{things i wore} asymmetrical gown
As promised, here's what I wore to our friends' wedding this past weekend. The dress code for the reception was summer black tie and I must admit its guidelines proved more challenging than I thought they would. The color black felt out of the question (too wintry), most fabrics won't work (too heavy), and bright prints seemed inappropriate (too casual). In the end, I settled on this slinky BCBG dress. I loved its bright green color (someone at the party compared it to Keira Knightley's 'Atonement' gown), draped detailing, and slit : paired with my favorite simple (but sparkly) jewelry and nude sling-backs, it stood out without being too attention-grabbing. And no, you're not seeing things in those last shots–my boyfriend looked so handsome in his tuxedo that I couldn't help but include his look too (although it took him a whole lot less time to get red-carpet ready).
What do you think? What do you wear to formal events in the summer?
________________________________________
Gown: Snejana One-Shoulder Evening Gown in 'Ultra Green', BCGCMAXAZRIA [$298, available here; available here in 'Red Berry'; similar styles available here and here]
Shoes: Aria Platform Sling-backs in 'Nude Patent,' Pour La Victoire [were $250, similar style available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Jewelry: Ready Bangle, gold-plated, Medium, Swarovski [$55, available here]; Ready Bangle, stainless steel, Medium, Swarovski [$55, available here]; Diamond Accent Hoop Earrings, Macy's Fine Jewelry [$650, available here]; Diamond Ring with Yellow, White and Rose Gold Diamond Overlap, Trio by Effy Collection [was $2850, available here]
Nails: Essie "Ballet Slippers"
{things i wore} stamped ring
I went to two barbecues within the past week and while I love entertaining outdoors, I don't love the mosquito bites that come with it (unfortunately I'm a magnet for them). Since covering up is a must, I always choose a maxi dress or skirt if I plan on dining al fresco. This bright orange maxi didn't need much help becoming more summery but I still love to pile on gold jewelry to make a seasonal statement. I'm in love with this stamped ring Nashelle sent me with my initial. It's so unique, and strikes an ideal balance between roughly handcrafted and painstakingly polished (in fact none of the brand's designs are mass produced or outsourced and everything is handmade to order). The piece is also the perfect size–not too big but large enough to make a statement.
___________________________________
Shirt: Ruffle Tank Top in White, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Skirt: Rope-Tie Maxi Skirt in Tangerine, Sofia by Sofia Vergara [was $30, available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Jewelry: Assorted gold bangles [old]; Initial ‘Identity’ Ring in Gold, c/o Nashelle [$55, available here]
{things i wore} slashed-back shirt
It's silly, but I just love it when I craft an outfit that can transition from day to night just through the swapping of some accessories. This weekend I started out by wearing this look with flats and one of my favorite shoppers–Hayden Harnett's Welles Hobo in 'Dusk' (last seen here)–and then switched to a pair of heeled sandals and a clutch for the rest of the evening. With its spectacular neon color, this shirt is so much fun to wear–plus from the front it is hard to suspect its slashed-back detailing.
_______________________________________________
Shirt: Chiffon-Overlay Top in 'Dragonfruit," Sofia by Sofia Vergara [was $25, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in "Bright Indigo Destroy," American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Jewelry: Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Green and Pink Beaded Expandable Wire Bracelets, Alex and Ani; Evil Eye Bracelet in Teal [no longer available]; Leather Bangle Bracelet in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Gold Plated Erilo Bangle, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]
{things i wore} envelope clutch
Rain clouds have settled over New York, but this past weekend was gloriously sunny–perfect for a fun beach-side excursion and an outfit that matched. I bought these shoes and skirt a few weeks ago after deciding they were irresistibly summery. Its bright pattern had me thinking of Gucci or Roberto Cavalli silk scarves, while the woven platforms of the pumps–which measure an incredible 5.8 inches–seemed like a dressier espadrille. Camille Zarsky's Portfolio Clutch is a dream to wear. It's so sleek and polished that it finishes a look instantly. I was thrilled when they sent me this gorgeous one in brown–I just love that the brand is handcrafted in NYC–and I can't stop thinking of ways to wear it.
___________________________________
Shirt: Ruffle Tank Top in White, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Skirt: Tropical Print Handkerchief Hem Maxi Skirt in 'Caribbean Green', New York & Company [$47, available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Jewelery: Cabochon Sagaponack Cuff in 'Turquoise,' c/o Amrita Singh [$100, available here]; Studded Bracelet in 'Pine Green,' Banana Republic [was $39, no longer available]; Gold bangle [old]; Thin Gold Band with Bezel Set Diamond, Jennifer Meyer [$175, available here]
{things i learned} pops of color
{newspaper stands + a bicyclist in soho}
{my sister's bright manicure: N.Y.C. New York Color's 'Water Street Blue'}
{the broken seal on a box of Georgetown Cupcakes, my new favorite indulgence}
{an incredibly insightful billboard near the West Side Highway}
{the bright interior of a chalky white pouch wallet sent to me by Camille Zarsky}
I can usually look at a photograph and know what time of the year it was taken just by accessing the quality of its colors. Now that temperatures are running hot–80+ degrees feels so good–even in daily life colors seem to pop. The orange lining of my new wallet from Camille Zarsky makes me smile every time I fish it out of my purse. I can now say the same thing about the pink boxes of Georgetown Cupcakes: I thought nothing could replace Crumbs but after a delivery from their Mercer Street location–I highly recommend their classics, a Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a whipped Callebaut chocolate frosting and a Madagascar bourbon vanilla cupcake with a vanilla cream cheese frosting–I am already looking for an excuse to indulge in another order (hints have already been dropped to my boyfriend). And kudos to Manhattan Mini Storage for their fabulous ad: "NYC: Tolerant of your beliefs, judgmental of your shoes." Truer words may have never been spoken about the city.
Don't forget to ENTER MY CURRENT HANDBAG GIVEAWAY here…It ends TOMORROW!
{latest instagram}
