Mar 29, 2015

The Apartment | Copenhagen

I had to drag myself out of The Apartment very reluctantly. These pictures should hopefully show you why. The Apartment is an interior showroom set in an 18th Century apartment in Copenhagen and is always changing to highlight new pieces. I couldn't get over how beautifully the bold colors went together, and it completely inspired me to try to add more color into my own place. The founders, Tina Seidenfaden Busck and Pernille Hornhaver, have such great eyes and taste. I'm pretty sure I audibly gasped when I first stepped in. Many thanks to Ida Laerke (who I felt like I have known forever via Instagram and finally got to meet in person!) for bringing me here.















The Apartment
Overgaden Neden Vandet 33
1414 KØBENHAVN K, Denmark

Mar 23, 2015

Hotel Okura

Stepping into the iconic Hotel Okura feels a bit like stepping back in time, to 1960s Tokyo that is. An absolute gem for the design-obsessed and diplomats alike, the hotel's main wing is set for demolition and reconstruction this summer (which has been met with much objection, of course). I'm so glad I had a chance on my February Tokyo trip to see the original design before construction started.






Mar 16, 2015

Ode to a white tee

I may be channeling Rachel Green circa 1995 here, but I couldn't help but be drawn to (like, all of) Theory's new pieces this season. I'm actually glad crop tops are so abundant right now because they help to offset my long torso and short legs (however, not so good for the ice cream binge-r in me if I have to bare my midriff, ooof). I have not-ideal proportions – which I always try to hide via my camera angles/crops – so anything that can shorten my torso is great in my books. Enter this white tee. Wearable with just about anything. Also comes in black and this terribly fun gingham print (hello).







Theory Top / Frame Denim Jeans / Saint Laurent Flats

Mar 13, 2015

Toast SS 2015

Back in January, Kira and I got together in my apartment and shot a "White Story" for the Toast Spring/Summer 2015 book. I normally plan to shoot product still life with strobes (especially in the winter), but we got lucky with a sunny day and took advantage of the natural light. I wish I could have kept these surfaces that Kira rented. So insanely pretty to shoot on. Below is my edit from the shoot, though if you can get your hands on a hard copy of the catalog, the whole thing is a beaut! (And yikes, that is me "modeling" the white shirt and lounge pants!)






And a few snaps from behind the scenes!

Mar 9, 2015

Spring in my step

Color is here! In small steps, of course. I've had these Jimmy Choo pumps in a light grey on my wishlist for a while now, but when I went to pull the trigger, I noticed they came in this amazing fire/coral shade as well. This is my first time trying Jimmy Choos, and I couldn't be happier with their flattering shape and color. I know I've been singing the praises of sneakers recently, but a girl's gotta have some balance and pretty things to look forward to, especially now that the slush is finally melting.



You've seen my green coat on here time and time again, but it's finally getting warm enough to wear it. I seem to always enjoy pairing something navy with it, and this time is no exception. If you haven't heard, Everlane launched two styles of pants for women today. I'm wearing the slim trouser in navy here. The first thing I noticed was how nice the material was – it's a lightweight wool that feels ideal for the warming weather. As far as sizing goes, I think it runs slightly big. I'm not sure anymore, since brands seem to be all over the place, and I almost always have to get things altered now. It's so rare when pants fit me off the rack.



Green, navy, white, and fire-red. I like it. Would love to hear any of your favorite clothing color combinations. I'm clearly still totally new at this.



Jimmy Choo Pumps // Everlane Pants

Mar 4, 2015

Wardrobe basics: striped shirt and slip-ons

I'm not sure what took me so long to add a striped tee to my wardrobe. I'm always drawn to them while I'm shopping but have never actually picked one up. That all changed recently while I was in Copenhagen. I spotted this shirt hanging in a tiny store, walked right in, walked right out no more than two minutes later with the shirt in hand. Turns out, it was from Armor Lux. Ah, of course. I loved the thick weight of it and how it was stiffer than a normal cotton tee. I changed right into it for dinner that very night.



Armor Lux seems to be a bit harder to find in the U.S. but Mark & Graham carries this particular style (mine is the Navy & Cream). I really love how basic it is; there are no bells and whistles to it and it's a great contrast to the other solid neutrals in my closet. I recently felt the Everlane version in person, and it's a great accessible alternative. It's also made from a nice weighty cotton and has a nice neckline. I have this softer number on my wishlist (just seems so easy to wear!), but I'm trying to take it slow or my whole closet will be stripes in no time.



I've also been living in black sneakers, as you may recall from this post. The obsession continues with the addition of these slip-on versions (quicker for TSA!) to my collection. What I really love about these pairs from Common Projects is that I can walk miles upon miles in them (they do require some breaking in, however) and still feel somewhat 'cool'. I mean, I love my Nikes and all, but can't help feeling a bit scrub-ish in them.

This particular pair also comes in a polished black leather version or a perforated version (which would be great for warmer weather). If $400+ sneakers aren't your cup of tea (it does seem crazy but for something I wear every day, it seems more reasonable to me than a $700 pair of heels that get worn ~5x a year), there is no shortage of wallet-friendlier options out there, including this pair from Emerson Fry and these from Vince.



Beyond the basics, I'm still struggling to find what will work for me, long-term. I live in a uniform of jeans and oversized sweaters. I don't want to hop on trends or be impulsive in clothing purchases, but I feel very boring recently. Step one this spring – add color. Will report back.

Mar 2, 2015

Aman Tokyo

Truthfully, I don't know where to begin to describe the experience I recently had at the new Aman Tokyo. What can you really say when you think the only downside of staying there is that it makes you want to hole up, enjoy all of its amenities, and not leave to actually explore Tokyo? And so, my best strategy is probably to let the photos do the talking, though even those don't quite give you the feeling of being there.






Located in Tokyo's financial district on the top six floors of the 40-story Otemachi Tower, the Aman Tokyo is the first vertical Aman property. So along with being guaranteed sweeping views in the rooms, you can have breakfast with a view of Mount Fuji. I opted for the full Japanese breakfast my first morning and couldn't have been happier. What really made the Aman for me were the grand common spaces (not at all to say the rooms were lacking in any sense) and the careful attention to and play of light, space, and shadow throughout. A photographer's dream.





Don't miss out on the spa or infinity pool – a two-hour seasonal treatment was the icing on the cake during my stay. Aman Tokyo, I hope we'll meet again.




Disclosure: I was a guest of the Aman Tokyo as part of my partnership with ANA.