Pay it forward.

Have you had any encounters today where you experienced a random act of kindness or a particularly nice interaction with someone?

                  Pay it forward. 

Nothing feels better all the way around than a little kindness. 

Legacy

I was having martinis with two of my best girlfriends last night and we were excitedly chatting away- catching up on life and love, work and all the in-between.  It doesn't happen too often that we're all together and we were so happy to be together that we were spastically conversing, interrupting and gesturing wildly to illustrate our points. At a certain moment we each cracked up at how we were doing things that made us cringe about our moms: the over-talking, the interrupting, the excessive use of hand gestures, the boisterous boom to our voices as we got excited. And then it hit us: we are doing the very thing that drives us nuts about the people closest to us. We each considered this and thought we had tried and succeed to be aware of these ticks and to overcome the legacy. 

But lets be honest: we're carrying on the legacy hand gestures and all. I suppose it's time to accept it and realize being like these wonderful women really isn't so bad after all. 

        

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.” 

― Marilyn Monroe

Grateful Wednesdays

Feeling groggy and worn out today. In the midst of trying to shake myself awake and get my day going I am reflecting on the good stuff in my life right now:

1. As much as work feels non-stop and overwhelming right now I am so grateful that it's coming in and I am busy working on jobs I love with great teams and doing what I really enjoy.

2. Getting a little bit of time with my boyfriend. Lately we see each other about an hour every day or two but yesterday we had a bit of normalcy and he was home when I got back from work. It was still just a few hours but it was wonderful.

3. Green juice. I am on the verge of getting sick and I cannot consume enough of this stuff. It's keeping my body strong & healthy.

4. Nice people. Enough said. 

5. Citi bikes. I really love seeing so many people taking to biking around the city. And most of them (the ones who don't look terrified) seem so happy to be riding.

Me & my main man, many months ago.

The Look

            

This is what I want to be wearing right now. 

                                                          

Summertime dream look by Fausto Puglisi. 

Strike a Pose

Get Inspired. 

Take it easy.

It's the first day of August and I'm slightly shocked. When did summer move so fast? I have yet to have a day at the beach, a frozen margarita or spend a early evening watching the sunset while dining outside with friends. As I sit and realize what the pace of my life has been these last few months I begin to realize how much I really need some calm in my life and what that means to change the pace. 

I'm vowing for this month to turn my cell phone off more often, saunter down the sidewalks and spend real time doing nothing. Time, I'm ready for you to take it easy.

Grateful Wednesdays

Happy Summer Wednesday! It's been a pretty gorgeous summer week so far & although it's felt non-stop I finally found a minute to reflect on what I'm grateful for in my life today:

1. This gorgeous weather.

2. My storage unit: keeper of chaos

3. Forgiveness, of myself & others.

4. A slightly calmer pace of work this week (and maybe soon, a day off)!
5. This blog for allowing me space to write, reflect and to talk about things I don't otherwise discuss.

It's in the details

A well-mannered woman takes into consideration the little things, because she knows those are in fact the big things:

I love the use of red lipstick as an accessory

this look is all about the accessories and the graceful way she eases into that car

Lanvin

Chloe

Phillip Lim

The sound of Sunday

As I was laying in bed this morning trying to ease my way into a wakeful state I spent a few minutes taking in the sounds around me and suddenly it occured to me: it's Sunday. A day that for most people means a slower pace, lazy brunches with friends or a lover, a peaceful afternoon spent on the couch with the Sunday Times, a bike ride exploring a new neighborhood. It's funny, the typical roar of traffic out my front door, the hustle of people rushing down the sidewalk to make the morning train and the slamming of the front door as neighbors head out to their day, were absent. I never realized it before but Sundays have a sound: soft, slow, peaceful. It was the first taste of realizing the sacred power of a Sunday. I rarely stop to enjoy a weekend day, usually I'm working right through them. As a freelancer weekends have little meaning and occasionally they exacerbate the reality that work doesn't stop for the weekend.

But today, I had a Sunday. I had a moment to languish in the soft Sundayness of the day. I took myself to lunch. Alone. With the Sunday Times. (HEAVEN). Strolled down the street at a leisurely pace & called my best friends. Oh Sunday. I love the sound of it.

A little behind the scenes...

          

    Getting the wrinkles out, one way or another. 

Grateful Wednesdays

Today, after what feels like a very intense work week or two, I am feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for all the support and the people who helped make things happen in my life.

1. I'm grateful to my amazing agent, who has helped push, lift and direct me in these last few trying weeks.
2. Incredible friends who are patient and send me messages of encouragement.
3. Coffee. oh yes. Without this one incredible substance I would be useless.
4. An assistant who stayed longer and worked harder and brought a great sense of calm whilst I was having a meltdown.
5. Cayenne pepper. I drink it with lemon and ginger every morning and I'm pretty sure it's the reason my body has not given up on me.

These two.

                     

                                          love the magic these two created together. 

White Nights

When I was a kid my brother & I were dancers and my mom took us out of school to see this movie. Best decision ever. This film still moves me. 

Whatever happened to...

Nadja Auermann? She had it. I tell you.

The Look

            

Really loving this Valentino number right now. Yes, it's wildly unrealistic but fashion that's practical is such a bore. 

Grateful Wednesday

Today, in the middle of a week of disheartening news reports and sweltering heat I still look around and see hope and beauty. 

Here are a few things keeping my head up right now:

1. People who say yes!  I'm working on some big projects right now and hearing yes makes me feel like I'm moving in the right direction.
2. Random run-ins with old friends. Had one of those yesterday that ended being a wild adventure. 
3. Popcorn. My friends know I'm obsessed and I've been trying to cut back but today I had some and it made me SO happy. 
4. My boyfriend.  I know, sappy-but to be honest I have been realizing how much I am thankful for having such a wonderful man in my life. 
5. Running. After virtually 2 years off I am slowly working my way back to long runs. I don't think anything could make me happier.

The view from my morning run

Magic Hour.

I know its blazing out but is there anything more beautiful than the West Side Highway at the magic hour?

Ripple

Ever think about the effect your daily interactions have on those around you? How often do you feel your day pick up when a random act of kindess comes your way, that elevator door that someone holds, the kind exchange from a cab driver, a waiter, a stranger on the street who helps you carry your heavy suitcase down the subway stairs.  I was discussing the "big picutre" with some people recently, talking about how we wanted to leave our mark on the world in a big way and the grandiose ideas that connect to that goal.  I  started thinking about it and I realize it's actually the little acts of patience, compassion and kindness that affect our days and our lives. How often do you feel inspired to pay it forward when someone shows you unexpected help or unprompted guidance? I think its important to realize how very crucial our seemingly small acts and gestures are and how they add up to the bigger picture. What did you do today that felt like you were contributing to this ripple?

Yes, Please!

I really, really love this look & intend to rock this out in the Fall...

(look from Camilla and Marc, Fall 2013)

Skin is in.

When you want to feel chic & pulled together it really doesn't take much. If you keep things simple all you really need is one strong piece to pull it together and look like a million bucks. 

For me when I need to step it up I grab a clutch from one of my favorite people in this city: Camille Zarsky.

Her clutches are all you need to transform your vibe & turn an average look into a knockout ensemble. Equal parts chic & rock (is there any better combination?) these clutches have become one of my wardrobe staples and this one in particular has become my good luck charm when I'm heading to a big meeting:

These are part of her new collection...iridescents and colors in deep, vibrant tones that add just the perfect pop. 

  

Check out her site for more styles & colors: 

    www.camillezarsky.com

You can buy most of these styles at Angela's www.angelasinrye.com

Or if you happen to be upstate its worth the stop!

Here's a little inspiration on ways to rock these clutches out: 

(From the Glamourai)

(From the Glamourai)

me running around during NYFW

(from chictopia.com)

(from chictopia.com)

S-U-C-C-E-S-S

I've been discussing the nature and definition of success with friends recently and I think its pretty interesting to hear how people define this slightly elusive concept.

Many of my friends said they will consider themselves successful when they reach a point of financial security, creative freedom and are able to provide for their families. Health was also mentioned as a key to feeling successful as was having a loving partner and strong friendships.

I think its a curious investigation into the reality of our daily lives and what we strive to be. I often feel very far from success and I realize I can be quite hard on myself in regards to this idea. Success to me often means making a good (paying all bills, building a savings account & retirement account) living as a stylist, working often and building strong relationships with clients, continuing to have a great relationship with my boyfriend and build our lives together, feeling spiritually fulfilled and getting time to see my friends and family.

I realize that it's easy to overlook the success that most of us have right now in our lives and honoring what we are doing well and how we are succeeding.  One of my most introspective friends brought up a really brilliant point- he said most of us in the U.S. (especially New York) avoid feeling fulfilled, happy and successful because we use relativity to guide our lives. We base our own lives against the lives of others, our success against someone more successful (or someone we perceive as more successful) more beautiful, wealthier, etc. I have to admit I'm quite guilty of this and I often feel that social media only aids in this. As silly as it sounds I often scan through Instagram or Facebook and begin to feel like everyone else is living a wildly glamorous, sexy, exciting life. If for a moment I paused to separate and simply enjoy these images as a momentary slice of life and not the measure for what I'm lacking, the effect is diminished and I carry on enjoying my life and the beauty of my own present moment.

I think then the idea of success should be about how our own lives click and soar in relation to our individual path. Appreciate the lives of those around you and keep your aspirations focused on what feels acceptable, honest and fulfilling in your own terms. We will never taste success or fulfillment when comparing our lives against others. 

                  

Remember this...

"Inside of you is a smart, powerful, dynamic, capable, self-confident, alive, alert, FABULOUS woman!!

Let her come out and play!

The world is waiting for you! "

 

Love Louise Hay

Crush

The first time I ever saw Monica Vitti I was immediately smitten. I couldn't take my eyes off her. The film was L'avventura, the Michelango Antonioni classic. I'll be honest, I didn't love the movie right away but I did love her. I couldn't stop thinking about this mysterious, brooding, sexy, emotionally subtle but strong force of a woman. One look spoke a thousand words. Those eyes reveal more in one frame than all the dialogue from every Linklater film ever made. She is transformative, powerful, vulnerable and captivating. All without seeming to try.

Here's a little tribute the a woman who still inspires.

Family.

I just got back from the most wonderful week spent with some of my absolute favorite people on this planet. People who make me laugh until my stomach hurts, people who make my heart feel full and my life feel blessed. Happy Belated July 4th! Hope you all had lovely and laughter filled holidays.