Brooklyn to Manhattan

 This week has been full of surprises. On Wednesday I ended up having a very pleasant dinner in the dining hall and then coffee with someone from my hall who, while very nice, isn't someone I would normally hang out with. As we sat in Washington Square though, drinking our coffee, people watching and discussing the future, I realized that this was one of the best things about New York: meeting people you otherwise wouldn't and getting out of your comfort zone.
Yesterday held even more in store. Work ended early due to the editor-in-chief hosting a barbecue for the entire staff (including interns) at her house in Red Hook. After a subway ride and long trek on foot (we may have gotten a little lost) to her extremely well-decorated house, we got to see the EIC of a well-known magazine grilling ribs in a dress and heels. It was a perfect picture of a modern woman. After some delicious food (I ate way too much), some of the other interns and I decided to forgo the walk to the subway in favor of hopping on a ferry that leaves from behind an Ikea in Brooklyn.
It was probably one of the best things I've done in New York. Instead of standing on a train underground for half an hour, we spent 20 minutes on the upper level of the ferry as it made its way from Brooklyn to Pier 11, right near Wall Street. We saw the Statue of Liberty (from afar) and approaching the city was one of the best views possible. It's funny how small it looks from outside - like a toy almost. It barely seems real and appears to just grow out of nothing. I was lucky to have my (old point-and-shoot) camera with me to take a few pictures - it was not to be missed.

Focus on Fall

This past weekend, when it was literally 100 degrees outside, my friend and I went shopping in Soho. While some may find it difficult to contemplate long sleeves and thick fabrics in such steamy weather, I focused on shopping for fall. Let's be honest - summer is almost over, and I rarely wear straight-up summer clothing in other seasons. I spend most of the year in locales where cooler weather is the norm, so why not start on my fall shopping early? Especially since, with the heat, no one else is thinking about it and all the sizes are out - leaving me with my pick of the field.
Here are a few things I bought last weekend:

Forever 21 lace dress: I can't wait to wear this dress. I have a short-sleeved white lace dress, but this one is a little more sophisticated. I can't wait to pair it with black tights and cute jewel-toned flats or maybe some knee-high boots when it gets cold.

Forever 21 orange dress: I'm not usually a big fan of orange, but when I saw this dress I knew I had to try it on and see what it looked like. Surprisingly, I didn't look like a pumpkin, so I snatched it right up. With a pair of brown boots and some knee socks, I think it'll be campus-perfect.

H&M rust-colored sweater: I can never resist a cozy sweater. This one came in a few different colors, but I loved this rusty brownish-red. I know it will become one of my favorite sweaters to throw on over just about anything - dresses, jeans...and pajamas.
I also bought a long-sleeved black dress with a full skirt from H&M - perfect for fall and winter layering. I can't wait for fall weather and clothes!

Overslept Style

Shirt: Old Navy, Skirt: Forever 21, Shoes: H&M

I try to make sure that I always have more than enough time to get ready in the morning. Although I don't have to be at work until 10 a.m., I always set two alarms - one for 7 a.m. and one for 8 a.m. I like to be out the door by 9 so that I can get some coffee and not be in too much of a rush. And usually, my system works. This day, however, was one on which my system failed me. Instead of waking up at 8 (or 8:10 after hitting snooze) I woke up with a jolt at 9, at which point I yelled some sort of expletive and kicked getting ready into high gear. These types of morning are not the time to be creative with my outfit. These mornings are for tried and true. Though I haven't had this skirt for very long, I knew to grab it to complement two other very worn pieces: my favorite striped shirt and my trusty green sandals (I knew I was making the right choice when I bought them in January). Simple, stylish and out the door. Perfect.

Fantasy Packing List: Nantucket

Brooklyn Bound

I've been MIA, thanks to work and visits, but hopefully I'll get back on track soon (don't I always say that?). A friend from home is visiting me on this sweltering weekend and despite the heat, we've been out and about. Earlier today, we headed out of Manhattan with another friend of mine to indulge our appetites in Brooklyn. A gravel lot held food vendors selling everything from ice cream to lobster rolls. While my friends got a lamb burger (pictured below) and a lobster roll (my once-not-allergic heart yearned for one), I ate my fill with a delicious grilled cheese, ginger rose lemonade, a red plum shaved ice and a vanilla ice cream cone. Well worth the trip, even on a hot day.

Pictures of me taken by my friend Blakeleigh

Late Summer

A little while ago, I felt like every single blog I read was posting about Ruche's "Unending Love" lookbook. It was pretty and romantic and though I loved the Southern gothic-y location, in the eternal words of Shania Twain, "that don't impress me much." However, I feel differently about Ruche's new lookbook. I think because one of my wanderlust induced dreams involves driving across the desert - you know, preferably in a vintage car while wearing fabulous clothes, cause that's just how it's done.

See the entire lookbook at Ruche

Dressed in White

Shirt: Old Navy, Skirt: Modern Amusement via Gilt, Shoes: Urban Outfitters

I had to resist calling this post "White Flight." As I've mentioned before, white dresses are one of my favorite summer staples. White separates get the job done just as well though, especially with the addition of a fun print. When I was walking around on this day, I felt a little like I resembled a marionette or Pierrot - mostly due to the neck ruffle. I got over my anxiety though because of how much I loved the pieces together.

Resort 2012

If I were a wealthy woman, one who summers or winters in exotic locales, I would be all over the resort collections. As it is, I'm an unwealthy woman who fantasizes of vacationing in far-off places in gorgeous clothing. I found myself particularly drawn to feminine silhouettes - perfect for sightseeing, going out to delicious dinners and lounging around my fabulous vacation homes. Hey - a girl can daydream.

From left: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Lela Rose, Catherine Malandrino, Mulberry, Moschino, Moschino Cheap & Chic

P.S. How cute is that Mulberry dog? 

 

Top: Alice + Olivia
Runway images courtesy NY Mag

Color Wheel

Shirt: GapKids, Skirt: H&M, Sandals: Urban Outfitters

 Sometimes when I get dressed in the morning, I feel like I'm starving for color. I want to wear bright colors and, often, I want to wear lots of them together. But I also don't want to look like I fell into a rainbow (because in my mind if you fall into a rainbow, you come up drenched in technicolor). An outfit like this is a perfect compromise for me - bright colors with enough pattern to be interesting but not overwhelming. On my way to the grocery store that night, a boy complimented me on how cute I looked. I guess that means I did a good job.

LWD (the little white dress)

Dress: Urban Outfitters, Cardigan: Old Navy, Shoes: Target

A white dress is a summer staple. And I'm not just saying that because white dresses are 'in' this summer. Because, in fact, white dresses are 'in' every summer. Lightweight fabric + light color = perfect way to beat the heat while still looking pulled together. If I had a white dress for every day of the week, you'd probably see me in nothing but white all summer. Especially since, after spending all that time in the sun during the hot months, white is the perfect color to set off a tan. Plus, white goes with everything. Ultra-versatile, ultra-cute...perfection.

Independence Day

A little Fourth of July action...

Shirt & Sandals: Urban Outfitters, Skirt: Forever 21, Sweater: Old Navy
I had a low key holiday weekend, capped off by watching the Macy's fireworks from my dorm room window.

A touch of pink and green

More from last week, because I am slowly getting over my laziness

Shirt: Old Navy, Cardigan & Shoes: H&M, Jeans: Forever 21