A common question I get is how to find a way to marry fashion and function. These are some snaps from my family's day in DUMBO. We spent a fun-filled afternoon riding the magnificent carousel, eating ice cream, and taking in the gorgeous city views. A summer Sunday outing with the kids requires comfort, but that doesn't mean we have to sacrifice style in the name of ease.
Read MoreIt's a special thing to meet the designer of a collection that you admire. When you connect with the person and the passion behind the designs, you see the garments in a new way, and appreciate the designs on a visceral level. When Lindy Fox contacted me about wearing one of the beautiful dresses from her collection, Organic Beginnings, I thought she would send a messenger service over with a garment bag. Instead, I had the great pleasure of meeting her at the Nineteenth Amendment headquarters in Brooklyn, where we talked about her lifelong love of fashion and design. I always love to meet ambitious and creative people, but in addition to her talent, Lindy has such a beautiful soul and a radiant energy that clearly translates in her designs.
Lindy says, "Fashion is the first way I see people's individuality expressed. It is the way in which I want to connect to other women; to make them feel valued and confident." Her collection is inspired by oranges, the sowing of seeds, and the California sun and is available for purchase from Nineteenth Amendment. Nineteenth Amendment is an innovative company with the inspired mission to bridge the gap between independent designers and lovers of fashion. By connecting with talented, independent designers before they've hit the mainstream, Nineteenth Amendment is able to offer exclusive designs for wholesale prices for 45 days. Don't miss your chance to shop Lindy's sunny collection!
Dress: Organic Beginnings by Lindy Fox, Necklace: Erickson Beamon (similar), Hair Comb: Erickson Beamon (similar), Hat: ASOS, Wedges: Stuart Weitzman (similar)
I live in sundresses during the summer and I wear them to the point that I never want to see them again come the following year. For this reason, 99% of my summer day dresses cost less than $100, with many as low as $30. I find most of my favorites from Zara, H&M, and Forever 21. I get such great pleasure from taking an inexpensive dress, like this beautiful one from H&M, and accessorizing it in all sorts of ways. My good friend, Shani, and I discovered this particular dress on one of our shopping excursions and both bought it in different colors. We have been having the best time sending each other mirror selfies of the different ways we style it. Isn't it a blast to see how two people can conceptualize completely unique ways to wear the same dress? Do you and your friends do the same thing?
Dress: H&M, Earrings: H&M (similar), Sandals: Schutz (similar), Belt: Vintage (similar), Bag: Nancy Gonzalez
A good friend of mine recently said to me, “I really feel like lately you’ve just come into your own style.” I took this as a huge compliment. I’ve always been a bit of a chameleon, both in style and in life. Not that I would ever categorize myself as a conformist , but I tend to take inspiration from my surroundings and then meld with them in my own way. I definitely fell into the trap of blindly following trends around me at times and wore things that I really didn’t connect with (boring Banana Republic ensembles in high school, hipster Nike dunks in college, and ill-fitting jean skirts when I was living in Jerusalem all come to mind). I think it took me a long time to really get comfortable in my own skin and develop confidence with my own sense of personal stye. I know my style will continue to evolve, but I've realized that if I feel like myself when I wear something, that’s the most important thing. Fashion should never be about "fitting in"--it's about being honest with yourself about what you love and feel good in. What message do you want to send with your style?
Growing up, I never aspired to have a career in fashion, but it has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a person who thrives on creativity and artistic expression, I love to use my clothes and accessories as a way to reflect my mood or my current inspiration. I think the reason I gravitate towards bolder styles and excessive accessories is because I feel most confident when I connect to my inner performer. I spent my formative years singing on a weekly country music show and pursued my music throughout college. I always felt most at home on stage, entertaining an audience. I loved the music, but I think I loved the performance aspect even more. I feel like in a way, I treat each outfit I create as a performance. It is such a satisfying feeling when the clothes and accessories come together in a perfect harmony.
Jacket: Spell & The Gypsy Collective, Top: Reformation, Jeans: H&M, Bag: Vintage, Flowers: Forever 21, Long Earring: Zara, Double Ear Stud: Nasty Gal, Shoes: Gucci via AMUZE
Photography: Geremy Dubensky
We've charmed in chiffon, we've lounged in linen, and we've lured in lace, but this summer, it's time to say "Yes WAY!" to crochet. Hailing from the counterculture of the late 60's and holding strong into the 70's, this granny-chic fabric is a groovy breath of fresh air in a sea of uptight, "clean line" styles. I acknowledge that a full-crochet rainbow dress may be too aggressive for some, but there are plenty of more subtle options (such as a white dress with crochet trim or a crochet vest to be worn over a button down blouse or shirtdress) that you can choose. You can avoid looking like a member of the That 70's Show cast by pairing these kitschy knitted pieces with modern accessories (like a moto-inspired cross-body bag)...or embrace the excessively retro movement and commit to a Jackie Burkhart moment with a boho bag and platforms. Your choice. Crochet pieces can be found at all price points from Miu Miu to H&M, or search Etsy for the authentic vintage selection!
Dress: Rat & Boa (Sold out, but here is a similar idea and here is a similar version from Etsy), Clutch: Love Birds LA from The Daily Shoppe (for sale TODAY ONLY!!), Sandals: Gucci (Mother's Day gift from the best husband!), Earrings: Erickson Beamon, Rings: Arme De L'AMour and Saint Laurent