Fall Staple: The Duster

FRIDAY. FIIINNNALLYYYY.

I mean, every Friday I’m grateful for the pre-weekend feels it brings into my life. But this Friday is even MORE SO.

I’m just getting over the crazy wonderful madness that was New York Fashion Week. Let me tell you - it was a whirlwind. Between hopping uptown to downtown to midtown to crazy town, it was an experience I can’t wait to share about.

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But FIRST - I want to share a fun look from my last trip to New York I’ve been frequently wearing most weekends ON REPEAT. 

Introducing - one of my favorite Fall staples, the duster. 

I met said duster when I visited NYC with my bestie, Erin, a couple months ago. We were wandering around Soho after brunch (as one does), and popped into this cute little shop, Mo:vint. We basically fell in love with everything. 

But this linen duster really caught my eye. I tried it on and right away I knew it would become one of my most-worn items. It was one of those finds that really make you feel COOL. And, it was on sale. Which I, of course, took as a sign that it was meant to be. 

Paired with the perfect striped tee and a velvet choker (both of which I snagged only hours before we took this photo,) I know this will be a combo I’ll be repeating every weekend from here until eternity. 

Wearing duster from Movint (similar), Lucky Brand denim, Banana Republic suede pumps c/o, Aritzia tee (sold out, similar), Cuyana bag, Toyshop choker (sold out, identical), Sophie Blake bracelet and earrings (part of her latest collection!) Some photos taken at Greecologies, NYC.

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Off-the-Shoulder Dress in New York

• SHOP THE LOOK •

As I gear up for intense planning for our trip to NY for Fashion Week, I’m reminded of my last trip to the city of lights with my friend, Erin. With only a mere 24 hours in SoHo, we took full advantage of hitting up every great brunch spot, coffee shop and boutique we could.

Saturday morning we got an early start and decided to visit The Butcher’s Daughter! Needless to say, it was epic. I had the avocado toast (typical) and Erin got the brioche french toast (much of which I ate as well!)

We sat out on the patio and spent the morning people watching (one of my favorite pastimes, in case you were wondering.) And you know what I realized while we sat there? People in New York REALLY care about style. It made me feel right at home in my MLM Label dress that I found on Wylie Grey (one of my favorite online shops that curates the perfect selection with cool Cali girl vibes.)

I paired the dress with simple sandals I had made in Positano on our honeymoon and the latest jewelry from Sophie Blake’s Illusionist collection. 

It was the perfect morning indeed.

Wearing MLM Label dress via Wylie Grey (in shell pink), handmade sandals (similar for $30!), Sophie Blake earrings and bracelet, Cuyana bag, Ray-bans.

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Blush and Bordeaux

Wearing Justicia Ruano dress via Estiletta, Boohoo jacket, M.Gemi pumps (similar), Sophie Blake earrings, Jeffrey Levinson clutch in "sand stone" c/o

I’d like to tell you a story. You see, most days, I ride the bus to work. It’s hardly glamorous, but definitely beats driving over an hour each way. Anyway, there’s this older lady on my bus. I’ve seen her a handful of times and every time I do, she is dressed to the nines. I’ve always admired her and wanted to tell her, YOU HAVE THE BEST STYLE multiple times but have always chickened out for looking like a complete fool.

Yesterday, I noticed her again. She got onto the bus and swiped her Smart Trip card. The something happened. She sat next to me! I couldn’t believe my luck! Should I give her a compliment or will that scare her away? Should I try to strike up a conversation on my fairly strict “NO TALKING” bus? She turned to her right and started chatting up a woman across the way. YES! A rule-breaker, I like her already.

The bus suddenly came to a halt - our bus driver had knicked the side of something. Although I was ticked off that I’d be late AF getting home, I knew now was my chance.

“Did you see what happened?” I asked my neighbor. I didn’t mean to smell her, but she smelled just like my Nana…and I instantly wanted to be her very best friend.

“I didn’t but he’s standing out there with the police now. I wish he’d tell us what's going on!” she said. While she could have been pissed when she said those words, she wasn’t. Almost cheerful. A good attitude amidst the madness - definitely not something you see around these parts.

“Did you know there’s a new Parisian patisserie opening in our town?” I asked, hoping to impress her with my wealth of knowledge and good taste in food.

“NO WAY!” she shrieked, “when is it opening?”

And the rest is history. We chatted throughout the trip (quietly, for the most part!) After we parted ways, I realized how much of an impression she had on me. Not just her impeccable style, but for her gracious, cool and slightly-rebellious attitude. I want to be just like her.

Today’s outfit is something I imagine my Badass Bus Lady would wear. A perfect combination of cool and glamorous…and the cutest idea for Valentine’s Day that isn’t overdoing it. Regardless of what Man Repeller says, you just won’t find me in neon pink and cherry red. It’s just not happening. Bourdoux and blush? That’s more my speed.

I had no idea how much I needed a faux fur coat until I tried this one on from Boohoo. It adds the most perfect vibe to literally anything. And this dress?! It’s everything - I rented it from Estiletta when I met Andre Leon Talley, a former vogue editor and writer of “Oscar de la Renta…” I paired it with the chicest clutch from Jeffrey Levinson, one of my favorite bag designers of all time. I’m all about finding classic silhouettes with a punch of coolness (these SLEEVES THOUGH) and I think this outfit did the trick.

What are you wearing for Valentine’s Day?! I have a few more looks up my sleeve, so stay tuned for more later this week! XO!