Creamy

Mr. Larkin Blazer and Dress / Grenson Loafer / Coach Bag

Creamy. The adjective could describe so many different things: the texture of moisturizer, the taste of ice cream, or simply a variation of the color white. As winter is finally wrapping in NYC, my skin is as I like to call it... creamy. Not pasty, but creamy and vastly contrasted from my dark hair. In order to keep my look from going completely goth, I've been drawn to lighter tones to create my outfits. Layering pale pinks, beiges, and creamy whites, compliment my skin without fully washing me out. Straight-forward silks and knits in minimalistic silhouettes pair seamlessly with these colors to create an effortlessly cool look. Check out the links above to get my favorite combination of a column dress, flowy blazer, and contrasting platform loafer.

xx
e

Photography by Daniela Spector

Not Your Basic Holiday Gift Guide

'Tis the season for gifting and I wanted to share some brands and pieces that will make your gift anything but basic. Take a step inside my apartment…

Tom Dixon Tank Vase, Hex Bowl , Candle / Sunday Somewhere Sunnies /Clare V Clutch / Coach Watch / Phyllis + Rosie Necklace

Whether it’s the entryway table, the top of your dresser, or your bathroom vanity, having a “put together” tabletop can set the tone for an elegant home. The first three essentials for said tabletop include a unique vase, metalwork bowl, and light scented candle. Insert recent favorite, Tom Dixon. Known for amazing creativity and craftsmanship, these three respective TD pieces are the perfect start. Then, add your personal touches. For me, it’s well-made, classic accessories that never go out of style: tortoise sunnies by Sunday Somewhere, gold watch by Coach, delicate necklace by Phyllis & Rosie, and leather clutch by Clare V. The combination of it all gives you a chance to give your giftee a chic tabletop never goes out of style.

Jocelyn Fur Mittens / Inverni Beanie / Superga Wool Sneakers 

Cold weather accessories may seem like a typical gift but these are anything but. This knit beanie with furry top from Inverni is a gorgeous grey with pearl knit detailing and fur pom for some added fun. The ultimate in coziness? These black fur mittens by Jocelyn may be the softest things I own and are a chic substitute for those bargain gloves. Last but not least, Supergas are always a go-to gift for me. Mom, sister, best friend? They’re perfect. So it's perfect keeping with the winter textures that they added the wool in deep grey- an awesome update! Each piece is cozy and unique for that special someone.

Vintage Posters & Silver Tray / Tom Dixon Brew Cafetiere / Stove Top / Espresso Cups

I couldn’t create a gift guide without including some sort of vintage or “old school” element. I found these amazing vintage ad posters in a vintage magazine shop in London. I knew they were the ideal little quirky addition to my apartment and a great backdrop for Tom Dixon’s new café pieces. A cafetiere, stovetop, and espresso cups take your kitchen from 0 to 60 in a snap. Brushed steel interior with a high-shine copper finish make this set not only the best in its class for performance but look pretty damn good, too. Perfect for your coolest friend or coffee aficionado.

Rifle Paper + Co. Coffee Calendar, Card Set, Notebooks, Notepad / Kotur Get Smart Bag / Tom Dixon Candles

Another tabletop used by most, the desk. Let’s lose anything looking like it came from the 80s…anything plastic or questionable on material. Instead, let’s talk about some pieces from Rifle Paper + Co. Not your basic stationary company, RPC’s collections include unique prints and typography, as well as, collaborations with names like Garance Doré. A combination of a vintage inspired calendar, travel notebooks, fashion notecards, and punny notepads will set your desk for success. In addition, a great candle can set the mood for your work day. The elements set by Tom Dixon includes four scents that expel a sense of calm and tranquility. My essential for any working girl on the go or anyone who hates carrying a huge bag for a night out: the Get Smart bag by Kotur. Compact and stylishly designed with gold hardware, snakeskin detail, and a clip in phone holder… what more do you need? Talk about setting your girlfriend (or yourself) up for getting it done.

Christopher Kon Bucket Bag / Wilsons Leather via Buffalo Exchange Suede Jacket / Fujifilm Instax NeoClassic Camera / Vine Street Market Bag

What’s on my coat rack isn’t just coats. It’s also a Christopher Kon hobo, Fujifilm Instax, and Vine Street Market Tote. The hobo is making a comeback. In the softest leather with unlined/raw interior and detailing, the CK style is now my every day handbag that’s timeless with an element of cool—a great gift for anyone lacking in a great black bag (aka me a month ago!) In that hobo, you can always find my Instax. The element of nostalgia that comes with a “polaroid”, the instantaneous tactile nature of the photo is irreplaceable. Also in that hobo, you might find the packable canvas tote by Vine Street Market. Perfect for those unprepared vintage shopping moments or a quick stop at the farmer’s market, the tote folds up into itself making it easy to pop in and out when needed. This eco friendly bag is perfect for your granola friend in Williamsburg or housewife in the Upper East. P.S. Use Coupon Code - VINTAGE20 - at checkout to receive 70% off any VSM canvas tote online.

Morgan Lane Panty Set

Last but certainly not least and for the little girl inside all of us, the daily panty set by Morgan Lane. Talk about an old school but feminine vintage note with the day names and silky material—I’M OBSESSED—but there’s also a modern update with individualized emojis for each day of the week (perfectly summing up the days' vibes I might add). A fun gift option for any woman in your life. There’s more where that came from soon on AVV ;)

All in all, I hope you’ve enjoyed my comprehensive gift list that will set you apart from the rest. Shop the links for a winning gift or start for your personal wishlist!

xx
e

Velvet Crush

Jill Stuart Dress (similar) / Whistles Coat / Raye Pumps / Verve Layering Rings

A touch of femininity managed to escape my typical tomboy style for this easy (somewhat 70s) inspired look. Whether it's the 70s or the 90s, I'm a sucker for velvet. This dress from Jill stuart throws back with crushed cranberry velvet, bell sleeves, and amazing cutout detail. Paired with a teddy jacket, bright suede pump, and mustard bag, the outfit get's a bit of a modern twist with just a taste of 70s flare. 

xx
e

Photography by Becky Siegel

Make It Pop

Coach Bag, Watch, and Keychain / Rodebjer Sweater / Forever 21 Midi Dress / Alexander Wang Booties

The winds have changed and fall is here in full force. With that change comes two of my favorite parts of the season: the colors and the layering. For the latter, I threw this fun & furry chunky sweater over my essential tshirt dress. The monochrome palette contrasted with diverse textures creates an outfit base that's cozy and chic. While I might typically top off this look to be completely black and navy, I decided to bring in my favorite fall colors with the help of Coach accessories! The mustard bag + gold watch pair perfectly together as classics with a twist and add a great pop of color to the look. Both tones are huge for fall and lend themselves to that 70s feel that I've always been strong supporter of. Shop the links above to get each piece and happy fall!

xx
e

Photography by Becky Siegel