Staten Island//Manhattan

I feel like I've figured out my staples over the last few months. Those things that start as random occurrences, turn into habits, and the next thing you know your coworkers are all, WAIT, you actually have hair?!

Hair in ever-frizzy bun? Check.
Pearl earrings? Check.
Chambray shirt? Check.
My favorite pair of glasses (from Spexclub)? Check.

Clearly it's a lot easier being me than you thought.


Photo of me by him, of course.

A Happy Christmas from Burberry

2010 Emmy Awards

image via

I know some people didn't care for Glee's Dianna Agron's look at the 2010 Emmy Awards, but I died for it. She managed to look glamorous and classic, without making all the lace look matronly.
She also didn't try so hard she ended up looking like a morning-after 80's prom queen, ahem, like someone else she knows.

Dressing Up Cats

Why is the world so obsessed with dressing up cats? Why am I so obsessed with the world's obsession with dressing up cats?
I don't know (but SO CUTE). Another item to be added to the list of life's great unanswered questions.

via styledotcom

Canvas by Lands' End

Have you heard about Canvas, Lands' End newest brand? Don't worry, I hadn't either.

Lands' End, the company I always assumed would continue to cater to those post-retirement, still using pagers kind of people, recently unveiled a new, classic brand, Canvas, that's targeted to a much, MUCH younger audience.

As the website says, Canvas provides "clothing that is rooted in function but oriented toward possibility." And I'd say that's a rather accurate statement, because although I generally ignore all functionality in my clothing choices the possibility of me buying Canvas pieces is pretty likely.

I think their pieces are simple and pretty, and the cotton tees looks as comfortable as anything.

But what do you think, would you or wouldn't you?

Images via Canvas website

H&M Spring 2010

Image via H&M Spring 2010

The "Around The World" spread from H&M's Spring 2010 Magazine, shot by Andreas Sjödin, is spectacular. I'm so glad they've gone from a catalogue feel to a more editorial-type magazine.

Mainly because it's an even better way for me to get my H&M fix in between my visits home.

Today I love warm weather and Paris editorials

They're not my weather averages, of course, but in not too long I get this for a whole week. Can you imagine? Every morning when I walk to classes, hunched over to limit my body's exposure to the cold and wind, I remember, just a few more weeks until WARM! It's amazing what the mere thought of warmth can do for your ambition to make it through winter.

Photo via Eliza Magazine Fall Issue

And just for those who were curious about my bowling habits, tonight I bowled a whopping 56. Literally. That's awful even for me, the girl who can't break one hundred. I hope we can still be friends, despite my lack of bowling talent. Maybe it can even become one of those moments we try to remember when one of us is feeling pretty crappy, and we say something like, "Hey remember that time you bowled a 56? At least this isn't as bad as that!"

The cutest swimsuit I've ever seen

My Dearest J.Crew,

You obviously could tell that I've been looking for a cute, vintage-inspired swimsuit. Why else would you have gone and put all those great options on your Web site? Was it because you knew I'd be getting spring fever early this year and could use a new swimsuit? Because you remembered me saying I've been checking the weather for my spring break destination since January? Or was it to tempt me, because year after year you just have a knack at making great clothes? I mean, one of your designers was just named one of the best American menswear designers for 2010 by GQ Magazine for goodness sake.

So, J.Crew, if you knew all these reasons to love them, and most of all this one, why couldn't you have made them NOT $80? Didn't you remember I'm a college student? No? Well, I am.

Therefore I ask, could do something about that price issue? If you did I'd be forever in your debt. Or if you don't and I buy it, then I really would be in debt. Which is not a great option.

An opinion, or why I disapprove of your inability to get dressed in the morning

Occasionally I reach a breaking point in life and can't be nice anymore. It's the time when you've held it all in, kept it under lock and key, and told yourself, Hey, everyone is entitled to their own life, opinions, choices, whatever it may be, and still can't ignore it. There are certain things you believe in, stand for, or oppose so much that you can't sit idly and quiet while the world is tainted. I'm never one to shy away from my opinions, and if you have every met me you'll know what I mean. I get this look and tone of voice when I'm ready to bring out the gloves and fight.

There was a time last year during winter when the house I was living in (this cute, old house, bless it's heart) started having some issues. And by issues you know I mean our boiler/furnace stopped burning properly and began emitting terrible fumes, sending them wafting through the house. It wasn't pretty, people. Frantic phone calls were made to the gas company, and mandatory visits were made to the neighbors so we could stay in a warm place for a while and, oh, NOT DIE. After chatting with the gas man, who also gave us life advice, we learned what was being emitted into the basement was beyond the legal limits. About five times beyond it. So, the boiler was shut off, we were given a citation to give to the landlord, and nerves were calmed.

(I suppose this is an appropriate time to interject and let you know in most circumstances, I also happen to be a fiercely loyal person. It's one of those situations where if you hurt my friend or family member, I'll kindly remind you about the old friend I have whose uncle's involvement in the mob is still under speculation. And that he owes me a favor.)

When our landlord finally decided he should make his way over, he promptly told me he didn't smell anything, everything was fine and he'd deal with it later. And right after he made those remarks, I reached one of those breaking points. Let's just say I made my concerns about OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY very clear, with pursed lips and gloves out.

Well, ladies and gentlemen, there's a reason I told this story, because I'm afraid we've reached that time again. Consider my angry voice in use and lips completely pursed, Miranda-style.

I've never been one to consider much comfort in my clothing choices. I wear heels as long as it's not blizzard-ing out, there are metal studs on the shoulders of my favorite dress coat, and I wear black in the summer. Do my choices make sense? No, absolutely not. However, appreciating other's choices is what makes life (and fashion) exciting. If everyone dressed exactly the same the world would be a bleak, dull place.

But world, PajamaJeans is just too far. TOO FAR. There is a limit to the combination of attempted fashion and comfort, and this is it. I protest, object, and every other word you can think of to say how much I am against this new must-have item.

Perfect for the woman looking to indulge her inner couch potato, as the author says, PajamaJeans are the middle ground between wearing real clothes and jumping right into your pajamas. The pants, a cotton and spandex pant with jersey lining, are made to look like jeans but feel like pajamas with pockets and rivets to give the illusion of trendy denim. The funny thing is I know another way to give the illusion of trendy denim: wearing trendy denim.

Article source: NY Daily News

[Disclaimer: I own some great sweat pants and wear them often, but always in the comfort of my home.]

Tanya Gold and I will never be friends.

You may have heard about this article, but if not, well, now you have.

I'm not going to say much about it other than post a link to it and tell you I disagree with the method and means of the presentation of her opinion. I also find it a little disconcerting she almost mocks the life of a sixteen-year-old girl by blaming the fashion companies, magazines and designers for her untimely death.

Major party foul, Tanya. MAJOR. PARTY. FOUL.

Why I hate fashion - Tanya Gold

[Feel free to search her name or the article name and you'll find a bevy of rebuttals and opinions writing by those both in and out in the fashion industry. Some are civil, some are not-so-civil, and some make me wonder if Ms. Gold should be worried about her home soon being egged by Manolo- and Louboutin-clad masses, out for her head.]

Some eyeliner and a french twist

Sometimes pretty images are what you need to get through the last week of the semester before a long winter break. Let's just say these fit the bill.

Images via From Me To You

Colette Patterns

Paying $16 for a pattern seems a bit steep for me, especially being a college student and everything, but these might just be the prettiest things I've seen.

Image via Colette Patterns

Reasons why photography still has my heart

Scott Schuman, the man behind The Sartorialist, always manages to find amazing street style, but it's images like the one above that remind me what a great photographer he is, too.

I'm a sucker for photojournalism and good lighting and he always delivers.

[Image via: The Sartorialist]

Marchesa, round dos

Just like last time, Marchesa didn't disappoint. They never do.


Images via: style.com

Social Primer

Contrary to popular belief, I'm still alive and kicking. In fact I've been very much alive and busy, which would explain why my last post was before I even left New York more than two weeks ago.
But in an unrelated-to-my-life blog post, and until I can find my USB camera cords and show you why it is I haven't had a good nights sleep since I left, I thought I'd share a blog I've been reading for some time now.

Social Primer is an etiquette/lifestyle blog about everything from being a house guest to taking out your yacht. You know, the typical things any country club-attending, Cape-vacationing, East Coaster does during their days. Or in other words, none of the things most people actually do. But regardless, I still find him oddly humorous. He reminds me how much of an old soul I am.

The Vintage Closet

If my brain ever decides to start remembering my dreams I'd like to have one where I'm wearing a fabulous hat. Preferably one of these hats.

[Sun Hat via The Vintage Closet on Etsy]

Cutiemus

I'll take these two in my size, please.

Thanks.

[Summersweet Cardigan & Puddle Jump Trench via Cutiemus]

Confession

I wish I was brave enough to rock hair like this girl.

It's so fierce it puts Tyra to shame.

[Image via The Sartorialist]

Retouching

As is becoming so typical in the lives of young women today, I'm interested in fashion. It's not because I like, totally LOVE dressing up and putting on makeup. It's not because I like spending absurd amounts of money on fashion either. Because trust me, I don't.

It's because I love the "seeing" aspect of it.

I love seeing how clothing can alter the body, whether as body dominant or subordinate. I love seeing how various cuts, fabrics and sewing techniques can be used to take a simple bolt of fabric and turn it into a masterpiece. And I love the artistic and journalistic aspect of fashion photography. It takes a man or woman in clothing and turns it into a modern-day painting. A Givenchy design becomes like a Renoir.

Unfortunately technology has ruined it. Again.

I read this article from The New York Times and had to laugh a little bit. As if any of us actually thought the photos weren't retouched anyway.

Smile and Say 'No Photoshop'

Things I've learned from Tim

A few years ago my Mother decided to start including those thought-a-day calendars in our Christmas stockings and, as with many of her ideas, it has become somewhat of a tradition.

Opening them up on Christmas morning is always fun, with the almost endless things you can stick on 365 pages of a calendar proving to be pretty entertaining. One year my father got a Spanish word-a-day calendar, I think Kristen once got a French word one, and even though I can't remember what Amy's received I'm guessing at least one had to do with math (It wouldn't be a stretch considering she used to own a poster that read "Math Is Everywhere" she proudly displayed in her dorm room for several years). So, in other words, they got those boring "smart people" calendars. Luckily for me I had to take one for the team and be the one to get the "fun" calendars. Yeah, life's pretty tough sometimes.

This past Christmas I was understandably thrilled when I got my thought-a-day calendar. It didn't even matter what it said, because all I knew when I opened it was Tim Gunn's face was on the front. For those that don't understand the Nicole Thought Process, that means, SWEET GOODNESS I'm going to really enjoy this year. And I have. Every day so far.

Some days they're random facts, tidbits about fabrics and textiles, or even witty adages I can totally imagine him saying, followed by his mantra "make it work!" Then there are those days where I just stand at my dresser staring at my calendar, laughing to myself. Today's might have been one of my favorites this year.

"It is never a good idea to have a provocative

word printed on the seat of your pants."

Oh, Tim. I love you, I really do. I'm glad I read that before I went out and bought those sweat pants with HOTTIE! written on the back. They would've been like, totally awesome, but I trust you so I'll resist.

listening to: "Best Supporting Actress" - One For The Team