Jewelry Crushing

(Grandmother's vintage pearl necklace, Longer chain necklace from India, turqoise bangle from India, Giles & Brothers multi chain bracelet, Banana Republic chain bracelet with tassle, Zara grey off the shoulder t-shirt, Club Monaco white tank top)

Went for a nice dinner and out for drinks tonight with friends. I didn't get far into the conversation without getting caught up by my friend's jewelry...Luvs! I was totally crushing, and had to take pics on my blackberry in the restaurant like a dork, so I could share. I love the pretty and conservative pearls all mixed up with the bangle and chain bracelets, and rings. There is also a long necklace with a tribal like circular pendant she threw over the pearls...but I didn't get it in the picture. Next time...xo, B

(Her mom made both rings! amazing!)

The September Issue

So I just got back from seeing the September Issue, the new documentary about Anna Wintour, and the process of putting out Vogue's September issue. It was amazing, being able to see multiple sides of Anna Wintour's personality. She is a stern byotch when she meets with her staff and designers, and then there is a more maternal side as she interacts with her daughter, who is completely against working at Vogue. This movie reminded me of why I moved to New York to work in the fashion industry. It was amazing to see all the beautiful clothes and photoshoots from a different perspective. You also get to know Grace Coddington, the Creative Director, who keeps battling throughout the movie to keep the different shots from her multiple photo shoots in the issue that Anna keeps taking out. It was comical to see these two in a quiet battle, pushing each other's buttons. And at last Andre Leon Talley, makes an appearance playing tennis in his designer outfit and Louis Vuitton case that carries his fiji water...such a riot...Luvs him! But...It wasn't all that for everyone, since my work bffl fell asleep within the first 30mins of the movie starting...but I blame that on his allergy medicine! lol Go see it, you will be fully entertained if you are even somewhat into fashion. Two thumbs up...B


I was such a cheeseball and took a picture of the credits...it's totally heinous, but it's the thought that counts!

Hipsters & Burritos

There's nothing better than getting a good inexpensive lunch like the food from Calexico, a street cart that serves "California-style" Mexican food. They are known for their huge burritos, with deliciously seasoned carne asada, that you can smell from a block away. They now have two cart locations in Soho, one on Wooster at Prince, and the 2nd location on Broome and Broadway. It's definitely one of the best tasting carne asada burritos that I've had in NY, which is hard to find after growing up in Southern California and being half Mexican. The cart is run by three brothers, who are always nice, unlike some of the other carts that rush you to order. And since they are from Calexico, California, they know what good Mexican food tastes like. I strongly encourage you to try the carne asada burrito if you're in the neighborhood. Don't be turned off by the line, they have a following, which is always a good sign. And it's great for people watching...B

Mmmmm....Lunch!

Sad sad day...

So I've been stalking these Golden Goose boots at Ina (consignment store), and just called to see if they were there to finally make my purchase and...they're gone! Aaaahhhhh...my heart skipped a beat when the sales girl told me over the phone! How did I miss out on GG boots at half the price!? I should have trusted my gut, and scooped them up the first time they touched my feet, but I was trying to be rational, since there were so many pairs of shoes I wanted. And they fit ever so perfectly loose and high on the knee, and they come with that already broken in leather. Well, now I have to live with it...and aloha rag has a version of them that are also perfect, but at regular retail cost! Ugh...so disappointed, B.

Sandal Sale

Sale time is always fun...I just bought these new studded sandals from Topshop half off. I was hesitant to buy sandals since I've been in such fall mode, looking for the perfect OTK boots, but couldn't pass these babies up. ~B

Fauxnel

I just bought some white hat boxes from the container store to hold random junk...but they were way too bare. So I decided to decorate one of them with chanel Cs, and attempted to write CHANEL on the top of the lid. It didn't turn out perfect, but it's kind of the charm of my fauxnel hat box. I'm happy with the outcome...and it's super easy to do, all you need is a "king-size" sharpie. Luvs...B

Window Wonderment

After work today, I headed to midtown to do a little shopping. I spent most of my time searching for a dress at Saks. But, of course when I'm looking for something specific, I cant find it! I left the store defeated and it was too late to shop anywhere else. I decided to walk by Barneys to look at their windows, they always have something interesting going on. And they didn't disappoint...B

The mens window had a Paul Smith vs Gucci standoff...designer gang fight!

Marc Jacobs had a cool 70s vibe but didn't keep it too serious since there were happy faces plastered all over the background and a mannequin holding up a peace sign...super cute and cheeky!

Then came the Adrienne Landau window, which was so funny and weird at the same time. I found myself laughing out loud, but then realized it was kind of sad that the fur blankets and pillows were recreated to look like the animals that they used to be. What did they expect people to think of this?

Here's a closer look

Sunday Street Fair

As my boyfriend Ahmed and I took our dog Cooper out this morning, we ran into NY Senator Chuck Schumer doing a meet and greet at a street fair. Ahmed was all excited to get a picture with the Senator.

We decided to walk around the street fair to do a little shopping. The street fairs are cool when you want to find random jewelry or diverse food at a reasonable price...and to people watch of course! Enjoy the pics, it was a fun day! xo, B

Ahmed and the Senator

I started checking out the sad faux Chanel mini backpack...I touched it thinking maybe I could try and imagine it as the real thing...it didn't work.

The roasted corn is my favorite stand at the street fair, but it was way too hot to even think about eating

Thought this was a funny sign...lol


I was checking out a cool silver cuff with turqoise detailing...kind of wish I bought it now


Thai Iced Tea, perfect for this heat


My hot and tired doggie with his new toy

Random Luvs

I stumbled across this picture in a magazine last month. It's a Burberry ring that I'm obsessed with. If you've been reading my blog, you've probably picked up on my love for studs and anything punk rock. This barbed-wire ring is so sleek and rough, I love the juxtaposition of it all. I've been stalking the Burberry website waiting for this ring to appear, luvs! xo, B

Can I kick it?

I have been looking for some fresh new kicks for a while now, and finally came across these adidas "Hoops." They needed to be high tops, but didn't want to be like every other hipster wearing nike dunks. If urban outfitters sells them, they aren't original...but, don't get me wrong, I heart UO, but not for my sneakers.

These will go perfectly with my go-to Marc by MJ black skinnies and an oversized _________ (insert fave top here). But, these are for sure going to be saved for the fall weather when my toes can handle being covered up again. Until then...rainbows and wedges it is! xo, B

Break it down

This is my first installment of the "break it down" series. Basically I've seen so many New Yorkers that have great style, that I want to feature different people that inspire me and have them "break down" what they are wearing. I'm always intrigued by how one item can be worn so many different ways.

Today's first "break it down" victim is the cutest girl named Sophie, spotted on Crosby and Broome St. She not only has a perfect summer outfit on, but has the most charming Irish accent. You just want to wrap her up and take her home! She was more than delighted to answer questions on her outfit and fashion faves...enjoy! xo, B


Name: Sophie Powers

Occupation: Student

Hometown: Dublin, Ireland

What are you wearing: Vintage red sailor pinafore dress with a Velvet daydress underneath, Antik Batik gold gladiator sandals, a latin ring from Marc Jacobs accessories, a portrait ring from Forever 21, Topshop studded bangle and a Marc by MJ groovee bag.

Fave Designers: Too many! I adore Antik Batik, Elizabeth and James, Marc Jacobs, Tracy Reese, Free People...if I could afford it Marchesa, Temperley, Stella McCartney, Marni, Golden Goose, Christopher Kane heels.

Must have article of clothing: a really unique pair of heels/wedges...I adore the Terry de Havilland purple and gold wedges, I wear them all the time and they are so comfy. I have never seen anything else like them either!

Fave item you own: a green punky hobo bag from Jamin Puech (which I stole from my mother) and a pair of brown suede riding boots I picked up for $4 dollars at a Mongolian black market!!! They are so warm and have beautiful green detailing on them. I love how different they are and they evoke such great memories.

Fall Lust: a used Stella McCartney black blazer from Ina and Marc Jacobs Mens cashmere plaid oversized tshirt (to wear as a dress!)...to name but a few!

Last Purchase: an Antik Batik sequin Wallace dress...I'm in love!

Dessert

Just got back from dinner to find the best dessert waiting for me at home! The Fall 2009 Net-a-Porter lookbook was sitting on my ottoman flirting with me to open it. I did the initial quick flip from beginning to end to find my bearings, and then going back the second time to study the details of every picture. I shredded my post-its to place next to each look I envied. My top picks are Elizabeth and James' striped shirt and sequin sweater, everything Balmain, and the Burberry Prorsum shearling. The biggest surprise was how much Tory Burch has changed her image, from a vacationing socialite, with annoying ballet flats that every girl in NYC owns, to the rough & tough NY city girl...props to TB. This just makes me crave the Fall weather even more. Time to digest...B

i heart bbm

As I walked home from dinner tonight, a good 40 blocks, I about knocked into 5 different people who were furiously typing away on their blackberrys...me included! It was totally hilarious, and it made me realize how much I love bbm (blackberry messenger)! It is the easiest and quickest way to communicate, essentially it is IMing, but honestly it's better. It's like a network of friends that I have a better relationship with now then any other text message buddy. Just wanted to post a shout out to my blackberry, unfortunately one of my must have essentials. xo, B

ZZZZZzzzzzz

Just got excited after seeing this men's style sleep shirt on Steven Alan. I love it, but at the same time confused...what would I ever wear with it? Leggings & boots, or will it be long enough to be worn as a dress with tights & heels in the fall? No matter what...you know it will be comfortable. And with the navy color and white piping, it still looks sharp and clean for day or night. I'll definitely need to visit this piece, and "sleep" on it. hehe, B

We all scream for ice cream!

The heat has been intense...New York was in the high 90s today! I decided it was important to get my favorite ice cream to cool down. I headed to Van Leeuwen, the gourmet ice cream truck in Soho, on Greene and Prince. Having ice cream on a cone brings me back to being a kid again, as you can see by the smile on my face. All the flavors are rich and creamy, and the beauty of them is that they use local and fresh ingredients. They have great simple flavors, such as strawberry and vanilla but also include ginger and red currants for the more adventurous customers. A portion of their proceeds goes to the protection of wildlife in the Congo...indulging has never tasted so good! Check out the ice cream truck if you're in the neighborhood. Luvs...B

What's in your bag?

I've always been curious of what girls carry in their handbags...especially in NY, we all seem to have huge bags these days. Bigger is better! So, I've decided to share my bag with all my day to day essentials. My Marc Jacobs metallic blue tote is my go to for this summer, and it holds:

*molekine notebook, for jotting down my random thoughts/grocery lists/and blog ideas.

*blackberry, need to stay connected and for BBMing...yay!!!!!

*old old old prada cosmetic bag

*rosebud salve

*Q tips, super useful...couldn't live without!

*M by MJ faux croc zip clutch, holds everything, and the zipper is important so nothing falls out!

*Cheap streetfair fan, needed for those hot/humid days waiting for the subway

*Emergen-C, great for a little pick-me-up during the day

*Ipod - currently obsessed with Gold Lion, Lady Gaga, The Knife, Thunderheist & Tupac (always)

*Fruity Gum & Mint Gum - I change my mind alot, so I always need options. And bad breath is sooo unfashionable! j/k

*Bobby pins, necessary to pin up my hair when it starts woofin!

Studdly

Just doing my usual run-thru at F21, I came across this studdly cuff. Perf for those days you need to add a little punk to your outfit...and for only $8.80, you can't beat that!
~enjoy, B

Preppy Punk Rock

My newest obsession has been collecting bits and pieces to add to my fall wardrobe. But, since the sweltering heat in NYC is holding me back from wearing anything, all my purchases have succumbed to a life under my desk at work. Most of my shopping takes place during my lunch breaks with my bffl (best friend for life). We roam the streets of Soho, looking for something fabulous and unique. But, since I do live in NYC, my budget is not as big as I’d like. I stretch my ends between designer duds to everyday classics at Uniqlo, and trendy seasonal pieces from Zara and Forever21.

After pouring through all the magazines, blogs and boutiques, I’ve come to terms with my Fall style, “preppy punk rock.” And these are just some of my lusts for the season…

*Over-the-Knee (OTK) boots

*Anything studded

*Oversized yummy boyfriend cardis

*Striped tees

*Jean Leggings

*Army boots

OTK platform by Louboutin

Marc Jacobs Fall 09 Wrath Bag

Uniqlo Merino Cardi

Striped Splendid Deckside Tee

Look from Madewell with the most awesome jean leggings…they're thick and squeeze you in perfectly (shout-out to Sandy for telling me about these beauties)

Ann Demeulemeester's perfect army boot...classic with a little hardcore in them to mix it up.

***First post down...but...blogger is buggin out. I can't deal anymore with the formatting, so you will have to. There will be more where this came from...xo, B.