Before filming today's video, I (briefly) explained to my boyfriend what I was filming that particular day in the studio.
Me: "You know, it's a haul video."
Him: "It's a WHAT video? What are you lifting in it?"
Me: "No, no, not haul as in, carrying. Haul as in what I've bought. My loot. My recent purchases."
Him: Blank stare.
Me: Continuing on... "and then I'm going to show each piece on to show the fit."
Him: Blank stare continues.
Me: "Alright then! I'm off to film my haul video!"
Him: "I still don't get it."
And without further adieu, I bring you my very first haul video -- confusing boyfriends since YouTube was created and hopefully entertaining you all in the process! For this particular video, I gathered a few of my favorite recent fall and winter purchases and styled each piece individually. For all product links and size references, hop over to my YouTube channel, where you'll find all the links and info you need! Hope you enjoy today's video and if you get the chance, I would really appreciate it if you would consider subscribing to my YouTube channel! I publish a new video every Friday, many times well before it ever makes it here on the blog!
Just popping in for a quick hello! Ever since the long holiday weekend started, I’ve been feeling a bit behind on things — but I can’t stress enough how much I needed that little break up to Spokane, Washington to see my dad and stepmom. It was the perfect blend of leftovers, movies and family time (and a decent amount of sleeping in, much to the chagrin of my dad, who is an even EARLIER morning person than me).
Now that I’m back in NYC, I’m hitting the ground running before I leave again, this time for Australia for most of December! I’m beyond excited to hop away for the holidays to a new to me part of Oz (Melbourne and Western Australia), but it means I’m also soaking up all the NYC holiday magic that I can while I’m here in town.
So your all my New Yorkers out there, start marking your calendars now! I’ve teamed up with the Johnston & Murphy team to celebrate the opening of their latest store up at 501 Madison — and I would love for you to toast with me! We’ll be hanging out, this Thursday, November 30th, from 6-8pm, sipping champagne, singing along to holiday songs and trying on lots of shoes. (I recently picked up this black suede pair you see here and I’m already itching for it in the congac version). Plus, everything in the store will be 20% off for the evening!
This post was in collaboration with Johnston & Murphy. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
Raise your hand if you're getting a tad bit overwhelmed with all the sales going on...
(Raises hand.)
If your hand happens to be raised as well, you're in luck! I decided to skim through a lot of sales last night and rounded up my favorite Cyber Monday deals, worth checking out today. I can't promise you won't feel overwhelmed still, but hey, at least this can serve as a cheat sheet of sorts. Good luck out there!
1.) Anine Bing: Offering anywhere up to 50% off regular fall merchandise.
When it comes to my skincare routine here in New York, you guys know I've been through the ringer. After moving here from San Francisco, my skin went through a series of phases -- some good, some bad, some downright ugly -- and it took me a while to finally get a handle on the situation. Between the climate change (hello harsh winters!) to some pretty pervasive pollution, not to mention a handful of New York evenings where you just don't sleep, my skin revolted -- resulting in some pretty moderate to severe adult acne. Some of you may recall my journey here, which I shared in detail -- everything from what worked to what failed.
Thankfully, I've gotten my skin under control thanks to an awesome dermatologist here in the city, a fitness routine that balances me and my skin out, a combination of certain prescribed medicines (which I shared here) that I've since weened off, and generally, just listening to my skin when it's trying to tell me something. My schedule certainly hasn't slowed down, nor has my daily pace, but I definitely make a point, at the beginning and end of each day to tend to my skin -- a ritual of sorts. I was recently introduced to the brand, Valmont, a Swiss luxury skincare line, after trying out a few of their products at a recent event at Saks. Fast forward a few weeks later, and their team approached me about test driving their latest Essence of Bees line, with an introductory session with one of their lead estheticians, Sandra, here in New York. Sandra has been using Valmont on many of her clients for the past 18 years, which I think is a testament to how much she truly believes in the product -- most of which features some of the latest technology in skincare advancements, including skin rejuvenating elements that are traditionally used on burn victims. Plus, Sandra's skin was pretty much perfect -- the first thing I look for when I come in for a facial.
Since then, I've been following a regimen of their eye serum, facial oil daily -- both in the mornings and the evenings, with their mask about 2-3 times a week. It's only been about 2 weeks now, but I think the biggest difference I can see, is under my eyes, which usually are extremely sensitive to my sleep patterns (or lack thereof) -- my under eye skin feels much more supple to the touch and oddly enough, I feel like I just look more awake. I'll keep testing out these products over the coming weeks, but in the meantime, I wanted to share their line with one of you! Hope over to this Instagram post to learn more about how you could win their Essence of Bees line (retails over $1k)!
Also, hope you enjoy this video we created, inspired by the many New York girls I know, who are constantly on the go but don't want to sacrifice their skincare routine. And if you haven't already, I would love it if you would consider subscribing to my YouTube channel! I launch new videos every Friday, many times before they get posted to Instagram or the blog.
And, of course, Happy Thanksgiving, guys! Hope you have a beautiful holiday with family and friends!
This post was in collaboration with Valmont. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
This past weekend, I watched the "Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold" documentary on Netflix. As someone who has loved Didion's work over the years, it was just the message I had been looking for lately. In it, Didion talks a lot about the feeling of writing at a young age when her mother gave her one of her first notebooks, encouraging her to write down her thoughts.
"I didn't really have any clear picture on how to do it, but I do remember having a very clear sense that I wanted this to continue."
Didion is known for a lot of things throughout her career, many of which are just the tip of the iceberg as to why I admire her and her work so much. Her take on literary journalism and the essay as a modern novel of sorts (especially in regards to numerous social forces of her time) are all a huge reason as to why I was drawn to journalism in the first place. And after watching her documentary -- it really got me thinking about why we write down and share thoughts at all.
If I'm being perfectly honest, there have been many moments since staring This Time Tomorrow where I've hit certain walls. Walls where I felt like I didn't have enough time to work on this space. Walls where I felt like I didn't have anything meaningful to add. Walls where I felt like what I added didn't make a difference. They're the worst walls to hit -- walls of self-doubt.
And usually, after a fair bit of reflection and some time spent doing the things I've listed below, I'm able to reconnect with what it is that I really love about doing what I do -- the thing that gives me a "very clear sense that I want it to continue."
Whether you work in a creative field like me (perhaps you're your own boss, as well?) or not, moments of self-doubt creep in for everyone, and after this most recent bout I've gone through, I figured I'd share a few of my tried and true ways I face creative ruts head on. Because, sometimes the biggest comfort (and catalyst for getting out of them) is to realize that you're not alone.
1. Remind yourself, you're not alone. This one is seemingly easy. But I assure you, a lot of the time, it isn't. Especially in an industry where there's a never ending stream of content -- great content, too -- it's that all too familiar feeling of thinking everyone else has their shit figured out, except for you. I'm extremely guilty of falling down this rabbit hole, to the point my anxiety can get the best of me, standing in the way of my own productivity. Suddenly, I can't seem to move forward with step one of project one, because I'm overwhelmed by the 19th step in project 5.
And then, I force myself to remember: for every beautifully curated feed, video, or post, there's someone behind it who feels just as vulnerable as you at times. Who doesn't know exactly what they're doing ALL the time. Who's just trying to make it LOOK like they have it together. The truth is, once you can accept everyone else is trying their best to make it look like they have it together, you can start to accept your own process of getting there, too.
2. Feed your brain, your heart, your soul, whatever needs FEEDING. This one means a lot of different things to me at different times, for different creative ruts, but the underlying point is always the same. I try to listen to what part of me is lacking, be it my creative writing, my photography, my voice, my vision, and I try to make a conscious effort to feed it. That means, instead of binge watching certain shows in my downtime (don't get me wrong, I love Riverdale, too!), I try to turn something on that adds a bit of substance while I work, like the Joan Didion documentary I watched last weekend.
Of course, the more I dive into the logistics of managing my own business, making time to read JUST FOR ME, is also hard to come by. Lately, I've been making more of a point to read poetry before bed. I find there's a lot of solace in being able to digest a poem or two before bed -- it requires less reacquainting than some of the novels that I'm also reading, but it actually also gives my imagination a lot to mull over before I fall asleep. I feel much more satiated because of it.
Sometimes, when the weather permits it, this means I also opt to just walk as much as possible. There's something about walking around New York that always manages to make me see things differently, be it the people I meet along the way, a building I hadn't noticed before or the way the sunset casts interesting shadows at a certain intersection. Does New York have to be your backdrop? Of course not. The point is to find the beauty already around you, no matter where you are.
3. Reflect. More often than not, the best way to move forward, is to (briefly) look back at how far you have come. Honestly. Give it a try. I used to be deathly afraid of quitting my full time marketing job. Then I did. Now that I'm past that hurdle, I have to remind myself I was capable of doing it in the first place, and there's no valid reason why I can't pass the next hurdle.
4. Don't be precious about it. This one is about perspective -- the easiest thing to lose when you get wrapped up in your own world and your own creative work. I find, the longer I concentrate and overthink something, the more I end up feeling directionless with it. Essentially, the more I want it to be perfect, the less perfect it becomes. Instead, I allow myself to get, well, messy with it. I take what might be a traditional approach to a project, and I try to turn it on its head. I'll give myself very random writing prompts (most of which don't make it on here, but perhaps they should?) just to allow my head the time to roam wildly for a minute. I also like to research ways to improve my writing. For example, just the other day a friend of mine showed me this guide to some different types of editing. Whether you are writing a novel, or a blog post, editing is fundamental. It's an incredibly freeing feeling to make something that you're not smothering along the way -- even if it comes out slightly strange or different or not what you normally see in an Instagram feed or perhaps it doesn't get shared at all -- the choice is yours! But make it. And let it be weird. And strange. And different. And odd. And I bet you'll probably have some fun along the way and come up with a whole slew of new ideas to try out for your next creative endeavor.
5. Find collaborators who are hungry like you! Nothing gets me invigorated to work and create like meeting other like-minded creatives! Seriously. It's quite possibly the best medicine I prescribe to you. Ask your literary agents to help you find some new talent if you can't find it on your own. They know your writing style and genres and could easily pair you up with someone who's just as creative as you. Whenever I'm feeling a bit drained or in need of a creative revival, I start digging around for new blood -- new brands to approach for styling editorials, new photographers I admire on Instagram who might be open to working together, new influencer friends who might be up for grabbing coffee and shooting together. You'll be surprised how far it propels you and makes you see things with a whole new light.
Have you ever looked up the word "lady" in the dictionary? Well, if you're like me, and haven't done so EVER, I've gone ahead and saved you the trouble: Click right here.
Go ahead. I'll wait.
Surprised? Yeah, me too. There are 12 definitions of the word "lady." And they range from extremely antiquated (like a 'female feudal superior') to unsurprisingly worthy of an eye roll or two (like 'a woman who is the object of chivalrous devotion'). For the sake of this argument, the first definition suffices here as it is the most commonly understood meaning of the word. It reads:
"A lady is a woman who is refined, polite and well-spoken."
Seemingly simple enough, right? I suppose so. Until we start diving into the semantics of the words "refined," "polite" and "well-spoken" especially in the context of how society associates them with women. I'll spare you all the exercise of looking up each of these words, but I imagine you can see where my point is going. We have a hard enough time pinpointing the word "lady" as it is -- so the waters get murkier when we throw in other words that carry a fair amount of subjectivity to them. Grace Kelly was refined. And so is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Princess Diana was on all accounts polite. And yet, she politely gave the middle finger to the royal establishment by breaking it's stuffiness and making more contact with the public through her prolific charity work. Charlotte Bronte was certainly well-spoken. And so is Malala Yousafzai. The list goes on.
I think it's safe to say, in a society that, on many accounts is still struggling to even the playing field between the sexes (a subject for another post, for another day), we as women have been going through a drawn-out identity crisis, blurring and redefining the lines of what it means to be a woman, a lady and, heck, a human being in 2017. It hardly boils down to three adjectives. It boils down to far too many adjectives to list here in a single blog post.
And it's this very idea that Talbots has been tackling head on in their "Because I'm a Lady" campaign. When their team first approached me about working together on this, I was intrigued to see how they were positioning the word "lady," a word that amongst millennial and GenZ generations tends to get tossed around both positively and negatively. What I found was a refreshing take on grace, intelligence, humility, tact, poise, confidence and leadership -- all redefined, challenging traditional conventions, unapologetically and boldly. And it's a lady I think we can all identify with -- regardless of age and background. She prides herself in being assertive in the office. She dines alone, because she enjoys her own company. She laughs heartily with friends, unafraid of how she appears to others. She moves with grace, in a way that's unabashedly her own, dancing to the beat of her own god damn drummer (perhaps to the chagrin of her partner). Seriously, go watch their reel of campaign videos here, it will only take a few minutes.
I'll wait right here.
Naturally, when they asked me to choose an aspect of the campaign that spoke the most to me, I realized I actually couldn't choose -- and I don't think I need to. Just as we have 12 different definitions of the word lady (and likely more to be added in the coming years and generations), I think the beauty of being a lady is that it means a multitude of many different things to many different women. And WE, as women, get to define that. For no one else, but ourselves.
This post was in collaboration with Talbots. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
T'was the week before Thanksgiving, and all through the apartment, every fashion maven was scrolling through the shoe department…
That's how it goes, right? 🙂
Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year. A day filled with family, friends, food, and festivities — what could be better? One of my favorite things about the holiday is the way everyone has different traditions. For some, the entire extended family piles into this year's host's home, where folding tables have been placed strategically throughout the dining and living rooms, decked out in pretty linens and lined with autumnal centerpieces. Food is served in big dishes, and everyone chats happily as they pile their plates high with corn pudding and mashed potatoes. These are my personal favourite food, I'm forever making them for myself. There is an art to it that I like to think I have mastered, and I'm sure you can too. First, find out how to choose the best potato masher because your tools make all the difference. Photos are snapped throughout the day, joy captured in quick squares, and everyone contentedly collapses on the couch to watch movies and play games. Turkey and gravy is best paired with luxe loungewear, to remain comfortable yet chic while consuming every side dish in sight.
For others, it's Friendsgiving, potlucked and cozy, recounting tales of past Thanksgivings and maybe trying to recreate that Friends episode where Joey gets the turkey stuck on his head. A proud but exhausted master chef, covered in flour from her three delicious homemade pies, looks lovingly at her friends gathered around her table in her tiny apartment. She wears heels even though she's inside paired with an oversized sweater, and reapplies her red lipstick while no one is looking.
And then there are the Thanksgiving orphans, with all friends leaving town and no desire to cook, who end up in a snug, homey restaurant in the corner of the city, grateful they decided to remain open on the holiday and serve 3-course dinners. Dressed up in cocktail attire and a chic coat draped over her shoulders, she sips warm mulled cider by the flickering firelight and smiles at her Thanksgiving companion.
So, which type of Thanksgiving celebration is your favorite? What is the fondest tradition you practice each year? How will you be spending the day next week? And, importantly, what are you wearing? See my picks below for the perfect outfit to match your own unique festivities.
Raise your hand if, once upon a time, you used to subscribe to numerous monthly subscription boxes.
(My hand is raised.)
OK, now raise your hand if your experience since then goes a bit like this:
What started off as one innocent subscription-based membership, let's say for beauty, slowly morphed into a subscription box for pretty much every category and reason under the sun, from fitness to fashion and you soon realized: "I just don't have space for this." It boiled down to, too much stuff, way too often. And perhaps you got tired of your mailman looking at you like you were secretly a hoarder?
(My hand is certainly raised.)
OK, so if your hand isn't tired yet, keep them up if you then unsubscribed from said monthly subscription boxes?
(Yep, my hand is up there.)
As you can imagine, I have a love/hate relationship with subscription boxes -- not because I don't like the concept. It's more than I wish there was a better way to tailor them for my interests and needs. Like a lot of you, I imagine, I got tired of the onslaught of products every month, many of them sample size, which made it hard to determine if I REALLY liked them or not. And more often than not, I found myself holding onto a few really great products across all the different services/categories, and wishing I could have gotten that assortment in ONE box, not 7.
So you can imagine my curiosity when the folks over at FabFitFun approached me about reviewing their latest Editor's Box, the contents of which, you can see here in my photos. What initially hooked me, on premise alone, is the fact they send boxes seasonally (essentially every 3 months), not every month, which if you ask me, is a much more manageable frequency. Plus, they curate products from a broader range of categories, including beauty, fashion, fitness and travel (the 4 keys to my heart!) that you can ultimately edit yourself if you choose to do so (or keep it a surprise -- the choice is yours!). All products are FULL size (finally!) and each box is $49.99, with at least $200 worth of products inside.
And just to top things off here, they partner with a different charity for each seasonal send, with a portion of the proceeds going back toward the organization. This month's send is benefitting the American Heart Association.
OK, so the deal sounds good, right? What about the content?
I'll be sharing my favorites from their Editor's Box down below, so keep reading -- and if happen to want to scoop up a box for yourself, be sure to use the code TOMORROW at checkout for $10 off your first purchase! Just a quick note: the Editor's Box has since sold out, but you should check out their latest Winter Box available now (which actually has the BB Dakota poncho I wore in this Instagram post).
The lineup: Salted, Himalayan Salt Kit: So I'm no at-home gourmand, but there is something so decadent about whipping out some Himalayan salt for even the most basic of snacks. This kit was probably the first thing I used from the box -- it comes with a grater and wood stand, and came just in time for a good binge session of Stranger Things and some popcorn (which I definitely topped off with extra salt).
Realher, Lip kit in deep red: Such a great red, so it had me sold there. But I just love the female empowerment packaging!
Mytagalongs, high speed skipping rope: This skipping rope couldn't have come at a better time! Admittedly, I've been in the market for a jump rope ever since writing this post a while back about easy workout tips while traveling. And for some reason or another, I just never pulled the trigger on one. But now, with the holidays almost here and the fact I'll be in Australia for most of December, I'm excited to bring this rope along, so I can mix up my exercise routine on the road!
Spongelle, body wash infused buffer in French lavender: In one word: heavenly. It just smells heavenly. Lately, I've been really into scheduling a Sunday night bath for myself. While I don't have the world's most luxurious bathroom or bathtub (this is an old building in the West Village, after all), it really comes down to the little touches that make all the difference. Great candles. Music. A book. And this body sponge have all been making me one relaxed woman come Sunday night.
Sterling Forever, wishbone necklace: So this was probably the second used product in the box -- I immediately threw it on and loved how it looked mixed with all my other white gold and rose gold jewelry. Plus, you guys may recall I recently misplaced my go-to wishbone necklace, so this was a welcomed surprise!
Anderson Lilley, Dry Body Oil in Manhattan Beach: At first glance, I wasn't entirely sure what this product was intended for: hair? face? body? nails? That is, until I realized, it basically worked wonders, for all of them! The texture threw me off at first -- it glides on with a bit of a matte finish, which seems counterintuitive for a moisturizer, but it lingers in a really satisfying way. Lately, I've been using it on my face, after my moisturizer and SPF, and before my foundation, to give a bit of a base glow.
This post was in collaboration with FabFitFun. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
For all my New York friends, consider this your Tuesday evening invitation! My good friend Dylana Suarez and I invite you to join us at the Mulberry boutique in SoHo (134 Spring Street), for a little soirée celebrating their latest bag launch, the Amberley (the gorgeous bags you see in the photos here). We'll be toasting, dancing and generally, laughing quite a bit -- and we'd love for you to come hang out! Make sure to RSVP to RSVPNYC@mulberry.com -- and you could possibly win a Mulberry gift for yourself!
Hope to see you there -- and don't forget your dancing shoes!
This post was in collaboration with Mulberry. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
If there's anything I've learned about living in New York, it's that for practically any situation you find yourself in, there's a Sex and the City episode to reference.And, if there's another thing I've learned about living in New York, it's that each reference-worthy episode of SATC takes on a whole new meaning, once you cross over into your 30s. What seemed distant and perhaps un-relateable when I first enjoyed the series in my 20s, has taken on a slightly different meaning as I knock on the door of 32-an age where I could arguably be cast in a reprise of the series itself (A girl can dream, right?). Oddly enough, what used to be just comforting background noise while I work, now frequently has me saying out loud, "Wait, this is my life right now."
The most recent déjà vu episode? Where Carrie confronts her friend about her stolen Manolos by creating a wedding registry in her name, in celebration of her pending nuptials with...herself. You know the one. She decries the fact that women all too often celebrate the milestones of marriage and pregnancy (both wonderful occasions, don't get me wrong), with parties and gifts and diamond rings, but what about the other milestones? What about professional milestones? What about the 'congrats, you didn't choose the wrong guy, milestones? What about self-love milestones? What about the 'you're a badass and you know it' milestones? What about the 'you're fabulously single' milestones?
All fair game if you ask me. And all milestones, I think we can agree, that represent the full spectrum of things worthy of celebrating, today more than ever. So when my good friend and amazing jewelry designer, Jillian Abboud, asked me if I would ever be in the market for a diamond ring for myself, I thought of this exact episode. No, I don't have any pending wedding announcement to share here. Or a fiancé to introduce. I'm dating a very special person, yes, but why is it that a diamond ring, a timeless piece of jewelry, has to be so tied to my relationship status with someone else? Why couldn't it be a celebration of my relationship with me; a gift for ME, from ME?
In all fairness, this isn't to make light of purchasing a diamond and the economic ability to do so-it's a purchase that takes consideration and gravitas. But it's an innately personal one that, at the right time and the right celebratory moment, can feel so rewarding and well-deserved: a timeless piece of jewelry to hold on to, as a testament of your hard work. I've heard that some women like to treat themselves to gold quartz jewelry that you find at https://orocal.com/ or somewhere similar when they want to treat themselves to a gift. Who wouldn't want to have timeless pieces like this?
Just the other week, as you might have spied on Instagram, I attended the "Brilliance Revealed: The Artistry Behind Diamond Design" event to learn more about the "Real is Rare. Real is a Diamond" campaign at an intimate diamond design demonstration held at William Goldberg Diamonds. As someone who loves seeing how things are made, it was a real honor to be invited to William Goldberg, a company with such rich history, to better understand how a rough diamond is transformed into a finished piece of jewelry, a process that can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to finish. There we met William Lopez, Master Diamond cutter for William Goldberg with more than 46 years of experience. He studies, examines and eventually architects some of the company's most notable diamonds, including the 48.2 ct ASHOKA cut ring you see me wearing here in several of the photos.
In short: it was humbling. The meticulous attention to detail and the craft were similar to that of an artist's studio, where the painter allows the canvas and oils to lead the way. Here too, the master diamond cutters examine all angles and imperfections to allow for the most brilliant faceted design to shine through.
Admittedly, I've never been in a diamond design studio before, so it was like a peek behind a very heavy curtain for me, and one that I think only added to the weight of the idea of purchasing a diamond for myself, from myself, in celebration of, well, myself. Diamonds are precious, rare and billions of years old before they're even brought to the light of day to be witnessed and worn by you and I. There's a proud finality to them-they're intrinsically unique and one-of-a-kind, hand crafted by both nature and talented experts likely William Lopez. And I think for those reasons alone, it's easy to see how diamonds have the ability to single-handedly play huge roles in not just one, but many pivotal moments in our lives as women (whether we're the ones buying them or not), from marriage to children, from promotions to declarations of self-love, to name only a few.
As you might have guessed by now, this empowering notion is largely why the "Real is Rare. Real is a Diamond" campaign struck such a chord with me. If and when I make this purchase (granted, I won't be scooping up the ASHOKA diamond ring you see here anytime soon -- but hey, perhaps someday I will!), it will be a gift from me to me, in celebration of things I've accomplished and how hard I've worked for them. Unlike Carrie, I won't be creating a wedding registry for my own nuptials with myself (unless my Manolos suddenly go missing!). Instead I'm excited to be working with Jillian over the coming weeks to design a custom-made diamond swivel ring and I'm even more excited to share her work with you all along the way!
In the meantime, I'd love to know, what are some recent milestones you've celebrated? And how did you celebrate them for yourself?
This post was in collaboration with Real is Rare. Real is a Diamond. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
Happy Friday, everyone! It's the home stretch before the weekend, almost 5pm and I bet you're already making dinner and weekend plans (perhaps you've already started them?
Before you head out for the day, I wanted to share a fun little video I've had in the works for a while now, in celebration of my YouTube channel launch! Admittedly, I've had a channel for quite some time now but have never found the time or the energy to dedicate to video -- it's always seemed so daunting, and quite frankly, out of my comfort zone. I started This Time Tomorrow initially being quite intimidated by taking daily photos of myself (I've never really liked having my photo taken), so the idea of being ON camera, where I have to worry about awkward facial expressions and the sound of my voice (which I hate), has never boded well.
But, after some poking and prodding from friends, I decided, why the hell not? I already spend a lot of time on YouTube watching my friends' channels so I'm somewhat loving the idea of tackling a new content stream for you guys. Over the coming weeks, I'll be sharing one new video per week, covering everything from style lookbooks to New York City guides, from weekly vlogs to beauty and hair tutorials. And I would really appreciate it if you would consider subscribing to my channel -- it would mean a lot to me.
And today, in the spirit of getting to know each other a bit more, I decided to create a 73 Questions video, inspired by Vogue's mega hit series. My friend Grace and I were chatting about her recently launched YouTube channel, when I suggested she try spoofing this style of interview -- which then had me thinking, perhaps I'll give it a go! Hope you enjoy and please do let me know if there are certain types of videos you'd like to see more of over on my channel. Would love to connect over there!
Happy Friday! Just a quick post to let you know that Nordstrom is having the best fall sale right now — save up to 40% off until November 12 on your favorite autumn staples and fun holiday wear. Check out our picks below, grab a good cup of coffee, and start shopping!
As some of you may have seen on Instagram the past few days, I recently completed a dream video project with Mulberry in celebration of their newest bag launch, the Amberley. I've always admired the proud elegance of Mulberry bags and their womens ready to wear line -- there's something so innately polished and proper about their aesthetic. Naturally, when they asked me to "unlock" some of my favorite hidden gems right here in the village, I was excited to explore my neighborhood favorites with a bit of British flair -- we popped into old book stores, hidden courtyards and even stopped for tea, with Elvis by my side (I think the Queen would approve, don't you?).
Hope you enjoy today's video and, if you haven't already, I would love it if you could subscribe to my YouTube channel! I'm new to the whole video space, but I'm working around the clock to get new videos up each week!
There's something undeniably satisfying about getting, as Barney Stinson from How I Met Your Mother would say, "suited up." Crisp lines, perfectly tailored shoulders, and slim-fitting pants make for an veritable power outfit. Somehow you immediately feel smarter and more prepared, commanding attention whether you're dominating in the board room or strutting down Fifth Avenue. Though the oversized blazer is currently having its moment — which I'm loving! — the women's suit is a classic that will never go out of style. The updated details on trend right now include bold prints, interesting hardware, cinched waists, and perfectly flared trousers, like the Suis Studio ones Krystal is sporting here.
Weekend advice? Go out and get yourself a power suit. Channel your favorite suit-wearing star, from Leslie Knope to Zendaya to Hillary Clinton to Rihanna. Think of it as an investment for your boss-lady self. What are you waiting for? Check out our picks below and suit up!
Okay, I'm going to say it — I think it's finally autumn here in New York. I just checked the weather forecast and it looks like it will not be above 69º for the next week (knock on wood!) and that means autumn to me. I mean, it's about time, right? October is almost over!
Another thing that just screams autumn for me is jewel tones. Burnt oranges, deep burgundies, lush emeralds, and silky onyxes are all I want to see and wear this time of year. I love how they can seamlessly transition from lovely day pieces into sultry date-night outfits, like the ensemble Krystal pulled together here, featuring this stunning Le Fou Wilfred dress from Aritzia. The color is so autumnal, and yet can be worn throughout the holiday season (Thanksgiving dinner, anyone?), and the richness of the fabric shines as the nights get longer.
So, for your next date night (might I suggest the cozy Waverly Inn?), slip into something a little more dazzling (this gorgeous satin midi, perhaps?) to celebrate the change of seasons. I know I will! Enjoy 🙂
You might have spied over on Instagram that I recently attended the launch party for H&M's latest designer collection with Erdem. While that collection is utterly drool-worthy (and yours truly picked up a sequin gown she cannot wait to style and shoot!), the reason for today's post is about another H&M piece not from the collection: this dress you see here. Before the party, the H&M team asked me to swing by their 5th Avenue store to pick up a few items to style for their soiree. While this dress didn't make the cut for the evening, I've been wearing it practically non-stop since for everything else. Plus, while I was at the party, I spotted one of the Vogue editors in attendance wearing this exact dress -- which, I suppose in some way, gives it a little extra nod of Vogue approval, eh?
It's got all the things you need: a date-worthy slit. daytime-appropriate sleeves, just the right amount of good girl, ruffle and a poppy red print! Best part? It's $70! You're welcome.
I've also rounded up a few of my other favorite pieces from H&M down below -- keep scrolling!
Just under a week ago, the team over at HP invited me to join them at the first ever Vogue Forces of Fashion Conference right here in the city at Milk Studios. Admittedly, I wasn't sure how I was going to feel being in the same room as so many different designers, thought-leaders and industry titans, other than utterly and completely overwhelmed -- a true fashion dream come true, if you will. And what I found particularly inspiring, was just how much each keynote speaker essentially geeked out over the other keynote speakers, a testimony to how much admiration and respect the industry as a whole carries for each other -- a camaraderie not unlike other arts and businesses.
First things, first. HP and Vogue have a longstanding (and perhaps not surprising relationship) in that all Vogue issues are printed in Atlanta on HP printers! Amazing, right? So when the their team introduced me to their latest launch, a handheld portable printer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth, I was pretty smitten and ready to put it to the test. Throughout the day, I snapped photos on my phone (like the most adorable snap I got of Hamish Bowles in his lilac suit) and printed it out, seconds later. Plus, their latest installment, the HP Sprocket 2-in-1 printer (as the name implies) doubles as a camera itself, so you can snap and print in one session. Since getting it last week, I've been printing out a bunch of my favorite Instagram and iPhone photos for the moodboard that sits above my desk. It's been a while since it's been updated, and I love how each image feels that much more special as a printed, tangible thing (a rarity now, considering all images we snap are pretty much entirely digital!). I know people who feel the same way I do, they often find that their pictures mean so much more to them in a printed form. Usually getting portable printers similar to these airprint compatible printers so they can print them off and have their pictures on their desk.
As for the speaker lineup of the day? Killer to say the least. Stella McCartney. Victoria Beckham. John Galliano. Kevin Systrom (one of my favorites of the day). Marc Jacobs. Virgil Abloh. Rihanna. And the topics? Everything from sustainable fashion to an Instagram mishap where Marc Jacobs ended up publishing his bare butt for all his followers to see (Does he regret it? Nope!). I wanted to take you guys along for the day, so I hope you enjoy my very first vlog video, with my top 9 favorite moments from the conference. And be sure to look out for the HP Sprocket 2-in-1 printer in action! It made for fun moments throughout the day while I was snapping some of my fellow conference attendees.
And as always, huge thanks to HP for inviting me along for the day! I'm still pinching myself!
This post was in collaboration with HP. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
Each season I pick and choose the trends I want to either invest in or possibly snag at a fast fashion retailer instead. Once I started seeing little white ankle boots pop up earlier this year and all over the Fashion Week crowd, I decided the trend didn't necessarily have staying power for my closet, but I wanted to experiment with it still (that's the fun of fashion, right?). Originally, I had been eyeing this pair from Stuart Weitzman, after I snagged the black counterpart, but ultimately, landed on this (MUCH) cheaper pair from Topshop (only $120 comparatively). It's been fun mixing it with some of my uneven hem denim pairs and especially with midi skirts, like this Zara number. Collectively, both trends cost me under $200 -- and very little guilt in the process.
I've rounded up my favorite white ankle boots below -- all under $200!
If you rewind a few years ago here on the blog, I went through a phase where I wore my midi length faux leather skirt from H&M basically whenever I got the chance. The skirt had just the right amount of volume to easily transition from the office to cocktails and I think I remember ponying up $50 for it. $50! My cost per wear was likely around less than a dollar and it was one of the few fast fashion pieces that actually survived the test of time (or in this case, at least 5 years!). So you can imagine my dismay when I realized earlier this year (likely toward the end of our winter) that the skirt had finally seen it's last final days. The material had started to unravel so to speak and flake at any hint of a crease or movement. The day had come. I had to retire it.
This story has a happy ending though -- as you can see I have a new favorite leather skirt du jour, this time from Sezane. It fits the bill for everything I had been looking for as of late: flirty length, a wrap detail and a comfortable fit, slinging somewhere between hip hugging and waist nipping. I'm pretty smitten. I've linked a few of my favorites down below!
I met Mary Sell, a dancer for the New York City Ballet, earlier this summer online of all places. She had sent me a message via Instagram, pointing out that we lived only a few blocks from each other (she's since moved -- Mary, come back to the West Village!) and since then, I've become somewhat fascinated with her life. OK, not just somewhat. Downright in awe of it. There's something about the ballerina living in New York City that feels so cinematic -- evoking everything from The Red Shoes (OK, I know this is set in London, but same idea) to Center Stage (yep, guilty as charged -- I loved this movie) so I was excited when she was keen to be a part of my Woman Crush Wednesday series. Mainly, because I was excited to share her with you guys and also, I was equally excited to style her in some of Sachin + Babi's latest runway dresses.
Keep reading to find out more about Mary and why she's our leading lady of the moment!
Full disclosure, I took ballet lessons for about two weeks when I was 7, until I realized I wasn’t very graceful and was better off on a soccer field. And while that decision was the best for me, I’ve always admired (OK, and a bit jealous of!) dancers and dedicated ones at that. Tell us about your love affair with ballet: How it started, how it’s grown, and where you see it taking you.
I, too started off with both soccer and ballet when I was about 4 years old in Wilton Connecticut! I had so much energy and needed multiple outlets. Eventually I started showing up to my soccer games with my pink tights underneath my shorts and my parents got my not so subtle hint about my love for ballet. When I was 10 years old my parents brought me to audition for the School of American Ballet, the official school of New York City Ballet. I was accepted and trained there for the next 9 years. My parents would drive me into the city everyday after school for ballet classes, I still don't know how they did it! I have always been drawn to the athleticism of ballet, the artistry and musicality came a little later in my teens. I’m a natural jumper and turner so I just wanted to fly around the room. The balance and graceful part did not come as easily. By the time I was 12 I knew I wanted to do this as my profession and I was determined to dance for New York City Ballet. I decided then and there that failure was not an option. I still sometimes can't believe I made my dream a reality! Now as a professional I find that the music is the most important part of dancing, it inspires me and informs my approach to the choreography. I hope that I will always continue to grow in my musicality and artistry even as my body slows down. I know I won't be able to stay at this intense level of ballet forever but I don't think I will ever stop dancing.
What is your earliest dance memory?
I remember my creative movement class when I was 4 years old. We would sit in our straddle splits and bend our knees and flex our feet to make “mountains and trees” then straighten our knees and point our feet. I have pictures of myself concentrating so hard to make my feet point more than anyone else. I was competitive even then.
Tell us about your career highlight so far?
My dream role was the Dewdrop fairy in the Waltz of Flowers in The Nutcracker. I fell in love with this role in my variations class at SAB (School of American Ballet). I had seen it danced so many times and was completely drawn to the delicate but explosive qualities this role requires. I think this role embodies everything I love, jumping, turning, speed, femininity, power and lightness. In December 2009 I made my debut in this role and it is by far one of the best moments of my career! Another major highlight just happened this season in a brand new ballet by my fellow dancer and choreographer Lauren Lovette. This is the first time I originated a principal role in a world premier! I was inspired to write a poem about this ballet and Lauren actually put my poem in the program and named the ballet after the last line. From the very beginning stages of the creation up through the performances was a dream come true!
I of course have a whole list of dream roles but if I have to pick one it would be a ballet called Duo Concertant, choreographed by NYCB’s founder George Balanchine. It is just a man and a woman, a piano and a violin on stage. There is no set and just a leotard and tights for costumes but it have everything, romance, energy and drama. There is no plot but there are 1000 possible stories. The ending will have anyone at the edge of their seat holding their breath.
What are you currently working on? What’s up next for the season?
We do so many ballets every season that most ballets only get rehearsed one week before! I am really looking forward to dancing one of my favorites called Square Dance choreographed by Balanchine.
What does dance mean to you? Dance is the physical expression of music. This might sound a little crazy but dance isn't something I choose to do, it's something I have to do. It's something my soul needs to do to express myself.
To be a great dancer, you must …
Work harder than you think you are capable of doing every day.
Tell us about a typical day for you -- how it starts, the hours of practice etc., and how you finish out the day?
I take a full company warmup class every morning from 10:30-11:30 then go to rehearsals from 11:30-2:30. I then get a 1 hour break for lunch before going back to more rehearsals from 3:30-5:30 or even 6. I can rehearse up to 6 or 7 different ballets in a day. After my rehearsals I have 2 hours to rest, grab a coffee and snack and do my makeup and hair and re warm up for the performance at 7:30 or 8! I do this 6 days a week, it consumes most of my life but I can't imagine doing anything else!
Who would you love to dance alongside with someday?
I wish I could have danced with Fred Astaire. Today I actually get to dance with all the people I admire. It sounds sappy but I feel so lucky to dance with the people I admire most every day!
Who are some of your dance idols/inspirations?
The dancers who inspired me most were Suzanne Farrell and Darci Kistler. I actually shared the stage with Darci for a little more than 5 years before she retired.
In another life, what would you be doing?
In another life I would be performing in some capacity. I can't imagine not being on stage!
Finish these sentences...
The last song I listened to while commuting this morning… Harvest Moon by Neil Young one of my all time favorites But before performances it's always anything by Cher!
My biggest dance-related pet peeve … people who dance off the beat of the music
Nutcracker or Swan Lake? Both
I’d love the chance to work with … Unrealistically: George Balanchine and Realistically: Justin Peck and Lauren Lovette again! They are both incredible humans and choreographers with so much to say and give!
I’m happiest when … I’m onstage alone
The most surreal place I’ve danced … The Opera Garnier in Paris.
Right now, if you emptied the contents of my bag, you’d find … My phone, at least 3 lipsticks, keys, credit cards, Id’s, metro card, sunglasses, glasses, mints, oil blotting sheets, floss, perfume, hairpins, a pen, gum, headphones, phone charger, needle and thread, the latest copy of The New Yorker. I’m now starting to realize why my bag is so heavy!
These days, you’ll usually find me wearing … A silk button by Equipment and black or blue jeans, ankle boots and my favorite authentic vintage cowboy jacket from Arizona given to me by my amazing aunt. It has the perfect fringe and beading, you’ve never seen anything like it in the city!
What is it about your job that you think people would be surprised to learn?
I think people would be surprised if they saw the way we walk when we get out of bed in the morning. Some days I can barely put weight on my feet and my back won't straighten but somehow I’m flying six feet in the air and moving at the speed of light up on my toes by the performance that night! Another really shocking fact that is specific to NYCB is that we do so many ballets every season that most ballets only get 3 rehearsals before they are performed.
Where do you see yourself this time tomorrow? 5 years from now? How about 21 years from now?
This time tomorrow, I will be in rehearsal! In 5 years, I see myself still in rehearsal but maybe for a bigger role. In 21 years, I see myself still performing but maybe as an actress. The stage is my happy place and I don't see myself leaving it any time soon!
If you happen to follow along on Instagram, you might have spied I was back in San Francisco the other week for a fun little video project. Admittedly, it was a whirlwind 48 hour trip, with very little downtime, and even less time to catch up with friends, but that didn't mean it wasn't absolutely lovely to be back roaming around my California stomping grounds. From the palm trees lining Market Street to the fog rolling in over the Golden Gate Bridge each morning, I don't think I'll ever be able to shake that sweet feeling of familiarity when I return back to SF, my home of almost 5 years after college. The city is comforting like an old friend who knows you well -- understanding and accepting -- and usually requires no preamble or reacquainting, just a good hug and an even bigger bottle of wine to catch up over.
Of course, since moving to New York over two years ago, I've been back to SF numerous times, but there was something about this trip -- perhaps the brevity of it -- that felt a bit different to me; it felt more concentrated almost. As we walked around town for different scenes for my video shoot, I was flooded with different memories and reminders of a life that was once mine -- bittersweet moments, like flashes in a movie -- showing me a girl, in her 20s, figuring out where she was headed, navigating corporate life, falling in love, having her heart broken and chasing dreams all the while. At one point, we passed through my old neighborhood and I couldn't help but smile the entire time -- I could picture everything about this former version of Krystal -- from the clothes I was excited to wear to the newfound freedom I had found in a long-awaited bob cut (I did cut off about 12 inches, remember?!).
By now, perhaps from the title of this post, you can possibly see where I'm going with this -- and it's a feeling I think we can all relate to. A feeling of returning to a former self when you're visiting places that were once important to you and formative in the shaping of you as, well, YOU, even if for just a fleeting moment. Whether it's back home where you grew up or an old summer vacation spot you went to for years with your family, or in my case, a city near and dear to my heart where I spent most of my 20s, it's a place that represents a very tangible and real version of ourselves, frozen in time -- that despite how much changes about ourselves, from the music we might have been listening to or the length of our hair -- it feels innately close.
When Herbal Essences asked me to share a moment, good or bad, in which my hair played a symbolic role in the changes I was going through, I kept reflecting on this San Francisco version of me. Over the course of those 5 years, I was working in marketing at Google, living with my then long-term boyfriend, working on my blog during every free moment I had and generally growing up. A lot. And there was plenty of blood, sweat, tears and chopped off hair to show for it -- this younger version of myself, with her long, wavy bob cut and newfound adulthood, was figuring things out and excited to do so -- bumps and bruises and all. Thinking back on it, I loved that short hair cut for all of these reasons. It was the first time I truly felt comfortable in my own skin -- and my hair was an outward extension of that confidence.
Fast forward to today, and my hair is, of course, longer again -- a conscious decision I made when I had decided to move to New York. It's not that I was tired of my shorter locks, and in fact, I'd be amiss if I didn't mention I'm often tempted these days to cut it again, but I loved how that bob marked a certain time in my life, a chapter if you will. And at the end of that SF chapter, on the verge of starting a new one, in which I would quit my job at Google, breakup with aforementioned boyfriend, move across the country -- it seemed only fitting that I do so with different locks -- wild and crazy and unpredictable and magnetic -- kind of like New York.
This all begs the question, I wonder what I'll think about the New York version of me, years from now, when I'm visiting.
Now tell me, what's been a symbolic hair moment for you? Please let me know in the comments below and, while you're at it, check out Herbal Essences' Changes video, a lovely testament to how monumental hair journeys can be.
Thanks to Herbal Essences and POPSUGAR for sponsoring this post! As always, all opinions are my own.
I'm going to pretend the forecast for this weekend doesn't include yet another 80 degree October day as I write this post, because I am in full autumnal mode right now. That means all the fall goodies I can get my hands on — scarfs, jackets, hats, boots. Those last two, especially. It seems that all the cutest accessories right now come in the form of gem-toned berets and block-heel booties. Something about the pair just feels so classically autumn, but this season's updates are fresh and fun. Check out my picks below for the best boots and hats for fall.
If there's one thing that's undeniably of the moment, it's the plaid blazer. Its versatility and sophistication elevate any outfit, and it feels classically autumn. It's easily paired with a shift dress for work, jeans and a white tee for play, and a silky slip for nights out. It goes well with nearly all of the other fall trends right now, too — white boots, cabbie hats and berets, statement pants and big Gucci belts. You can go houndstooth, checkered, or timeless tartan. A long, coat-like shape looks great with a mini skirt and over-the-knee boots, while a shorter, fitted version evokes a classic Ralph Lauren feel.
Basically, blazers are perfect and you need one.
Check out my picks for this season's it item below.
By now, you don't need me to tell any of you how much plaid has made a big impact this fall season. Admittedly, this time of year usually comes with a fresh crop of tartans, checks and gingham automatically (akin to florals for spring, really), but I love all the unexpected turns it's been taking lately, from full on plaid dresses (like this Self-Portrait number you see here) to sock boots (like this dream pair by Oliver Theyskens). Suddenly, what once seemed reserved for the likes of camping trips and librarians, plaid is becoming quite the daring print du jour -- the slightly older and more sophisticated cousin to this summer's gingham trend.
I picked up this Self-Portrait dress on a whim while I was in San Francisco last week, but have been eyeing so many great statement plaid pieces, it's becoming slightly problematic, begging the question: how much plaid is too much plaid? Well, if you happen to ask Cher Horowitz and Dee Davenport, they'd probably say there's no such thing!
The older I get, the more I appreciate little pleasures. A free afternoon to curl up with a good book. Being able to take the long walk home because the weather is just too good not to. An extra glass of wine with a friend who's in town visiting.
And the same goes for my approach to accessories that make all the difference, from a signature scent (a mix of Diptyque's Vetyverio and Lubin's Black Jade) to the lacy underpinnings of an outfit.
Admittedly, it's taken me a lot of my adult life to warm up to the notion of lingerie. And I suppose a lot of that has to do with the fact I've never thought of myself as the lingerie type. I'm relatively small chested (to the point A cup bras are often too big) and I've bemoaned my long torso and shorter, athletic legs. Long story short, I never saw a girl who looked like me in Victoria's Secret ads and I somewhat accepted the fact that perhaps there was a reason for that.
Of course, since then, whether it's the advent of my 30s or a general realization that many other women don't "see" themselves in traditional advertising, I started to love my body. I'm healthy and strong and quite frankly amazed how often I had taken both for granted - a reality I understand we're all guilty of at times and one that I think takes work, acceptance and celebration. And it's certainly not easy, with the pressures of social media and mainstream media that are nearly impossible to escape and even harder to change.
Today's post isn't necessarily about body image, although I think we could certainly talk about this topic at length (and perhaps you guys would like to?), but it is about feeling comfortable in the skin you're in, whatever that means to you. Whether you look like a star from EhoCams or any other way, being comfortable is so very important. Over the years, I've accumulated my fair share of lacy pieces of lingerie, from the simple to the daring, and the idea is always the same: I love how it makes me feel when I slip it on, my word I look and feel like I should be the sexiest feature on TubeV Sex or any adult site for that matter.
One thing to note though: Very rarely is it meant for anyone else aside from me and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Whether it's layered underneath an evening cocktail dress or a white button down shirt and jeans, it's an instant confidence booster for me. I hold my head a bit higher. I feel a bit more daring. I feel comfortably me.
So, naturally, when ThirdLove approached me about styling their latest bodysuit and Longline Lace Balconette Bra, I jumped at the chance to share how that moment in the morning feels to me when I start putting an outfit together, with the foundation of great fitting intimate pieces. Perhaps you can relate? Before your makeup is finished, before you've picked out your blouse for the day, you throw on a little Whitney Houston and dance around the apartment before tackling the day.
And then, with your head held high, you head out to kick some serious ass.
This post was in collaboration with ThirdLove. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
Do you ever have moments when you return back to a place that you've been to once before, perhaps on a trip that make you pause? A feeling of familiarity or déjà vu, as if it's hard to distinguish that particular trip from the trip before? I visited Bondi Beach years ago, on a trip to New Zealand that was bookended by a hop over to Sydney. While that trip was short lived (only a handful of days really), I remember visiting Iceberg's at Bondi Beach and falling in love with that afternoon. Normally a bustling spot for lunch, we happened to luck out, with little to no crowd, the whole restaurant practically to ourselves. We ordered oysters and wine and took in a spectacular view overlooking where the infamous lap pool meets with the ocean, wave crashing down below. I marked it in my memory as a spot I'd love to return to someday, to sit in the sun and feel the mist of the restless ocean on my face.
Fast forward years later, and my good friend Angie and I were spending our last day in Sydney at Bondi Beach before hopping to Coffs Harbour; a lazy, sunny afternoon to ourselves at Icebergs. We were visiting in May (technically the end of fall for Australia) but it was an unseasonably warm day -- perfect for catching up with friends over a glass (or in our case, a bottle) of wine and it immediately brought me back to my first visit to Bondi. A sweet reminder of an afternoon that had long come and passed, but it felt so vivid still -- like how a word feels when it's practically on the tip of your tongue. There, but not quite.
While we didn't have much time at Bondi this time around, I was so happy to sit in the sun there again, and who knows, perhaps I'll be back, years from now, half reliving this memory with a new one.
Hope you all enjoy these photos as much as we loved taking them! Enjoy!
Huge thanks to the Destination NSW tourism board for inviting us on such a lovely trip and to Qantas for flying us over! Stay tuned for more Australia posts this week!
Though New York seems to be hoping to trick us into thinking it's still summer, I'm stubbornly pushing through this heatwave by simply willing fall. If you build it they will come, right?
There are few things I love more than fall in New York — strolling through Central Park with the leaves blazing golden hues, sipping coffee with the windows open to let the cool breeze drift in, cozying up in big sweaters, scarves, and blankets. Fall shopping is hands down my favorite; I absolutely love stocking up on oversize knits, corduroy skirts, and heeled booties. Throw in a couple turtlenecks, a good jacket, and some great accessories, and an autumn wardrobe is complete.
This season, I'm headed to Shopbop's Event of the Season sale, where orders under $500 are 20% off, and orders over $500 are 25% off, using code EOTS17. It's the perfect excuse to stock up on great fall basics like skirts, sweaters, and boots. Krystal's outfit here is one of my favorite ways to style classic pieces for fall — layer a great dress over a turtleneck and pair with the perfect pair of shoes. Build out your autumn staples before Shopbop's sale ends (tonight!). Shop my picks below for the ultimate wardrobe refresh.
After this summer's late August jaunt to France, I've had Paris on the brain a lot lately. Between my go-to French beauty brands and perhaps an unhealthy binging of Funny Face (my favorite Audrey Hepburn movie), it seems only likely that I'd be practically dreaming in French at this point (disclaimer: my French is unfortunately non-existent). So of course, when the oh-so je ne sais quoi chic folks over at Longchamp asked me to join them on a Parisian-inspired afternoon through the West Village, I jumped at the chance!
If you recall, I've been working with Longchamp the past few fall seasons to style and shoot their latest pieces, most of which, I fall in love with, right on the spot. Naturally, true to form, this time around was no different, as they introduced us to their latest bag, the Mademoiselle. The perfect day bag for a girl on the go, polished and structured, just enough room for the day to night essentials, with statement details (cue my bag here, in the most darling leopard pony hair finish). The Mademoiselle served as the perfect muse for the day, as we enjoyed an afternoon relishing in all the joie de vie the West Village has to offer -- a testament to the Parisian way of life, at a pace perfect for sipping that extra glass of wine a bit slower and popping into that boutique on a whim, because of a vintage jazz record you overheard lilting from the back. If you find yourself in need of a little escape to Paris (because, really, it's always a good idea), here's a rundown of our day.
Of course, no matter what agenda you put together for your own Parisian adventure, make sure to bring along a good girlfriend (or two!). I loved having Rachel and Charlotte with me for the day!
MCF Rare Fine Wine: Since I just drove through a lot of the vineyard countryside of Provence, I was so pleased to pop into this gem of a wine shop, which boasts a lot of great French wines in their lineup. We sipped a lovely rose tasting (perfect for the in between weather we've been having lately) out in their adorable courtyard garden.
West Village Flower of New York: Of course, no Parisian afternoon would be complete without an impromptu flower purchase. Because a true mademoiselle always treats herself to flowers for her apartment.
Jefferson Market Garden: I walk past this little nook pretty often and I always love peeking my head in. It's a beautiful oasis of a garden, tucked away from 6th Avenue and oddly serene given its surroundings. If you're ever looking for a great place to clear your head (and perhaps stick your nose in a book), I cannot recommend this garden enough!
Aedes Perfumery: Hands down, my favorite perfume shop in the city. It's small and intimate, almost as if you're walking into the boudoir of a true bon vivant and their French and international perfume selection cannot be beat. As a self-proclaimed perfume junkie, I absolutely love the fragrance I picked up the other day at the recommendation of the shop assistant. It's called Lubin, and it's one of the oldest known perfume brands. And my particular scent? Black Jade, worn by none other than Marie Antoinette herself!
Claudette: A true Parisian cafe haunt, complete with the most charming outdoor patio, perfect for people watching on a leisurely afternoon. We stopped here for lunch and indulged in burrata (my favorite!), more rose (surprise, surprise) and niçoise salads. Added bonus, it's right on 5th Avenue, with a lovely view of the arch at Washington Square Park, which brings me to our last stop...
This post was in collaboration with Longchamp. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
If you've been following along here at TTT, you may have noticed that this summer I was all about the easy, breezy sundress. Preferably midi-length, in a light linen or cotton, and an added bonus for fun details like off the shoulder or ruffles. You might recall this post, which featured my absolute favorite summer dress by Joie that hit all the right marks. And though I'm sad to be packing my lovely warm-weather frocks away for fall, Joie has an amazing fall collection to seamlessly smooth that seasonal transition. Think luxe fabrics like cashmere, velvet, and suede, statement sleeves like the one seen in these photos, and deep jewel tones that are perfect for autumn. Luckily for us, happening right now is their Friends and Family Sale — the whole site is 25% off, which is an incredible steal. I love this chunky knit, this badass shearling biker jacket, and this velvet cold shoulder top. I'm also obsessing over the white bootie trend, so of course I'll be picking up a pair of those. Check out more of my favorites from the 25% off sale below, and be sure to use the code JOIEFRIENDS when making your ultimate fall wardrobe purchase.
This post was in collaboration with Joie. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!
