I can pack for that... Bahamas

The return of the cold front to New York has me itching for warm weather. Shorts, sandals, straw hats, and an armed beach bag promising a day of fun. I mentally need to transport myself to the Bahamas for a hot vacation but some of you may be able to physically do that. In that case here is your packing how to for the Caribbean. Hey! I can pack for that... 

Chambray dress and sandals to travel in, 2 swimsuits to alternate drying days, and lots of bright skirts, tops, and shorts to play mix and match with for a new outfit everyday. Throw in some patterns for a tribal island feel and pop some neon where possible.

Most important is the protect yourself from those harmful rays!! Bring great SPF for skin, hair, lips, and great sunnies for the peepers. I add my coveted J. Crew straw hat for fashion and function, nothing will protect the skin on your face better!

Also how cute are those feet jewelry? I always walk barefoot on the sand but this way you can still have some feet flair to make a statement when your shoes are stashed in your beach bag for protection!

I can pack for that...Bahamas by fashiondiva304 featuring ankle length skirts

It's easy to make a packing how to when it is as motivational as the Bahamas and all I want right now is an ice cold pina colada while the sun kisses my hot skin!

Are you itching for a hot vacation? 

Now you can you pack for that!

The Beauty of Harlem

My errands have brought me up to Harlem a couple of times in the past week and I must say I noticed something today... there is a beauty of Harlem. I always had sentimental nostalgia for America's birthplace of Jazz but when you exit the train at 125th Street and all you see are cheap wig stores and cell phone accessory vendors on the sidewalk sreaming at you...I tend to think NO WAY! But upon further exploration you unfold a beauty to this very very uptown hideaway.

If you have noticed via the Twittersphere I officially joined Instagram over the Easter Weekend and I posted a photo of the ever iconic Apollo Theatre. 

If you are on Instagram please follow me @EmbellishedBlog!

Source: harlembespoke.blogspot.com via Cate on Pinterest

{merci RobertaOnTheArts.com}

I have decided I want to find a day to go on a Harlem Adventure. I am going to come armed with my DSLR Camera...which I sadly don't do that often anymore. And I will report back with my findings on the beauty of Harlem. And maybe find some cheap shopping.

Have you explored the beauty of Harlem?

Windy Busy Season

It has been a windy couple of days to say the least. The wind sounds about as hectic as my life is right now, so I drop by today with an inspiring photo that is pleasant amidst the chaos.

Source: garypeppervintage.blogspot.ca via Jessica on Pinterest

How is your life lately mes cheris?

Easter Weekend | Pastel Dresses, Rooftops, and Brunch

Tulips in full bloom, warm weather, and little girls twirling in their new pastel dresses...it must be Easter! My Easter weekend was eventful and spiritually enriching, how was yours?

For starters, I had a Saturday morning pancake brunch and Rooftop Easter Service with friends. We were 5 blocks away from the Empire State Building so it was right in our face. Not a bad way to jump start your Easter weekend n'est-ce pas? This is the view of the Chrysler Building (my favorite), I truly love that this is my life.

Here is me and some of my model friends working it for the camera haha....in a Blue Steel sort of way. For Easter service numero uno I rocked the yellow color fad with an oldie but goodie dress that doesn't get too much free time out of my closet. It is a trapeze dress which I despise, so I cinched in the waist with a vest, and then added tights and boots for the chilly rooftop wind.

I also mastered the art of the Victory Rolls this weekend. Secret tip? You can NOT skip the step about curling your hair first. If it's straight your hair resists being wound, but once it's been curled, it naturally loops right into a little Victory Roll for you to pin and enjoy!

I also rocked my own pastel dress. A sugar coated ice blue dress from Express, that I've owned for ages. I never had much use for it in the Carolina's where dressing up is a four letter word, but here anything and everything goes at all times. I love NYC! To add a little edge to the Polly Anna white bow top, I knotted a plaid button down! Hey, now I would also be allowed in Brooklyn...maybe! Apparently this weekend was all about reviving forgotten pastel dresses for a bright and cheery Easter.

My annual Easter Brunch with the roomies at Alice's Tea Cup was as always divine. As was our walk through Central Park...despite the loads of tourists that have yet again arrived in packs to the city. To tie a bow on the weekend I attended my Easter service at Hillsong Church NYC. It's church mixed with rock and roll, you should check it out and don't forget to find me and say Hello!

I hope you had a wonderful Easter Weekend 

and are refreshed to conquer the week!

I'd Pin That! Pinterest Hits the Street for Pin-worthy Real Men of NYC

If you haven't caught on yet, you may want to get with it. Pinterest is the latest cult following and I cannot get enough myself. Now I'm sure many of you may just have a Hotties Man Board, as do I. But of course celebrity guys are hot, with their stylists, and good lighting on call. What about real men? Say the real men of NYC perhaps? Whom you walk by and think "Mmm I'd Pin That!" ...well my friends and I have started a Pinterest Board for just that!

Introducing: I'd Pin That
A Pinterest board with user submitted photos of guys on the street. Cuties that turn your head can now be catalogued for some social media fun and inspiration. Pourqoui pas?!

Source: Uploaded by user via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Jessi on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Jessica on Pinterest

 

So this is a cattle call for all you readers! Take photos of real men on your streets and send them my way! I will post them, tagging you on this community generated Pinterest board. Let's build it up with the real life men that brighten our scenery day to day. Send your snapshots to embellishedbyjessica[at]yahoo.com.  I look forward to your submissions mes cheris!

I'd Pin That...brought to you by Pinterest

Fashionspiration | New York City Downtown Fashion

Our New York City Spring weather has been doing the tango lately, beautiful and warm one day, then a kick you in the face wind and frigid temps the next. As a result I have been spotted lugging heavy coats around town to be prepared for such an occurrence. But regardless, I try to do so in style and this outfit is definitely a fav to say the least. Vintage rocker tee paired with girly skirt and heels? Now that is New York City Downtown fashion, the rocker chic that I love so much. 

I stopped by the Meatpacking District for coffee with my friend Lord Ashbury and he snapped some shots while we hung out. He takes amazing photos and you should make his site a regular stop for some serious fashionspiration from New York City's Finest...Fashionistas that is.

I do have to give credit to my new hue for the edge in this ensemble. I'm telling you, no matter what shade of red I go, I stand by my theory Red Heads Have the Most Fun!

Outfit Outline: 

Vintage style Rolling Stones tee, Target. 

Accordian pleat skirt, Banana Republic.

Vintage wool coat with rabbit trim.

Fringe boots, Steve Madden

 New York City downtown fashion is easy. Start with something casual, add something girly. 

I prefer pops of really bright color. Layer on lots of embellished things, frige, studs, ruffles, etc. 

Top with fur... and heels!

Oh and these are my new round sunnies! I Love them, don't you? They are very fully clothed Lady Gaga.  Although I must confess, I am the worst at remembering my sunnies. I use them as purely an accessory and I often leave the house without a thought to jewelry or eyewear...terrible fashionista, I know! 

Do you rock the New York City downtown fashion?

Must Haves for Spring

Spring has sprung and even though last week it seemed to be playing hide and seek that has not stopped my mind from reeling with the Spring fashion trends I'm ready to rock on the NYC streets! Crop tops, neon, cap toe pumps...all are bright and fresh and my Must Haves for Spring.

Cap Toe Shoes
Whether Louis Vutton or DIY, this pop of neon color on your tired tootsies are sure to put a skip in your step.

Source: thankgodimagirl.tumblr.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Source: livingembellished.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

Crop Tops
I do hope you haven't skipped your New Year's Gym Resolution too heavily because it is Crop Top season again and I am so excited! My preference on the trend is pairing them with high waisted skirts and shorts, you know you can't give away the farm...if you take from the hem of your shirt, you add to the waist of your bottoms.

Source: alluringmelodies.tumblr.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: tumblr.com via Marilena. on Pinterest

Source: 28.media.tumblr.com via Oriana on Pinterest

Neon
Apparently I'm gravitating toward yellow in particular today, but for this electrified spring fashion trend any hue goes, just as long as its amped up. On a low commitment scale pop in some neon through jewelry, a bag, or scarf, but for a real statement get a maxi skirt, or bright colored shorts as the piece de la resistance in your ensemble.

Source: vanillasisters.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Lia on Pinterest

Source: saboskirt.blogspot.com via Jessica on Pinterest

These Must Haves for Spring are fun like I told you, but also are all afordable to incorporate into your existing wardrobe. And that is the key fashion rule, always stay true to yourself and work with what you have! DIY is great way to amp up some discarded tops into crop tops, or forgotten pumps into cap toe heels. Analyze what you have and be creative mes cheris!

What are your Must Haves for Spring?