nyc. gems. // part. one.

While I'm not a New York native or current NYC resident (maybeeee, someday), I DO visit the city frequently enough that I've accumulated quite the list of *favorite* neighborhood spots (from Nolita to Williamsburg to the UES) that I'd recommend in a heartbeat. I have my favorite sorbet spot, my favorite hotel rooftop, my favorite place to stockpile sheet masks, my favorite slice of pizza, etc. etc. etc. I honestly struggled with how to make this series a reality — I debated doing individual trip recaps vs. in-depth profiles of shops and businesses. Ultimately, I decided that bite-size roundups would work best.

A charming pencil shop, a green lifestyle coffee shop with succulent cupcakes (s'cute!), and a lush rooftop/restaurant located in the heart of the Meatpacking District.

Urban Backyard

 

This must be the place.
 
...my initial thought upon stepping foot into Urban Backyard. Sure, I had seen snapshots on IG of this magical coffee shop located in Nolita, but photos simply don't do it justice. I arrived bright and early on a Monday morning (8 a.m. sharp!) to meet a friend, so we pretty much had first dibs on seating. Take note: The small "cozy" space adds to the zen atmosphere. But perhaps, it's the houseplants and adorable embroidery hoops lining the walls that entice you to linger a wee bit longer. As I like to say: "come for the cute aesthetic, and then stay for the succulent cupcakes." I sampled a few macarons (lemon + passion fruit) before moving onto a flourless chocolate cupcake (which was divine). The cushioned wooden futon couch accompanied by a goldenrod pillow beckoned for company, as did the open window. Last, but not least, it's the outdoor seating area in front — a dreamy tiled oasis, complete with gorgeous blooms and "cold water for fur babies" — that make passersby pause for a pic.
 
Bonus points for Urban Backyard's sustainable initiative. They have biodegradable hay straws, y'all. According to Yelp, they also offer a discount to customers who bring their own cup.

 

 

Urban Backyard
180 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10012
@urbanbackyardnyc

CW Pencil Enterprise

 

Pencil shops are rare. Pencil shops with *secret* sticker rooms are even more of a rarity. While I've known about CW Pencil Enterprise for what feels like an eternity, it wasn't until a dreamy (and long overdue) December 2017 visit to their Orchard St. shop that I became a true pencil devotee. ✏️ 

A little backstory. CWPE was founded by Caroline Weaver, a lifelong pencil aficionado, in November 2014. A brick-and-mortar shop opened shortly thereafter in March 2015. Whenever I'm in the city, I make it a point to pop in, even if it's just to pick up a few Tombow colored pencils or a sheet of stickers. The store itself is an aesthete's dream. Heaps of natural light and a p-e-r-f-e-c-t-l-y curated wall of pencils (over 200 varieties to be exact) make it a Lower East Side gem. 

Beyond everyone's trusty yellow No. 2 pencil, you'll find a slew of specialty and novelty pencils (from a baseball scoring set to toothpick-sized heart pencils) — plus notebooks, sharpeners, erasers, and other fun knick-knacks aimed to delight the creative enthusiast in all of us. Did I mention that there's a pencil sample station, complete with a notebook for doodles and notes? Yessss. Cuteness ensues.

Oh and certainly not least... ! My favorite part of the Orchard St. shop just may be the CW Sticker Emporium. With so many kawaii Japanese and world-class stickers to choose from, you'll 100 percent feel like a kid in a candy store. I dare you to leave empty-handed.      

CW Pencil Enterprise

15 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

@cwpencilenterprise

@cwstickers

RH Rooftop Restaurant by Restoration Hardware

 

Scattered all across the city, you'll find a plethora of hip hotel rooftop bars — many of which are charming — but it's not every day you discover a lavish + lush rooftop garden of this size. Enter the RH (aka, Restoration Hardware) Rooftop Restaurant, located in the historic Meatpacking District, a mere stone's throw away from The High Line and the Whitney. The perfect spot for people watching, grabbing a bite to eat (come early, as they don't take reservations!!!) or sipping rosé. I know what you're thinking… "but isn't that a luxury home-furnishings store?" My thoughts exactly! Part swanky showroom, part gallery, part restaurant — no detail goes unnoticed as you take the excursion from the first floor to the 🔝. 

While I can't comment on the food — we were just checking out the space for the first time — the atmosphere is quite lovely. It's fancy enough for after-hours, but relaxed enough if you're just there to soak in the views and hang out with friends. The scenery, no joke, is "inspired by the great classical gardens of Europe." And they don't rush you out, so you can truly enjoy your experience. 

On level three, you'll find a Barista Bar (espresso + wine). Not at all an inconvenience for me (I don't drink), but just FYI, there's no bar service on the rooftop wine terrace, so you'll have to purchase your drink here and then take it upstairs. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 

RH Rooftop Restaurant
9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014

What are your favorite NYC spots? Have you visited any of these gems?

xo,
A

1

colorful. sunnies.

Summer may not officially be in session until June 21st, but Memorial Day weekend is close enough. Cue the long summatime nights, endless crop of nautical stripes, and many strawberry granitas to come. But what’s missing? Ah, yes, a new pair of sunnies to hold you down for every upcoming beach-cation, excursion into the city and backyard BBQ. 

 

When it comes to sunglasses, I find that I’m a bit of a style chameleon. Every summer, there tends to be a new It style that I gravitate toward. One year, it was ultra-glam tortoiseshell cat-eye frames — then mirrored aviators and Illesteva “Leonard” lookalikes (you know the ones) — and this summer I’m all about quirky, colorful frames. With rad brands like Carla Colour paving the way with their curated collection of mod geometric styles (available in a variety of vibrant colorways, BTW), flying under the radar isn’t even an option. Scroll on for five COLORFUL sunglasses that are guaranteed to get you noticed by the pool and on the streets of NYC.

Coco and Breezy Iris Sunglasses (Nylon Shop) // So. Much. Sass. Dial up the drama with these Twizzler red sunglasses that command attention.

The TV Eye Sunglasses in Caramel & Cream (Crap Eyewear) // Picture this: You, these color-dipped caramel ‘n’ cream sunnies and your most ridiculous pool float (cactus FTW!). Any takers? If goldenrod isn't your go-to hue, this sky blue pair is actually pretty dreamy.

Barton Sunglasses in Flesh + Haze (Carla Colour) // Two words: millennial pink. The girly girl in me is naturally smitten with these sleek frames that call for an eyelet white dress and lace-up espadrilles. Major swoon.

Lind Sunglasses in Gangreen + Haze (Carla Colour) // To be worn by the eternal aesthete who fancies afternoons spent at the Whitney and contemporary architecture.

Poppy Lissiman x Lazy Oaf Pastel Biscuit Sunglasses (Lazy Oaf) // Entrance like “whoa” is right. Sadly, these Poppy Lissiman x Lazy Oaf pastel shades are already out of stock, but they were too fun not to share. (Side note: If anyone knows of a similar pair, DM me ‘cuz these are ah-mazing.)

What’s your go-to sunglass style for summer ‘17? Comment below!

xo,
A

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one. last. summer. hurrah.

It's bomb pop o'clock. 

Summer has (sadly) come to an end and fall is officially in full swing. Before I jump into fall content, however, I wanted to share one last summer #OOTD. TBH, it may or may not be one of my favorite looks from summer ‘16. What better way to say “see ya later” to one season and hello to the next than with a bomb pop in hand? That’s not even a question.

Although, I just snagged this ruffled plaid shirt from Anthropologie on sale shortly before the end of summer, I know it’ll be in rotation this fall, too. I can’t wait to pair it with dark wash jeans (thinking about investing in these) and a field jacket (or a beige cardigan). Unfortunately, these navy high-waisted shorts probably won’t be getting much more wear beyond these next few weeks — fingers crossed, I’ll be able to team ‘em with an oversized sweater before it gets too cold. In lieu of accessories, I let my Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C Crossbody bag do all the talking as it’s such a statement piece in its own right. The shade of powder blue is super versatile for year-round wear, especially during the winter months when a little extra pop of color is appreciated.

What are you most looking forward to this fall? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

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end. of. summer. playlist.

ayokay // glass animals // the 1975 // years & years

In honor of the last day of summer (and #HumpDay), I've compiled an end of summer playlist to help you power through the workweek. While tomorrow may mark the first day of fall, I have a feeling I'll be in a summer state of mind for a while. (Side note: If you haven't already, you can still check out the midweek playlist I made earlier in the summer.) My latest playlist is just a snippet of some songs I've had on repeat lately. I really wanted to include this song (appropriately titled, Living it Up in the Summer) that was featured in a video for Tommy Hilfiger's spring 2017 collection. Unfortunately, it's not on Spotify! That's all for now — I'm hoping to share a really cute #OOTD post on Friday, so stay tuned for that :)

What have you been listening to lately? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

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august. outfits.

Channeling those summatime vibes.

“I blinked, and then all of a sudden it was September.” Story of my life. I can’t believe that it’s already Labor Day weekend — where did summer go?! I fully intend on making the most out of these few remaining weeks before fall weather officially kicks in. For now, I’m sharing my favorite outfits from August (which also just so happen to be all the looks I wore in NYC). Speaking of which, I hope to have a recap of my trip up sometime next week. Fingers crossed!

Day 1: I opted for a super casual, laid-back look since I knew I’d be traveling by train for a good bit of the day (and you just never know how chilly it’s going to be!). I styled my favorite Industry Standard jeans with a lipstick print top and d’Orsay flats for a low-key evening spent at the New Museum.

Day 2: Doesn’t this outfit just scream summer in the city?! I wore this sophisticated look for an afternoon spent shopping in the Flatiron District (one of my favorite areas in NYC!) and participating in First Fridays (I stopped by the Neue Galerie and the Morgan Library & Museum). My ruffled top is by YSTR, the skirt is Scotch & Soda and the sandals are from Madewell.

Day 3: Reasons why I love NYC: Mornings spent exploring SoHo and afternoons at the Whitney. Oh, and walking along The High Line afterwards! This easy-breezy tribal print dress from Duo proved to be perfect for the hot and humid weather we were having that day. I finished off my look with an old pair of Sam Edelman gold gladiators.

Day 4: We started the day out at the Cooper Hewitt (a very cool design museum on the Upper East Side) before venturing off to the Met and the Met Breuer. A trip to the Met rooftop always calls for a LBD — this time was no exception. My super cute heart necklace is from Ban.do., BTW.

Day 5: If only all Mondays could be as perfect as they are when in NYC. Since we had already hit the Upper East Side, SoHo, Flatiron and the Meatpacking district, the first half of our Monday was spent in lower Manhattan checking out the “Oculus” designed by Santiago Calatrava, which is located at the World Trade Center. I’ll talk more about that in my trip recap post, but the architecture was ah-maz-ing (definitely a look-up kind of moment). Anyway, shown here is a lovely floral Free People dress teamed with a seasonal lemonade I picked up from by Chloe.  



Day 6: I can’t explain it, but there’s something so iconic about a Lacoste polo. I’ve had mine for about five years now, and I still love finding different ways to style it. For a quick photo op outside the New York Public Library, I paired it with a metallic skort that I bought from J.Crew last summer. The result was modern preppy with a twist.

Are you sad to see summer go? How will you be transitioning your summer clothes for fall? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

3

one. striped. button-down. // three. ways.

I knew this blue and white striped button-down shirt would be on repeat the moment I bought it. It’s lightweight, slightly oversized and incredibly effortless.

It’s confession time: I have a slightly unhealthy obsession with button-downs. We all have that one hero piece in our wardrobe, and a tried-and-true button-down shirt just so happens to be mine. What can I say, they’re the first thing I reach for when a case of the outfit blahs hits and nothing else seems to measure up. Over the past few years, I’ve accumulated more plaid, gingham and striped shirts than I care to admit — some are structured while others take on a more laid-back chic vibe (just the way I like it).
 
There’s my favorite silk shirt from Equipment that looks exquisite paired with skinny jeans, a slouchy gingham button-down from Joie that can be styled no less than a million and one ways and there’s even a slim oxford that I once snagged on sale from the men’s section at J.Crew. It fits like a dream BTW. The list goes on. To share just how versatile a button-down can be, I’m sharing three ways that I’ve recently styled this summery striped shirt from Splendid.

Easy does it. When in doubt, black skinny jeans and a button-down will always do you right. Although I have yet to master the perfect half-tuck (one day…), there’s nothing I love more than being able to toss on a button-down with jeans and d’Orsay flats for a low-key afternoon at a coffee shop.

Just a little preppy. This #OOTD was actually from Memorial Day weekend (#longlivesummer). It doesn’t get more summery than seersucker shorts (here’s the skirt version), navy Keds and a knotted button-down. For a day spent out and about, I even toted around my go-to Old Navy bucket bag. 

Ultra-femme with a twist. Last but not least, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to style my favorite striped shirt with this classic white French Connection skirt (a great T.J. Maxx find!). Once again, I knotted the ends for a chic accent and accessorized with a mint green necklace and clear rubber Ancient Greek Sandals. 

Scroll through for more shoppable button-downs below:

What’s your favorite way to style a button-down? Let me know in the comments below!
xo,
A

weekend. sales.

With summer sales in full swing, I thought I would share a few of my favorite finds. Walking through the mall this weekend, I was surprised to see so many stores already with 50-70 percent markdowns! Thankfully, summer is nowhere near over and you'll still be able to get plenty of wear out of whatever end-of-season finds you manage to snatch up. Take a peek below at what I found.

 

Melody Mini Dress (Free People) // ICYMI: Free People is offering an additional 50 percent off all sale items this weekend, which is ah-mazing. I'm not sure how long the sale's going on, but I ended up getting this gorgeous floral frock for under $30. I'm obsessed with the ultra-feminine floral print, the short sleeves and the effortless silhouette (perfect for those dog days of summer). The length was just right, too.

Printed Gia Mini Dress (American Apparel) // American Apparel is currently offering an additional 60 percent off all clearance items. That said, I immediately fell in love with this fun floral dress with retro appeal. I recommend going up a size if you want a more laid-back chic look! I plan on putting it away for late summer/early fall, so that I can pair it with ankle booties and maybe even riding boots once it gets really cold. I also purchased this easy-breezy ponte mini skirt in mustard melange. It's a basic that I know I'll get a lot of wear out of (think: everything from oversized sweaters to chambray shirts).

Cara Faux Leather Bow Headband (Nordstrom) // I've been eyeing (and proceeding to try on) this gorgeous faux leather bow headband for several months now. You can imagine my delight upon discovering that it was finally on sale. Although it's available in several different colors, I simply can't get enough of the cognac. It's classy, sophisticated and just right if you want to channel your inner Blair Waldorf. I know I do.

Gemma Glitter Flats (J.Crew) // I initially stumbled upon these sparkly #shinyponies in store last weekend, but they weren't my size. Determined to snag a pair of my dream ballet flats, I checked online and J.Crew thankfully still had them in stock. Let me tell ya — they're a major steal. Use the code SUMMER to get an additional 60 percent off the current sale price. Pssst: They come in at around $30 once you factor in shipping.

Have you stumbled upon any amazing summer steals lately? Feel free to share 'em with me below!

xo,
A

0

artifact. uprising.

I was scrolling through my camera roll the other day when I realized that I had never shared a post on Artifact Uprising, a VSCO company that makes custom prints, photo books and cards. If you’re anything like me and appreciate VSCO Cam’s minimalist presets for editing photos, then you’ll love Artifact Uprising’s dedication to storytelling even more.

We are only as great as the community behind us. we believe in its power to ignite creativity. we strive to cultivate a community of inspired storytellers—of movers, shakers, do-ers, designers, artists, thinkers, joy-makers.

With all the snapshots you’ll be taking this summer (everything from drippy ice cream cones and selfies at the beach to pretty sunsets), it only makes sense to turn some of your favorite pics into works of art that you’ll cherish for years to come. Several months back, I received a discount code for 25 free square prints (I only had to pay shipping) and was thoroughly impressed with my experience.

Between Artifact Uprising’s intuitive interface (more on that in a second) and the presentation of the prints themselves, I will 100% be using their services again in the future. I was especially pleased with the durability of the prints, which are printed on a recycled cardstock with a textured matte finish. The square shape — complete with a white Instagram-esque border — further gives off an incredibly streamlined appearance. I have to admit, the prints ended up being a lot larger than I had expected, but their 5 x 5’’ size (which is listed in the product description online) actually works just fine. If anything, the size makes each print more tactile and special.

Did I mention that the uploading process is incredibly seamless? When you’re ready to pick out your prints or create a photo book, you can directly upload pics from your Instagram feed, camera roll or Dropbox. Once you log into Instagram on your computer, the photos will instantly appear along the bottom of the screen — simply drag and drop, and you’re good to go! It’s that easy.

Although I’m not sure what I’ll do with my 25 prints (perhaps, I’ll get them framed for a gallery wall some day?!), they admittedly make great photo props for Instagram.

For more inspiration, be sure to follow Artifact Uprising on Instagram, VSCO Grid and Twitter.

Will you be using Artifact Uprising's services to print your photos this summer? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,
A

1

june. the. list.

Just in time for the official arrival of summer (mark your calendars for Monday!), I’ve rounded up all my June favorites. Hint, hint: You can expect a lotta color and a lotta J.Crew — and a splurge (or two) mixed in. I don’t know about you, but come the summer months, I can’t help but gravitate toward preppy gingham prints, vibrant statement pieces and anything with a laid-back ‘tude. Take a peek at what I’m currently coveting below!

1. Gingham Cotton Shorts (J.Crew) // I know, I know. Navy gingham shorts for summer… how groundbreaking?! As far as preppy summer prints go, gingham will always do you right. Toss on some white canvas sneaks and a chambray shirt for the ultimate weekend look. 
2. Charlotte Olympia Bobby Sandals (Shopbop) // Can’t get away? Bring the tropics to you a la these multi-colored sandals featuring round perforations. They’re guaranteed to add instant charm and whimsy to all your #OOTDs. Be forewarned: They don’t come cheap (but that doesn’t stop me from still wanting 'em). 
3. Rivet & Thread Embroidered Japanese Denim Skirt (Madewell) // Thank goodness for Madewell’s dedication to effortless cool girl-approved staples. I straight-up need this denim embroidered skirt in my life — it couldn’t be more perfect. I recently bought a striped tee from Madewell’s Rivet & Thread line (this one actually) and it’s already been on repeat.
4. Iridescent Tote (J.Crew) // I have to admit the first time I saw this holographic tote in stores, I was a tad skeptical. It looked… interesting. Now that it’s popped up on my radar a few times, I'm starting to come around. I think it would be a fun statement piece for running errands or heading to class (or work!).
5. Short-Sleeve Popover Shirt in Candy Stripe (J.Crew) // Hello, summer stripes! When your same old chambray shirt grows stale, how about adding this short-sleeve popover shirt (with an extra playful twist) into the mix? Not only am I obsessed with the vintage stripe print, but the colors scream SUMMER.
6. Top Knot Headband (J.Crew) // Sorry (not sorry), but I’m so excited that top knot headbands are having a moment again. This gingham one is no exception. I imagine pairing it with a LWD, navy chino shorts — you name it. 
7. Tenoverten Nail Polish in Delancey (Net-a-Porter) // If I had to pick between pink and red nail polish, pink would win by a landslide. Between pastel pinks, hot pinks, neon pinks, and now this bright + punchy pink from Tenoverten, the limit does not exist.
8. Flights of Fancy Banana Coin Purse (Kate Spade) // The real question here is how could you not want a playful banana-shaped coin purse in your life? I digress.
9. Meli Melo Ortensia Saddle Bag (Shopbop) // This pebbled leather Meli Melo saddle bag is so, so pretty. Dress it up with a little black dress or pare it down with denim shorts and a lightweight sweater for a chilly evening around the bonfire. Your move.

What are your summer must-haves? Leave a comment below!

xo, 
A

1

memorial. day. outfits.

The moment that we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The “unofficial” start of summer has arrived. As you enjoy the extended three-day weekend soaking up rays at the beach, attending a backyard barbecue (or two) or just taking it easy like me, I’ve put together four outfits that you can wear for MDW — and all summer long, for that matter! 

Nothing says Memorial Day like some all-American stripes, a pair of denim shorts and classic tortoiseshell sunnies. For a look that takes you from day to night, toss on a pair of timeless ballerinas (these taupe ones with an accent bow are so dreamy) and a statement-making RWB clutch. Can you say perfect weekend #OOTD?
 
1. Madewell Lisbon Striped Hemp and Cotton-Blend Top (Net-a-Porter)
2. Denim Shorts Low Waist (H&M)
3. Illesteva Boca Sunglass (Club Monaco)
4. Flat Clutch (Clare Vivier)
5. Anniel Ballet Flat (Club Monaco)

Prepsters, eat your heart out! You don't have to be vacationing in the Hamptons to channel a nautical vibe this Memorial Day weekend. Just how perfect would this lightweight, sailor-esque sweatshirt be for evenings spent around the beach bonfire? Throw in some blue and white striped shorts, pave anchor studs and a festive pair of star ankle-wrap star sandals for the ultimate summertime look. For the finishing touch, top off your pony tail with this chambray scrunchie featuring an oversized bow. Obsessed would be an understatement. 

1. Le Capitaine Garment-Dyed Sweatshirt (J.Crew)
2. Farrow Echo Striped Shorts (Need Supply Co.)
3. Anchors Away Pave Anchor Studs (Kate Spade)
4. Scrunchie (Club Monaco)
5. Starla Ankle Wrap Sandal (Loeffler Randall)

Now, here's an outfit that will take you from Memorial Day weekend to festival season to an exotic getaway. It's that foolproof. Kick off summer with this tribal-inspired slip dress (those tassels!) that can be styled with zero effort. Seriously, just toss it on alongside a wooden beaded necklace and an effortless fedora — and BAM! For formal affairs (think: summer weddings or Sunday brunch), you could easily take your look up a notch just by adding a chic miniature bag (just enough to hold the essentials) and striped lace-up espadrilles.
 
1. Embroidered Gaia Slip (Free People)
2. Packable Straw Hat (Madewell) 
3. Orchard Street Small Penelope (Kate Spade)
4. Soludos Striped Espadrille Sandals (Shopbop)

If you ask me, Memorial Day weekend is all about embracing a more laid-back 'tude. If you haven't already pulled out your summer whites, do so STAT. These white skinny jeans from Madewell will always do you right. I especially love the way they look paired with this colorful madras print linen top (wait, until you check out the open back!) and trusty copper Birkenstocks. If you're going to put your toesies on display, then you know a pedi is obligatory. Hence the perfect long-lasting mint nail polish from JINsoon for endless beach days. Finally, I'm currently eyeing this cognac bucket bag that's equal parts minimalist and functional. AKA, it'll look good no matter how you style it.

1. Wilfred Mistral Blouse (Aritzia)
2. Cuero&Mør Bucket Bag in Cognac (Need Supply Co.) 
3. Madewell High Riser Skinny Jeans (Net-a-Porter)
4. Birkenstock Arizona in Copper Leather (Need Supply Co.)
5. Jinsoon Nail Polish in Keppel (Net-a-Porter) 

What are your Memorial Day weekend plans? Which outfit above would you wear? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

1