On the Streets in Paris

Fashion week is underway in Paris yet again. On of my favorite things to do during fashion weeks, whether in New York, Paris, or Milan is to follow the different street style trends. The Sartorialist is always a go to for street style, but many of the majors fashion sources are featuring street style galleries. 

One can never be certain what they will see on Parisian streets. From chic all black ensembles to gothic grunge, Paris has it all. Here are some of my favorite shots from WWD:

Photos by Kubda Dabrowski for WWD

ØDD x Praxis Collaboration

During New York Fashion week I attended the ØDD Fall 13 Presentation where the label debuted a new, limited edition boot. ØDD is collaborating with the new, independent footwear company Praxis which focuses on investing in local communities. With only 500 pairs being produced, the boot is reminiscent of the edgy, motorcycle style. I love the quilting detail and side zipper and its edgy style that is wearable at the same time. 

The limited edition boot will only be available via ØDD's online site and the ØDD storefront on the lower east side of Manhattan.

Images: Sydney Reising PR

Bow Tie Love

Source: itsthepreplife.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

The bow tie is a staple in every preppy man's wardrobe. We pull them out when many others opt for a traditional tie. The bow tie became popular by the French during the 18th century, and today still has an air of old-world charm that surrounds it. I find that they have become a bit whimsical in nature, often offered in bright colors and fun prints. The bow tie always makes for a fun option. Lilly Pulitzer has a few bow ties in its spring line, but I wish there were more choices, but what's a preppy guy to do?

Artistic in SoHo

I have been having many moments recently where I stop, and think "I Love My City." I had one the other evening. I was strolling around SoHo during the late evening, waiting to meet a friend. I looked up while sitting at the Mercer and saw this:

photo: my own

Where else but in New York can one look up and find a vintage Porsche perfectly placed in front of a Balenciaga opening. It felt quite artistic to me. 

Fashion week may be over, but read my Exclusive Interview with Alexandre Birman at Skimbaco Lifestyle.

5 Random Monday Thoughts

February has been quite an interesting month...anyone agree? My verdict is: Bye February, March please show up!

• I am so thankful its a long weekend this time around. Getting up after 11 has been much needed. Waiting to do all my work, on the other hand, was not such a good idea!
• It feels like I am living in Chicago recently rather than New York. Its so incredibly windy here! 
• This past weekend definitely showed some sides of friends I didnt want to see. Moments like these are always bound to happen now and then, so hopefully there will not be any more for a bit.
• I will be in Barcelona in less than a month!
• This weekend has seemed quite long, but Valentine's Day kicked it off last Thursday. I must say mine was quite nice! Veuve Clicquot, Ladurée, and lots of cupcakes....what more would I want?!

Join "Monday Morning Gossip" with me and many others at Join The Gossip

Chobani SoHo

Greek yogurt has really become a craze, perhaps even a trend one could say. The popular brand, Chobani, opened up a storefront in SoHo within the past year. The shop serves up yogurt creations and treats that go well beyond the traditional flavors in the store. 

During a quick lunch break from classes, some friends and myself stopped by for a quick lunch. The store has a very relaxed, modern vibe with floor to ceiling windows all around which makes it perfect for people watching in SoHo. I picked one of their "creations." I opted for the Pistachio + Chocolate....soooo good! It reminded me of frozen yogurt minus all the fat and calories since its greek yogurt! They are also running a promotion through Valentine's Day: one you buy one creation, you get a special Raspberry + Chocolate one to share with your "Sweetheart"....not bad right?

On a side note, I love, love, love cashmere and Let The Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore is hosting a Cashmere Sweater Giveaway. Check it out!

Nespresso: For Coffee Lovers

I love, love, love my coffee. I not only love the taste of a rich, bold blend, but I also must admit that I do love the little jolt embodied in coffees and espressos. I have recently entered the world off home brewed espresso thanks to my friends at Nespresso. 

The Lattisima+ is the ultimate at home machine for any coffee lover. This model includes a milk frother, so I can now make cappuccinos and lattes at home...could not be easier! The machine is nothing less than luxurious as one would expect from a European brand such as themselves. I love the red color because it brings so flair to my kitchen counter. 

Im fully entering the Nespresso brand concept as I continue to stock up on pods, pod holders, and hopefully next some proper espresso glasses. I have been enjoying trying all the different varieties of flavors. The boutique offers a limited edition flavor which is currently Hazlenut. Needless to say, I have been stocking up on that flavor! 

image via

I am lucky to able to frequent one of the few Nespresso Boutiques currently in the States. I have been stopping by their SoHo location quite often since picking up my machine. The boutique offers a cafe on the lower level with dinning and espresso, and a shop upstairs offering an array of accessories, pod flavors, and Grand Cru tastings. 

New York Fashion Week: ØDD Fall 2013 Presentation

Last evening I attended the ØDD presentation for their fall 2013 collection entitled "People Have Weapons." This presentation marked the labels first women's collection which was showcased next to the men's line as well. The fall 2013 collection includes a mix of refined tailoring and what designers Judson Harmon and Jordan Klein describe as typical "ØDD silhouettes." For those unfamiliar, I would describe the ØDD vibe as very "downtown" and reminiscent of Rick Owens. 

The color palette was a mix of black and stained whites. Pieces ranged from blazers and skirts, to drop-crotch pants and tanks. 

 ØDD was first launched online, but only after a year, opened its first retail concept on Manhattan's lower east side. The store provides a mix of coveted downtown designers such as Mugler and Raf Simons and art installations. Now, Harmon will be showcasing his first namesake collection of womenswear alongside this other "downtown" brands. You can visit ØDD online or at 164 Ludlow Street.

Photos by (Jemal Countess/Getty Images)

5 Random Monday Thoughts

Monday morning you always seem to come too quickly. This weekend was one of those that was slightly a blur/where did time go type of weekend...anyone else agree?

• Im sure many of you were impacted by Nemo. We did get snow here in New York, but it definitely was not as bad as all the hype said it was going to be here in New York. I do know those up North got hit a lot harder. 
• Fashion week is going on in full force...hoping to get to some events this week!
• Valentine's Day is this week...eh. Never one of my favorites. Any fun plans?
• With the upcoming holiday weekend, I really wish I was going skiing, but the reality of having so much coursework is beginning to set in. 
• I love having countdowns to things. Perhaps its time to start the spring break countdown.

Snowy Weekend in Soho, Mercer Street

Love Your City

Every city has its own special places, characteristics, vibe, and charm that make it unique. I am fortunate to love in one of the best cities in the world. One that has shopping, dinning, and cultural that cannot be rivaled by many other cities. When you love in a place, its easy to get distracted so to speak and forget how beautiful the place you call home truly is. The other night I had one of those moments that made me remember just how luckily I am to call the vibrant city of New York home. 

While rushing across 42nd street on the way to an event, I happened to glance up and see this:

photo: my own

Grand Central was looking beautiful as ever with the Chrysler Building shining in the background. My city is a wonderful place that I do love. Having a moment like this is a good thing every now and then. What do you love about your city?

Marie Claire and Guess

Last night Marie Claire hosted an invite-only event with Guess at the 5th Avenue flagship store. Marie Claire editors and stylists picked their must-haves for as Valentine's Day gifts from the collection. Tags throughout the store indicated which items were top-picks. 

The store had a great DJ providing music for shoppers, and champagne and treats were served as well. It was a great evening of shopping and fashion in New York as always.

CATCH Roof New York

CATCH NYC is a relatively new seafood restaurant located in the Meatpacking District of the city. The venue has been open for roughly 2 years and has already established a name for itself as one of the places to go and be seen in the city. 

CATCH is composed of both a restaurant as well as the "roof" which is an amazing lounge in the evening. The restaurant itself is a seafood menu prepared by top chef winner Hung Huynh. They take the approach of larger dishes that continue throughout the meal and are thus meant to share with the entire table- social dinning of sorts.

I did not experience the restaurant part, but I did go out to CATCH Roof with a few friends this past weekend. We had a table which was great so we had continues drinks flowing, a place to sit if we wanted, and were a bit out of the crowd. The DJ was great and the people were all beautiful. If you can make it past the very strict door, you will have a blast. Good luck ;)