Camel + Coffee.

(Sweater, Zara; Jeans, DL1961; Jacket, J.Crew (similar here); Shoes, Zara(similar here))

 I love mixing colors that are all in the same family: White, off-white and camel - well, for me this combo is total perfection. In NYC, where we can so easily get wrapped up in wearing strictly black through March (and I am definitely guilty of the same!), it's nice to switch it up once in awhile and wear the exact opposite. 

Winter whites are a timeless yet refreshing way to change up your wardrobe this time of year so if you have yet to break your white jeans out this season, do it.

Photography:  Hallie Geller

Bring it On.

Last night I set my alarm with all intentions of waking up and starting my day off with an early gym sesh. I even had a wake up call from Sam as she passed my apartment wondering if I too had ripped myself away from my cozy, warm bed to face the morning chill for a workout. With lack of motivation, I answered the phone, wished her godspeed and reset my alarm to stay underneath the covers for another hour or so.

This is so much easier in the summer. 

How would you describe yourself getting up in the morning as the weather gets colder? Ready to take on the day? Crippled with intimidation? As opposed to hitting snooze I'm going to attempt to reset my outlook as the cold front moves in. Let's take this as an opportunity to experiment with layers, eclectic accessories and this season's textured sweaters.

I'm currently crushing on all things oxblood and love these if you're shoe repertoire is in need of an update. 

(Shirt, Hobbs (another fun print here and here); Sweater, rag & bone; Pants, Citizens of Humanity; Hat, rag & bone; Boots, Zara; Sunnies, Randolph Engineering)

Black and Blue.

(Jacket, Forever21; Oxford, Madewell; Pants, Zara (similar here); Gloves, Bloomingdale's; Purse, Zara; Sunnies, Ray-Ban; Shoes, Vince Camuto. Photog, SamLaj)

It has been awhile since I last posted! I have practically gone into hibernation mode since the weather has been so cold. Not too much has happened in January, however, aside from turning the pivotal quarter life and completing level 2 of the BluePrintCleanse.

 A little bit on the juice cleanse: Not sure how I feel about it the second time around. The first time, although I complained the whole three days during the cleanse, I actually felt that it was worth it because it left me feeling more energized and craving healthier foods (without thinking twice!). As I finished the BPC for the second time all I could think of was how much I was going to eat to make up for the last three days of juicing...and I feel like I've been "making up for it" ever since.  It somewhat had the opposite effect this time around so might be some time before I do the full on detox again. 

A little bit on turning 25: Truth is, I actually feel less of a sense of urgency. It is probably (definitely) all in my head, but other than that I feel no different in matters of maturity than I did a week ago. We'll see what the year has in store..

P.S. SamLaj got me this awesome oxford from Madewell for my birthday and I've already worn it multiple times in the past week. - It goes with everything!

Trench.

(Skirt, Zara similar here; Shirt, J.Crew similar here; Jacket, Burberry; Sunnies, Ray-Ban; Gloves, Bloomingdale's)

A classic trench pulls every outfit together, is completely timeless and the cinched waist is always flattering. I just wish it were a bit more practical in the cold weather! 

Calm Before the Storm.

(Sweater, Zara; Shoes, Franco Sarto similar here; Shorts, Madewell; Sunnies, Ray-Ban)

Camo.

(Shirt, Zara; Skirt, Topshop; Shoes, BP last seen here,; Jewelry, Free People, Forever21; Sunnies, Ray-Ban)
Photog: SamLaj

I have been on a stud kick recently and apparently Zara has as well. From boots to jackets, studs are appearing all over the brands staples...and I don't hate it. 

Pier 57.

(Denim, DL1961; Top, Zara; Shoes, Zara; Necklace, Silent Gypsy; Purse, Rebecca Minkoff)
Photog: SamLaj

 I was extremely excited to check out DL1961's Spring 2013 collection, so much so that I went and got a pair at Denim Habit before the show. The best part was the choreographed dance at the intro. It showed you just how stretchy they are and how unrelenting they are to stretch out. 

Thanks to Jill for giving me the opportunity :)

Splurge vs. Steal - Highlighter Denim

Highlighter jeans are all the rage right now but with the constant changing of trends it's hard to say if these bottom half bursts of color will still be a wardrobe must-have come next year. Enter Zara. Not quite your designer pairs of jeans but they will get the job done if just for this season.

Can you see the difference between these two?

Of course one of our models opted out of a shirt while the other decided to slap on a tee and messily tuck it in to achieve that I'm-trying-to-look-like-I'm-not-trying-look but alas I digress. Focusing on the highlighter denim, truly the only thing that separates these two pairs of jeans is the price tag. And if you had to guess, which one would you think is double the price of the other? I'll give you a moment.

....

If you guessed the pair on the right, well, you were wrong. The pair on the left by AG Adriano Goldschmied are actually double the price of the Zara pair on the right! All honestly, I had to do some referring back to the brands' respective websites to remind myself which pair is which. The resemblance is uncanny!

So to sum, before you go out and snag the first pair of highlighter jeans you see, take a quick visit to Zara and you might be pleasantly surprised with how great they fit!