Friday, June 27, 2014

Introducing Mrs. Kates


Attention world, the wedding of the Summer is finally upon us. This weekend, Renee (my rockstar sister) is headed down the aisle at her California wedding to Mark Kates. This amazing event has been 8 months in the making and after this Sunday, Karen and Steve can finally take a bow, put their feet up and RELAX. My mom has clearly outdone herself with all of the planning and I can't wait to see the final outcome.

I also can't wait to celebrate with all of our family and friends, especially those who have traveled great lengths to ring in the happy couple.

Mazel Tov, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kates!

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Visor Advisor

Fashion is cyclical, what is old is always new again. As I mentioned in previous posts, we are having a major throwback to the 90's this Summer. Birkenstock's and Culotte's are making fantastic comebacks. This past weekend, I headed to Atlantic Beach with a few girlfriends and we started talking about beach trends. I'm always one to rock a straw hat cause of my fair skin, but my lady friends had another silhouette in mind. My girlfriend Virginia talked about bringing the ultimate 90's beach attire back into her Summer wardrobe, the visor. Fret no more Virginia, it looks like some of your favorite brands have already jumped on the flashback train and are producing fashionable visors for your trips to the beach. Take a look at my favorites below. Not gonna lie, I totally dig it. Do you?

The Visor Viking

Top Row: 1 // 2 // 3
Middle Row:  1 // 2 // 3
Bottom Row: 1 // 2 // 3

Monday, June 23, 2014

Sia


Back in college, I would tune in every Sunday to watch Grey's Anatomy. I not only loved watching the latest romance saga between Meredith and McDreamy, but I also loved discovering/listening to new and exciting musical artists.  Even though I no longer watch the show, I still enjoy checking out artists who I once discovered from the show. 

One of those artists was, Sia. Her single Breath Me was played about a bajillion times in my dorm room (sorry Rachel). Although I will never grow old of her single from 2004, I believe it is time to discover a new one in 2014. Thankfully, Sia, is about to drop a new album, July 8th, to be exact, and there are plenty of new songs to obsess over.

1000 Forms of Fear, has already dropped two singles and if they are any indication of the record to come, I am super amped. It's been a decade since I first discovered her, yet Sia has matured and evolved ever so gracefully. Check out Eye of the Needle below. Looks like I found another repeat gem to add to my iPod like my college days. What do you think of her new single?

Friday, June 20, 2014

Fruit Punch

Fruit Punch

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I seem to be on a serious kick for fruit inspired essentials. A couple weeks ago, I posted about my love for pineapples at Summer BBQ's. If pineapples aren't your thing and you enjoy watermelon, apples, or lemons more, then, do I have a treat for you. Whether you are prepping for an outdoor party for either 4th of July or Labor Day, you can't go wrong with different fruit inspired home decor. Dress  up your napkins or serving trays with the ultimate Summer party essentials. Everything looks so tasty, you'll almost want to eat it. I've got my eyes on that delicious serving tray, what about you?

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Orange Is the New Black

Orange Is the New Black


platforms //  lace top // clutch // slip-on sneakers // shorts // romper // skirt // earrings // bracelet // swimsuit // socks

I am a huge fan of all of the Netflix tv shows that launched last year. After I finished season 2 of House of Cards, I anxiously awaited the return of Orange is The New Black. Since its debut on June 6th, I found myself in a bottomless pit refusing to leave the apartment until I finished. I swear that show is super addicting. Without giving anything away, this past Saturday I finished all 13 episodes, and let me just tell you, what an AMAZING season. In fact, I enjoyed it much better than Season 1 and House of Cards (sorry Spacey).

If you haven't jumped on the band wagon just yet, I highly recommend you reserve some of your quality time and tune into this fantastic tv show. To get you psyched for Season 2, I rounded up my favorite orange things sweeping the interwebs. It is Summer and most New Yorkers have retired their black apparel for brighter shades due to increasing climates. Maybe orange is the new black after all. Are you a fan of the show as much as I am?

Monday, June 16, 2014

Air Review


The internet can be a magical place. It can turn any boring day into an exciting one based on magical discoveries, especially for new music. My boot and I didn't feel like braving the heat and getting lost in the city on Sunday, so instead, got lost online and discovered some amazing new artists. One of my discoveries lead me to a fantastic new band from Dallas called Air Review

In an article for the Dallas News, Air Review described themselves as "a pop band. Our goal is to write music that is accessible for casual listening but engaging to a serious music lover." Each song on their sophomore album Low Wishes glistens in a combination of vintage and indie pop. I'm a big fan. They've got dreamy harmonies and lyrics that are beautifully melancholy. See for yourself and check out my favorite tune below.

Friday, June 13, 2014

Bill Cunningham: Facades Exhibition


"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life. I don't think you could do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization." - Bill Cunningham

Truer words have never been spoken by one of my all time favorite fashion icons/photographers. Last weekend, Bibi and I headed over to the Facades exhibition at the New York Historical Society. The exhibition, is comprised of Cunningham's photographs shot from 1968 to 1976, modeled by his close friend and paired with period architecture all over Manhattan. It's very remarkable that the Facades project was completed almost 37 years ago and compiles two centuries of architecture and fashion, yet the photographs are alive and thriving with the energy of Manhattan.

The exhibit closes this Sunday. I highly recommended heading on over to the Upper West Side to see some of the most inspiring and fascinating photographs taken all over our beautiful city. I sometimes take for granted the amazing architecture around me on my way to work or out with friends on the weekend. It's nice to stop and smell the roses every once in a while. Take a peak at some of my favorite pictures from the exhibit below.



New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street, 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Top Swimwear Brands of 2014

These days, it seems like every designer is trying to make a name for the themselves at the pool/beach and are designing swimwear. Gone are the days of just brands completely devoted to swimwear (sorry Speedo) and now EVERYONE has a swimwear line. Last year, one of my most popular posts (even to this day) was the 2013 Top Swimwear BrandsLadies, get your wallet ready. Before you book that next tropical vacation, it's time to feast your eyes on the top 2014 Swimwear brands roundup. Enjoy!

1. ZIMMERMANN SWIMWEAR
Shop Zimmermann
In 2013, two decades after sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmerman started selling bikinis at Sydney's Paddington Markets in Australia, the label debuted a standout collection at NYFW. The wait is finally over because these pieces hit the shelves this past Spring. When it comes to swimwear, Zimmermann is recognized for beautifully crafted prints and sharp silhouettes. This collection was inspired by the 1920s circus costumes and photographs discovered in a NY vintage store. Slightly on the pricier side, but well worth the investment. Is it wrong that I'll take one of each, even though my bank account may hate me?

2. MARA HOFFMAN SWIMWEAR
Shop Mara Hoffman
Every time I look at just one Mara Hoffman swimsuit, I never think that her anthropological prints can get any more intricate, but then I look at just one more silhouette and my mind is blown. Her Southern Asia-inspired details and neon tropical foliage prints continue to amaze me. No one can do prints like this designer. Step aside Missoni, Hoffman's prints are the next best thing.  I think it's time I take that long overdue trip to India to see where she gets her inspiration. But first, I've got to rock one of these awesome swimsuits at the beach this Summer.

3. TOPSHOP SWIMWEAR
Shop Topshop 
Similar to ASOS, Topshop provides stylish, cute, and affordable swimwear to the masses. A slight step above Target or H&M, these in-style suits will sure to turn every eye at Rockaway Beach this Summer. The best thing is, no one would know that you only spent only $60 on the killer suit. Whether you want a one piece or a bikini, they've got a great selection of silhouettes in an array of different prints and colors. 

Want more?
Take a look on FacebookInstagram, Twitter, and Pinterest

Monday, June 9, 2014

Betty Who


Madonna, Britney Spears, and Katy Perry were once the reigning Queens of pop. Unfortunately, successions to the thrown do happen, and it becomes time to make way for new royalty. Enter, Jessica Anne Newham, better known by her stage name Betty Who, who is an Australian singer-songwriter and musician based in New York City. Born in the early 90s, I can't get over that she's only 23 years old and already proving she's got the gumption to be around for a while. 

She's got similarities to Robyn, Miley and a little badass of Sky Ferreira. Check her out below. Do you agree that it was time to pass the crown and make way for a new Queen?

Friday, June 6, 2014

Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day Gift Guide

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My Dad is the coolest man that I know. He's smart, charming, funny, and will blow anyone out of the water when it comes to pop culture knowledge. Afterall, he was a huge fan of The Hills and loves catching up on The Real Housewives of Orange County. When it comes to his career, he is one powerful executive. You should never underestimate his connections - they are TOP notch. His opinion matters the world to me and I have always sought out his advice when it comes to anything career related.  Steve, you're awesome! 

I always struggle getting the man who has everything something for Father's Day. Do you know what you are getting your Dad? Take a peak at some ideas on the web that won't disappoint. Hurry up, Father's Day is next Sunday!  

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Pineapple Express

Pineapple Express

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My favorite summertime fruit to indulge in at BBQ's are pineapples. They're sour, sweet, delicious and help keep the palette refreshed as the temperatures rise. Instead of consuming and satisfying just your belly, why not double the enjoyment, and outfit yourself in all of its glory. I am a huge fan of conversational prints and this particular print does not disappoint.  The pineapple image can spice up an array of pieces in your wardrobe, even your electronics. Once you get your hands on one of these pieces, the pineapple on the picnic table will no longer be the center of attention at the next BBQ.

Monday, June 2, 2014

Smallpools


Happy June everyone! Has Summer been treating you well? My Summer has been off to a great start including some travel, fun bbqs, and outdoor shenanigans. Wait till you hear the tune I have for you today, because your Summer is about to get even better. 

Apparently for the last year I've been living under a rock. I completely missed Smallpools make their debut on the music scene last year when they dropped their hit single Dreaming. Since then, they've had quite the touring stint, traveling this past Spring with two of my favorite bands from 2013, Grouplove and San Cisco. They have similarities to both artists, plus a few more like Walk the Moon, New Politics, and All American Rejects. Although I'm a year behind, better late than never, right? Adding this artist to my Summer playlist immediately. Check them out below and enjoy!