Animals Go Berserk On the Pier... As Does Jewelry

Yesterday afternoon, the animals on the pier went berserk as they pulled out the contortionist stunts and feisty animal showdowns. It was an episode of Animal Planet, NYC style and I was taking a front row seat at this event.

Awkward Pigeon

The Ultimate Birdie Showdown

 However, I was mildly inspired by these fair-weathered animal friends and the impression they have made on jewelry. Jewelmint has gone jungle crazed and my intense love for animals has caused me to incorporate these animal inspired jewels into my collection of "whatjamacalls its."

Midnight Prowl Ring. [Jewelmint]

The ring has the even amount of animal and the perfect amount of gems to create a bedazzled ring fit for any time of the day. 

Crystal Encrusted Frog Pendant. [J. Crew]

My love for animals has even extended to pendants, but of course crystals can make any ordinary animal look like a superstar. Prince Charming, are you there? Animal inspired jewelry has become all the rage these days but it can remind us of the precious world that we share with these simple creatures. So, recycle and be animal friendly.

Pair those gems with a simple striped shirt or anything to make your outfit a bit more unique and kid friendly. Who doesn't like fuzzy, fluffy creatures at the age of 7? And just as you colorblock or mix different patterns, animal inspired jewelry can be styled in a similar way.

Some inspirations to consider...

Pave Heart Pendant Necklace. [Finn]

Shadow Dot Keyhole Blouse. [Sonia Rykiel]

Collection Cashmere Polka-dot Sweater. [J. Crew]

Let's rock on and go animal crazy!

When Boys Go Wrong in Your Life, Pink Stripes and Argan Oil Can Help

Boys come and go but fashion stays with me no matter the faux pas. And in light of the domino effect of things gone wrong in my social life, I have turned to what every girl believes as therapeutic for the mind: retail shopping. When sifting through the ultra prep-themed racks of J. Crew and the likes, I came across an epiphany...choose the clothes that make you feel like an individual and wear them like the strong, independent woman that you are.

Pink striped silk top. [J. Crew]

To bring back some hilarity and sass to this post, make funny faces while changing in front of your gal pals to add some personality to your newly acquired clothes because they're going to be stuck with you for a while.

But in all retail therapy seriousness, it is important to care for your skin the way you care for your clothes. Your skin needs the tender love and care that many tend to ignore during these stressful alien boy crises. (Yep. Boys= aliens)

Can't interpret boy language? Ripping your hair out because you just don't understand the facts of boy? No problem. Josie Maran products and her ingenious argan oil infused products are here to save the day!

Argan Oil Moisturizer with SPF 40+. [Josie Maran]

Over the weekend, this moisturizer has saved me from future sun spots, further sun damage, and possibly heartbreak. With protection from UVA and UVB rays, it absorbs into my skin like a drink. Argan oil has become the topic of conversation when speaking about skincare because of its superhuman powers. It derives from the seeds of the fruit from the Argan tree, endemic to Morocco (no wonder the natives have such enviable skin). This oil brings about healing, anti-aging, moisturizing properties, and boy am I in love.

Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick. [Josie Maran]

So, instead of dealing with the boys... relax, sit back, enjoy the show to decompress the woes away. The boy channel isn't as interesting as the fashion network. The most important lesson to take from all this is to speak your mind (fashion or not) no matter how much you may stick out as the fashion clown. And remember...don't break the bank! Just crack it and you should be fine. Toodles!

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Stella Necklace. [Dannijo]

Like a teenage girl who wakes up to a sunny day, puts her bikini on, and heads straight to central park for a summer tan...this is how excited I am about this Dannijo design.

Hilde Necklace. [Dannijo]

 Or this one.

Where to Go When 24 Just Means Fun

Here ye! Here ye! It's official. 24. In order to celebrate a year of calamity, I decided to gather my closest friends in New York to celebrate a time of rebirth and growth in my last stop on the birthday train. Hotel Chantelle, located on the lower east side, brought the breezy summer air on the rooftop of this restaurant/lounge along with delicious french inspired foods and drinks.

Tuna Nicoise Salad

Red Velvet Dessert

 
 I couldn't have imagined anything more perfect for my birthday celebration with friends. I am just so happy I was able to spend time with some of the most wonderful, caring, successful people on this earth. Thank you for the wonderful birthday wishes!

Chic Dress. [Juliette Longuet]

Post birthday dinner fun contained unexpected events making my world a little smaller every time. A random celebrity sighting and new friends that have much more in common than I could ever imagine?? Weird.

Now let's go back in time. The events leading up to my birthday finale was just as spectacular. In a mission to stay culturally diverse, my birthday dinners consisted of food from different countries, continents, neighborhoods, etc. To start off, my best friend from childhood took me to a hidden gem in the Chinatown area for sushi. Hesitant as you may be, it was a delicious meal with surprisingly good decor to follow.

 

Across the sea or rather across the river into Park Slope, Brooklyn, there is a very low key Italian restaurant that has the delicious breads to tickle your tummy in just all the right places. Da Nonna Rosa, was the next stop on the birthday train.

If you're ever in the neighborhood, there is a delicious bone in chicken breast that everyone should keep an eye out for. In addition, there is a tender calamari pasta dish that should be ordered immediately once there. No IFs, ANDs, or BUTs.

24 has started to be a fun age and as nervous, anxious, all of the above that I may have been, I was glad that it started out with joy and fun!

Madison's Red Velvet. [Cousin John's]

Birthday Countdown

In just a matter of days, I will be blowing out the candles and turning just another year older...While, I may not be celebrating in an over the top manner, I will be celebrating with my closest and dearest friends and family. So, here's a look back at being 23 (top 10 fashion faves of the year)!

1. My love for lace has escalated to maximum dressing capacity.

Cleo Lace Shorts [Girl. by Band of Outsiders]

Valentina Lace Dress [Dolce Vita]

Lace for New Beginnings. Celebrating Albany College of Pharmacy's Class of 2013

2. I'm a complete sucker for polka dots (any color variations and sizes- I do not discriminate)

Hot Dot Underwire Tank [J.Crew]

3. My time in Albany has allowed me to view nature in a rare and beautiful form inspiring a more diverse fashion wheel. Various colors incorporated.

4. When I was five, I loved school supplies. I've upgraded to awesome desk accessories.

5. Rebecca Minkoff has been with me through my ups and downs in college. As a post undergrad and living the life of a pharmacy student, the Minkoff loves will help me through it all.

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic 2012: Tote [Rebecca Minkoff]

Rainbow City, Summer 2011: Quilted Swing Bag [Rebecca Minkoff]

6. Although, NY fashion week comes twice a year, I can still enjoy fashion events every spring/summer.

Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic 2012, Liberty State Park

Juliette Longuet Summer 2012 Event

7. Fashion faves come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Food fashion has become a widely popular topic of conversation.

Wafels & Dinges [Various locations, NYC]

Vapiano's [Union Square, NYC]

Spot Dessert Bar [St Mark's, NYC]

8. Stylemint and Jewelmint, you guys were the best thing that came into my life since Madewell.

Necklace. [Jewelmint]

Bangle. [Jewelmint]

Blanket Tee. [Stylemint]

9. Even basic outfits need a splash of lip color!

Poppy King for J. Crew Lipstick [J.Crew]

Heat Wave Semi Matte Finish Lip color [Nars]

10.  Friends and family give me the inspiration and creativity every single moment of my life. I am so grateful for their love, support, and wisdom.

Cheers to another year!

Happy Fourth!

July 4th falls in the middle of the week this year and while I have been a little under the weather, nothing can stop me from celebrating America, enjoying my kind of burger and fries (Shake Shack style), and the view that is almost indescribable!

Happy Fourth of July, Everyone! Off to do some Fourth of July style searchin'!

A Week in Pictures! (Mid Summer Shenanigans)

June was a blast and with just two more weeks til I turn another year older, I'm enjoying my last few moments of being 23.

Boardwalk fun happens at Wildwood, New Jersey. 

But it helps to keep white shirts, a great neon yellow blazer, and embellished pearl accessories as summer staples in your closet! (Keeping it at sophisticate cool-cat status)

Banana Republic Coco Silk Tank (right), Banana Republic Heritage Cotton-Silk Military Shirt

Narciso Rodriguez Blazer

Add in a perfect summer hat to keep your skin protected from those harsh sun rays!

At last, summer fashion, meet outdoor dining and summer cookouts!

Spot that Monkfish!

Mussels in a butter and red wine sauce

Cheers to continuing with the summer fun! Bring it on, July!