NYC: sparkle and shine

{dress} Dodo Bar Or {green bomber jacket} Dion Lee {holographic cross-body logo bag} Kenzo {black platform booties} Schutz {tortoise sunnies} Old Céline {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic

New Yorkers know that if there is a sunny day break in the dregs of winter you take it and dress as extra as possible!  Break out the shorts!  Maybe I don't go that far, but it's a nice opportunity to put on a fun dress, or dress down something sparkly with an army green bomber jacket, and leave the parka behind.  I'm a spoiled Cali girl in a way.  I've come to expect sunshine everyday, so it's always nice to spend time on the eastern seaboard where you quickly learn to appreciate nice weather as it isn't everyday.  Isn't that a good analogy for life in a way?  We go through the hard bits to learn to appreciate the good bits.   

tibi printed trench coat

{printed trench coat} Tibi FW18 {plaid wide leg trousers and top} Zara {handbag} Tibi Bébé bag by Myriam Schaefer {white sneakers} Saint Laurent {LA River}

Trench coats have long been one of my favorite things.  Perhaps because they will always have a sort of mysterious glamorous retro spy vibe, kind of like The Pink Panther.  Especially with a popped collar and sunglasses, it quickly becomes this transformative piece that makes you feel stylishly incognito, as though adventure is waiting around every twist and turn- even if those twists and turns are only in the cereal aisle of a grocery store.  

This Tibi trench from their FW 18 collection is a major addition to my collection.  The removable quilted collar flap, cool belt, and printed neon graffiti-style details make it unique but still classic.  I am so into the edginess of the print and how it plays on the neon trend.  It brings a bit of streetwear-style edge to any ordinary outfit which is basically a major tenant of my personal style. 

Ps. I look grumpy in all of these photos.  I was actually just being blinded by the sun, and I think a little hangry.   

LA times: LACMA urban light

NYC: stella mccartney superstellaheroes

{striped polo sweater and superhero pants} Stella McCartney {green bomber jacket} Dion Lee {handbag} Proenza Schouler PS1 {black heels} Maje {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic

SuperStellaHeroes was part of one of my all-time favorite Stella McCartney seasons.  I have so much love for these super fun trousers with superhero masks embroidered on them.  I get so many compliments on them.  Even on the day these photos were taken while wandering around SoHo, a lady stopped me and asked if the mask characters were Luchadores or Strong Bad.  I had forgotten all about the Homestar Runner web cartoons and Strong Bad- who one of the masks does kind of resemble.  One of my fave things about fashion is how it can be an ice breaker and start conversations.  Success with this outfit!  

winter style NYC: statement coats

{plaid coat} MSGM {floral dress} Zara {handbag} PS1 mini, Proenza Schouler {sunnies} Karen Walker Number One in Crazy Tortoise {black jeans} Reformation {black booties} Schutz  {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic {NYC lower east side}

Winter, especially in New York City, can get gray and drab rather quickly.  Pretty soon you've fallen victim to purely utilitarian dressing (which sometimes is a necessity)  The black on black on black- wool, down, thermals routine, gets boring quite fast.  My favorite solution is a statement coat that is both functional and cozy.  Offering a pop of pattern and color with an out-of-the-ordinary ruffle.  Having fun with outerwear is a sure fire way to spruce up your winter wardrobe.  Granted I've layered some thermals and a thin down jacket from Uniqlo underneath (tricks of the trade).  Adding a bold contrasting blouse or dress underneath will keep the "daydreaming of spring vibe".  I love a dress over trousers in the cold winter months.  It's a fun bit of layering, and your legs will thank you when the wind chill sets in.  Ps. How cute is itty bitty baby Proenza?

NYFW: fashion week look

{dress} DVF {long trench coat} Manrepeller x VEDA {clutch} Tenoversix {heels} Zara {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic

My fave look from NYFW was this mixed print DVF Diane Von Furstenberg dress paired with a long green duster from Manrepeller's collab with VEDA.  It was perfect for dramatically crossing the street and letting it gallantly billow in the wind just-so.  But that is the beauty of fashion week, you get to be extra extra- hence my fave weeks.  Every week is fashion week in my book, if only because I believe in dressing however you feel the most empowered.  For me it's in dramatic outfits that wave in the wind. Proud of myself for not tripping over any of those cobblestones, haha.

Fall is one of my fave seasons in NYC.  The vibe of the city really changes with the weather shift, there's something so charming about hot coffee and pumpkins and the return of coats and cozy things.  As always, I'm so in love with that SoHo architecture.  Don't forget to look up when you're walking South of Houston, so many beautiful details to take in.

days are getting shorter

{embellished sweater & skirt} Altuzarra {camo jacket} Zara {handbag} Zac by Zac Posen {sunnies} ACNE Studios {photographed by} Jovana Obradovic

The end of summer transitioning into fall always feels like a mad rush to wear skirts and dresses sans tights, all of your fave booties, and anything in remotely fall colors but in fabrics too flimsy for the chill of impending winter.  Particularly true on the East Coast.  In Los Angeles, this would be my winter wear, or rather year-round wear.

One of my favorite things about NYC is wandering aimlessly.  The streets are all on a grid, so it's near impossible to get lost.  I try to take a different route each time to the same places.  Taking in new architecture, street art, shops and cafes I hadn't known existed.  Every block is packed to the brim with something new to discover.  I remember when I first stumbled upon this park on Elizabeth Street.  It was a magical space to happen upon.  Green and lush, filled with time-worn statues and concrete.  A small respite from towering skyscrapers and the hustle and bustle of the city.  This is where you catch your breath.