Cuckoo for Coco (Chanel that is)

Oct18

SO – i feel like the world may have just spun off it’s axis….. not even joking.
I just encountered my first negative Chanel experience.

It’s ok ladies. Take a deep breath and have a calming Chamomile tea.
I can get through this.

Obsessed. The key word to describe my feelings for Chanel.
L-O-V-E the “double C” – i mean who doesn’t? No really – who? (furrowing brow in anger)

Then there is Karl, we’re on as first name basis… and don’t even get me started on the bags. I want each and every one.

My new Chanel Inimitable Intense mascara, delightful – the lip-gloss sample i received from the lovely lady at the counter, just gorgeous.
Everything they do is amazing. Elegant. Classic.

So you can see my conundrum when today the experience was devastating.
The mission was to find a BOLD lip color for this evening’s festivities – outfit was planned, this was the final piece of the evening puzzle.
After a robust conversation regarding bold pink versus bold oxblood tones, my friendly sales associate and I landed a striking Levres Scintillantes in Myriad.
Great, happy shopper departed the store only to discover (an hour later when sharing my newly found love of daring lip-gloss with a friend) that what was placed into my goodie bag was in fact a nude colored gloss. UMMM WHAT?
Racing back to the store (remember, this is an important piece to outfit completion for this evening) down a windy 7th Avenue – no coat – bumping into crowds.
I made it back to the counter, unable to find my original sales lady. After capturing the attention of another retail assistant I was informed they were sold out of that color.

SERIOUSLY??????????????????

So my outfit may now be ruined – and not sure I am able to make it to dinner.
Does this stop me being cuckoo for Coco??
Let’s be honest, NO. The reason it was sold out is because their products ARE SO GOOD!!
I must continue on and find solace in a different lip color for the evening.

I will leave you with a few parting words from Coco herself.

“Fashion changes, but style endures.”
– Coco Chanel

Chanel love forever.
|Ev xo

When shopping gods align!

Oct14

We have all had the shopping expeditions where you just can’t seem to find anything – rest assured that this was not one of those unsettling shopping experiences.

My “accidental” shopping expedition on Columbus Day turned up some serious goods.
It was like the shopping god was in cahoots with Cupid himself – and they had struck me with the “I LOVE THIS, I NEED TO BUY THIS” arrow. Damn it, like I really needed any more push toward a sales till.

Entering the treacherous world of deceiving mirrors – annoying shop assistants and pushy crowds… this day was unlike others.
Everything I grabbed off a rack looked lovely, furthermore everything seemed to look great on. There was endless shop interiors lined with amazing clothing goods all calling my name.
In a bizarre turn of events, it even seemed that I had dropped a clothing size (not possible with the food consumption I have been indulging in – there must be a mis-labelling situation happening) and EVERYTHING FIT.

While the inner shopaholic in me (yes we have all seen the movie when “Rebecca Blooomwood” lands a job as a financial journalist in New York City to support her shopping addiction and the bills pile up under her bed) was whispering in my ear “The limit on your credit card is merely a suggestion”.
Somehow I managed to grasp a hold back on reality and contain myself. Yes, wonders will never cease.

Besides…. there is alway next weekend right?
Bringing home three shopping bags, two weekends in a row is SO much better than bringing home six shopping bags from one shopping expedition.

My loot contained some great fall pieces. Classic and versatile.

Banana Republic Sloan Fit black pants. Fantastic for pumps or boots.
Mid-rise and super flattering (by BR’s own admission – this is their sexiest fit).
They will go with everything from longer less fitted tops (day or night) to tailored blouses.
These genius pants also come at a bargain price. It’s love.

Armani Exchange black embellished off shoulder top.
Cute with skinny jeans if heading out for a casual cocktail.
We all love a bit of decorative action this season, this top has just enough detail.

Armani Exchange Funnel Neck Moto Jacket – you need to keep warm in the cold NY fall, what better way.
This jacket works with most anything and has a fantastic cut.
Zip all the way up for the cute funnel neck look – or leave unzipped with a tank underneath for a slightly more sexy revealing look.

May the shopping force be with you.

|Ev xo

Celebrating Columbus Day on 5th Avenue

Oct9

When in Rome do as the Romans do – right?!?!
It would have been inexcusable not get amongst the spirit, and celebrate Columbus Day (I really had no excuse as it was a work free day for me).
So I did it in the best way I knew how – the all american way with the Columbus Day Parade on 5th Avenue! What is more American than a parade?

The outfit I selected for such an important day?
Zara faux fur vest (it was cold!!!!), 7 For All Man Kind jeans, black Ralph Lauren ankle boots and my cherished Chanel handbag.

It wasn’t just about the phenomenal shopping on this famous New York street – I am pleading the fifth and continue to maintain I went with ALL good intentions to simply watch the annual Columbus Day Parade and then accidentally tripped and fell into Saks, Banana Republic and Armani Exchange (just to name a few)….

I walked out of Saks a woman obsessed.
Obsessed and determined that (before the year is out) I will be the proud owner of the limited edition Chanel embellished logo cuff bracelet and some Christian Louboutin Vampanodo Satin and Suede Bow platform sandals – EPIC!!!!!!!!

At $1,900 for the Chanel cuff and $1000 for the shoes, I don’t think my husband or my bank manager are going to be very impressed with a certain shopaholic.
Maybe Santa could be ever so kind????

The loot I ended up with? Well, let’s just say I did ok, but that is for another post.
For now, I’m off to dream of satin bows and intertwined C’s instead…
Goodnight to all.

|Ev xo

These boots are made for walking…

Sep30

Although I am a summer girl at heart (and could happily live in 90 degree weather all-year-round) the seasons have certainly changed – fall is definitely here and needs to be embraced.

The good part about that is winter boots – one of the perks of cooler/rainier weather (along with scarves, a FAVE accessory of mine!!!).

Aside from the Bourge Christian Louboutin to-die-for boots that I NEED to own, one must be prepared with some more practical rain-effective footwear.
I know Hunter boots are all the rage – and am normally happy to follow a fashion craze. This time however, I went an alternate path.

These Coach rainboots almost make me ok with the fact that I am not in heels – almost…
Comfortable and stylish – all while protecting me from the rain and slush that will soon cover NYC streets.
Loving the grey and the ever so subtle branding.

Ohhhh shoes, shoes, shoes… one can never have enough of them, no matter what kind!
Will now continue working towards one of my life goals – a larger shoe collection than Imelda Marcos (surely a few thousand isn’t overly ambitious)!

|Ev xo

Ev & The City – Washington Edition

Sep26

You could say I’m into politics – if by “into politics” you mean I am into the chic party (aka. fundraiser) Beyonce and Jay Z threw Obama in NY last week.

I could not help feeling patriotic as I visited the nations capital Washington, D.C.
Yes, I know I am not even American.

Washington is gorgeous.
Pretty buildings, fantastic architecture and those decorative street lamps that remind me of Paris (although without all that excessive gold the Parisians seem to be so fond of).
Then there may be one or two fairly famous monuments and memorials.

Outfit choice was tricky. It was a long drive so I wanted comfort – but didn’t want to step out in public wearing the jegging’s again (still haven’t forgiven myself for that one).
I landed on my favourite AG jeans and a cute T. What made the T so fitting was the stars – OK so although not the correct color scheme of red, white and blue (forgive the purple) I did feel like the 50 stars featured on my top was a patriotic nod.
Not to mention it went with my Fendi tote…

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Hightlight of the very short trip had to have been witnessing Obama’s personal ride arrive.
Not every day can you see the President’s helicopter swing by to pick him up – with snipers on the roof of the white house, watching, prepared for action.

Thanks to this weekends road-trip through Delaware and Maryland, I now we have 12 states ticked off my list – only 38 to go!!

|Ev xo

The Standard was anything but!

Sep22

The Standard NYC is certainly anything but.
I mean look – if it’s good enough for Brad and Ange (who have partied there) then it’s good enough for me 🙂

From the outset, when you step out of your yellow taxi onto the charming Meatpacking District cobblestone street, you are hit with the amazing smell coming from the grill.
Then luxury engulfs you as enter the hotel foyer. From the dimly light sleek looking foyer – to the elevators video installation by Marco Brambilla, you know you are in for a treat and this is going to be one of those quintessential NYC experiences.
This was the setting for Lucky Magazines “Ultimate Style Guide” celebration, suiting venue indeed.

With the amazing TRESemmé stylists Tyler & Jeanie on hand to add hair glamour to a room overflowing with it, it was time to talk style.
From a short pink sequinned dress I spotted (possibly my favourite of the night), braided hair creations that would take me a week to complete, shoe and handbags to drool over, and delicious treats of both the food and beverage variety. I may have eaten more than one lobster roll and enjoyed a vodka cocktail (maybe two!)

My outfit?
Armani Exchange dress, black tights, a decorative feather headband and black Christian Louboutin Decollete pumps to complete the look.

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Until the next time.

|Ev xo

Hair Affair

Sep19

The relationship we have with our hair can only be described as an affair to remember.
We remember our good hair days (and those pictures are sure to be plastered all over facebook), shudder at the bad and are in a constant pursuit of the glamorous.

Las time I stepped outside the comfort zone of a trim was traumatic – to say the least.
The entire office had been walking around like models from their visits to a resident hair guru – I was not so lucky.
After waiting weeks for an appointment to this hair genius, it was finally my turn. My creative brief was clear “Shorter, easy to manage as I don’t even have the time to commit to a weekly episode of Gossip Girl – let alone daily styling”.
The hairspray in the air had obviously impaired his hearing as what I left the chair with was nothing short of a mullet in reverse – that needed an hour long regime before you could even think about leaving the house (and even then…)
I still need remedies for anxiety just thinking about it — it has only been two years after all.

Last night I placed trust in new hairdresser. I ventured to Meatpacking to Bumble & Bumble.

Long hair, short hair, layered hair, colored hair, straightened hair, curled hair – all these choices we are faced with when we head into the salon.
Not to mention the prep work needed before you head into a nice salon – let’s be honest, these people are stylists, you don’t want them looking at your ensemble with “THAT” look…

Early preparation is vital – given I was heading directly to my hair appointment from work the outfit had to be an all day one.
I landed on yellow Karl Lagerfeld jeans (the rain and yesterday’s gray weather ain’t keeping these babies hidden in a closet), black top, black Calvin Klein bolero and Ralph Lauren ankle boots.
Not terrible for a 6am wardrobe decision…

One last thing to balance is the husband request and constant battle of short Vs long hair.
If I had my way, my hair would be short and blonde (Reese Witherspoon circa Sweet Home Alabama), if my husband had his way it would more closely resemble Botticelli’s Venus…
Can there be a happy medium?? We will soon find out.

Bumble & Bumble was amazing.
My stylist was friendly without being over bearing and guided me through my hair cut choices and the balancing act between short and long hair.
The salon decor was gorgeous and the surrounding views spanning lower Manhattan breathtaking.

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Ahhhh….. I’ve found my hairdresser in NY.
LOVE this place – will be back for sure!

|Ev xo

Ev & The City – Philadelphia Edition

Sep16

The move to NY materialised due to my obsession with this city (reasons why warrant a post of their own).
It did however create another obsession – to visit every state before our return to Australia (yes – even some of the ones that I have been told you could and should skip!!).
This leads me to our Philadelphia road-trip adventure.

Rocking some lazy weekend wear – I actually stepped out in jeggings (I know – fashion faux-pas, please forgive).
Hoping that the cute Zara top and Michael Kors Hamilton tote made up for them…

They say there are two things that married couples shouldn’t do: Travel or Renovate. They didn’t lie.

I gave good directions. I said take the 38.
I don’t know if it’s the east or west exit – my iPhone can’t zoom out that quickly with the awesome AT&T coverage i am experiencing…. ask me sooner!
Anyway – I will not bore you with the monotonous details, only to say that our two hour road-trip took much longer and our marriage hung in the balance (add to this my car sick daughter).

Ever the happy camper – we arrived in Philadelphia and the good mood returned. Let’s get amongst it and see this city!
The beautiful buildings, rich history, quaint streets all being enjoyed in gorgeous sunny weather.
Now who could forget the infamous Rocky steps, all 72 of them?!?!?!?? Obviously the main reason i traveled down…

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After a few of the main tourist spots, we stumbled on the shopping!! I was certainly pleased to see that Tiffany’s remains gorgeous no matter which state I visit!
Philly – I would definitely come back.

|Ev xo

P.S I will continue to dispute that I am in fact a good navigator – and people just don’t understand my directions!!

www.michaelkors.com
www.tiffany.com
www.visitphilly.com

Oh what a (NYC) night…

Sep15

As a mommy and a lover of nightlife, I’d like to set up for you the dichotomy that is my Thursday night.
Rushing from a school PTA meeting (my daughter started big girls school last week. SO CUTE) to a big outdoor party in the city.

Running incredibly late so no real time for outfit change.
The outfit – my new favourite skinny leg AG Jeans – a cute red top – and finished off with the matching red & silver Christian Louboutin (FoxTrot Slingback) heels.

A quick refresh of the make up – and a bold red lip. Off we go….

It was a great party, with the beautiful backdrop of St. Bartholomew’s cathedral.
The bar is Inside Park at St Bart’s – on Park Ave next to the Waldorf Astoria – BEAUTIFUL!!
The crowd was enjoying the remaining evenings in NY where you can still be outdoors comfortably.

There was music, there was lighting, there was food and there was drink…
Then there was a frenzy of excitement.

I was trying to understand what was going on, as this apparent excitement was being caused by a young kid that looked about twelve.
Who is he?? (I had no idea) Why are all the girls carrying on?

I have since been brought up to speed on the latest in British pop music, and am told he is the new Justin Bieber.
Ladies and gents, the twelve year old was Conor Manyard.
With me never being one to shy away from a photo, and wanting to add to your reading pleasure, i forced myself to take a happy snap…