Velvet Heart

Stripes, hearts, and bows, oh my – but no, no one hacked this blog. This shirt and these bow-back shoes are not very me at first glance, yet I was inexplicably drawn to them and they were pretty much immediate "add-to-carts" for me. The color of the shirt is more of an orangey-peachy pink than a cotton-candy pink, and I adore the bright velvet heart (god, this shirt has me using words like "adore").



I've long admired the 'Coco' mules from The Row, but knowing that I may very well destroy them with one bad trip across cobblestoned streets, I just can't quite stomach the price. I think that's why I was so drawn to the above pair by Ganni. Totally similar aesthetic but won't put you on an instant-ramen diet for a week.

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#TodsAround

I recently photographed a project for Tod's, showcasing some iconic Gommino pieces, in particular, the Gommino loafer and the Gommino Mini bag. I chose a few classic NY spots to shoot in, as I was representing NY among the other worldwide photographers involved in this #TodsAround project. I also tried to keep the styling clean and simple to evoke a sense of that effortless Italian style.

Modeled by Jessi Frederick
Look 1: COS top // COS shorts // Winden earrings
Look 2: Fame and Partners top // Citizens of Humanity jeans
Look 3: Yune Ho trench dress // Raey slip dress

Overcast

I wanted to shoot a personal swimwear edit while out in Montauk this past weekend, but I had a completely different "moodboard" in mind for it that involved harsh light, bright poppy colors, and lots of shadow play. At the mercy of the weather and tight timing, I had to completely rethink the feeling of the shoot and make do with what I was given. I ended up really loving the moody overcast beach and muted colors.

ft. Her the Label Audrey two-piece
Eres Héxagone swimsuit
Eres Pepita swimsuit

Balloon-sleeved

When I'm not wearing my shoot/work uniform of a white tee, jeans, and sneakers, I do like to have a little fun when I can. This top from JH Zane ticks all of the fun boxes. I had no business wearing a wool shirt on one of the hottest days of the year (it is a swamp in NY right now), but once I made the effort of putting it on (oh, and it's a real effort all right; you'll know when you see the back), I committed to it. And if you're a shorty like me and prefer the feel of rigid no-stretch denim, these jeans are a godsend. They're high-waisted too!

JH Zane top
Citizens of Humanity jeans
Loewe pouch (a beautiful pre-owned orange one here)
Robert Clergerie x Mr Self Portrait pumps (taller version)

Public

A few weekends ago, I was a guest at the newly opened Public hotel on the Lower East Side. Being the photo geek that I am, I spent the majority of the time in the room observing the way the light moved through the room and re-taking the same photos when the light did change (I know, what a party animal right?). Overall, it's a beautifully done hotel with thoughtful amenities and branding, but what else would you expect from Ian Schrager. The most important discovery I made, though, was the chocolate chip cookie they serve at the food hall in the lobby. Seriously. Officially my favorite chocolate chip cookie in the city. Do not miss it if you happen to be in the area.







ft.
// Vintage Chanel shirt (A souvenir from Tokyo; though it cost a pretty penny, I justified it to myself thinking it'll be a classic white shirt to last the ages. Here is a similar Chanel find in linen, also with gold buttons!)
// Mansur Gavriel slides (here in a lovely navy)
// Moussy jeans

Humid

It's been a strange June in NYC – it's 96 degrees one day and 60 the next. Overall humidity has been low though, until yesterday, that is. Summer is definitely here now. I tried to stay cool in this very feminine top (perhaps way more feminine than my usual taste but just so pretty), and these new white sandals which are reminiscent of the classic Hermes Oran style (oops, looks like white is sold out for now). I also had a dozen inquiries about this lipstick after posting on my IG stories, and it is the Bare Minerals Statement Matte in Devious.



Breakfast at l'estudio (above) has become a favorite. I love that they serve Panther coffee. The baked skillet eggs are a must.



I bought these Moussy jeans in Tokyo and have been living in them since. Of course, I can't seem to find the exact pair online, but you can find this cult Japanese brand here and here. What I love about this pair is the extra high-rise and the fact that it has a zipper fly. So many boyfriend jeans styles come with the button fly which I find to be an extra pain in the ass. Also they barely need hemming, which is rare for me. Just a cuff will do. I finished this look with this blush backpack... which gave me free hands to carry home the new plant I picked up at the just-opened Cactus Shop pop-up (below)!




All shot on the Sigma 35mm 1.4 Art lens for Canon.

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Double pink

It's entirely possible I'll look back on these months in a few months and gag at all the pink pieces I've acquired, but for now, I'm enjoying the proliferation of any and all items being made in this so-called "millennial pink." I've also been on the biggest vintage jean buying kick ever. Whether I'm finding the jeans at vintage stores, ebay, or etsy, I continue to be hungry for more. I've found that boys' or men's jeans work best on me when I'm going for that high-waisted relaxed fit. Hopefully I can share some vintage jean hunting tips when I've been at this for a few more months.





ft. Maison Kitsuné sweatshirt // Vintage Gap jeans (similar) // Maryam Nassir Zadeh sandals // Celine bag // Cartier LOVE bracelets (secondhand here)

Bristled

I've long wanted to visit Joshua Tree National Park; visions of purple-y dusk skies and bristly Joshua trees dotting the horizon fed my photographic sensibilities well. Of course I wasn't exactly prepared given my limited time on this trip. I didn't even pack sneakers. So my ability to properly explore was limited (every five steps, I'd have to empty my sandal of rocks and sand), but it was a worthwhile visit nonetheless. I realized how much I love the desert landscape on this trip, much more so than beaches or mountains. I love the dry heat and how quickly it cools down when the sun goes down, and I love the natural textures that are so lacking in my city life.










ft. Protagonist skirt and top
Permanent Collection sandals

Ultra pink

Apparently pink is all the rage right now. I've been guilty of eying a few pink pieces myself that I would have never considered back in the day (particularly this sweatshirt that I'm kicking myself for not picking up before it disappeared in almost all sizes, ugh.) But, these ultra pink strappy mules from Loeffler Randall also satisfy my pink and chunky heel desires (use code EVENT17 for 20% off). Ooh, and how pretty is this peachy pink shade sandal?



Now that I've completely gone down the pink sandal rabbit hole, you can find more of my picks below. I could do this all day...

Black and metal

I'm ducking in for a quick post to share some of my new favorite black and metal accented accessories. When I first saw these shoes, I added them to my wishlist, then revisited them barely a few days later and every size was nearly sold out - including mine. Those who know me IRL know I'm very persistent and good at tracking down hard to find items (probably to a fault), so I did find them from a small boutique in SF and pounced. It was love at first sight when I put them on. They required zero breaking in and I've already walked far distances in them. If you're on the hunt yourself, you're in luck, because there are still a ton of sizes available on mytheresa. Run, don't walk!



I'm also smitten with this little guy from the kind ladies at Kozha Numbers. (Use code NEEDMORE for 15% off.) I'm always a sucker for box calf or smooth leather, especially paired with a strong metal accent, so this mini tote checks off all the boxes. There's also a larger version of this bag, and some other really nice functional/minimal pieces in the rest of their line, which are all made in Portland, OR.