Either/Or

All I want to carry in the summer is a trusty tote bag.

Lately I’ve been tossing my leather handbags aside and combing through our stash of grocery store totes for the cleanest and coolest one to sling on my shoulder.

Perhaps it is best though to leave the grocery bags for toting groceries and to invest in a real summer tote.

I have always loved the Longchamp Pilage bag. I know it is one of the most ubiquitous bags around but I think that’s actually why I like it. We you go to Paris, all of the hip Parisian women are carrying these around from the hipster teens, to the sophisticated women and, well you know the rule: if it is good enough for a French woman…

But then I saw this bag from Want les Essentials de la Vie at Opening Ceremony. It has the same fabric and leather mix as the Longchamp and to cool sporty feature of being yellow in the front and navy at the back.

I like them both, I can’t decide.

What is your pick for the tote with the most?

The classique très chic Longchamp?

Or too cool for school OC bag?

LGTM ♥ Weddings!

So, you’ve probably guessed by now that since I’m going to be getting married, there is no way I will be able to resist sharing some of my wedding inspiration with all of you folks. In fact, I am downright excited to dish it out with my readers here on LGTM!

So here it is, my new series LGTM ♥ Weddings in which I will share bits of my own wedding planning experience as well as awesome and inspirational photos from other weddings on the web.

To kick things off I just had to start with this great engagement shoot by my friends Kat & Ben who used some of Philadelphia’s more romantic murals as a backdrop for their photos (via Green Wedding Shoes).

You may remember Kat & Ben from when I wrote about them back in December in conjunction with Andy’s Creative Couples profile for The Strange Attractor.

I am so happy for Kat & Ben and couldn’t love those photos more. What a great way to celebrate both the couple and the city they call home.

To see the full set, click here.

Me and My Shadow

First of all, thank you all for your support and good wishes about Andy’s and my engagement, it’s all just so exciting!

And, while we are on the subject of excitement, let’s talk about something else I’ve been known to get excited about: striped shirts!

Specifically cool shadow-stripe tees from LA label Lanston.

When these babies arrived in my mailbox, I knew it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. The fabric is super soft and drapey and the shadow stripes are sort of there but not there in a way that is just dead sexy.

I also love how the shapes are a little bit cooler than your average white tee so you can wear it from morning to night into the morning again (smirk!).

I absolutely depend on a good tee or tank top to get me through the hot city summer. I definitely know what I am going to be reaching for this year!

Lanston Stripe Asymmetrical Racerback and Boyfriend off the Shoulder Sweatshirt both available online at Revolve Clothing.

Happy News!

So, the big news that has kept me away from the blog is that Andy and I got engaged!

He proposed to me on a rooftop in the East Village in the spot where we had our first kiss. Many of our close friends were there and everyone knew about it of course but me! It was an engagement and surprise party in one. A friend snapped this shot right after we announced the big news.

We spent the week reveling with our friends and family. I’m sorry if I haven’t been as responsive to emails or comments lately, it’s been a total whirlwind!

I am so excited to plan our wedding! Both of us being designers makes it fun (and dangerous) to get really particular about all of the details. I will definitely keep you all posted on inspirations, ideas and fun projects! I just wanted to share the happy news with you all. Love is in the air!

Sounds Good: Psychometry Podcast

Hello! I’m sorry I haven’t been posting this week.

Something rather exciting has come up and so I decided to take an impromptu break from blogging. I’ll be back next week I promise and I’ll tell you all about what is keeping me away.

I absolutely had to tell you about this new podcast by my P.I.C. and other half, Andrio Abero.

While there are many who regularly admire Andrio’s amazing design skills on his website. Not many people know he is also an awesome DJ–(unless you happen to find yourself on the dance floor during one of his sets)–until now, that is.

I am so excited to introduce you to Psychometry, Andrio’s new DJ podcast. Largely electronic with an indie bend, Andrio showcases his vast knowledge of the music industry in this new podcast series.

Subscribe now for free on iTunes! Get ready to get shakin’.

Object/Outfit + For Me For You

Today’s Object/Outfit inspiration comes from blog For Me For You and Kate’s great series titled Bits of my Weekend.

I loved this photo especially since I’m all about red on red dressing (like I’ve mentioned) especially with a pop of teal!

Photo from For Me For You. Outfit clockwise from top left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Willis Knit Blazer (via Shopbop); Kate Spade Sardinian Sun Necklace (via Nordstrom); Topshop Raspberry Baxter Skinny Jeans; K.Jacques for Opening Ceremony Picon Thong Sandal; J.Crew Perfect Fit Slim Scoopneck Tee; Proenza Schouler Mini Stripe Linen Sac (via Barneys); Giles & Brother Nut & Bolt Cuff with Leather Lashing

Tastes Good: Asia Dogs

I recently developed a mild obsession with the Asia Dog stand that sets up at the Brooklyn Flea each weekend. Asian fusion hot dogs. What could be better?

Recently I signed up to follow their every move on Facebook and now I am definitely attending the all-you-can-eat Asia Dog happy hour sponsored by Tasting Table at Trophy Bar next week.

Why am I so obsessed you ask? Just look at these photos. They’re amazingly delicious.

Photo courtesy of Me So Hungry. Beef, chicken & veggie options available. See you at the Flea this weekend, right?

White Dress + Red Shoes

Last week I told you about how much I love white on white dressing and lately I’ve noticed that a lot of New Yorkers are liking white dresses too. But, they aren’t wearing white on white…

New York ladies this season seem to be pairing their fresh summer whites with hot red shoes!

And I love it!

It’s the perfect sexy summer take. Something pure, classy and clean on top with just the right amount of racy flair underneath.

Taking advantage of the range of great summer sales out there, I have compiled my favorite white shoe/red dress combos for you. And the best part, everything you see is on sale!

I’ve got my eye on those beautiful Lanvin sandals but, even marked down to $900, they are still well beyond my budget. Oh well, still pretty to look at!

From left: 1.) Electric Feathers Short Cape Dress (via LaGarconne) $506 $354 with Anthropologie Bright and Tan T-Straps $140 $99.95  2.) Ian Dress (via Opening Ceremony) $290 $203 with Sigerson Morrison Ghillie Sandals (via Net-a-Porter) $495 $274.50  3.)  J.Crew Ginny Dress $148 $99.99 with Lanvin Jeweled Macramé Sandal (via Barneys) $1,435 $859  4.)  Yellow is Gold by Sunshine and Shadow Silk Sundress (via Urban Outfitters) $68 $29.99 with Marc by Marc Jacobs Platform Clogs (via Saks Fifth Ave)$255 $177.99

Camp Comfort Summer Must-Haves

I was so excited when Roberta Jane of Camp Comfort asked me to contribute my picks to her Summer Must-Have series.

I am a big fan of Roberta and her blog. Our tastes tend so much towards each other, sometimes I think we must have a spiritual connection.

My summer picks are in keeping with my usual preppy-cool style. I’ve picked pieces that look great on their own with a plain ensemble but that really take it to the next level when worn together as in the illustration at the left.

To find out more about my summer must-haves and see awesome style of the rest of the bloggers in the series, check out Camp Comfort right here!

Sound Good: The Chapin Sisters

I grew up with a strong folk music foundation and I’ve never left it behind. It should go without saying then that I am a huge fan of LA-based sister group,

The Chapin Sisters.

These girls hit all the right notes for style and substance.

They look like they stepped out of Sofia Coppola’s film The Virgin Suicides with their flowing blonde hair and 1970s romanticism meets high-brow hippie style plus, their family is a folk-music legacy. And, I’ve been lucky to call these girls friends for most of my life.

Oh Hear The Wind Blow, is their latest effort.

The finely tuned harmonies and sweet and sorrowful vocals set them apart from the pack. For those who like singers like Neko Case and Jenny Lewis, I think you’ll love this album as much as I do.

Click here to give them a listen.