New York Street Beat: Smells Like Teen Spirit

When I heard that grunge was making a comeback I was skeptical. My first thought was, ‘90s-era teen angst style wasn’t exactly fashion history’s shining moment.

When I saw Mimi, my second thought was, why pray tell, did I ditch my lumberjack boots and faded flannel plaid shirt?

Keeping things sleek in slim fitting black tights (formerly her mom’s), tall boots, and a shrunken checked shirt, (both second-hand) she deliriously achieves style nirvana (pun intended) with that wide studded belt and bag. I love that her ensemble skews a little more glam, a little less grunge.

Follow Mimi’s cue – scope out thrift shops, discount outlets, heck – even family members’ closets: you’ll score a look that is authentic and thankfully free from that whole studied tortured artist vibe, circa 1992.

(photo courtesy of Wunderbloc)

Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Figue Buffalo Plaid Top Urban Outfitters

LNA Zipper Leggings ShopBop

Calvin Klein Black Patent Leather Wide Belt Bluefly.com

New York Street Beat: Reboot

A while ago we reported that City stylistas have been sporting boots with their summer dresses. This was back in April when, in theory, there was a bit of chill in the air, so the idea didn’t seem as farfetched.

Fast forward to August and guess what? Heat and humidity notwithstanding – women can’t break their boot addictions!

Each of these women makes their bootie/dress combos totally unique. Pamela (upper left) does the urban bohemian in her fringed Minnetonkas, floral print shirt, and loose-flowing waves. Caroline (upper right) is a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll, pairing a sweet, lacy slip dress with rugged combat boots, while Meghan’s knee-high walking boots adds a shabby-yet-chic twist on a feminine classic.

Minnetonka Suede Back Zip Hardsole Boot with Fringe QVC

Nine West Nobello Zappos

Intyce Cognac Steve Madden

Photos courtesy of Refinery29.

New York Street Beat: 3 Trends, 3 X The Fab

A style stalker's job is never done.

This became readily apparent as I walked through Chelsea last night and suddenly found myself engulfed in a sea of stylish handbags that carried three distinct themes.

The first I’ll call the old-school leather bag: hand-stitched or tooled with braided toggles, these bags have that laid-back hippie vibe that we can’t get enough of in summer. The beauty pictured up top is a bit more sophisticated than the average boho bag, thanks to its rich caramel color and detailed, yet sleek lines.

The second is metallic, a trend that thankfully won’t go away. What makes this Foley + Corinna bag so covetable is not only its soft gunmetal finish, but its superhero-like ability to transform from a tote to a shoulder bag with the flick of a strap.

And last, but certainly not least: sea foam. I literally spotted four bags in a two block stretch and was so captivated by its softly-muted shade I nearly tackled an innocent bystander trying to snap the last pic.

You heard it here first folks.

The Free-N-Easy Old School Leather

Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote Revolve Clothing

Rebecca Minkoff Sea Foam Nikki Hobo Shopbop

New York Street Beat: Mix Master

One of the things that I admire most about New York women is their uncanny ability to look chic even in the most ungodly weather conditions.

While I get frizzy, shvitzy, and altogether schlubby in the humidity, others unbelievably shine. Melissa, seen here at a recent art opening, looks so cool in this ensemble – a burst of fresh air that cuts through the stifling NYC heat.

Elegantly turned out in a Development by Erica Davies dress, Opening Ceremony patent pumps, gold cuff and Hayden-Harnett bag, we love how she mixes and matches different colors and textures for a supremely chic look. A yam-colored bag pops against the neutral dress and pumps in an unexpected nude patent leather, while the citrusy-lemon color piping and high waist adds structure for a look that is totally polished.

Voom by Joy Han Denim Pinstripe Dress Ooh La Luxe Boutique

Tharpe Hobo, Yam Hayden Harnett

Opening Ceremony Nude Patent Pump w/detachable bow Shopbop

New York Street Beat: Style Cult

We’re not sure if it’s the incessant heat wave or if we just didn’t get the memo, but pixie cuts are de rigueur on City streets. Behold these gamines channeling such lovelies like Halle Berry, Mia Farrow, Audrey Hepburn, and Rihanna – they’re like a deliciously stylish cult that we want so badly to be a part of.

A buzz cut is tough to pull off, but Eve (bottom right) does so flawlessly in a girly embroidered tunic and red Wayfarers, she’s the height of hipster cool. Amy (top right) and Lena (bottom left) keep their looks simple and chic without any competing accessories, their mop tops take center stage. Miyako and Kalla (top left) flaunt their street cred with a vintage hat and killer shades.

(photos courtesy of wunderbloc.com)

Warren Tricomi Pomade Dermstore

Frederic Fekkai Glossing Kit Ulta

Jonathan Dirt Texturizing Paste Beauty.com

New York Street Beat: Just White

You’ve heard it all before: sticking to one color is a slimming choice. But when that one color is white, and the silhouette is so flattering, then the effect can be truly sublime.

We were knocked out by Mar’s smart ensemble; monochromatic but nowhere near boring. The hairstylist was spotted in Soho sporting an H&M top, an American Apparel skirt, and strappy pumps scored at Bloomies. All of her choices were spot on, from the neckline that accentuated her delicate features to the ladylike envelope clutch.

Mini-seersucker Dress
J. Crew


Charles by Charles David Soiree
Piperlime.com


Elaine Turner Lux Safari White Envelope Clutch
Nordstrom

New York Street Beat: Fit To Be Tied

As I write this, I’m being held captive by an over-zealous air conditioning unit – which is why Amanda’s well groomed ensemble caught my eye. Though it may sound crazy, scarves are ubiquitous on warm city streets, and with good reason: no other accessory is as capable of transforming you into an haute momma in a snap. Doesn’t she just radiate elegance in that chic chapeau (thrift store), shades, scarf, and bag (all bought on the street)?

Naysayers will undoubtedly argue that if it’s hot out, then wearing a scarf is as sensible as wearing ski boots with your shorts – we say it’s all about your personal style. The versatility, color, texture, etc., that a scarf adds to your overall look makes it a year round Must-Have.
What I wouldn’t give for one of these beauties right about now.

Photo courtesy of wunderbloc.com

Love Quotes Scarf Singer 22

A Peace Treaty Thebes Navy Handkerchief Scarf Shopbop

Mary Meyer Long Printed Scarf Oak