nyfw part 3

more nyc moments.

the last post of my first #NYFW experience (sounds weird?!)! it's ending with the most basic attire -- a tee shirt dress. yep. but gosh, it's so soft and comfortable, i knew i had to take it with me and i'm so glad i did. i dressed it up with layered necklaces and some spunky ear jackets. i layered it with a cardigan and later with a leather jacket. i love this dress not only for how soft it is but also because it goes with so many shoes (sneaks, sandals). i wore them with these booties from Everlane which are made in Italy and you know those italians know how to make some high quality shoes! they are my first pair of black leather booties since i usually gravitate towards suede but the leather is such a good option because you don't have to worry about the rain!

NYC trips to me are usually about food and sight seeing. this trip all-together was WAY different. in a good way though. it made me think of all the opportunities this blog has given me & where it has taken me. it's a tad crazy and unreal. the shows were great and all but meeting people -- instagram friends, brand reps etc.. in real life was the best (and this is coming from an introverted person). i'm sure i'll find my way back next fall. signing off, crossing NYFW off my bucket list & feeling super good about it. until next time NYC.

general tips on NYFW (as a first-timer!) // 

  • be flexible because whoa nelly, things are going to happen very last minute!
  • to uber or to taxi? -- if you need to get somewhere fast, hail a cab. ubers can take a while to get to you
  • bring plenty of business cards
  • make appointments with brands/people you've worked with!
  • bring a reusable bag with you that you can put your change of shoes, water bottles, or any gifts that are given to you etc.. 
  • which brings me to.. leave room in your luggage for swag
  • show up EARLY
  • an external battery charger is a must! @mophie makes my favorite one!
  • lastly, don't go at it alone, have a NYFW buddy that you can tag team with!

as uncomfortable as i was, i'm so glad Angie made me do this shot! 

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day 4 // September 11, 2017
i should begin by saying, by this day i'm already walking like a new yorker haha, crossing before the light tells you too. #prettyproud #littlethings. the day starts with a brand meeting that i've worked with -- @maggylondon! Michelle was my PIC for the day and we headed to meet our rep at their headquarters which... BTW, is pretty dang cool! they have all fabrics in house and make the samples right there!! #socool. Michelle and i saw some of the upcoming collections and let me tell you, i am pretty excited!! as you already know, dresses are my JAM. PS -- you can see me wearing the new Maggy London Elizabeth cold shoulder midi in my #NYFW part one post. after the tour i headed to brunch with one of my instagram friends who always inspires me @browneyedtoast (i know.. her instagram is total goals). she was an absolute DOLL and i'm so glad she actually took the time to meet me!! we had such a great chat and could probably talk for hours! she took me under her wing that day and got me into the lounge where there were plenty of drinks & swag. here we bumped into her friends which she quickly introduced me to. gosh, i'm really thankful for people like her who are so genuine and truly want to help you. after parting ways, i trekked to @bobaguysnyc (had to get my fix ya know?). thankfully, Michelle was able to get me into another fashion show (hello front row) by @lanyu where... we spot Paris Hilton & Katie Holmes!! #pinchme!! lastly, it is a rare moment to be in NYC on 9/11 so Michelle and i dropped by the memorial and spent some time there. the night ends with the only restaurant i had to visit while in NYC (hands down the best korean food ever) @kanghodongbaekjeong! oh and my first subway ride in NYC!! 

day 5 // September 12, 2017
the last day/morning was very low key. i woke up super early to make my way to @levainbakery for the infamous chocolate chip cookies! or should i say chocolate chip cookie weights? though they have other cookies & goodies i went straight for the CC. i treked through some parts of Central Park enjoying the last moments of the beautiful and cool NYC weather, mid 70s #perfect. afterwards i headed to my @BaubleBar meeting where i finally got to see their headquarters and the new fall collection! i was also able to meet my rep in real life (so cool!). then a trek to JFK where i thought about the amazing experience i had and how i did not want to come back to work lol. good thing i took another day off. pro tip: always take an extra day off when you come back from travelling! oh, and book a massage too! #thewayiroll. 
 

dress | GAP softspun knit v-neck midi tee shirt dress in black (old) -- similar by Everlane // similar with high-low hem // similar but sleeveless and more fitted // with long sleeves
shoes c/o | Everlane the heel boot in black (TTS, i got a 6 in these to account for some sock but should have gotten my usual 5.5) -- similar by Marc Fisher // similar from Target  
cardigan c/o | Banana Republic italian supersoft cheveron stitch cardigan in camel -- also would look good with a leather jacket // or this one with gold hardware  
bag | Gucci marmont matelasse shoulder bag in nude -- smaller version // similar
earrings | BaubleBar champagne ear jackets -- similar
necklaces | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace // Gorjana mave lariat in gold
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the tees,
JD

photo credit: Angie Garcia

NYFW day 4 & 5 in squares 

@maggylondon HW // oh hey ma, they have my photo up in their HQ!! #PINCHME // brunch scene @eggshopnyc 
my girl @browneyedtoast LOVE her // @stylebeacon on fiyah with the paparazzi // hello velvet jumpsuit @lanyu
ground zero on 9/11 // beautiful morning in @centralparknyc // meeting at @baublebar HQ

nyfw part 2

can't get enough of these New York photos!

finally winding down from the weekend/housework and finding some time to regroup and gather my thoughts for this post. i wanted to cover some things i learned in terms of dress for NYFW. as mentioned in my part 1 post, i didn't have much time to pack or plan. AND i actually checked in a luggage for the FIRST TIME EVA. haha. i usually travel pretty light but this time it was actually nice to have that extra space -- this could become a thing now hrmmm.. 

tips on packing for NYFW // 

  • mix old + new -- this is a great way to brush off some older items in your closet and restyle it! here i used a work pencil skirt to style with this really fun asymmetric top that shows a little skin, oh and it's a designer dupe at a $16 steal! usually when you wear something entirely new, chances are someone else will be wearing it. not that there isn't anything wrong with twinning. 
  • dress for comfort -- while i'm a huge fan of fashion i went with more basic & comfortable items because i knew it was going to be long hours and lots of walking. i even wore a tee-shirt dress. haha, featured in part 3 #comingsoon.
  • bring comfortable shoes (or bring lots of shoe options!!) -- even bringing tennis shoes or extra shoes with you to change into is a HUGE must. i found that no matter what you wear, after hours your feet will start to hurt! pack chunky heels, platforms, tennis shoes, flats, wedges but no stiletto heels!! PRO TIP: DO NOT. i repeat DO NOT bring new shoes that you have never worn. ever. your feet will thank me. 
  • pick versatile outfits -- meaning pick outfits that go with multiple shoes. in real time, i actually wore this outfit with booties because by day 2 my feet were already killing me!! or dresses that also go with sneakers!
  • go for statement layering pieces -- this i'll prob try to do this next time. but i think layering pieces are good to add such as a leather jacket, a hat, a statement bag or necklace esp over more basic pieces. 
  • grab a good bag -- i do not mean little box bags like the one i'm wearing here (hello, that was just for pictures lol) but something that actually fits a good amount of stuff because YOU WILL NEED IT! i brought my Gucci Marmont with me and it went with everything and fit just the right amount of items. also, a crossbody is MOST useful. the last thing you want it do is bring a bag that ties up one hand. #handsfreealltheway.
  • lastly, wear whatever you feel is YOU -- this is the most important tip. style and fashion changes from one person to another. and just because it's fashion week doesn't mean that you need to show up in the most outrageous attention grabbing outfit. be yourself. that's what my mom always says. ;D

stay tuned for part 3. the last, i promise! xx 

PSA -- @baublebar is having their friends & family SALE! use code "BIGONE" for 25% off your purchase, good until 9/27/17! a few of my picks that i own and wear myself: firecracker ear jackets // champagne ear jackets // acrylic block monogram necklace // criselda ball drop earrings // gem pinata tassel earrings // vivian tassel earrings // gold mary links bracelet 

currently on my playlist: titanium by David Guetta ft. Sia

trying not to get run over. 

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day 2 // September 9, 2017
started off the morning all fancy with a lunch tea time at @laduree #pinkiesup. it was such an instagram-worthy spot and so fancy. my girl @fashionablyfitjess was my PIC that day and we spent much of it waiting in lines... bah. after tea time we headed to the @rebeccaminkoff event to find a massive line.. i think we waited in it for a good 45 mins before having to leave for the @bananarepublic public presentation at the flatiron location. as we were dropped off by the taxi, PETA protesters took the stage and it was a big mess. again, jess and i waited in line to see @oliviapalermo but unfortunately, and yet again, the line was so long that by the time we got close-ish to the front, Olivia had already left. WHOMP WHOMP. jess and i decided to drown our sorrows in... @eatlyflatiron!! haha, nothing like good italian food! i walked jess to @grandcentralstation (my first time being there) where she left me to go solo for the rest of the trip. haha, still love you jess!

the evening ended up on a better note; thank goodness.  #sodonewithlines. i checked out the @lulus party which was such a huge hit!! they gifted some outfits which were super cute, nibbled on some amazing food and drinks before heading to the @rewardstyle rooftop party. i was really looking forward to this one because a lot of my instagram friends were going and FINALLY I GOT TO MEET THEM IN REAL LIFE! there was a ton of shrieking (which is so not me), lots of hugging and picture taking. it felt amazing to see the personalities come to life. just to finally meet in real life after following & supporting each other for such a long time!! my girls: @pinterestingplans // @interiordesignerella // @courtneerodgers // @toreystreasures // @laminlouboutins // @lifelutzurious 

oh... and i met my blogger idol, @wendyslookbook who has always been an inspiration to me from WAYYY back in the day before i even started this site! 

day 3 // September 10, 2017
my friend @stylebeacon had a plus one to a show and of course, i said YES! that morning we hit up @ninatiarinyc and it was a small show but MY FIRST real NEW YORK FASHION SHOW, so thank you michelle! nina has some very pretty designs and i loved all the pattern play. michelle, being the busy boss babe she is had a booked day of shows, i split up with her and finally did some exploring walking all down 5th avenue. i must have walked ... maybe 50 blocks?! haha, i got my bubble tea and dumplings fill. michelle and i finished the night with some sushi & sake!

by the way, what's so cool about being up there during fashion week was running into other TEXAS BLOGGER friends such as @daniaustin // @dressupbuttercup !! 

day 4 & 5 in part 3 coming soon. xx

doing what i do best -- laughing at myself. :D

bad iphone photos of nyfw day 2 & 3 in squares or selfiesquares.. ?! 

teatime @laduree with @fashionablyfitjess // @lulus party // Austin blogger @jesskatt123
fan girling over @wendyslookbook // @courtneerodgers @pinterestingplans @stylebeacon // always so fab @laminlouboutins
@pepperedinstyle @toreystreasures // mama-to-be @lifelutzurious // the mini skirt queen @interiordesignerella 

nyfw part 1 in maggy london

new york, new york. i miss thee.

writing this post has me missing NYC like crazy. there is no doubt NYC is one of my favorite places to travel to and i have to make it out there every couple of years. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has always been a bucket list for me, even before i started blogging three years ago (yikes!!, time flies). 2017 was the year to make it happen! i booked the flight very early this year not really knowing what to expect or what i was doing. i just knew i needed to go do it! as a first-timer, it was an amazing experience that i'm so grateful for and hope to be back next fall! 

in general, i feel like NYFW is difficult to navigate regardless of your stats. it's overwhelming. on top of it being in a city that never sleeps, there is constant stimulation/hustle & bustle around every corner -- always something to do, see, or eat. therefore, i knew i was gonna be alright if i didn't get into many events! i really didn't have time to pitch or really plan NYFW due to the new house (which by the way... has sucked all my "free time!!" but i ain't complaining). i kinda winged it and everything happened last minute. outfits were packed the night before, and it occured to me that i really didn't have anything new to wear as all my purchases have gone towards #homeownership type-stuff. and to be honest, there's probably a good chance someone else is wearing it if it is semi-new. pro-tip: mix old with new (more on that in part 2; #comingsoon). 

either way, as the slogan goes, it all works out and thank goodness for this Maggy London dress!! the navy is very vibrant in a classy way & the lace just adds more elegance. basically, where the trendy cold shoulder meets elegance & hugs you in the right places. 

despite the fashion, outfits, and shows, the best part was getting to meet the gals i support on instagram. to finally put a face to a name (or is it handle?! haha) in REAL LIFE. that made my trip!

day 1 // September 8, 2017
this Maggy London dress was worn the day i arrived in NYC. took a taxi to the hotel. then hit the ground running with a photoshoot with the amazing Angie Garcia, whom i have always wanted to shoot with! let's just say these street-style shots totally pushed my comfort zone in terms of the amount of people, cars.. etc..! yikes... i headed to the @stylecollective party where i was able to meet the founder and my friend, @annie_spano! i joined Style Collective when i first started blogging and have made some awesome friends such as... @fashionablyfitjess who was my PIC that night and of course, we had to end the night with some ramen! 

now it appears that i am blabbing on and on so the rest of the trip will be shared in another post (part 2 and it'll probably be lengthy!!), it included parties, shows, meetings etc..! hope you have an amazing week & thanks for stopping by! stay tuned xx

currently on my playlist: swish swish by Katy Perry ft. Nikki Minaj

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dress c/o | Maggy London elizabeth cold shoulder midi in blue (wearing size 2 for reference) -- similar but in black (see it styled here)
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in black with a gold heel (sold out) -- solid color heel and avail in three colors // same but with a higher heel // similar from Ann Taylor // similar with a lace up detail
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar 
earrings c/o | BaubleBar celestial drops in gold -- similar in ear jacket form
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

photo credit: Angie Garcia
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

day 1 PIC @fashionablyfitjess (ps -- she is hilarious and has the best captions FYI!) tall girl and short girl friendships are da best, esp when you try to take pics together. haha

(bad) iphone snaps in squares //

NYFW day 1

some of the Style Collective OGs gals that i love but apparently i didn't get the jumpsuit memo  @annie_spano, @dashin_darlin, @fashionablyfitjess // shootin' in the streets with the uber talented @angiegarciaphoto x2 // finally met this sweet gal! @tailoredandtrue