Packed for New York Fashion Week February 2016

how to pack for new york fashion week in winter

pink coat (under $200) / lace trench coat (under $150, spring piece) / blue coat (sold out) / navy coat (under $200) / chevron skirt (spring!) / black skirt (must-have closet staple for spring) / floral blazer (spring!) / black sweater

New York Fashion Week February 2016 starts on Thursday, so as you read this, I am on a plane from San Francisco to New York!

It is always a challenge to pack for New York Fashion Week in February. Here in the San Francisco Bay Area, the cherry blossoms are blossoming, and temperatures sneak into the 60’s and 70’s on occasion. It feels like spring is peeking through! At the same time, New York is still in the throws of winter.

With snow on the ground, and temperatures near-freezing, being a guest at New York Fashion Week means trying to dress in the new, spring season, yet accommodate the freezing temperatures, and possible rain or snow falling from the sky. This means sensible shoes which are still relevant, and trying to incorporate spring trends, and select spring pieces, into a winter wardrobe. It is a challenge!

For New York Fashion Week this season, I am mixing coats in spring hues with warm, black pants in order to look like a fresh new season, yet stay warm in the cold weather. I will also be pairing spring skirts with winter sweaters, tights, and sensible shoes. To immediately see how I do this, please be sure to follow me on Instagram @BayAreaFashionista

I am excited to see which trends from the spring 2016 season will carry into the fall 2016 season on the runways in New York. Will designers stick to Pantone’s Rose Quartz, and Serenity combination on their cold weather collections? Will the 70’s still emerge as an important decade of influence? Or will a new decade emerge? Will the saddle bag reign supreme, or will the box handbag emerge on top? Will stacked heels remain hot for fall, or will stilettos take over? Will all-white be a spring-thing, or will we see white after Labor Day? Will lace still be the hottest fabric on Earth?

Stay tuned! New York designers will reveal what we will be wearing for the fall/winter 2016/2017 season in the week to come! I will be posting on social media, and here on the blog, what I see on the New York runways. Look for my coverage of fall collections by designers such as Marissa Webb, Leanne Marshall, Taoray Wang, and more; here on the blog and on my social media channels!

Which trends would you like to see stay for fall? Which trends would you like to see go away?

In  my suitcase:


Studs on studs for spring

casual winter into spring outfit idea studs on studs for winter banana republic studded topchloe inez handbag in black leather san francisco bay area style blogger

Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Earrings: Stephen Dweck / Lipstick: Chanel Mighty / Top: Banana Republic / Cuff: Compass Rose Design / Leather wrap bracelet: Tory Burch / Jeans: COH (petite)/ Handbag: Chloe / Nail Polish: Chanel Sunrise Trip / Booties: Sam Edelman

There is something a little bit rock and roll about studs. When I spotted this top at Banana Republic with tiny little studs, I thought it would be fun to wear with my Chloe Inez bag; after all, who doesn’t love studs on studs for the spring season!

A few years ago, studs were all the rage. Then, they disappeared for a hot minute from the fashion scene. It appears no-one really wanted studs to go away! They have quietly been on the runways, and store shelves, ever since. Since I love me some rock and roll, it is only natural that I love studs!

This little pouchette from Chloe is a fun bag to wear casually, or for a night out on the town. I love it as an alternative to a clutch for dinner, or an evening show. With the strap adjusted as a single shoulder strap, the bag has a more casual feel. When I adjust the straps into a double shoulder strap, it has a dressier, evening feel. Love that!

I love how the handbag looks with this studded top. The studs on the bag are large, and vary in size. The studs on the top are small and evenly distributed. I feel like the two pieces compliment each other, and add a little dimension to a casual look. Of course, this top could be paired with leather legging or pants for a chic, evening look. Oh! New outfit idea!

The combination of studs on studs in this outfit makes me smile; and makes a few AC/DC songs roll through my head. What do you think of mixing studs this spring? Are you up for a little rock and roll in your wardrobe?


Derek Lam 10 Crosby fragrance collection review

derek lam 10 crosby fragrance cet derek lam 10 crosby fragrance set review derek lam 10 crosby perfume set

Derek Lam 10 Crosby Fragrance Collection gift set c/o Derek Lam

The wait is over! Derek Lam’s new perfume collection, the Derek Lam 10 Crosby Fragrance Collection is here! Not only was it worth the wait, it is heaven scent 😉

The gift set pictured above features ten beautiful fragrances from Derek Lam in travel size, or purse size, spray bottles. Aside from being TSA friendly, the gift set offers you the chance to either give the gift of scent, or treat yourself to all ten of Derek Lam’s new scent’s! I prefer the latter.

Derek Lam’s ten new fragrances were created by famed perfumers Clement Gavarry, Pascal Gaurin, Yves Cassar, and Laurent LeGuernec. They were inspired by the stories, and women, Derek Lam has observed outside his window on 10 Crosby Street. How fabulous, and storied, is that!

There is a scent for everyone in the Derek Lam 10 Crosby Fragrance Collection. In fact, you may find yourself drawn to more than one; or perhaps all ten! I know I am 🙂 Here are the beautiful, key fragrance notes for each scent:

Silent Street: White Musks

Looking Glass: Chinese Magnolia, Tonka Bean Madagascar

Hi-Fi: Pink Peony, French Narcisse

Drunk on Youth: Crisp Apple, Honeysuckle

Afloat: White Mimosa, Orris

Rain Day: Neroli Tunisa, Vetiver Haiti

Something Wild: Cedarwood, Vanilla Bean Madagascar

Ellipsis: Austrlian Sandalwood, Jasmine

Blackout: Osmanthus, Chai Tea Essence

2am Kiss: Salty Wood, Crystalized Amber

Although all ten of the scents in the Derek Lam 10 Crosby Fragrance Collection are fabulous, my favorites are “2am Kiss,” “Something Wild,” and “Rain Day.” These are the three I find myself reaching for first. I plan to take one with me to New York Fashion Week, but I don’t know which one to choose! I love them all!

The fragrances in the Derek Lam 10 Crosby Fragrance Collection are high quality eau de parfums. The fragrance lasts all day, so there is no need to respray during the day. Love that!

I am looking forward to choosing one of the EDP’s from the Derek Lam 10 Crosby Fragrance Collection for my travel beauty bag when I go to New York later this week; and for future trips! I am also looking forward to enjoying these fragrances on a daily basis. Perhaps my Mom will find a gift set on her brunch chair for this upcoming Mother’s Day 😉 Shhh, don’t tell her! It’s a surprise!

The Derek Lam 10 Crosby Fragrance Collection gift set can be found online here (under $100 + free shipping!). The EDP’s are also sold separately in full size bottles, which can be found online here. You will love them!