picture of the week

Happy Friday to you! This week went by quickly, no? What are you all up to this weekend? We are heading to Central Park tomorrow for a Cavalier Meet-Up, and we're so excited. Charlie is a bit of a butt about other dogs - we can't decide if we didn't socialize him enough as a pup, or if it's just the Cavalier way, (I've read that generally are people dogs more than dog dogs) but we figured it would be a good excuse to get him some exercise and meet some other CKCs! Admittedly, my Cavalier obsession began when I saw Charlotte's dog on Sex and the City, but it has now grown beyond that, and I can't imagine loving another breed more. Hopefully I'll have some Instagram snaps for you tomorrow! Whatever you're up to, have a glorious weekend, and here are my favorite links from the week:

Elie Saab couture (#8 would make the most beautiful alternative wedding dress)

Thank you to my handsome friend Ryan for telling me about this coupon app!

Leandra Medine hits the sartorial nail on the head, once again.

"You're so skinny!"

For those who think The Keeper is too crunchy, Lola is here!

Really into long gold necklaces right now.

Where should we meet? and other awesome websites.

Lingerie for ladies who want to broaden the meaning of the color "nude."

5 posts this week, friends! I'm baaaaack!

xoxo,

vintage Charlie pic by Raven.

picture of the week

We made it! We. made. it. Happy Friday to you, my friends! Thank you to everyone who sent love, light, support, and high fives to me for last night's workshop at The Brass Owl. I had such a blast and the night was a wonderful success. It's so nice to connect with fellow Astorians and lovers of fashion, and it was great going over some of this Spring's trends with Nicole, the owner of TBO (I found out last night that her background is in fashion and she was a buyer for huge companies for YEARS - super inspiring). If you haven't visited The Brass Owl, I highly encourage you to do so. And if you're sad you missed out, I've starting pinning a bunch of my spring trend picks on Pinterest, and I'd love for you to follow along!

This weekend I am getting a much needed dye job at Seagull, followed by an art show that my incredibly talented friend is hosting. Sunday we'll be house hunting again. Stuff is happening, friends. What are you up to this weekend? Please, talk to me! And, as always, my favorite links of the week:

I adore this round up of breakfast nook furniture!

I need this app.

Great wedding makeup tips.

Last night at TBO I talked about eliminating fast fashion from our style vocabulary, but this skirt (on sale!) is a great way to buy into a trend without breaking the bank.

Nothing I love more than a Parisian flat lay post.

Have you caught the early spring bloom bug?

Not into flats? That's fine, try some fancy sneakers to transition to Spring. Pair with jeans + tee, casual dresses, or pull an 80's and wear with a legit corporate look.

Perfect spring bracelet.

See you Monday!

xoxo,

how to: mix high and low

I woke up to an unexpected snow day today (from my day job), and I've been catching up on emails and scouting my favorite retailers all morning. Sure, the snow is (kind of) getting old, but a wild card catch-up day is never, ever a bad thing. Ever since I saw the Tiffany bean necklace in 7th grade, I've never had a problem with justifying spending on investment pieces. I realize that this (blessing / curse) is not the norm. Even though I love a high quality, designer dud just as much as the next person, take a peek in my closet and you'll find a 50 / 50 mix of high fashion and trendy, fast fashion.

What's the key to a good mix of high and low, or rather, investment and bargain pieces?

// shirt (low) // pants (high) // shoes (low) // bag (high) // watch (low) //

1. Invest in neutrals: Spring for the classic blue jeans, the black boots, the  understated down winter coat, or the tan leather handbag. Spend less on colorful, pattern-filled items.

2. Consider downgrading simple basics (or look alikes): A plain white cotton tee is a plain white cotton tee, whether it's made by Chanel or Gap. If the material is the same, go for the less expensive option. Years ago I was coveting a $70 chambray button down from Banana Republic. I couldn't really afford it, but I loved it so much, so I challenged myself. I told myself that if I couldn't find a similar version across the street at H&M, I would buy it. Low and behold, I went home 20 minutes later with an identical chambray top from H&M, for $40 cheaper. I still own the shirt to this day and it always gets compliments.

3. Rule of thumb: If you love it, buy it. I repeat; if you LOVE it, buy it. Anyone can walk into Forever 21 or Marshall's and drop $100 on random pieces just because. Take the time, every time, to truly consider the wearability of a piece. If you love it, but it's polyester and will only make it through one season before it disintegrates, go for it. Same goes for that cashmere sweater. Especially the cashmere sweater - which you can wear again and again and hand down to a niece or nephew one day. If you love it (and can afford it!), buy it.

What kind of shopper are you? A delayed gratification splurge shopper? Or a fast fashion loving saver? Or a bit of both? I'd love to hear.

xoxo,