The Shell Spell

White Tank Top: Target, Blue Tank Top: American Eagle Outfitters, Skirt: Gap, Sandals: Franco Sarto, Necklace: Banana Republic, Bag: Coach

I wore this outfit on the 4th of July on the last day of my vacation in Orlando.  It was probably the most humid day of our stay but I felt (or at least looked) somewhat cool in my cotton clothes and leather sandals.  The mother-of-pearl shell necklace I was wearing is one of my summer staples.  I bought it at the Banana Republic in Rockefeller Center in New York City when I was there celebrating my sweet sixteen and it's been a favorite ever since!  The other small shell, starfish, and coral charms are detachable.  It goes really well with many of the other summer pieces in my wardrobe.  

Florida Finds

I love vacationing in Orlando, especially when it involves shopping at the outlets.  I received a comment asking if I could describe a typical day in my life or a day of shopping.  Since blogging about a day in my life would bore my readers out of their minds, I'll describe a day of shopping, namely the day of shopping I had on my vacation. When I go shopping I look for 3 things: style, quality, and cost-- low cost.  I usually go to the Orlando Premium Outlets but this time I went to the Orlando Prime Outlets because of the nice coupon in the brochure that could be used to get a free coupon book  (did I used any of these coupons?- no).  I did, however, make use of the 30% off Neiman Marcus Last Call 4th of July Sale and the 40% off one non-sale item of my choice offer.  I had originally thought the one non-sale item would be 40% off instead of 30%  but to my surprise I snagged my Hype leather cross body for 70% off!  It was a great day in spite of the torrential down poor that kept me in the same store for at least an hour and a half.  I feel like this post is kinda long so (if your really curious) I'll post about my typically shopping habits some other time.  And no, I did not buy those great L.A.M.B. heels, but I sure did want to!  They are probably the highest shoes I've ever tried but they were surprisingly comfortable. 

In the Jungle the Mighty Jungle

This is the 2nd time I've been to Disney World and the 1st time I've been to the Animal Kingdom.  It was pretty cool to go on safari and on Expedition Everest.  I took these photos on the Maharaja Jungle Trek in Asia.

Conquestadora

photos 1-3: me; photo 4: my mom

I guess you might have been wondering where I was for the past week.  To answer your question I was in Florida soaking up the sun and having some fun!  Since my dad is a fan of the great American road trip my family and I left our house at 2:00am and drove down to Orlando, making a stop in historic and eclectic St. Augustine along the way.  Although I was dressed in my travel garb of (gasp) running shorts, an old T-shirt, and Rainbow flip-flops, there were many people in the Spanish Quarter dressed in everything from flirty dresses and heels for a nice dinner, to causal and common Abercrombie tops and shorts, to obscene T-shirts and punk attire.  And there was a great variety of places to shop and dine.  We went to Pizza Time and feasted on large slices of very good Brooklyn style pizza, but if you want a table grab it quickly because the place fills up fast!   In addition to the usual gift shops, I stepped into a vintage shop and found a really cute, really short black velvet halter dress and a floral blazer (very trendy right now) for only $30!  My mom remembered when she had one like it.  Of course I didn't buy anything there but I should have.  Anyway, the bottom photo is of a really cute little expresso and ice-cream shop.  I can't tell you if it's any good but I do know that the gelato at the Cafe del Hidalgo is delicious.  The combination of pistachio and toblerone is especially rich and tasty but the fruit flavors are also great (just a hint: gelato is a lot more enjoyable in a cup not a cone). The cafe even has a summer special of 5 flavors for around $5.  Of course, the fort was really cool and I took a lot of photos of it so expect to see more of them over the summer.  I hope you had a fun and patriotic 4th of July.  While you were scarfing down hot dogs, hamburgers, and my favorite, corn on the cob and watching fireworks, I was intermittently sleeping and failing at iPod solitaire while I headed back north. 

Weekend Yeah!!

Sweater: Free People, Shirt: Mossimo Target, Scarf: Collection Eighteen, Shorts: J. Crew, Shoes: Made by Elves, Sunglasses: Cynthia Rowley, Earrings: Betsey Johnson 

I wish I was one of those fast bloggers who totes around her MacBook where ever she goes with one of those mobile broadband thingies and uploads photos to her blog the minute after they are taken. Unfortunately for you I am not one of those people. I wore this on Saturday. I was in Jersey City at the time these were taken. It was a nice day. It was the first time I've worn shorts and tights since 1st grade. I wore the greatest sweater I have ever owned. I am exhausted and have a math test to study for. Enjoy.   

Arte por el Arte

This sculpture and the silver tree I photographed for A Tree Grows Part II are both located in the sculpture garden of the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. If you figured out that the the other trees were not growing in Brooklyn, I'll tell you where they were growing. The 1st photo was taken from the backseat of the family van when we were leaving Jones Beach in Long Island NY, the 2nd photo was taken while riding shotgun on my way back from Ithaca College in Ithaca NY where there is no shortage of beautiful trees in Fall, Numbha 3 is inside a canopy covered walkway in Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton NJ, the one underneath was taken during the BLizzard of 2010, and the final photo is of two trees on the roof of a building across the street from the Met on 5th Ave NYC (click to enlarge the photo and look at the architectural details). So these photos basically document a year in my life through trees. cool.

A Tree Grows Part II

Hidden in Plain Sight

Today I am highlighting a certain building across the street from the Met. The facades of the 5th Ave. buildings are so beautiful and unique and I love how they pop up between more modern looking buildings. The architectural detailing is so ornate and adds to the charm of the Central Park area. Sitting on the steps of the Met, Gossip Girl style, and just looking out onto 5th and taking in all the sights and sounds of one of the most stunning areas of the city is something I revel in. In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, I felt calm and at ease, peaceful, tranquil. I didn't want to leave.

*Alexander McQueen's final collection was shown today. It was one of the most beautiful collections I have ever seen. The fabric and prints of 16 looks call to mind the days of well dressed, opulent royalty, but the gilded cuts are totally modern. It was a fitting tribute to McQueen. The collection can be seen here.

New York I Love You

Blazer: J. Crew, Vintage Silk Blouse (Stolen from my mother): Sunny Leigh, Lace Trimmed Tank Top: American Eagle Outfitters, Jeans: Paige Premium Denim, Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: H&M

Today is the first day of a series of posts about my field trip to one of my favorite places in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art! Naturally I begin with the obligatory outfit post. I love this blouse that my mom wore back in the '80s. It's so light and the perfect thing to wear underneath a heavy velvet blazer. The necklace complemented the blouse's neckline while cascading down between the blazer's lapels. The weather was beautiful and I saw some great art and architecture so check back all this week for some exclusive photos and commentary.

*Oh and if you see a close up of the Prada dress I loved at the Oscars, it's covered with mini scissors and kitchen utensils!

The Delicious Debate

I forgot to mention that I went to the Magnolia Bakery while in NYC the other day. I have tried their vanilla cupcakes and their lattes (or maybe it was a mocha) at the Greenwich Village location and they were very good, though the shop was crowed and I had to wait in a very long line. The day after Christmas I bought a decedent Red Velvet cupcake with whipped vanilla icing topped with an adorable dark chocolate Rockette disc.


Photo From: New York Blips

I know many people hate this bakery because they find it too small, too expensive, and filled with tourists who push and shove you just to grab what ever cupcakes they can get their hands on, but I thought this cupcake was definitely worth it. This is probably because I was not pushed around and waited in line for only about 2 minutes before paying. On top of that, the bakery was giving all the customers a free raisin bran muffin, which was also delicious. The Rockefeller Center location was far less crowed when I went than the downtown one, probably because of the latter's appearance on Sex and the City. If your ever near one of the Magnolia's 3 locations, I encourage you to go in and judge for yourself wether or not it is worth the hype.


Saks Fifth Avenue adorned with Snowflake Lights

I love Christmas in NYC, especially when I visit Saks to look at the windows and do some shopping.

Greeting Cards Have All Been Sent, The Christmas Rush is Through

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! My family and I attended midnight mass at the Cathedral on Christmas Eve. It was so beautiful and a such a meaningful way to begin the Christmas Season.


Cardigan: The Limited, Blouse: Richard Chai for Target, Skirt: Juicy Couture, Tights: Ellen Tracy, Shoes: L.A.M.B., Necklace: Gift from my Advent Angel

I wore the above outfit to mass. This outfit has some of my favorite pieces in it; namely the Juicy skirt and L.A.M.B. Deven flats. Not only did the shoes go well with the rest of the outfit, but they were also very practical and comfortable. I wore heels to midnight mass last year and that was NOT a smart idea!


Jacket: DKNY Jeans, Blouse: Richard Chai for Target, Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters, Shoes: L.A.M.B., Mesh Cuff Bracelet: Heigh Ho Silver, Necklace: Advent Angle Gift from a past year

I wore this outfit to celebrate Christmas with the family. I usually don't wear jeans to the family party but I'm glad I did since I had to endure unexpected traffic that lead to a 4 hour car ride to the destination. What a way to spend Christmas! But it was worth it to see my family members again.


The Tree In Rockefeller Center

Today I spent the day after Christmas in Rockefeller Center. I love going to the Rock to see the tree every year and squeeze in some ice skating if I'm lucky. Although it was raining and I go every year, I still managed to take some touristy photos. I returned from New York today and I am pretty tired but I'm hoping to hit the mall for some after-Christmas shopping tomorrow. I hope you enjoyed your holiday!

Teen Vogue Fashion U: The Outfits

At the Juicy Couture Kickoff Party:
Dress: C&C California, Scarf: Proenza Shouler for Target, Tights: Ellen Tracy, Boots: Nine West, Earrings: Betsey Johnson


At the H&M After Party:
Velvet Blazer: J. Crew, White T-shirt: Hanes, Jeans: Levis, Scarf: from Filene's Basement, Bag: Juicy Couture, Earrings: Betsey Johnson


At Graduation:
Jacket: H&M, Black Shirt: Target, Skirt: Top Shop, Necklace: J. Crew

New Amsterdam

It's been a while since my last post. I've been really busy but during this time I managed to visit NYC for some shopping. On my way to SoHo I stopped at the beautiful and historic Trinity Church (pictured at top) and City Hall Park. Once I reached the shopping area I broused a couple stores before shopping for my first time at Uniqlo. This is my new favorite store. Racks and racks of well made, affordable, colorful basics from skinny jeans to trench coats filled the 3 floor emporium. The best part was that I bought a pair of light blue skinnies and a limited edition T without breaking $30!

Also, I was finally able to set foot in Top Shop. It definately was an experience. After discovering a flowered skirt I went to the dressing room area where I waited for like 10 minutes before trying it on. The other customers and I were given complimentary water bottles to refresh ourselves with while we waited. By the time I was done the line snaked around the small area and I went to where my aunt stood in line for me to buy my skirt. The good sale price was lessened even more by the student discount! It was a great day. I'll post pics of my new clothes next time!

Saved it For a Rainy Day

Yesterday I was finally able to go to New York to see the Model as Muse exhibit at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. After racing from the bus through the cold sheets of rain that poured down on the city (thank God for waterproof handbags!) I entered the dry museum and spent hours gazing at the photos, magazince covers, ads and editorials, and beautiful clothes shown in this exhibit. It covered the very beginings of modeling in the days of Dior and ended with the famous models of today. The exhibition runs until August 9th but if you can't make it by then click here to view videos and photos from it.

I HeART Savannah

Jones St.

During my trip I had the chance to visit Savannah Georgia and take a tour of SCAD the Savannah College of Art and Design. An amazing design school housed in the beautiful and historic buildings of the city. While there I was able to gaze at classic the architecture of the rowhomes that line Jones St. and the Spanish Moss covering the trees. I also admired the windows of the cute shops and eateries of Broughton St. which include Marc by Marc Jacobs, American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters (who was having a great sale so i scored a cute shirt!) as well as unique boutiques.



I fell in love with this charming city and SCAD and encourge anyone to visit!

Images of Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island: Fashion and Feasting

As many of you may know, HHI is a mecca for fashionistas and foodies alike and I happen to fall into both catagories. So, when I realized the proximity of the resort I stayed in to the wonderful shopping and dining in Shelter Cove Harbour I was very excited. While there I sampled creamy gelato from the Little Venice Cafe. The combination of chocolate and heath bar flavors was smooth and rich and I longed to try the other flavors as well as the sorbet.

A short bike ride down the street is Hidden Cove Treats & Treasures where I bought 1/4 pound of Cookie Dough fudge and a vanilla blended latte. The fudge was the best I'd ever had, with generous chunks of cooke dough troughout. In addition to a wide variety of fudge flavors, Hidden Cove also carries many other chocolatey treats and pasteries, coffee, smoothies and ceramic gifts.

I also had the chance to shop in two boutiques: Posh and Taffeta. Posh carried a great selection of cute and flirty tops, bottoms, and dresses from such brands as MM Couture and Hale Bob as well as cute shoes bags and some great jewelery. Taffeta, although geared toward and older crowd, was filled with fun, colorful fashions from Europe. And those of you looking for designer bargins should go no further than the Mall at Shelter Cove, which houses the Off 5th Saks Fith Avenue Outlet.

HHI has shops and restaurants to fit any taste and budget!

Vacation: Style and Substance

I just returned from my vacation to the South. My trip to Hilton Head Island, Savannah, and Quantico was filled with fun, shopping and style. I'll start my recap of the trip with 2 of my vacation outfits:


Tank top: Loomstate, Shorts: American Eagle Outfitters, Flip Flops: Rainbow, Sunglasses: Betsey Johnson, Wrislet: Coach


Tank Tops: American Eagle, Shorts: J. Crew, Sandals: Nine West, Bracelet:
bought in Cherry Valley made by African artisans, Sunglasses: Betsey Johnson