On Feeling Inspired

Having a blog has become more than just a platform I use to document my style and ramble about my favorite beauty products, surprisingly it has become a huge creative outlet for me and my husband. If you didn't know, my husband is the one that takes all my outfit pictures (I take all my beauty/product pictures) and it has truly become a labor of love for both of us. When I first met him, he had a fancy camera and a passion for photography but no outlet to showcase his work. Over the past few years, taking my style photos has become a lot about the clothes but even more about the artistic aspect behind the photos. My day job does not afford me the opportunity to express my creative side which is something I craved for so long, so thankfully this blog became the place to share that side. And while I want the focus to always be style and beauty, living in NYC has allowed me to incorporate the beauty of this city into my photos. Whether it is a graffiti door of a new hotel or the steps of the New York Public Library, the city of New York plays as much a part in my blog as beauty and clothes do. It's still important to me that the blog represent what I actually wear rather than an outfit put together for the sake of a post, so I will always stay true to my style instead of amping it up for the camera. But that being said, I still strive to create beautiful photos that inspire me (and maybe a few of you) and constantly push myself creatively. It can still feel unnatural standing out in the middle of a crowd (though I try to avoid that as much as possible) and having my picture taken, but to be honest I have come to truly enjoy the finished product and am proud of what we have created. Everyone needs an outlet in their life to express themselves in some way - be it by cooking, singing, painting, photography, heck even knitting! Whatever it is, it's great to feel inspired and it can often be therapeutic to develop that inspiration. Thanks for following along as I share my inspiration with all of you each week. I truly appreciate it!

I would love to know what inspires you and how you express your creativity! Leave me a comment below!  

Blouse - Club Monaco | Shorts - Tibi (on sale!, dress version here, top here, another dress version here) | Shoes - Loeffler Randall | Purse - Sophie Hulme (color is sold out, but other colors here) | Bracelet - Giles & Brother | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney (love these leopard print ones!) | Lips - Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Sunset Orange

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Silk And Denim

When I first ordered these Equipment shorts, they felt like pajamas. Actual flimsy-flamsy silk pajama shorts that when you hold them up to the light become 100% transparent. I showed them to my mom, who was up visiting at the time, and she was as confused as I was as to how one wears these thin, yet ridiculously comfortable shorts in public. And then I put them on and it was like magic! They were not even remotely see through nor did the material seem too thin. They run a bit big so I recommend sizing down but nonetheless they feel easy and effortless. And nothing pairs better with leopard than denim, right? I'm convinced that no one does denim or chambray quite like Madewell, except maybe it's sister store J.Crew. I have quite a few denim/chambray long sleeve button downs that make their rounds in my wardrobe but this is my first sleeveless and has probably been my most worn shirt this summer. It may rival my L.L Bean tote, shown above, for the most worn item. I bought this tote in hunter green and camouflage a few years back and I swear it has been a lifesaver. I carry it everywhere - to work, on vacation, to the beach and it holds everything. The only down side is that it doesn't have any inside pockets so I end up carrying tons of little clutches inside to help divide everything up neatly. Who's a tad OCD? Certainly NOT me.

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Shirt - Madewell | Shorts - Equipment | Shoes - Loeffler Randall (similar here and here) | Hat - Club Monaco (similar here) | Sunglasses - Ray-Ban | Bracelet - Giles & Brother | Tote - L.L. Bean (I have the medium size)

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Bits and Pieces: Ripped

I have to preface this post with...yes, the shorts came that way. And to be honest, they have become the number one item in my wardrobe that I have been wearing this summer. I wore them on vacation recently (pic here), and wore them this past weekend while running some errands. It was a bit chilly (for me that is, I'm always cold) so it was the perfect time to pull out my white blazer. I will only bring this blazer out to play when the weather is perfect, there is no threat of rain and I am not eating anything. Stains are drawn to me so I know when I wear white, it is going to be a 'girl in a bubble' cautious kind of day. And of course my Loeffler Randall sandals are making another appearance. I told you I would wear them all summer and I was not kidding.

Blazer - Trouve by Nordstrom (similar here and here) | Tee - Old Navy | Shorts - Rag & Bone (also here and love this pair) | Sandals - Loeffler Randall (on sale!!! and love these) | Bracelet - Giles & Brother | Ring - House of Harlow | Bag - Longchamp | iPhone case - Kate Spade | Belt - Madewell (similar here) | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

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Bits and Pieces: Patterns In The Tropics

It pains me just a little to write this post, since I am now back from vacation and seeing these photos is like a punch to the gut. TAKE ME BACK!!!! If you didn't know, I recently went to Grand Cayman for a few days and it was delightful. We swam with sting rays, snorkeled the Barrier Reef, ate more than we should and lounged on the beach every single day. It was glorious. But I have to say that my favorite part of visiting warm weather vacation spots is the chance to wear every brightly colored item in my wardrobe. I recently purchased this DVF skirt and felt it was perfect for my trip. I wore it to dinner on an island that required transportation by boat and it was so comfortable and easy. Lightweight enough to keep me cool but heavy enough so as not to succumb to a wardrobe malfunction from all the wind on the boat. And of course these sandals look familiar because they have been a staple in my summer wardrobe since I bought them last year, and I am slowly collecting as many pairs of Loeffler Randall shoes as I can! I have this pair as well and love them! But the only thing they can't do is transport me back to Grand Cayman if I click my heels together. Ugh, reality is so harsh. 

Tank - Joe Fresh | Skirt - DVF (on sale!) | Shoes - Loeffler Randall (similar here and here) | Clutch - Clare Vivier | Sunglasses - Stella McCartney

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Bits and Pieces: Metallic Sandals

I feel like the older I get, the more I need to work comfortable pieces into my wardrobe, the catch being that they must still be stylish and reflective of "me". I was totally that girl years ago hobbling around in heels that I could barely walk in, praying a cab would stop and save me from my ridiculous fashion choice. I've wised up a bit, and love clothes and shoes that are a bit more practical. These Loeffler Randall sandals seemed like the perfect summer sandal to wear casually and perhaps a bit dressed up, though they are not going to a black tie function anytime soon. I am leaving for Grand Cayman Island tomorrow and these are the first shoes I am packing. Dresses, pants, cut off shorts - they will all be fair game for wearing with these sandals. There are days that I miss those 5 inch 'bad choices', but at least I can say I wore them. Hell, I rocked them. And I have fond memories of the entire thing. 

Dress - Club Monaco (old but loving this one and this one) | Belt - GAP (similar here) | Sandals - Loeffler Randall (on sale!!!)

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Bits and Pieces: Lounge Pants

Clearly comfort is winning in my wardrobe these past few weeks. First it was boyfriend jeans, now lounge pants. Lounge pants that you can wear outside of your actual lounge - brilliant. I have been eying this style of pants for a long time and wasn't sure I would really like them once on. Update: I really like them once on. In fact, I LOVE them. So comfortable yet quite stylish if you ask me (you didn't but it's my blog so I ask and answer questions). And while I am on the fence about the crop top trend, I felt the high waist needed something shorter on top rather than longer. So I tied up my chambray top and it was the perfect complement. I know mixing patterns is a mystery for many, but I find that shoes and purses are the best way to mix without going overboard. Floral on my feet and leopard in my hands is the perfect combination. Oh and one more thing - you need this Clare Vivier leopard clutch. Not too big and not too small, I fear for everyone around me for how often they will see me wear it. Guess I'll go ahead and apologize now.

Shirt - J.Crew | Pants - Joie | Pumps - Loeffler Randall (loving this pair and this pair) | Clutch - Clare Vivier | Bracelet - unknown (similar here) | Lips - Bobbi Brown Art Stick in Sunset Orange

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Bits and Pieces: Patterned Pumps

Oh don't mind me, just standing in the middle of a vineyard in heels - say wha????  I know, I know - the other guests visiting the winery were staring too.  #bloggerproblems  This was taken a few weekends back during my weekend getaway to Long Island - I can never resist a shot with a view.  Now onto the outfit - beginning with these shoes.  These. Shoes. They are the perfect height (for me) at a manageable 3 inches and some of the most comfortable pumps I have ever worn - even standing in grass!!!  When I first purchased them from the Shopbop sale, I was so proud of myself for getting something not neutral (I know you guys are proud too).  Then the immediate "what will I wear them with" thought began to creep in - until they showed up at my doorstep and I put them on.  I began grabbing things in my closet - solid colors and patterns - and they looked good with everything!  Especially this dress, which I purchased on final sale at the GAP and it quickly became a summertime favorite.  Though it is a drop waist style, I threw a belt on to create some definition and found it flattered my figure so much more.  As a curvy gal, wearing blousier styles always calls for a cinched waist.  That is until you have to sit down and eat your weight in seafood.  And then that great waist definer you so stylishly added, becomes a medieval torture device hell bent on making you pass on dessert.  But don't give in. You just unbuckle that bad boy, grab your fork and tell your dinner companion to back it up.  You are back in business.  

Dress - GAP | Belt - GAP | Pumps - Loeffler Randall