Feb 24, 2014

A hot second in Cusco

Though I sure wish it were longer than that. At the end of my South America trip, I had a wee bit of time to explore Cusco. The first thing I noticed was how I couldn't walk up the slightest hill or walk my normal NYC-pace without gasping for breath (I mean, I know I'm out of shape but this was crazy). The elevation is around 11000 feet (3400 m), and I imagine I'd have a hard time adjusting were I able to stay longer. The second thing I noticed was how many classic old-style Volkswagen Beetles there were, and the third, just how charming every alleyway I looked down was. I would have loved to get a longer taste of Cusco, but I was happy to walk around, armed only with my iPhone camera to capture just a few of the sights that inspired me. It's pretty amazing to think about just how old some of those buildings are.




Feb 19, 2014

Daily rings

I don't know when I became such a ring hoarder, but I think it happened some time in the past year or two. I'm not that into necklaces or earrings, but rings... I mean I've got 10 fingers so I'll stack away! I guess that's why I'm into these more minimal and dainty guys. I've amassed quite the collection in the past year. Here are some of my favorites (click to see larger photo).



1 // I ordered this little silver number for my pinky size, so it's quite a precious one. I found it at one of my favorite places to shop for jewelry and home goods, Still House. It looks amazing in gold too.

2 // This horizontal bar ring by Blanca Monrós Gómez is no stranger to this blog. I pretty much never take it off.

3 // The talented Stephanie Duval of the blog 70percentpure gifted me this beautiful piece from her collaboration with Diamanti Per Tutti.

4 // Another Still House gem. This one is from their in-house line.

5 // A Catbird exclusive, this moon ring works perfectly stacked with number 9 on my grid.

6 // This purchase is one of my best kept secrets (and I almost don't want to give it away). These rings set me back like $9 each; I love them to death, and they definitely look more expensive than that. It's from this fantastic Etsy seller.

7 // A little signet ring for my pinky, also by Blanca. This one isn't online, but I'm sure you could order one with her if you like.

8 // Unsurprisingly, this fox ring is a real conversation starter. After I wore this on my Iceland trip, I ended up ordering two for friends abroad. I also found this at Still House (though I can't find it online now), but it is by designer Ria Charisse.

9 // As mentioned above, I usually stack this one with my moon ring, though it's cute on its own too.



Couldn't resist a gratuitous ring shot with my moon nails. :)

Feb 18, 2014

Diner vibes

Scenes from Lovely Day, a sort of diner-like place that services Thai food, in Nolita.


Feb 11, 2014

La Panthère

The kind folks at Cartier sent me a beautiful new feminine fragrance they are calling La Panthère (a nod to their iconic emblem). I am constantly amazed at the level of detail certain brands put into their products, and this perfume bottle is such a work of art in itself that I couldn't help but want to share it.



The bottle's details are enhanced when the light comes pouring through (also, cue Avedon going crazy chasing the light specks). I am no expert when it comes to scent notes, but I'd say the main note is floral without being cloying. The fragrance will be available in March and would sure make a lovely addition to any girl's dresser/makeup counter.



(This is not a sponsored post. I just like to share pretty things.)

Feb 10, 2014

Home, lately

Since moving in late October, I've already moved around the furniture multiple times. I can't help it. It's hard to find the right configuration at first. After I ordered this shelf unit, I was struggling with how to rearrange the living room to accommodate it. My brilliant friend Kira (the same one that styled this post) gave me the idea of putting the couch in the middle of the room instead of against either of the walls. It was the best advice I've received in a long time. I am not a "huggy" person but I practically jumped to hug her in excitement. It really made all the difference. I then moved my desk away from the corner and put our little dining table there instead. The space is starting to feel more cohesive. There are definitely a few problematic areas I'm still working on, but for now, the pretty parts.




Feb 3, 2014

Weekend Outfits

We've had what feels like a pretty brutal winter and it's nowhere near over. 45 degrees may as well be tropical weather now. There's not much of interest to note in my winter wardrobe, as I've fallen into a uniform of black pants and cashmere sweaters. Here are some old and new pieces getting a good rotation.



On a warmer day: Tank / Pants / Shoes / Jacket (Old Club Monaco)
Ah now this is a color palette I can get behind.



Before the hair chop ;): Sweater / Pants / Shoes / Jacket
This coat is not exactly me, but it was too fun to pass up. Downside: it sheds more than my cat does.



Before I splattered red chili oil on this silk shirt: Shirt / Jeans / Scarf / Boots / Jacket (very old J.Crew)
I don't like the idea of getting "doubles" of something in my wardrobe, but these Dicker boots might just need a buddy so I don't completely wear the sole down every season; hands down, they are my most worn piece I've had in a long time.

The overall goal this year is to buy less and really focus on quality. I made a list of my closet additions from last year and was a bit horrified. This year, no more cheap, fast fashion that only lasts me one season.