your to do list for 2017

A sweater that has been on my wishlist for a year and a half - found its way under the tree this xmas.

Happy New Year to you! I hope it was a magical celebration for you and your loved ones.

As we approach this season of renewing, downsizing, cutting the literal and proverbial fat etc, I wanted to reach out to you all with a to-do list for 2017 with regards to your clothing. Fashion is largely perceived as shallow and frivolous. To me, fashion is art, self-expression, and creativity. In this way, fashion can add to the abundance in our lives, and can be seen as a positive thing - but we have to do it right.

So, a to-do list for your sartorial self this year:

1. Define your style. Before we even begin to think about the year ahead in terms of the clothing we wear, we need to know who we are in terms of the clothing we wear. I wholeheartedly believe that knowing your style is essential for being more content, making thoughtful purchases, saving money and saving time. If you haven't received a copy of my worksheet on how to define your style, I highly encourage you to do so by subscribing to the blog via the home page. If you're already subscribed and need a copy, shoot me a quick email and I'll send one right over!

2. Set yourself a clothing budget - for the year. This sounds crazy / silly, but this step is another way to ensure you're not throwing money out the window on pieces you feel only lukewarm about. Be realistic, and think about things you really need (a new winter coat, a pair of black pumps) and things you really want (a leather jacket, a pair of vintage Levi's, a pearl necklace). Write down those pieces, and then allot yourself a generous sum as though the perfect iteration of each piece will land in your lap over the next year. Does this feel dirty, irresponsible? It's for your eyes only, and it's all hypothetical. Let your dreams be big, girl. 

3. Approach spending like this: As you move through next year, you'll come across countless pieces that you want. The rush of dopamine from a new purchase is real, folks. No one knows it better than me, believe me. But stop and challenge yourself with the following: 

  • Do I need this?
  • What purpose does it serve?
  • Can I imagine 3 different ways to wear this piece?
  • Do I already own something like it?
  • Can I get sell/donate something in my closet to make room for this?
  • Can I save money by buying a 2nd hand version of this?

And of course, you have to really really love the piece in order for all this to work. 

4. Create a mood board or Pinterest board of inspiration: Keep a running tab of things you love, and see what trends emerge in your taste. Ask yourself WHY you like the pieces / pictures you like. Come back to this board and your list from above throughout the year.

Before we conclude here, a last minute suggestion: never buy something in a rush. Never run out to purchase a last minute dress, blazer, necklace...just don't do it. Let yourself be the curator of your closet over the next year. No instant gratification, just preparedness. I am SO excited to hear how it goes (and I'll be doing it along with you, of course). 

Just for fun, if you like, send me a link to your Pinterest board - I would love to see what's on your wishlist this year!

xoxo,

aok

gift guide: aok's picks around the city

Morning to you! For this, the final day of gift guides, I wanted to call your attention to my favorite beauty treatment places around the city. Sometimes, an experience is better than a physical thing. And self care is really, really important. So I invite you to treat your NYC loved ones to an experience this holiday season.

And just a little PSA, I understand that there are many more important things than giving gifts right now. In fact, giving gifts in light of the recent outcome of  the election seems vapid, shallow, the list goes on. However, this blog has never been about politics, so I want to provide a space where you can come to forget about the news for 5 minutes. Forgive me as I continue on with business as usual...

Below are my absolute favorite places:

1. Bling Lash - Eyelash Extensions - I come here when I have the dough, and before our wedding. I absolutely hate sitting still, so having to lie down with my eyes taped shut for 90 minutes was a hair's breadth away from a panic attack (this is not hyperbole) for me. After having gone a few times, however, I relish the time to be totally silent, without a phone. And these little suckers actually transform your face - cheers to no mascara for months!

2. Primp & Polish - Manicure - If you've been reading here for a bit, you know this is my favorite place. Service, atmosphere, and the fact that it was one of the first nail salons in the city to be compliant with the city's wage and safety laws. 

3. Frederic Fekkai - Brow Wax - Finding  the perfect brow wax in NYC has been a long journey for me, as I have insane expectations. This place is the best. Period! Always in and out in 15 minutes, and a quick stop on 5th Avenue is kind of fun now and again. Eternal thanks to my client Johnna for turning me on to this place!

4. CAP Beauty - Facial - Read my full review here. I still stand by everything, and though I haven't been back since before our wedding, I recommend this place to everyone who ever asks about a facial. Bonus - the front of the spa is a shop dedicated to green and cruelty-free beauty. Sweet.

5. Body Mechanics - Massage - Raven got me a massage here for my 30th birthday, and I used it right before our wedding, when I was chock full of tension. This isn't a place to come to feel pampered, so to speak, but my technician (masseuse? what's the right word here?) was so attentive to my issues, and took time to give me some tension relieving exercises to do at home. Also, it was an exceptional massage. 

6. BONUS - Feel This Burn Pop Up, December 10th - Fitness fiends!!! If you follow Kara Griffin, you know that the only way you can take a class with her in person is by hoppin a plane to LA. Well, now, my best friend and life guru Courtney Romano is teaching Kara's method right here in NYC! The only catch is that it's a one night only type deal. I'll be there, and you can grab your tickets here. Let's get sweaty togetherrrrrrr!

Lastly, tomorrow is December 1st! And you know what that meannnnns...or do you? It means, a new newsletter! That's right. The Monthly Array, December edition. If you're not signed up, click here and see what's all about!

Have a fantasic day, you. 

xoxo,

aok

gift guide: the lush

Raise your hand if you look forward to your night cap more than dinner. Meeeeeee too. For today's gift guide, I'm proud to include a selection of gifts for the drinker on your list. Enjoy!

1. Love and Victory Decanter Set - One of our favorite wedding gifts, these cheeky decanters are made right in Brooklyn, and are completely customizable. Cheers!

2. Carry On Cocktail Kit - One of my favorite memories from our Honeymoon is ordering celebratory drinks on our flight to Italy. Had I known about these, I would have gotten one for each of us. They're adorable, no? Would make a great gift for any frequent flier. 

3. Vacu Vin Wine Stoppers - A favorite in the Koehler household, these are perfect if only one person wants a glass of wine. I don't recommend using them for more than 3 days, but they do a pretty good job of keeping wine fresh. 

4. Drink More Gin sign - Love the font of this sign, it would be perfect to hang over your bar cart, no? I also love all the vintage ads in this shop. 

5. IV Doc Gift Certificate - Apparently the best, failproof hangover cure is an IV of saline. Until recently, that was a pipe dream for those of us who burned the proverbial candle at both ends. But, this is New York, so it was only a matter of time, and now you can get your IV delivered to your door, by a nurse, right along with your egg and cheese sammy. I haven't tried it (thankfully haven't needed to) but I imagine it would come in handy after a long flight or a friend's wedding.

6. New York Vintner's Wine Class - I attended a class here as part of a bachelorette party, and I would gladly go back again and again. We had such a blast, tasted delicious wines, and learned a thing or two along the way. Pizza pairings class? Sign. me. up.

Interested in a more personal gift list? I got you :)

aok's curated gift list aok's curated gift list aok's curated gift list
aok's curated gift list
from $40.00

 

xoxo,

aok

gift guide: the tree hugger

Oh haaaay! Thanks for stopping around these parts. You picked the right day, yes you did. Lots of exciting stuff to share, and it's Cyber Monday! If you missed the promotion I'm offering, you can check it out here, and I'll include the purchase info below in this post as well. 

I wanted to start this post-Thanksgiving rush off right with a series of gift guides, which might be my favorite thing ever. I love scouring each collection to see what I like, introduce myself to new companies, etc. No one likes to be pigeon holed (we're getting enough of that these days...), but I find that everyone likes to belong. So, some broad stroke categories this week, and I hope you enjoy checking them out!

Today, a list for the eco-friendly, earth-conscious, cruelty-free loving one on your list! 

1.  Rewined Candles - Quite possibly my favorite candle ever, these beauties are made in recycled wine bottles, and their scents mimic different wines. My absolute favorite is their spiked cider scent, which is perfect for this time of year. 

 

2. Stella McCartney wallet - Stella's pieces have long been a favorite of many New Yorkers (specifically her Fallabella bag), and the best part is that SM uses vegan leather and faux fur across the board for her line. So if you're into designer pieces with a conscience (like me!), her pieces are the way to go. This one is on sale, too!

3. Common Good Products - Buying in bulk has never been easier, and there's something that feels special about a glass bottle, right? I love common good's line, which you can refill locally at shops in your area, and the minimalist packaging is pretty much perfect.

4. Clothes from Reformation - I'm always surprised at how many folks don't know about Reformation's amazingness. This brand makes clothes using surplus fabric - whaaaaaat!? Their line is just about the most beautiful collection of flowy dresses, chic tops, and cheeky tees I've ever seen. Get into it!

5. Omi Gold Rings - You don't have to be getting married to appreciate the beautiful simplicity of these rings. Made right here in NYC, these bands are made from reclaimed gold. Awesome.

If none of the above appeals to your senses...can I interest you in a custom gift list for your sweet? 

aok's curated gift list
from $40.00

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo,

aok