Trip to the Met

The other night, I went to NYC with a friend to visit the Metropolitan Museum and go to a Nets game. I have never been to an NBA game, so that was such a fun opportunity.

The last time I was at the Met, I was in middle school for a field trip. This time, I went to the Andy Warhol exhibition, whom I learned about in my Art History class and came to love.

So why am I writing this post? I came across this interesting piece of art that reminded me of fashion. Although it was not by Warhol himself, it was a part of the exhibit because it was a piece inspired by him.

Sculptor Tom Sachs created what is known as the "Chanel Chainsaw" in 1996. The terrifying tool accompanied with the acclaimed fashion brand instantly drew my eye. I loved the tagline that was placed with the piece: "money, power, violence."

Some of my favorite pieces by Warhol at this exhibit:

One of the rooms' wall was covered in this pattern

Recap of Fashion Trends in 2012

2012 is coming to a close, so let's take a minute to review what the biggest trends were this year, and (importantly), which trends are here to stay.

1. Jean on jean
Never would I have imagined myself wearing jean material head-to-toe. But, I decided to jump on the band wagon and sport the look- and when I did, I grew to love it. This has been one of my favorite "out of my comfort zone" looks.

2. Polka Dots

This pattern reminds me of childhood... it was a great way to go back in time and recall some of my fondest memories, while looking trendy at the same time.

3. Statement Pieces

A great way beautify an outfit. I am so bad at wearing jewelry, but when I have statement pieces displayed in my room, they were hard to miss. I would always remember to throw one on before leaving the house. 

4. Tangerine

I invested in a tangerine pair of heels the moment I heard this color was "in style." I love wearing them out to turn a basic outfit in to something more exciting.

5. Military

So I have owned a military-inspired jacket for a while, but it was never a go-to for me. But, this year, it became a more frequent piece in my ensemble as the temperature began to drop.

6. Leather- here to stay!

By far my favorite trend this year. Leggings, jackets, peplum tops, boots, you name it. 

7. Patterned pants

Love, love, love. I first saw them on Olivia Palermo on another blog and became obsessed. She is able to flawlessly wear different patterns together, and I envy her for that! I stuck with just the pants and solid color tops and shoes.

8. Embellishments
I started wearing embellished sweaters with jeans and flats to class... I found an embellished sweater that was so comfortable and easy to just throw on.

9. Peplum

Peplum is the perfect way to feminize any outfit. I love the sleeveless shirt, and if I could pull of a peplum skirt, I would love that too! 

10. Cap-toe

Whether it's flats, boots or heels, the cap-toe spices it up. My favorite look is the "metal" toe with a suede shoe. 

Your turn: What was your favorite trend this year?

Clad in Plaid

Growing up, I went to a private all-girl school with a dress code. It consisted of a polo and a plaid, pleated skirt. At the time I hated it... I envied my friends in public school who could wear jeans, but now I can't get enough of it. Right now, I am loving plaid skinnies.

I came across this picture today, and I fell in love with her look. It's casual, yet chic.

Your turn:

Club Monaco Beatrice Pants

Joe's Skinny Stretch Denim Jeans

Joe's Jeans Reversible Pocket Shirt

Tibi Plaid Cap Sleeve Top

If you don't want too much plaid, accessorize with it!

Juicy Couture plaid iPhone case

2012's Greatest Moments

When December rolls around, I'm not only excited for the holidays, but also to review all of the greatest moments that happened the past year in the fashion realm. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Best dressed
This one is easy, just look at what celebs wore to the Oscars'. Just about evereyone's jaws dropped when the cameras turned to Gwyneth Paltrow, who looked absolutely stunning in her floor length, all white Tom Ford dress.

2. Fresh faces

Every year, it is inevitable that new faces will grace the fashion world. Cara Delevingne (age 19- ok come on? Really? I'm 21 and still feel like a baby!), the face of Burberry, was named Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards. She made her debut in the Victoria Secret Fashion Show, so she obviously got a lot of spotlight, with millions of tune-ins. 

3. Style surprises

This season, Balenciaga introduced their "slogan" sweatshirts. It was an instant success, and was accepted into street style. 

4. InstaFashion

Instagram has changed everything. I have to admit- I am obsessed, I love showcasing my favorite moments and outfits with help from the editing options. Anything from backstage at runway shows, to celebs doing "every day" activities were posted all over Instagram for anyone to see.

5. The "Angelina" leg

When Angelina Jolie walked onto the red carpet at the Oscars, her exposed leg in her Atelier Versace gown created a lot of buzz. She was made fun of across all social mediums, and people couldn't believe how she is getting skinnier and skinner by the moment! 

But, soon after, models were seen sporting gowns that exposed their legs as well. So maybe we shouldn't be laughing at Angelina- but thanking her!

Your turn: what were some of your favorites? Do any overlap with mine?

Merry Merry!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas! Mine has been filled with family; I spent the past few days in Pennsylvania for our annual Christmas party (with about 50 attendees), and today with my cousins and grandparents. I couldn't be happier or more thankful.

Although I didn't get a chance to take too many pictures, I wanted to give you a brief glimpse into what I wore for this Christmas cocktail party!

Ann Taylor blazer (similar), H&M black tank, J.Crew mini skirt (on sale!), J.Crew solid tights, Manolo Blahnik Lisa suede flower pump (not shown)

Today, I went for a comfy look. I sported a "tacky" Christmas sweater, black leggings and tall chestnut Uggs. The get-together at my house is typically very casual on Christmas day. Some of my favorite presents this year included:

Lafco Sea and Dune candle

J. Cooper leggings (leather stripe down side- similar)

Blank NYC leather jacket (similar)

Frankie studded boots

Monogrammed necklace (finally!)

Your turn: What did you all get? I hope it was everything you wanted!

Costume Fashion

Today I went to Radio City Hall to see the Rockettes. Not only were they beautiful, and just fabulous, but so were their costumes. I haven't seen the Christmas Spectacular show in years, so it was not until today that I actually appreciated their ensembles. I was blown away. Luckily, I was sitting close enough to actually see how exquisite and detailed each piece was.

My favorite were the sparkly red and green dresses- and let me tell you, when I say they were decked out with gems, they were decked out- but I also adored the velvet reindeer suits.

Here are a few photos I found online of what they wore at today's show. Unfortunately, my camera just didn't do them justice.

Here are a few of my photos:

Mad for Metallic

If you're thinking about trying out the metallic trend, the holiday season is definitely the perfect time to start. When it comes to Christmas and New Year's, adding excitement to your outfit is sure to put you in the festive mood. Whether it's a metallic piece of jewelry, a metallic dress, or anything in between, you can definitely find something that will work depending on how much of this trend you want to add to your ensemble!

Your turn:

Botkier valentina metallic satchel

STYLESTALKER psychedelic foil sweater

Funktional welland pants

Matt Bernson waverly metallic ballet flats

Dallin Chase cardew sequin dress

J Brand metallic jeans

Needing it Now: Accessories

I recently came across this bag while I was online shopping (it is that time of year, and sometimes I have to do a little shopping for myself), and instantly fell in love with it. I adore the shape, and love the fact that it can fold over so you have the option of a smaller bag with a longer handle. It's so different from anything I own, and this bag is definitely one that I could use year after year thanks to its classic look... sounds to me like it could be a great investment!

Foley + Corina lady city tote

Before I get too deep into my blog, there is something you should know about me: I have a girl-crush on Lauren Conrad. She has become so successful despite being under the spotlight since high school, and I envy her for that. And- I love her style, and think she is one of the most beautiful girls! A few months ago I spotted her wearing a monogrammed necklace, and I'm not sure if it was just because I saw it on her that I fell in love, or because I love monograms... either way, I'm obsessed. 

Your turn:

Jennifer Zeuner large swirly 3 initial pendant