Author Archive

One week ago from today, I was navigating the snow filled streets in the wintry wonderland that is Berlin in January. Not a usual winter tourist destination (and for good reason), Berlin in January is prone to gray days, mounds of unshoveled snow and a bitter wind that makes even the toughest nose run. With conditions like that, warmth takes precedence over style. Luckily, the city of Berlin has its own style to distract from your lack!

I traveled to Berlin on a NYU sponsored trip to study the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall. With this theme in mind I visited the legendary Checkpoint Charlie, A Stasi prison facility, the East Berlin Wall Gallery, Berlin’s Underground bunker system, and Livadia Palace in Potsdam where the Yalta Convention was held.  Obviously, the history buff would not be hurting for hot spots to visit in Berlin, and I highly recommend all of the above mentioned sights. However, for those less interested in the Cold War here are my recommendations. With a city as fascinating culturally, historically, and artistically, you really can’t go wrong! (more…)

Being a college student makes wearing denim everyday a definite possibility ( or in my case reality). With an array of available styles and trends out there, a solid jean collection can be tailored to fit every occasion. Naturally my affection for a good pair of blue jeans has led me all over the board when it comes to shopping. Of course, as a student, my favorite find is a pair of good looking yet affordable jeans. This holiday season I am absolutely hooked on Grane Jeans. This brand offers a range of styles and cuts for every denim wearer at shockingly, and I mean shockingly, affordable prices. Lately I have been pairing Grane denim leggings with longer cardigans and Frye boots for a cute and casual winter look, perfect for class, or lunch with the gals. The best part about Grane jeans is that you can afford to stock up without affording yourself a trip down bank overdraft charge lane!

With Christmas right around the corner and a ton of girls back home to shop for, I am thinking Grane jeans would be a hit with my friends while leaving my wallet some room to shop for Mom and Dad, too. Available at Macy’s and Belk’s, Grane Jeans make an easy gift for any denim lover out there looking to increase her collection!

A couple weeks ago, I had the privilege of celebrating Fashion’s Night Out with Purple Lab, a new cosmetics company based out of New York City, focusing on as they put it, ”double-duty beauty.” The company threw a hip soiree at Scoop Boutique in the fashionable Meat Packing District to celebrate their amazing product Huge Lips Skinny Hips. With a title like that I was instantly intrigued. After all who doesn’t want huge lips and skinny hips, right? Since that night I have tried out this appealing little lip gloss and have  doubly given it my seal of approval. (more…)

As we eagerly await the beginning of Fashion Week, press releases for Fashion’s Night Out, a global event to celebrate fashion and encourage shopping (my two favorite things!), have begun to roll in. Mark your calendars because September 10 in New York City is going to be a night for major bargains, exclusive giveaways, great performances, complimentary cocktails, and some serious star sightings. Shoppers, this night is all about you! Events are free and open to the public, so grab a few girlfriends and take to the streets to kick off yet another exciting week of fashion!

Here are just a few appearances you won’t want to miss. For a full list of all things Fashion’s Night out head to: http://fashionsnightout.com

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I too often find myself standing in front of the closet, gazing upon years (and not to mentions dollars) worth of clothing. As I push past each hanger, I am confronted with the never-ending, always-obnoxious chant. “I have nothing to wear.” At this exact moment, I can think of at least ten different articles of clothing I NEED in order to look fabulous, none of which I own. After years of repeating this exact scene, I have finally discovered the antidote. It is time I start investing in pieces that never go out of style. Without further adieu, may I present to you the ever-stylish, ever-fierce, ever-classy tuxedo blazer!

The tuxedo blazer offers a way to step up your look. Both confident and sexy, this style of blazer creates a beautiful feminine silhouette from a rather boyish article of clothing. Perfect for pairing with a nice fitting pair of jeans, a long necklace, and heels, the tuxedo blazer can provide easy transition from stylish day time attire to sultry evening attire.  (more…)

A bag is an accessory that can easily be overlooked, even though it has the power to make or break any outfit. All too often I grab whatever bag I used last, even if it clashes terribly with my outfit. “No one will notice,” I think to myself, but the sad truth is that any fashionista out there has a keen eye for a put-together look — bag included. A good purse should be like a good pair of jeans: comfortably worn-in, sturdy, and able to go well with anything. For the coming transition period (summer to fall), here are my top bag picks – all equally adorable and under $200. Say goodbye to blowing money on unnecessary summer sale items. Instead, invest in these classy bags that will take you from summer chic to fall sleek in no time.

The Alfresco Bag from Anthropologie is the perfect bag for everyday. The exterior leather has a worn in quality that when coupled with the straw straps, creates a lovely vintage-inspired look. I love the simple shape of this purse, which luckily has many pockets for hidden storage. The interior cotton lining comes in an adorable polka-dotted print, giving the exterior leather a more feminine feel. I can imagine reaching for this bag on a cool autumn day as I venture out for a stroll in the park. (more…)

Kevia Jeffrey-West is the designer of the beautiful Kevia Jewelry, sold in exclusive boutiques nation wide.  Her amazing line of jewelry has been featured in InStyle, Lucky, and Real Simple granting her some deservedly hot publicity. Using 22K gold vermeil and semi-precious stones, Jeffrey-West handcrafts an exquisite collection full of rich color and texture. Kevia Jewelry also maintains an eco-friendly design process, which is just one more reason to fall in love with the line. TDO caught up with this talented designer to talk about the design process, breaking into the biz, and advice for wearing these extraordinary pieces. (more…)

I must regretfully admit that I have never been to the Hamptons. I have been invited a few times but could never break away long enough to get there. I have this mental picture of calm, beautiful beaches, stylish men and women, and sleek evening cocktails. Everything about the Hamptons, in my mind, spells luxurious. 

Ironically enough, this summer a favorite item in my pool kit has been Hampton Sun SPF 30 Luxurious Lotion. As soon as I came across the sunscreenr, I was hooked based solely on the relationship to my dream vaycay spot. Now after a few months of using this sunscreen, I can assure there is more to lure you in than just the name. This lightweight, ultra great smelling sunscreen  is infused with Vitamins A-E, jojoba oil, antioxidants, aloe vera, and moisturizing ingredients, creating a lotion that not only protects you from the harmful effects of the sun, but also gives you healthy, glowing skin.

I must also admit that until a few years back I didn’t take sunscreen seriously. I was of the camp that thought you couldn’t get a tan if you wore sunscreen and what’s more important in summer than a great tan? I shudder to think of what those sunscreenless years did to my skin. Luckily, I have seen the light since then. That being said, I am still quite picky about the sunscreen I use. It must be non-sticky, fast drying, hypo-allergenic, and dermatologically tested for me to even consider. Hampton Sun is all of the above and more. Inspired by the Hampton beaches and created for those people who love the sun just not the potentially dangerous side effects, Hampton Sun SPF Lotion allows you to create the most beautiful tan of the summer with no long term repercussions to worry about.

Go ahead and take in the rays; just bring Hampton Sun along! Get your bottle at Sephora.com.

Who: Thomas Obaton

What: Chez Lucienne

When: Sat-Sun Brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: 308 Lennox Ave, West Harlem, New York

Why: Because this weekend, try classic French brunch at a restaurant you probably haven’t been to before. (more…)

I am quite an avid blog reader. Each morning, I surf my favorite blogs for the daily update. I consider this my version of reading the newspaper (oops!). One of my favorite bloggers, the ever popular White Lightning, turned me onto a local brand called Built by Wendy. After taking a peek at the collections, I was so excited about it (I love learning about different designers almost as much as I love reading blogs)!

This New York based clothing line was founded in 1991 by head designer, Wendy Mullins. However, it wasn’t until 1998 until a Built by Wendy store was opened. Wendy Mullins creates a collection each season, drawing on reoccurring inspirations for her designs. I especially love the way she chooses to translate her obsession with prep school and summer vacation, as well as music and movies, to fit the style of the season. This inspirations combine to form a retro chic line with visible individual flavor and spunk. Thankfully, Wendy Mullins draws from many themes for her designs; because of this, her line offers a perfect item for the personal style of a spectrum of shoppers.

From her Spring/Summer 2009 line, I am absolutely in love with the Cotton Cloth Crop Jacket. Trying out the blazer trend is easy with this simple, yet classy wardrobe staple. The summer jacket’s crisp lines and looser fit create a boyishly, sexy silhouette. Perfect for pairing over a billowing tee or summer frock, this jacket is sure to complete any summer outfit. I love the way Built by Wendy styled the Cotton Cloth Crop Jacket. With a floral peasant top and high waisted jeans, a sophisticated, yet casual look can be easily achieved, and this look can easily be taken from day to night.

Be sure to check out Wendy Mullins clothing line at their site. Believe me – after one quick browse you will be wishing you were built by wendy, too!