What's in my Bag?

Liebeskind Berlin bag 

I am always intrigued when I see celebrities, models, editors and even bloggers

feature series on what is in their bag. What someone carries 

around in their bag shows so much about them! Ever since this Liebeskind Berlin

baby came in the mail, I've been wearing it non-stop traveling back and forth 

from CT-->NYC since the material is high quality leather and incredibly sturdy

for throwing the bag around on the train/ subway and walking. Bags that are

too small are the worst, and this one has pockets on the inside and outside

that make my phone + Metrocard easily accessible, so I'm not digging for

gold every 60 seconds. 

All fashionistas have a few staples that stick with them in their bag. For me, 

it's my Burt's Bees chapstick, red lipstick, Ray-Bans (I alternate between the 

Wayfarer and Clubmaster depending on my outfit) and my vintage Chanel 

wallet.  A collection of business cards, my debit card, random

gift cards + Metrocards fall out every time I open it, but a full wallet is 

better than an empty one! My sister gave me this vintage Chanel a few

years ago, and for being vintage it seems less than a week old! The leather

is stunning, and having a Chanel item in my wardrobe has always been a

dream of mine.

A few beauty staples that I live for are Benefit's They're Real! mascara and

a concealer by Origins. The mascara gives someone like me with no eyelashes

a boost, and when I'm working and don't have time to go for a full makeover

the concealer keeps me refreshed and red cheek free, which is ideal during

summer. It's also perfect for my teenage skin, with little spots and a pimple

every now and then popping up! Without both, I'd be so lost. 

And of course, some gum and Trader Joe's green tea mints (new obsession)

for when I'm starving! Usually there is Kind bars, trail mix, fruit etc in 

my bag but forgot to add into this picture! 

What do you keep in your bag? 

xoxo

Miss Fashionista

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Punk: Chaos to Couture

A recreation of the bathroom at New York's CBGB from 1975

Punk. The newest exhibit at the Met. Punk: Chaos to Couture has aroused a new sense 

of rocker punk fashion and controversy surrounding the portrayal of edginess

and collections shown at the exhibit. Walking into the exhibit at first glance

 is intriguing. Sex Pistols and Joan Jett jumps right to your mind with black spiked

hair, bright pinks that are daring and bold, and reminiscent of a time machine bringing

us back to the past. A very provocative exposure of the punk time period with

a mix of sex, drugs and high fashion. Blaring music is eery and creepy but

doesn't take away from the exhibit and instead adds a sense of what 

punk really is. 

The exhibit is a timeline (an accurate one) of how bands and artists (Sex Pistols,

Ramones, Sid Vicious) have made a name for themselves in the era of punk

and rock and roll, and are now recognized for their efforts in establishing 

a full decade of rebellion and anti-establishment that has been picked up and

introduced by Vivienne Westwood, McQueen, and Galliano, among others. 

Designers are inspired by the concept of steering away from what the public

wants to see on the runways and has been pushed in the direction of going

towards giving the public the opportunity to embrace a new generation and

become something they may not have considered before. 

Hardware, Bricolage, Graffiti and Agitprop, and Destroy are the topics of 

the exhibition, which I believe was portrayed fairly well and on point. 

Everything I imagined to be under the topic of "punk" like studs, holes, 

rocker tank tops, and black was involved and featured. Many designers 

aesthetics were inspired by the era, and that shows through in every look 

on display. A few confusing pieces were ball gowns made out of black plastic

bags, which to me isn't much of fashion but more like a waste of plastic 

bags. Somewhat too juvenile and un-experienced (more college level)

than the other looks on display, which was disappointing to witness. 

My thoughts? A fabulous exhibit. In depth, sophisticated, edgy, and a blank

portrait of the punk era. A little bit too commercialized and "glamorous"

but overall left little to be desired and much to be anticipated. The most 

important aspect is how the person viewing it would relate to the looks.

Whether it be the newest generation of teenagers and their obsession with 

social media and YouTube, or the older generation who used to take out 

their radios and pierce each others ears while their parents fumed with 

anger in the background, Punk: Chaos to Couture is an event no 

fashionista should miss. Even if you're more of a pink lace and fru-fru

girl, this will make you want to take out all your tops and cut holes in 

them (or just buy a few new Brandy Melville tanks.) 

xoxo

Miss Fashionista

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Latest Insta-Date

My first attempt at gluten-free vegan waffles! Topped with fresh fruit, low-fat 

shredded coconut, carob chips, almonds, coconut ice cream + pure maple syrup.

Stunning new Gucci flats my friend gave to me since they didn't fit her! Brand new!

Classic and the ideal Gucci essential shoe. 

What I wore to brunch on Mother's Day: Gap dress, Gucci flats, Apart jacket, Rachel

Reinhardt necklace. 

Currently listening to: A mix between the Great Gatsby soundtrack, Tyga + Iggy

Azalea. 

Rocking my new MK watch for the first time in the city! Also with my studded Cultures

of Love bracelet that never seems to fail at astonishing me. I love the creativity and edginess

of it. 

Punk at the Met exhibit! Expect another post on it this week, but the exhibition was

INCREDIBLE. Definitely represented every aspect of punk with designers like 

Helmut Lang, Vivienne Westwood, McQueen...a must see if you are in the city. 

And the best part...I'd wear everything! 

Hope you had a lovely weekend- I'm headed back to CT today :( only a few months

till summer! 

xoxo

Miss Fashionista

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Wearing Overalls

Chanel bag//Converse//Topshop overalls (similar) 

There is something incredible about wearing denim or denim on denim: 

the mix between an eclectic and sophisticated style that someone only like

The Man Repeller can pull off. Overalls have been around for decades now,

since school children would pair them with lace up tennis shoes and their

lunch box and head off to school, while teenagers and young adults wear

them with wedge sneakers and an oversized cutoff underneath today. They
come in and out of fashion every season with new bloggers, editors, models
always trying to fit them into their wardrobe with a new way to wear them.
Less is more. They are a simple style that doesn't need to be dressed up, but
doesn't need to be dressed entirely down without a few statement or key
pieces. Think bold necklaces, bright shoes, intriguing bracelets, hats, 
headbands...accessories contribute to the trend enormously. 

Longer overalls can be worn with sexy stilettos or black slingback heels 

for a night on the town, and short overalls can be worn with Converse

and a leather jacket to rock at school. I created two completely different

sets here (both that would look amazing on anyone) with two versatile

and distinct styles: the edgy, rocker chick willing to take a huge 

style risk with leather overalls, while the first set is more classic and 

young, but still chic and modern. If you're in the market to purchase 

a pair, try Delia's, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, and Zara. Scout for shades

of lighter blues for a feminine more summery look, or darker blues

if it's more convenient for you to wear them to (say) a dinner party,

meeting, or even work (with appropriate other attire, of course.)
Overalls are slowly becoming my summer staple and recommendation
for a modern chick or anyone in between looking to play up their summer
style. 

Are you into the recurring overall trend? How do you rock this 

timeless piece? 

Viparo lambskin overalls (similar)//Monki blouse (affordable + similar here)//Steve Madden wedge sneaker //Celine sunglasses// Obey hat (similar)

xox

Miss Fashionista

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Karlie's Kookies- My Recipe

If you don't know about Karlie's Kookies by now but call yourself part 

of the fashion industry, it's time you get with the program mini fashionista.

Designed by the tall, thin, and beautiful supermodel Ms. Karlie Kloss and 

NYC dessert bar Momofoku, Karlie's Kookies are a "fashionably wholesome

cookie line" with a portion of proceeds donated to support the organization

"feed."

They are gluten-free, (pretty much) vegan, dairy free, and healthy!

If supermodels can eat them, they must be delicious and keep you

thin, right? Watch this video here to see Karlie and Jourdan Dunn 

make them with a step-by-step demonstration. I added some extra 

goodies to mine and a little bit of something different to hold the 

cookies together better, but otherwise followed the recipe exactly.

For $22, you can purchase directly through Momofoku a tin of 10 

cookies. You will have 15 at your disposable for less than $10 right

now. Is there anything better? 

Trader Joe's is becoming my favorite store, which is insane if you 

know my obsession with Whole Foods. However, the downside is

the crazy expensive cost of pretty much every food in the store unless

you are willing to lick the floor of extra crumbs. Everything at Whole

Foods can be found at Trader Joe's for HALF the price or more! A 

bag of almond flour is $13 at Whole Foods and $6 at TJ's. Plus, 

the majority is still organic and the food is high quality + delicious.

If you're on a budget but still want organic and gluten-free etc products,

try this grocery store out. 

My favoriteeee chocolate chips! Gluten-free, vegan and only a few 

ingredients. They aren't super low in calories, but will satisfy any

craving and you don't need to feel like a full bag will satisfy you. 

If watching calories, high-quality cocoa powder will also do. 

Karlie's Kookies: My Refined Version

Low-fat, gluten-free, vegan (if using agave/maple syrup) 

Makes approx. 15 cookies

2 cups almond flour

1 cup gluten-free oats

2 tbsp. coconut flour (optional)

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 tsp. baking soda

1 tablespoon high quality vanilla

sprinkle of cinnamon/nutmeg

1/2 cup olive oil

3 tbsp. flaxseed with 6 tbsp. water (optional, just thickens) OR 1 tbsp. xanthan gum

1/4 cup maple syrup/honey/agave

1 cup chocolate chips 

1/4 cup toasted almonds 

OPTIONAL ADD-INS: shredded low-fat coconut, various nuts, cranberries/raisins

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl, make a hole in center and add in wet ingredients. Mix together until sticky and thick, cover baking sheet with wax paper + spray with oil lightly, stick in oven for 6-8 minutes (mine needed about 12+). Voila! 

You have Karlie Kloss' cookies that don't cost $22 for 10.

On the topic of charity, I recently came across a great site called 

CampusBookRentals.com, which is a site where anyone in school

can rent textbooks from for an affordable price, since everyone in 

college is always on a budget! They have partnered with Operation 

Smile to donate over 1,000 cleft lip surgeries, to children in need, which

touched my heart how a website is generous enough to take a portion of

their profits and donate the money to a charitable and life changing cause.

I always feel so much better about purchasing from a site or brand if 

they happen to donate a portion to charity, and Campus Book Rentals

manages to do so. If you would like to learn more about Operation Smile,

please go here.

xox

Miss Fashionista

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Madison Square Shoot Take 2

Shooting anywhere in NY is inspiring as it is, but shooting in front of

the Flatiron Building right in Madison Square Park was beyond belief.

I'm so fortunate to have the opportunity to travel back and forth from

the country to the city of dreams, and shooting with cabs and people 

all around is the best inspiration anyone can get.

A few more shots from my shoot with The Promotion Factory a few 

weeks ago! Wore another beautiful trench coat and oversized sweater

in Madison Square Park, where there was a new installation of wire or

something similar! The installation was incredible, and matched the

 outfit perfectly. I have on a Glam Rock watch and necklace by 1884 

collection. 

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there! My sister came

home for the weekend and we went out to brunch yesterday and today 

I am busy cooking a full meal: coconut pancakes for my mom, raw kale

salad, quinoa etc for my sis and me! SO yum! Hope you are celebrating

the lucky lady in your life. I know mine has been the most inspiring 

person to me and I could never thank her enough for everything and all

the support she has given me. 

P.S. I'll be back in the city next Friday and am attending the "Punk"

exhibit at the MET! Have any of you been? It's supposed to be incredible!

Excited to keep you all updated ;)

xox

Miss Fashionista

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Met Ball: The Good and the Not So Good

Gwen: You are so damn beautiful so why are you in a hot pink dress at a 

punk themed event? No comment on this one...

Katy Perry looks like my grandmother OR an evil ruler from the 1900s in 

Egypt. Props to her for looking more like a nut case than expected!

Oh and Carine...she just looks like a thrift shop. 

Didn't want to include Kate Upton but oh boy her stylist has a handful.

"I didn't really know what punk consisted of" so you dressed like you 

got out of the sea or was one of the characters in The Little Mermaid?

Good for you!

The winner: 

Ding ding ding!!! Kate Bosworth is my choice of favorite outfit from

the Met Ball. I'm still busy debating whether or not it is actually 

punk- some celebrities went a little more rocker esque than Kate,

but this Balmain look is head to toe brilliant. It is sexy but modern

and unique, while still managing to be edgy and a little bit rocker.

The classic black stiletto and wavy relaxed hair just adds to the dress

and doesn't take away. She definitely went with the right designer on

this look. 

I just couldn't help but include Kim. I'll keep my thoughts to myself on

how I feel about her since I love her so much, but you decide if you think

she deserved to be invited looks decent (is that the right word to describe

this?) 

*photos from Vogue.com

The infamous Met Ball. A meeting place for celebrities, models, designers,

people like Kate Upton that do nothing but shake their booty, Kim Kardashian

and everyone in between. This year the theme was punk, which excited me 

because  punk is a range of eras with inspiration from people like

Joan Jett and Elvis, and modern inspiration like Miley Cyrus's love of punk 

looks and designers who incorporate studs (etc) into collections. As I logged on

to my laptop to view the red carpet Monday evening, I was enticed to see 

what the style would be this year. My thoughts were as follows: eh. 

A few celebrities hit it out of the ballpark. SJP (as usual!) and her rock

inspired sexy look with the knee-high velvet Louboutins and her

bird like print dress and wicked Philip Treacy hat. She is unusual, outgoing,

and the outfit was a risk. Isn't that the definition of punk? The ability 

to take risks? If you are a celebrity that is lucky and one of the few to be 

invited to the most elite event in the fashion industry, it is expected that 

every year your look will be out of the box and follow the theme. SJP has

become the expected celebrity who will always wear unexpected looks but

never makes a big mistake at events like this.  

Cara Delevigne and Sienna Miller were the two who actually managed to 

incorporate STUDS into their look! Punk is studs! It is actually quite 

surprising how many celebrities didn't wear studs when studs could 

have been the easiest route for punk. Cara is a classic beauty no

matter what she wears, but I would liked to have seen her with a little 

bit something less expected or a brighter color addition...even something 

more creative on the bottom of the dress. 

Sienna looks lovely and elegant with her goddess like white dress and leather 
jacket, while her hair adds an extra bit of punk rock with the studded 
headband and pulled back hair. I couldn't imagine her in anything more
flattering. The true definition of punk. 

Who are your favorites and who are you not so in love with? 

xox

Miss Fashionista

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