Naturals and Neutrals

I am usually quite a fan of color. This we know about me, yes? But I feel like as my style has evolved over the years, or perhaps becomes symptomatic of life in New York, I find myself gravitating quite a bit more to some lovely neutrals and chocolate browns, rustic woodgrain and chunky natural knits. I've assembled a little mood board of neutrality to explain just what I mean. Take a look!

Via They All Hate Us

L: Via Basics of Man   I   R: Via Sevier & White Interiors

John Derian's Apartment via From The Right Bank

L: Brianne on Pinterest   I   R: By Jared Fowler via HomeLife

Via Live from IKEA FAMILY on Pinterest

L: The Knot   I   R: Cha Cha Diaries

Barr-Co. Pure Vegetable products from Anthropologie

Chatelles

I saw these beautiful shoes over at Justina Blakeney's blog last week, and fell in love. First of all, they are so incredibly classic. And then there's the fact that I live in a walking city and flats are really the only option unless I want to cause myself some pretty significant pain by the end of the workday... But these shoes!! They are so fun and customizable (and colorful and tasseled and monogrammed) Also, did I happen to mention Justina and I have the same initials? So I knew I had to blog about them. Do any of you have a pair? I am busy pondering whether or not I can get them in the US...

Image via Justina Blakeny

Home Sweet Home

I just realized that I've lived in the city for 9 months now and still haven't shown you my apartment! Part of that is because I'm embarrassed to admit that it took me until about 3 weeks ago to finally finish it....but hey, hours are crazy and city life is a blur. And it's finally finished now, so I wanted to give you a little Instagram shot of my blogging headquarters, aka bedroom. The theme here is mixed patterns and textures, vintage flair, and tons of pillows. In my opinion, that's the secret to a perfect living space. What do you think goes into your dream bedroom?

City Showdown

Have you guys seen this adorable video comparing (in my opinion) two of the greatest cities in the world? I must confess, I'm a bit partial to bagels over baguettes, but I'll let you guys be the judge. Which one is your favorite?

     

J'Adore Jackets: 2012

The time for outerwear is back in a big way, so since I had so much fun scouring the shops for my top Jacket Picks of 2011, I wanted to do the same thing for this coming season. From faux fur collars to belted waistlines and 60s silhouettes, you can't beat a great jacket to amp up any outfit! I think my favorites are #1 and #2. How about you guys?

1  Morning Coffee Shop Coat from Modcloth
2  Stadium-cloth Boulevard Trench in Neptune Green from J. Crew
3  Meringue the Bell Jacket from Modcloth
4  Apt. 9® Boucle Wool Swing Coat from Kohl's
5  Plenty by Tracy Reese Undiscovered Tomes Coat from Modcloth
6  Women's Short Trench Coat from Uniqlo
7  Double Breasted Epaulet Caped Coat from ROMWE
8  Tall Tipped Peacoat in Black from J. Crew

A Rainy Day in NYC

I have been looking forward to Autumn in New York for basically this entire year. In fact, I have dreaming about it since I was a kid who watched way too many old movies with no idea about what life or this city would actually be like. I arrived in January, and saw the seasons change and build to what would no doubt be a sort of grand finale...And now it's here. And it apparently brings with it a fairly consistent downpour of rain. But, lucky for NYC, I feel about this town like Owen Wilson feels about Paris. So bring it on, New York. There's nothing you could ever do to really upset me.

Your Fortune

While I was sitting on a stoop in my neighborhood, enjoying the crispy Fall weather, I saw this fortune on the ground right near my shoe. It says "You can do everything you ought to do." Of course I snapped a picture. Really, I think we could all use a little positive reinforcement. An outside voice telling us we are doing a good job. Telling us that we can do anything. So I am declaring this a universal fortune for anyone who sees this photo. Sometimes the right fortune for you is on the ground instead of in the cookie.