In my last post I may have made a remark about frilly lace collared dresses, well nothing was more - Cydney what are you doing- when realizing that, post-hand-stitching the lace around the collar on this dress. I think this just goes to show how much my style varies dependent on my mood. While working 40+ hours per week I'm knocking down frivolous frocks and bright hues, then suddenly a week later (after my last day working for the summer) I'm making a hot pink silk dress with lace detailing... Regardless, I made this dress after debating between two Free People dresses, one of which was too long, and the other almost too short, thus it was time to DIY. 

New York Skyline Ring - Etsy, Spike Screw Ring - Forever 21, Latin Script Ring - Marc Jacobs

Hallelujah ~ I finally found a decent faux Balenciaga Ring Set via Forever 21

Black Slip - H&M, Halogen felt hat - Nordstrom Rack, Sunglasses - Nordstrom 

Alexander Wang Donna Bag - Barneys,  Sandals - Rag & Bone

In addition, please vote for me in H&M's 50 States of Fashion Contest! 

A new bag is much like a newborn baby: You spend months pondering your purchase, literally pregnant with desire for the bag. Once he is delivered, typically via Fedex, he arrives in a carefully taped and packed box, just yearning to be unwrapped. You let him free, and he wants to be held, he wants you to carry him around. He never wants to leave your side. This two way train of over the top affection only lasts so long, and then he wants you to show him off, "Instagram me, feed me, take me to dinner, take me shopping" And as a proud owner of a new 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Satchel, I could only do those things. 

 So upon Phil's (so fondly nicknamed by my mother) first day of living, we headed to the park. 

 You have to keep him safe by your side. You have to worry about what he's touching, what he's sitting in, what he may or may not be allergic too, when you have to change his diaper shoulder strap...

(From left, Marc Jacobs, vintage,  Lulu Frost, watch - from BP at Nordstrom,  and two skinny vintage cuffs)

And then, Phil got a little tired and decided to plop down on the swing to take a rest. He whined about how hot it was and then wanted me to push him. (He wanted to feel the breeze through his handles as he held on for his dear life via his zipper pulls.) 

In addition, I've always been intrigued by the timing it takes from obtaining a new bag, treating it like a precious gem, and then becoming so familiar with it that you throw it around as if it were never a small child. Is this truly the lifespan of the bags childhood into adulthood ? Or in a more realistic sense, I suppose we become so accustomed to it that it no longer seems to need any special treatment? 

I'm wearing a black tee from Target, Zara faux denim linen shorts, Forever 21 sandals, and an H&M leopard scarf (that I DIY'd by sewing pom-pom trim on the edges)

Phil is wearing a 3.1 Philip Lim Pashli Medium Satchel c/o Otte NY

This morning I attended Nordstrom's Spring/Summer Beauty Trend Show. It's always a fun time, giveaways, a showcase of new trends, products etc. They highlighted three main beauty trends/themes: 'Beauty Unveiled', 'Color Crush' and 'Urban Flirt'. 

'Beauty Unveiled' focused on products used to achieve that flawless barely there makeup look. Of the products in this section the ones I found the most enticing were, Shiseido Lacquer Rouge Lipstick (which the brand representative described as a "disco party for your lips") One of the models also wore Dior 'Addict Extreme' Lipstick in Diablotine, which was a great color.

During 'Color Crush' everyone seemed to be crushing on coral, seen on cheeks, lips and apparel. The best lip color of this section was Clinique Long Last Soft Shine Lipstick, in Runway Coral. 

(Nordstrom exclusive)

Lastly, 'Urban Flirt' showcased bold brows, stained lips, different and new eye shadow palettes. The Chantecaille 'Save the Sharks' palette, and the Estee Lauder 'Pure Color' Palette (in Blue Dahlia) were my favorites.

 Spring Street Design Group 'Daly' Bib Necklace

 Silk Motorcycle vest, particularly loving it in the cobalt blue. It reminded me of a budget friendly version of the Man Repeller x PJK silk moto vest.

This was my favorite look of the entire show. I'm OBSESSED with this Milly Tweed Vest.

Recently I've been infatuated by the idea of warm weather. Today it's cloudy with a chill in the wind and it's like last weekends wonderful weather was only just a dream (sing it Nelly)

I've also come to the conclusion that Spring in the city is not the same as spring in TX. 

ex: I'd already be wearing shorts and sandals. 

So spring time....

Topshop Bead Facet Bracelet, Topshop Aristole Chuncky Tassle Boot, Prabal Gurung x Target Drop Waist Dress, Marc By Marc Jacobs Rolled Slim Polka dot Jeans, Fashion Union Black Floral Skirt, Topshop Jewel Absail Bracelet, Keds Champion Dot Sneaker, LOST Wallice Vest,

 Sarah Aghili Flip Bar Sunglasses

And Summer. In sweltering heat and days spent at the lake, you want easy to throw on pieces, typically looser, and things that can even double as a swim suit cover up.

Jade & Belle Piper Lane Striped Crop Top, Zara multicolored Ethnic Necklace, Mini Rodini Flamingo Tee, Runwaydreamz 450 Vintage Frayed Studded Shorts, Topshop Moto 'Tommy' vintage overalls (@Nordstrom), Zara Ethnic Evening Bag, Zara Woven Bracelets, House of Harlow 1960 Abra Sandal

Moral of the story: Accessories are everything.

I wore this outfit a week ago to a user-feedback session at Refinery 29, and then over to the Erickson Beamon sample sale at Showroom Seven. It was a nicer than average day, the spirit in the air, the pep in my step, along with my red tights and pleated skirt left me feeling a bit like Blair Waldorf; As I am still mourning the shows dreadful end, and still have yet to fully recover from there termination.

On another note, this is me standing by the pseudo Empire State building in Chelsea.

Jacket made by myself circa 2013, Trouve sweater from Nordstrom, Topshop pleated skirt, Vera Vera Wang red tights, Forever 21 Glitter oxfords, Anthropologie necklace.

 No socks, no laces. YOLO.

 Whether this once held bird seed and nourished the pigeons inhabiting Chelsea, or if this was for sole decoration we may never know.

What could be more inspiring than this Garden of Inspiration? Flourishing with greenery and life.

The final part to my Bomber Jackets posts (unless the one I ordered from Forever 21 begs for a photo) This is by far my favorite trend of the moment, they can be worn now or later with pastel jeans and sweaters for spring. Be sure to check out Who What Wear's video on different ways of styling bomber jackets.

Sharing a laugh and nod of approval with some conspicuous characters.

Theres actually a brief story behind these pups. I've had them since I was in 5th grade, when Converse were the latest and greatest craze, circa 2005. I grew up in a Nordies household, aka my parents seemed to only shop at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack. Neither of which carried Converse, so I chose the closest thing I could find, which happened to be these Marc Jacobs suede leather sneakers. At the time I had no idea who Marc Jacobs was, or that almost a decade later I would continue to praise my ten year old self for her superior selection.

And yes, I'm still the same shoe size as I was when I was ten.

Then I said, "Why don't I go laugh and be jolly by that dumpster"

Jacket made myself with fabrics from Golden D'or, Zara Sweater (bought awhile ago, similar here), See Thru Soul jeans found at Nordstrom, Alexander Wang Donna Bag, Marc Jacobs sneakers (similar here and these are just really rad). MAC Lip Cream Color Base in 'Movie Star Red'.

As stated in my previous post, I'm currently obsessing over bomber jackets. This here is the first of the two jackets I've made over winter break. We (being the jacket and I) had quite the little jaunt today, exploring this abandoned Christmas Village and canoodling with my latest love interest.

Chillin' in the Candy Shop, cue 50 Cent

The sales associate at Joann's fabric mocked me for choosing this bright orange polka dot lining for my jacket, but you know what, lets not be dull theres nothing wrong with a little pop of color.

My latest love interest. Yes, he's a bit older than I, but he's not going anywhere any time soon.

His and Hers shoe details.

The jacket I constructed with fabrics from Mood, Golden D'or, and Joanns, T by Alexander Wang french terry pullover, See Thru Soul jeans found at Nordstrom, Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, Forever 21 glitter and nude oxfords (Similar here), H&M aviators.