Let the Road Be Your Runway

A few years ago, when I really picked up my running, I decided that in order for me to stay motivated and excited about the long distance routes, I needed to feel good about what I was running in.  New sneakers helped, as did cute socks. But I needed more; something better than plain running shorts and a Vuarnet tee (yes, I have one.)

 

I quickly learned that these items cost good money and I told myself I would work with what I had, but add in a few new pieces. I bought a few running skirts and some fitted tops, but not much else.   I am writing about this now because I recently came across the blog by Swedish TV reporter and fashion writer, Sofia Hedstrom.

Sofia is a smart and beautiful fashion journalist  and TV correspondent who works around the clock. In 2007 she decided that she needed to have a balance between work and life. So, she began running.  In her blog, Sofia Hedstrom: Investigating Runner, Sofia stated that she always runs in a dress and , “ I run with make up, with red lipstick and they assume that I will be a bad runner. But then I like to show them that I am actually a good runner.”   She has also run the NYC Marathon in 3 hours and 45 minutes, which is close to an hour an a half before I finished mine. So, next time I run a marathon, the trick will be to wear more makeup and definitely wear a dress.

Check out Sofia’s blog at Sofia Hedstrom: Investigating Runner.

The Photographer Hunt

My brother is an unbelievable photographer. He’s been shooting since he was in his teens and I’ve always been amazed at how he can take something very simple and create a magical perspective on it.  If I had my way, he would shoot my wedding. However, there are two reasons why this won’t happen. One, I don’t want to put my brother to work on the most special day of my life. Two, I still haven’t seen the photos from my college graduation, which was over ten years ago. It’s like that saying about living with a plumber, yours is the last toilet to get fixed. Same with this.

I have been trying find someone who can create those magical moments in an artistic and creative way. Through this process of reviewing wedding photographers, I’m finding an underlying theme; they are all the same.  I am not trying to be uniquely different, not at all, I just want to find someone who can capture this day in a way that reflects my personality. I mean, I am going to have these forever! The website OnceWed has really caught my eye; the wedding stories told  through images are so beautiful and ethereal.

Joyelle West is a photographer I came across recently as someone who will get in there with you and create a story behind the camera. What I don’t want to do is tell the photographer what angles to shoot and where we should stand, I think I will be pretty busy that day and the last thing I want to do is organize a photo shoot. Joyelle is one of those creative women that will create the scene for you.  She takes the time to get to know who you are so she can be on your team.

I love this photo, it struck me immediately.  I don’t know what it is;  the clarity, the simplicity, the joy. It’s all of those things together that create a beautiful shot. Her website is full of portraits, editorial, and her travel shots are incredible!  Joyelle is based out of Boston but travels all around. Her website is www.joyellewest.com. 

Academy of Art University at NYFW

Once again I am impressed by the unique designs and detailed numbers that come down the runway at the Academy of Art University shows for Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week. I’ve gone for the past few years and I always walk away impressed with these students and the clear vision for their collections.  Models come down the runway in sets of six and each grouping is completely different, which is so refreshing. Oh, latex! Fun, leather! Ooh, look at all of those prints! You get the gist.

I did indeed forget to bring my camera and my phone camera is a joke, so  I am going to hand it over to Chictopia for the photo coverage. One of my favorites was all the beading from student Maria Korovilas. She  hand beaded all of her pieces which took over 600 hours to complete. Think about that, 600 hours. Well worth it, the pieces were gorg.

Click here for Chictopia’s coverage.

Happy Socks equals happy feet.

A few weeks ago my fiancé passed on the Happy Socks website he found through Gilt.com. He kind of sent it as a joke,  but I later found out that he was actually serious about these multicolored and multi-patterned socks.

Out of context, I couldn’t quite accept these. I mean, you absolutely have to display serious confidence in wearing these or the whole idea of them goes down the toilet.  I told him he was being silly and I put them out of my mind, until this morning. On the subway there were two men, not together, donning a pair of Happy Socks and man did they look awesome! Indeed these break up somewhat mundane ensembles that men tend to wear to work.  Conservative to the ankles and then it’s a party the rest of the way down to the toes.

I rarely say I am wrong, but for fashion’s sake, I am willing to take the hit.

Fall 2010: Elva Fields

I have been such a fan of this Elva Fields collection and I have mentioned it a few times in this blog before. Emily, the talented designer, brings alive vintage jewelry and accessories to make the most amazing and unique designs.

Today on her website, www.elvafields.com, she is launching her Fall 2010 collection for pre-order.  I LOVE all of her new pieces, and she pairs up some of her pieces with cute apparel from some fall ready-to-wear items.  I am sure we can all find something from our closets to compliment these magnificent baubles!

Oh Canada!

As promised, a wonderful post by my good friend and blogger, Nicole Cornell. Read this, then check out her blog Broke and Naked, please.

I recently was privileged to visit our neighbor to the north: Canada. My boyfriend and I were there to celebrate my dear friend’s recent marriage and made the trip into a nice little holiday. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that this was my first trip to Canada. Maybe it just didn’t seem like so much of a “must see” compared to the ancient cities of Europe or the spicy culture of South America, but whatever the reason, it had yet to happen and I was excited for the opportunity.

Upon arriving in Toronto, we initially couldn’t put our finger on it, but there was a palpable difference as soon as we entered this new city. We had left the USA. Aside from a mandatory visit to Niagara Falls upon crossing the border, we did not engage in a single “tourist” activity during our stay. We spent our days roaming the streets and riding the streetcars (or trolleys as I liked to call them, much to the Canadian’s amusement) and our nights eating and drinking our way through the vast gastronomy the city has to offer. It is very urban, in the best possible way, and I found myself comparing it to a Chicago/New York hybrid. It was obviously cleaner than either of these cities and every Canadian we encountered held true to the vicious rumor of them being so damn friendly!

But what was it about this city that made me go – Ok, I could totally live here. Definitely! – a statement I haven’t made since moving to New York 6 years ago. There is a definite “thing” happening in Toronto right now. First, there were construction cranes everywhere. This is a city that is thriving! Toronto is a bustling metropolis while still maintaining an ease and openness. The design stores (fashion and interior) we came across are right on the cusp of what is happening now, yet it is not contrived or fake like I often find the “next big thing” in New York to be. How do they manage to be doing and making interesting things, whether it is a restaurant, design showroom or an old distillery turned into galleries, shops and cafes? Upon speaking to Torontonians, I found out an important element of what I was trying to decipher. Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the world. They also continued on to talk about what lovely lives they had in the city, whether they were doctors, lawyers, or candlestick makers….fine, I didn’t meet an actual candlestick maker, but lets move on.

The point is, the quality of life the city, and the country of Canada offers is such that creativity is possible. There is a welcoming ease that draws you in and makes you wonder how your life might be different were it taking place here. Or at least, makes you realize what you have been missing all these years and start planning your next holiday in yet another fascinating Canadian city.

Be Back Soon!

As I transition into my move back to New York in September, I am currently playing nanny for my sister and her two adorable little girls. What am I learning aside from tolerance and patience? That parents are superheroes!

I had NO idea it was such an undertaking herding the little childrens, especially two little girls who can give any actress a run for their money. Anyhow, the point is, I have not been able to do my regular blog posts due to the fact that I am either relaxing when they are napping, or.. well, that's pretty much it.

So, I have a guest blogger or two coming on board this week. Ain't no shame in a little help from your friends.