MASCULIN + FÉMININ

1/2/3/4/5/6
A little fashion week street style inspiration for you. Do you have a favorite? I think I'd wear each and every one of these looks. 

How have you been? I am back from my summer travels and have so many photos to share with you. Even though I've had such an incredible time exploring, working and meeting new friends in my travels, I am quite looking forward to staying put for a while, making meals at home and catching up on blogging; because when it comes down to it, there's no place like home. 

SNAPSHOTS FROM NYC

I kept putting off editing these photo because I had such an amazing time in New York, I almost wanted to preserve the memory of it. On this trip I made a point not to pick up my camera too often. I really wanted to take in the city and spend time with my sister and friends without it getting in the way. Of course now I'm kicking myself because there were so many amazing restaurants and charming streets to photograph. But I guess there is always next time. I just need to make sure another two years don't go by before I visit this fine city again. I strangely feel at home in New York. I hope at some point I get to live there, even just for a few months. 

**incase you were wondering, the people in the photos above are my boyfriend James, my sister Merry and my friend Sam. 

LATELY

The last few weeks have been truly amazing. New York was perfect from start to finish and a lot of that is thanks to my sister Merry and my dear friend Teissia. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday. I promise photos from our trip are coming next week. Since returning life has been hectic to say the least and haven't yet had time to look through them. But I guess that's what this weekend will be for, along with some mandatory relaxation. Any fun plans this weekend? I'm looking forward to spending more time with my sister Sarah, brother in law and my nephew who are in town from Italy. I don't get to see them nearly enough, so I'm treasuring every bit of time I get to spend with them. 
Here is a little look at my life of late and a few of the sweet things making me smile... 

NEW YORK CITY

Today we're headed to one of my favorite cities in the world to celebrate my 30th birthday. It has been almost two years since I was in New York and perhaps this sounds dramatic, but It's felt like something has been missing in my life. I love Los Angeles endlessly, but there is something about New York City. The energy, the style- it wakes me up from my sleepy California life {ok, it's not that sleepy}. I chose to spend my birthday there because not only does the city make me feel alive, but some of my favorite people live there. It's also where I started to fall in love with my boyfriend three years ago and for that it will always hold a special place in my heart. I'll be blogging and instagraming while I'm there, so make sure to follow me @sweetthingblog}. 

 There's not enough time to try all the restaurants on our list, but if you have any favorites I'd love to hear them. These are just a few I currently have bookmarked {I know it's excessive}...
ABC Kitchen | Maialino | Joseph  Leonard | Maison Premiere | Roberta's | Battersby | Hotel Delmano | Traif | Red Rooster | Marlow and Sons | Wythe Hotel | Momofuku | Gramercy Tavern | Saxon and Parole | Gemma | The Wren | Prune | Rye | Governor 

{photo & design by me}

CITY STYLE

1. Acne Rita Shearling Jacket $1,809
2. Wool Hat $19.99
3. Oliver Camera Strap $95
4. Leather Backpack $248
5. Rachel Comey Boots $450
6. Madewell Silk Boyshirt $110
7. Acne High Rise Jeans $200

Tomorrow we're headed to New York and this is what I fantasize wearing while I roam the city, camera in hand. It's only a dream because there's no way it will be cold enough for that amazing Acne jacket with projected temps in the 80's. Nor do I own it. Sigh. 

 {photo via zara}

TWO THINGS

one. my dear friend Teissia of Firefly Events is looking for two amazing interns in NYC. If you've been wanting to break in to the wedding planning business and learn from the best, this would be an incredible opportunity. Check out Firefly's blog, First Fête for more info on how to apply.

two. here in LA, a few of my friends have put together a series of craft nights called Midsummer Nights Crafts hosted by Shelter Half. It looks like so much fun, I'm dying to attend. There is limited space, so make sure to RSVP. Check out the blog for more information.

{photo by jana williams, poster by lauren spencer king}

LAST YEAR AT THIS TIME

It's always fun to take a look back at what you were up to a year ago- to see what has changed in your life and what things have stayed the same. Last year at this time the boy and I were about to head to NYC {blog post here}. It was the last time we were both there, now that I think about it. Maybe it's this painful 90 degree weather we've been having, but I can't stop thinking about New York in the Fall. Some of my favorite memories are from the times we've been there together. It's truly a magical place and I hope I'm lucky enough to make my way back there soon. 

Any fun plans for the weekend? All I want is to be near a pool. Crossing my fingers I can make that happen. Happy Weekend! xx   

SWEET STYLE. THE BOWREY

Wouldn't life have it that the one day/night I bring my camera out (that thing is heavy!) in NYC,  I am wearing two pieces that have already been featured on Sweet Thing. Of course I wore four other outfits the rest of the trip and there isn't one photo to prove it. Ah well, it happens. This time I am wearing my new favorite H&M dress with tights (that never came off) and my old favorite leather jacket.
What an awesome day...we went to brunch at The Smith with my sister and her boyfriend, visited with friends in the LES, saw a few CMJ shows then back uptown to have vino with more friends...


wearing: 
h&m dress first shown here and here
j. crew tights
iro leather jacket
sam edelman boots
foley and corinna bag
zara scarf
fenton/fallon for j. crew necklace
rings from bhavantu and gorjana
opi big apple red nailpolish

PACKING FOR NYC. FASHION WEEK

Well I am off to NYC today for the IFB Evolving Influence Conference and for Fashion Week. What an exciting time to be in New York! I can't wait to meet my fellow fashion bloggers at the IFB event. 
Packing for this trip has not been easy. First of all trying to fit all my shoes in one medium sized suitcase along with outfits stylish enough for fashion week. Second, planning my outfits so I can just grab one that matches my mood and go...
OK, maybe ten pairs of shoes are too many, so I narrowed it down to six. I am also bringing two leopard tops ~ one from Topshop one from Zara, my Tucker for Target tank from here, two hats ~ one F21 and one from Coin in Italy, my favorite sequin jacket from Topshop, lots of emerald green and my most favorite addition...my Fenton/Fallon for J Crew Necklace (a birthday gift from my girlies).
(Toiletries from here, Nail Polish first shown here, Necklace and Bracelet from J Crew, Rings from here and here)

There will still be daily posts while I am gone. So check back! xx

ROY LICHTENSTEIN AT THE GAGOSIAN NYC

I am having so much fun in NYC, minus the the airline loosing my bag for the first 13 hours and the extreme heat. I will never get used to the humidity here, or at least my hair wont.

The boyfriend and I went to the Gagosian Gallery the other day to check out an exhibit of his favorite artist, Lichtenstein. The exhibit is running through July 30th so if you happen to be in NYC, there is still time to see it. It's a collection of still lives, which to be honest, I had no idea he had so many. We snuck in a few instax photos while we were there and I am thrilled with the result. I had to share...



NYC. SNEAK PEAK

I would like to start by saying thank you to the lovely Katy Shelor for being a guest blogger on Sweet Thing while I was gone. Great post Katy!

So I am back from a whirl wind of a trip to NYC. It was so fun and flew by! I have some sweet photos to share with you, although I don't have time today to post them all, so I thought I would start with my Fuji Instax photos...



The end.

I HEART THE ACE HOTEL

It looks like I will be making two visits to The Ace Hotel in the next few weeks. One in NYC and one in Palm Springs. Lucky me! The Ace Hotel is a boutique hotel chain with locations in Palm Springs, New York, Portland and Seattle. I'm off to New York City with the boyfriend at the end of the month and I can't wait to stop by The Ace NY for a cocktail. It hold sentimental value since I started to fall for him at that very hotel back in December. Sigh.
 The Ace NYC was a winner for the best of the year 2009 merit award for interior design by Roman and Williams, and I can see why. The lobby is vintage-modern, almost cabin-like, with touches of taxidermy and Americana. I could spend hours here sitting with a stumptown coffee (NY's version of Intelligentsia), pretending to read a paper but really people watching.
The rooms are kind of like hip dorm rooms. Each one is unique though. Most have record players and a collection of vinyl for your hipster pleasure. 


After I pop in to the new Opening Ceremony that opened on the ground floor of The Ace back in February, I will have to grab a sub from No. 7 Sub also inside The Ace. With ingredients like pickled blueberries and crushed up bbq potato chips, I simply must have one!


For all you old school hip hop lovers, Q-Tip (of A Tribe Called Quest) spins at The Ace NY every Friday starting at 10pm in the Liberty Hall. This totally appeals to the 16 year old me. I had the biggest crush on Q-Tip and I stand by my claim that he has the second sexiest voice next to Caleb Folowill of Kings of Leon.       _______________________________________________________
A week later I'm off to the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs. Wow, I am jealous of myself. I sound like such a jetsetter! Both of these hotels are a photographers dream. Visually there is something beautiful and quirky at every turn. I can't wait to get out the red Holga!

The Ace Palm Springs was once an old Howard Johnson's motel from the late 60's. The geniuses at Commune (a Los Angeles design firm), transformed it into a haute-bohemian paradise. The rooms are quite reasonably priced by Palm Springs standards, and the entire hotel is run off solar power. Chic and environmentally friendly, love it!


Make sure to stop by The Ace bar, The Amigo Room for a Figa (a house-infused fig vodka with earl grey tea and honey tangerine) and hop in the b&w photo booth. Don't miss The Cotija Off The Cob (Mexican corn with cotija cheese, lime and cayenne) at The Ace restaurant, The Kings Highway. It is amazing!
Check out The Ace Hotel's Twitter for hotel deals and updates.
(Photos by Sarah Yates and The Ace Hotel)

CITY LOVE

In 2007 Jenny Beorkrem struggled trying to find a stylish poster of her beloved city Chicago. She decided to make her own and Ork Posters was born. Since then many more cities have been added to the mix, like this one of my sweet city Los Angeles...
Or this one of my other favorite place, New York $22...
I love the graphics! I will be purchasing the Los Angeles poster for my bedroom wall. It's only $22
This one above of The Heart $18 is a new addition. It is so clever! I think I will get them both!


If you would rather wear your city pride, check out this necklace from Maya Brenner...
The California 14 carat gold with diamond necklace is $300. You can get the diamond moved to your city as long as it's on the coast. She makes one for every state, even Hawaii...
Prices range from $120-$300