People often ask me if I could ever see myself moving out of New York, and while the short answer is simply no, the long answer is bit more complex. For starters I’m a New Yorker born and bred. While I grew up just outside of NYC, before it became my actual home it was my second home. The city was the place where I grew up. I took fashion courses in the city in high school and went to college in NYC too. Eventually I became an official resident of New York City with the lack of space and roommates to prove it. Then there’s the fact that my family is here and I am so attached to them that I don’t foresee myself ever being able to stray too far from the ones I love. And then, there’s the change of seasons. Say what you want about the brutal winters in New York—and yes, they often live up to their reputation—but the seasons that precede and follow tundra weather make it all worthwhile. Fall in NYC is one of the most magical times of the year. From the leaves in Central Park to the tree-lined streets in the West Village, strolling New York just after the heat has settled is nothing short of a dream. And then you have spring, which though beautiful in its own way (hello cherry blossoms!), draws me in because of the energy it brings. If you live in a place that has a climate similar you’ll know what I mean.
Picture this: it’s late March or early April and you’ve been running around for weeks wearing the same puffy coat with tissues crumpled up into the pockets to control the faucet that replaces your nose when the temps drop, and then the first warm day of spring seems to appear out of nowhere. Just when you thought it would never come the sun resurfaces and it’s warm enough to wear a long maxi dress with sneakers and just a leather jacket. Strangers smile at you on the street because along with the rise in temps comes a soar in the happiness meter. Your friends ask you to meet for drinks at your favorite bar—you know the one with the outdoor space, and life seems like it just can’t get any better. I’m smiling because I remember this day last year with extreme clarity and I can’t wait to see what adventures the first warm day of spring brings me this year. I do know that I want to be ready when it comes. I hope I have something fresh to wear and here’s what I’m currently craving for spring 2019.
Fendi Logo Leather Camera Bag ($1,290)
Out of all the bags I have there’s one shape that I’ve somehow neglected to add to my current rotation. That shape is a camera bag. For reasons unknown I don’t yet own one, but after borrowing one of my roommates bags in this shape I now know that I need one. This color is simply perfect for the spring.
Nike Blazer Low SE Sneakers ($75)
While many of you, my roommate included, will say that I DO NOT need another pair of sneakers I’m going to tell you that you’re wrong. I do, in fact, need a pair of all white sneakers that are sleek and not clunky. I’ve worn out my Adidas Stan Smiths, so I either need to replace them with a fresh pair or swap them for something else all together. I like that the bottoms of these aren’t clunky or thick at all, which is sometimes what bothers me about the Stan Smiths.
Reformation Jennifer Dress ($98)
Because I need this to wear with those aforementioned sleek white sneakers—obviously.
Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body Shimmer ($65)
When I moved from Long Island to the city one thing I missed dearly was being a five minute drive from the beach. Not to mention, I missed having a backyard to lay out in every weekend to catch a few rays. Though my upper body is always super tan since I run outside, my legs look like they belong on another body! I’ve never used self tanner before or gotten a spray tan, but I think this year I might have to. I’ve read reviews on this stuff and I’m anxious to give it try once the weather is warm enough to reintroduce my legs to the world.
Sam Edelman Gala Slides ($80)
I love a good basic white sandal, and Sam Edelman sandals are some of the best. I have a few pairs and they have lasted me for years! These are perfect to wear with everything.
STAUD PVC Bag ($210)
I’m into the PVC trend, but not into it enough to bust my bank account for it. This STAUD bag is the perfect mix of trendy, but practical (read: I don’t want everyone eyeing my stuff), and I love the pop of pink.
Veronica Beard Cormac Trousers (Was $450, Now $225)
“Pants that aren’t jeans.” That’s a direct quote from a note I keep on my iPhone with items that I’m lusting for or need to replace. If any of my friends are reading this they’ll laugh, because it’s something I complain about quite often. While I love high-waisted jeans (Levis and JBrand are my go-tos) I find it nearly impossible to find a pair of pants that fit me properly that aren’t, well, jeans. My body type makes it slightly tricky. I’m super tall with an incredibly long torso (I have long legs but I’m not ALL legs), and though I’m relatively tiny I certainly have hips and a bum. I can’t find a good pair of pants that fit me in the leg and hips but don’t gap at my waist. The chance that these will work for me is slim, but I still think they’re incredibly adorable.
Cult Gaia Kennedy Hoops ($88)
Hoop girls afraid to leave her hoops. Anyone who gets that reference you win. Anyway, I’ve become such a hoop girl that I feel naked if I’m not wearing them, especially when my hair is back. Something about wearing hoop earrings gives me an extra little pep in my step. My two favorite pairs are a basic gold pair that were $22 (thanks Madewell), and a gold crystal pair by Nadri. I’m looking to diversify my collection a bit and these are SO fun!
Loeffler Randall Penny Mule ($395)
I’m not a sky-high stiletto person. I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, I have terrible feet and the torture is just not worth it. When I go out at night I do like to wear a shoe with added height, even though I certainly don’t need it (I’m 5’9!). Something about the height of a shoe finishes my look and I don’t feel fully dressed without it. In the winter I wear chunky heel booties, which I own in everything from snakeskin to white leather. In the summer I like wedges or a fun mule and these fit the bill just perfectly!
Madeworn Distress Biggie T-Shirt ($160)
Picture this: distressed jeans, leather jacket, black studded mules and your favorite black mini-bag. Brb, adding to cart!
