Summering In The City :: crop top + pencil skirt

Craving an urban vacay? Make an appearance in ultra-stylish city wear that'll have you blending in with the locals. Trust me, after a summer in the Big Apple I've got this New York style thing down pat.

Anything neon is so fresh and summery for the season. I love this statement necklace because it's not in-your-face neon yet it still has major impact and contrasts with black & white effortlessly. 

Okay I'll admit it, I tried walking to work in these and I immediately slipped into my slipper-like flats once I (finally) made it to my office. These are so not city friendly. But I couldn't resist wearing them for this shoot. The emerald pops so well against black & white. 

Simple elegance with a personal twist. 

Anything black and/or white is basically the universal city uniform. Yes New Yorkers do wear a lot of black (especially once the sun goes down), but who can blame them? The shade is so flattering! I decided to incorporate some color into my look through fun accessories. 

The most modern way to wear a pencil skirt now? With a crop top!...What else? Literally everyone under age 40 is wearing them right now. I'm usually not one to push trends on people but this one is so easy and fun to play with...not to mention it's so New York ;)

So there you have it: blend in with black & white; standout with neon and colorful accessories; stay on trend with a crop top; keep it classy with a pencil skirt; and always keep a pair of flats in your purse! 

Photos by Brooke Faison 

[top: American Apparel, skirt: Ann Taylor, heels: Zara, necklace: gift, yellow bangle: Ann Taylor]

No trip to New York is complete without a stop at the most visited urban park in the U.S. (aka Central Park). Throughout the past two months I've loved spending time in this iconic location. It's become a game for me to try and find the setting of famous movie or TV scenes here (does anyone else immediately think of Gossip Girl)? 

I can't believe I almost forgot to take some blog pictures here! There are so many beautiful shots and the landscape is unbeatable. Yet another spot that feels like a quiet escape from this concrete jungle. 

I <3 NY

SHOP :: 

Tidebuy Evening Gowns

I know it's not prom season but let's be honest, I for one do not need an excuse to wear a gorgeous dress. Especially being in New York and attending red carpet events, balls, and exclusive parties, I've been in the presence of some stunning garments and I've definitely caught the gown bug! 

As I was browsing through Tidebuy I came across some fabulous evening dresses that would be great for events aside from prom. Think galas, charity events, formal evening parties, or even just a night out to a fancy restaurant. Like I said, I'm not one who needs an excuse to wear an amazing dress! 

Check out some of my favorite Tidebuy finds :: 

I love this dress because it's sophisticated and classy yet it still has some sparkle to it. And who can say no to a thigh-high slit? Sexay! 

Click here for more details. 

I'm a sucker for pink so this one's a no-brainer for me. This blush hue is flattering against all skin colors and that neckline is so glamorous. 

Click here for more details. 

This ladylike skirt is super elegant and feminine - two of my favorite things! The lace detailing is very of-the-moment and the tulle adds a fun component, which keeps this vintage style modern. 

Click here for more details. 

I'm usually not one for mermaid dresses but this one is just too fun! I love the deep color with added sparkles - it reminds me of the night sky. 

Click here for more details. 

My list would not be complete without a full-on, head-to-toe glitter gown. That's why I saved the best for last! I can totally picture a star wearing this beauty on the red carpet. The champagne color takes this piece from eccentric to polished. 

Click here for more details. 

Visit Tidebuy for some outfit inspiration of your own. They've got loads of other clothing items aside from gowns. Enjoy! 

American Tropics :: red, white, & Hawaiian print

Elevate your off-duty style with bold hues and look-at-me pieces. Polish it off with a ladylike swipe of red lipstick for double the impact.

Feeling cool? Shades like these increase your edge factor while sharpening the look as a whole. And let's not forget that eyeballs need protection too! It's a fashion win-win.  

I've worn this Alexis Bittar necklace countless times this summer and it never fails to perfectly compliment any ensemble. The stones look like something out of a fairytale while keeping the piece as a whole modern and lust-worthy. 

Using primary colors to my advantage, I threw yellow bracelets into the mix. There's just something about a blue, red, and yellow combination that feels so lighthearted and cheerful. 

Shoes in a statement color like this always add an extra kick (pun intended) to any look. 

These tropical-print sleeves are such a fun and unexpected element on a plain white tee. I based this whole look off of the pattern and tried to incorporate as many colors from it as I could into my outfit. 

I love the way that this combination of skirt, top, shoes, and accessories came together. I was completely inspired by these Hawaiian themed sleeves and I tried to make their influence visible in every aspect of my outfit. 

Photos by Brooke Faison 

[top: Zara, skirt: Urban Outfitters, sandals: Miz Mooz, sunglasses: Anthropologie, necklace: Alexis Bittar, yellow bangle & navy bracelet: Ann Taylor, yellow bracelet: J.Crew]

These photos were taken on the most adorable side street in the city. It's called Gay Street and it's a tiny little strip that wraps around another street - very quiet with no traffic, which is perfect for shooting! 

This past week my NYC adventures included attending the grand opening of the world's largest H&M in the world, which just opened on 5th Avenue. Seeing Wicked and then receiving a VIP backstage tour, and attending a rooftop party featuring world renown DJs. I also experienced (for the first time) the beauty that is bottomless brunch, which is where I wore this outfit to. After a recommendation, my roomies and I hit up Epstein's on the Lower East Side and indulged in delicious food and endless mimosas. Not too shabby for the start of this busy week!  

SHOP ::