next. Some ladies are all about feminine pieces, not even owning so much as jeans, while others would never even don a skirt. I personally subscribe to a tomboyish aesthetic, in case you hadn't noticed. I am most myself in denim and a loose top of some kind, preferably a t-shirt or a button-down. High heels used to be an integral part of my day-to-day jam, but I now mostly wear flats, since my office is the local coffee shop. I wish I was more of a boho princess, or one of those immaculately unkempt beauties, but I've come to realize that a zebra just can't change its stripes. In fact, should you happen to run into me on any given weekday, I'd be wearing some sort of variation of what you see here.

PS happy April fool's day! Hope it's kind of warmish (can you sense my optimism in that phrase?) wherever you are!


Details:
Striped shirt - H&M (similar)
Denim - ASOS
Shoes - Chucks
Coat - Club Monaco (similar)
Necklace - Rings & Tings (similar)
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Bag - Zara (similar)
Click to shop:

Summer On the Brain

April 2, 2014, 1:09 pm

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≪ Previous: Daily Grind

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It's no secret that it's been a tough winter, here in the Northeast. And while it's seasonably normal to experience warm-weather withdrawal once the equinox hits and all we have are April showers, it seems to be, well, a lot more of a sensitive matter than usual. Being excited for winter to end has been the subject trending most among everyone I know since January, yet Mother Nature appears to be punishing us. I can just picture her, wherever she hangs her hat, grinning in utter satisfaction as she inflicts her wrath on us suffering mere mortals. Spring's extremely shy nature has made most people want to dig a hole and go lie in it until at least Memorial Day... In the meantime, I will proceed with my sulking and keep complaining about the chill in the air, the horrible climate change and how I just cannot contain my excitement for summer to finally arrive. Below is a depiction of the type of outfit I anticipate wearing.



Clockwise from top left:
Ray-Ban aviators - Totême rope sandals (similar) - NARS tinted moisturizer - Giles & Brother earrings - MAC nail polish in Morange - Joie dress
Click to shop:

Friday Inspo

April 4, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Welcome to the Dark Side (And Get Your Very Own Boyfriend)

≪ Previous: Summer On the Brain

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This weekend is gonna be a doozy, you guys! I'm talking clement weather, rays of sunshine for two full days and -- gasp -- the chance to finally go sans jacket. Oh my! Got any fun plans for the break? Do share! In the meantime, feast your eyes on everything below xx

[tfs, into the gloss, the blab, pinterest, arty filles]

Welcome to the Dark Side (And Get Your Very Own Boyfriend)

April 6, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Keep It Chic, Keep It Understated

≪ Previous: Friday Inspo

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Clearly I've been bitten by the distressed denim/boyfriend jean bug. Last week I was gallivanting about in a pair of blue ones and here I am again, but this time I've gone to the dark side. There's just something about the black that has that gritty allure, encompassing the ever-so-aspiranial and intangible je ne sais quoi. Less expected is perhaps the expression I'm looking for? Just as versatile as the blue, they give off an entirely different vibe. I love both, obvi... but I think I have a particular penchant for the sombre option. What say you?

But this post is SO EXCITING beyond just my outfit and my cuter-than-cute canine companion: the amazing people at Refind Denim, aka the lovely gals who are behind my ridiculously fantastic boyfriend jeans -- both the blue and the black -- are offering FOR readers 20% off all boyfriend jeans on their website, starting now until April 12. And fear not, they ship all over the world!

Here's how it works:

1. Head to their online shop by clicking here.
2 . Choose your perfect boyfriend (sorry, no shorts, only jeans!).
3. Enter code FOR20 at checkout.
4. Enjoy the most awesome pair of boyfriend jeans you've ever seen. (Seriously. Even LiLo agrees.)

And in case you missed it, check out their blog for a super rad feature on yours truly!


Photos by Ian Rusiana

Details:
T-shirt - Zara
Leather jacket - ASOS (similar)
Boyfriend jeans - Refind Denim (similar)
Shoes - Chanel (similar)
Elephant bangle - Rings & Tings (similar)
Other bracelets - Coordinates, vintage & Jenny Bird
Rings - Chic Peek
Ear cuff - Rings & Tings (similar)
Metal choker - Zara (similar)
Sunglasses - Ray-Ban
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Canine - #WallyFace
Click to shop:

Keep It Chic, Keep It Understated

April 8, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Light Layering

≪ Previous: Welcome to the Dark Side (And Get Your Very Own Boyfriend)

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Keeping things chic and understated is always what I try to go back to when I'm faced with an ever-so-dreadful case of Closet Full of Clothes, Nothing to Wear (CFOCNTW). It's a motto I refer to upon feeling uninspired, in an effort to refresh and refocus. It's my center of gravity when things are feeling askew and I find that if I stick to those two words, I can almost always rouse something good from my wardrobe selection.

What you see yonder is part wish list, part demonstration of understated chic. Not loud, yet far from from boring. Not fancy, yet far from sloppy.


Clockwise from left:
Elizabeth & James top - Saint Laurent arty ring - Topshop jeans - Helmut Lang blazer - Givenchy large Anitogona shopper - Birkenstock sandals - BaubleBar bracelet - Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Prelude to a Kiss - Anine Bing sunglasses
Click to shop:

Light Layering

April 9, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Friday Inspo

≪ Previous: Keep It Chic, Keep It Understated

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Transitional weather is way up there in terms of ideal sartorial weather. It allows so much freedom and variety to really play with your wardrobe and dream up a whole slew of new combinations without being plagued by having your style efforts stomped by a heavy parka. Or wanting to remove every single layer once the mercury soars to unbearable heights. There's nothing more glorious in life than when you can finally step out in a few light layers, bare ankles and a scarf no thicker than a veil. It's that magical time of year.


Details:
Shirt - Alternative Apparel men's
Denim button-down - Levis
Vegan leather pants - Tripp NYC from Trash & Vaudeville
Sneakers - Chucks
Ring - Saint Laurent
Scarf - Subtle Luxury + Spun (similar)
Sunnies - Raen
Click to shop:

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Friday Inspo

April 11, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Spring Awakening

≪ Previous: Light Layering

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Last year at this very moment, I was sitting on a beach in Antigua. Pretty far cry from my current situation, even though I can console myself with the amazing weekend forecast. This tropical mood board should reflect my spirits (you might even spot this blogger in a shot or two)! Have a good weekend everyone xx

[into the gloss, columbine smille, pinterest, tfs, the coveteur]

Spring Awakening

April 14, 2014, 1:00 am

≫ Next: Ask FOR #6: The Everyday Face

≪ Previous: Friday Inspo

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We've been hyper lucky with the weather as of late. Mother Nature has heard our pleas and she's ready to forgive, it seems. It's now been two weekends in a row of absolute glorious sunshine, rosé-on-a-terrace type of clemency, cherry blossom blooms and lay-down-on-a-blanket-in-the-park days. Idyllic, if I may be so bold.

Weekend attire need not be fussy (nothing should be, really, but weekend wear in particular). A loose fitting pair of destroyed jeans in a crisp, refreshing white is a great way to invigorate transitional garb. Keeping things easy in my trusty slip-ons (surely they are going to take me as far into this season as they did in the last), and of course, my ubiquitous stripes. Spring is officially here, all rejoice!


Details:
Striped shirt - Joe Fresh (similar)
Jeans - Zara (similar)
Denim shirt - Levi's
Shoes - Sandro (similar)
Leather jacket - ASOS (similar)
Bag - Bottega Veneta
Sunnies - Ray-Ban
Necklace - Rings & Tings (similar)
Click to shop:

Ask FOR #6: The Everyday Face

April 15, 2014, 12:30 am

≫ Next: Not-So-Basic Black & White

≪ Previous: Spring Awakening

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There's something about the world of beauty that I find incredibly intimidating. Paralyzing, even. There is so much to choose from, everyone's skin reacts differently to any given "active ingredient" and every week there is a new miraculous claim from an updated product rendering what you've been using (and most probably loving) suddenly completely useless. Through years of experimentation, I've come to realize that you have to subscribe to your own brand of beauty that can only be forged following multiple trials, triumphs and errors alike. At the end of the day, many of your beauty discoveries will come from well-intentioned recommendations from all the females that surround you: your grandmother, mom, aunt, sister, dermatologist, aesthetician, facialist, the lady on the other side of the prescription counter staring intently at what can only be your pores, or maybe even from this blogger. You give, you take, you try, you toss, you pass on the information. Eventually, one lands on a face ritual that they are satisfied with.

Skin care is what I like to refer to as lasting ephemerality. Sound confusing? It isn't: the drill will be a lifelong consistency, but what it comprises will never hold a permanent stake on your bathroom shelf. A product might recur ever so often, but once you've extracted the very last quarter ounce of your Youth Serum X, I'd be hard-pressed to believe that you'll be replacing it with the very same one. At best, you might grab its "updated" version. What your skin is forced to imbibe through its lifetime is perhaps one of the greater overlooked (self) inflictions of this man's, man's, man's world.

But what we subject our faces to is for their own good, isn't it? That's why we risk slathering our best friend's old nonna's crazy concoction around our dark circles and why we shell out 150 bones without a second thought on Miracle Potion XYZ. Maybe this cream is The One, seeing as is it vows to procure its user with an unparalleled complexion, cheek dewiness extraordinaire, as well as an impossible-to-ignore glow. Sold! Only to see your dreams crash and burn when you realize that your big investment bought you nothing more than a case of ye olde faithful breakout. It's so hard being a woman.

One eventually learns to remedy to certain unfixable DNA problems with magic face paint known as makeup. I used to travel a lot with a certain girl friend and when trying to make ourselves presentable the morning after an evening spent imbibing one too many cocktails, we'd constantly exclaim out loud to one another something along the lines of: "it's crazy how applying these globs of pigment on our faces can enhance our appearances without making us look different." We were onto something, I think. Yourself, but better: what I believe makeup should do. Sure, it's fun to play and go crazy with a smokey eye on a Friday night, but I'm referring to your every day existence. No one wants to resemble a street walker on their commute to work, or worse yet, be mistaken for engaging in a glorious activity known as the walk of shame.

There's a big tendency to overdo it with makeup, and it's so easy to go awry -- a slight mistake like choosing the wrong concealer shade can be critical. Or going all Bozo the Clown with your blush for lack of good bathroom lighting. Some girls have won the genetic lottery and do not need an ounce of makeup (i know a few of them), not even a swipe of mascara or a little swoosh of pink powder on the apples (for you, this post need not apply and I secretly hate you. Just kidding. Not really.). And others are perfectly comfortable and content, or admittedly lazy, to skip the morning face gloss ritual. I am not one of those girls. Neither the former, nor the latter. And I am completely okay with that. I am not fetching for any sort of comforting comment, I don't need your reassurance and I don't seek to be told that every girl can go sans makeup. Those girls exist, but delusions are not really my forte. This isn't about wanting to look perfect or achieving society standards, or worse, trying to make heads turn. It's about liking what I see on the other side of that reflexion and how I can look like an improved version of myself.

Looking natural is über important in my books and my makeup philosophy always relates back to that. To me, it is a really incredible invention that allows you to hide what your expensive skin serum has failed to fix, to enhance your glow when your paraben-free toner did not fulfill all that it had promised you it would and to give you eyelashes (ok, that's just my personal hangup, nothing in skincare pledges to grow and thicken your eyelid hair). The purpose is to elevate what you have, downplay what you don't and to present to the world the best physical manifestation of yourself. That way, when you reveal your nude face to your man (or woman) at night, they still recognize you. And thus here begs the question: how does one achieve the everyday face?

LIKE SO!



And yes, that was my bare-not-an-ounce-of-makeup face! To be clear, I am by no means a beauty expert, nor connoisseur, for that matter. I am not one to be at the forefront of beauty trends and there are so many products that cater to problems I am not even aware I want or need to tend to. But what I do know is that I clean up pretty well and like any girl, I absolutely get excited about playing with makeup. When I fall for something, I fall hard and I master its use, which is something to be said for all this advice I am thrusting upon you. So let's break down the steps you saw in that video!


1. NARS Instant Line & Pore Perfecter

Apply to the areas that have the most visible lines and pores. I don't know if it's just in my head, but I feel like applying concealer and foundation atop the skin area slathered in a layer of Pore Perfecter makes the less-than-desireable creases less visible.


2. Yves Saint Laurent Youth Code foundation

This foundation is THE BOMB. It goes on super smoothly, blends immaculately, offers perfect coverage and is incredibly light -- it doesn't feel like you're actually wearing foundation. It's kind of magical. One pump of this guy and you're off to the races. I know that a lot of women like to use a brush (or an egg) to apply their face goo, but i prefer to do it all with my hands. I find I can blend it better and that half of the product stays on the sponge when I use one, which I find to be a waste.


3. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

This NARS concealer is the epitome of perfection. Were there to be a concealer kingdom war, this one would win the iron throne without question (can you tell my life revolves around Game of Thrones? #Sorrynotsorry). Get it, you won't regret it. A couple slabs on each of those pesky dark circles and you're as good as fully refreshed. Again, I like to blend with my fingers, but feel free to use whatever your little heart desires.


4. Bobbi Brown Eyebrow Pencil

This step may or may not apply to you. I happen to have really light eyebrows due to my blond disposition, so I don't have much of a choice in the matter. On top of having light eyebrows, I have another embarrassing confession: when I was a kid, I found a razor in my parent's bathroom and of course, decided to test out its functional capacity by taking the blade to my left eyebrow. BIG MISTAKE. To even things out, I decided to just go ahead and do the right one too. They haven't been the same since and my antidote of choice is Bobbi Brown's blonde eyebrow pencil. I also just the discovered the Anastasia brow gel, which could be a great investment for those of you with unruly, thick ones, but I don't use it every day.


5. NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder

It's important to set your concealer and your foundation with powder to make sure it doesn't budge and avoid it melting off your face. This particular loose powder is amazing for a few reasons: its lightness is unparalleled, it goes on fully clear and is akin to applying a cloud to your face. Not only that, but it gives an immaculate finish, as well as the assurance that your makeup will last all day. Another pro I've come to find is that it doesn't dry out the skin at all, as some powders do, thanks to how light and airy it is.


6. NARS Contour Blush

Allow me to confess something to you: I wasn't even sure what contouring was until some time last year when my girl friend Steph mentioned it to me. She used to be a beauty editor, so naturally, she is incredibly well-versed in all the ins and outs of makeup and how to use it. To be fair, I was aware of the existence of that application trick, but I just had no idea that it was called contouring. Moving right along, my face is quite round and applying a darker shade in the crease of my cheeks is something I've instinctively done for a long time, usually using a dark cream blush. This NARS contour blush palette is so perfect for giving your face some natural-looking definition. You need a flat brush to be able to create the blurry lines that will make that shadowing do what you intend it to. To make sure I'm applying at the right spot, I suck in my cheeks and brush along the crease. After the cheeks, dust the darker color on the temples right near the hair line and then on your jaw line to generate some definition.


7. NARS Matte Multiple in Anguilla

I am the biggest fan of the Multiple. It's probably one of my favorite makeup products of all time -- I have the regular sticks in 3 different colors and I use them everywhere: face, lips, collarbone, arms, chest bone, the list goes on. So you can imagine my excitement when the Matte Multiple came out. I use it on the apples of my cheeks and on my lips and I like to blend it in with water for a seamless, dewy finish. The Anguilla color is a pretty, bright baby pink, ideal if that natural rosy flush is something you desire.


8. Japonesque Go Curl Pocket Eyelash Curler

The eyelash curler is the number one tool for achieving eyelash success, I just can't stress it enough. I favor this small plastic one over the traditional metal clamp kind because I find the size to be practical and it allows for a lot of control. Ringing in at less than $15, it's kind of a must-own.


9. Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

I hate to be dramatic, but I don't think I could live without this YSL mascara -- it is EVERYTHING. I mean it, I'm kind of an expert in the matter. This beats them all, including DiorShow, trust. If you're looking for more eyelash solutions, click here.



FULL DISCLOSURE:
Some of the NARS products you saw in the video were gifted and some not. Regardless, I fully, wholeheartedly endorse everything I present to you on this blog and would never show you something I don't believe in. I actually do use everything you see here every single day.

Now tell me, what are your makeup philosophies and the brands and cosmetic items you couldn't live without? And keep sending in your style and beauty questions, they might just be the next #AskFOR topic!

Not-So-Basic Black & White

April 17, 2014, 1:00 am

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One of my biggest desires in life at this present moment is to, come summertime, don this outfit on a warm, cloudless evening. It's not-so-basic black and white, the sexiest shoes I've ever laid eyes on and a purple lipstick that is as bright as it is deep. Click below to shop.


Clockwise from top left:
Tibi poplin top - Marc Jacobs nail polish in Gatsby - Givenchy Pandora shoulder bag - Lauren Wolf pearls - MAC lipstick in Heavenly Bird - Gianvito Rossi leather python mules - J Brand cropped leather pants - BaubleBar silver cone cuff

Friday Inspo

April 18, 2014, 1:00 am

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In honor of this Easter weekend, I bring you a mood board that is on the pastel side of the rainbow -- you know, to be on theme and stuff. I'm spending it with my husband's family at out cabin upstate, which always brings us oodles of joy. Hope you guys are having a good time, whether you're celebrating Christ's resurrection, Passover, or having a choc-o-thon with your bff. xx

[tfs, pinterest, elin kling, style.com, the coveteur]