Work Space

Readers asked me "where do you get all of your work done?" I thought it I would share my small corner where I sit down, crank out papers or blog posts, as well as just browse the internet. For me, I really get work done in two places- the library and at home. I tend to lean more towards the library, however, I set up a desk at home conducive to long hours of studying. 

For me, a workspace is all about making it personal because is there really anything that exciting about doing finance problems at a desk for hours on end? I didn't think so either. My desk holds all the essentials- computer, printer, supplies, but has little personal touches all around. 

My Jonathan Adler pencil holders are filled with Muji pens, a personal favorite. If you have not tried them I highly recommend. Additionally, we all know my love of champagne. I placed a bottle of Moet on my desk from a memorable night. When I get frustrated with all my work, its nice to glance at something associated with good memories. 

The wall behind my desk is decorated with hints of Paris, another one of my favorite things. Perhaps I find myself daydreaming of Paris a little too often!

And you can be sure to find me, Muji pen in hand and Iced Nespresso in the other, jotting down quotes on the myriad of sticky notes around my desk.

Where do you get most of your work done?

Daniel Wellington: A Watch That Changes With the Season

Yesterday, I wrote about outfits as we begin to transition into fall, and looking for those perfect pieces that help us to do so. Clothes do not have to be the only thing that change from season to season. As a lover of timepieces, I loved the collection presented by Daniel Wellington watches with their versatility to change out straps and alter the look of the watch from season to season. 

Daniel Wellington is becoming a very popular Swedish watch brand. I personally love the minimalist, refined aesthetic of the timepieces. The faces of pieces really have a simple, classic appeal reminiscent of a timepiece from your father's collection. Not to mention, for me, the colored nylon straps have a very preppy feel. I can seem the paired perfectly with plaid and flannel button downs as we move into fall and then winter. 

The nato straps that are so important to the watches actually originate from the British navy. Divers would utilize strong nylon straps over their wetsuits to avoid rust. Today, they offer high versatility. Watches are available in either 40mm or 36mm case diameters so both men and women can get in on the fun of changing out their timepiece. 

For fall, I love the idea of a classic navy based strap that would pair great next to rich, brown sweaters and cardigans. A red strap may be the perfect compliment as we move towards the holidays. What are your thoughts- do you change out your accessories with the seasons as well?

Photos: The Barbarian Agency

Transitioning to Fall

The first hints that fall are just around the corner are in the air- shorter days and cool mornings. Soon we will see the leaves changing and the coats coming out of our closets. Transitioning from summer to fall is one of my favorite times for dressing. I love being able to wear just a sweater or even a light jacket. 

Yesterday was a bit cooler here in the city. I had a brunch to attend at the Plaza, and when looking through my closet for an outfit, I knew I wanted something refined, and simple. Since it was slightly cool in the morning, it was the perfect chance to wear a "transition piece" to brunch. 

Transition pieces for me are lightweight sweaters, jackets, or vests. They are items that can be used to begin to build light layers as layers are crucial for fall wardrobing. I opted for the Ralph Lauren Purple Label sweater shown above. The sweater is crafter in ultra lightweight merino wool, perfect for low 70's/upper 60's weather. 

I paired the sweater with classic, navy chinos to create some contrast with the bright green of the sweater. Completed with accessories such as an Hermes belt and bracelets and simple brown loafers, the outfit was dressy enough yet casual for a Sunday brunch at the Plaza. 

The Esquire Trunk Club Collection

Esquire Magazine and Trunk Club have launched a collaboration for key items for fall and beyond. Trunk Club is a high-end personalized shopping service designed for the busy man. Each new member is pared with his own personal stylist who picks clothing based on the member's preferences and lifestyle. You can sign up online at Trunk Club.

The collaboration features a limited edition trunk of 7 essential items for fall curated by Esquire's editors. The selection includes brands such as AG Jeans, Billy Reid, Bespoken, Barbour, Gant Rugger, L.B.M. 1911, and Vince. Below are the featured items:

I love the editors' selection as many of my favorite brands are included in the curation. I own pieces from the majority of these designers and the quality is excellent. Additionally, these pieces are both wear now and wear later in the season as we get closer to winter. Esquire fashion director Nick Sullivan said, "We worked hand-in-hand with the team at Trunk Club to select quintessential pieces for fall and beyond." I could not agree more- classic styles such as plaids and shawl collars are perfect for the fall and winter seasons. Additionally, pieces such as the Barbour vest are great for layering and for being used as transition pieces. 

What do you think of the curation? It is definitely representative of my style and pieces I love!

Photos: Allen Cooper Enterprises

End of Summer in the Hamptons

The Hamptons is the perfect place to celebrate the last rays of summer and is the go-to spot to do so for many Mahattanites. I went to East Hampton for one last summer moment over Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately the weather wasn't ideal- cloudy yet very humid. However, that made for even more reasons to shop the stores of East Hampton such as Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and Blue & Cream. 

Now, its back to reality and the bustle of the city as we embark on fall. How did you celebrate Labor Day?

P.S.-You can read more about my European excursion to destinations like Croatia and Milan at Skimbaco Lifestyle.

Cote d'Azur

The Cote d'Azur was my favorite travel destination on my recent excursion to Europe. In the month of August, the south of France begins the destination for chic French and Americans as well. Since most French get the entire month of August off from work, I found there to be more natives than Americans which I thought was great!

I selected Nice as the town to stay since it has the airport and lots to do. There are TONS of small towns and villages on the Cote d'Azur, and each one is equally amazing and beautiful. Nice offers an airport, public and private beaches (which are stone), a promenade, and port. 

Why is the Cote d'Azur my favorite place? As you can see from the images, it looks like a postcard everywhere you look almost everyday. The water is truly a deep azur blue. Additionally, as someone who speaks French, it is always great to get to use and practice the language. It makes restaurant and travel experiences much more enjoyable and less stressful!

It is very easy to get from Nice to neighboring towns such as Antibes, Cannes, Villefranche, and Monaco. I took the train to Villefranche (2 minute ride from the nearest Nice station) and to Monaco (17 minute ride). The trip to Monaco was only about $6 roundtrip.  My favorite town was Villefranche. It was absolutely incredible with its famous "Citadelle" overlooking the bay filled with swimmers and yachts. The town itself is beautiful with narrow stone streets and pastel colored houses.

I choose to stay in an apartment rented from the owner rather than a hotel. In Nice, this is definitely a less expensive option as hotels can be quite expensive, but I also feel like it provides for a more authentic travel experience. Ours was quite authentic as we got to deal with native Francophones who owned the apartment- French came in handy once again! Our place was right near the port of Nice and the Vielle Ville which was great. If you are traveling to Europe I definitely recommend apartments before looking at hotels!

Have you been to the South of France? What was your favorite town? There are a few on my list that I didn't get to go to so that will have to be saved for the next trip!

Sharp Lines and Clean Aesthetics for Fall

It is hard to believe that summer is (unofficially over). It seems like not long ago we were all writing about our favorite summer pieces and colors. As we transition seasons, it is time to transition our wardrobes as well. For me, summer dressing is all about classic preppy styles- bright colors and patterns. For fall, I begin to mix contemporary with preppy, opting for darker colors and a more refined silhouette. 

Kai-aakmann, designer by Korean designer Soonjin Pak, offers an Autumn/Winter '13 collection that is perfect for the urban man with minimalistic silhouettes and sharp, assertive lines. For the fall collection, the brand is focusing on military tradition and incorporating a vintage American feel into its usually urban aesthetic. Elements such as quilting and color-blocking have been incorporated into many pieces in the new collection.

For the key colors of his A/W '13 collection, Pak selected orange, coral blue, grapefruit red, and mustard. I am loving the more relaxed, slouchy silhouette of some of the pieces. I think Kai-aakmann will offer some key pieces for men looking for a fashion forward way to enhance their fall wardrobe. 

I am loving the double breasted and shawl collar cardigans as well as the slim silhouette on the trousers. What are your favorite looks?

Photos: Barbarian Agency