Why... Cape Your Coat?

The first few times I saw it, I thought, hmm, okay, you're probably in a hurry or maybe you're kind of cold but not really freezing. MAYBE you don't want to sweat under a heavy coat, in which case, I totally get it. But once so many people started jumping on the bandwagon that it became a gigantic commercial cruise ship (albeit feigning a sort of glamorous elegance the way Carnival commercials show splendor and smiling faces), I started asking, why? I'm referring to the now-ubiquitous coats worn as capes trend, splashed on the shoulders of fashion's leading ladies and street style stars alike.



I've seen coat draping before, and I realize it has this kind of regal-looking quality, but I would like to know the reason for all of these disappearing arms. Because once this initially casual look became a trend, it lost its luster. Quickly. Perhaps these people wish to show off their outfits but need a coat in case of unpredictable weather. Or maybe they want to appear effortless and important (after all, someone who can't stop to put their arms through sleeves must be affluential). In any case, this "style" just looks silly and tired. And cold! The woman third from the right doesn't look too happy, and I'm not surprised, as she's caping her coat in the SNOW. Case in point: sleeves are your friend.



Look, guys do it too!



Seriously, people. If you want your arms more mobile (as opposed to more constricted, which is how they must feel under a coat), wear a cape. Take a note from the always stunning Ulyana Sergeenko.

Image credits: Vogue, Vanessa Jackman, Style.com, Harper's Bazaar, Vanessa Jackman, The Sartorialist

Pretty Post

Not a fashion-related post, but I just had to share these adorable cards after I saw them on Mr. Boddington's Studio. Simple, colorful, and clever?? Usually I refrain from buying greeting cards because I could just as easily make one with my own hands (see ya never Hallmark). But I have to say, Mr. B has me seriously reconsidering my tradition. One thing I know for sure? I wouldn't mind finding that 'smart cookie' card in my mailbox come graduation...

Carrie and the Clothes

When I first heard about The Carrie Diaries, I knew I would start watching it. My longstanding love for The CW combined with the show's focus on a stylish, young, writer-to-be (not to mention based partially in New York City) pretty much says it all. I watched Sex and the City and, like so many teens and twenty-somethings, I loved it, but now when I catch reruns, I'm less enamored. I'm not exactly sure why, but let's face it. Carrie can be kind of annoying.

Well, I'm happy to report that Anna Sophia Robb plays an endearing, adorable Bradshaw in the prequel series. The pilot instantly had me hooked. It's refreshing to watch a show set in the '80s about self-assured teens who aren't addicted to nicotine yet. In honor of this wildly satisfying show (and in an effort to pull myself out of the white/black/gray monochromatic style I've got going on), I culled an array of '80s-cool pieces below.

Abstract Sailboats Neckerchief $38 

C Coin Purse $22.25 

Holographic Nails in Moondance $12 

Magic Liner in Engraved $14 

Blair Satchel $50 

Jersey Varsity A Bomber Jacket $90 

Square Vintage Post Earring $14 

Keds x Kate Spade New York Champion Shoes $75 

ASOS HALLOW Suede High Heel Sandals $127.16 

Love Note Dress $69.99 

Dinosaur Print Sweatshirt $35.90

Laundry List of Resolutions

It's a new year and a renewed blog! Since it's a little late for New Year's resolutions, I made a list of personal goals to kick off my last semester of college (which starts in a week, eek!):

1. Alterations.. doesn't everyone have those few pieces lying around that would get so much more wear with a little hem and sew? It's about time I shorten that oversized Madewell button-up and those jeans that have been cuffed for months.

2. DIY makeup tray.. I've always wanted to spray paint a cheap tray gold and white, and recently I've realized the perfect excuse to do so. Scattered beauty products take up half my desk space, so organization is much needed.

3. Set up clothing rack.. my sister gave me a clothing rack, which I can't wait to find a place for in my room. Great photo-op too, right?

4. Watch Oscar nominees.. something I resolved to do last year and almost achieved. This year, I want to get through at least all of the best picture nominees before the awards ceremony!

5. Write more.. even if it seems silly or pointless. It's way too easy to find excuses not to write, but I'm always glad when I finally do.

Finally, a general resolution for the year (because it's never too late). Be more gutsy.. like this girl!

(Photos from my Pinterest)

No Regrets

I recently read an interview with fashion designer Emerson Fry on The Everygirl, which left me thinking about dedication and living with no regrets. Her work ethic and perspective on life is inspiring, and she just seems like a pretty cool person overall. My favorite parts..

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
Not sure. Perhaps that, other than Ryan, I prefer complete solitude. When our sweet buyers come up to me in public, I am actually quite shy, albeit very honored and always taken aback by how beautiful our women are. But in life I generally love the runner’s wave. You know the one? It’s an unspoken and meaningful gesture of mutual appreciation while traveling swiftly on.

What advice would you give to your 25-year-old self?
I try not to look backwards, since there is not much I can do about that. I would just watch her.



On the note of inspiring women, 101-year-old Bel Kaufman is just that. Her article in Vogue covers her career as an English teacher (a title that she still very much holds, mind you) and the obstacles that she had to overcome to get where she is today. It's a must read!

 "I've lived a long time, a very long time, 101 years, and I'm still here. I'm done with the doubts and struggles and insecurities of youth. I'm finished with loss and guilt of regret...I had many problems and disasters in my life; fortunately, at my age, I don't remember what they were. I'm glad I am 101."

Got Sole?

It's easy to take fashion a little too seriously at times, so seeing designers have some fun with their creations is pleasantly surprising. Everyone could benefit from a little wit and whimsy in their wardrobe, which is why I had to share these unique finds. The A.N.D bag is undeniably cute to boot, and BONUS, it can stand on its own! And who wouldn't want a cute keyhole or domino dangling from their wrist?

Capes and Converse

It's safe to say that, in this new digital fashion era, fashion closet photography is rivaling street style photography for the spotlight. With many similar high fashion shots of posh clothing and accessories and luxe interiors cropping up (it has really become a formula, hasn't it?), it's extremely refreshing to see a small glimpse into the life of the very stylish yet humble 12-year-old. This well-spoken, oh-so charming girl just so happens to play Sally Draper in Mad Men. After hearing her say "petticoat" and learning that she wears Chloé Kids, trust me, you'll want to be her best friend.

Link Love

I wish I had the new Mac OS almost solely because of its Reading List feature. One of my favorite things to do online is click on link after link, feeding my brain highly intellectual information, such as The Cut's witty remarks about fashion editorials. Other noteworthy links...

Le Look Du Jour: 24 Modern French Muses
I can't recall ever not feeling intrigued and enthralled by French people.

All the Fall 2012 Campaigns, So Far

Studio Tour: Derek Lam's Weekend in Soho

Too Sincere for the Internet? How the Web Journal Thought Catalog Sparked an Online Firestorm
I'm still trying to figure out the reason I didn't get into Thought Catalog sooner. Laziness, I suppose? In any case, so many of the articles resonate with me and make me say, "that's SO true" (aloud in exasperation), as I'm sure they do with countless others, considering the site's impressive popularity. There is a certain satisfaction in reading things that so deeply apply to your own life, your own thought process, etc.

Six Industry Vets Share Their Tips For Success
Great advice from the likes of Cynthia Rowley, Alexis Bittar, and others. As an intern myself, I love reading sage advice from successful people.

Rich Kids of Instagram
Maybe you've heard of it? Pages of shallow, yet oddly addictive.

The Bandit Beauty

This lookbook for The 2 Bandits has a Western glamour to it that makes me want to wrap myself in a worn denim shirt and take a walk somewhere away from city static. I love The 2 Bandits because it's not wildly expensive like you initially think it is. The jewelry is just so good.

White Out

(1 & 2, 3, 4)