Archive for the ‘Chic Frills’ Category

Not quite haute couture, but breathtaking design nonetheless.

Wildlife.

September 3rd, 2010 by Ruth

I’m not usually an animal print-type gal, but when I spotted this J.Crew dress at the outlet for $50, I had to have it. The texture of this linen is thick, tight-knit, and structured, making it a great fit for my body type. The black ribbing down the front elongates my frame and the shorter length highlights my legs. I chose my Kenneth Jay Lane alligator watch bangle as my main accessory as the gold accents the beige within the dress and the subdued color of the shoes. Thank you to Casey Carter for lending me the fabulous black clutch. The leather is smooth like butter and perfect for a night out on the town. As for the sunglasses, I don’t leave home without my Marc by Marc Jacobs aviators.

Photo credit: Casey Carter of Casey Culture

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A day of dreams.

August 21st, 2010 by Ruth

This outfit reminds me of a warm spring day overflowing with a feeling of peaceful, empowering daydreaming. As I head downtown on Lexington Avenue, I pass Upper East Side kids making an exoduse from their college prep schools that cost more per a year than my entire four year Rutgers University education. They’re being picked up by their parents or nannies. They’re heading off to their first weekend away to celebrate the blossoming warm weather. They live in brownstones and high rise apartments and have curated art collections hanging on the walls that lead up to their bedroom. The store windows are painstakingly decorated with the latest style, the freshest baked goods, and chocolates that are rare to Belgians. White linen covers four tops displaying the food of a couple that’s been off the entire day with not a worry in the world. And I think to myself, this is mine for the taking.

peace

J.Crew skirt, J.Crew store

White shirt, from Mom

J.Crew necklace, The Jersey Shore Outlets

Digital Timex watch, former client

Digital Timex watch, former client

My pearl and diamond earring duo, you won't catch me without them on

My pearl and diamond earring duo, you won't catch me without them on

The perfect white dress.

July 28th, 2010 by Ruth

Charter Club White Dress

J.Crew sandals

On my latest shopping trip, I came across some amazing deals at Macy’s. I find a number of fabulous steals at what many consider to be their shopping mecca. As I’m exiting the store, my eye caught a sale rack stacked with summer finds suitable for any chicskate.

As I culled through the sections, I uncover this fabulous white dress from Macy’s brand, Charter Club. Not only does the dress fit me perfectly, but the linen is of great quality and the dress has a built in liner. Of course, being the bargain shopper that I am, I use the price scanner to find out that it’s ONLY $20! Seriously, what more could a girl ask for? My friend said it well, “What can you get for $20? My groceries cost more than that!”

Anyways, so the next time you’re leaving Macy’s, don’t forget to stop at the treasure trove, otherwise known as the Charter Club section.

Dress: Macy’s Charter Club

Belt: Local artisan

Shoes: J.Crew sandals

Nail Polish: Essie Bermuda Shorts

Classy.

July 1st, 2010 by Ruth

I have a thing for well-preserved, classic cars and when I saw this teal Thunderbird parked on Lafayette at Great Jones, naturally, I had to have a moment.

classy.

Shirt: BCBC

Jacket: Zara

Pants: Zara

Watch Bangle: Kenneth Jay Lane

Bag: Hayden Harnett for Target

Shoes: Nine West

Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Hat heaven.

May 11th, 2010 by Ruth

Eugenia Kim for Target hat

A fan of fellow New Yorker, Eugenia Kim’s line since the day her collection hit Barneys, I’ve ooh’ed and ah’ed at the beauty of her masterpieces. The fabrics, hardware, and precision used to create her hats are impeccable and make me very happy.  But at nearly $300 a pop, the chicskate in me would never let me splurge that much on a hat – even at the weakest moments in life.

Needless to say, the second I heard about her partnership with Target, I shed tears of joy. After waiting for what seemed to be eons for the line to hit the stores, I finally scored my own, affordable Eugenia Kim for Target fedora!

Simply put, it’s adorable and just perfect. A big hug to Target and Eugenia Kim for this partnership made in hat heaven.

Eugenia Kim for Target Fedora

Eugenia Kim for Target Plaid Straw Fedora with Blue Trim, $17

OOTD: Budding.

April 8th, 2010 by Ruth

During our Attention photo shoot at the cube at Astor Square, Felicia Sullivan kindly took this quick shot of me. The skirt is synergistic of the current self growth I’m experiencing right now. Simply put: I’m in bloom. I’m training myself to be consistently be happy, open, and fluid.

Image credit: Felicia Sullivan

Image credit: Felicia Sullivan

Tank: J.Crew

Skirt: Jill Stuart

Cardigan: J.Crew

Watch: Timex

Sunglasses: Prada

OOTD: Spring’s in the air.

April 5th, 2010 by Ruth

I took the time to go outside and enjoy a very lovely day last week. Even though the wind was blowing and we were in the shade on Lafayette, I was able to get a few good shots. Here’s my favorite:

Ruth OOTD

Image credit: Felicia Sullivan

Argyle Cardigan: J.Crew

Purple Tank: J.Crew

Necklace: Forever 21

Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch

Daily Diamond: Kenneth Jay Lane Multi Stone Earrings

April 2nd, 2010 by Catherine

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I’ve got a major crush on these danglers from Kenneth Jay Lane. With an anniversary coming up, perhaps these would be a great way to celebrate four years together…?

{Multi Stone Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, $242.00}

Daily Diamond: J.Crew Hats

March 31st, 2010 by Catherine

With my upcoming trip to Aruba rapidly approaching (hurrah!), I’ve been on a mission to find a stylish topper to shield my face from the sun. My parents just returned from the island, and reported the sun to be the strongest they’ve ever experienced. Given that Aruba’s located quite close to the equator, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but I wasn’t prepared for their reports of purple-looking tourists who spent way too much time tanning, and too little time sunscreening.

{Summer Straw Hat, $34.00}

{Summer Straw Hat, $34.00}

Both of these options from J.Crew are so incredibly chic, I might have a hard time deciding which one I like best. Do I go for the glamourous floppy hat with the wide brim? Or opt for a fedora-inspired straw trilby? I’ve got about a month to make my decision, but have a feeling I might be bringing them both home…

{Straw Trilby Hat, $40.00}

{Straw Trilby Hat, $40.00}

Dancing shoes.

March 30th, 2010 by Catherine

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Is it me, or does anyone else get a crazy urge to go dancing in these shoes? Maybe it’s because the new season of Dancing with the Stars just began, but there’s just something so sweetly retro about these heels that make me want to snap them up then hit the dance floor (in significantly less glitter than the show’s contestants).

{Wild Card Heels, Seychelles, $90.00}