NYC Street Style ; Walk

It's FINALLY spring here in NYC and the weather has been absolutely beautiful. Today, I've put together an outfit perfect for those nice walks on 40-50 degree days.

Location: Lincoln Center, NYC

I've paired my Cream Studded Collar shirt from Nasty Gal with a Black/ Grey Cardigan from Urban and my American Eagle Jean Jacket for some nice layers. Mixing textures is super important here to collectively add a nice balance up on top.

As for the bottom, I've paired a floral skirt from Forever 21 with thick navy tights from American Eagle. I have a few rips in these stockings, but I don't mind still wearing them out- I actually think they add some character to the look.

As for my purse, I'm carrying this adorable maroon cross body bag from Urban. Gold accents will do a wonderful job of picking up other bright colors or accents within any outfit!I've paired this look with my favorite brown Steve Madden Combat boots.Nails- ncLA "I Don't Play Nice" Nail Wraps [LOVE THESE! check them out at Shopjeen.com]
Cheers! xalanna martine

Put Some Spring In Your Step

As of March 20th, Spring was to begin! The start of warm sunshine, crisp breezes, and plenty of pastels. However, I do not think Mother Nature got the memo....

With snow, rain, sun, and clouds it seems as if we have had a bit of all four seasons packed into one week! But as of the 20th, I made it my mission to put some "Spring" in my step and some color to brighten up my day. Even if nature didn't know it was Spring, why should we have to wait?

I pulled out my white pants, teal pastel button up, navy cable-knit sweater, coral statement necklace, and a pair of pointed navy ballet flats.

Maybe my positive "bring on Spring" energy worked,

 for today was a lovely sunny day!

Always, Miss C

NYC Street Style : Casual Spring Attire for School!

Today, I’ve contrasted a classic silhouette with some edge.

Keeping true to a school-like look, I’ve paired a dark wash pair of Pac Sun Jeggings with a beautiful JCrew Wool Tan Blazer.

However, if you know me, I hardly rock a preppy blazer without a cool graphic print. I’ve paired my spring blazer with a sweet graphic sleeveless tee from Brandy Melville, (perhaps one of my favorite new stores). I love love love this print- not only is it an ode to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but it also has some subtle stars and stripes. Since it’s still only around 45 degrees here in New York City, I put a black cardigan from Urban Outfitters on top of this summery tee. It’s all about layering in those changing spring months.

Finally, to enhance the edge a bit more, I paired my brown Steve Madden Combat boots with high cream/speckled socks. Lately, I’ve been loving the trend of knee-socks and boots. It’s a nice opportunity to pick up and enhance certain tones of the outfit, (as well as the fact that your feet will always be nice and warm!) Finally, finished with my Raybans and studded white bag from Nordstrom’s bp, I’m set for a day of classes!  Cheers, xo alanna martine

La Femme Paris

I once heard that, 

“You're never alone when you're reading a book.”

I myself have never been an avid reader. But when I do find a good book, I find often myself lost amongst the pages.

And for one book in particular, this quote rang true. 

A year ago, I heard about this new novel called, "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain . Intrigued by its 1920's Parisian setting, I knew that this might be a book I could actually finish!

The story starts out with a young lady named Haley Richardson. Haley came from a dysfunctional family, and was urning to leave the confines of her simple life.

However on one trip to visit a friend in Chicago, Haley's life seemed to change. Haley met a young writer by the name of Ernest Hemingway, and this was the beginning of a passionate, sad, and true love affair. The story follows the young couple's journey to Paris where they struggle to find their place along with fellow writers such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ezra Pound.

"The Paris Wife" became so much more than a book to read by the beach. I felt as if I was there and a part of the Hemingway's lives. This novel taught me valuable lessons on love, life, and loss. I most definitely recommend checking it out the next time you pass by the book store!

Always, Miss. C

“Sometimes I wish we could rub out all of our mistakes and start fresh, from the beginning,’ I said. ‘And sometimes I think there isn’t anything to us but our mistakes.” - The Paris Wife

Monday Musts

must taste

lately i have been loving branching out in the food & beverages section. when i stumbled upon these two on pintrest i knew that i had to try them asap!! on the left we have a Lavender Lemonade recipe and on the right we have a Healthy Hawaiian Blizzard. I can not wait for spring to pop up and to start having some fun with fashion and with flavors. 

must diy

easter is rapidly approaching and so is spring, so why not crack open a new shell and try something more on the untraditional side of things. on the right hand side we have our classic mason jars (ps they are my favorite things ever!!!) just taken and painted to five an awesome effect that is both beautiful and personal!! on the right there is a more easter(y) craft, when i was younger i used to be obsessed with painting my easter eggs and leaving them out for the bunny. now 15+ years later i am obsessed with new ways to create things, such as more modern easter eggs. 
must buy

when i first saw these two, it was like love at fist sight!! this dress from modcloth is perfect for spring time, it is lightweight, a beautiful cut, and has a spash of some fabulous colors. the necklace to the right is the cheery on top! this mint bubble necklace adds prep and ellegange to this recipe! 

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Put Your Best Self Forward

On Friday mornings when my alarm goes off at 7:30am, I sometimes wished I owned a pair of sweatpants and a oversized hoodie. Dressing up sounds too hard and that extra 30 minutes of sleep would be just what I needed!

But then I remember my daily mantra...

"If you look good, you feel good.

And if you feel good, you'll do good."

I see too often my peers rolling up to class in last night's makeup or the sweats they slept in.

That my darling, is not acceptable!

Dressing well is not a matter of money or based on your knowledge of fashion. Dressing well is a matter of maturity. It is putting your best self forward in a presentable and becoming way for others to see and respect. 

That is why this week I put together a simple outfit for those sleepy Friday mornings!

Always, Miss C

This black striped knit shirt is comfortable and classic! (cheap too! Forever21, $7) Complimenting it with a mint jeweled necklace gives this simple pairing a pop of color. The tailored pant adds structure. And to pull it all together, slide on some black flats and start your day!