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Music Festival Fashioning

on May 21, 2013

Over the past weekend, music festival season kicked off here in New York City. A few girlfriends and I spent Saturday gallivanting around Queens, which was a rather in-your-face reminder that, well, I’m gettin’ old.

Publicly rocking out the sounds of Calvin Harris – and soon, Vampire Weekend, Pretty Lights and St. Lucia — while soaking up some sun (not enough, apparently — those GAMS!) seems to naturally lend itself to street style best described as either beautifully bohemian or… Slutty Pocahontas. To each her own.

I didn’t attend Coachella this year, but this was an outfit I dreamt up a few weeks back during a bout of wishful thinking. Although I’d probably have opted to trade these insane Rocco pumps for a more modest pair of daytime flats.

A part of me wishes I was still raging in the company of teens and tweens up north, but a larger part is looking forward to the outdoor concerts ahead this summer: GovBall, music in Central Park, the list goes on. In a few week’s time, I’m making my first return to Chicago since the big move to New York for a three-day, non-stop festival extravaganza and reunion of friends. Excited is an understatement!

*Wearing: BCBGMAXAZRIA Utilitarian jacket (similar) | Urban Outfitters faux-leather shorts (similar) |
ShopSosie fringe poncho (similar) | Ray-Ban aviators | BCBG Harlow clutch
(love this laser-cut version) | Rocco pumps c/o Mia Shoes (more sizes here)

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Any music festivals you’re looking forward to this season?

Photos by Jessica Sturdy

Style Round-up: Six Trends to (Bargain) Shop for Spring

on May 20, 2013

Glam Media+ outfits+ what i'm wearing

Hello and happy Monday! Productive is the name of the game this week, as I had a marathon dance party kind-of-weekend. It’s refreshing to spend a day or two offline, isn’t it? On the down-side, my heels will be staying put on the shelf for today (and possibly tomorrow). How was yours?

As the final installment in a six-part styling series I’ve been writing with Marshalls, I thought I’d recap each of the spring trends I was challenged to assemble for the season.

(Click each photo below to view the original post).

Which outfit is your favorite? Is your style more luxe and lady-like or color-blocked to the nine’s? Personally, I’ve been building a lot of my outfits around a neutral foundation — monochromatic style is a trend that’s really resonated with me this spring.

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Lastly, a quick note of thanks, ladies: I really appreciate you following along in this style series. As a tried-and-true bargain shopper, I’ve grown up hunting designer fashions for less at Marshalls. As a result, I’m thrilled to have been afforded the opportunity to be a part of this campaign. I haven’t done a stye challenge since Rimmel, so it was a fun one!

Don’t forget to check out the video that Marshalls and I filmed together on spring style. That husky man voice of mine alone is worth a listen, trust. Wink!

Marshalls has the hottest brand name and designer items that turn every day into an occasion for fabulous.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Marshalls via Glam Media. The opinions expressed here are my own (as always) and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Marshalls.

All photos above by Jessica Sturdy

What to Wear: Foodie Fix

on May 18, 2013

miscellaneous

There’s a lot going on in New York this weekend. In fact, the month of May is kind of a foodie’s fantasy.

This weekend, between Madison Square Eats, GoogaMooga (yes, really) and brunch at Northern Spy Food Co. with Meghan and Jess, it’s safe to say I’ll be getting my fix of comfort food this weekend.

*Wear: Rag & Bone denim vest, Weekday knit, MM6 clutch, Zara culottes (shorts),
Belle by Sigerson Morrison flat sandals, bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie lip gloss

On-the-go-Essentials: My Handbag Must-Haves

on May 17, 2013

Glam Media+ miscellaneous

There’s something about a clean, classic look that I’ve been loving this spring — which is partially why I’m swapping a new key player off the bench this season. Meet the latest:

My two-tone trapeze tote from Zac Posen — found at 50% off on THE OUTNET – injects the monochromatic motif with a fresh new feel. His clean, classic, and his mod-like renderings lend some serious inner city style and sophistication. (Feels like a he — if you’re confused by the nomenclature, read this post.)

In attempt to ready myself for a busy spring and summer, here’s what you can expect to find in my bag this season:

Stylish jams (from Frends), of course.
Non-greasy sun protection courtesy of Nivea and Neutrogena.
Of-the-moment mani musts, like the Muse collection from L’Oreal.
Good hair-day essentials including bobby pins and no-tug hair ties from Sephora.
My spontaneous happy hour arsenal: Tieks flats, blotting papers, mascara, pressed powder and a matte lip pencil.

In addition to thinking about a seasonal refresh, Starbucks asked me (via Glam.com) to sample their new ready-to-drink beverages. Truth-be-told, though I’ve been searching for an on-the-go iced coffee solve.

I have a system in place at the office where I dispense coffee into a glass and add ice once it’s cooled down. But, well, I’m impatient. As a result, these are ideal. The low-cal option is my favorite, but if I’m craving something sweet, the vanilla and caramel flavors are a quick fix. Caffeine and delicious’ness!

If you’d like to try them (highly recommend, and I’m not saying that due to the disclaimer below) here’s a coupon – you can pick up a set of venti-sized straws, while you’re at it!

The new line-up of bottled Starbucks® Iced Coffee beverages gives you great-tasting, energizing refreshment with premium Starbucks® coffee from 100 percent arabica beans. Starbucks® Iced Coffee ready-to-drink beverages are perfect on-the-go refreshment to help you through the daily commute, the midday slump, or an exciting road trip adventure with friends. Best enjoyed chilled from the bottle, look for it at major grocery and convenience stores, available nationwide.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, produced in collaboration with Glam and Starbucks. I received a Starbucks Iced Coffee sample to review. The opinions shared in this post — as always — are my own.

At Home with Hallie: New York Apartment Tour

on May 16, 2013

miscellaneous+ new york minutes

Ever since I made the move to Manhattan, I’ve gotten a few requests (demands, actually — and mainly from those related to me) to give you a little tour of my New York City apartment.

While it’s still very much a work-in-progress, here’s a sneak peek of my humble abode:

*Ashley convinced me to buy these Alice + Olivia shoes, what are friends for?

*If I played footwear favorites, these 3.1 Phillip Lim booties might take the cake.

*Jimmy Choo Loafers, another proud sale find.

*Rocco is always on display

*Wear-everyday jewelry from Derng — a steal at $13.

There you have it! Next on my spring cleaning list is organizing that closet, which might a two-person job with my friend Beth (a professional organizer). Any tips for making my little studio look oh-so-stylish?