staying cool with the high- low factor

There is nothing I love more than putting together an outfit that incorporates both high and low price points. I love helping my steals look even more luxurious paired back to a gorgeous more expensive piece.

My outfit today is a great example of this rule...

Head to toe:

3/4 ctw Diamond Stud Earrings Set in Yellow Gold: gift
Knock off Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra Clover Necklace: $25
Rebecca Taylor Eyelet L/S White Blouse: $245
Tag Heuer Aquaracer Watch: gift
H&M Navy Shorts: $17.95
H&M Sandals: $7

Insider tip: The $7 sandals are SOOOOO comfortable!!! They definitely top the steal must have of the season board!!!!

iced coffee, 3 steals, and a splurge - shoes, they get me everytime.

Out to brighten up this grey midweek day, I hit Broadway in Soho where I felt inclined to start my day at topshop. I love their store, but sometimes when it is soooo busy I get a little distracted from the clothes and get lost in the crowd. As I made my way to the shoe salon, I spotted these gorgeous ballet flats from a mile away. As they were only down to 2 sizes, 6 or 11 I thanked God for my GINORMOUS feet and gave the 11s a spin. I was thrilled when with a small adjustment of the tie, they fit perfectly.

Topshop Ballet Flats, $32

Next I stopped at H&M where they are on sale, aka not too much newness. I did however spot these sandals hanging on the wall for $12.95 and tried them on expecting for them to feel cheap and uncomfortable. I was stunned when I didn't want to take them off because of comfort. As I made my way to the register to pay, I was even more surprised to hear the sales associate tell me that they were on sale for $7. (jackpot)

H&M Sandals, $7
(side note: while this picture was being taken on the Mott St. sidewalk, Keri Russell, aka Felicity, walked by with her adorable son who was begging, "Mommy can we puleaseee go to Target today." so cute)

I had received an email on my blackberry from Steve Madden about a sale so true to form, I went to check the goods out in person before placing an online order. (i always do this if the merchandise is accessible to me)

Steve Madden Seeri Sandals, $41.95

When I spotted this t-strap sandals on the sale wall I was immediately drawn to them for 2 reasons, 1 they were flat and 2 nude. Both comfortable and practical, I was pumped when they felt as good as they looked.

Steve Madden Riddgge Wedges, $64.50

My splurge also came from Steve Madden, because I cannot help myself from a wedge, on sale, even when I can't wear them (still in rehab for the ole knee). What I love most about these shoes is the color, the cognac is so great looking in person. Also, side note, I always wear a size 10 in Steve Madden shoes, however I am a 9 in these bad boys!!

Humor on this greyyyy Hump Day

As I set out on this gloriously greyyy hump day I could not help but document some moments I have become immune to that otherwise might make many LAUGH....

Mustard and Ketchup on the LIRR

Yes that is correct, this girl is sporting a BRIGHT YELLOW homemade pedicure with BRIGHT RED shoes...

And the chances of this combo happening 2 times... only in NYC.

1 yellow sock AND 1 red sock. (the real punky brewster)

and then there is Ms Patricia Field's Soho Store Windows...

Many of you may know her as the New York stylist from Sex and the City, Ugly Betty, Confessions of a Shopaholic and The Devil Wears Prada but I am sure did not pitcure THIS:

As I make my way over the grates on the sidewalk I am quickly reminded why I have a new found love for ballet flats... fearlesssss walking. (no need to worry about my stiletto getting caught between the cracks!)

And pass a window reminding me of the latest movement in the neighborhood: Soho adopting SoCal style!

And that only in NYC would there be a store dedicated to SOCKS!

As I turn onto Mott Street I am also reminded that it is more important to be seen eating on at Cafe Gitane patio than staying dry.. (it is actually raining)

And that I take for granted the fact that custom shops exist...

I always wonder if the scraps on the floor of Blue are due to laziness or for affect.

and last but not least- why Bravo TV shooting too close to home has ruined reality television for me...

Fashion Hunters STA "staff"

vs my girl Vanessa... aka the real deal.

(who will be transfered to another location to support this scripted show)

All in all- these are just some of the scenes that I was able to document on my way to work that did not make me appear as a full on creep tourist.

Happy Hump Day!

Iced Coffee, 3 necklaces and Etsy.com (because there was nooo escaping my office this week!)

This week I have been sooo busy at work that I have not had a moment to shop in my favorite stores...HOWEVER after perusing the Etsy website the other day I came across 3 pieces I HAD to have, all to be worn together to create 1 complete look...

Sapphire and Gold Filled Color Block Necklace, $35

Vermeil Wishbone Necklace with Gold Filled Chain, $30

Gold Vermeil Sideways Cross on Gold Filled Chain, $30

I am crazy for all 3 and can't wait to see the complete package!!!!

Handmade or Vintage.. Etsy.com is the best way to find exactly what you are looking for!

one of the things I love most about working in Soho is walking by the street vendors and checking out the latest and greatest. As I talk with friends who do not get exposed to these little treasures on a daily basis, they always wish they had access to them...

Introducing Etsy... the end all be all to little treasure that you love discovering at craft fairs and little street vendors throughout the city.

I happen to be partial to jewelry finds and wanted to share some of my top picks.

Personalized Sterling silver Two Finger Ring, $19.99

Gold Love Ring Adjustable, $14.99

Green Amethyst- Prasiolite and 14K Goldfilled Beaded Chain Double Strand Necklace, $64.00

Gold Vermeil Sideways Cross on Gold Filled Chain, $30.00

Wire wrapped ring with freshwater pearls, $2.50

Hammered 7 Band Gold Stacking Ring Set, $45.00

Little Dot Ring - Delicate Band of Thin Beaded Wire, $12.00

Insider Tip: 9 out of 10 people I ask "where did you find that necklace" always answer ETSY!!

Iced Coffee, 3 Steals and a Splurge- commited to fitness.

Feeling a little bit "soft" these days... I set out on my Wednesday shopping excursion with the intention to fully commit myself to a NEW fitness routine. (side note- I recently tore my MCL and replaced my gym visits with physical therapy to rehab my injury.... now that I am officially in the clear- I have RE-committed myself to keeping up with a healthy fitness routine.)

This new routine required a head to toe MAKEOVER...

First- motivation from my go to album when I need to be PUMPED UP-
Stevie WONDERRR! Even on a bad day you can't help but move your feet to this amazing album.

Next... my working gear. I decided that I would need to increase my walk to work by avoiding the train and walking from Penn Station to my work in Nolita.

My first steal was on sale for $54 at the Rebecca Taylor store in the meatpacking district. I love this canvas crossbody tote because it can handle all my "stuff" and also makes it easy to walk while still moving my arms for the full aerobic effect.

Next I hit up Lady Foot Locker. I had to invest in new sneakers to support my knee. I have worn Nike Shox for years and have never found a reason to switch. $109.99 for these bad boys was well worth the $$ for my continued rehabilitation.

Off to one of my FAVORITE stores- Lululemon. It has been my go to for years because their amazing Luon fabrication just makes me feel better when I work out. I purchased these Boogie Shorts for $42. As the temperature has been rising it had become obvious to me that it was time to invest in a "real" pair of work out shorts.

Last but not least..... now that I felt totally supported for my new fitness routine I hit up the gym that I know I cannot avoid as it is in the same shopping plaza as the Starbucks where I get my iced coffee every morning. I took the plunge and canceled my NYSC membership opting for the convenient Synergy location knowing that I no longer will have the "I don't feel like driving there" excuse in my back pocket.

Insider Tip: The biggest motivation is the fact that I have officially published this new commitment to fitness- aka if I give up, it will be a public display of lazinessssssss.

12 reasons i LOVE topshop

1 of my favorite stores- topshop always gives me a reason to spend money and come back!!

SCALLOPED SUEDE CLUTCH BAG, $100.00

CREAM PAISLEY BORDER SCARF, $32.00

BLACK STRAPPY JERSEY MAXI DRESS, $36.00

ONE SHOULDER DRESS BY LOVE**, $64.00

PYRAMID STUD TRIPLE RING, $25.00

SIDE PLEAT VEST, $56.00

RED SPLIT SIDE MAXI SKIRT, $90.00

COFFEE SHEER SIDE TUCK CHIFFON BLOUSE, $70.00

RED SPOT PRINT PADDED BIKINI, $56.00

CO-ORDINATING LINEN BLAZER, $120.00

VALENTINE CORAL PATENT TOE BALLET PUMPS, $36.00

VIBRANT SALMON BALLET PUMPS, $32.00

iced coffee, 4 steals, no splurge- 6.1

As I enjoyed my first weekend filled with sun and summertime activities, I realized 2 things- 1 I will be living in my cutoff jean shorts and white jeggings and 2 I want to have light weight/light colored tops for every occasion.

I hit H&M at Penn Station before work today and solved my problems...

I came across this cropped nude silk cami the minute I walked through the doors. I had been looking for a top to wear with my high waisted American Eagle cut off jean shorts so I could dress them up and felt this top was perfect.

Seen Here: H&M Cami, $17.95, American Eagle High Waisted Cut Off Jean Shorts, $39.50, H&M Ring, $5.95, H&M Bangles, $5.95, Steve Madden Fantasik Wedge Sandals, $79.95

When I saw a $4.95 sign above racks of tanks I was skeptical, but when I saw this amazingly soft tank I was sold.

Seen Here: H&M Tank, $4.95, Forever 21 Necklace, $5.80, American Eagle High Waisted Cut Off Jean Shorts, $39.50, H&M Ring, $5.95, H&M Bangles, $5.95, Steve Madden Fantasik Wedge Sandals, $79.95

I love this top because it can be worn back to my cut offs for a casual daytime look or with my skinny white jeans for a dinner date.

Seen Here: H&M Tank, $4.95, American Eagle Jeggings, $19.95, Forever 21 Necklace, $5.80, H&M Ring, $5.95, H&M Bangles, $5.95, Steve Madden Fantasik Wedge Sandals, $79.95

I know it seems crazy that I continue buying nude colors clothing, but I can't help myself. $12.95 for this light weight button down was a STEAL.

Seen Here: H&M L/S, $12.95, American Eagle High Waisted Cut Off Jean Shorts, $39.50, H&M Ring, $5.95, H&M Bangles, $5.95, Steve Madden Fantasik Wedge Sandals, $79.95

I am a sucker for fitted cotton black tanks, and was interested in purchasing a LBD (little black dress)

Seen Here: H&M Tank Dress, $12.95, H&M Ring, $5.95, H&M Bangles, $5.95, Steve Madden Staciee Pumps, $89.95

When I saw a $12.95 price tag on this bad boy I knew I had found my final purchase of the day.

Seen Here: H&M Tank Dress, $12.95, Forever 21 Necklace, $5.80, H&M Ring, $5.95, H&M Bangles, $5.95, Steve Madden Staciee Pumps, $89.95
(shocking- my less is more bf preferred this look WITH the necklace)

All in All- Mission accomplished.