Cotton Candy Dreams

Uniqlo jacket, Rodarte dress, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes

Closest thing to wearing a cloud

This may be the first and only time I break out this dress for the work week.  It really is a delicately beautiful as it looks, so a 10-hour workday isn't the best place for it to be (honestly, is it the best place for anyone to be?).  But something was drawing me to its ethereal beauty today so I went for it.  Maybe it's fitting considering my current state of mind: a bit unravelled and a lot vulnerable.  But lucky for me, it's also very beautiful (the dress not my state of mind :).  Unfortunately, the poor cloud of a dress is just exhausted now and needs a loooong rest.  Other than that, things are pretty quiet on the fashion front right now, which is making my blog-breaks much less interesting, and much less of a distraction.  The quiet before the storm.  Fashion's Night Out kicks it all off  soon though(seriously could there be a better combination than Barneys and champagne?), and then weeks and weeks of new fashion madness otherwise known as [insert city] Fashion Week to follow!  Although I am greatly saddened that I won't be able to saunter over to Bryant Park at lunchtime and ogle the tents while pretending to eat lunch, I'm sure the immediate wonders of the internet will keep us all apprised up to the very second!  I can't wait for some new outfit inspiration.  I'm thinking of a Fashion Week series "inspired by" my favorite collections as they come out.  And I can't wait to share some great fall staples and tips that I have swirling around in the noggin.  Now only if it would get under 90 degrees.  It's happening.

Not So Working Girl

Proenza Schouler everything and Tom Ford sunglasses (this is really as close to the edge as I could get, talk about vertigo)

I'm baaaa-aack.  I can't say I'm completely enthused to return to NYC--the last week away was simply magical! If you ever have the chance and nerve to take a vacation a bit off the beaten path (Europe ain't goin nowhere), the eastern provinces of Canada are definitely worth a gander.  You will be handsomely rewarded with the most scrumptious seafood you could ever imagine (at ridiculously reasonable prices), almost laughably idyllic scenery, and the most friendly, welcoming hosts ever (Canadians really are that nice, it's no exaggeration).  I must of course now, having been begrudgingly reconnected to civilization, deluge the blog with requisite vacation pics (with selected outfits), but I'll put them after the jump in case you're the type of person that isn't impressed by incredible natural beauty....

Impressions

Not a painting. Actual view from the room. Oh and I got a pair of beautiful seal moccasins today that I can't wait to break out (they are allowed to be hunted in very controlled quantities in Canada and are in no danger of being depopulated).

Gotta Jet!

 Guess shirt, Boy's blazer from Dillards, Phi jodhpurs, Proenza Schouler sandals

Totally tubular(apologies for fuzziness, in a rush!)

Ok, so I couldn't help one more quick post before I left since I had a bit of fun with my work-->travel outfit.  Inspired by those world-famous international jet-setting....jockeys?   ;)

Trend Happy

Miu Miu shirt, Proenza Schouler skirt, Rochas shoes, J. Crew jacket (below)

 On the move!

Keeping with the theme of the week, in a jumble of a morning I threw on what seems to be quite the homage to Spring/Summer's best hits.  Miu Miu animal print?  Check.  Utilitarian jacket?  Check.  Oxfords? Check.  Wedges? Check.   And then I realized...aren't these the same trends that are being hyped for Fall?  I do believe so.  Animal prints, utilitarian flourishes, oxfords...all of them are there.  So good news guys, all you have to do is slap some tights and a turtleck under those spring clothes and your golden! 

Other not so summery-y Fall trends I'm loving right now:

• Camel (no-brainer)
• Utilitarian-inspired footwear
• Modest heels
• Chunky hosiery and knits (think Prada)
• Full tea-length skirts

Favorite A/W 2010 collections:

• Dries Van Noten  (duh.  Those fabulous nipped-waist blazers already have me in the poor house)
• Prada (actually tried on some of the runway dresses in-store and the fit is beyond amazing.  Too bad they cost more than rent!)
• Proenza Schouler (love me some collegiate chic!)
• Richard Chai Love (in desperate need of the floral maxi-dress)
• Rag & Bone (although I think this has more to do with styling and less with the actual pieces--from what I've seen so far in store it's a tiny bit disappointing) *EDIT:  the latest shipment had the great cropped sweaters. And great pants.  I take it all back!  I'm in loooooove. 
• *Marc Jacobs (loved the looks on the runway, but went into the store and the quality of the garments seems to have taken quite a dip)

NEED ASAP:

• Fisherman's sweater (don't let me down Canada!)
• Utilitarian boots (been eying a particular pair...you know who you are)
• New loafers
• To win the lottery

Ok, gotta finish packing.  Will be back to regularly scheduled posts after next week!

Adventures in Timing

Proenza Schouler shirt, vintage skirt, Marc Jacobs obi belt, Rochas wedges

 My little pony

The theme of today's post is time.  In the literal sense, the documentation of this outfit is the result of an novice-level experiment with the self-timer feature of my new camera.  But also--all of a sudden I woke up today and felt for the first time that summer was coming to a close.  It's getting to be that time of year where little (and I mean little) tufts of cooler air slowly awaken us from our summer laziness.  September issues are out.  There is a little more rustling going on in the office.  Strains and impressions of  cold-weather formality and busy-ness hang in the air.  Summer time is running out! This outfit attempts to cram as much summer into a work outfit that I could at once: bright colors, patterns, whimsy, open-toed-ness.  I say take advantage of what is left of the relaxed atmosphere at work (and elsewhere) and indulge a little late-summer kookiness because, before you know it, we'll be bundled up in tweeds and woolen socks and dying for the chance to wear a chartreuse button down!  Autumn is my favorite season, so I'm not completely verklempt, but I don't know if I'm ready to let go of summer just yet.

Although that does mean Fashion Week is just around the corner...

Showing Your Stripes

 

 Alexander Wang shirt, ICB skirt, Rochas wedges

 With Alexander Wang trench

Can you tell I'm in a slightly nautical mood?  I could almost pass for a lighthouse!  Just getting super excited for my first summer jaunt to the maritime provinces of Canada!  Prince Edward Island (of Green Gables fame) and the Iles de la Madeleine to be exact!  It's a trip that's a bit more off the beaten path than I normally do, but I'm hoping it will pay off in spades of scenic beauty and charming locals (and perhaps some mussels, lobster, a fisherman's sweater, and some local brews and cheeses...oh and maybe some rasberry cordial (for all you Anne fans out there)).  Lighthouses, windswept knolls full of wildflowers, painted houses with laundry lines, I want the whole shebang!  Get me there now!

In other news, among many of the boons of living by Barneys is that you never know who you're going to run into!  Shipley & Halmos were in the Co-op shooting pics for their new book that will document the Shipley customer around America (or around the America that has a Barneys--more on their "Fill in the Blank" tour here and here).  I got my pic taken (I have a feeling it won't be used) and chatted/gushed with the fellas.  They really are funny, stand-up guys (and great designers to boot).  Definitely check out their wares if you can (ESPECIALLY YOU GUYS OUT THERE--IT'S PHENOMENAL), and the myriad of internet-related projects they have going. 

P.S. I made myself a twitter (see also: side bar), more so for info gathering than anything else, but if it so moves you, I would love to be twitbuddies (that just sounds wrong). twitter.com/workinggirlesq!

 Wee!

7 3/4

 Proenza Schouler top, Club Monaco linen pants, Target (I miss you!) belt, Dries Van Noten shoes

 I think this picture encapsulates the vibe I was (unwittingly) channeling today:

Still from Fellini's 8 1/2

My boyfriend was ever so observant (and flattering) to point out the inspiration.  It really is so chic almost 50 years later right? While I cannot claim to be anywhere near as fabulously blasé as anything having to do with Fellini, I can say my intentions are in the right place.  Easy, unaffected yet luxurious style is something everyone should aspire to.  And no one really does it better than the Italians.  Not sure how, but they seem to be able to make even the simplest black suit or dress just so cool.  Is it just attitude?  A confidence?  What makes them seem like the people you would ask for the latest restaurant or bar recommendations.  The people you would hope would maybe invite you to one of those fabulous under-the-radar parties you only read about after-the-fact.  But of course they wouldn't!  They're just that cool.  I am not however.  So if you ever need any recommendations or want to come to a party with me (oh wait, I don't go to any parties), I'm all yours. 

Label Escort

  

 Alexander Wang jacket, J. Crew t-shirt, Uniqlo pants, Dries Van Noten shoes

 The sleeves actually detach to become a vest-

Love the motorcycle touches

I had promised myself I would remain resolute.  That I would not take the N or the R train downtown to the Prince stop.  That I would not make my way to 93 Mercer.  The last time I went there it was to no avail.  A complete waste of time.  This time would be different.  I would waste not time, nor money, nor sweat.  I would not be a label whore.  But label whore I became.  At around noon on Sunday I could no longer resist the promise of severely discounted Alexander Wang (the kind of discounts that make even not the best quality garments seem like a steal).  I clung to a half-hearted and half-conceived notion that on day 4 of this epic and well-publicized sale, there would be absolutely nothing I could possibly want.  However, of the 6 or so women's pieces that remained, I somehow managed to emerge with 4.  I wish I could say all were as practical as the wonderful quilted jacket above (which I managed to snag for less than the retail price of a T by AW piece), but I did also emerge with this sparkly muppet of a top.  I'm still not sure whether to count my sartorial looseness as a victory or a complete moral failure.  One thing is certain-- the bounty of sample sales and designer stock in this city really makes it the best little label whorehouse in the country.

Wide-Bottomed Girl

 

Ralph Lauren Blue Label pants, Theory shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket, Bally shoes

"Wide" is usually not a modifier you want anywhere near you when it comes to sartorial issues, but I think one safe exception is the ever-flattering wide-legged pant.  While I think always a chic option for the professional set, the lack of inventory out there may have been discouraging for some.  The slight '70s throwback of a wide-legged pant means they look great with a blouse, vest, or jacket (or all three), but give the working girl some extra room to breathe (literally) and makes sitting at a desk all day a tiny bit more palatable.  It seems as though this coming fall, there will be wide-legged pants galore to choose one, and I think this is a trend worth buying into.  The more fluid pant leg opens up a world of new silhouette options (cropped jackets, long jackets, tailored jackets, skinny knits, drapey knits, you get the point), and even the most conservative should be comfortable with it for work.  Some wide-legged inspiration from the runways:

( clockwise L to R: YSL Pre-Fall 2010, Marc Jacobs A/W 2010, Marc Jacobs A/W 2010, Chloe A/W 2010, Richard Chai Love A/W 2010, Zac Posen A/W 2010)

                                                                                                                            (via style.com)

Green Haze

 Dries van Noten tank top, shirt, and shoes, random headband, Wythe skirt (before and AFTER work)

This Proenza Schouler break is brought to you by Dries Van Noten...

It's August, I'm ready for vacation.

And I'm sick. :(

But green makes me feel better.

In the meantime, enjoy some squares and squiggles!