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September 22, 2017 — No Comments

video: fall trends at the shops at columbus circle

5 minute read

When I first moved to New York (gosh, over two years ago now!), I went up to Columbus Circle pretty often. I had a good friend living in one of the nearby apartment buildings over on 57th and I used to find any and every excuse to hop up to her amazing rooftop for happy hour drinks (once you saw her view of Central Park, the subway ride uptown was always worth it). And while that good friend of mine has since moved back to Istanbul (Sera, I miss you!), I still find plenty of excuses to jump on the 1 train from the West Village to Columbus Circle.

Why? Well for starters, for anyone who's gone on a whirlwind tour of New York before, you'll likely undoubtedly recall the world's most dizzying roundabout (hence the Circle), which doesn't make a whole lot of sense in a city of grid-like streets, but that's New York for you -- it doesn't have to make sense. And if you happen to also recall, it's at one of the most popular entrances right into Central Park, and on many perfect fall days when the weather is deliciously crisp, I'll head uptown to make the trek down 59th Street toward 5th Avenue, with no agenda in mind, other than to walk. On your right, there's a bustling city roaring past you. On your left, there's this oasis of sprawling lawns and trees, on the brink of turning so many glorious fall colors. It seemingly doesn't make sense that the two worlds would sit, side by side like that, but again, that's New York for you. It doesn't have to make sense. And I love that. Columbus Circle has always been one of my favorite areas of the city, because it's a true testimony to all New York has to offer, in a very condensed pocket.

Of course, one of my other favorite reasons I love Columbus Circle so much is, (surprise, surprise)....the shopping. As someone who grew up going to many shopping centers, The Shops at Columbus Circle has long been a favorite haunt of mine, namely for a similar aforementioned reason: it's a perfectly curated set of stores, all under one roof, where I can pick up a little bit of everything that I need, from clothing, to makeup, to home decor and even spend the evening out (some of my favorite date nights have included the likes of a jazz club -- Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola being in our lineup). So when the folks over at The Shops asked me to partner with them for this fall and coming holiday season, I jumped at the chance! Given that there are so many great stores like Coach, Stuart Weitzman and Diptyque (to name a few), I wanted to share with you guys how easy it is to stock up for the season, in seemingly one shopping trip!

For our first collaboration together, their team asked me to dish on all my favorite fall trends (from the color RED to my personal favorite, VELVET) and how to go about finding them at The Shops. Head over to their video here to see what I had to say! And while you're at it, you can see some of my favorite moments from our shoot in this lovely video that Bobby Hicks of This Fellow shot for me right below. I've sounded off on my favorite fall trends below, so make sure to keep scrolling for them!

Hope you guys enjoy! And huge thanks to The Shops at Columbus Circle for having me! I can't wait for our next shoot together!

 

FALL TRENDS:

Statement boots: If you tuned in for part of New York Fashion Week, you likely saw a lot of boot action happening. Everything from sock boots (which I'm sporting a Stuart Weitzman pair in the video!) to white patent leather boots for a more mod, Edie Sedgwick look, boots in unconventional styles are making their rounds these days and I love all the styling possibilities they come with. Paired with high waisted, straight leg jeans, they're the perfect off duty look. Paired with one of my other favorite fall trends (PLAID), they're office-cool. Bonus points for a low, kitten heel and a pointed toe.

PLAID everything: Speaking of plaid, suiting is coming back in a huge way and Ted Baker never disappoints in a sharp suit. I recommend sizing up, and looking for cuts that hit past the hips for that perfect, "I stole this from my boyfriend" kind of look. In fact, my go-to uniform these days is a plaid, oversized blazer, a band tee and distressed jeans with heels. It's the cool, bookish girl look. My favorite!

RED: We talk about gem tones a lot in the video and my favorite is a really good ruby color, because, RED is making a powerful statement for fall. Everything from a great red overcoat to statement red dresses (like an incredible mustang print, red pleated dress we spotted at Coach), RED is quickly becoming the new black. Yes, I said it.

Velvet: Oh, how luxe is velvet?! I love that velvet has that amazing power to feel both sophisticated (think a velvet smoking jacket) and sultry at the same time (a velvet evening dress screams Jessica Rabbit, doesn't it?). So when I started spying pops of velvet in accessories this season, I was beyond excited. Velvet can feel intimidating at times, but a great gateway piece is a velvet bow on a cute, pointed toe flat (we spotted a bunch at Stuart Weitzman while shopping around.)

Victorian flair: It's true. I love a good, high, lace-detailed collar. It's Victorian flair at it's finest! There are so many great Victorian-era inspired pieces cropping up these days and both Coach and Ted Baker hit all the right notes I look for when hunting down vintage-inspired pieces that don't feel dated: modern draping, a subtle statement sleeve and wonderful, modern details (think buttons and prints). And, a great high-neck collar blouse or dress screams for some statement earrings, another huge thing for fall.

 

 

This post was in collaboration with The Shops at Columbus Circle. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!

Photos by Ashley Batz and video by Bobby Hicks

 

 

 

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September 21, 2017 — No Comments

nyc gems: the new sézane

3 minute read

 

Last spring, I studied abroad in Paris. It was my first time abroad, I barely knew the language (meaning I had one semester of Elementary French under my belt, so I didn't know the language), and I had no close friends going with me. It was an intense and beautiful experience — tough at some points, like watching my friends back in New York enjoying an early spring in the city, and rewarding at others, like when I could finally easily navigate the metro. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time on my own. Reading in cafes (shoutout to my favorite coffee shop, Cafe Oberkampf!), strolling in parks (seek out La Promenade Plantée — like a Parisian High Line), and taking photos in different neighborhoods (Le Marais! Always Le Marais!) were all activities I did solo.

One place I had on my list to visit before I even arrived in France was the brick-and-mortar store for the French brand Sézane. I had coveted their collaboration with one of my other favorite brands, Madewell, and knew I had to see their gorgeous L'Appartement in person. I remember walking aimlessly around the second district one rainy afternoon and literally stumbling upon the store. It was gorgeous, imposing, and alluring, tucked away on a picturesque corner. And, for all the exploring I had done on my own, I almost couldn't bring myself to go inside. I knew, without even stepping in, that this was an experience that was meant to be shared.

I didn't go in that time — I think the store actually ended up being closed when I gathered the nerve to walk up to the door. However, I returned not long after, on a lovely, sunny weekend day with one of my friends. Walking inside went beyond any expectations — the store was huge, airy, and unbelievably chic. I felt like I was literally in a stylish Parisienne's closet. It was nearing the end of my tenure in Paris, and I had saved up some euros to treat myself before I left. I knew this was the perfect place — inherently French and, thus, inherently timeless. I picked out the perfume (still one of my favorite scents to date) and a navy leather wallet (I had my purse and wallet stolen earlier in the year!). They were the perfect little trinkets to remind me of my time in France.

Long story short, I was elated to find out that Sézane has finally opened a store right here in NYC! You can shop the entire collection in yet another iteration of their gorgeous spaces, over on Elizabeth Street. Krystal and I visited during Fashion Week, and it's absolutely charming. A little piece of Paris in New York.

So, if these photos don't convince you, take a look at their Fall Lookbook and just try to resist a trip. Grab a beret and your favorite French girl inspiration and head straight there!

xx

Nora

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September 18, 2017 — No Comments

down under: sydney guide

11 minute read

As a girl hailing from the wide vastness of the Nevada desert and later eventually the seaside air of San Francisco, I often miss the ability to just BE in open spaces. It's not that New York doesn't do it for me -- it does. Usually in too many ways at once. And as often as I find myself romanticizing the city and everything it has to offer, I sometimes find myself day dreaming of my next adventure, that promises an open road, the mist of the ocean lapping my face and sunrises that are obstructed, not by buildings and skyscrapers, but treetops and sweeping coastlines.

Some of you may recall, several years ago, I hopped down to New Zealand back in 2013, the end of that trip bookended with a pit stop in Sydney. It was a whirlwind handful of days in town and I remember leaving utterly in awe of Australia and hungry for more. So much so, that ever since, I think I've developed a bit of a complex about visiting again (which may explain why I've accumulated so many Aussie friends and even an Australian boyfriend.) 😉 In my defense, I think it's relatively easy to see why. From an outside perspective, Australia truly feels like the other side of the world -- a remote, far off land that movies depict as adventure-filled, wild and raw, where the land is unforgiving and rugged. Of course, Hollywood is guilty of romanticizing as well, but there's certainly a truth to the feeling of going "down under" to the land of "Oz" when you hop to Australia. It's not just a trip. It's a journey.

Naturally, when the tourism board for New South Wales invited me down to experience not only Sydney, but a few other spots in the state, I was thrilled to finally return back to a country that had captured my heart and stolen my imagination many years ago. There's never been a better time to travel to Aus either, there has never been this many unique opportunities for tourists in the past so you're pretty much guaranteed to have a good time. There are more people visiting than ever before; just look at the cruise industry statistics and see how much they've increased over recent years! The tourism board wanted us to experience as much Australian culture as possible so our trip itinerary boasted the likes of city hopping and backroad exploring, which is always the best combination if you ask me, and I was so happy to have my good friend (and Sydney native), Angie Silvy, by my side. It's always so lovely seeing someone's hometown through their eyes and I'm happy Angie could join for the trip -- we visited her family and friends along the way, which I think helped made the trip feel like a homecoming of sorts. Heck, I even got to practice my Aussie accent with her and her friends (spoiler alert: it's awful).

Some people love Sydney so much they decide to move here. I can think of so many friends who have been on a trip to Australia and fallen head over heels in love with Sydney's unique charm. With so many amazing places to visit and things to do it's no surprise at all that people start looking into the Closest Self Storage Sydney has to offer so they can move all their things over quickly and safely - even if their plans turn out to be nothing but a dream!

As far as the timing of our trip? It couldn't have been better. We hopped over in May, which if any of you are planning a trip down under anytime soon, I can't recommend this enough. May happens to be the end of fall in Australia and while the temps in New South Wales do dip a bit, they're still quite lovely and in fact, we had many very warm days around 80 degrees. Added bonus, you completely miss the spike in airline prices for the peak, summer months (December through February), not to mention, the crowds that often come at that time of year. In fact, as of writing this, Qantas has many round trip flights around May and June for under $1300 (quite the steal!). Plus, if you have a Qantas credit card, you can also redeem your reward points and put these towards the cost of your flight! Tempted to learn more about Qantas credit cards? Head to the Qantas website where you can compare credit cards and find the right credit card for you or your business.

Now, on to the trip itinerary! I'll be breaking up our trip into parts, this first chapter focusing on Sydney, with Bondi, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay coming later this week. If I've left anything out, please feel free to ask me in the comments below!

HOPPING OVER THE BIG POND:

First things first: just getting to Australia seems like a bit of a daunting task. I mean, it's all the way OVER and UNDER there. But thankfully, the folks over at Qantas made hopping over a breeze. Granted, it's still a 13+ hour flight from LA, but that's unavoidable, and trust me, well worth the jet lag once you arrive. I have to extend a huge thank you to the Qantas team for making us feel so comfortable for the journey. It's easy to see why it's the go-to airline of Australia -- their economy section is very roomy (a godsend for those long flights), with outlets for all your devices (a must in my book!) and I just loved how many Aussies I had on my flight from LA to Sydney (again, the perfect opportunity to practice my Aussie accent). Plus, they offer quite a few inner-Australia connecting flights, which we utilized from Sydney to Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay back to Sydney. Luckily, we were able to park our hire car at the airport, with the help of Parkhound. By using that, we were able to find a parking space so easily. Anyway, that meant that we could leave the car there and travel to all of the different parts of Australia. I cannot recommend Australia enough -- seriously, start bookmarking some flights now for later this May or June.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO: For context, Angie and I had about 8 full days in Australia (keep in mind, it takes roughly 2 days of travel to just get there due to the time difference). We had about 2 and a half days in Sydney and Bondi Beach (which I'll be sharing tomorrow).

Vivid Sydney: If you're looking to visit Australia during their winter months (which I cannot recommend enough for the cheaper flights and lack of crowds), try to hop over for Vivid Sydney. It's a several week-long, city-wide festival that boasts light installations all over the downtown area, music concerts and art. Think SXSW, Aussie style. And opening night, they kick things off by literally lighting up the Opera House, with a projected light show illuminating the wings. It's breathtaking -- a feast for all your senses, and many events are free to the public to enjoy. Next year's festival is running between May 25 through June 16th (try to make it for opening night -- it's worth it!).

Taronga Zoo: I know what you're thinking. I haven't gone to a zoo since it was required as a school field trip back when I was 13. And to that I say, you'd be sorely missing out if you skipped the Taronga Zoo in Sydney. Not only is the ferry ride out to Taronga Zoo a great way to experience the Harbour (yep, I'm spelling 'harbour' the Aussie way here), but it also boasts one of the best, all-inclusive views of Sydney itself, Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and all (in fact, the word Taronga is an Aboriginal word for beautiful view). Angie and I, of course, made a beeline for the giraffes, kangaroos and koalas, but unfortunately, missed the mama Asian Elephant, as she had just given birth the day before our visit. It's a lovely half to full day activity and I recommend fueling up on some Aussie coffee before heading out here. There are gondola rides to the top of the zoo park entrance, but if you decide to walk or bus it, make sure to wear comfortable shoes. Much of the zoo is situated on a hill so you'll be climbing a bit.

Sydney Opera House: No visit to Sydney is complete without a pit stop at the Opera House. While we didn't get a chance to see a performance this time around (I did several years ago for my last visit), we did happen to explore a lot of ground around the Opera House. Our first day in town, we carved out some time to stroll around the Harbour Circle Walk at sunset and happened to snap some of these golden light snaps in my Caroline Constas set (the next photo here in this series). I actually mentioned this in my first post about Australia in 2013, but Sydney really does remind me of San Francisco in so many ways and the Harbour Circle Walk is basically the Embarcadero to me. It felt wonderfully familiar and Angie and enjoyed a glass of champagne over at the Park Hyatt right on the water afterward.

Walk around Barangaroo: This was a treat for Angie and I, as this neighborhood is relatively new and recently developed. Barangaroo is a new western waterfront district, boasting beautiful, contemporary apartments and harbour-facing restaurants and boutiques. I highly recommend coming hungry at lunch and grabbing a bite to eat, before renting a bike to cruise through the area.

Museum of Contemporary Art: As I mentioned earlier, we managed to meet up with some of Angie's family while in town and we actually met up with her sweet mom and aunt over at the MCA as our very first order of business! It was a beautiful start to the trip, taking in the Harbour views over lunch at the MCA Cafe, while a table full of Australians caught up. The jet lag is definitely real the minute you land, but the people certainly make you feel at home.

Hidden Sydney: Raise your hand if you're a fan of Sleep No More and Queen of the Night? Perfect. You'll love Hidden Sydney, an interactive theatrical play that has you roaming through a historic Kings Cross building, tracing the fascinating (and at times, less than savory) history of one of Sydney's most notable neighborhoods. It's only running during Vivid Sydney, so let this be another reason to visit in May or June!

OUTFIT DETAILS (in order of appearance): OUTFIT #1: Caroline Constas top and skirt (similar style here and here) // Express heels // Celine sunglasses // OUTFIT #2: Sachin + Babi top // Express jeans // Celine sunglasses // Self-Portrait shoes // OUTFIT #3: Sachin + Babi dress // Express heels // OUTFIT #4: Joie dress // Steve Madden X Kohls sandals (similar style here) // OUTFIT #4: Sachin + Babi dress (sold out, similar style here) // Self Portrait heels

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:

Cirrus: This charming seafood restaurant is in the aforementioned Barangaroo district and is perfect for a Saturday lunch! Angie and I tried the salmon and the barramundi (which, might I add, is delicious and I wish was offered more in New York!). We sat outside and enjoyed several glasses of rose after our trek to the zoo.

Bennelong: There's a lot to appreciate about just the pure location of the Bennelong. Quite literally, it's situated in one of the wings of the Opera House, making for quite the atmospheric dining experience. And of course, the menu doesn't disappoint either. Unlike many of the restaurants situated near Broadway here in New York, Bennelong is a go-to for many concert goers and for good reason. Perfect mix of surf and turf options and their wine list is extensive!

Quay Restaurant: We hopped up here to watch the Vivid Sydney light show (as they have the perfect dining balconies to view it ). My only regret is that we didn't get to eat here, as their menu looked incredible -- they have been named one of Sydney's top restaurants year after year after all.

MCA Cafe: As I mentioned earlier, try to spend an early morning and afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The 4th floor cafe boasts some pretty stunning views and on a warm, early fall day, it's the perfect way to get acclimated to the area.

Gowings Bar & Grill: This spot is situated in our hotel, which typically I try to avoid when I'm traveling, in effort to get out and explore the area a bit more. That said, Gowings came highly recommended in a lot of local Sydney guides I had read, which eventually got me curious! We decided to have dinner here on our last night in town and I'm so glad we did. The dining space is quite intimate (read: perfect date night lighting), and the menu boasts items from all local Australian food providers and farms. We both indulged in seafood plates (a consistent theme throughout the trip) and sampled a few of their signature cocktails.

WHERE TO STAY:

The QT Hotel: For our few nights in town, we stayed at the QT Hotel, a quirky boutique hotel in the heart of Sydney's CBD district. It's a stone's throw from the Harbour, making it easy to walk to the bridge, the Opera House and all Vivid Sydney events (more on Vivid Sydney in the next bullet point). I loved the decor here, think eclectic theater backstage prop departments meets chic parlor and their on-property dining (both the coffee house and restaurant) are considered hot spots in the city among locals.

Photos by Angie Silvy

Huge thanks to the Destination 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!

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September 15, 2017 — 18 Comments

friday favorites: mom jeans

3 minute read

Krystal's outfit: Hellessy top (similar), Sezane jeans, Gucci belt, Sarah Flint shoes, Scotch & Soda hat (similar), Olympia Le Tan bag (similar)

Things we learned from this season's New York Fashion Week: white, pointy toed patent leather boots are in. Newsboy caps are in. Checked, menswear-inspired suits are in. And, still, mom jeans are super in. What exactly is a mom jean? I'm sure most of us have an idea, but they can be easily mixed in with the many types of jeans floating around right now. Mom jeans are extremely high waisted, tapered in the leg, and decidedly a bit frumpy. They hug the hips perfectly and are more relaxed than a classic skinny jean. They're reminiscent of the '80s and '90s - think Monica in Friends relaxing at home in her huge West Village apartment. They go perfectly with a big statement belt and, the best part, essentially anything else. I realize that the Gucci belt is something that's out of budget for some people, but there's plenty of Gucci belt fakes out there that will complete the statement look for a cut cost.

Part of the lure of mom jeans is that they're easily dressed up or down. Add a blazer, a sharp white tee, a pair of heels and a beaded clutch and you've got a business dinner outfit. Or, pair with a gorgeous blouse, low-heeled shoes and a cap like Krystal does here, and you're ready to fashionably jaunt about town. Personally, I love the mom jean with a faded band t-shirt, that infamous double-G belt, and a pair of Vans. It's got that laid-back, cool-girl-on-a-Sunday feel.

What's your favorite way to style mom jeans? Check out my favorite picks below and let me know what you think!

xx

Nora

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September 14, 2017 — No Comments

a nyfw favorite

3 minute read

If you've been following my travels this past summer, you may have seen a lot of Sachin & Babi pop up. OK, a lot of Sachin & Babi. OK, quite possibly an obscene amount of Sachin & Babi. But I promise, it's for good reason.

First of all, I'm a huge fan of the brand. I love how they experiment with trends in such a romantic, feminine way that doesn't feel overdone or expected -- it's daring, yet timeless at the same time. Secondly, their marketing assistant Adam is a dream to work with, and will allow me to borrow quite a few drool-worthy dresses to shoot on location. Remember this red dress shot from Scotland? I rest my case.

So when it came time to figure out what to wear for their S/S 2018 runway show, I wanted something from their recent collections that was a bit different from what I've already shot this past summer with them. Of course, once I spotted this Victorian high neck lace collar, jacquard gold number, I was smitten. Just the right amount of ladylike meets va va voom. This also has me reconsidering the color yellow -- traditionally a color I've avoided in the past -- but now, given how much yellow we saw on the runways for spring, I'm tempted.

This dress is part of their upcoming fall collection, so it's not quite available for sale yet, but I've rounded up my favorites from Sachin & Babi down below!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sachin & Babi dress (not available yet, but love this similar style here) // McQ jacket // The Daily Edited bag // Dior slingbacks // Celine sunglasses // Sachin & Babi earrings (not available yet, but love this tassel pair here)

 

Photos by Nora Varcho

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September 13, 2017 — No Comments

my favorite way to style satin

3 minute read

I can already feel it. One of my favorite combinations this fall is going to be luxe satins and silks paired with chunky knit sweaters. I saw lots of it this year at NYFW, with attendees wearing everything from slip dresses paired with oversized cardigan sweaters and silk camisoles paired with menswear inspired tweeds. It's the perfect blend of feminine meets gamine, a playful take on tomboy dressing that I think would make the likes of Coco Chanel, Jo March (from Little Women) and, heck, even Lady Mary (from Downton Abbey) proud.

I recently picked up this satin skirt from New York & Company and I'm already planning on wearing it with an oversized chunky turtleneck sweater and ankle boots. I've rounded up a few my other favorite sexy meets cozy pieces down below -- think of it as your go-to outfit for reading a book a home, curled up on the couch, but perhaps with your sweater slouched just so over your shoulder, revealing something a bit less demure, if you catch my drift. Happy shopping!

OUTFIT DETAILS: New York & Company sweater // New York & Company skirt // Vince Camuto heels (similar style and price point here) // The Daily Edited bag // New York & Company trench coat // Celine sunglasses


 

Photos by Nora Varcho

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September 12, 2017 — No Comments

15 kitten heels to scoop now

3 minute read

Hello from New York Fashion Week! It's been a fast and furious past few days, but I'm already seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. As of today, I'll be wrapping up most of my shows and events, meaning I'm making lots of time to hang with good friends who are visiting in town. Granted, this time last year, I worked myself sick (no rest of the wicked I suppose!), so this year, I'm happy to be taking things a bit more leisurely and, well, I have to say, I'm thoroughly enjoying it!

Another added bonus? My feet have been more than happy this season as well, which likely has a lot to do with the fact kitten heels are just so big right now. (And when you're trekking to and fro from back to back shows, you have to celebrate trends that work in your favor!). I think it's safe to say, most show attendees this year have either been wearing a.) sock boots (more on that later!) or a low kitten heel/mule hybrid or a straight up flat. I've rounded up my 15 favorite low riders below. Best part? They work great with the suiting trend we've been seeing a lot of lately and full skirts, like the one I'm wearing here. Happy fall shopping!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Beaufille top (similar style by the same brand, on sale!) // Ted Baker skirt // Dior heels // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Celine sunglasses


 

Photos by Nora Varcho

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September 11, 2017 — 15 Comments

i’ll have what she’s having

3 minute read

I recently rewatched When Harry Met Sally on a flight and it got me thinking about all of the New York-based movies that I loved growing up, that I've yet to rewatch since moving here myself. Perhaps it's the small girl from Reno in me, but I still get giddy when I see the Washington Square arch come into view when Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan first arrive in NYC from Chicago. Or when Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" blares to the scenes of New York waking up as Woody Allen's narration starts in the opening scenes of Manhattan. Or yes, even seeing the Ghostbuster's TriBeca-based fire station office gets me humming, because really, who ARE YOU gonna call?!

Now that the weather is getting crisp and there's more of an excuse to cozy up with a good movie, I'm looking forward to rewatching more of my old favorites like: West Side Story, Annie Hall, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Funny Face and The Seven Year Itch. What are your favorite New York-based films?

As for this outfit, let's just say, we have plenty of summer leftovers around these parts. Lydia and I shot these photos back in June (if I recall correctly, the NBA Finals were in full swing and I swapped out my Golden State Warriors gear to don this little Dior and ball gown number). Given that we're in the midst of Fashion Week at the moment (plenty more outfits to share from that soon), something about this particular outfit felt like a fitting nod to the sartorial drama we're seeing on the streets at the moment. Street style will always be my favorite part of this time of year and I love picking out all the little microtrends that inevitably seem to bubble up (white patent leather ankle boots and cabbie hats, anyone?).

And on another side note (apologies for all the tangents today), I'd like to acknowledge, that despite how much time passes, it always feels a bit odd to me to schedule a fashion-related post on September 11th. It's been 16 years, but I can still remember that day vividly, as I'm sure many of you can, too. The fear, the uncertainty, the sadness that shook us all. But I also remember the resilience, the courage and the compassion that we all shared that day and the days moving forward. I hope however you're observing today, that you find some quiet and peace in your heart to reflect and to remember.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Dior shirt (vintage, but this Gucci logo tee is everywhere these days!) // St. John skirt (sold out, but similar style here) // Sergio Rossi heels // Anine Bing hat (sold out, similar style here) // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Show Road hoop earrings // Celine sunglasses


 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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September 8, 2017 — No Comments

friday favorites: transitional dressing

2 minute read

  

Frank & Eileen top / Gucci belt / Caroline Constas skirt (similar) / Stuart Weitzman booties / The Daily Edited bag c/o

It's no secret that New York weather can be volatile. The city absolutely loves to throw weather temper tantrums. 72 degrees, sunny, breezy, gorgeous one day; raining, humid, and either 86 or 53 (no in between) the next. This is particularly true during the changing of seasons — those few weeks of summer-to-fall limbo can wreak havoc on not only your hair but your sanity, too.

Enter: transitional dressing. It's on the tip of everyone's tongue right now, especially since we're currently in the middle of New York Fashion Week. Transitional dressing is all about mixing pieces from adjacent seasons in order to cope with the ever unpredictable Mother Nature. That means pairing breezy skirts and linen tops with on-trend autumn suede booties like Krystal so deftly does here, or maybe a chunky knit sweater with extreme-distressed cutoff shorts and thigh-high boots. It's really more about comfort than style, if we're being honest here, but there are a few pairings that can make transitional dressing just as exciting as midseason wear. Check out our picks below for the best pieces to make this in-between moment more fun.

Photos and words by Nora Varcho

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September 7, 2017 — No Comments

nora’s nyc gems: the elk

4 minute read

 

Krystal's outfit: Sézane top and jeans (visit their new flagship NYC store, opening today 9/7 on Elizabeth Street)

 

I'm going to make a bit of a bold claim: West Village is at its best around 5pm on a cool, rainy afternoon. No, not at 8am on a sunny spring morning, or at midnight in the middle of a wild winter storm. 5pm, in between bouts of drizzle and downpour, on a September evening, is when the village is at its most lovely.

I think it’s something about the way rain scatters people — everyone is either huddled under an umbrella or holed up inside, so the streets are hushed and open. You’ve given up on your own umbrella, as it’s not really raining hard enough to justify its use (you know that rain that’s more of a mist than anything else? That’s New York rain) and you’ve passed the point of caring. I think it’s something about the click of your heels against the sidewalk as you round the corner of West Fourth and Charles Street, past the staff having a family meal inside Mary’s Fish Camp before dinner service opens. The sound of your heels mixes with the clinking of glasses of champagne at Bar Sardine, celebratory midweek bubbly best enjoyed inside, but with the windows open to let the cool breeze float in. I think it’s definitely something about the air — fresh and clean in a way New York air never is, and yet smoky with a hint of Santal 33 ghosting past you like a stranger you thought you might’ve known.

West Village in the rain at dusk is the red-lipped woman whose eyes are hidden in the shadow cast by her wide-brimmed black and white hat as she crosses the street in front of you, or is it actually just time that is in black and white when the clock strikes a certain hour? You’re jolted back into color when a bright yellow cab appears seemingly out of nowhere to silhouette you in a shock of white light. Did you look both ways before you crossed?

It’s something about sneakily peering into the warmly lit windows of the monstrous homes that line the cobblestone streets, furniture and art and staircases and back gardens and children setting the table for dinner visible only when it’s just dark enough to switch on lamps all over the house. The children are inside because it’s witching hour, where what is real is not, where men in full three-piece suits wander past you with a tip of their hat, where fuzzy jazz music drifts from what you’re sure is the sky and right down into your palm so that you can carry it in your pocket from block to block. It’s that feeling of having your headphones in and not just feeling like you’re in a movie but knowing you’re in a movie. This can’t be real life. Can it?

West Village in the rain at dusk is pure magic.

I’ve thought about this far too often because, far too often, I find myself wandering through the village on days like this, usually on my way to The Elk to meet Krystal or to just sip coffee and read a book on my own. The Elk is the perfect accompaniment to a rainy West Village afternoon — delicious drinks, incredible food, and a warm atmosphere that relieves that nervous, exciting tension that builds up in your chest, walking there through the enchanted village. Before I even moved to New York, The Elk was actually already on the top of my list of places to visit, and over the years it has never let me down. Be sure to order the egg sandwich (hands down the best breakfast sandwich I’ve ever had) or the market rice bowl with extra avocado. Hold your coffee tight to defrost your hands, crack open a book about the magic of New York, and begin to figure out what is your West Village.

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September 6, 2017 — No Comments

colour by numbers

3 minute read

As you may have guessed from Instagram, our little European trip was a whirlwind -- we covered three different countries after all! Of course, this lead to a bit of a packing challenge for me. For starters, I'm already a self-proclaimed overpacker. Yep. You think at this point in my life, I'd be more discerning when it comes to figuring out what goes in my bag and what stays at home, but spoiler: I'm awful at it. I always find a way to ask myself, "Well who knows, maybe I'll need this statement cocktail dress or that obscure pair of heels I almost never wear."

Naturally, this has also lead to some awkward conversations with the airline employees as I'm checking my embarrassingly overweight bag, only to scramble and throw this and that into my already overflowing carry on bag.

Well folks, this time around, I decided to spare myself a headache and a few gray hairs and actually sat down to roughly plan each outfit, given the setting and weather for each location. This may seem overly obvious to many of you, but it made a difference for me when I actually forced myself to plan my "Paris" outfits vs. my "Berlin" outfits. And this dress by Ted Baker from their Colour by Numbers collection, in particular, was the first that came to mind for Dresden, Germany. Granted, I had never been to Dresden before (or many other parts of Germany for that matter!), but after researching a bit, I loved the idea of a floral pattern pop around the regal buildings of Altstad (the old city portion of Dresden). Many of the entrances and grand staircases have this beautiful aged quality to them, slightly overgrown with ivy and moss -- a mash up of city and nature coexisting together. And this heritage-like floral print (like a bedding or china pattern that a German grandmother might have in her home) was just the sartorial nod I was looking for to pay tribute.

We roamed around the winding cobblestone streets, beer in hand (naturally), and this dress was the perfect frock for the day. Comfortable, with a little bit of a swing and ruffle -- and wrinkle resistant (always a plus when you're traveling!). What are your go-to dresses when traveling? Do you ever research a destination and plan your outfit to fit the mood or vibe of a place?

OUTFIT DETAILS: Ted Baker Colour by Numbers dress // Cult Gaia bag // Chanel heels // Marine Layer hat // Celine sunglasses

This post was in collaboration with Ted Baker. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!

Photos by Ty Johnson

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September 5, 2017 — No Comments

marathon monday

9 minute read

As you may or may not know, I'm running the New York Marathon in November. Granted, it's not my first marathon (it'll be my third actually --remember Paris here?), but given some recent injuries in past years (not getting any younger I suppose), this will be the first time I'm enlisting the help of a seasoned professional to help me train. Cue the adorable blonde you see here. Lacee Lazoff. If you happen to follow me on Instagram, you may have spied my running snaps and, as of this summer, my tortuous work out snaps from Fhitting Room, a high intensity boutique studio here in the city. As a self proclaimed tomboy and work out enthusiast myself, it's surprisingly hard for me to find studios here in the city that I actually want to return back to. Most are great, don't get me wrong, but I find myself either anxious or bored or just downright overwhelmed by how niche each class sounds. Barry's Bootcamp meets disco party with fog machines? Say what?! So when I first started going to Fhitting Room last summer with my good friend Heather, I was pleasantly refreshed. A downright sweat inducing, muscle-working high intensity class? With great music? And instructors who have the ability to yell in an encouraging way (as opposed to the scary, drill sergeant kind of way)? Sign me up! And I've been going ever since. Now this is where the aforementioned adorable blonde comes in. Lacee. I've recently started making a habit of signing up for her 8am Thursday class at the Flatiron studio and have always admired 1.) how bright eyed she seems at 8am! and 2.) how she can whip out a few pull ups without flinching. Seriously. This girl is tiny but mighty -- essentially representing all my fitness goals in one! Of course, once I found out she had run the New York Marathon before, I knew she'd be the perfect coach for me and a great source of ideas and tips for this new series I'm kicking off today: Marathon Monday (yes, I'm aware it's Tuesday now, but let's pretend the long weekend didn't throw off my posting schedule). That said, I wanted to introduce Lacee to all of you, so you could get a feel for her approach to fitness, how she stays motivated and her tips for getting arms like hers. (Insert flexing arm emoji here.) Over the coming weeks, she'll be weighing in on my training schedule with a day by day running and workout plan, tips for working out while traveling (my weakness!) and nutrition guides, tailored for runners. Have other topic ideas for Lacee to answer? Let me know in the comments below! And without further adieu, I'll let Lacee take it from here!

OUTFIT DETAILS ON LACEE: Outdoor Voices slashback crop top // Lululemon leggings // Nike running shoes // OUTFIT DETAILS ON KRYSTAL: Outdoor Voices Athena crop top // Outdoor Voices leggings // Nike Lunar Tempo running shoes // Avec Les Filles denim jacket (sold out, but love this style from them)

First things first, where are you from and when did you move to NYC? I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon and moved to NYC seven years ago (May 2010). Ah! A fellow Left Coaster! So where do you live here in the city? East Village! I started in the West Village and moved east six years ago (and am still in the same apartment). How long have you been at Fhitting Room? Since December 2016, but I've been in the fitness industry in NYC since I moved here and used to take classes at Fhitting Room when it first opened 4+ years ago. What's your relationship with fitness like? How did it start? How has it evolved over the years? I've always been athletic and grew up doing a ton of outdoor sports. A good amount of my youth was spent figure skating and running. I found yoga in college and starting practicing weekly along with weight training sessions at the gym; I've been a gym rat since my late teens! I don't feel like myself if I'm not moving and that has taken many forms over the years. In my early 20's I was really into yoga, running and crossfit; that translated to group fitness/spin and about every boutique class you could name when I moved to NYC. I loved yoga so much, I even considered enrolling on a yoga teacher training course in India. I spent the first 10 years of my career working in operations for a fitness apparel company and made a career switch to personal training; it has been the most natural and scary leap, but one that has truly taken me full circle in my love of fitness. My connection to yoga and weight training has stayed consistent and that came together when I found kettlebells and functional movement. I literally fell in love and have never felt stronger than I have through working consistently with kettlebells (it has been about three years). Now I'm in a phase of bells and bodyweight training; I've become obsessed with strict pull-ups and see a future helping people (especially women) to achieve their first pull-up and beyond. In my early/mid thirties, I'm stronger than I've ever been and want to maintain that and thrive as I age. What do love about personal training/instructing? I love people and helping others use their bodies to their full potential; it's something so many of us take for granted. Personal training is often a unique bond, as I'm getting to know clients on a one-on-one level that feels close to family sometimes. It's very rewarding to watch an individual achieve goals, make progress and really see how it affects their life closely. Group instructing for me is all about creating an experience and motivating a team. There is something about creating energy, teaching and bringing people together that is so much fun. At Fhitting Room, I get the best of both worlds because of the client interaction and being on a team of skilled trainers. It feels so great to be on a team again! What's a common misconception about strength training that you'd like to banish now? That sexy equals skinny and strong equals bulky. There are so many spaces in between and every person is different. Also that being fit is all about eating perfectly and working out every day with no grey area. It's possible to drink wine, not be in the gym constantly and still look and feel great. How does NYC impact your fitness routine? NYC can be a blessing and a curse! I like to eat, drink, stay out late and be involved socially in the city, but these things for sure impact my fitness routine. I find that eating very well 85% of the time, prioritizing sleep and scheduling my personal workouts like they are business appointments allows me to enjoy city life. I also love group fitness for the social aspect; it has allowed me to find friends that are likeminded. I also walk everywhere and plan on hustling a little more in the gym during the times I'm more social (ahem, summer). What's your workout philosophy? Workout to thrive at life; everything else will fall into place (including those body goals). I believe strength of body, strength of character and a positive outlook will give every person the ability to get after their goals and live BIG. Motivator of choice? (What pushes you to go that extra mile during a workout?) I'm a tighten my ponytail and throw on some dirty rap kind of girl. Also being around people that push me. It's easier to do that last burpee when you know your workout partner won't let you quit. Also, that extra glass of wine! Yeah, girl, we're with you for that extra glass of wine! Advice for someone looking to create a workout routine they can stick to? Plan ahead and schedule your workouts with the importance of a business meeting. Stay consistent for 6 months; yeah I said it. After that, it will feel as easy as breathing to keep going. Also, if you hate running, don't run. Start with something you really enjoy to ignite the spark, then build upon it. Group classes are a great option because they enforce commitment. Not to sound like a trainer, but... Consistency and habits create results. No matter how intense the workout seems at Fhitting Room, you're ALWAYS smiling! What's your SECRET?! I really believe in loving every moment of life, even the hard shit. Because it's real and usually accomplishing goals or getting through the tough moments feel the most satisfying. I tell myself all the time: don't make this hard, because nothing has to be hard. It's all about mindset, so embrace the suck with a smile. OK, but seriously, how do I get your arms? HELP ME! Lots of push ups, pull up and kettlebells! If you don't already have a set of Kettlebells, it's as easy as checking out sites like https://store.trxtraining.com/products/trx-kettlebell to get yourself this essential equipment!

Let's set a goal for you to achieve a pull up and everything else will fall into place. I actually think that as much as you travel, kettlebells and bodyweight is the way to go because you can really do them anywhere. Also: A TRX strap is a great investment; easy to travel with and you can hand it in any hotel door frame. Eep! So I have pull-ups in my near future? Finish these sentences... I feel strongest when... I lead with my heart and don't quit. My favorite kind of workout is... Kettlebell complexes and bodyweight movements. My torture workout of choice is... for sure HIIT classes (that assault bike never gets easier). My pump up jam at the moment... Anything with a Kendrick Lamar cameo; he can do no wrong. Pick your poison: BURPEES or PULL-UPS? I actually love both, but... Pull-ups have changed my life and I will never stop! In the past, I've underestimated how much I needed to cross train (hence the pesky ankle injury I had last year!) -- what are the specific areas I need to pay special attention to up until race day? The common areas for runners to watch: glute strength (your butt) and core strength. Deadlifts, hinge movements and posterior chain work (back of body) are all very important. Fhittiing Room classes are great for this. Here are a few things:

  • Foam rolling: calfs (especially if you're wearing heels), quads, a little bit hamstrings, and piriformis (upper hip area).
  • Glute bridges and deadlifts are awesome for building glute/hamstring strength and also connecting your mind to using these muscles. Oftentimes (especially women), people are quad-dominant and don't actually actively use the glutes!
  • Hips: tight hips can lead to lower back pain for runners. A total body kettle bell workout is good for building strength as well as endurance.

  • Core: planks, hollow holds, push ups, pull ups. Ab wheel exercises could be great for you especailly while traveling. I can show you all of this in person!
  • Walking: normally I tell New Yorkers to walk as much as possible. For you, try to keep walking miles on the lower side when you start getting in to longer runs. You'll already be logging in miles and your legs will need rest.

As a runner yourself (and a marathoner, to boot!), what's your advice for staying motivated during training? Enroll other people in what you are up to; it's much easier to stay motivated when you're open about your goals because then you'll have so much support. People want to see you succeed, so get friends, family and even your social crew involved in your journey! Also: little rewards help me. Like a new pair of shoes or workout pants help me to stay fresh and in the game. Sometimes it's the little things...

And there you have it! Hope you guys enjoyed the first of this series. And, as mentioned earlier, please send me any fitness related topics you'd like Lacee to tackle!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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August 30, 2017 — 10 Comments

summer lovin’

3 minute read


As Danny Zuko once sang, summer lovin' -- happened so fast.

AND man! That was fast! How is it September 1st on Friday already? I've been filling out my editorial calendar the past few days for the coming months ahead and, I have to say, there's plenty of summer content backlogged (from Australia, LA and Europe!), so consider this my apology in advance. I know fall is knocking on our doors already and this crisp weather in NYC lately has only been expediting things, but I got summer on the brain. Still.

That said, my hope is perhaps you're somewhere that's still somewhat warm? Or you're going somewhere warm soon? Or you're turning up the heat in your apartment to fake it? Either way, I've rounded up my summer MVPs that have been going strong these past few months. You've likely seen many of these pieces repeated numerous times on Instagram, many are now on SUPER sale and hey, Labor Day is right around the corner, so consider it one of our last hurrahs of summer before we start bundling up and sipping pumpkin spice everything.

Speaking of Labor Day, what are you guys up to? I'm heading to a Yankees game on Friday (they're playing the Red Sox!) and finally checking out the Smorgasburg out in Brooklyn on Saturday. After hopping around the past few weeks, it'll be nice to have a very New York weekend for a change.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Rosie Assoulin dress (sold out, but similar style here) // Zara slides (sold out, love this pair here) // Marine Layer hat (similar style and price point here!) // Kate Spade clutch (old, but this Olympia Le-Tan book clutch is on sale!) // Show Road hoop earrings // Ray-Ban Club Master sunglasses

THE BOATER HAT: By now, you've seen them everywhere and probably more times than you'd like to count on my head. In short, they topped off pretty much all my summer outfits. And they hide your summer hair, when you're just a tad lazy to do it. 

 

THE STRIPED DAY DRESS: Let's put it this way: you'll never regret a striped dress. All of these are on sale and ready for Labor Day weekend and can easily be worn next summer!

 

THE SLIDES: These Zara slides were an early summer purchase for me. And then proceeded to wear them TO DEATH during all my trips. My regret? I should have bought 3 extra pairs!

 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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August 29, 2017 — No Comments

nora’s san francisco guide

8 minute read

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August 28, 2017 — 8 Comments

old soul

3 minute read


People often ask me how I like living in the West Village and aside from the many restaurants, the charming stoops and boutiques (which, trust me, there are plenty!), it's the people that actually sell me every time. I'm an early riser, which means I'm hunting for coffee around 6:30  or 7am pretty consistently Monday through Friday (and sometimes on Saturdays, eep!), and consequently, this means I end up seeing a lot of the same early risers, usually in line for coffee.

Of course, once you start seeing the same familiar faces every morning, it's hard not to develop a kinship of sorts -- my fellow West Villagers, enjoying the Village when it's at its finest: quiet early morning hours. And most of these folks? They've lived in the area for years, some since the 60s, many in the same buildings, many who have frequented a lot of the same Village haunts. I love hearing their stories and their recollections of how the Village has evolved and changed over the years (even if their rent hasn't) -- a testimony to New Yorkers, who remain loyal to their neighborhood and everything it stands for, despite the changing times and developments.

And more often than not, even though I'm hardly a true New Yorker by any means (not yet anyway, but I'm working on it!), I like to think, in some ways, they've let me into their little crowd, a kindred spirit who can appreciate the Village through their lens. My mom has always joked with me that I'm an old soul -- and never has it felt more true than right here, in this neighborhood. And I love it.

As for this outfit? I'm so excited that we've been seeing a lot of these uber feminine, romantic frocks . Wrap dresses in almost vintage prints like polka dots, cherries and wallpaper florals, with just the right amount of ruffle and breeziness to them. They're perfect for warmer temps with little block heels and sans tights. But even more perfect come fall and winter with the right pair of suede over the knee boots. I've rounded up my favorites down below!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Realisation Par dress // Chanel heels (on sale here on The RealReal) // The Daily Edited box bag // Celine sunglasses


 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

 

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August 24, 2017 — No Comments

18 transitional pieces you need now

3 minute read

So let's be real: there aren't many weeks of summer left and most of my upcoming projects are pretty fall focused (SAY WHAT? It's SO hot in NYC right now!) and while that's all good and lovely and Central Park is just a gem in the fall (my absolute favorite time in the city), my stubborn side is refusing to take this sitting down. We talked about a few summer bucket list items that I've been meaning to check off, and in that spirit, I've rounded up the last bits of summer pieces that I think will work perfectly for the hot days ahead and even better once the weather turns crisp.

Take this Banana Republic dress for instance. It's currently sold out (Olivia Palermo has that effect when she stamps her name on anything) and it's been a go-t0 this summer for evening cocktail events, but come September (late September, mind you) and October, I can see it working with a deliciously oversized camel coat or perhaps a white oxford shirt layered underneath. I also think it might be interesting left unbuttoned and worn as a structural duster coat of sorts.

Keep scrolling to see my favorite pieces that you can buy and wear NOW and LATER. Spoiler: many are from Banana Republic and at such good prices! This is no way sponsored by Banana Republic, I just happen to think they've been killing it lately.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Banana Republic X Olivia Palermo dress (now sold out, but similar style here) // Sergio Rossi heels // Vintage clutch // Celine sunglasses // Show Road hoop earrings // Monica Vinader bracelets 


 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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August 23, 2017 — No Comments

in a new york state of mind

4 minute read


Dusting off my mic here.."Testing, 1...2...3..."

Hi guys! It's been a minute! And by minute, I mean it's been a whirlwind past 10 days of hopping around Paris, the south of France, Vienna, Dresden and finally Berlin. To be honest, after landing last night at JFK, despite such a wonderful trip of many firsts, I was beyond excited to see a familiar skyline and to finally sleep in my own bed last night. With Elvis nearby. And the sounds of NYC rolling by outside out on Hudson Street.

I always get a little sappy like this, after returning home from a trip, and usually find myself tapping into a comforting routine the first few days of coming back home -- I like to think it's one part travel withdrawals and one part delayed homesickness. Does anyone else do this? I'll opt to work at my local coffee shop a bit longer in the morning to just people watch, I'll head up to Central Park, even if it's a bit out of my way during the day, just to stroll around and, if the weather is a bit less swampy, I'll go for an extra long run where I often remind myself, "hey, I live in this fucking rad city!"

It's a grounding mental exercise that I desperately need after having my head up in the clouds (literally and figuratively), and it's amazing what it does to clear out the stimulus overload of flights and different languages and cultures and sights and sounds and, well, you get the picture. I've never been great at the whole meditation thing (much to my chagrin), but in a way, my first few days back after a trip, feel like a form of meditation to me. Appreciating everything I've seen and experienced and everything here in my own backyard.

Plus, I usually treat myself to an extra large slice of New York pizza. Because, when in New York, right?

As for this outfit? We actually shot these photos WAY back on July 4th (can you believe it?!) and I'm still wearing this set like crazy (it's also unfortunately sold out, but I LOVE this little set here from For Love & Lemons). I love how it's pretty easy to mix and match both pieces (the skirt will be making a debut in a recent outfit from Germany) and I think the top will make for a fun addition OVER a white oxford shirt come fall time. And the hat? I'll happily admit I've worn this hat to death this summer. It was only $40 at Marine Layer (now sold out, unfortunately), and it was my prized outfit possession this past trip -- I would have worn it with every outfit if my guy didn't give me a hard time about doing so. To which, I typically responded by throwing on one of my other three hats I brought on the trip. (Insert forehead slap here.) It reminded me of a recent happy hour I had with a few of my favorite gals (Grace, Blair, Mary, Taylor and Dana), where we all, without skipping a beat, agreed our hats have become like crack for our outfit posts. Sure, you could wear that gingham dress without a hat, but WHY would you want to do that? 😉

(Personal defense disclaimer here: wearing a hat means I can be a bit lazy with my hair, because let's face it, NYC humidity is NO JOKE).

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara two piece set (sold out, but love this little gingham set here and here) // Zara satin slides (sold out, but similar style here) // Marine Layer hat (sold out, but tempted to pony up for this one) // Ray-Ban club master sunglasses // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Show Road hoop earrings // Monica Vinader bracelets 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

 

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August 15, 2017 — No Comments

paris is always a good idea

3 minute read


Bonjour from Avignon! As I'm writing this, I'm sitting out on our terrace, enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to the city wake up. People are bustling by on the street below, walking to work. Mothers are taking their children to the park, their laughter trailing behind them as they go. There's a man sweeping the cobblestone streets, whistling what must be a French pop song. And overhead, church bells are booming, wrapping every part of this morning up in a French provincial blanket. It's moments like this that make you wonder: what would my life look like if I woke up to this every morning? Where would I head to work? Where would I grab my coffee? Who would be the man who would sell me my morning newspaper? And for just a second, while completely living in one moment, you're also living in another -- a made up life of yours with a version of yourself you hardly recognize.

I do this a lot when I'm traveling, collecting versions of "Krystal" all around the world. Perhaps I'm not alone?

As far as Provence goes, I have to say this entire region is stunning and every bit charming as I had hoped. We'll be driving around the next few days, likely to Aix-en-Provence, St. Remy and Marseille. If you have any recommendations for what to see and do, please let me know! Merci!

Oh, and as for these photos -- I meant to post them on Friday right before we hopped to Paris (I think Audrey would be proud of them!), but last minute packing took priority. Better late than never, oui?

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sarah Seven coat // Leone dress // Sergio Rossi heels // Celine sunglasses // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Show Road hoop earrings

Photos by Nora Varcho

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August 10, 2017 — No Comments

hot child in the city

2 minute read


There are a few things I'm really guilty of once the temps (and humidity) just become too much: my hair is often in a messy bun, I'll reach for a lot of the same pieces over and over if I have to leave my AC blasted apartment, I consume what is probably an unhealthy amount of iced lattes and, more often than not, I'll opt to go pretty barefaced.

That said, if you can throw a pretty kimono over everything, it sort of negates a lot of the aforementioned frumpiness, right? I just love how kimonos (and pajamas for that matter) are having a moment right now. I picked up this particular kimono while in Australia after my good friend Angie convinced me, then and there, that I needed it in my life. Bonus? It's reversible -- the pink side is oh so millennial, but the blue side will be refreshing come fall -- perhaps belted with my new Gucci men's belt? And some ankle boots?

Wait, is it 65 degrees yet? Pretty, please?

In case you're in the market for a kimono as well, I've rounded up my favorites down below!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Spell & the Gypsy kimono (sold out, but I love this romper version here) // Citizens of Humanity jeans // Adore Me bodysuit (similar style here)// Chanel heels (tempted by this pair here!) // Cult Gaia bag // Celine sunglasses

 

Photos by Nora Varcho

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August 9, 2017 — No Comments

breakfast at monica’s

4 minute read

 

 

The older I get, the more I realize I'm a creature of habit. When it comes to hairstyles? I get exhausted just thinking about more than 3 different ways to style my hair. When it comes to the types of jeans I like? Slightly cropped and darker rinse. Heck, when it comes to my go-to cocktail? You'll rarely see me without an Old Fashioned at happy hour.

So when it comes to my approach to jewelry, there are no surprises. I love classic, timeless pieces that, simply put, rarely leave my body. If you recall, last summer, I shared my "white shirt rule" that I always consider when purchasing jewelry -- a litmus test if you will, to make sure a particular piece has staying power in my jewelry rotation, namely by making sure it completes even the most understated of outfits, like a great pair of jeans and a white button down oxford shirt. And if you also recall, since then, I've been pretty much living in Monica Vinader. All of her pieces exude an effortless charm, simple and classic when worn alone, stacked and coordinated for a more impactful, evening look. And they pass my white shirt rule with flying colors.

Of course, with the opening of their SoHo boutique just last year, I've been popping by pretty often, especially over the past few weeks as I've been looking to update a few pieces (in particular my ring game and a few new, layering necklaces). As you may already imagine, Monica has designed a store that truly is an extension of her jewelry -- an homage to her inspirations, muses and travels. Those overhead gold sphere light fixtures? None other than Tom Dixon. Her blue velvet fainting-esque couch toward the back of the store? Perfect for sipping tea while you're debating your next purchase. And as a self-proclaimed shelf aficionado, I love how Monica has her shelves styled in the store -- a collection of travel books, rare knick-knacks and photos from recent trips. In short, she's a woman after my own heart.

If you're in the New York area this summer (or perhaps you're a New Yorker looking for an inspirational in-store experience, because hey, let's face it, you can't shop for EVERYTHING online ALL the time), then throw on your best Holly Golightly dress and shades, and hop down to the Monica Vinader boutique at 151 Spring Street. Perhaps I'll see you there? I'll be the girl eating a croissant in the window debating this ring, these earrings and several of these necklaces.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara top and skirt set (sold out, but similar style here and here) // Self-Portrait heels, on sale! // Celine sunglasses // The Daily Edited box bag // Monica Vinader bracelets, earrings (here and here) and rings (here, here and here!)

This post was in collaboration with Monica Vinader. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

 

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August 7, 2017 — No Comments

making the most of summer

3 minute read


Right around this time, every summer, I find plenty of excuses to extend the season. Booking an Indian Summer vacation. Throwing rooftop half-birthday parties (mine's in August!). And my personal favorite -- packing a picnic at the drop of a hat. In fact, just last Friday, I caught wind of an outdoor screening of West Side Story down at the Oculus Plaza and immediately talked my guy into an early summer Friday dinner and a movie night. I packed up some of our favorites from Tacombi (baja crispy fish tacos and lots of guac + chips!), a few mini bottles of champagne (I know, I know, odd combination), and enjoyed snapping along to Tony and Maria's love story under the shadow of One World and the rib-like wings of the Oculus. It was a perfect Friday evening -- one that I wish I could bottle up and savor all fall and winter long.

So in my efforts to make every last sun-soaked minute of summer a good one, here are a few of my must-do's before the season wraps.

  1. Stock up on my favorite dress of the summer: little lacy white dresses. Come fall, they'll be perfect layered under turtlenecks. But for now? Throw on your favorite satin slides and go! I've rounded up my favorites down below!
  2. Finally check out the Jazz Age Lawn Party. I've been dying to go ever since seeing The Sartorialist snap many folks there years ago and I'm already busy planning my outfit!
  3. Speaking of bucket list events, I'm itching to head out to the US Open. Anyone else going?
  4. Pick a night I don't mind staying out SUPER late for and wait for a spot at Please Don't Tell.
  5. Head up to Central Park a few Saturday mornings in August to run around the reservoir.
  6. Since we're on the topic of Central Park, no summer is complete with a little boat ride around the lake. I may need to drag a certain fella here.
  7. Head upstate for a late summer hike and weekend road trip away. This AirBnB is giving me ALL the mountainy feels.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Alexis dress, on sale! // Lola hat // Zara slides, sold out but love this style here // Kate Spade clutch, from a few years ago, but I love this Olympia Le-Tan clutch here // Gifted woven bag from Bali, love this little woven guy here! // Picnic Time basket // Monica Vinader bracelets // Celine sunglasses 

 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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August 3, 2017 — No Comments

new york date nights

3 minute read


I love impromptu date nights. Don't get me wrong. I like planning out the details of a special evening just as much as the next self-respecting, let's-match-the-dress-to-the-ambiance-of-the-restaurant girl. But there's something so lovely about just being able to wing an evening, if you know what I mean. Some of my favorite dates have always started and ended somewhat the same -- with very little of a plan (aside from a meeting spot) and then allowing New York to be the guide from there. It requires you and your date to have a sense of adventure, which I typically find so attractive if it's our first time meeting.

Here's an example of one of my favorite first dates in recent memory: Met at Death and Company for drinks with no expectations or plans after. Continued on to Momofuku (because we both were starving and happened to love ramen!). After talking about jazz for a long time, we both decided to find a little hole in the wall jazz spot in the West Village, where we continued to dance for a few hours. Finally, somewhere between 1 and 2am, decided it's time for another drink, and headed over to Little Branch, a sexy little bar with the perfect booths for stealing a kiss (or two!). Once that bar kicked us out, as any bar would at 4am, he offered to walk me home, to which I politely declined (because this is New York after all, he can't know where I live just yet!) but instead, opted to sit on a park bench for another hour and just chatted about whatever popped into our heads.

New York has that ability to transform any night into something (of course, good company doesn't hurt either) and I just love that about this city.

As far as date night outfits, well that part can be a bit more planned out. Lately, with the stickiness of summer here, I've been reaching for more and more slip dresses -- the slinkier the better. Throw a little moto jacket over your shoulders and some almost-shoulder grazing earrings, and you're ready for whatever the night has in store for you! I've rounded up my favorites and more down below, still on sale at Nordstrom (ending this Sunday, so hurry!).

OUTFIT DETAILS: Nordstrom dress (sold out, but similar style here for under $100!) // Levis moto jacket from Nordstrom // Earrings (sold out, but similar style here) // Sergio Rossi heels // Nordstrom clutch


Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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August 2, 2017 — No Comments

dreaming in french

3 minute read


I recently saw the new Eleanor Coppola film, Paris Can Wait, starring Diane Lane, at my all-time favorite theater in the city (fittingly, the Paris theater). Given that I'm gearing up for a little jaunt over to Europe (France and Germany specifically) in just a few short weeks, the film definitely got me in the "European holiday" mindset, and it's not hard to see why. The south of France. Charming Parisian men. Road trips in vintage cars. The most deliciously decadent meals, set in the most darling of countryside towns. Everything about it was getting me in THE MOOD. Capitals intended. Heck. Let's throw italics in there too. THE MOOD. Oui, c'est parfait.

And perhaps not unsurprisingly, it had me shaking and laughing my head a bit too at the tried (and true) stereotypes. There's a scene where Diane Lane's character (she always plays a lovely ex-pat, doesn't she? Under the Tuscan Sun, anyone?), singlehandedly, fixes their broken down car by fashioning a new fan belt out of her pantyhose, like any self-respecting American woman who happened to take an auto shop class at some point her life might have done. Meanwhile, her French male counterpart is simply avoiding the problem but insisting they picnic fist, worry about the car later.

It reminded me of this Vogue video that model Camille Rowe starred in a few years back quite comically documenting the nuance differences between American and French women. Many are spot on. Many might have you defiantly denying it (as I did to my guy, only to have him insist it was actually sort of true -- and I couldn't disagree. The directions part especially). All of it's pretty funny. Because, after all, what's more American or French for that matter, than to document our well known subtle differences? American women wish they had French style, French beauty, French je ne sais quoi. And French women wish they had...hold on...what is it they wish they had of ours? 😉

And after you give that a watch, hop back over here and let me know in the comments if you have any tips for my upcoming trip to Europe! We'll be flying into Paris, then trekking down to the South of France then ultimately over to Berlin and Dresden for a wedding. I cannot wait!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Marissa Webb dress, now on sale! (rented via Rent The Runway) // Kenneth Cole heels // Lola hat // Celine sunglasses // Olympia Le-Tan clutch, on sale here!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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July 28, 2017 — 13 Comments

the summer slip

2 minute read

When swampy New York summers truly settle in, it's hard to think of much else other than AC afternoons or escapes to the pool and/or the Hamptons. When I can't manage either option, I grab one of my slip dresses and call it a day. I recently picked up this floral number at Reformation, but in true Reformation fashion, it appears it's already sold out. Instead, I've rounded up my favorite nighttime meets daytime slip dresses below.

On a side note: I'm hopping over to Newport this weekend for the Newport Folk Festival! It's been a hot minute since my last festival, so I'm getting excited to just plan my outfits, stay out all day in the sun next to the water and catch some of my favorite acts, namely these guys and this lady.

Have you guys been to Newport, RI before? Would love any recs you may have!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Reformation floral dress (sold out, similar style here) // Zara slides (sold out, similar style here) // Anine Bing hat (similar style here) // Ray-Ban sunglasses // Gifted straw bag from Bali // Show Road hoops


 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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July 21, 2017 — No Comments

friday favorites: nordstrom sale

3 minute read

It may only be July 21, but that doesn't mean we can't already be dreaming of cooler temperatures, cozy sweaters, and drinking warm cups of coffee without overheating. The past few days here in NYC have been absolutely brutal — 90 degrees or above and humid to boot. I'm not ready for sweltering August in the city, so instead I've turned my attention to firmly believing that autumn will come quickly this year.

I absolutely love fall in New York. The only season it rivals is spring, and while the cherry blossoms are lovely and being able to walk outside without freezing is nice, nothing matches the moody, brisk afternoons, hot apple cider fresh from the green market, and the sound of boots clicking against the sidewalk, crisp leaves crunching beneath your feet. I love fall. I love it for all the cliche reasons — the smell of the cool air drifting through your still-cracked window in the morning, the warm colors, wearing tights and scarves and oversized sweaters, the visceral need to cuddle (pets count too), pumpkin spice everything (yes, I'm that girl!). I also just really love not being sticky all. the. time. Get me out of this humidity now.

So, it's only fitting that Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale falls smack dab in the middle of summer, previewing for us the perfect autumn fashion that we, on one hand, can't imagine layering on right now but, on the other, want to dream about being able to wear. It's officially open to the public today, so go right now before all the coziest buys sell out!

While you're at it, the photos above are from Krystal's latest appearance in Glamour Magazine — run to the newsstands to see her glowing in this month's issue! She shows all of us how to perfectly take your autumn look from day to night. You can shop her outfit below along with the rest of my picks from the Nordstrom sale!

Have a great weekend,

Nora

featuring my favorite jeans (I own multiple pairs!) 

featuring these classic sneakers

featuring these acne-look-alike boots 

photos by Lydia Hudgens for Glamour Magazine

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July 19, 2017 — No Comments

the 15 reformation pieces you need now

2 minute read

When it comes to my summer style, New York has definitely thrown me for a loop the past few seasons. After spending a number of years in San Francisco where summers usually entail the coldest months of the year and thereby requiring layers upon layers, New York's sweltering swampy weather has made me collect quite the summer dress collection (and I'm not complaining in the slightest!). At the start of each summer, like most girls I know, I hit up Reformation and attempt to guess what will be the "it" dresses of the warm months ahead. My main notes to look for? Linen, feminine details and a little sex appeal. And man, Reformation has hit it out of the park this time around. I've rounded up my 10 must-have pieces from Reformation below, that you've likely already seen a ton of online already (including this Serengeti dress).

PS: One note about this Serengeti dress (and several other Reformation winners) -- invest in good fashion tape!

PPS: Stay tuned for Scotland Diaries Part 3 coming tomorrow!

OUTFIT POSTS: Reformation dress // Zara slides (sold out, but similar pair here) // Celine sunglasses // Bag from Bali (gift, but tempted to get this guy!)

 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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July 18, 2017 — No Comments

scotland diaries: part 2

3 minute read

"There's no place on earth with more old superstitions and magic mixed into its daily life than the Scottish Highlands." ~ Diana Gabaldon

As Alisha and I were prepping for our jaunt over to Scotland, we both were giddy at the idea of just driving through parts of the country. Isn't that funny? It's exciting to travel so far, via planes or ships or helicopters or trains, but at the end of the day, I think the way to truly experience an area, is to drive through it. Back roads. Empty roads. Detours. Wrong turns that turn into the right turn. Spotting those tucked away vista points that, if you're not paying close enough attention, could easily be passed over.

On our way up to the Isle of Skye through the Scottish Highlands (a must if you're visiting Scotland), we knew we wanted to leave super early to allow for as much aimless wandering as possible. It's roughly a 6 hour drive, if you're heading straight through, so we packed up the car in Edinburgh extremely early, with plenty of gorgeousness thanks to Sachin + Babi and one killer playlist that I made before the trip. I've included our playlist below and I have to say, I think it struck all the perfect notes, fitting for a Scottish road trip: melancholy, brooding with just the right amount of romantic mysticism. As for the photos, I think these are some of my absolute favorites to date. I hope you enjoy! And get swept away a little.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sachin + Babi ruffled blue gown (on sale now!) // Sachin + Babi floral gown

Photos by Alisha Siegel

Huge thanks to the Visit Scotland Tourism Board for inviting us on such a lovely trip! More from Scotland coming this week!

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July 14, 2017 — No Comments

friday favorites: summer straw bags

3 minute read

Bag: Cult Gaia

 

I like to tell myself I'm not a "trends" girl. Sure, I like to be trend-y, but when it comes to trend-s, sometimes I can't be bothered. Confession: I only own one off-the-shoulder top. And it was a gift. I have yet to jump on the gingham bandwagon, even though I've of course tried on my fair share of checkered pieces at Zara. I haven't gotten a pair of satin slides like those ones Krystal looks so good in. I can't imagine myself in one of those puffy-sleeved wrap tops, even though I'm obsessed with the way other people style them.

Maybe it's because I have a case of extreme indecision any time I'm faced with literally any choice. I almost always end up putting the hanger back on the rack in search of something I might like just thiiiis much more, or might be thiiiis much cheaper (the only exception to that is online shopping — gimme free shipping and some cute dresses and my credit card will hate me). This probably makes my dad happy — he trained me well in bargain-hunting — but when I'm searching my closet for something fun, new, exciting to wear, I curse my un-trendy, indecisive self.

So, when I began seeing this particular bamboo bag on every single corner of the blogosphere, at first, I kind of ignored it. Not because I didn't like it, but because 1. I figured it was out of my price range and 2. I figured I could find a more practical, more sturdy, more insert-whatever-lame-excuse-I-have-for-trends-here. Finally, though, I had to click on the link and check out this insanely trendy bag for myself. And, lo and behold, it was at a reasonable price point and the details were insanely gorgeous and weirdly perfect. I could picture myself with this bag. You know, that montage that goes through your head when you see the ideal piece? We were sitting in a sun-drenched cafe together, shadows spilling out of its geometric frame. We were strolling through Central Park on a summer evening, everything sparkling around us. We were perusing a museum together, modern art meeting modern Ark (get it?!). That's when I knew, I had to have that bag (and let me tell you, it's just as good in person). Sometimes, the trend is just completely worth it.

It's no doubt that straw bags are on trend right now, but while you long for your order to ship off Cult Gaia's extensive waiting list, check out some of my picks below for staying decidedly trendy this summer.

Enjoy!

Nora

 

 

Photos by me

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July 12, 2017 — No Comments

the anti-to-do, to-do list

3 minute read

Like most of you guys, when summer rolls around, my travel schedule can get pretty hectic. To the point where my suitcases don't get fully unpacked or even put away, until I'm already reaching for them again, throwing a load of laundry in really quickly and packing back up. Naturally, I love the opportunity to travel as much as the next girl, but there's something I'm really looking forward to this weekend and that's downtime. Sweet, sweet downtime! No traveling. No plans. No planes to catch. No trains to run after. NOTHING. And. I. Personally. Cannot. Wait.

So in no particular order, here are a few things I have marked high on my anti-to-do, to-do list.

  1. Finally binge watch a few shows I've been delinquent on, namely Twin Peaks, The Keepers and Gypsy (a new favorite with Naomi Watts!). Oh, and watch Mommy Dead and Dearest, a documentary about munchausen syndrome by proxy that I've been hearing A LOT about.
  2. Catch up on my New Yorkers (I have an embarrassing pile from the past few weeks that I need to start reading).
  3. Take Elvis up to Central Park on Saturday before 9am (when all dogs are allowed off leash throughout the whole park!).
  4. Organize my closet and finally get those pesky piles to donate, sell and alter off my hands!
  5. Edit and write a slew of travel posts, including ones for Scotland, Australia and Barbados!
  6. Wear this polka dot dress somewhere -- perhaps to Air's Champagne Parlor?
  7. Snag tickets to see Midsummer Night's Dream in Central Park.
  8. Speaking of the park, Lydia and I recently shot in the Conservatory Garden, which has me craving more excuses to roam around the park for other new-to-me spots.
  9. I happen to have a gift certificate for Aire Ancient Bath House burning a hole in my pocket. I think it may be time for a massage, folks!
  10. Check out the Bastille Day festivities over at the Hell's Kitchen restaurant, 404 -- the French Heart Jazz Band will be playing!

I know it's only Wednesday, but tell me, what's on your anti-to-do, to-do list?

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara striped dress (similar style here) // Steve Maddens heels // Anine Bing hat (similar style here) // Show Road hoops // Vintage clutch (similar style here)

 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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July 11, 2017 — No Comments

i feel you baby

2 minute read

Aren't microtrends of the season so funny? It seems everyone who has an Instagram account with some sort of fashion slant to it, has done one or several of the following 1.) scooped up a Cult Gaia bag 2.) stocked up on everything gingham and 3.) topped each outfit with a Janessa Leone hat. And, despite some of my best efforts, I'm guilty of all of the above, with a heavy lean on the gingham part. I've said it in previous posts, and I'll say it again now, Zara has been killing the flash trends this season, at just the right price point, too. I recently picked up this Zara top when I was walking past the Bryant Park store a few weeks ago -- the sleeves initially caught my eye, followed by the pattern. And since then, I've scooped up several other gingham pieces (like this dress) and the momentum doesn't seem to show any signs of letting up.

In case you're in need of a fix too, my gingham picks are down below.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara top (sold out, but similar style here) // Zara pants (similar style here) // Anine Bing hat (love this Janessa Leone hat here) // Sergio Rossi heels // Kate Spade clutch // Celine sunglasses // Show Road necklaces 


 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

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