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?

NYC Digs: Brooklyn Shopping Secret

Deep in south Brooklyn I had to venture this weekend to file my taxes, and wouldn't you know mes cheris I was rewarding for the outer borough trek by stumbling upon an adorable Brooklyn shopping secret! This cute shop with affordable prices was tucked in between bad discount shoe stores and loan offices and ready to be discovered.

Flavour on 86th Street in apparently the Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn news to me, has a variety of flowy summer tops and cute skirts, shorts, and maxi dresses to match. The decor with the oversized picture frames leaning against the wall of clothing racks was hip and the shabby chic vignettes planted around this Brooklyn shopping secret kept you wandering around to discover more!

 I especially couldn't get over this navy blue sailor top. It's a racer back knit tank that is soft and flowy. Perfect for a stroll along the beach at sunset...or any other time once the weather gets back to warm again. You are now all privy to this Brooklyn shopping secret and I hope you go check it out for yourself. I know I personally will be back to Flavour once I have a more prepared checking account haha!

What Brooklyn shopping secrets do you know?

Instagram Palm Sunday Weekend

It was quite an eventful Palm Sunday weekend, productive and fun, my favorite kind. Work was complete, taxes were filed, dancing was done, and FroYo was had to fight the rain. Have you filed your taxes yet? I hiked out to Brooklyn to wrap up mine...so naturally Hell froze over. It is actually is crazy how much I packed into this weekend, but it was such a refreshing weekend. #MuchNeeded.

Kicking off the Palm Sunday weekend with a great Friday, my last day helping out at Glamour Magazine was bittersweet. I love the team their and was sad to say goodbye, but on to my next adventures. God brings along the greatest experiences if you let him. 

Clean Plate Club member from a wonderful Lava Cake dessert at Red at the SouthStreet Seaport! 

 I went to Brooklyn {Eeeek!} and filed my taxes. Felt great to check that off my To Do List. 

 Hung out a ton with the Bestie in the Financial District, her nabe. It feels so New York down there, tall, tall buildings that feel epic. This one frames the street straight to Ground Zero and the new Freedom Tower being constructed. 

 Rain, rain, go away, come again another day. Palm Sunday demanded my Burberry rainboots and houndstooth umbrella come out of hiding. Patterns was the trend of the day. 

To make the rainy day a little better, I grabbed FroYo with friends. Since I finally saw The Hunger Games, I had to pay tribute to my favorite tribute Katniss Everdeen by rocking her signature braid for the day. The Hunger Games books are thrilling and you need to read them pronto! 

Did you Instagram this Palm Sunday Weekend? Do share!