Decorating with Memories

Interior decorations from Jonathan Adler and West Elm are wonderful and add great touches to any apartment, however, sometimes a little personal touches that are very simple and contain memories add a distinctive touch as well. 

I was recently telling someone at an event about my utilizations of wine bottles, corks, and boxes as decoration around my apartment, and she said "oh my gosh! You have to send me photos for inspiration!" So I snapped a few photos and sent them off. 

Wine bottles and corks make the perfect touch to a kitchen or shelf because they add a French flair and they also contain memories. These bottles all serve as conversation pieces when guests come over, especially those who have never seen them and react in a way that is usually something along the lines of "wow look at all those bottles!" This is when I usually chime in and mention the various occasions or stories behind the various ones, like a little throwback.

I also like saving the corks and dating the ones that are from special moments. They are great to put in vases and glass jars and place on shelves next to candles or plants. It is fun to seem the jar get full overtime with different memories.

We all probably have those special bottles of champagne from memorable holidays and events that usually come in nice boxes. I like to place them throughout bookshelves to add interest among the books and various objects. Again, it is fun to look at them and reminisce about the moment when you received them.

5 Random Monday Thoughts

I have been focusing a lot of fashion during the month of October, and realized I have not just posted some random thoughts in a while. A nice change as we slowly say goodbye to October. 

• It is hard to believe it is almost Halloween and November. Fall is going fairly quickly- seems like the weather just started allowing me to wear sweaters and Barbours.
• Even if people fragment around me, I realized I will always stay true to who I am.
• Oddly enough, I have not shopped at J.Crew in a while, however, I am loving all the newest arrivals. Especially all the suede elbow patches like this sweater.
• I might be traveling to Paris in March. Has anyone been during this time...what weather could be expected?
• Sometimes life has those ruts, and I think I may be in one currently. I have been focusing a lot on trying to put everything "into perspective" for a sense of clarity. 

And because it is a Monday:

Fashion Friday: Motorcycle Inspiration

The motorcycle trend is very popular this season, with many designers showcasing moto jackets and denim. I personally love motorcycle jackets with all the pockets or side zippers as well as the details on moto denim. 

The weather has turned much more fall like, so I was able to start wearing some new pieces of outwear and sweaters. One designer that always has hints of motorcycle inspiration throughout the collection is Ralph Lauren Black Label. I put together a motorcycle inspired look, perfect for the fall 2013 season with my own Black Label pieces. 

I love the versatility of this jacket with all its pockets and the belt. I like to use the belt as the zipper, just tying it around the waist to close the jacket instead of actually zippering. This creates a much more casual and effortless style. 

This denim is absolutely amazing with its heavily waxed canvas. They are actually all cotton, but give the appearance of leather. The denim goes perfectly with the moto inspiration.

For me, this look is urban and edgy at its finest. It would be perfect for a night out on the town, or a casual Saturday shopping Madison Avenue. Are you wearing the motorcycle trend this season?

Featured:

Jacket, Sweater, Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Boots: John Varvatos

Seasonal Plaid featuring UNTUCKit

The fall and winter seasons are the perfect times to wear plaid button downs and flannels. Plaid pairs well with many fall color palettes and is the perfect weekend go-to for casual looks. I was recently exposed to a very interesting menswear brand specializing in button downs, UNTUCKit.

Why is the brand so innovative? UNTUCKit is all about being able to enjoy the comfort and style of a button down, untucked! They have incorporated a number of design changes while utilizing a unique sizing chart to ensure that based on your weight and size, the shirt will always be the perfect length untucked, hitting at the middle of the fly.

The shorts are manufactured from 100% in the US and range in price from roughly $79-$105. The Fall/Winter 2013 collection introduced "slim" fit styles- a great addition in my opinion! I paired a seasonal red plaid with dark olive jeans for a great weekend casual outfit throughout the fall and winter seasons:

The shirts are incredibly soft and comfortable to wear. Of course, I couldn't not try pairing the UNTUCKit shirt under a cableknit sweater! Since they are meant to be worn untucked, they are also a great compliment under sweaters for those that style with the shirt tails out:

I recommend giving this up and coming menswear brand a try. I do not think you will be disappointed! You can order online and shop the collection at their website: UNTUCKit.com

Post made possible by APR Alliance

Fall 2013 Collection From Martin de Tours Clothier

During fashion week, I had the opportunity to preview the collection from customer clothier, Martin de Tours. The new fall 2013 collection is now ready to be purchased and is available online at Martin de Tour's website.

This is an upcoming brand that invites men to think about suiting differently, namely custom tailored dress shirts and suits. I think custom-made pieces are going to be the future of men's clothing. Instead of paying a large amount for a big name Italian suit that may not fit perfectly, Martin de Tours offers an alternative to off the rack garments and gives the best fit possible. I love accessible lifestyle Martin de Tours is creating because I can relate to having trouble with finding a good fit when shopping.

In the fall 2013 collection, the brand introduces their Prerequisite, Signature, and Heritage styles. All suits are 100% wool and all dress shirts are 100% cotton. I was able to experience the fabrics and quality firsthand, and I must say that they are of quality. Additionally, the prices for these made-to-measure garments are exceptional with suits in the $495 range and dress shirts in the $99 range.

Martin de Tours also makes the shopping experience, which some men dread, quite easy. Guests of the website have a personal style valet at their disposal to help select the perfect items to match your measurements and preferences. This brand makes you think twice before picking a suit off the rack and invites men to enter into the world of custom made clothing.

Photos: Tamara York PR

Reflecting on the Riviera

In August, I concluded summer in the Riviera- in my eyes one of the best ways to end the summer before a year of hard work ahead. The French Riviera is one of my favorite places in the world. Everywhere you look it is just picture perfect. 

I've found myself sitting in class or at work reminiscing a lot of about the Azur waters of the Mediterranean and the French wine. I think another vacation is in store. I invite you, too, to reflect on the Riviera as I share some of my favorite Instagram pictures from Nice, Monaco, and Villefranche. 

The colors along the Mediterranean are just breathtaking. I could put hundreds of photos up, but I think these Instagram shots I captured do it good justice. Have you traveled to the South of France before? If so, what was your favorite town?

I am excited to be participating in "Instagram Travel Thursday" this week, started by Katja Presnal of Skimbaco Lifestyle. Join other travels and get an inside look into some amazing photos around the world. This week, I am linking up at Hines Sight Blog. Happy traveling!

Fall Color Palette

I must admit, it has been quite a warm fall in the northeast thus far so I have not be able to fully take advantage of fall wardrobe staples such as large sweaters and Barbour Jackets. However, just because the weather may be slightly warmer does not mean I cannot have a fall look. 

Sometimes a "look" is all about the colors, and this outfit I wore was quintessentially fall in terms of the color palette. I created a preppy "fall" outfit to match the weather. I paired fall neutrals such as tan and olive with brighter tones of navy and orange for added color. The shirt is in a fall weight cotton and the colored denim is perfect for the season. I love the orange tone of these loafers, especially against neutrals...it really ads a pop of color in an interesting way. If it does not feel like fall outside, at least I can still embrace it!

Featured:

Shirt: Ralph Lauren

Denim: Ralph Lauren

Loafers: Ralph Lauren

Bag: Jack Spade

Enjoying Fall

Autumn is one of the most enjoyable seasons. In the fall, I find myself with renewed energy from summer as well as looking forward to the year ahead. Living in the city, it can sometimes be hard to fully enjoy all that the season has to offer. We can enjoy things like lattes in hand, sweater weather, and a few changing leaves, but a lot is left out.

I recently took a short trip into the "country" where fall is quite evident in the changing leaves and shorter days. It is nice to escape the city and truly enjoy a bit of the season. Homes are decorated with pumpkins and corn shocks and there was a slight chill in the air. 

Sometimes its the small things that you miss upon moving to the city. A short getaway is always necessary, and this one came at the perfect timing. 

Tonal

It is very evident that I have a color filled wardrobe that could rival even the brightest of closets. I wear printed Lilly Pulitzer shorts in the summer and brightly colored cashmere year round. However, I am finding a new love for black and beginning to understand why it is such a wardrobe staple, especially in New York.

To attend event or go out in the evening, I have been opting to wear all black outfits. These tonal black outfits look very New York in my opinion and are perfect for occasions. I prefer the tonal look because it really looks chic and sophisticated. Designers such as Ralph Lauren in his Black Label line presents tonal looks that I love. In fact, one of my recent tonal black outfits was all by Ralph Lauren Black Label.

Here, I paired a wool sweater with slim fitting black cargo pants. The slim style is very in for men, and makes the cargo pant a wearable style. I finished the look with a black belt, black loafers, and added a little pop of color with a red bangle.

How do you love to wear black?

Featured Styles:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Loafers: Ralph Lauren

Belt: Ferragamo

Bracelet: Hermes

Bold Fall Color

My summer wardrobe is the probably one of the brightest on the block, filled with endless pastels. I always hate having to pack away all the preppy colors I feel comfortable in as I switch to fall dressing. However, I have found some bold colors that are fall appropriate. 

If you are a color lover, opt for fall hues such as yellows, magentas, deep oranges, and blue in bold washes. You might be the brightest on a New York City block, but there is nothing wrong standing out in a sea of black and grey.

Here, I have paired a luxurious cashmere cable knit from Ralph Lauren Purple Label, a preppy fall staple, in a bold magenta with a pair or bright mustard chinos. I love the contrast of the yellow and magenta colors. 

The look is finished with an Hermes belt and simple brown loafers. This outfit is perfect for a Sunday brunch or an afternoon at the country club. Who said you cannot wear color in the fall?

Featured:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Purple Label

Chinos: Polo Ralph Lauren

Belt: Hermes

Raymond Weil Releases New Style

A few months ago, I previewed some of the key styles for the season from Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil. They recently added blue to the popular Maestro Line.

The Maestro collection comes in an array of colors and dial choices, however, I am loving the addition of blue to the collection. The blue will be great for pairing with things such as navy blazers or suits. It would even pair will with a more casual outfit such as the one I recently based around a military shirt, a go-to fall style.

The new Maestro features a mechanical automatic movement with a 38 hour power reserve. The timepiece is enclosed in a stainless steel case on a black leather strap. Retail: $1,395.

Culinary Expert Donatella Arpaia Previews New Collection

On October 3, lifestyle and culinary expert Donatella Arpaia previewed her new kitchen collection that will be available via HSN. I got to experience the new collection first hand at her Chelsea restaurant, "Donatella."

The new collection from Donatella, exclusive to HSN, truly takes the work out of entertaining. If you are like me, you enjoy food and good friends, but sometimes the thought of preparing everything and being the host is a bit daunting. The new products ranging from a pizza oven to fresh Italian ingredients makes entertaining enjoyable. Donatella has created a cohesive entertaining collection at accessible price points ranging from $24.95-$129.95

The Collection:

At, perhaps, the core of the new line is the pizza oven. This oven pairs perfectly with Donatella's pizza dough mixes and tomato sauces. The oven features a pizza stone, but can also be used for a variety of foods such as garlic breads. The collection also includes an array of polished stoneware in beautiful color offerings. A baker, serving tray, and ramekins are all available in stoneware. My favorite was the ramekins which are both microwave and oven safe. They are the perfect size for making individual servings of mac & cheese as they can go straight from oven to table. 

In addition to items above, Donatella will be selling her world famous meatballs as well sets of her pizza dough (plain, Italian herb, and garlic) and tomato sauces (Marinara, Spicy Arrabbiata, and Tuscan  Vodka). All the array of foods are made with the freshest ingredients. Additionally, party disposables are available in a myriad of colors. These were another one of my personal favorites since it is a super easy way to have presentable looking napkins and placemats that are disposable without having to resort to white paper options. As I mentioned, this collection really makes entertaining for guests that much easier. 

Seeing the products first hand, I can attest that the quality is great. Additionally, Donatella's signature dishes were being offered, and the food options are equally as great. I had a moment to speak with Donatella, and she is very excited about the upcoming collection which will be available on HSN/HSN.com October 7th and filled me in on some exciting future developments!

About Donatella Arpaia:

Donatella has become an influential figure in the worlds of food, business, and entertaining. She is the longest standing judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America and is a regular contributor to The Today Show. Additionally, she was included in the New York Post's "most powerful women."

Photos: HSN/HL Group

Subtle Sophistication

It is feeling a bit more like May here rather than the beginning of October. I took advantage of the warmer weather as, perhaps, one last opportunity to break out some brighter colors in my wardrobe, namely a washed nantucket red. This color is perfect for pairing with other prep essentials such as navy and cream.

I was attending the launch of a new line that was being hosted as a small dinner part of sorts. I knew the owner of the company was going to be in attendance among others. This called for subtle sophistication. I wanted to let put together, but not like I was stepping out the door to go to homecoming. I opted for colored denim, a polo, and a detailed blazer. I accessorized with a classic Hermes belt and interesting shoes: 

Featured Outfit:

Blazer: Thom Browne

Polo: Ralph Lauren

Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Belt: Hermes

Shoes: Christian Louboutin