Around The Corner (from work)

Sunglasses - Lowin
Sneakers - Adidas Originals
Scrubs - c/o hospital

I'm sitting here laughing at myself a bit, because I had said to myself back in the beginning that I'd never post myself in scrubs on this site.  It was always meant to be an outlet, an escape from the more serious and stressful part of my life.  Yet here I've ended up today. 

I was at the opening of La Esquina's new Upper East Side location the other day.  First of all, it's La Esquina, which is not only one of the best & original taco spots in the city, but a name that is quintessential New York, rich in its own history.  Whenever a cool spot brings its downtown energy near my generally-expensive and once-culinarily-limited workplace neighborhood (it's getting better), I jump for joy.  Certainly...this one is the coolest yet. 
Second, the interior of the place is so non-typical Upper-East-Side that immediately after one walks in, you feel transported and transformed.  
I had to find a way to convey this contrast, and the experience I felt of the establishment's ability to really change your mood, to quickly dissolve thoughts from the 12-hour shift one may have just finished, and kick up your feet with a Jarritos while you anxiously await the tacos being cooked up on the open grill in the back of the resto. 
So- you bet I took on the opportunity to create something new, in order to share this with you all.  And now, coming full circle, the clothes from which I had used this platform to originally escape, made their way back and became a vessel for an even more unique, creative concept on this blog. 

Who woulda thought?
 

Photos by Dennis Christians
Special thanks to La Esquina

Sunny Yellow Sweater

Sweater - Zara
Leggings (yes I still wear leggings!) - Calvin Klein
Shoes - Valentino
Clutch - Clare Vivier
Sunglasses - Kapten & Son

One of the great things about fashion is how a color can instantly change your mood.  One may be quick to think of fashion as a superficial concept, but there is quite a bit of psychology associated with color and how you dress yourself.  Different colors resonate different types of energy and can truly affect not only the wearer, but the people around them and how they will act around you as a result of this perception.  For example, you may have heard that you should wear neutral colors to an interview.  Aside from avoiding your clothing from coming off as too loud, white is a clean color, and actually represents feelings associated with truth and simplicity.  Blue conveys calm, trust, & confidence.  Red is a strong color and would be something to avoid on an interview day because it is too "dominant".  While one may not realize this, some of the sartorial decisions you make may be subconsciously associated with these feeling.

So, for whatever reason, I've been very into yellow lately, along with many others it seems.  And actually- I don't mind it at all.  It's not usually my choice of color, but I have bit living in this oversized yellow sweater, and it really has lifted my mood whenever I wear it.  Yellow is a "cheer-up" color that also emanates intelligence and inspiration.  I've also noticed that people around me say happy things in association with this bright piece when I'm wearing it as well.   

A quick bit about how I prepared for this shoot.  I've been trying out La Bella Donna beauty products for the last few weeks and am loving their products.  It's a mineral makeup line formulated by a mother-daughter duo out in LA, and was born out of their own need for sensitive-skin-friendly products.  It's free of all those harsh chemicals we don't want on our skin.  So far my favorites are this eyeshadow palette - great pigmentation and blends smoothly - and this neutral nude lipgloss in "Seduction."  The packaging is sleek and well-made and really user-friendly for a girl-on-the-go.  

I will be sharing more products of theirs as I try them, but for now I'd like to share a code with you, as Mother's Day is approaching and I think it would make a really great gift.  Use the code SPRING20 at checkout for both 20% off AND free shipping.  
It's time to toss the chemical-laden cosmetics that are contributing to aging, guys- and I'm glad everyone is smartening up about it finally.  You can thank me later!
 

As always you can shop my look below.  

xx

Photos by Dennis Christians

Cinco de Mayo

Hat - Nautica
Top - Zara
Jeans - One Teaspoon
Bag - Gigi New York

Cinco de Mayo: Such a fun day for tacos and margaritas, right?

Hold on...

In a time where our country is in a bit of an imbalance, and relationships with other countries- including Mexico- have been rattled, I think there's room for introspection, and a little further than bright colors and embroidered materials for the Friday fiesta.

Ready for a little history-behind-the-fashion lesson?  Kick up your loafers for a minute:

In the US, Cinco de Mayo has become a celebration of Mexican-American culture.  It's sometimes mistaken to be Mexico's Independence Day—which is actually celebrated on September 16.

But really, Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican Army's unlikely victory over French forces back in the day, specifically on May 5, 1862.

The holiday began with events following a civil war called the Reform War in Mexico (stay with me here); it left the country nearly bankrupt.  Due to this situation, Mexican President at the time Benito Suarez suspended all foreign debt payments for two years.  While other countries were able to negotiate reimbursement, France- ruled by Napolean III at the time (go figure), took this opportunity to establish a Latin empire in Mexico that would favor French interests.

The Mexicans were not having this.  They stood up for themselves and took the chance on going up against a much better equipped French army.  Well guess what? They won, and the major victory gave a huge morale boost to the Mexican army and the people of the country.  Kind of a big deal.

The holiday crossed over from California into the rest of the United States in the 1950's, but its popularity really caught on in the 1980's when marketers, especially beer companies, capitalized on the celebratory nature of the day and began to promote it.  This is when things got lost in translation (maybe because people were too drunk), and now many Americans today use it as an excuse to go out and celebrate with drinks and tacos without a clue about the significance of the holiday to the people and country itself.

So when you go out later today for margaritas, hopefully you now have a little more insight into why this day is important.  But hopefully you also look cute.  Smart but cute.  Fun looks for Cinco de Mayo...and any other weekend this spring... listed below.  Enjoy!

Vertical Stripes & a Half-Tuck

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Outfit - Zara

Stripes are everywhere right now.  Coincidentally it works out that I've been living in this striped button-down blouse.  Comfortable and classic, it goes with everything, can be dressed up or down, and layered in this ever-changing weather.  I'm a big fan of the half-tuck when styling a button down.  It's a relaxed look and feel, but the half-tuck gives accentuation to the waist and prevents loss of shape in the silhouette.  Pairing with a  high-waisted skirt gives further definition and draws the eye up to make the lower half look longer.  We're all built differently, but who doesn't appreciate a little styling trick to get us one step closer to #legsfordays?

I'm sure ready for the weekend.  Anyone else?

Photos by Dennis Christians
 

Wrapped up

Sleeve - Dusica Dusica

Skirt - Asos

Wrap yourself around me  

Security in your embrace 

Warmth like a favorite pillow

 Love like home

-

This sleeve feels like a hug.  Of course, one does not initially seek it out for its functionality or comfort.  I came upon it during my occasional perusal of racks at Dusica Dusica.  Dusica designs the type of clothing I love: innovative, creative, architectural and often multifunctional. 

I'll be wearing this sleeve layered over something else most of the time, to evening events or to any sort of art function where her design can really be appreciated.  And yes, it is not for the faint of heart.  But it's a damn good accessory that I'm in love with :)

Do visit out her store in SoHo if you are in New York.  If not, check it out online.  I can guarantee you personally that her materials are high quality - she produces at her factory in Milan.  And she is as lovely- and cool- in person as her clothes are.

Photos by Aleksander Karjaka

Styling & Makeup by me