Category: Uncategorized

Graphic tees and sweatshirts are all over for Fall (see Garance Dore for Kate Spade), and after seeing the cutest ballet inspired tee, I figured why not make my own?  With a few simple steps, I think I’ve got a close second to the original.
1. Materials Needed: Ruler, Masking Tape, Pencil, Helvetica Stencil, Permanent Fabric Marker, T-shirt (total materials cost = about $15)
2. Using ruler and masking tape, align 4 equal rows (I aligned mine along the left hand side but you could center if you wanted). First in pencil, use the stencil to carefully trace out the phrase desired (I copied the ballet tee verbatim – but feel free to use any lyric, poem or catchphrase that you like!)
3. Simply fill in the pencil letters with the fabric marker.  Let dry completely.

See below for how I plan to style this cute, simple graphic tee both for day and night! 

For day, mixing simple graphics (like typography and florals) is stylish yet easy.  Pair with sleek studs and dressy flats for an outfit that is cool without trying too hard.  For night, switch out patterned denim for an on trend leather peplum skirt, a geometric necklace and patterned colorful heels to match the playful feel of the t-shirt.

(original tee)
(for day: 1. patterned jeans; 2. studs; 3. flats)
(for night: 1. peplum skirt; 2. necklace; 3. heels)

I hope I never get too old to enjoy hanging out with my best girl friend, listening to music, watching movies, playing dress up and dreaming about the future, which is exactly what I spent this past weekend doing.  Luckily Spice Girls have been replaced by slightly better music these days (although honestly, I’ve still got some love for the Spice Girls).  Hope your Monday started off after an equally great weekend.

(listen.)

I have always been a ‘small bag’ person.  I only ever carry the essentials (lip balm, cell phone, tiny wallet), so I consider even a cute little clutch practical.  Alas, in preparation for my cross country road trip in a few weeks, I’m starting to come to terms with the fact that a small bag simply may not cut it for day trip destinations along the way.  All of the above would easily store my new essentials (camera, notepad, granola bar/bottled water), and there’s one to fit every setting I may find myself in over the course of our two week journey – city, country, or beach.  The only question now is: backpack (with compartments to stay organized) tote (roomy yet structured), or cross-body bag (to keep my hands free)??  Apparently, less is not always more.    

(city: Forever 21 backpack, Gap tote, J.Crew cross-body)
(country: Madewell backpack, Asos tote, Topshop cross-body)
(beach: Urban Outfitters backpack, Free People tote, AE cross-body)

After living in New York for the past three years, and now getting ready to move to L.A. in a month, I’m faced with the challenge of integrating a bit of the West Coast into my decidedly East Coast style.  This image from the Fall H&M campaign kind of captures what I think that may look like.  I’ll be hanging on to basics (like a black crewneck sweater), nodding to my preppy roots (what can I say, I love a good knee sock), and throwing in a few new pieces that exude a casual cool (like this printed skirt).  I’m hoping the whole thing ends up coming off as ’90’s laid back city kid’.. but I’ll be sure to keep you posted.

(image)

In all the years I spent growing up in Pennsylvania, I’m not sure I ever heard the state described as trendsetting.  And yet, against all odds Topshop has chosen my home state of PA as inspiration for one of their Fall ’12 collections.  Sure, the styling may look like a cross between a member of the Amish community and an extra from an M. Night Shyamalan movie.. but it may be the only time the state receives this semi-honor so I think it’s worthy of a mention.  Plus, I’m not totally against that hooded cape coat they’ve got going on…

(all: topshop)