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