Category: Fashion

iCovet Fridays: Old Navy Spring Preview

Last night, my girl Lauren of Everyday to Runway invited me to the Old Navy Summer Preview as her guest.

The event, which took place in the brand’s beautiful downtown showroom, was so colorful that it made us both feel bad for wearing the New Yorker’s Uniform: dark denim, black, navy, and grey. In fact, this will probably be the most color you see on Writing with Wine (who’s brand guidelines also follow the NYer’s Uniform). I entered the space and totally fell in love with the adorable decor: yellow plexi campfires, weathered wooden oars, canvas tents, and the cutest little accent bulbs, all of which I wanted in my home, pronto.

The preview was exactly what I expected, but that’s because I love Old Navy. I discovered the brand my freshman year in college, when I vowed to stop squeezing my feet into shoes a size too small. Not just applying to their shoe selection (which is cute, trendy, and available in size 11 for tall girls like me), Old Navy offers cute styles at affordable prices. I already live by Old Navy fitness products. And beyond that, I caught a glimpse of my future: Maiah (in Old Navy) goes to Martha’s Vineyard. Let the summer countdown begin!

A few of my favorites:

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These items will be in available for your shopping pleasure in April & May (I personally can’t wait. I gave up shopping for lent and all your girl wants is a sandal and a comfy tee).

 

Appendix:
*All photos are my own, taken and edited with my iPhone 4s.
*No formal compensation was provided for this review. All opinions are my own. An adorable gift bag was offered on my way out (thank you!).

A Small Selection of Things I Cannot Live Without: Winter

I’m so excited to say that we are nearing spring but tonight’s thermostat might declare otherwise. Despite the groundhog confirming we wouldn’t have 6 more weeks of winter, the weather is only feeling more brash. It’s at this time that I’m very thankful for a few of my winter classics that I’ve put into good use over this year. Here’s an overview of the items that have saved my life since November:

Winter Must Haves

One: A Colorful & Warm Beanie
I initially bought a green beanie for My Honey but promptly hijacked it for myself. According to him, heat escapes from our heads so what’s better than a bright accessory to keep the warmth?

Two: A Leopard Print Eternity Scarf
I’ve donned the same leopard scarf since last fall. It was a sneaky find snagged off a mannequin at H&M with no shame. I’m a firm believer that there’s no better accessory than one covered in spots.

Three: A Classic Grey Coat
I love grey as a neutral and feel its so necessary in the winter months. This statement may make me far from a fashionista but I refuse a mustard or red coat in fear that it may clash with my moody latte New York State of mind.

Four: Levi’s Curve ID
I’ll let you in on a little secret – the best time I shop Levi’s is after the winter holiday season. Crazy sales mean amazing jeans giving great butt. My favorite Levi’s store? Downtown NYC on Broadway in Soho.

Five: Target Xhilaration® Sneaker Wedge
Apparently on the last wave of people to discover these gems, I’m totally obsessed with my Xhilaration Wedges. Aside from feeling like Beyonce in Love On Top, they are comfortable and offer great traction during the winter months.

What about you? What can’t you live without in the winter?

Girl About Town: Ideeli’s Spring Fling Press Preview

On Wednesday, March 28th, I was lucky enough to attend the ideeli Spring Fling Press Preview with my girl Lauren of Everyday to Runway. We escaped work at a normal hour (shocking), and made our way from our office’s SoHo digs to the ideeli offices near Canal Street.

I’ve always loved ideeli – I’ve been shopping the site for ages, but loved them even more when I would have the chance to meet some of their team members at fashion week over the years. As we stepped off the elevators, we were greeted by the most adorable spring decor. Gorgeous floral, adorable cake pops, lots of green, and a selection of beverages. It was like walking back into the springtime that we somehow seem to have lost (bring it back, please). We were greeted the very sweet ideeli PR team and given a tour of a number of items on deck for spring time. Check out a few of my favorites below:

1. Adore this nOir Enamel Chain Link Necklace in purple. Part of a Neon sale, the piece is such a wonderful statement necklace. Such a simple way to add a great pop to an outfit. The necklace retains on ideeli for $89.99. Available mid-may.

2. Oh hey, new obsession: La Mer Collections Wrap Watches. I adore these, especially the green on the right in my photo (Odyssey Triple Wrap Watch). The watch face is a completely new design being launched during the upcoming Neon sale (ideeli price: $49.99). I’ll be waiting by my computer come April 16th!

3. I’ll admit it, I’m behind on the Desigual train. That said, these Desigual Lucina Wedges are helping me catch up quickly! Such a fun and exciting pattern for summer – I’m already having visions of these in my closet. And by in my closet I mean on my feet as I run through NYC streets this summer. Apologies in advance for not taking them off. ideeli price: $169.

4. My personal season challenge for spring/summer 2012 is to wear less black. Unfortunately, today I was dressed in nearly all black, but ideeli’s answer to my dilemma is all kinds of lace! The photo shows a small offering of the neon lace that W118 by Walter Baker has to offer, hitting ideeli on April 10th. Part of a fun series called Celeb Style, this curated collection features items coveted by our favorite stars (no joke: when ideeli did a celeb style featuring Kate Middleton I nearly exploded).

5. So impressed by the variety of colored denim being released from Reuse Denim, which features recycled materials in their skinnies. Not only did I die over the teal, but I’ve got my eye on a pair of colorful shorts for the beach! On sale April 19th.

6. If you knew me at all when I was a kid, you know that I LIVED in jellies. LIVED. As in, set up camp with a fire, a tent, and s’mores. So when I was shown the Mel by Melissa Vanilla Jellies, I nearly passed away. Retails on ideeli at $16.99 and goes on sale April 10th.

Finally – thanks to ideeli, one of my lucky Twitter followers will win the nOir Enamel Necklace in Purple! Check out this tweet for instructions on how to enter. Winner announced by 2pm today!

Thanks for a great time, ideeli!

Xx,
Maiah

Girl About Town: Fabsugar x Frye x Bloomies

Saturdays are often classified as “Maiah Days.” 
They usually involve minding my own business, shopping, indulging in manicures and pedicures, and roaming the city. I live for these days.

Excuse the iPhone photo!
On the 22nd, I added a quick bit of fashion fun to my weekend routine by attending a cute event thrown by the FabSugar girls. They partnered with Frye and Bloomingdales (59th Street Location) for a small little celebration. Between how much I adore the Sugar, Inc blogs and how much I love my Frye Boots, it was a no-brainer that I’d have to attend.
The event was intimate. It occupied a small corner of the Shoes on 2nd area of Bloomies and was booming with women. A DJ played smooth beats while we oogled at the boots and models posed – each in an outfit with a pair of Frye boots styled by a FabSugar editor.
The super casual nature offered a nice event experience. While I didn’t stay long, I did enjoy myself. I sipped on some bubbly, entered to win a pair of boots for myself, and drooled over the Carmen Harness Short Boot and the Dorado Lug Riding Boot. I’m a proud owner of the Jane, but should I ever find myself in need of another pair of leather riding boots, I’m going Dorado… or Carmen… or Dorado. 
I was tempted to try a few boots on but there were Frye fanatics everywhere. After hugging the Dorado goodbye, I made my way back to the streets of midtown. But not before trying on a few pieces of David Yurman. Clearly, this girl has a shopping problem.
P.S. Many thanks to Cristina at Sugar, Inc. for the kind email!

Girl About Town: BNO and Cocktails & Couture

That’s the thing about Fashion Week. When I’m working with so many beauty and fashion clients it’s nearly impossible to keep up on my labor of love. Sometimes, rather than burning the midnight oil on a post, a girl just needs her girlfriends and a cocktail. So that’s what I did to get through the week.

Last Friday, September 9th, my coworker and I jumped in a cab and rushed over to Pranna Restaurant for Blogger’s Night Out. The event proved to be the perfect antidote to the previous night’s Fashion’s Night Out festivities (or fiasco). #BNOnyc was organized by six amazing fashion bloggers from all walks of life. Their intentions? To create an opportunity for other bloggers to come together and network (or just have a great time) with drinks sponsored by Voga Italia, polishes by Zoya, glitz and glam by Send the Trend, and shopping opportunities by Shop It To Me, Sole Society, OpenSky, and Tortoise & Blonde. Hoping the girls decide to make it a bi-annual party so I can indulge again in February. Is it really too much to ask? Fingers crossed!

The next night, I met up with the girls again for the Cocktails & Couture party. The event was held at Bo Concept and hosted by the fabulous Lianne Farbes. Guests were privy to 3 specialty cocktails by X-Rated Fusion Liqueur, which I’ve been dying to try and was lucky enough to be gifted a small sample for my home. The event itself was so much fun – it was put together by my PR girl crush, Christina Rice of LuxeLife Media. Guests were an interesting range of New Yorkers, bloggers, fashionistas, and more. I was awestruck when Wendy Lam of nitro:licious walked by, and thrilled when LoveBrownSugar perched her gorgeous self on the arm of the sofa I was sitting on for a little chat. Love that girl!

Larissa, Allison, Christina & I
Guests indulged in manicures by CND, hair demos by title sponsor Indique Hair, skincare tips by Specific Beauty, and the gift bag included pieces from Immunocologie, Philippe Matignon, & FRS. What’s more is a few lucky guests walked away with the Clairsonic Cleansing System, which only furthered my jealous of Lianne Farbes’ beautiful skin. #iWant.
Looking forward to next season’s C&C; party, which has already been announced for February! 

Girl About Town: NYFW + an Essence Mag Feature

I feel pretty blessed that a large part of my everyday job revolves around planning for and being at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week every 6 months. While the work that goes into a successful event isn’t always glamorous, I seem to find myself enjoying the finer things when the moment strikes.

Case in point: this girl is featured on Essence Magazine‘s Street Style coverage for fashion week. The photographer, Darío of Art-X Studio was SUPER sweet during the quick shoot. That’s my new fashion week boo.

[via check out photos 40-43]

What I’m wearing: 
Express button down & cami, Club Monaco Skirt,
 Coach boots, David Yurman Jewels, Louis Vuitton Neverfull, & Sunnies from UO

Look, Ma! Essence Mag calls me a writer!

Don’t mind me and my geeked out response to this love – I’m just a girl from the suburbs trying to do it in the city.

xoxo

Girl About Town: LoveBrownSugar 2 Year Anniversary Event!

On Wednesday, July 6th, I joined the urban-glitterati, who were heading to the Financial District in hoards to celebrate the 2 year anniversary of the fabulous Christina Brown of the lovely blog, LoveBrownSugar.

The event was held at the very swanky Gild Hall at the Thompson Hotel. Greeted by 3 gorgeous women who all smiled happily as they checked my name off at the door, I slipped behind a velvet drape into a very sexy (read: manly) space.

The sophisticated space enveloped me in dark woods and deep brown leathers while the urban-glitterati filtered through the space in bright color blocked outfits, floral frocks, and their favorite pumps.

At the bar, we could indulge in champagne cocktails courtesy of Petiller and adorably petite cupcakes courtesy of DesiLu Sweets. The trickiest part of the night was trying to convince myself that just because the cupcake was bite sized didn’t mean I could have 5. I had 5 anyway. Oops.

My girls, Larissa, Allison, and I caught up to the beats of DJ Icon (who I later found out is Mr. LoveBrownSugar, love!) by the bar. We escaped upstairs quickly to use the restroom and our evening ended in a brief iphone photoshoot for Allison’s growing fashion blog, Fiercely Fashionable.

I left the party with a stronger obsession over LoveBrownSugar and a lovely little giftbag with items from Uptown Magazine, Indique*, Kinky-Curly, and SpecificBeauty just for me.

For more photos, check out Christina’s post on her event or go to her facebook page.

Style Scene Exhibit

As an avid reader of LoveBrownSugar, I took her post announcing this event to be a personal invitation for me to attend the Style Scene Exhibit at Bar13. Duh.

I attended with my favorite girls and had one of the best New York City Summer Nights… you know, the ones you look forward to as soon as the summer solstice hits? Yeah. One of those.

Co-hosted by Christina of LoveBrownSugar and Lowefactor, the event was put together by The Victoria Agency. Bar13 provided the drinks and a new company by the name of Stuff Yo’ Mouth provided light bites (those sliders were to die for).

I had hoped for an actual fashion presentation with live models and live fashion, but settled for imagery of each stylist’s work scattered alongside the walls of the roofdeck. Young black New York (including my girl Carolyn of the super hip new brand, Aliomi) was out in full force and the night progressed to the sounds of the city and glasses clinking at the bar.

I left with a cute little giftbag with an issue of Uptown Magazine inside. My girls each left with their very own pair of Stevie Boi shades (straight up Snooki style).

© writing with wine. taken with instagram, nashville filter. 

Summer time in New York City reminds me why I moved here – glad to kick if off with this great party by The Victoria Agency, LoveBrownSugar, and the Lowefactor.

Work & Play

I want to be able to call myself a writer, but I have yet to reach the frequency with which I think “a writer” should be writing. This is self imposed of course, but still is my reasoning all the same.

When I’m not writing, or trying to write, or thinking about writing, or cursing myself for not writing or thinking about writing… I’m working. Like yesterday, when I managed a team of models handing out the YSL Manifesto in NYC. I had several lovely visitors, but my favorite photo documentation is of Dushane. 

If I were a fashion blogger, I’d be so proud of myself and my photo taking skills. But because I’m not a fashion blogger/photographer, I’m even prouder. Makes me want to buy a fancy camera and do a lot of pretending in the streets.

xx,
MJ

Five Trends I Just Can’t Get Behind, vol.1

I love me a fashion and beauty blog, I really, really, really do… but I there are always a few things I can’t help but cringe towards when I see them in those beautiful photos.

Here are my current Five Trends I Just Can’t Get Behind:

1. Jeffrey Campbell Lita Shoes

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Aaaaaaaaah! Please!!! Someone! Help! Tell me why! Because I just can’t understand. And I love Jeffrey Campbell shoes! So comfortable and well made. But these? iCant.

2. 3-D Nails

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Eep!! Why would you do that! I’ll give you a little rhinestone or something “classically” middle school (sorry, that’s when I remember rhinestones on nails the most), but why on earth are your fingernails talking to me? iCant.

3. Backpacks for Grown Ups
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I equate backpacks with college parties. They are usually stacked full of some sort of classy beverage like Natty Ice or PBR. If you’re really lucky, you might also find some Hypnotiq, a bandaid, a hair tie, an ace bandage, and a pen. Just because it says Chanel or Vuitton doesn’t mean I’m not judging you (and hoping you’ll give me a beverage). iCant.

4. Sheer Clothing
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I get it. Sometimes its nice to have something a little sheer on to show off your curves. But I can’t understand showing everyone ALL of your unmentionables. What ever happened to slips? Old fashioned? Maybe. Classy? Definitely. iCant.

5. Full Body Jewelry
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I actually think, if done right, this could be a good look, but the functionality of it makes me nervous. I’m notoriously clumsy with my jewelry. I can’t even begin to guess how many Forever21 necklaces I’ve accidentally caught on a railing (or even the stove) and have had to toss after a night out. These vests and such are a lawsuit waiting to happen for me. And how dominatrix. iCant.