Age Appropriate.

Linda Rodin, the NY based stylist (recently featured on Refinery29), is a style icon. And her dog Winky is pretty cute too.

No grandma aesthetic here. Linda's casually cool style, and eclectic living space prove that style doesn't have to die with age. She brings a new meaning to aging gracefully.

Feather Brain

This idea just tickled me. Feather hair extensions! Maybe it is my previous, elementary school love, for hair wraps- you know the kind you could get on the OC boardwalk, the rastafarian would wrap a braided section of hair with multi colored threads, typically in navajo or African inspired patterns, and ended the glorious concoction with plastic beads. OR maybe it's my secret hidden love for all things hippie and different. Whatever the reason I sweat this trend hard, like doing sprints in the gym.

Yes, this is the hair wrap's sophisticated boho older cousin. Refinery29 featured this little secret hair weapon accessory a few weeks ago. NYC based handbag and jewelry designer Wendy Nichol offers the service in her Soho studio/boutique for a mere $45, takes only 10 minutes and the extensions are said to last up to one month. Me loves. Not only that, Nichol has said,

 "The feathers are sourced responsibly, the colors are all-natural, and come from farm-raised happy birds." ... Me really loves!

Next time I'm up in NYC, I'm making a bee-line to Nichol's studio. 

Wendy Nichol Studio:

 147 Sullivan Street, (between Prince and Houston);

 212-431-4171

**All images from Refinery29 

Black Tie

Gorgeous ladies attending the Winter Wonderland Ball at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. It makes me so happy to see people dressed to the nines... Especially with a splash of old Hollywood glamour.

Image from Style.com

Image from Style.com

Brogue Behavior

Don't you love when a simple element of your ensemble can make you look both stylish and smart? It doesn't happen too often in the world of fashion, being that most people interested in anything sartorial or a la mode are considered vapid and highly unlikely to succeed in anything other then superficiality. Yes, I have endured both of these stereotypes in my lifetime (Try telling a finance or engineering major that you are freaking out about an upcoming exam. "Oh, what's MY major? Fashion Merchandising." Sighs ensue...), but, back to that special element. Drum roll please... The brogue, a strong oxford shoe, usually with ornamental perforations and wing tips, is the epitome of "smart dressing".

Photo courtesy of the Wall St Journal

Even the Wall Street Journal recently posted an article on the dapper style... I saw it in person, finally, last weekend in New York City. That marvelous celebration for Filippa's 25th birthday brought out some  truly stylish people, and Tom, my friend Eve's boyfriend, was rocking the style complete with argyle socks! Can you say, I DIE.

A Day at Barney's

So I was in New York this weekend for one of the most FAB parties I have ever been to! It was my friend Filippa's 25th birthday party, held at her family's apartment on Central Park South. Top floor penthouse, amazing view, incredibly delicious food (most of which had some type of truffle-infused aspect, Flip is CRAZY about truffles), you get the picture... Anyway, leading up to this fabulous soiree my girlfriend Jaclyn and I spent the better part of our day at Barney's, well before we could ruin our nail and blowout appointments. I must embarrassingly admit that this was my first ever trip to the holy-grail that is Barney's, but am also proud to announce it will be my "go-to" from now on.

Barney's stats:
Nine floors, two sides (a men's and a woman's side, only accessible via even-floor entrances), two spas, a restaurant, a stationer ... the list goes on and on.

Barney's does a phenomenal job buying and editing their merchandise selection, continuing to remain ahead of the curve in promoting upcoming designers and trends.  Walking around the Co-Op, which is their contemporary department, irresistible brands such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Carven, A.L.C., Richard Chai, and Gemma jumped out at me at an impressively alarming rate. Not only are the clothing and accessories impressive, but Barney's also has entertainment for those of us who are assisting the shopper. Here are a few snap shots I gathered on my BlackBerry, including the Vince display above in the elevator bank on 5, while walking around to find Jackie a dress (which we did!), and then our delicious lunch at Fred's.

Now, Fred's on 9. This bustling bistro and eatery to see-and-be-seen offers everything for brunch, lunch, dinner and even high tea on weekdays. The service was excellent, not even a second look when I realized my glass of champagne (half-drank) actually had remnants of someone else's mimosa pulp. ECK! But I got a full complimentary pour on the house, in a clean glass, and all was right in the world. I highly recommend this dish from Fred's, the wild mushroom risotto with truffle oil and grated parmesan cheese. Pair it with a a glass of champagne and it is an incredibly satisfying meal!

I can't wait to hear about your own Barney's experiences.

Barney's New York
660 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065