Golden Holiday: @StilettoFashions x @TheNeesheIllustrator

I teamed up with the talented fashion illustrator Jess of @theneesheillustrator to help create a holiday ensemble in the form of watercolor for the beautiful influencer Jessica Askari of @StilettoFashions!  Jessica is not only gorgeous but so sweet and cool which is easy to see from her posts and stories. Her style is classic, chic, sleek, and she wears warm colors especially well. Initially I put together four looks for Jessica but landed on the rich, marigold velvet Galvan London jacket and palazzo pant set. The full look, below, is everything Jessica embodies: sexy, stylish and perfectly accessorized with emerald heeled sandals, a crystal clutch and pave chain hoops. You just know this silhouette looks killer on her!

Once the look was chosen, Jess (@theneesheillustrator) got to work. As you can see below, she did an impeccable job of illustrating & painting not only the outfit but also Jessica’s face and features perfectly, which if you’re an artist, you know is one of the hardest things to do. Let me just say that this girl is brimming with talent. Among her roster of collaborations with well known retailers, bloggers and influencers, it is her sheer artistic talent and whimsical fashion-themed watercolors that makes you do a double take. 

Outfit Details:

Galvan London Set via Net-a-Porter

Gianvito Rossi Emerald Heeled Sandals via Moda Operandi

Rosantica crystal embellished clutch via Net-a-Porter

Fallon Pave Chain Hoops

Sidney Garden Pave Rope Dream Necklace via Moda Operandi

 

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The original four look options:

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Look #2: The Winner

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Metallic pleats & plaid

_DSC8626I brought two outfits to this shoot. one based around the pleated skirt and the other around this checked tunic top. I ended up mixing them together as I wanted to highlight both pieces but looking back on it, I wouldn’t necessarily pair them together again. That said, I love both recent purchases and am excited to style them differently going forward….

I see this silvery white metallic pleated skirt with a half tucked sweater (pastel, white or black) or a distressed tee and a colorful slide or white sneaker.

the tunic is shown wrapped around the waist and paired back to denim which is how it looks best.

links + details below.

happy weekend ya’ll

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coat | tunic | clu skirt, similar here| shoes, old sophia webster, love these | vintage necklace | sunglasses, & other stories

photos by Michelle Jacobi

Checks, please

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star of the show | I found this blazer in store at h&m a few weeks ago.  its slightly elongated and looks equally great open as it does closed. this exact one is no longer up but here is another very similar one, also h&m, and two more great options here and here that I love.

downtown/casual looks| Aritzia tank | Tibi clear belt| Striped Flying Monkey denim, sold out but similar here| two tone AMO denim (on sale), also love this vetements x levi’s collab| old hoops, love this pair from Madewell| Mansur crossbody | SE boots |

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uptown/work |Uniqlo button down, Everlane has a great one| & other stories black belt from last year, love this one too| haute hippie silk flares, old, love this pair | Mansur crossbody |vintage gold locket added to long silver chain

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Printed Pants & Matching Sets

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top & pants | club monaco blazer, last year, similar here | heels

photos by Michelle Jacobi

my search for a set continues although these pants were a part of one. the coordinating top is available here. When I tried the trousers and top together it felt slightly too casual for what I was envisioning so I went with a clean black knit instead. that said, I saw a girl wearing the full set out at an event recently and it definitely looked cool and edgy, it just depends on the look you’re going for. I also wore this outfit, sans blazer, to a charity event a few weeks back and felt quite pulled together.  grey suede heels rather than black for more dimension and on a more casual note I would definitely pair these back to sneakers or pointed toe loafers for weekend brunch and walking around.

here are the links to two other sets I tried and loved: zara jacket & trousers , zadig & voltaire cami & bottoms. still dreaming about the later set…. the mixed silk prints are gorgeous in person. I am sure the sales girl thought I was crazy for agonizing over them but not pulling the trigger on the purchase. just me and my champagne dreams over here!

sets/suits/coordinating separates are having a major moment from pajama sets to structured suiting and I don’t see them going anywhere. chanel’s infamous tweed suits debuted in the early 1920’s and are as strong as ever today… go and make your own moment in a head to toe look!

I am shooting a few outfits this weekend and am excited to share with you soon!

x

p.s. how about this group of pups that joined our shoot 😍 😍 😍

 

Daytime Sequins

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Sequins date back to 14th century BC and were found in King Tut’s tomb, most likely to financially prepare him for the afterlife. Since this discovery, their popularity rose as a way to show off financial status and to conveniently carry one’s currency close to the body for nomadic travelers back in the 17th and 18th centuries. Their shine and glare was even thought to ward off evil spirits.  Of course the 1920-30’s flappers donned them in massive quantities and if you’re still following my brief history lesson and last blog post, will notice that they are making a resurgence right now.

Above said, I gravitated to this top for reasons opposite of what history has taught us. I loved that it was allover sequin yet gave off subtle shine due to their opacity. It is also oversized and slouchy, perfect for an everyday denim tuck, and the sleeves roll up which brings in another casual element. Basically, I fell for this top the second I saw it. It was one of those I-just-have-to-have-this moments where I started planning future outfits out in my head. The price tag was actually marked $50 higher on the one I picked up [lucky me] and was so relieved to learn that I could and should bring her home to my closet after all.  Know that I am not a spontaneous decision maker/spender and am careful about budgeting.

She has matching skirt that is clean and chic but my thought was to pair it back to two tone denim and ankle boots.  I love me a matching set and am currently looking for a great printed/structured one if anyone has any suggestions…. but ok, back to this look, I topped her off with my favorite vintage gold bangles, cropped two tone denim, ankle boots and a classic wool coat.

Outfit details below, more pics + additional styles I found in varying  price range.

my look: sequin top | denim [on sale] | boots, also love these with lower heel | coat old club monaco | sunnies

cropped paillette top – love the iridescent pink & the emerald

white sequin romper *great for bachelorette/shower

when sequins are really your jam go for the top of line with this skirt!

Hope everyone has a great short week x x x

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NYFW F/W 18

fall/winter 18 shows concluded this week on Marc Jacobs wacky and well respected high note. Calvin Kleins popcorn runway was a sight worth seeing although the underlying tone of the show was not exactly celebratory.

I chose the below looks as they stood out to me most and represent the prominent trends of the upcoming fall season. Many are street ready, a few not so much yet are translatable if you appreciate the idea behind the styling – Nickolas K’s long white peasant layers and Tom Fords red sequin animal print suit, perhaps?

Keep scrolling my top looks and trend rundown below.

Screen Shot 2018-02-15 at 11.58.51 AM   MONSE – plaid/tweed/layered trench

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ROBERT RODRIGUEZ – yellow/structural/tweed/lace

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BRANDON MAXWELL + DVF – yellow/high waist/wide leg

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DVF + ROBERT RODRIGUEZ – blue/faux fur/quilted velvet/statement coat

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CAROLINA HERRERA – blue & red/lace/ankle length

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ROSIE ASSOULIN + ALICE & OLIVIA – artistic prints/sequin/rainbow

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TOM FORD – suiting/mod/yellow

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ROBERT RODRIGUEZ + ALC + TOM FORD – red/monochromatic/suiting/animal print

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ADAM LIPPES + SALLY LAPOINTE – allover white/subtle sequins

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NICHOLAS K + THE ROW – allover white/long layers

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DVF + ROSIE ASSOULIN – matching set/exaggerated flare/texture

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CINQ A SEPT + ADAM LIPPES – black & white/opposite prints/ribbon & button detail

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VALENTINO RED + MICHAEL KORS – leather jacket/lace/mixed prints/yellow

tweed and plaid appeared in almost every show in some way, shape or form. Monse, Robert Rodriguez and Michael Kors found ways to incorporate the fabric with a twist, whether it be a neon yellow blazer or mixing opposing plaids [Michael Kors] or most classic, Monse, layering blazer over trench, also a strong trend this spring, and always so in the eyes of Burberry.

matching sets took precedence in every way this season and I just cant get enough. Designers went in all directions here from monochromatic red animal print [ALC + Robert Rodriguez, Tom Ford] to exaggerated flares [dvf + Rosie], to tapered snakeskin [Tom Ford]. The pajama suiting look has morphed its way into a slightly more wearable, classic approach.

drapey, oversized knits paired with a bit of shine – as seen at Sally LaPointe- is a fun and translatable way to do subtle glam. Sequins were a theme throughout the season from rainbow stripes at A&O to Adam Lippes white a-line gown. Sequins are a doable trend irl and a little shine never hurt anybody, especially when its in rainbow form.

other prominent, wearable themes throughout included belted waists and jackets, fur/faux fur coats and accents are still going strong, animal prints, yellow!, and the trench coat. Another highlight was the spectrum of models that were presented. Michael Kors included Ashley Graham, Vaquera’s models ran the gamut on gender fluidity, and Chromat and Rosie Assouline showed zero size resistance.

Carolina Herrera presented her very last show after a 37 year career as creative director at her namesake label. Her understudy for the last few years, Wes Gordon, will be taking the reins of the eponymous house going forward. I for one am anxious and excited to see what he will bring. She closed out with a lady-like parade of twenty or so brightly colored taffeta ball skirts, each paired with a classic white button down shirt and rectangular belt. A very fitting finale.

i hope you like this recap. I plan to include a Spring report in the coming weeks along with two more shoots I did recently.

enjoy your weekend x

alex

 

 

Sweater Weather

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Look | ALC Sweater purchased on sale in store at Saks in baby pink | beret, old, here are two similar Free People and Portolano styles| sunnies, last year Zara, but love these Quay Australia pair| Denim, old Benetton, but love this pair from Uniqlo

Last Saturday was gorgeous out and perfect sweater weather. We started the day early, shooting this look and then heading out for brunch in the west village where half of these shots were taken.  In the mood for something french [in addition to the beret] we tried Buvette.  The eggs were delicious as were the mini croissants we indulged in.

I love a chunky turtleneck sweater but find that they can a) look too bulky and b) make me way too hot, even in the winter. This sweater is a new favorite as it has the high neck but is also lightweight, super soft, and the lace up detail is not only cute but offers ventilation [making this sound like a trusty ceiling fan L O L].  It is the lightest shade of pastel pink and mixed with neutral colored warm weather accessories made for a softer winter look that I am definitely going to incorporate into my wardrobe more often. I wear a lot of black but am slowly adding more color into my closet as I am especially guilty of relying on it during the winter months.

This denim is my oldest pair, purchased when I first moved to new york in 2007! I cant part with them and recently added the rips for a distressed look. The dark wash and ripped details balance out the soft, feminine sweater and accessories.

Stay warm and have a great weekend ❤

#winter #fashion #pastel #ripped #distressed #denim #laceup #sweater #newyork #blog

What I’m Wearing: Neutral Prints in LA

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Outfit #1 | wrap top on sale+ denim + booties worn throughout

Outfit #2 | Zara star studded jacket from LY, but love this Blank NYC version on sale here  and full price on revolve (better photos) + dress, old, but love these floral printed styles here and here and here

A weekend trip to the west coast calls for a little more than the neutral winter palette we’ve gotten used to in New York so I went into storage (and Bergdorf’s annual winter sale) and chose these bright but go-with-everything prints.

January is a great and cost effective time to update your closet as retailers are on sale and you can score some amazing finds. I picked up this DVF top at Bergdorf for slightly lower than the above link (now sold out) but it is definitely worth checking online/in store as there were a ton of markdowns on great merch.

This cropped studded jacket was an amazing find at Zara last year and it works with everything from denim + a white tee to a mini floral printed dress, above.

Sam Edelman never disappoints and case in point these new suede booties (also a recent sale purchase) were the only heels I packed and needed for this trip. They went with every outfit  + paired beautifully back to this dress for a spontaneous day of decision to attend the NAACP Image Awards later that night. Gown thanks to The Stylist LA dress rental. Link to instagram post here.

What I Wore: Hawaii Edition

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We took an amazing little jaunt to Honolulu this past week. Only in town for four days, we packed in the perfect amount of activities, sight seeing, foodie excursions and relaxation! This was the *first* trip I did not overpack for and was able to fit everything into my favorite carry on.

Our first full day was spent on the beach relaxing. Day two we set out on a full day tour of Oahu which included visits to Pearl Harbor, Haleiwa town, food trucks, fruit stands, macadamia nut farm, gorgeous and historic Kualoa Ranch, and what turned out to be the most exciting visit, the North Shore beaches. While Hawaii is known for its surfing, we were lucky enough to stumble upon the famed Bonzai pipeline on the final day of the  Billabong Pipe Master challenge. While standing a few steps away from winner John John Florences house, we watched him rank up to the top position in the quarterfinals – such a cool experience!

Back to outfits: Below is one of the two coverups I brought which doubles as a day dress. I wore this to brunch, walking around Honolulu’s Luxury Row, and to the beach.  A cold front came through the last two days hence the black scarf.

Beach Coverup/Dress (old), Nice Things by Paloma S.  – love this striped version and this similar surf print long version

Mesh Bathing Suit Top and Bottom

Mini Bag  with removable strap. I wear this all the time!

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Night Out Look One:

I love the look of lingerie inspired pieces and picked up this animal print this cami before we left for the trip. It comes in black and navy as well. I paired it back to my favorite pair of J Brand denim that I updated with a high low cuff.

To cut make your own high low cuff, mark a small line where your mid ankle is with chalk.  Lay the jeans front side up, flat on the ground. Cut up along the side seam, across the front leg where you marked, and back down along the other side seam. Flip them over and cut from the back side of the leg, leaving this side an inch or two longer than the front.

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Night Out Look Two:

One of my favorite items in my closet is a vintage dress from my eternally stylish grandmother- she kept it in such great condition that it still has its original tags. The pastel floral print is detailed and plentiful with its cascading layers. I tie the first layer under the bust to bring in the shape.

Since this dress is so dainty I added a chunky gold choker with monogrammed clasp. This necklace has been passed down for three generations in my family and is very special to me. Here are new but vintage feeling pieces that I love: LuluFrost snake choker and Vita Fede milos choker.

Vintage Dress, Marita by Anthony Muto

metallic silver card case

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Night Out Look Three:

I am so glad I brought this colorful dress that I recently featured. The bright floral print and long sleeves were perfect for a cool and breezy night out.

Dress, H&M in store, longer wrap version online

Sneakers, Superga

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