august. the. list. // back-to-school

Please forgive me for once again uploading my monthly installment of "the list" so late into the month.  This time, I blame it on vacay, which totally threw my editorial calendar for a loop.  With August serving as a prime BTS (back-to-school) month, I've decided to curate my picks this go-around with school in mind.  While I, unfortunately, won't be heading back to school on Monday (the struggle is real over here), I personally love back-to-school shopping.  New wardrobe + school supplies — sign me up!

Quitterie Pouch (Delfonics) // Ah!  Anything by Delfonics, please!  I can't get enough of this cute gingham/check patterned pouch.  It would be perfect for stowing away all of your school supplies, stray hair ties, iPhone and everything else in-between.

Envelope Card Case (Delfonics) // 
I'm not going to tell you to ditch the lanyard, but this card holder is pretty darn cute.  I'll let it speak for itself.
Black and Cream Deco Dot Travel Umbrella (Kate Spade) // Nope, it's never cute to walk around like a soggy, wet dog during torrential downpours.  Do yourself a favor by investing in a rain jacket and umbrella now, so that you can avoid a rainy day conundrum at all costs.  This polka dot option a la Kate Spade is the epitome of chic.

New-York Paris Everyday Memori Notebooks (Rifle Paper Co.) // Over the course of my undergraduate and graduate career, I inevitably learned to become a real notebook snob.  (Sorry, Five Star no longer cuts it for me.)  Moleskine is my absolute favorite with Rifle Paper Co., Rollbahn and any stationery by Kate Spade following closely behind.
Color Block Pen (Poketo) // I don't joke around when it comes to my writing utensils of choice.  My favorites are as follows:  Staedtler, Stabilo, Muji and Le Pen.  These color block ballpoint pens are pretty darn cute, too (I have the turquoise one!).
Flutter Mini Skirt in Vintage Scarf Print (J.Crew) // I'm an absolute sucker for skirts and proceed to add more (AND more) to my collection by the month.  This printed blue number has back-to-school written all over it.  Pair it with a lightweight sweater, ballet flats and your favorite accessory for an A+ look.

'70s Wash Button-Front Skirt (Topshop) // In case you haven't heard, button-front denim skirts (and basically anything from the '70s for that matter) are going to be majorly trending come this fall.  I especially like this one from Topshop as it has a more "flippy" A-line silhouette than others.  Now, go forth and channel your innermost Alexa Chung.
The Remy Boyfriend in White (Industry Standard) // It only seems fitting to invest in a new pair of denim for the school year.  Instead of your traditional blue jeans, however, these white boyfriend jeans by Industry Standard would be a great alternative.  Leave the "no white after Labor Day" rule behind by flaunting this effortless white pair all this fall (and beyond).

North South Tote Bag (The Cambridge Satchel Company) // Despite being on #TeamTote all through college, I have to admit that backpacks these days are looking so chic.  Regardless of whether you're more of a tote kind of gal or prefer the latter, Cambridge Satchel has got you covered.  If the tote above isn't your cup of tea, then they also have the most stylish backpack everrr.  I'm just not sure how much it will hold?!
Paloma Pajama Short (Sleepy Jones) // Whether you're just starting college or not, cute PJs are completely necessary.  Personally, I'm a fan of printed pajama shorts + a casual tee/tank.  While they're a bit of a splurge, Sleepy Jones has some ah-maz-ing loungewear options that would be perfect for lazy Sundays (like this gingham pair).  Doing nothing has never looked so good.

420 Sneakers (New Balance) // I don't need a new pair of sneaks right now, but New Balance has been killing it lately with their rad color palettes.  One thing's for sure:  These will definitely make you feel more inspired to work out and log those miles with your Fitbit.
What are your back-to-school essentials?  Share them with me in the comments below or link to one of your curated BTS posts!

xo,
A
1

the. high. line.


As promised, I've divided up my NYC trip into several recap posts (ICYMI: Check out my first installment here).  Today, I thought that I would share highlights from walking the High Line, an outdoor park that rises 30-feet above the streets.  If you've never visited the High Line before then I'd highly recommend it.  Pick a sunny day and head out before the pathway becomes inundated with too many tourists.  Tip:  Start from the northern most entrance (but avoid the entrance that's currently under construction!) and walk your way down to the southern end at Gansevoort Park (aka the Meatpacking District).  From my experience of trekking out on a Saturday morning, it's super refreshing being able to leisurely stroll along the High Line without crowds.  It also worked out perfectly, because I was able to finish my walk at the Whitney, which was already on my itinerary for the day anyway.

Instead of uploading all of my photos to this post, I put together a Steller story that highlights many of my favorite snapshots and video clips from the day.  While I think that I was fairly successful at capturing my High Line experience, there are a few things missing.  Notably, People's Pops, which I will talk more about in a later post consisting of all my dining + shopping recommendations.  Let's just say that no trip to the High Line (or NYC for that matter) is complete without a stop at People's Pops.  I got a shaved ice in the flavor Lime Thyme at the end of the High Line and came back for one more after leaving the Whitney. Yum!

Besides the beautiful gardens and natural landscape, the High Line is also known for the art community that it fosters through billboard commissions, murals and site-specific installations.  Speaking of which, I was able to get a glimpse of Olafur Eliasson's The Collectivity Project: "An installation of two tons of white LEGO bricks that features an imaginary cityscape conceived and designed by the public."  The "collectivity" component comes in as visitors are invited to help build the structures as they see fit.  So cool!  If you want to see the installation for yourself, then it'll be up through September 30th! 

In a nutshell, if you're in NYC, then you should totally check out the High Line.  As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the busy city, it's nice to able to seek refuge from it + see all the action from above.  Interested in learning more about The High Line?  This book, On The High Line written by Annik La Farge, is the ultimate guide chock-full of stunning photography, historical facts and fun tidbits.  It's definitely worth checking out at your local library or investing for your coffee table! 

Have you visited the High Line?  What are your favorite sights (or parks) in NYC?  Leave a comment below!

xo,
A
0

casual. little. black. dress.

#WhenAtTheMet  |  Madewell "abroad dress in stripe-inset" (similar)
It goes without saying that we all have at least one LBD tucked away in the back of our closets, if not more.  While on vacay in NYC, I stumbled upon the cutest little black dress at Madewell (surprise, surprise!).  Though I didn't necessarily need another black dress, after trying it on, my mind was made up.

The fit was impeccable and extremely flattering.  (Major bonus:  Twirl factor on fleek!)  And it just so happened to be on sale... that obviously never hurts either!  The deal breaker:  Whereas a lot of LBDs err on the formal/evening attire side, this one took on a more effortlessly chic and daytime appropriate look. #Winning  I ended up wearing my new dress to the Met, which I thought was fitting.  I mean, if you're going to go the #allblackornothing route in NYC, then it might as well be for the Met museum and rooftop garden, right?  I say yes — très chic, indeed.

So, while this isn't a groundbreaking post introducing some fashion-forward trend for the upcoming season, it is a simple reminder that wardrobe staples, including a versatile LBD, can be just as exciting + innovative in channeling your signature look.  As for my favorite way to style a little black dress... I'd have to say, simple really does it for me.  Granted, I will more than likely throw a statement necklace into the mix — but besides that, I'm good to go. :)

If you're on the hunt for a casual-chic LBD, I've rounded up some of my favorites below.  Enjoy!



Besides a little black dress, what other wardrobe staples do you think every girl should have?  Leave a comment below!

xo,
A
0

nyc. recap. | pt. one.

If you've noticed a brief "pause" in new content lately, then that's because I've been on vacation. I just returned from spending five days in NYC and am slowly (but surely!) getting back into the swing of things. Instead of sharing everything in one massive recap, I've decided to split my NYC adventure up into several posts. First up, I'm highlighting some of my favorite snapshots from my trip — enjoy!

When you travel by Amtrak...
View from the New Museum. (FYI: On Thursday evenings, the admission is pay-what-you-wish.) 
My first time visiting Mimi Cheng's + my first time trying dumplings was a success! 
MoMA + Andy Warhol for UNIQLO Free Friday Nights.
The High Line.  A quiet oasis from the busy city.
The #NewWhitney designed by Renzo Piano.  Outdoor terraces, skyline views + contemporary art — yes, please! 
Morganstern's was worth the wait.  I tried the edible schoolyard mint chip w/ a monster cone.  Yum!
A quick #ootd snapshot.  Just trying to beat the heat... 
My favorite rooftop on the Upper East Side.
Goals: To spend every Sunday at the Met.
Two new favorites in one day: Burger Fi (hand-cut fries and strawberry lemonade) and Emack & Bolio's (grasshopper pie).  All I can say is ah-maz-ing.  Both of these were recommendations from Carly (aka the College Prepster) — she seriously knows all the best spots! 
If you're currently located in NYC for the summer or have upcoming travel plans to the Big Apple, you must pay the Plaza Food Hall a visit.  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the Plaza seriously has everything!  I will definitely be going back after trying the most scrumptious waffle everrr courtesy of William Greenberg desserts.
Exploring in the New York Public Library
What are your favorite things to do in NYC?  Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A
2
Glossier
Back to Top