{outfit post} white hot...

You know how everyone always says that New Yorkers are really busy? Or, you know people who live here who just seem to have a never ending parade of plans? It's all dinner dates and re-scheduling coffee, and friends visiting from wherever and brunch with so-and-so followed by a quick trip to East Hampton and then there's this fashion party in Soho and a roof party after that...

I've become one of those people. At least, that's what it feels like lately! Over the past few weeks I've had lots of really fun and fabulous plans, and I've gotta say, I like it. As much as I love my downtime, it's summer, and I didn't move to The Big City to stay home every night watching The Bachelorette. 

Anyway, as you can tell from my outfit post patterns, Meghan is my mover-and-shaker / gal-about-town who kindly and often brings me to really great events as her plus one. One such event was last Thursday evening, at the Nanette Lapore store on Broome Street. Miss Lapore herself was in attendance for the party, Revlon was there doing make up, and the champagne was flowing. Never-mind that it was approximately 5000 degrees out, we still donned summer dresses and mingled among the bloggers, photographers and handsome cater-waiters.

Zara dress; Ray Ban sunglasses; American Apparel carry all; thrifted necklace; Star Ling shoes; Michael Kors watch.

This dress from Zara is one of my absolute favorite things that I own. I don't wear it often, and it could definitely use a little more time out on the town. The fit is just right, and it's rather uncharacteristically girly for me, don't you think? Tully remarked when I wore it on the Fourth of July, "You look - so - feminine!" I guess she's right, for whatever reason, I don't own nearly as many dresses as I do separates, especially ones with cascading ruffles. 

There's that bird necklace again... I get so many compliments on this crazy thing, it just goes to show you what quirky and inexpensive treats you can find at NYC thrift stores.

{outfit post} a summer friday...

One of the beautiful things about summer in the city is when your friends get to duck out of the office early on a Friday afternoon to meet you for lunch. Last week my friend Sonia, of In Pursuit of Style, met me at Westville on 18th Street for some serious catch-up over iced tea and sweet potato fries. Since the crazy heat bubble had finally burst and the sun was out, we took a pleasant stroll up to Madison Square Park and snapped a few pictures (obviously).

Forever 21 blouse; Old Navy shorts; vintage belt; Ray Ban sunglasses; c/o Kooba handbag; vintage gold hoop earrings from Mom (rest of the baubles broken down below).

Gina and I made a trip to Forever 21 last week, and I was pleasantly surprised with all the great summer staples they have! I found this blouse, which is really a tunic, just as we were about to leave. I didn't even try it on, I just knew I had to have it. I love the fun detail of the cut-out sleeves and how breezy it feels. This look is one I'll probably be duplicating throughout the summer months simply because it's so representative of my style. I love mixing the romantic and the classic, preppy and boho. This look is really half-and-half if you ask me, with the crisp shorts / woven belt / Wayfarers playing off the romantic blouse / hoops / many accessories. 

*It should also be noted that the basics of this outfit (blouse and shorts) cost under $50 total. Mixing budget pieces with pricier and/or vintage items that you love is how you create an ensemble that will always be unique and chic.

 

(Sam Edelman leopard sandals; rings are Tiffany & Co and F21; DIY neon & hex nut bracelet!)

Michael Michael Kors watch; F21 gold bracelet; Tiffany & Co silver bangle; Kenneth Jay Lane giraffes; H&M bracelet.