note to self

For an easy weekend outfit, I'm all about this Red 23 perforated top and a denim pencil (newly obsessed) with minimal accessories - this pair of Shoemint dorsay flats and a Rue Gembon pearl choker that I'm really getting into. Yeah, chokers are back with a vengeance.

And I feel like if I write this here, I'll get it done. Note to self: get my Mac fixed as soon as possible.

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uniform

Photos by Alvin

French Connection cropped shirt  |  Big Star jeans  |  French Connection backpack  |  Ettika bracelet  |  ShoeMint boots (similar)

A uniform that I don't mind adhering to. Leather-like, broken-in skinnies, a cropped white button down and the ultimate backpack for everything.

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schoolgirl crush

Photos by Paulina

H&M dress  |  French Connection jacket  |  Rovi Moss crossbody  |  Richer Poorer socks  |  ShoeMint boots (similar red ones!)

The thing that I'm always most excited for when New York Fashion Week rolls around is when everyone comes in from out of town - never mind that New York is 0 degrees and freezing - people venture out anyway! I applaud all of you coming in from California by the way, and I love when all y'all visit. I've literally been telling everyone to come visit when it's not hectic and chaotic during MBFW. 

So now onto the outfit - wore this on just a regular day of work, headed to a nice sweet lunch with Claire and Jenn because by now, both of them are (hopefully) back on the West Coast, nice and warm. Really into into the navy pleats and the immense opportunity to layer with this piece - and pockets. Pockets were really the deal-breaker for me. 

Hope everyone's staying warm out there! 

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draped and ready

Photos by Landon
gifted Choies blazer  |  handmade T from Eli  |  gifted Alice & Pink skirt  |  ShoeMint shoes

I've been looking all my life for a skirt like this and was debating for while on splurging on the Helmut Lang version but when I received this skirt in the mail (and had to get the black one too!) - the fabric and the fit turned out to be just as luxurious as anything I could buy for $140 for a fraction of the price. The skirt can be dressed up or dressed down with a T and a blazer, it can be dressed sideways, backways, any way you think of. And it's in grey - possibly my favorite color ever.

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the kimono

Photos by Landon

Gypsy Warrior crop top  |  H&M sweat shorts (similar)  |  vintage Armani silk shirt  |  ShoeMint shoes

I've been sporting a crop top more days than socially accepted, and I'm so all right with that. And onto this kimono business, I don't own a legitimate kimono, but this silk shirt really does the trick. I found this oversized Armani vintage silk shirt way back when and took off the collar and voilà - the easiest kimono DIY you've ever seen. 

Also, the perfect sunglasses are probably waiting for you at IVORY+MASON with the code KRISTEN50 for half off your first purchase!

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pushing daisies

Photos by Paulina

thrifted top  |  gifted Motel Rocks skirt  |  ShoeMint flats

There's nothing like a good daisy print to put a little bit of fun in your outfit. Two different daisy prints though? I thought I'd try it. This Motel Rocks skirt has such a minimal daisy print that it was easy to pair it with this wilder top that I thrifted a few weeks ago (what a find, right?). Motel always has the cutest prints, Arizka (girl crush, yo) rocked a long, maxi version of this print and I just had to go with the same title from one of her other posts (girl really loves her daisies). I paired it with a denim shirt this past weekend - on Instagram - confirming that this is gonna go with basically everything I have in my closet. 

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take a walk

Photos by Landon

Civil Clothing camo tee  |  Sugarlips jacket  |  H&M skirt  |  Elizabeth & James flatforms

I've been waiting for the first few days of spring so that I could wear these ankle-breaking babies. I bought these flatforms last year and they've been sitting on the floor of my room, collecting dust and catching glimpses from everyone that passes it by. Yes, they're a look. They're definitely a look. But paired with a go-to camo tee and an embroidered white jacket, they fall quite perfectly in the mix. 

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vintage heaven

Photos by Landon

Manhattan Vintage sheer slip  |  MIKOH Swimwear dress  |  Sugarlips jacket  |  ShoeMint heels

I have to get back into the groove of thrifting and hunting for those vintage pieces. I used to live on it - more than half my wardrobe was comprised of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces! I'll probably be stopping by the Manhattan Vintage Show this weekend (Friday and Saturday at the Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 West 18th Street!) to get my vintage groove back. This gorgeous rosette dress really caught my eye with the silhouette, and you know that I gravitate towards anything sheer. 

If any of you are heading over there, shoot me a tweet at @kristengracelam - let's meet up!

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reintroduction to florals

Photos by Landon

gifted Sugarlips top  |  gifted Lulu's trench coat  |  American Eagle boyfriend jeans (similar)  |  ShoeMint heels  |  gifted Westward Leaning sunglasses from Modavanti

When I was first introduced to Modavanti and their dedication to sustainable fashion. All the brands and products available on their site are eco-friendly and they donate 2% of their entire revenue to charity. They carry some pretty incredible brands, I was introduced to Westward Leaning and I was sold after I saw these matte black sunglasses with mirrored lens (Cindy, you need to check these out!). I've been carrying them in my bag hoping for a sunny day in New York City, with spring coming up, I'm sure I'll be rocking these everywhere.

Also, me in peplum? I'm starting to get into it. It cinches in my waist in the best way imaginable. Paired this girly Sugarlips top with my go-to baggy boyfriend jeans and heels. The second look featuring this trench coat had to be spring appropriate.

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functional layers on fifth

Photos by Landon

ShopWasteland varsity jacket (varsity everything)  |  H&M coat  |  Big Star jeans  |  Zara bag  |  ShoeMint heels

An example of functional layers, living in New York's taught me how to layer properly, without suffocating and feeling like a fat marshmallow under them. Keep your layers thin - like this button down - under a thicker sweater. Throw an oversized coat on top of everything and you're ready to brave the infamous Flatiron wind chill. 

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genius is a matter of opinion

Photos by Landon

3.1 Phillip Lim playsuit  |  Target shirt  |  H&M trench coat  |  Uniqlo vest  |  ShoeMint heels  |  Zara bag  

A mindless, almost desperate layering of clothes that resulted in a sort of genius outfit, genius being a matter of opinion. I've also noticed that all of my posts recently (and upcoming posts) have been revolved around the cold weather and layering. I promise I'll get more interesting when the weather gets warmer. Stick with me, guys!

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here take my sweater

Photos by Landon

gifted Friends & Associates shirt dress  |  Zara oversized sweater  |  thrifted briefcase  |  gifted Soxxy socks  |  ShoeMint boots

I've been brainstorming ways to wear this gorgeous shirt dress from Friends & Associates after that intro that I did way back when. Sure, it's chic and minimal by itself, but only a crazy person wouldn't wear sleeves in this weather. I opted for my trusty oversized sweater to drop off the shoulder and show some of the beautiful pleating and contrast collar and to show its enormous versatility with cute striped socks and classic brown boots. 

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white flare

Photos by Landon

Gap sweater  |  H&M necklace  |  H&M skirt (similar)  |  ShoeMint heels  |  ShoeMint satchel

I can't get over the fullness of this skirt. The texture - hopefully you can see it - consists of a pattern of raised dots that are both whimsical and classy. A white skirt is going to do wonders when the weather gets warmer, with a little crop top, with an oversized sweater. I gotta say though, I'm channeling a little bit of that Kate Spade essence introduced in my last post, right? My next goal, get this cool Kate Spade number and add to my growing skirt collection.

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rainy day default

Photos by Paulina

thrifted puffy moto jacket  |  Hot Topic ombre skinnys  |  ShoeMint boots

It was too warm to snow and too cold to rain - it was that sort of in between sleet that everyone hates. I went with an all black outfit, because that just seems to be everyone's default color. I dedicate this post to Fez, the creator of the term #gorgcouture and dresses everyday like he's going to the chicest funeral ever. 

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