Kendra's NYC night out!

I was asked by Kendra Thornton, a travel expert who has been featured on television, to come up with an outfit for her upcoming trip to NYC. Read the challenge:

"I am so excited  that my upcoming trip is all I can talk about or think about. The only slight problem I see on my otherwise bright horizon is my limited clothes choices. As a mom of 3 kids, my wardrobe is more suburban frumpy than city chic. It is just that clothes have not always been a priority. I know that with a little help from some fashion experts and those in the know, I can get my wardrobe in shape in time for my trip. To find that help, I have created the Kendra Fashion Challenge! I’ll be visiting New York City to spend a couple nights in one of the cities best hotels, The Standard High Line Hotel.

While visiting the city, we have a special outing planned. At the corner of 13th and Washington Streets, sits the public Standard Plaza. There is no other square quite like it in lower Manhattan. In the winter months, cold weather lovers can enjoy the skating rink at this square and enjoy a warm snack at Alpine Kaffeeklatsch. At all times of the year, this square plays host to some of the best large art installations, featuring such artists as Erwin Wurm, Kaws and Kenny Scharf. Snacks. In the summer months, snacks are created from fresh produce from Locusts Farms in upstate New York along with a variety of gelatos and sorbets made there. It is going to be an exciting afternoon and evening.

I know that to enjoy my time at Standard Plaza I need to look my best in a new outfit put together during my challenge. Planning this trip faced some other challenges. When a group travels to a new city like my friends and I, everyone has their own list of “must see” places. I used Gogobot to help determine, which places to see and things to do were the highest rated. This made creating the perfect itinerary that suited everyone a snap. I know that walking around the city or visiting a luxurious hotel such as the Standard High Line Hotel will be a lot more enjoyable with a new outfit and great look."

I loved this idea, so I created a Pinterest board with a bunch of options for her NYC trip. I solely used shopbop.com to make life easier should Kendra want to make a purchase.


I also tried to keep all options under $200, but I couldn't help the occasional splurge!

I love simple statements. A bit of a dichotomy with wording, but it makes sense to me. I love an eye-catching outfit that is easy to wear.

I generally go with dresses because it's one piece and done. For Kendra, I decided to go with rompers and jumpers. They are also one pieces, but I think much more fun for day and night.

I focused quite a bit on jewelry because I believe accessories can make any outfit pop. Jewelry and other accessories can change the mood, the appeal and the feel of any outfit.

The pictures make up my favorite outift for Kendra's night out, but definitely check out my pinterest board. I have many more options to mix and match!

 http://www.pinterest.com/hockiemack/kendras-night-out/

Gilt Warehouse Sale introduced me to Anna Beck

Yesterday I went to the Gilt.com warehouse sale hosted in Boston. I dressed appropriately in tight-fitting clothes that would allow me to try on clothes without having to waste time in the fitting room. I only had 2 hours to find amazing deals!

Recently I've been obsessed with jewelry. Ok fine, I guess I've always loved jewelry. However, I've finally mustered up courage to wear what I own and love, to let go of what I doubt I'll wear and to purchase fabulosity.

The jewelry table at the warehouse sale had a flat rate of $20 for everything on the table. I scoured through each box of jewels, many housing broken pieces. Then I saw it. This gorgeous ring.

The ring has an "ancient" appeal. The craftmenship is meticulous and stunning.  I instantly nabbed it for myself and went on my merry way shopping for other goodies at the sale.

When I got home, I did an internet search on Anna Beck. Visiting the website is when I realized I had scored big with my purchase. The least expensive ring I could find on AnnaBeck.com is $135... did I mention I got my ring for $20?

I love an amazing deal, but I also love the introduction to new artists. The company is a duo-team of sisters. Becky Hosmer designs and sister Rachels manages. You can learn more about them and browse the jewelry on AnnaBeck.com

I am officially a fan of Anna Beck! I look forward to showcasing this ring as much as possible!

Proenza Schlouler Designs

As a mathematician at heart, there's something appealing about the geometric influence in Proenza Schouler's designs. Check out the collections on the Proenza Schouler website. I particularly like the darker, brooding colors with a hint of pizazz for this year's Spring. It's a bit more my taste.



I found a few items available for purchase at Bergdorf Goodman, but I'm hoping to find the designs I particularly want somewhere soon. Click on the photo and you should be taken to my recommendation on ThisNext.com.



Granted I most likely will not be purchasing any Proenza Schouler clothes right off the runway, but like most designers now-a-days Proenza Schouler offers a cheaper collection available at Target.