11.03.15 Look of The Day

November is here - luckily for us New Yorkers, that also means that the beautiful September-esque weather is back! 

Fall weather is definitely a black and white issue - you either LOVE the season & all that it brings, or you're like myself and you can simply appreciate pumpkins, decor, fall flavors & pre-winter layering. Other than that, fall is a mere stepping stone to winter, another one of my least favorite times of year in upstate NY. It's hard to enjoy much else aside from the Holiday cheer, food (which is unavoidable & inapplicable to any past, present or future diets), the first few inches of snow...

It's clear that above all, from season to season, what I consistently enjoy is dressing for the occasion. Regardless of where you're headed, each season provides an occasion in itself. For me personally, fall is all about:

•having fun with silhouettes

•the last of your shoes that you won't be able to wear until the end of the snow season 

• & trying different colors (new or those hidden in the back of your closet) those that you normally would pick out for the next morning, but exchange for a simple black/white before you leave in the AM.

This morning I was so excited to be heading to school early - such a foreign sentence for someone who received most likely to sleep through high school (also unpictured for the award along with the male winner). Shh don't tell. I can however attest to the fact that I have changed my ways & was actually able to attend the fashion business advisory committee meeting this morning. Two fellow students in the program attended as well, they did an amazing job introducing the theme for the 35th annual Genesee Community College Fashion Show - Fashion Is. Ok, despite my excitement for 2016 GCC Fashion Week, they also shared about all of the fun things we were able to do & experience on the annual #GCCinNYC trip! 

[Check out my blog posts (from early October) to see more from the trip]

I was able to share with the group as well; on a side note the group for the Fashion Business Advisory Committee is comprised mostly of alumni, faculty and great friends/professionals who have all been such an asset to our Program. 

One person I would like to mention in particular is Susan Makai, President of Susan Makai's Personal Best - "Individual Excellence in a competitive world". You can check out the official Twitter page too; she's doing great things and has been helping people reach their potential in various competitive industries, including modeling and acting for over 25 years. She is such an inspiration, and it was so great to get a chance to speak with her after the meeting concluded. 

It's so cliche, but too fitting for the circumstances this beautiful Tuesday:

When you look good, you feel good. Today I was super happy with my comfy-chic outfit and I felt reassured and confident in a positive but still somewhat intimidating situation! You never know how the day will go until you get to your destination and confirm or deny your outfit choice - because it's now of course too late to change it either way. 

The fall weather is a great remedy for those days, or even just a coffee spill (a regular occurrence for me especially when I have excess bags or *guilty* running late). Usually I try to pair my outfit around one of my coats, and as a bonus, the coat can easily cover up any of these possible mishaps. 

Athleisure - My most coveted trend of the moment, who doesn't love pairing their most casual and comfortable pieces with seriously fashionable counterparts for a new look?! This style can vary from something like these HM black joggers or a cute pair of sneakers - sweatshirt & a skirt, leggings (again, love/hate).

The shirt is actually from Forever 21, purchased in High School, I hang onto most of my clothes forever! The bag is something I've been dying to use, a steal, Christian La Croix bag I bought a few months ago. These Kenneth Kohl heels haven't seen the light of day since Easter, but I thought they complemented the hues of the big & my favorite BCBG trench coat well. 

---> I am so in love with the newest products I purchased - fingers crossed I can officially recommend the La Mer Gel Creme & La Nuit De Chanel/ Le Blanc De Chanel (what I had on today!)

• My hair was also super easy, I hate doing my hair on a time crunch in the morning, so I washed it last night and embraced my best Parisian "slept-on-it" style. 

Style Takeaway: Keep your fall fashion simple as it gets colder, never over nor underdressed! Athlesiure is a super chic way to do so, if it's not for you pair some fun colors or layers and enjoy

the rest of this beautiful weather!

Officially Dandy 10.28.15

Genesee Community College's First Ever Dandy Day was a huge success, 

thank you to all whom participated, attended or helped with the event. Hats off and a very special thanks, of course, to Rose Callahan, for making this spectacular event possible!

"                                                    Nick Wooster, NYC, April 2012

The only title I can think of when I see this photo is "Able to Leap Small Buildings" :)   Nick Wooster projects the image of badass quite naturally, but he is from my experience very thoughtful and kind.   This was the second time I have photographed Mr. Wooster for Park and Bond, and this time I distinctly saw what a superhero character he is.  He walks down the street with purpose and intensity, like he has a invisible cape on.  

Good guy, a true original. " 

- Rose Callahan, photographer & author; the amazing photo above is one of my favorites, I have always loved his style & it was awesome to hear from her directly and now read from the excellent collection she has compiled of Dandy Style, or the certain je ne sais quoi about each style subject. Just like all of her work, hearing from her during the presentation, as well as over lunch (with my professors and campus administrators) was both inspiring and informative. 

Quote from the gentleman as seen on his website, (link @ his name above)
a good depiction of who he is, 
his style and his mission.
"Welcome to my stream of consciousness.

I've created a visual snapshot of the things that inspire me. Probably the singlemost question I get is "where did you get that?" Hopefully I've taken some of the guesswork out. Think of this as a virtual closet. At least, the closet I would love to own."

About This Book, in above photo with Author, Rose Callahan:

I am Dandy

The Return of the Elegant Gentleman 

The dandy is back! Today, a variety of men are discovering contemporary dandyism and giving it their own signature look.

"In a world of uniformity and globalized styles, only some cultivated gentlemen retain their independence over the way they dress and live.

In this book, photographer Rose Callahan and writer Nathaniel “Natty” Adams document the well-kept lives of 57 protagonists of contemporary dandyism with a keen, yet empathic eye. Their carefully composed portraits not only depict the clothes, accessories, and homes of their subjects, but also capture the essence of their lifestyles in thoroughly entertaining and deeply insightful texts.

The diversity of the men portrayed in I am Dandy is striking. They come from a variety of different countries, cultures, and social circles and make their livings in a range of occupations. By showcasing their styles, attitudes, and philosophies in all of their nuances, the book reveals that dandyism today is an attitude and calling that can be cultivated on any budget."

Hamish Bowles was also featured in the book…read more about the man who was 'born dandy'… here

Guests were able to attend the meet & greet after the event, picture on the right: Fashion Business Students, myself and Jordan Reese And Jessica O'Brien 

The event doubled as an opportunity to show off your dandy style, as it might not be what the majority of us wear on a day-to-day basis. The four winners were sent home with their very own copy of the book! Though I was not expecting it at all, I received a book and I couldn't have been more thrilled! There were so many other best-dressed people in my opinion & it was so nice to see those outside of the fashion program so actively participating! Sometimes I feel it's simply due to the fact that we're a little more accustomed to risks in regards to garments, but we do understand that it's not to everyones interest or liking! Rose was so gracious to answer so many questions and really spend time listening to what guests were inspired by in choosing their outfits or even when chatting while she signed a keepsake for them. I am so happy she was able to sign my copy of the book as it has already made a forever home on my coffee table.

   Details & Inspiration for My Look:

    - Ashley Owens Inspired

         - Vintage Christian Dior Jacket & Tie (Jacket from one 

             of my favorite Boutiques, the tie is thanks to my fashionable 

               parents, tie purchased in the 80s/90s for my dad by my mother xo)

                   - Felt hat, (cannot see in these pictures - rose gold chain-like detail on hat),

             purchased a few weeks ago at Marshalls

- My striped blouse is also a #fabfound from Marshalls (you may notice it from a CollegeFashionista Style Guru article I did over the summer; check out my page to see how it was translated from the runway to a look with a BCBG trench coat)

                 - Comfy Cozy Pants from LOFT, these linen trousers are the 

               ultimate summer to fall transition piece as it's already approaching

               November! You can find a similar pair here --> __ ****__

              - My personal favorite pair of tuxedo shoes, my off-white pair

               is French Connection which I first wore for Pitti Uomo 

             (ahh it's been too long Florence…)!

I would continue to rant on how much I adore these fashions, my three pages of notes can attest to that, but I'll stop here...

Stay tuned for more fashion, fun & events as the holiday season approaches! xox thanks for checking out my blog, share, comment or tell me what you think!

---> Social Media Links & other Fashion Articles on the side…xo

                   

Streetstyle Nostalgia

What I wore in NYC: Enjoying life, my outfit, the moment - catching one of my looks for a CollegeFashionista StyleGuru Article "That 70's Style" xo

--> Rad/share, scroll for more+details! 

Sweater: Fall hues, #itsbanana, Banana Republic Slouchy, zipper detail turtleneck (purchased in the beginning of October)

House of Harlow 1960 - beaded/suede booties.

 

Vintage Rings & Teardrop closure, leather handbag

Split ends, featuring my favorite Fendi sunglasses & a necklace I bought a while ago at Von Maur (in-store), gold/raw stone detail. 

Denim, last but certain not least, also from Banana Republic - zipper ankle detail, distressed/splatter detail. 

This was such a cute area in the city I must say - I have not always been a fan, but also not yet ruled out...decisions decisions for selecting where in the world I would like to transfer next fall. In the meantime share your thoughts & advice, check out my latest CollegeFashionista Post & everything else going on around here lately xox

TGIF in the Big Apple

Last night, last event - avoid the rain & take a taxi!

#Celfie waiting for the Steampunk Fashion Speak Event to begin at The National Arts Council 

{Fashion Speak Fridays Presents: Steampunk Revolution with Victoriana Lady Lisa, author of International Steampunk Fashions.} [Friday October 9, 2015]

My wardrobe's version of steampunk fashion...

Vintage Wool Pendleton coat (Burnt Orange)

Sheer-layered New York & Company Blouse

Vintage Brown/Black Lace Overlay Dress

Handmade denim, leather and hardware detail bracelet ---> A gift my from my Dad which he purchased at an open air market down south! ps: so perfectly steampunk, purchased just weeks before the event and I'm 100% sure my father has no idea what steampunk even means - adorable and ironic.

Another random finding of my own was this skeletal wrist-wear…oddly enough, don't laugh, but it was found whilst shopping on a Saturday with my mother in Pier 1 Imports! xo You never know where and when you will be inspired…or find a must have piece for your closet.

Sometimes a Celfie is necessary for capturing your #ootn because otherwise you might not get a good enough shot of it
a) your friends are unreliable photographers
b) your friends HATE being your photographer
c)your friends are nowhere to be found

The worst part about leaving NYC - is the beautiful exit…driving by the endless cityscape you can't fathom why you're heading back home! Apartments, terraces, rooftops…major LIFE-STYLING ENVY.

Mood matching my outfit & color palette gray tones.

The end of #GCCinNYC Fall 2015. Au Revoir...

This black building is everything I could wish for in my future home - be it a high-rise,  a mansion, a beach house, villa or town home, this is all I could ever want/need.

The highlight of my morning ride to JFK, headed back home to Upstate NY. My head and heart full of wonderful ideas, findings and inspiration from this year's trip to the city! xoxo until next time New York...

Steampunk

John Galliano 2012-2013 winter collection

Bill Gaytten for John Galliano Fall-Winter 2012-2013 Ready-To-Wear at Paris Fashion Week

"Steampunk fashion has seen a rise in popularity - people are donning these styles more often than you might realize. In terms of fashion, Steampunk refers to "the art of re-imagining modern technology against the backdrop of steam powered technology, like what you'd find in Victorian times or the old Wild West." 

The annual #GCCinNYC trip will be here before you know it! On October 7 I will be flying to the city to see everything it has to offer all over again. This year, we are also so grateful to have been invited to the National Arts Council on Gramercy Park by none other than David Zyla (whom also spoke at our campus just last fall!) The topic !? STEAMPUNK of course and we cannot wait to hear more from the experts and professionals / see whats in store. xo stay tuned for more on our trip, this event and all of the other #gccstyle events happening this semester on and off campus.

Just Dandy

The Ultimate Dandies, by Karl Lagerfeld for Numero

August 1989. ‘It takes a bit of confidence to be a dandy. And a sure touch for mixing prints – the more eccentric, the better.’

Man’s Suit (habit à la française) 

c. 1770-1780s-France

Material: Set of coat, waistcoat, and breeches of pale blue striped silk taffeta with woven floral trim; sleeve ruffles in needlepoint lace. 

This suit is characterized by elegant embroidery and pale, pastel tones said to be the colors of the Rococo Period.
The luxurious outfit that men from the 18th century nobility would wear, the “habit à la française”, is composed of a coat, waistcoat, and breeches. It also included a pair of silk stockings, a jabot, a linen or cotton shirt with decorative cuffs, and a cravat (a neckcloth). Men’s suits transformed to a more functional style in the last half of the eighteenth century. Overall the coat became tight-fitting, the length of the waistcoat became short, the waistcoat’s sleeves were removed, and the hem was cut horizontally.