Things are heating up...over here in the sale section at Shopbop, that is! Better grab a cup of coffee and get ready to start throwing some figurate elbows while browsing around. Personally, I'll take this guy, two of these (in different colors, of course) and I'll probably sit here and daydream about this one for a while. In the meantime, I've rounded up my favorites, down below, sorted by dresses, tops + bottoms and shoes + accessories, most of which were JUST added to the sale section as of yesterday. Psstt... this particular Zara set that I'm wearing here is sold out, but I managed to find a few pieces that are pretty darn close in everyone's favorite millennial pink, here and here (and they're also on sale!).

Happy shopping!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara top and skirt (sold out) // Self Portrait heels // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Celine sunglasses // Show Road necklaces 

Photos by Nora Varcho

Happy Fourth of July, guys! I hope you're out enjoying the sunshine today with friends and family, with the promise of BBQ, tan lines, and a crisp, summer ale in your near future. Hopefully, most of you will be making the most of the weather in your backyard. I know one of my friends recently got some trex composite decking installed in her backyard ready for the lovely weather. Now her family will be able to be together and enjoy some of this lovely sunshine on the new decking area. Hopefully, a lot of people have got areas that they can relax in their backyard. I know we're going to be kicking back today, with a little picnic in Central Park, followed by a rooftop BBQ to watch the fireworks over the East River. So in true holiday spirit, I've rounded up some of my favorite outfits from last summer, in case you're in need of some red, white and blue sartorial inspiration.

Click on each photo here to go to the original post and make sure to shop my current favorites down below, all of which are on MAJOR SALE right now. My top favorites? This adorable straw circle bag and this Rosie Assoulin dress of my dreams (which I may have already snagged).

Photos by Ashley Batz, Angie Silvy, Falcon Griffith and Lydia Hudgens

Do you remember that scene in Sabrina, where she returns home from Paris and David finally invites her to his parents' summer party? And, in true Audrey Hepburn fashion, she steps out wearing this stunning Givenchy gown? I absolutely adore that scene. She's still the playful, tomboyish chauffeur's daughter who lives above the garage at heart, but she commands the room now, with such ease and grace that it's hard to take your eyes off her. Since first seeing that movie, I've been dying to find a dress that could have a similar effect. And, of course, an event that would give me an excuse to wear it.

Luckily, the folks over at Sachin + Babi have been my saviors this summer and have been on hand for all my vacations as of late. So naturally, when I received an invite to attend the American Ballet Theater's annual Spring Gala, I was thrilled to finally be able to try on their spring and summer gowns. This dress was an instant favorite -- I fell in love with the exaggerated floral print, (reminiscent of a certain Hepburn's frock, no?) and the plunging neckline gives it an effortless, modern edge. I swept my hair up in a low ballerina bun and secretly wished I had elbow length evening gloves (but hey, there's always next year, right?).

As for the performance, it was my first time attending the ABT gala, but you all know I'm a sucker for the ballet (and all performing arts, for that matter). If you happen to be in New York this summer (or perhaps you're a New Yorker who's looking to mix things up this Friday), I cannot recommend Alexei Ratmansky's Whipped Cream enough. Everything from the choreography to the costumes, from the set design to the music hits the right notes of playful and dramatic -- making it a lively and joyous night at the ballet.

If you happen to have any black tie events coming up this summer (perhaps a wedding or two?), I've rounded up my favorite gowns down below!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sachin + Babi dress (not available yet online, but here are my other favorites from them right now) // Sergio Rossi heels // Vintage clutch // Celine sunglasses

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

The other day, as I was browsing through Reformation and adding dress after dress into my virtual shopping basket, I started to notice a pattern. Most of the dresses were midi length. The necklines were either a.) high or b.) off the shoulder. They all had some sort of breeziness to them, veering more into ruffled romantic territory and steering clear of body con, form fitting territory. And, whenever possible, they featured a peek-a-boo back detail. As I glanced through my list, I couldn't help but laugh. I'm a creature of habit when it comes to many things (diet, exercise routine, some of my friends would joke and say 'men' here, too) and clearly, my taste in dresses is becoming somewhat formulaic as well.

And perhaps, unlike my taste in men, this isn't necessarily a bad thing?

I suppose it all comes down to certain body parts we like to emphasize. I'm an average height gal (5'5" on a good day), with a longer torso (thanks for that, Dad!) and shorter, athletic legs (lots of running, folks!). I'm relatively small-chested and while in past years I may have bemoaned all of the above, they've all become factors I just take into account when I consider what I want to play up in an outfit. I tend to shy away from shorter hemlines but LOVE showing off my collar bone and shoulders. I don't have much cleavage to speak of, which is fine by me, because it allows for some fun, open back situations that just get tricky when you factor a bra in. I feel a bit restricted in body con pieces, but love a good flowy, high slit dress instead. Combine all of the elements above, and I'm willing to bet you one, vintage floral print Reformation dress that I'm feeling downright GOOD (caps and italics are key here) about myself. Which after all, is the point, isn't it?

What types of dresses do you find yourself gravitating toward? Is the same each time or do you mix things up? And, if you happen to be in the market for an open back dress situation like this Sachin + Babi number, keep scrolling down below! I've rounded up my favorites that are sure to keep you breezy this summer (just be wary when sitting down on the subway -- the seat may be cold!).

OUTFIT DETAILS: Sachin + Babi dress (not available yet, but I've linked my other, open-back favorites down below!) // Zara slides (LOVE this similar pair here) // Celine sunglasses // Vintage pearl clutch (similar style here)

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

The dog days of summer are here! It's officially hit the 90s multiple times this week and I'm already rotating all my light, breezy, linen dresses to the front of my rolling rack rotation. My most recent favorite purchase is this ventilation-ready Zimmermann dress. You all know I don't usually don dresses this short, but there's something still quite demure about this dress that balances it out for me -- perhaps it's the wallpaper-esque print? The doily trim detail? The crew neck and short sleeves?

Whatever it is, it just further proves my go-to Australian designer can do absolutely no wrong. Best part for you? There's so much Zimmermann on sale right now! I've rounded up my favorites from the interwebs down below for you. May the shopping gods be ever in your favor.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zimmermann dress // Steve Madden heels // Crossbody bag, gift from Bali (similar style here) // Celine sunglasses

Huge thanks to Farfetch for featuring me in their Style Guide, with a roundup of my favorite summer activities in NYC!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

When it comes to Zara, I have a love/hate relationship. And like any good, dramatic boyfriend, sometimes we're ON. And sometimes, we're OFF. If you recall a few years back, while I was still living in San Francisco, I spent a lot of time and hard earned money at Zara. So much so, that almost every other paycheck, if it wasn't going toward rent, was finding itself lost among the many, well merchandised-floors of the Z-word. It was an intoxicating whirlwind -- one that was leaving me with an initial high of the hunt and the find, but ultimately, looking at my closet, constantly feeling like I had nothing to wear. Eventually, it just wasn't healthy. We had to call it quits. My high-street fashion boyfriend had crossed the line -- and I had to block his number.

Since then, I've wandered into Zaras on random occasions, usually when a friend wants to swing by for something. I respectfully glance through the store, ignoring the itch to shop and the well-made Celine knock off shoes on the shelves around me before leaving unscathed and sans shopping bags. It's not typically easy, but then again, quitting something never is.

And then, last week happened.

I was respectfully minding my own business, leaving a morning work out class, scanning through my inbox, when I saw it. "5 things you need from Zara now" from Who What Wear. Now, usually I can resist these email temptations and can see them for the marketing click baits that they are. But this one was different. Why? Because the teaser image had a very specific striped midi dress that I had seen at that weekend's polo match, the very same one that left me wondering if it was by Rosie Assoulin or Johanna Ortiz or insert up and coming designer name here. And yet, here the universe was, telling me it was $70 and I could snag it right there in Flatiron, if I wanted to.

What happened next, I'm afraid to say, I'm not particularly proud of -- but as anyone with a Mr. Z in their lives knows, sometimes you just can't help but wonder what else they have in store. A little peek couldn't hurt? Just for old time's sake? Surely, I could go back to resisting tomorrow -- pride and principle could take a backseat today.

Before I knew it, I found myself entering through those oversized, air conditioned doors, with Justin Beiber's "Despacito" pumping through the overhead speakers, and WE WERE ON. Like muscle memory kicking in, I started grabbing the pieces that caught my eye, this time though, instead of Mr. Z calling the shots, tempting me in every direction, I had purpose and intent to my shopping trip. I found that striped midi dress that I saw at the polo match first -- and I diligently went through the rest of that email top 5 list, taking note of similar items along the way. I edited my pile of things to try on down to a very curated set of items, ones that I had seen in other trend round ups and I'm happy to report, just as I suspected when I exited those oversized doors an hour later, we're still going strong.

This all goes to show two things: namely, people can change. Both Mr. Z and I are a bit older and wiser now -- we're not as foolish as we once used to be together and we both just know what we want. And sometimes, a top 5 marketing list can go a long way, which is exactly why I've rounded up my top five things that should be catching your eye at Zara now. Just be sure to block his number again after you're done.

Enough about that guy though, let's get to this list!

1. First and foremost, we have this red gingham dress you see here. I grabbed this right after the striped midi dress and I just love the exaggerated flounce of it all -- very Johanna Ortiz, at a very un-Johanna Ortiz price tag.

 

2. Of course, we'd be amiss here if I left this striped midi dress out -- the dress that got us here in the first place! I have to say, this is one of my favorite purchases to date this summer and it's garnered quite the bit of compliments from subway riders and fellow coffee line bystanders alike. In three words, GET IT NOW.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zara gingham dress (similar style here -- only $90!)// Anine Bing hat (similar style here) // Sergio Rossi heels // Anne Klein backpack // Celine sunglasses // Show Road necklaces

4. These days, we're clearly all channeling our inner Pollyanna, and loading up on lots of gingham for summer. This dress I have on here is clearly a go-to for me, but lately, I've been getting a lot of wear out of this cropped, flared sleeve number from Zara. Tip: Don't be afraid of the ruffles with this guy. I say, pair it with more ruffles!

5. And lastly, these pups have been on my feet basically since I left Zara that fateful morning. Everyone has been crazy about slides and flats these days and when they come in the most perfect shade of marigold satin like these beauts, well, I can't say I blame them!

Photos by Kat Harris

Nothing says summer quite like getting a few good girlfriends together for a lazy poolside afternoon. And nothing says summer quite like when said afternoon involves a slew of Whispering Angel rosé, fish tacos and some of your newest summer garb. Which is why, I'm so excited to kick off my summer officially today with the launch of Cooper & Ella's swim cover up collection now available exclusively at Dream Hotels.

Best part? I've teamed up with my go-to girls, Christine and Grace as the fellow faces of the collection -- each of us honored with our unique print. You can snag a "Krystal," "Christine" or "Grace" of your own for the pool parties ahead. They're all incredible versatile but my favorite is the pareo -- you can tie it handful of different ways for a new look each time.

If you happen to be in the New York area, you can shop the collection at The Beach at the Dream Downtown at their pop-up inside the hotel and while you're at it, scoop up a day pass for the pool and order the (Mega) Moscow Mule you see above -- it comes in a HUGE copper mug.

Photos by Fred Watford 

Each summer, despite the amount of items I stalk online, there's always one dress that rises to the top of my repeat list. Two summers ago, I wore this Reformation dress to death (including to a Taylor Swift concert, where several of my fellow concert goers told me Tay Tay would approve of my frock). And then last summer, I packed this dress on more vacations than I could count.

So the forecast for this summer's go-to, must-have, always-pack, never-leave-home-without dress? Easy! This Joie dress is quickly proving it's worth. Off the shoulder. Soft, lived in linen. Striped. And the perfect side slits. Sold.

In other words, get ready to see a lot of it this summer (and especially over on my Instagram Stories!). And in case you're in the market for a few new summer dresses, I've linked a few of my other favorites below, all of which are pretty similar.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Joie dress // Joie sandals // Celine sunglasses // Handmade bag from Bali (gift) (I'm tempted to get one of these guys.) // Show Road rings and necklaces

Photos by Nora Varcho

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone! Whether you're on a trip, hopping around, or staying home and enjoying a relaxing weekend at home, I hope there's plenty of friends, sunshine and properly cooked hot dogs at your disposal!

And if you happen to be in New York City, make sure you head over to Mary's Fish Camp. Their lobster rolls are not to be missed and if memory serves me right, my first Memorial Day weekend in the city, I happened to stay in the hood, and their wait was non-existent (a rarity for sure!).

OUTFIT DETAILS: Zimmermann romper (from last season, but I love this current one here) // Self Portrait heels // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Celine sunglasses

Photos by Ashley Batz

A few weeks back, I was contemplating this pair of jeans from Intermix. I went into the Meatpacking store several times to try them on. Pulled off a few salsa moves while wearing them. And even started surveying customers as to whether or not I should buy them. (Survey said: YES!) And yet, still, I couldn't bring myself to buy them. Something about the price tag combined with the fact I just wasn't sure I would wear them enough to justify that amount of money, held me back.

So I waited.

And waited.

Until eventually, on one of those random afternoons when you wander into Zara thinking, "I'll just take a look -- no harm in that!", I found these pants. Granted, they're not denim and they're not as ruffled or as cropped as the original pair, but you know what? I kind of love them. And they were only $60! $60! Paired with this Ellery top, who's to say they didn't cost WAY more?

Now THAT deserves some salsa moves.

I've rounded up my favorite ruffled pieces of the moment -- pants and tops -- down below!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Ellery top // Zara pants (similar style here) // Self-Portrait heels // Gucci wallet // Celine sunglasses // Show Road necklaces 

Photos by Nora Varcho

Hey folks! It's Friday! We made it. Three cheers for some lemonade, a cozy spot in the sun and a kick ass playlist to get your weekend started! Me personally? I have "Despacito" on repeat and I have NO SHAME about it.

Yep, Biebs, I said it.

Also, I'm packing up for Australia (we head out on Wednesday) and would love any and all recs you may have for Sydney and the general North Coast area of New South Wales! It's been years since I've been in that neck of the woods so I'm excited to explore with the NSW tourism board!

And in case you're wondering, yes, I rounded up all my favorite black overalls + lace top combos below. Keep scrolling! Better yet, listen to this while you shop...

OUTFIT DETAILS: & Other Stories top // Cotton On overalls (from last year, but I love this pair!) // Self-Portrait heels // Chloe bag // Celine sunglasses 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

One of my guilty pleasures during the summer is to line up a lot of museum dates. With friends. With dates. But mainly with just myself. Admittedly, a lot of people hit up museum exhibits during the winter to escape the cold, and I totally get that. I do it too. But there's something about ducking inside the Met on a hot, summer day and roaming around all that cool marble and open air atriums that just refreshes me. Plus, it's a great excuse for me to cut through Central Park to get there (as I usually take the C train all the way up on the west side).

I recently wore this outfit to the Met to see the Irving Penn exhibit on one our first warm, spring days here in the city. If you happen to be in NYC this summer, I highly recommend you check it out! Some of my upcoming museum dates include: the Henri Cartier-Bresson exhibit at The Rubin, the Whitney Biennial at the Whitney Museum and, of course, the Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons costume exhibit at the Met.

What exhibits are you guys excited for this summer?

OUTFIT DETAILS: Rallier NYC dress // Janessa Leone hat // Self-Portrait heels (on sale here!) // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Celine sunglasses // Show Road necklaces

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

You may recall this top from the summer and my trip to Greece. Initially, when I bought it right before I left for the cruise, I was afraid it would be one of those pieces, while pretty, would sit in my closet, gathering dust. I mean, it IS a lot of ruffles, which can be, as the looks I usually get on the subway when wearing it suggest, intimidating. Luckily, it's hands down one of my favorite statement tops and I love finding any and every excuse to wear it. Since Johanna Ortiz is quickly becoming one of my go-to designers of the moment, I've rounded up a bunch of my favorite ruffled statement pieces here, perfect for easy day outfits with jeans and heels or an equally statement skirt (a la Johanna).

I've also included quite a few budget friendly options below as well (some as low as $80)!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Johanna Ortiz top (from last season, but this is the current style) // Express jeans // Manolo Blahnik heels // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Celine sunglasses 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

A few weekends back, I was feeling under the weather. And it was one of those weekends where you DETEST being sick. The kind of Saturday where the sun just won't quit, you can hear nothing but laughter outside your window and your dog is begging to go outside to the dog park. But there you sit. Alternating between work and movies, cursing your poorly timed illness.

Then you randomly stumble upon a curated selection of John Cusack movies on Netflix (because, hey, you happen to LOVE John Cusack so Netflix's recommendation algorithm is working perfectly), and you start Serendipity. It's probably been years since you've seen it last. And you start to wonder, "What is Kate Beckinsale doing now?" before the opening scenes begin. And you see New York come into view. Bloomingdales at Christmas. The ice skating rink in Central Park. You randomly hear John's character tell a cab driver to take him to Charles Street in the village, and you gasp, because, HEY THAT'S YOUR STREET!  a fact your younger self when watching this movie earlier would never have known!

And you recall Kate's character's fixation with the idea of fate and destiny and the random alignment of circumstances and pure chance -- the idea of serendipity; happy accidents. Suddenly, for the first time, you start to realize just how well that word suits New York. Because New York City IS a collection serendipitous moments. Every street corner, every park bench, every missed cab, every chance encounter with a stranger on the subway leads you to something new and unexpected, if you're just willing to look for it.

So. My mantra for today? Look for it.

   OUTFIT DETAILS: Zimmermann playsuit (from last year, but similar style here) // Janessa Leone hat // M.Gemi sandals (from last year, but similar style here) // Havanas tote bag (love this darling bag here) // Celine sunglasses 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

I've had this vintage Dolce & Gabbana dress for over five years now, thereby proving that you can never go wrong with a little black dress, especially an investment one like this number. Whenever I wear it, it's hard not to channel my inner Sophia Loren, especially now that summer is here, when walking around Central Park begs for your finest sundresses. The added bonus about this dress? It transitions from a stroll around Bethesda Terrace to dinner at Tavern on the Green (and whatever else you have planned for a night in the city) just so nicely!

I've linked a few of my favorite little black dresses for summer, perfect for your next day to evening date!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Vintage Dolce & Gabbana dress (old but I love this similar style here) // Zara flats (old but similar style here) // Janessa Leone hat // Celine sunglasses // Show Road necklaces

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

True story: I took ballet lessons for about 2 weeks when I was 8 years old.

I remember my parents had taken my sister and I to a local performance of the Nutcracker and I fell in love the minute the Sugar Plum Fairy came onto the stage. Her grace. Her poise. The elegance of it all. And the way she commanded the stage -- it was impossible to take your eyes off her. Being an avid reader at that point and a big fan of plays, I was suddenly swept up in the romance of storytelling from a dance perspective, without a single word being spoken or uttered, and I asked my parents to sign me up for lessons soon after.

Of course, my actual skills as a dancer became the limiting factor here and after 2 weeks of grueling first and second and third positions, our instructor yelled at me likely for bad fourth position form. In that moment I realized, "I think I'd rather be outside running."

So I joined a soccer league soon after and didn't look back.

But, of course, my love of ballet remains and each year, when the American Ballet Theatre announces their latest shows here in New York, I get excited planning ballet nights with my closest girlfriends. Naturally, this usually entails a few new dress purchases for the occasion and I'd be lying if I didn't use it as an excuse to don something ballet inspired (like this Sachin + Babi number that I can't stop wearing!). I've rounded up a few of my ballet inspired dresses down below, in case you're like me and want to practice your plie.

OUTFIT DETAILS:  Sachin + Babi dress // Celine sunglasses

Photos by Nora Varcho

In a former, more corporate friendly life, this Veronica Beard skirt would be all my sartorial goals rolled into one. The length is easy to sit in for long hours at a desk and in meetings, the color and pattern are more polished and business-minded and there's one wild card element: that ruffle! Of course, my days at Google have been over for almost two years now (Wow! Time does fly!) so I don't necessarily need to stock up on those "office-friendly" pieces anymore. In fact, my office uniform is pretty all over the place (the beauty of being your own boss) so the idea of stocking up on anything is a bit foreign now.

That said, I still think my style gravitates to these kind of pieces. They're timeless, classic, with just enough of a conversation element that keeps things interesting and fun. Naturally, the ruffle or even the slit may be a bit much for certain work environments (I totally get that!), so I've rounded up a few of my favorite work-friendly skirts below that could span the dress code spectrum.

But I cannot recommend this Veronica Beard skirt enough (I'm wearing a size 2 here). I wore it recently for a day full of meetings and stayed in for a date that very same evening. If you're looking for something similar but a bit more budget friendly, check this guy out -- on sale for only $20!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Intermix top (sold out, but very similar style here) // Veronica Beard skirt // Express heels // Chanel bag // Celine sunglasses 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Intermix top (sold out, but very similar style here) // Veronica Beard skirt // Express heels // Chanel bag // Celine sunglasses 

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

OUTFIT DETAILS: Marissa Webb dress // Express heels // Kate Spade clutch (old, similar style here) // Celine sunglasses // Asos belt

Once spring rolls around every year, I look forward to adding a few new dresses to the rotation. And this particular floral frock by Marissa Webb has just become my seasonal MVP. This week alone I've worn it several times for different occasions (from running errands to dinner and drinks with girlfriends) and have been amazed by how well it just commands a room. The movement. The ruffles. The button front detail and collar. It has just the right amount of romance and polish to it and on numerous occasions, it's solicited a few strangers to stop me on the street or as I was leaving a restaurant to ask who it was by. And that's sometimes the best feeling, isn't it?

Since we're finally enjoying some spring time weather after last week's downpour, I've linked a few of my favorite spring dresses down below, perfect for late brunches, date nights and Mother's Day coming up!

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

Like pretty much everyone else and their brother, mother, distant relatives and second cousins, twice removed, I've been dying to see Hamilton. So much so, that I was often contemplating the $1,000 price tag on StubHub for certain showings -- only to realize, there was no way in hell I could actually justify that price tag to myself. And that's saying a lot as someone who lives in New York, where the concept of what you will and will not pay for is automatically distorted compared to other parts of the country.

But that's just what New Yorkers like to do, right? We'll wait in extremely long lines for brunch, pay over $25 for a cocktail at an underground speakeasy because Fitzgerald used to drink there and we pride ourselves in snagging tickets to events that are otherwise the equivalent of surviving the Hunger Games. And I say all of this affectionately, too. It's what makes New Yorkers love the shit out of their city. And I love that about them.

So when I was invited to finally see Hamilton on Broadway on behalf of American Express, I was quite honestly, blown away. Amongst friends, this was essentially like winning the lottery -- and the show (and King George -- my favorite!) certainly didn't disappoint. That evening also reminded me of another night at the theater, years before, when another show, Book of Mormon, was the coveted Broadway performance to snag tickets at. Except that time around, Heather and I didn't have a brand providing the tickets. It went a little something like this...

It was February, during Fashion Week, and we had caught wind that there was actually a good chance of snagging tickets to Book of Mormon, if you waited in line early enough for the left over cast tickets. This was roughly four years ago, at the height of "Book of Mormon-dom," so we both knew the odds were not in our favor. But nevertheless, we persisted, in our Fashion Week finest mind you, i.e. completely ill-prepared for the snow that continued to fall on us while we stood outside in line. Shivering and cold, we eventually made our way to the front of the line, only to have the will call rep inform everyone left in line that they had run out of cast tickets for the evening.

We were freezing, slightly hungry (read: hangry) and completely crestfallen. Hours spent in line, only to be turned away right as we got to the ticket window!

And then, she came up.

Almost as if a scene from a movie, this tiny woman, probably no more than 4'10" came up to us, also not dressed well for the cold now descending on us, but she didn't seem to shiver. In a hushed, raspy voice, she asked us if we were still looking for Book of Mormon tickets, avoiding eye contact with us to which we both looked at each other and then back at her, nodding our heads in a daze. Somehow, we hadn't seen her walk up to us, she hadn't been waiting in line with us for all those hours and yet, here she was, ushering us down a quiet and now increasingly dark alleyway.

You ever have those moments where you think to yourself, "I really should never tell my mom about this?" Well, this was one of those moments. Without instruction or proof of tickets, and a very real fear that our lives were about to turn into a Lifetime movie plot line, we followed her down this alleyway, curious if Book of Mormon was worth the fate that waited for us on the other end of the street.

As it turns out though, a bodega was waiting for us at the end of the alley, where she curtly told us to take cash out at the ATM inside. I'm sure the bodega shop owner got a kick out of us. Two girls, overdressed in weather inappropriate footwear and this scalper ushering us along.

To make a very long story short, we made our way back to the theater, where she eventually produced the aforementioned tickets of the hour (great seats to boot!) and then came the moment of truth. Would they actually scan at the door or would we have to run after her, only to find she had disappeared as quickly as she appeared? Either way, we stepped up to the first ticket usher we saw, he scanned and with a sigh of relief, we were in! Of course, we only had a few minutes before curtain call, not leaving much time to snag a few glasses of wine, but we did manage to get her to smile at us, before hopping inside the theater.

Where am I going with all of this? I'm not entirely sure I have any other point than this is probably one of the other reasons as to why I love New Yorkers. We collect these moments in the city that remind us how lucky we are to call this crazy place home -- and also how stupid (in the best way possible) we can be to prove it.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Marchesa dress // McQ jacket // Express heels 

Looking for something to wear to the theater soon? Here are a few of my favorites of the moment, perfect for a Friday curtain call!

Photos by Nora Varcho

You all know I'm a sucker for a good, oversized men's watch -- so much so, that I've been known to binge on a good one day in and day out, with a vast majority of my outfits. You can never really go wrong with a classy timepiece from somewhere like WatchShopping, and I love the versatility of a solid, dependable watch. It never lets you down.

But the other day, I noticed just how elegant it looks and feels to swap out a watch for a certain type of outfit. Case in point, I was putting this dress on, only to realize my go-to leather band, oversized face watch looked just out of place with it. I immediately took it off, but instead of pairing it with another style of watch (like I would say a different pair of earrings), I realized I had become more of a one-tricky pony when it comes to my watch game. I tend to stick to the familiar, which isn't necessarily a bad thing -- it can just get, well, stale for lack of a better word for it.

That's when I was recently introduced to the British designed watch brand Rotary. Each Rotary piece is timeless and elegant, two big things for me when it comes to my watches. But instead of making a beeline straight for the men's section, I glanced at the ladies. And you know what? I loved what I saw. I've chosen three of my favorites here, each piece slightly unique for a certain outfit and environment, to take you from the office on Friday, to a black tie dinner party that evening and a weekend brunch the following day.

For my daytime, business appropriate outfit, I went with the Windsor watch, because I loved the look of the 9-link bracelet (a great way to switch things up from my usual leather band), especially when paired over a statement sleeve. Plus, you all know how I love to mix and match my gold and silvery jewelry, so the mixed detailing here adds a bit of much-needed luxe to a very polished outfit.

For my evening look, I've been craving a watch that could easily stand alone as my accessory of the evening, which the Petite ladies watch does impeccably. Set with Austrian crystals in an art decor fashion, this watch is just as much a statement for any black tie event as a great pair of earrings or cocktail ring would be. To be fair, you can't really go wrong with watches, which is why I decided to take it upon myself and find more watches I could treat myself to. Seeing as I came across discounts like being able to enjoy free shipping on Jacobs The Jeweller, I thought I might as well take advantage of this little gift.

And lastly, for my weekend look, I chose the Lucerne watch with the Adventurine dial. I think what sold me on this particular style was the deep blue celestial color of the dial -- I love how rich it seems, especially with a more toned down, casual outfit.

Best part? The price point is right on target, making it easier to invest in one (or two or three!). Which are your favorites? If you have any sales inquiries, feel free to email the folks over at Rotary at sale@rotrarywatches.com.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Outfit #1: Express suede jacket (from last year, similar style here) // St. Roche blouse (similar style here) // Express jeans // Sergio Rossi heels // Chloe bag // Celine sunglasses // Showroad necklaces // Rotary Lucerne watch // Outfit #2: Jonathan Simkhai dress // Sergio Rossi heels // Vintage clutch // McQ jacket // Celine sunglasses // Rotary Petite watch // Showroad necklaces // Outfit #3: Zara blazer (from several years ago, but love this style here) // Carbon 38 dress // Self Portrait X Robert Clergie heels // Olympia Le-Tan clutch // Celine sunglasses // Showroad necklaces // Rotary Windsor watch

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

Photos by Nora Varcho

There are a lot of reasons as to why I love New York. The culture. The people. The pace. All combined, it can be quite addicting. One of my top reasons though? I absolutely love that, on any given Saturday, there's almost always a reason to get dressed up. For something. Be it a dinner. A black tie gala that a friend has a plus one for. Or just to grab burgers at Shake Shack (kidding, but really, the beautiful thing about New York, is that even if you tried that last one, no one would likely bat an eyelash). Why? Because New Yorkers have seen a lot. And they can appreciate it -- even if it seems slightly out of place.

To that end, I've always believed in a strong dress arsenal -- the more items that can seemingly go both cocktail and formal at my disposal, the better. Take this St. John dress for instance. The high-low hem makes it a bit more modern and less stuffy, the print is bright and cheery, a great way to stand out from the typical all-black New Yorker crowd and the one shoulder detail makes it fun to play with either an interesting necklace/choker for the evening or the perfect statement earrings. Plus, added bonus: it oddly reminds me of the pink evening dress Carrie wears on a date with Aleksandr Petrovsky when they randomly wind up at McDonalds at the end of the evening. Because, when you're craving some fries, you're craving some fries. Regardless of what you're wearing.

Do you guys have any formal/black tie events coming up? If so, what are you planning on wearing?

OUTFIT DETAILS: St. John dress // Sergio Rossi heels // Celine sunglasses // Vintage clutch

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

Photos by Lydia Hudgens