I Have Nothing To Say, So Here Are Some Photos

touque {Steve Madden via Century 21} - jacket {Loft} - jeans {Old Navy} - booties {Dolce Vita via Century 21}

I really wasn't kidding about having nothing to say. Sorry to disappoint (or not). These photos were taken a while ago and due to my procrastinator tendencies, have not gone up until now. #Fail

I will tell you that the first photo was taken with a vintage Hasselblad camera which is pretty badass and that these lovely photos were taken by my lovely friend, Leyla, who has a website with more lovely photos. So, you should check it out because it will be a lot more interesting than what I have for you here. Which is absolutely nothing, in case you hadn't figured it out by now.

I'll come back when I have something remotely interesting to say. So I wouldn't hold your breath if I were you.

j.

One Sweater, Five Ways

A few weeks ago, my talented friend, Leyla, offered to take photos for me. I, of course, said yes and on one of the coldest days in a while decided to pose in Central Park without a jacket on. This sweater is one of my favorites because of its versatility. I received it a couple of years ago as a gift from my aunt (who's shopping gene I inherited!). When I unwrapped this gift, I had NO idea what to do with this sweater looking thing with a whole bunch of extra fabric. Well, after some experimentation and website consulting, I figured out the five ways to wear it.

This is how I wear it most often because I like how it drapes and there's not much fuss.

I've never worn it like this before, but I think I'm going to start. This way makes for a more blazer sort of feel, which I like if you want to wear something else underneath.

This is probably the easiest way to wear it and I can't believe I haven't given this option more of a chance. This style was definitely the surprise standout of the day. It also happened to photograph beautifully and had lots of natural movement.

To be honest, this style is a bit silly. Basically the same as number three but with one end thrown over your shoulder. I guess it could fancy up an outfit or act almost as a shawl over top of a dress but I likely won't be wearing it like this any time soon.

This style was my least favorite and it even looks better in the photo than it did in real life, so that's not saying much for it. I may have been doing it wrong but there was a lot of extra fabric behind me that we didn't know what to do with. I don't think this style is overly flattering but I do like the contradiction of stripes, so that's something.

sweater {Jacob} - jeans {Gap} - booties {Top Shop} - moose necklace {Prima Donna} - bracelets {Gap}

So there you have it. One sweater worn five different ways. And in case you didn't notice, those are tiny stars on my jeans. So, in a way this outfit was a gray scale version of the American flag. That is about as patriotic as I will get for you America!

j.

*A big thanks to Leyla for being a trooper in the cold and for all the beautiful photos!!! Check out just how talented this girl is HERE!

BK (What the Cool Kids Call Brooklyn)

I know I've proclaimed my love for Brooklyn many times but I really can't say it enough. I love Brooklyn. My favorite area is Williamsburg and I know that some people can't stand the place but it does something to me every time I'm there. It is an escape from the chaos and crowds of Manhattan. It's quiet, quaint and charming. There are the best shops and restaurants along Bedford Ave that I could spend an entire afternoon popping in and out of. Williamsburg is serene and has a sort of calming effect that soothes my soul. If magic was a feeling, it would feel like that. It is the perfect remedy to whatever ails you. In a bad mood? Go to Williamsburg. Need time to think? Definitely Williamsburg. Want to see the sky and maybe a tree? Obviously Williamsburg.

I went with my roomie a few weeks ago (her first time there! I had a hard time concealing my shock) and brought the real camera to practice using in manual mode. It was a gorgeous blue sky day, the sun was out and Spring was teasing us all afternoon. We browsed and walked and ate and fun was had by all.

j.

Sweater Weather

chunky knit sweater {thrifted American Eagle via Beacon's Closet} - chambray shirt {Forever 21} - 

dark denim skinnies {Flying Monkey via Century 21} - black booties {Topshop} - black leather tote {Banana Republic}

That last photo is what the majority of my photos look like. Usually I'm completely hidden by busy passersby. It's one of the things that comes with taking outfit photos on a busy New York sidewalk. Taking photos on a busy street is still a little weird for me. For the most part, people a) don't even notice or b) really don't care. The result is what you see above. Then there are the people who do notice and try and be nice and wait for you to finish. Nice thought, but that could get awkward after the fifth photo. So I usually tell them to keep going. The result is a lot of photos of me mid-sentence, waving my hands. A new favorite, that happened while these photos were being taken, was one guy who stopped short of the frame, bent his knees as if he were doing the "elevator" and awkwardly shuffled through the photo. Again, nice thought but "dude! you're still in the photo!". Of course, there are the typical catcalls from less than desirable men. These men also usually find it necessary and hilarious to mimic what I'm doing. The result being strange men striking poses as they walk down the street, hooting and hollering. Only a few times have I been asked what I'm doing. Usually by middle-aged women who are not the most, let's say, social media savvy. Have you ever tried explaining what a fashion blog is to someone who has just gotten comfortable checking emails? Good luck with that. It's always a surprise as to what will happen and I suppose at the very least it keeps things interesting. Oh New York, you can surely never be described as boring.

Just a side, and completely unrelated, note to say that sweater and scarf weather is here in full force and I. Am. Loving. It.

j.

Inspired: Garbage & Graffiti

So, I made a little summer resolution to take more photos and so far I've been keeping it. Last weekend I took a photography course with a friend that taught us how to use our digital cameras in manual mode. With the exception of the first photo you see below, the rest are evidence of my manual mode practice. That first pic was taken by my friend, Sesame, and I just loved it so much I had to include it!

Last weekend was such a fun weekend that I think the fun weekend gods had thought I had enough, so instead I have spent this weekend home, with a cold. There's nothing worse than getting a cold in the summer. Especially when it's 35 degrees out (that's almost 100 degrees for you farenheit folk...) and so humid that you can barely breathe at the best of times. I'm starting to feel better which is a very good thing and I have high hopes for an even better next weekend!

j.

Inspired: Walls of the City

In an effort to get my creative mojo back, I took myself on a little photo walk today. It's amazing what beauty you can see when you are looking for it. Although unintentional, I seemed to be drawn to walls of all different colors and textures. Here are a few of my favorites!

I've decided to make a summer goal to take more photos and learn how to use my camera. Next weekend, I've signed up for a photo course that teaches how to use your digital camera in manual mode. I'm excited to learn new things and, of course, put them to use.

j.