how to ... dress up for a pink party

I've always been a girly girl. I grew up sleeping in coordinated pink bedrooms, wore a pink princess gown on my 18th birthday extravaganza, and later in life even developed a weakness for men in crisp pink shirts. So when my friend Céline invited me to French Tuesdays' Pink Party, I was all for it. The rule was to have a touch of pink in your outfit. You needn't dress head-to-toe in pink; I got away with wearing just a fuchsia headband. But I thought it was a brilliant idea. It's a simple theme but it ties a party together and makes for very pretty party pics. And ok, fine ... I just do love men in pink shirts!

What I learned from this party? A touch of pink is more than enough. Simply wearing one piece from the collage below would make a sweet impact on a pink party (okay fine, you can pick two pieces as long as the second is the Veuve Clicquot). 

Alice + Olivia dress at Shopbop; Headband at Ban.do; Joie "You're So Vain" sandals at Bloomingdale's; Louise Mariette headband at Net-a-porter; French Tuesdays Pink Party photographed by Damian Pope; Veuve Clicquot

Wouldn't it be lovely to throw a pink party with lots of rosé, baby pink macaroons and feather boas galore?

how to ... go disco

It's a funny thing being a single girl in New York. I've been living in the city for 3 years now, but was whipped into a whirlwind relationship after just one month of being here. So there were aspects of the city's nightlife that I just ignored—the club scene, particularly. Before 2010 hit, I'd gone clubbing in New York a grand total of 7 times. In just a little more than 2 weeks, I've gone twice! Which is staggering for me. But that's what happens when you decide to adopt the "Say yes to everything" policy, I guess.

So last night, a couple of other single girlfriends and I decided to go to Juliet Supper Club, a newly opened spot on the West side. The place is a total trip. It's like dancing inside a disco ball. When I was living in Germany, I developed a distaste for disco balls, probably because they were everywhere, even in the dingiest of spots. But these days, I think they're growing on me. As an ode to Juliet, I thought it would be fun to put together a little collage of disco-inspired fashion:

Clockwise from top left: Juliet Supper Club; Giuseppe Zanotti shoes at Net-a-porter; Silence & Noise dress at Urban Outfitters; Earrings at Club Monaco; Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet at The Outnet; Kenneth Jay Lane disco ball ring at Macy's; Judith Leiber disco ball bag at Net-a-porter

My favorites out of the bunch are those drool-inducing Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, of course, and that fun Judith Leiber bag. Never been one for her kitschy crystal-studded minaudieres, but this one's killer, I have to admit. And it seems that quite a few people think so too because even with it's staggering $2,495 pricetag, it's sold out in Net-a-porter!

Started my weekend a little early. I spent the entire day nursing the mother of all hangovers (note to self: it's probably not a good idea to drink red wine, vodka cran and tequila if you don't want to be completely debilitated the next day). It's only Friday night and I feel like I've been through battle. Tonight's going to be a bit more chill, just dinner and drinks at a friend's place. But tomorrow ... well that's another story!

Happy weekend to you all, and thank god it's Friday, eh?

how to ... channel mrs. robinson

I hummed Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" all day Tuesday, a compulsion brought about by the scandal rocking North Ireland over the first minister's wife, who is also a Parliament member, and her reported affair with a then 19-year-old lad. She purportedly raised thousands of pounds to help her young lover open up a business. Don't get me wrong here; I fully acknowledge that what she did was completely wrong. Adultery is never excusable, and neither is wielding publicly bestowed power for personal gain. But I can't help but get annoyed over how she's being reviled over her having a relationship with a much younger man. Men do this ALL THE TIME, and they're given a pat on the back rather than being made a pariah. Again, I am NOT saying what she did is right, but I do so despise double standards.

In any case, this is a style blog, definitely not a political one, so that's all I'm gonna say about that. What I will do is look back on the most fabulous and unforgettable cougar to grace the silver screen: Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson.

"Would you like me to seduce you? Is that what you're trying to tell me?" BEST. LINE. EVER.

How to channel a bit of Mrs. Robinson in your wardrobe? A little bit of leopard and a lot of lace. Ooh, and thigh-highs are of utmost importance.

Demi push-up bra by Victoria's Secret; Silk sheath by Ann Taylor; Sunglasses by Jimmy Choo at Bloomingdales; Babydoll and thigh-highs at Victoria's Secret; Elizabeth & James pumps at Bloomingdales;

I had to look up my favorite scene from The Graduate: the seduction scene of course! Dustin Hoffman's bumbling and almost hysterical reaction to Mrs. Robinson's attempts to ensnare him are just hilarious.

If you've never seen this movie, or would just like to be reminded of what a great film it is, take a look at this review by A. O. Scott for the New York Times:

Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson!

how to ... put some color in your life

Like most New Yorkers, when the weather turns gray and gloomy, I start wearing head-to-toe black. I've practically been living in my black cords, boots and puffy coat these past few months. It quick, easy and very New York-appropriate, but after awhile it gets depressing. So today I'm looking to add a little color in my life ...

Clockwise from top left: Necklace by Elva Fields; Bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Bloomingdales; Leather-inlaid Rubik's Cube at William & Son; Coat by Club Monaco; Cashmere-lined leather gloves at Barneys; Sephora by OPI nail color in Le Beau at Sephora; Pumps by Casadei at Footcandy; Belt by Matthew Williams at Net-a-porter

how to ... dress up for a hike

Images via Teen Vogue

Ok I'm not being serious here. I'm fully aware that these outfits above are completely unsuitable for a hike. I just think that these silhouettes and layering techniques are good ideas for how to make dressing up for a winter hike a wee bit more interesting. My friend Zoe called me today with plans to go on a weekend trip to Pennsylvania and mentioned the possibility of hiking in the snow. I am resigned to the idea that I may have to purchase sturdy Timberlands, but wanted some ideas on how to make the outfit just a tiny bit cuter. Definitely into the plaid and big fur hat. Liking the anorak. Will probably wear some version of the chunky gray leggings above that are scrunched up just above the boot. Definitely considering the fluffy socks over the leggings as well.

I apologize to any hardcore hikers who are reading this for my silliness, but I'm not the most outdoorsy person and I need the fashion to get me psyched up for all the exertion! I hope that with a little foresight, I too can pull off a cute hiking outfit ...

how to ... start the new year right!

New York decided to end the year with a whole lotta snow leaving me with a bit of a fashion crisis. What am I gonna wear tonight?!? How will I trek through the snow to catch a cab, walk down the pier, and onto the party yacht without falling on my butt and ruining my glam outfit? Oh the pains of going for a glamorous night out in the big bad, gritty city of New York ...

I will probably just wear a few sparkly things and call it a day. What's most important is spending New Year's Eve with some lovely friends at a fun location and sporting a bright and positive attitude for the New Year to come. I am so over 2009. Let's get started 2010!

Outfit by Club Monaco, glitzy champagne by Möet & Chandon, 2010 glasses at totalpartyzone.com, Christian Louboutin heels at Net-a-porter, She's Better Than You headband at Ban.do

I've got a feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night!

Wishing you all a fabulous end to 2009 and a fun and fearless 2010!

how to ... get your party hat on!

Seeing this picture on the Bebe website got me thinking that I need to kick off the New Year with some tulle and feathers. I know, I know, we're not even past Christmas yet, but you gotta get a headstart on these things. I've been the girl running around stores for a New Year's Eve outfit on December 31st, 6PM, and it is not fun.

The most glamorous options are definitely over at Ban.do's Black Label collection. Handmade, festooned with sparkling vintage jewels, and just chic, chic, chic. Gotta love the names for each style too. The top one is called "Last Night in London" while the bottom one is "Her Name Is Lola." But they're quite steeply priced at $200. Not sure I want to spend that on something that, let's face it, I will likely spill champagne over or lose in the craziness of New Year's Eve (or so I hope).

The most realistic options for me are these very pretty little things by Deena & Ozzie at Urban Outfitters. Both offer sufficient oomph at just $34 a piece. With a glittery little dress and some fur to keep cozy, I gotta feeling it's gonna be a good night!

Are you ready for the holidays?

how to ... dress up for the office picnic

Our office is shutting down at 1PM this Friday to have a picnic at Central Park. This has had me thinking for days about what I should wear. I've never been at a picnic in Central Park in much more than a bikini and shorts, so I can't imagine surviving an afternoon there swathed in lots of fabric. At the same time, these are people I work with so I'd die if I end up dressed less than appropriately. So I've decided that the way to go is a sundress of modest length (in case we decided to get on the rowboat) and minimal straps like the one below. It's pretty, summery and made of jersey so I won't have to worry about wrinkles.

Dress at Anthropologie, Cardigan by J. Crew, Cuff at Anthropologie, Necklace by Club Monaco, Sandals by J. Crew, Bag by Tory Burch at Bloomingdales
Central Park Boathouse image at Flickr

The cardigan would really be more for the office in the morning and will be stowed in my tote during the picnic. T-strap sandals would be sensible footwear, but in metallic leather they wouldn't be too casual for work. And then a little bling here and there to jazz the outfit up (though the jewelry will likely be discarded in the heat later on). I think it works. Now to re-create the outfit with items from my own closet ...

how to ... dress up for the belmont stakes

Guess how I spent my Saturday afternoon?

We went to the Belmont Stakes! My friend Zoe has been going to Belmont for the horseraces since she was young, and invited us to share this very cool experience with her. She had lots of sage advise for us along the way, and we learned a few of our own too. For instance:

1. Wear shoes that you can stand in. Not shoes that you are "okay in" but ones you can stand for hours in comfortably and without grimacing once.
2. The first and most important race is the race to the train. Once "Belmont" appeared on the LIRR sign, all madness broke loose in Penn Station. But since we were prepared, I was literally the first horsie by the train door. This won us much coveted seats for the train ride to Belmont. This is another reason why comfy flat shoes are recommended. Imagine running to the train in heels AND ending up having to stand the whole way? Horrors.
3. It's a good idea to come to the paddock and see the horses firsthand before you place a bet (or so you can adjust your bets, if you don't like what you see).
4. Bring snacks, drinks and ice to enjoy yourself and save a buck (who wants to buy grilled sausages for $7?!?). If you're trying to sneak in alchie, best to have it in one of those plastic drinking bottles because they do confiscate alcohol at the door if it's conspicuous.
5. Pomegranate juice and blueberry vodka make a killer combo.
6. Do not place all your bets for a horse "to win." That's probably an obvious one but I was the clueless rookie who did this. Of course, we did take home a nice bunch of money when we won with our first bet, but thereafter it was not the best strategy.
7. Rompers are not advisable attire. The bathroom floors can get icky, and having to disrobe from your romper would be a nightmare!
8. Do wear a hat, if you suffer from style-envy like I do. I was dressed decently enough in a black tube dress, pink cardie and black flats, but I was ever so envious of the young fillies strutting around in brightly colored dresses with matching hats.

I was disappointed that I hadn't gotten decked out and was trying to plan my outfit for next year the whole time! What I wish I'd worn to the Belmont Stakes: either a very chichi white outfit, an edgy flowered dress, or very summery hues. There's always next year!

Brian Reyes dress at Shopbop (on sale for $941.50), Kimchi Blue straw hat at Urban Outfitters ($28), Foley + Corinna bag at Bloomingdales ($445), J.Crew sandals ($155), Anthropologie earrings ($98)

Thakoon dress at Shopbop (on sale for $1,372), Urban Outfitters straw feather cloche ($28), Matiko sandals, Anthropologie earrings ($28), Tory Burch bag at Bloomingdale's (on sale for $367.50)

Brian Reyes dress at Shopbop (on sale for $1,256.50 ), Urban Outfitters straw cloche ($34), Celestina ring at Net-a-porter ($280), Fendi gladiator sandal at Neiman Marcus (on sale for $412), Longchamp It bag at Bloomingdale's ($340)

how to ... do 80° and sunny

Last weekend I spent an inordinate amount of time indoors watching vampires in a rainy town. This weekend, I refuse to wallow in angst anymore. It's gonna be 80° and sunny, baby! I think I'm going to walk over to Central Park in a romper, lay on a blanket under a cherry blossom tree, and devour "Eat Pray Love", which I recently scored on Amazon for $4.99. It would be nice to have some chilled lambrusco and maybe takeout pad thai (why bother with cheese, crackers and other accoutrements when there's pad thai, I say). So excited for the weekend!

Ecote Floral Printed Halter Onesie at Urban Outfitters, Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert at Amazon, Banglez sandals at Steve Madden, Lambrusco Rosé 2007 Lini

how to ... see cherry blossoms in bloom

Image via mc8photo_usa's photostream

I'm determined to see the cherry blossom trees in bloom this year at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (yeah right, I say that every year). Joy of joys: I discovered this handy tool on their website that tracks the cherry blossom trees in the garden to ensure we don't trek all the way to Brooklyn just to find the trees either still budding or all bloomed out. Pretty nifty, I think. The Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival) takes place this year on May 2–May 3, 2009 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Click here for more information.

how to ... have a proper pillow fight

These amazing images are via philippe leroyer's photostream

Head's up to those in need of venting some serious frustration, or just looking to have a grand old time revisiting their childhood. World Pillow Fight Day is taking place this Saturday, 4 April 2009. Find out where you and your pillow should go to join the fun on this website.

In New York, the pillow fight is taking place at Wall Street & Broad Street at 3:00 PM. I guess they figured all the Wall Streeters have a lot of pent up aggression to release this year! I'd be weary of standing next to someone with a Patek Philippe.

how to ... avoid subsisting on top ramen

Image from noobcook.com

With our Euro trip just 4 days away (!!!) and the economy in shambles, I've been doing a lot of cooking and eating in the past couple of weeks. I've developed what I hope is a healthy addiction to aglio olio, which sounds, looks and tastes impressive but just might be the Italians' answer to the Top Ramen diet. Everytime I spend on something over my budget, I say, "I guess I'll have to subsist on Top Ramen for a few months!" But dear god, have you eaten that stuff? I bought one of those huge packs 5 months ago and have only had 2 servings. Aglio olio is so much easier to swallow and all you need are pretty basic ingredients: pasta, olive oil, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and some freshly grated parmesan and chopped up parsley to garnish. Stuff you'd most likely already have at home—but if you need to buy anything, it's not likely to set you back more than $10. Another quick and easy fave is cacio e pepe, except I don't want to bother buying pecorino romano. Anyway, for those looking for easy and uber cheap ways to get them through the financial crisis inflected holidays, here are recipes that's cost little but taste TONS better than your top ramen:

Agio Olio care of the Food Network and Cacio e Pepe via Epicurious

how to ... wear an Hermés scarf

I finally decided to take my Hermés scarf out today. Previously, I had all sorts of excuses like, "I'm having spaghetti bolognese today. I will faint if I get tomato sauce on it." But since today's lunch is unagi (no sauce), I thought it was time.

Once I had the fine silk in my hand though, it became, "Now what?" What is the best way to wear this sumptuous scarf? Enter the Hermés website. On the site, you can download 2 PDF files with illustrations on the many ways one can wear a scarf. Right now I'm wearing mine like this:

It's very cool though to see how versatile an accessory it is. My scarf is definitely going on my Euro tour. Other ways to wear the scarf:

I think that if you buy the scarf at the Hermes store, they provide you with the how-to booklet. But for other sample sale gals like me, the downloadable version is a godsend.