CREAM Style Saint Laurent Duffle Giveaway

I recently wrote about the trend of social fashion, and featured the new style app, CREAM. I am excited to announce that CREAM is hosting a giveaway in which you can win a Saint Laurent Duffle 6. 

Since the rebranding of YSL to Saint Laurent, I have really been drawn to the accessories of Saint Laurent. They have classic, refined, and sophisticated. The duffle up for grabs is no exception. How to enter? It is actually quite fun!

Download the CREAM style app from the App store, and share any looks in the app via blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Every time you share a look or item, an entry is generated. So that means more sharing means more entries!

The winner will be randomly selected on September 9th...happy styling! 

Life in the Mediterranean

After a brief hiatus, I am back and slightly more tan from the Mediterranean sun. I was fortunate enough to travel throughout the Mediterranean and Dalmatian coast in France, Italy, and Croatia. The lifestyle in these areas is beyond relaxing- slow mornings, arriving to the beach, a drink in the early evening, and a late dinner. Adjusting back to the fast paced lifestyle we live here in the US will take a bit of time!

I have a bunch a great photos that I will share specific to each location, but here is a glimpse into life on the Mediterranean:

It was great to be in many of these places during the high season as many Europeans have the entire month of August. We noticed that there did not seem to be too many Americans, so it provided for an even more authentic experience. 

Look for more photos to appear in the coming weeks!

Fashion That Gives Back

A Nielson's statistic states that 66% of consumers worldwide would prefer to shop with a brand that gives back to society. I agree with the majority- why not shop with a brand you love that gives back a portion of your purchase to a charity? It is almost effortless on the shopper's behalf. 

Some of my favorite brands and as well as brands that have become quite popular are all part of this "social shopping" trend. From lipstick to shoes, you can truly find an array of fashion that gives back. Some of my favorite brands that can easily be incorporated into a preppy style include TOMS, Warby Parker, and FIGS ties. 

TOMS: Im sure many of us are familiar with this casual, comfy shoe by now and their one-for-one rule: With every pair of TOMS purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to someone in need. They currently participate in over 50 countries around the world. TOMS

Warby Parker: This brand has become incredibly popular in the last few months. When I look around the streets of New York, I feel almost everyone is sporting a pair of Warby Parker glasses. The frames have a retro inspiration and are very affordable, starting at only $95. The company has partnered with Vision Spring, ensuring that with every purchase, a pair of glasses also goes to someone in need. Warby Parker

FIGS Ties: FIGS crafts ties out of an array of fabrics- wools, silks, cashmeres, cottons, and linens, The company has a "thread-for-thread" program. For every tie purchase, a school uniform is donated to a child in need in Africa. FIGS

Photos: Paramount PR

James Turrell At The Guggenheim

James Turrell, known for his work with light and space, is on exhibit at the Guggenheim through September 25th. This is his first exhibit in any New York museum since 1980. I visited the exhibit this past week, and entered Turrell's world of light, perception, and color. 

Pieces of Turrell's work are located in galleries around the main rotunda, however, the focal point of the exhibit is Turrell's transformation of this large, famous space that is iconic to the building. The space is now filled with a blend of shifting artificial and natural light. It is best viewed from below while lying on the mats placed on the floor. I snapped a few pictures of the various colors that can be seen:

All the photos above are of the main rotunda, which many of you are used to seeing as the open space which spirals around the entire building to the different levels. Turrell completely transformed this into the focal point of his exhibit. 

If you like more modern, perceptual art you will love the James Turrell exhibit. I did find the rotunda interesting, but I am more of a classic art type so the other works were not as interesting to me. If you find yourself uptown, I recommend a stop by the Guggenheim to visit this exhibit before it leaves!

The Knit Tie

Ties have become quite popular in the world of menswear. Gone are the days when ties are only for business formal. Now, a double windsor can be worn with a skinny tie, oxford, and jeans for a casual Friday look or a night out on the town. 

The knit tie, an iconic Ralph Lauren style, is a preppy way to bring modernity to wearing a tie. I am not a huge tie wearer, but recently tried a knit tie. I must say, I really liked the look. The style was narrow, making it modern, but the bright color and texted brought preppy aspect to my outfit when paired with a classic white oxford. 

I started with a navy pair of chinos and white oxford for a simple base, and added on the brighter yellow tie for a pop of color and contrast against the navy. Tucking your tie into pants is actually a preppy twist to try. I finished the outfit with an Hermes belt and colorful wrapped leather bracelets by Ralph Lauren. 

Have you tried wearing ties in a more modern, casual way? Share your styling tips!

Summer Sunsets

Summer is all about relaxing evenings on the terrace or deck, drink in hand. Summer, for me, is also all about the sunsets. It really is the best time of the year to enjoy them, whether on vacation at the beach or just in your city. There have been some great sunsets in New York this summer. 

I love when the sun is about to set after a quick summer thunderstorm (photo on top left). The best places in the city to view the sunsets are major crosstown streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, and 42nd. Additionally, the Highline offers great views of the Hudson river and sunsets in the evening. Have you seen some beautiful sunsets so far this summer?

Colorful Summer Linens

When one thinks of summer dressing, a few things come to mind: colors, seersucker, and linen. Linen is a perfect summer fabric as it is lightweight, breathable, and usually comes in an array of colors perfect for the season. 

These casual yet sophisticated linen button down from Ralph Lauren Purple Label come in beautiful colors. I opted for almost every color they had! The pastel hues will be perfect for summer night dinners, vacations, and of course my upcoming trip to the Mediterranean! Linen will definitely be a staple in my wardrobe as the summer continues, especially with the extremely hot weather we have been having.

Wear your linens tucked in with a belt for a more office appropriate look, or pair with white pants, untucked, and sandals for the ultimate Hamptons  casual look.

Styled:

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Shoes: Ralph Lauren
Chinos: Ralph Lauren

Above, I pair a bright pink with a dark navy bottom for contrast and a pair of simple loafers. The look is classic prep and perfect for any summer occasion.