4 minute read
Top, skirt and jacket: St. John; Shoes: Saint Laurent; Clutch: Charlotte Olympia (old, similar style here); Necklace: Bauble Bar; Sunglasses: Celine; Lips: Marc Jacobs "Amazing"
One of my first visits to New York City was with my family years ago. I was probably 9 or 10 at the time. It was the middle of July. And I remember feeling so incredibly overwhelmed, in the best way possible.
From the buildings, the hustle and bustle of folks passing by on the street, the honking of traffic almost at a standstill, the weight of the humidity making it hard to breathe and of course, the undeniable energy of it all combined -- it was absolutely electric. I like to think there's a mental picture of me in both my parents minds: wide-eyed, grinning, with a dash of "WTF is going on?!"
Hailing from Nevada, I wasn't prepared for this type of pace -- the kind that leaves you breathless if you don't have your wits about you at all times. It was strange and foreign to me, not necessarily frightening, but more like that dizzying feeling you get when you purposefully spin around too many times, just to see the floor and ceiling dance crazily around you, until you fall in a fit of laughter.
I loved it.
And then I saw the New York Public Library.
We likely had passed it during one of our double decker bus tours, cruising past Bryant Park, with it's array of trees sprinkled everywhere, offering shade to those hungry to read a book, sip iced coffee or simply to watch people scurry by. Rounding the corner from the park, there it was -- it's impressive columns standing guard at front, the lion statutes flanking either side and those marbled steps! Oh, those steps! This library had me at hello.
I loved how regal it looked -- distinguished and yet inviting -- like a quiet oasis or reprieve from the honking city surrounding it. I knew in that instant that I'd have to come back to that library someday and spend hours there.
I've since then been to the New York Public Library many times, sometimes to browse the stacks and cozy up with a good book and other times to simply take in the stillness of hushed voices and whispers, alone with my thoughts. It's my little escape, a quiet nook for me to return to, time and again, when I just need to hit pause from the city for a moment.
As for this show-stopping look? In continuation of my series with St. John, I like to think this number pays tribute quite nicely to my personal New York escape and the little girl who wanted nothing more to hop inside the library that day back in July. Except this time, she's upgraded her worn out Converses for a pair of Saint Laurent heels, a gala-worthy skirt and a chic leather jacket.
Photos by Lydia Hudgens

You can see the first part of this collaboration here. And make sure to check out a few more exclusive photos of this look right this way on Pinterest! 

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! 

var ClickMeter_pixel_url = '//pixel.watch/1lgc';