Merry and Bright: A Little NYC Inspiration

My husband and I kicked off the holiday season with a trip to New York the first week of December and it was so much fun I am going to see to it that it becomes a tradition. We stayed at The Soho Grand, a lovely hotel that was beautifully dressed up for the holidays. We roamed the neighborhoods, dined at The Beatrice Inn, had cocktails at The Library Bar in the NoMad Hotel, shopped, laughed, and had a damn fine time. I love New York.

While we were dashing in and out of shops doing our Christmas shopping, I was also busy making mental notes of what New Yorkers were wearing out on the streets. It wasn’t so cold that people were super bundled up, which made it easier to check out what was up in fashion. A few details on saw on the streets: Knit hats with large fur pom poms on the top. Everywhere, on everyone—and it wasn’t even that cold. Sneakers and booties still rule the day. Adidas but also platform sole sneakers and lots of lux materials like suede, snakeskin and leather. I love that the city is packed with personality, and that people there dress well. It gives the city its energy, all those people going all those places--and looking really good doing whatever it is they do. Love it.

Since we were staying in Soho I wanted to check out the new Totokaelo store, which opened this past year.  As it turns out, it is where I discovered the star of this week’s post: the Acne Studios Black Alvara Pumps. These beautiful shoes are black suede with a pointed toe, V-shaped opening and an exaggerated lacquered heel.  It was love at first sight.

Henri the Dog and I 

I have always loved shoes, ever since I was a little girl. For a long time I could never have too many—I fell in love with so many beautiful pairs. But over time I have changed to wanting quality over quantity, and I have slowly edited my collection to shoes that I really love, and actually wear. The Alvara Pumps are decidedly different looking, which is part of the appeal, and they are both beautiful and modern. Welcome, ladies!

Lace has been big this past fall, showing up as a detail as well as full on lace blouses, skirts, and dresses.  This gray J.Crew sweater has sheer lace details down the sleeve that make it a very pretty sweater to wear. Pairing it with a vest shows off the lace details while keeping you warm: this Zara long black vest has been a great addition to my fall wardrobe. Details like fur collars, lace and sequins can really give your look what it needs to have stand out style--and yes, please wear them in the daytime. You don't need the sun to go down to have a little sparkle in your life.

I was also on the hunt for a pair of raw edge denim and found the 7 For All Mankind The Ankle Skinny Raw-Edge Jeans at Saks Fifth Avenue. They are beautiful with a pair of heels or you can show off your cool sneakers with them for a more dressed down look. Personally, I like to pair a more dressed down edgy piece, like the raw edge denim, with something unexpected, like sparkly heels and a silk blouse.

Christmas is a week away, so get out there and be merry and bright!