Thanksgiving in Barbados

I mixed it up this year by spending Thanksgiving week on the beach in Barbados instead of at a table covered in turkey and stuffing. It was an amazing place, and a much needed break from the freezing cold of NYC! I brought my ruffled Merritt Charles shorts which I lived in all week long if I wasn't wearing a bathing suit! 

White Top: Vintage / Olive Tank: Zara / Black Shorts: Merritt Charles /

Hat: H&M / Sunglasses: Ray-Ban / Black Shoes: Loeffler Randall / Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

Leather = Better

In an age where vegan products abound and the term 'cruelty-free' is more popular than Kim Kardashians impending nuptials on Google search (okay, probably not), leather, fur and other animal sourced materials seem to be a luxury reserved for the morally depraved. Now my opinion on the matter shall remain null and void, but there are definitely some benefits to donning leather. 

The first, and most important, is that leather equals cool. It always has and always will, no matter how hard Stella McCartney campaigns. So long as there are still pictures of James Dean smoking a cigarette in a black moto jacket, leather will be cool. In a more modern context, let us consult Kate Moss in a second-skin leather pant. Go ahead and try finding something wrong with that image. This is why I decided to invest in a clean, ivory I.R.O. Paris leather vest. It transitions beautifully into all seasons and adds just a dash of enigmatic attitude.

I decided to pair it with a breezy pair of silk Mason by Michelle Mason trousers and my favorite Schutz sandals. And obviously only an industrial backdrop would have been correct for my leather topper obsession. 

Neutrals

I can't get enough of this Isabel Marant roll-necked sweater. It is so soft and cozy, the perfect winter layering piece. Same with my trusty camel Zara coat- it never fails. I've really been into flatforms lately, as they are comfortable enough for all of the New York walking I do, but still add some (much needed) height. I love this pair by Circus Sam Edelman. 

Coat: Zara / Sweater: Isabel Marant /

Hat: H&M / Skirt: H&M 

Shoes: Circus by Sam Edelman

Suitcase  Bag: Zadig&Voltaire

Wrap Scarf: J.Crew

photos by: 

http://lacsanahaboon.blogspot.com/

It's Summer Somewhere

It's summer somewhere -  mainly San Diego. Despite my disappointment, I don't think I'd really be prepared for fall until the Santa Anna Winds roll through. And since the air remains more or less still, I'm happy to wait for autumnal weather. 

A weekend away before school starts up again is essential. It's cooler in San Diego, and my default makes it seem as if Thanksgiving is closer than it really is. 

I'm also happy to announce that I have found, in all possibility, the most comfortable semi-boots ever manufactured. These Zara numbers have plenty of thick white rubber to pacify even the most enduring night on the town. 

My sweet little Phillip Lim x Target bag completes a careless, industrial look. Little did I know when I snatched it from a hiding place within the racks of polyester sweaters how rare a find it was. Nevertheless, its light enough to be comfortable to carry and large enough to fit all of my essentials. 

This ever-lasting transitional period allows my closet the time it needs to turn over to warmer and thicker garments. Instead of tattered jean shorts and t-shirts, I can now happily wear my black leather Helmut Lang shorts without discomfort. Also, the attractively heinous fupa it allows tells me that I'll have plenty of room to stuff myself when the seasons come around. 

Following this baseball hat trend, this wool cap from JCrew is color blocked and throws a euro-sport-chic vibe on my whole demeanor. Plus, worn with a dark pair of sunnies its very useful for people-watching. I also feel like I'm being pro-active about sun exposure, despite the striped A.L.C. tank I wore. 

In theme with this whole industrial thing, it was only appropriate to shoot on a roof that is directly below the San Diego Airport landing path. 

By Lizzie Furlong

West Coast

Beating The Heat

Just when I started to think a real summer heat wave wasn't in the cards for Southern California, we're bombarded with temperature advisories. Now, in between desperate trips to the beach or runs to the drug store for some more sunscreen, I was able to brave the sun for an outfit post. Granted, I'm not on the most timely basis, but who can blame a girl when she's soaking up the last rays of summer?

My Leifsdottir pants proved to be a perfect choice for warm weather outings (Because there's nothing I hate more than people vowing never to wear pants when the sun is out.) 

My shoes, pictured earlier above, are Zara. Yeah, they do make a pretty good likening to a certain Isabel Marant spring/summer staple. But I like the height, as I'm not very tall and my pockets are not very deep. 

My Alexander Wang tank is a perfect fit and shape for me. Loose and easy, it looks great paired with a simple necklace, like my favorite Jennifer Zeuner lariat. I accessorized with more rings on rings and some colorful sunglasses.

And with that, I'll be headed back to Broad Beach...

Estival Dressing

Estival: (adjective); of or pertaining to summer. Didn't expect a vocabulary lesson today? I say every day is a day to learn more SAT words, even if the test in question is irrelevant. With a newly advancing heat wave here in Southern California, estival dressing is the only way to survive. 

A comfortable and more importantly breathable tshirt is necessary, this particular favorite is from Zara for a thrilling twenty American dollars. Yes, I know, it is black, which is pretty terrible in direct sunlight. But theres something so rebellious about it. Also it masquerades any trace of pit stains, which are really a summer bane. 

The shorts are Rag & Bone in a sticky sweet over saturated salmon. I'm a particular fan of drawstrings, as they ease my inner claustrophobic. 

Jewelry is by Madewell, whom I may add has provided its trend conscious consumer with numerous sets of rings in all styles and sizes. I picked up a few sets over several weekends and have paired them with more miscellaneous rings. My necklace, a birthday gift, is by Jennifer Zeuner. The lariat style was inspired by Aimee Song, my California style spirit animal. 

No estival ensemble is complete without a pair of J.Crew wedges that mimic looking into a noonday sun. My sunglasses are the ever-trusty Prada Cats Eye. 

by Lizzie Furlong - west coast

Stripes on Stripes

                         

The location for this look took place in the Bobby Berk Home store in SoHo in NYC. When I put these striped pants on I was unaware that I would show up somewhat matching the wall. But it ended up working out wonderfully because it made a cool-looking backdrop for the photos. 

The sharp lines and angles of my outfit reflected the style of the store's theme of bright colors and geometric pieces, and I fit in perfectly as I sat in a slick modern chair and happily sipped my tasty marg.

Tee: J.Crew / Blazer: Zara / Pants: H&M / Necklace: H&M / Shoes: Badgely Mischka