Rachel Zoe-manity

You're welcome to make fun of me, but I'm kind of loving the new Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo.  Its a parade of Zoe' garish garb and a fun insight into her crazed world of fur and oversized sunglasses.  Check it out Bravo, Wednesday @ 10pm.

Blair Waldorf

Seen in front of one of my all time favorite stores, ABC Carpet and Home.  This Jane is sporting the Blair Waldorf look with her embellished headband.  Loves it!

Giggle Gal

Laughing her way out of the liquor store, I felt that this Jane was blog worthy.  Corner of Bleecker and Hudson.  Love the belled-sleeved jacket with high waisted skirt and moccasin-esque heels

Veda

This is my new friend Lyndsey, the designer of the brand, Veda (a beautiful line of leather jackets sold at Otte and Intermix).  Her bag is from her own label, shoes by chloe, and the shorts and shirts are vintage.  I love the turquoise cuff accent, especially with all of the caramel browns in her outfit.  Seen on the bench at Bonsignour, corner of Jane and Eighth Ave.  Be sure to check out her stuff!

Michelle Obama

Without making a huge political statement considering this is a style blog, I just have to say that I love Michelle Obama's wardrobe choices.  We haven't had an iconographic first lady since Jackie O and I think that it is high time for one.  Michelle might just be one to fill those empty shoes.. Not only is she very fashion forward, but she also makes herself accessible to the average Joe (or Jane).  The dress she wore on the view was only $129! It sold out almost instantly after her appearance.  Talk about a trend setter!

p.s. check out this clip http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=C6urw_PWHYk&NR=1

 

White on white

 In general, I stear clear of wearing white with off-white in the same ensemble.  However, I think that she has pulled this look off wonderfully.  The vest was quite beautiful in person (Her sister knits them in Argentina).  I never would have paired white tights with that dress, but somehow it comes together.  

exxageration

Her simple black leggings are the perfect pairing with the exxagerated sleeved blouse.  J'adore her top!  Unfortunately, its vintage and don't think I can get my hands on one exactly like it.

Inexpensive Boutiques

Obviously in New York it is not hard to find beautiful clothes, but finding inexpensive ones may require a little search.  Here are my go-to's when I'm in need for some retail therapy that won't dent my bank account.  

1. Pinky Otto.  I have several dresses and a couple of coats that I've worn tons.  Nothing I've bought in there has been over $250, and often at the end of the season they offer deep discounts.  One of my favorite buys was a light grey wool coat with puckered sleeves.  (located in Soho on Prince St. and one in the East Village on 9th)

2. Darling.  This is another wonderful store located on Horatio and Eighth Ave (conveniently one block away from my apt :)).  They carry a few quirkly lines like Built by Wendy, Ella Moss, Mackenzie, and their own vintage finds as well.  

3. Flying A in Soho.  They carry one of my absolute favorite lines, Maje.  I discovered Maje in Paris at the Maje boutique.  They have a very Chloe'esque aesthetic and offer very beautiful casual wear.  

4.  Tokyo 7.  When jonesing for designer duds this is a great stop.  This consignment store has a great inventory of recent styles including bags, shoes, and dresses.  Of course, with all consignment shops its hit or miss depending when you go, but I've always had good luck with this one. 

more on this list to come...

New Boutiques

Nothing makes me happier than discovering a new boutique, but I feel like it rarely happens anymore.  Now that I've lived in New York for five years now I feel as though I know it quite well (well, when it comes to shopping anyway).  But this past Sunday while strolling through Soho after a wonderful brunch at Prune, I discovered a gem that somehow I had previously never unearthed.  In God We Trust (ingodwetrustnyc.com) has a selection of wonderfully tailored blouses and dresses.  With three stores, one in Soho, the Lower East Side, and one in Williamsburg there's no excuse not to check it out. 

Fall Must-Haves

Thought I would comprise a list of fall must haves:

1. High waisted jeans.  I guess this one is sort of obvious considering they are all over the place now, but I can't tell you how happy I am about designers going this route.  I could not be more over the obscenely low hipster jeans.  There is something so feminine about pants hugging the waist; it displays the female form beautifully.

2. Masculine style trousers

3.  Scarves, Scarves, Scarves  (Thanks to Bella I'm obsessed with ABC Furniture and Home's selection of Matta scarves).  Very luxurious casual chic wear without being too garish. 

4. Fur vest.  I know that PETA activists will kill me and you won't be allowed into the LES bar backroom, but I love it.  Nothing makes me feel more glam than this.

5.  Ankle booties (The Louboutin's with the three buttons along the side are incredible, but if that's not in your budget than there are several more that are equally as precious that won't be so damaging to the wallet).  I found a great pair of booty black oxfords at a quirky boutique in Missoula, Montana called Betty's Divine.

 

6. Leather motorcycle jacket

7. Equestrian riding boots.  I love anything equestrian almost always; its a great staple in any wardrobe.  Very smart.

  

Hair

Hair

As I warmed up for class I couldn't help but notice Devon's fabulous updo.  She parted her hair on the side and french braided it, then wrapped it all around the base of her head.  

What I love about this look:

Can easily go from work to night time and will not fall apart over the course of the day.  I love wearing a slightly frizzy braid do with a sexy ensemble because I think that it makes the outfit look a little sweeter and more conservative.    

Bella ballerina

This is one of my good friends and fellow coworkers, Isabella.  We both dance together professionally at American Ballet Theatre.  

Item 1: Vince shrug

Item 2: Mulberry handbag (love it.. beautiful leather that wears well but isn't as ridiculously heavy as chloe's are)

Item 3: Anthopologie lingerie warn as a dress

Item 4: This season's Marc Jacob boots

What I love about this look:

The play on feminine florals with the more masculine boot.

The first "jaunty jane"

This is my first specimen I found on west 12th street on my way to work: This is exactly the aesthetic I try to achieve... Stylish and interesting without looking to put together.  I love the way she's tied her scarf... very slouchy chic.  The skinny jeans with the high platform chloe shoes elongates her leg and gives her a nice flattering line.  Unfortunately the shoes were made "like four seasons ago" so I think they will be hard to find.  

Blog Objective

I am continuously inspired by the way people dress in this city.  Every time I turn the corner I find it difficult not to discover a person wearing something unique and chic.   Instead of just making a mental note in my brain of these sightings, I have instead decided to share my experiences of fashion forward thinkers with whomever may be interested.  

The notion of blogging has always been a bit intimidating to me.  Something about putting your own ideas out there for the whole world to see, feels, how should I put this... naked.  However, lately, I have been toying with the idea of somehow immersing myself in the fashion world other than just supporting it with my own wardrobe investments.  And moreover, finding a way to do this that won't totally wipe out my bank account.  I also have been looking for an excuse to take more photographs.

So here is the plan I've devised and I hope you enjoy it.  Hopefully, over time my bank of photographs will expand and become a reference library of fashionistas all over Manhattan.