Stripes On Stripes

A lot of people stay away from wearing stripes especially when it comes to the bottom portion of the body. I love stripes and am not afraid of a Beetlejuice moment. These pants are from the spring Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific collection, which is on sale now. You can still pick up the jacket that went with these pants and would look good paired with anything. The last Halogen x Atlantic-Pacific collection is coming out in October and I cannot wait to see the pieces from the new collection.

Top & Pants: Halogen x Atlantic Pacific Bag: Neely & Chloe Shoes: Ann Taylor

Agua Bendita

Agua Bendita is my favorite Colombian premium swim and resort wear brand. They incorporate artisanal details that are reflective of Colombia’s culture and beauty. They also have a higher end line Agua by Agua Bendita which is sold by retailers like Moda Operandi. Each piece is handmade by female artisans in Colombia- I would buy everything from this line if I could. I finally was able to purchase this adorable linen dress which sold out almost instantly. I love the puff sleeves and tropical fruit print. I will definitely be keeping a close eye on future collections from Agua Bendita since their unique pieces do sell out quickly.

Dress: Agua by Agua Bendita Sandals: Target Bag: Cult Gaia

Just Belt It

Sometimes a statement belt is all you need. I took this simple white dress and added this beautiful handmade belt from Colombia to create a unique but casual outfit. I’ve worn this belt before in this post but now transitioned it to a full on summer look. A statement belt is an easy way to add a bit of fun and flare to any outfit.

Dress: Target Shoes: Velez Belt: Tania Foliaco

Bushwick Walls

Bushwick is not only one of the coolest neighborhoods in Brooklyn right now, but it also has the best street art in all NYC. I love going there to see what’s new on the walls especially now that the heat streak finally broke in New York. This hoodie dress is the ultimate comfy casual look and perfect for cooler summer nights. I also have to say that this crossbody phone case is one of the smartest buys I’ve made in a long time- practical and cute!

Dress: Tommy Hilfiger Sneakers: Alice and Olivia

Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is known for its famous horse racing, but it offers much more than that- a lively downtown with good restaurants and cute shops, beautiful parks and plenty of healing natural springs. It’s only 3.5 hours from NYC which makes it an easy weekend getaway. If you travel an additional 30 minutes, you can visit Lake George also known as the “Queen of the American Lakes” and find great hiking in the Adirondack Mountains. The whole area is a true New York State gem.

On to the fashion…I love matching skirt sets because you can wear them together for a monochromatic look or wear them separately to get different outfits with the same pieces. This outfit is one I wish to got to wear more this summer. My exact print is sold out, but the other prints are just as cute.

Skirt and Top: Abercrombie and Fitch Shoes: Ann Taylor

Hudson Valley Wines

I was not kidding when I said that wine tasting is the perfect social distancing activity of the summer. We decided to go off the beaten path to the beautiful vineyards in the Hudson Valley. Although it has more than 30 vineyards, the Hudson Valley is not necessarily know for its wine but there are some good finds. Benmarl Winery has excellent wine, delicious wood-fired pizza and amazing views. As the oldest continuously cultivated vineyard in North America, it is an absolute must stop when visiting the Hudson Valley.

In the search for bubbles, Clinton Vineyards was next on our list. With a charming and knowledgeable owner that takes the time to converse with her guests , the experience at Clinton Vineyards was delightful and intimate. The property is beautiful and, with 100 acres, there is plenty of space to social distance while enjoying a picnic on the property with a bottle of bubbly.

For both of these wineries, advance reservations are required to ensure the appropriate number of guests.

Outfit #1: LoveShackFancy for Target Shoes: Velez Place: Benmarl Winery

Outfit #2: Judith March Shoes: Cole Haan Place: Clinton Vineyards

Asbury Park

NYC has had heat wave after heat wave so we have been looking for cool escapes nearby. Asbury Park is the home of Stone Pony, one of the world’s best known music venue, that launched New Jersey icons Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi. With its revived boardwalk , good restaurants and white sand beach, Asbury Park is the perfect place to spend a hot summer weekend. NJ Transit makes it easy and convenient to get to from Manhattan. Sticking to the summer theme, I wore this vibrant color blocked dress that I have been throwing on all summer as it’s great for staying home, the park or the beach.

Dress: Gibsonlook Sandals: Ann Taylor Bag: Faithfull the Brand

And We're Back...

To say that New York City (NYC) has had a challenging few months is an understatement- the first US COVID-19 epicenter, first NYC curfew in 75 years and increased gun violence. However, through all this, New Yorkers remain resilient. NYC has finally made it to Phase IV of its reopening, which seemed like an imposible task just a month ago. Slowly but surely we will get past this. In the meantime, I will continue to showcase my beloved NYC while trying to stay safe and highlight fashion.

I just want to clarify that I do wear a face mask when social distancing is not possible outside and all the time indoors in places like the grocery store. I have chosen to be mask free for these shots as not to distract from the fashion and since socially distancing was possible while shooting outdoors.

Dress: Tommy Hilfiger Shoes: Schutz

Old Port

Portland Maine is a charming New England city. Old Port is the city’s historical city center loaded with restaurants, bar and shops. Its cobblestone streets and 19th century brick architecture give a European feel. There are plenty of streets closed for pedestrians and many options for outside dining. The seafood including, of course, the lobster is amazing! As everyone looks to make more road trips this summer, Maine is definitely worth a visit with a stop in Portland as you travel north to Acadia National Park.

Just a few comments about this dress. The mandarin collar and flounce sleeves are details that make me swoon. I love the print too and it can be dressed up or down easily.

Dress: Farm Rio Shoes: Cole Haan

Summer Summer Summertime

After being cooped up for months, it feels glorious to enjoy the warm summer sun safely outdoors. Nothing can take away the feeling of a cute summer dress, sandals and pure sunshine. The Kontokosta Winery in Greenport is a beautiful spot to have locally made wine with amazing views of the Long Island Sound. It is an absolute must on the North Fork Wine Trail.

My love for all bows and pink were captured perfectly in this one dress. The exact style of my dress is sold out but the print is the same in the wrap version. This print has to be the most adorable one I have seen this summer!

Dress: LoveShackFancy (similar) Shoes: Schutz Bag: The Daily Edited

Rosé All Day

Summer is here which means rosé season has arrived! Lucky for me the only vineyard in the US that is exclusively dedicated to making rosé is just 2.5 hours from NYC. Croteaux Vineyards is in Greenport NY and is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon drinking pink bubbles and snacking on light bites safely outdoors with the perfect amount of social distancing. For my visit to this vineyard, I was so excited to finally be able to wear this maxi dress. It’s extremely comfortable and I love the studded details on the shoulder ties. All the Sheridan French dresses are gorgeous- it was so hard picking my favorite print!

Dress: Sheridan French Shoes: Ann Taylor Bag: Staud

5 de Mayo

In these unique times, we still have to celebrate and enjoy the small things. In Brooklyn, rooftops have been the escape for sunshine, dancing and delight while being able to maintain social distancing. In honor of 5 de mayo, I pulled on these fun chili pepper pants for a bit of rooftop relaxation. These pants are great to lounge in because they are linen and have an elastic waist, but they can also be dressed up easily. I also cannot get over how comfortable these sandals are- it’s like walking on clouds.

Hope everyone enjoys today with a bit of guacamole, tequila and sunshine!

Pants: Farm Rio Top: Alice and Olivia Shoes: Cole Haan

Easter Dress

I found the perfect Easter dress! The beautiful color screams spring and the jacquard print gives the dress interesting texture. Obviously, the most stand out details are the amazing voluminous puffed sleeves that I absolutely adore. Sister Jane has a ton of unique dresses that are great for all types of occasions- it’s worth checking out the site frequently as they release new collections fairly quickly.

Dress: Sister Jane Shoes: Ann Taylor Bag: The Daily Edited

Brooklyn Navy Yard

The Brooklyn Navy Yard opened in 1801 and was a premier naval shipbuilding facility, which built and launched some of America's most famous fighting ships. It is now an amazing industrial park that holds everything from a local brewery to rooftop farms. A visit to the Navy Yard is a great way to spend an afternoon in Brooklyn. For my visit, I threw on this cotton poplin dress that is perfect for transitioning to spring. You cannot beat the price and it comes in both black and red.

Dress: H&M Boots: Schutz

No Sleep Till Brooklyn

I am officially a Brooklynite! After living in Manhattan for years, I made the leap to the County of Kings. I love checking out all the restaurants and bars in a new neighborhood- it seems like a never-ending list of places to try. The Brooklyn Inn in Boerum Hill is a historic gem dating from 1885 that feels like a magical place from another time. It’s the perfect place to grab a drink with friends to catch up (keep in mind food is not served and it’s cash only).

I picked up this incredibly comfortable dress for adventure filled days in Brooklyn. I think it works with or without the blazer.

Dress: Mango Blazer: Express Boots: Sam Edelman Bag: Staud

Faux Leather

Faux leather is definitely having a moment. Whether it’s pants, skirts, shorts or a dress, it’s everywhere! I thought the trend would be limited to fall/winter, but there is already a ton of brightly colored faux leather for spring. These faux leather paperbag pants are one of my favorites. They match with everything and are really warm for cold winter nights. They are so versatile that I wear them from work to play.

Pants: Lucy Paris Top: Dunnes Stores (similar) Boots: Banana Republic Bag: Tory Burch

Brooklyn Museum

It was my first time at the Brooklyn Museum and it was wonderful. The architecture is beautiful and it holds amazing works of art. I especially liked the current exhibition of JR: Chronicles that is incredibly powerful with its captures of over one thousand New Yorkers in a digitally collaged mural. Even one of the most famous New Yorkers made it in this magnificent mural- Robert DeNiro.

For a day at the museum, I wore this comfortable jumpsuit that is a great basic to have in any wardrobe. I added this statement belt that features a large tropical pattern in the front while the waist has a traditional Colombian design made from an indigenous local palm fiber. I am looking forward to adding this belt to a ton of outfits in the future- it’s gorgeous!

Jumpsuit: H&M Belt: Tania Foliaco Shoes: Banana Republic Bag: Local Colombian handicraft

DVOTIO

DVOTIO is a sustainable Colombian brand that uses neo artisan design to develop unique and beautiful pieces. They partner with the indigenous communities of the Andes Mountains to bring their traditional handicraft to modern everyday life through clothing, shoes and accessories. I went to their fall 2020 NY Fashion Week show and fell in love with every piece in their collection. I had to grab this amazing trench coat. The neon pink detail on the sleeves, belt and hood grabbed my attention immediately and demonstrates the colorful intrinsic weaving technique of the communities from the Andes Mountains.

Coat: DVOTIO Shoes: Ann Taylor

Dublin

Less than 6 hours from NYC, Dublin makes for a fun and unforgettable long weekend getaway. It’s very easy to navigate so you can quickly get to know your way around. With its hundreds of pubs and great restaurants, there is no lack of options for eating and drinking. The people are incredibly friendly as well making it a place that you will want to return to time and again.

Just a quick note on the outfit- I absolutely adore this color combination! I also bought the pants in two colors because I love the high waist.

Top: Zara Pants: J.Crew Shoes: Banana Republic

LBD

Although I’m probably the biggest fan of color on the planet, once in a while a little black dress will catch my eye. I immediately fell in love with the puff sleeves and the flare skirt on this dress. The best part is that it is neoprene so it will always hold its shape. It looks like it sold out but there are other great but affordable options at Storets. It is also worth checking if it comes back in stock. These belts from Amazon are also an easy way to add sparkle.

Dress: Storets Shoes Stuart Weitzman Bag: Kate Spade Belt: Amazon