On our way out of NY, we stopped at Grand Central Station. Grand Central is showcased in more movies that you can imagine, everything from romance to horror. This New York icon is more than a train station, it is also a shopping and dining destination. I love train stations and this is the mother of all. Is it the history? The hustle and bustle of people coming and going? Or simply the grandeur that is Grand Central Station? Whatever it may be, I love it. I have some “grand” ideas for a photoshoot here one day…
After visiting Grand Central, we had brunch at another NY icon, The Boathouse, located in Central Park and quite possibly the most popular brunch spot in all of the city. You can sit on the patio and sip champagne while watching people row by on the lake. It’s literally a picnic in the park, yet you’re surrounded by some of the largest skyscrapers in the world. Another longtime favorite of mine…
Brunch in the park, Grand Central Station, a walk through Manhattan, and a late flight back to Atlanta… I needed something comfortable yet stylish, after all it was Fashion Week. This boho inspired look is perfect this Fall. I found this sheer dress at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, it is currently sold out but I did find it available here ,via Amazon. The hat, I bought a couple of years ago at World Market, but here is a very similar one. The booties are by Fergie, available at DSW. And the color block mini bag is by Kate Spade, shown here in the color, punch. This choker with long, gold tassels is from DressUp Boutique, similar style here. And to top it off, I am wearing Diva matte lipstick by MAC. As the weather gets cooler, I’ll add a long, oversized sweater and switch out the booties for knee high boots… Come on, Fall! I’m ready.
If you watched any of my InstaStories, then you would have met Erica. Erica is my sister-in-law and NYFW partner in crime. She was a trooper and marched through the city in these 6 inch boots until she almost passed out. On day three, we made our way to Skylight Clarkson Square and after waiting (standing) for almost two hours, we were invited into the Namilia runway show. Once we were in (standing room only), I looked over and Erica was on the floor. My feet, however seemed to have went numb and the pain dissipated as the Disney music came on and the models walked down the runway in the most outrageous designs that I have EVER seen in person. Just take a look here. Worrrrth it. After all, standing is the new sitting.
I wish I could say that I were wearing these Jessica Simpson booties (similar style here) that night. They are super comfortable. Below is my daytime glam look. This would work nicely for the office, daytime shopping, or a night out. It’s all about versatility. I wore this to DUMBO on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to take in the view of the city and then we went for cocktails at a speakeasy called Bathtub Gin, cleverly hidden beyond a secret door in a coffee shop located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.
This Express dress (now on sale 40% off!) is a classic shape sheath with small balloon sleeves and a simple bow belt. You can take a classic style (look for a cocktail dress at your local consignment shop) and make it new by adding accessories, and mixing patterns and textures, like I did here with these Simply Vera by Vera Wang polka dot tights. Then, I glammed it up with a glitzy statement necklace and earrings from Sugarfix by BaubleBar (this is Baublebar’s line for Target!), cocktail ring from Tiffany & Co and my favorite black go-to bag for Fall/Winter by Kate Spade (similar style here, no tassel).
New York Fashion Week was ah-mazing. There’s something about the city that makes me feel at home, although I’ve lived in Atlanta my entire life. The hustle and bustle and rooftops and coffee shops… I can wear a cocktail dress and stilletos to Central Park, and I never feel overdressed.
We made it to three shows hosted by FGNYFW. The first: Pelush, by Anna Tagliabue- a “reFAUXlution” against furs in the fashion industry. Although I personally love authentic vintage furs, these faux furs were beautiful and embellished with vintage style brocade and pastels colors popularly used in the 1950s/1960s.
It’s all about print and texture this season. Which is why fur is at the forefront of Fall trends, along with suede and velvet. Here, I am wearing a faux fur vest by Cabi (my sweet friend, Jennifer is a Cabi stylist, visit her site here). Made of shades of deep blue, white, taupe, and black fur, this vest was beautiful and seemed to change color depending on the light. It was perfect for Fall in NY. I paired well with dark denim distressed jeans from Express, a deep blue gray leopard print clutch from Nordstrom (they no longer carry the blue, but here it is in brown), and peep toe cognac leather booties by Vince Camuto.
fur vest from Cabi – jeans from Express – clutch from Nordstrom – fish leather cuff from Palas Jewelers (now closed) – ring from Tiffany & Co.
I can check this one off the bucket list… Exceeding all dreamy, picture perfect expectations, Santorini’s beauty is simply breathtaking. Known for it’s blue-domed churches, whitewashed buildings, and steep and winding stairs that ascend from the Aegean Sea, it is exactly how you imagine it to be, and more. Bright pink blooms pop against what seems to be a blue and white mirage.
We stayed at On the Rocks boutique hotel in Imerovigli. Our “cave” was built into the side of the mountain. This was the most unique hotel I had ever stayed. The staff were equally as lovely. Each morning, we were awakened by a knock at the door and breakfast delivered on our private patio, overlooking the sea. Fresh coffee, greek yogurt with honey and nuts, omelets (with feta and olives), pastries and fresh fruit.
Regardless of what the hotel, travel agents, or anyone tells you, no need to make a reservation. We visited during peak season and had no issue getting a table anywhere (with the exception of Amoundi Bay at sunset, which we still were able to grab two seats and order a bottle of wine just in time for the show a.k.a. sunset). The food was fantastic everywhere we went and everything was extremely fresh.
Ios
Funny story… We visited Ios by complete mistake. In attempt to travel from Santorini to Mykonos, we got off the boat at the wrong stop and found ourselves stranded on Ios. Apparently this happens quite often, so beware. With that being said, I consider it a blessing. Ios is a gorgeous island! We stayed the one night at Liostasi Hotel. This charming hotel was not only beautiful, but their hospitality was out of this world. Every staff member knew our names. We were treated as if we owned the place and their breakfast (included) was unbelievable. When I return to Ios, I will be staying here. Much smaller than Santorini, Ios is a party island and had a much different feel. You walk through the winding streets, literally through the middle of outdoor restaurants and pubs where bands of local seniors played their instruments and sang. Young people gathered on the village steps to drink cocktails and dance… see a bar called Steps. I wish that we had spent more time in Ios. Next time I would love to see the beaches.
Traditional Cycladic architecture, including the infamous windmills, beautiful beaches, and winding cobblestone streets lined with white washed building and more of the bright pink blooms. Mykonos is a busier, more commercial version of iOS. Pulsating nightlife, often in competition with Ibiza attracts jet setters, celebrities, gay pride festival goers, and all kinds of people looking for an exotic adventure. We stayed one night at Cavo Tagoo, visited the beaches of Little Venice, shopped amongst the beautiful churches scattered throughout the city, ate our way through the island, and danced all night in a cave to the beats of DJ Grandma Man.
Athens
We spent our first and last night in Athens. There aren’t any direct flights to the islands, so going through Athens is a requirement. This gave us the opportunity to stay at the beautiful Hotel Grande Bretagne and explore the city. We had gyros from street vendors more times than we could count and drank wine in Monastiraki Square, with the most beautiful view of Acropolis. Fortunately, on our last day, we did have the opportunity to visit before sunset. The cost is $20EU per person for just the Parthenon (extra for the museum, which we unfortunately did not have time for). When I tell you it was hot, the heat put Georgia to shame! But once we got up there, the view made it all worth it. It’s amazing that structures like this still exist today.
Do not, I repeat, do NOT wear heels in the Greek islands. Not even to dinner. Invest in some stylish flats and sandals. Wear hats, because A) hats are fabulous and B) my scalp and face burned immediately. Wear dresses, shorts, skirts, and rompers. Light flowy clothing is best. If you rent an ATV, BE CAREFUL (we saw a few nasty accidents). Be prepared to walk a LOT. Whatever you’re doing at sunset, drop everything and take it in. And do not be afraid to be adventurous. Go explore. There’s more to see than you could ever imagine.
Below is a video of our trip, produced with a combination of drone and GoPro footage. Unfortunately, aerial footage wasn’t possible on Ios or Mykonos due to high winds. Be sure to watch in 1080p HD for maximum quality.
It stays pretty hot for a while in Georgia, but Fall is here regardless. We’re officially past Labor Day and on to football season, pumpkin spice season, and New York Fashion Week! Vogue, Elle, and the “important” fashion resources have released their September issues, and later this week New York City will be transformed into a fashion mecca. This is the stuff that dreams are made of and this D-List blogger is on her way, even if there’s standing room only.
What’s hot? We shall see… I believe that street wear this week is just as important and influential as what will be on the runways. After all, city streets are the real runways. I expect to see a lot of reminders from last year… Suede, flannel, throw backs to the 90s… but also many 80s references, broad shoulder suits, lots of distressed denim (pants and jackets), bell-sleeves, furs, velvet, booties, mixed prints, jewel-tone florals, and the official color for Fall 2017… red. I’m excited about that one.
Here is my interpretation of a perfect transitional outfit for this early Fall heat. Kimonos are nothing new, they have been in store windows all year, I just love the deep blue in this vintage inspired floral print, available at Dress Up Boutique. And it’ so light and cool. I paired it with dark denim Hudson Jeans, a stappy suede heel by Vince Camuto, and necklace by Stella & Dot, then I’m off to NY faster than you can say “PSL”.
