Inspired by: 23rd Subway Station

The New York subway is not luxurious. While efficient, it's a less-than-glamorous means of transportation. That being said, I love that subway stations have subtle nods of nostalgia in the form of gorgeous, vintage mosaics.

After a quick Google search, I learned the history of these public art pieces. The project was initiated in 1910 by subway art director and engineer Squire Vickers, and has continued into modern day with new designs popping up in recent years. One of the new mosaics happens to be in the station on 23rd near my dorm.

The wind-blown hats pictured above inspired a search for the perfect summer headpiece. I'm normally a fan of the floppy, but these cute cloches and fedoras could easily sway my opinion.

1.) Floppy Bergere Hat (American Apparel, $44)
2.) Floppy Stripe Hat (Gap, $30)
3.) BDG Linen Fedora (Urban Outfitters, $24)
4.) Badgley Mischka Margo Hat (Bloomingdale's, $60)
5.) Lauren by Ralph Lauren Classic Linen Cloche (Bloomingdale's, $30)

Readers, do you have a go-to summer hat? What public art are you admiring these days?

Inspired by: East Houston Pointe Shoes

Yesterday, I stumbled upon these hot pink pointe shoes. Abandoned on a street sign, they looked a bit defeated, but inspiring none-the-less.

The ballet trend comes and goes in fashion, with the latest resurgence stemming from Natalie Portman's Oscar-winning performance in Black Swan. As a former dancer, I've always been drawn to flowy skirts and corset tops, ballet flats and intense stage makeup, even when they're not en vogue.

If you've been searching for an outfit worthy of a dance on your tiptoes, look no further. 

1.) Bow City Flat (Gap, $40)

2.) Coquette Rouge Allure (Chanel, $32)

3.) Million Pleats Midi (Anthropologie, $158)

4.) Eyelet Bustier Top (Urban Outfitters, $59)

5.) Ferragamo Ballet Flat Scarf (Bluefly, $147)

Inspired by: City Hall Park

  

 1.) Wayuu Taya Foundation Susu Bag (Shopbop, $175)

   2.) Rumba Time Big Apple Slap Watch (Shopbop, $25)

3.) Cartier Scarf (Bluefly, $154)

4.) Paisleys Spoon Rest (Anthropologie, $10)

Every morning on my commute to SPI, I pass through New York's City Hall Park. Full of public art like this "Splotch 15" sculpture, the park is a huge source of style inspiration. With a wardrobe full of black and gray, I'm not normally one to dress like a rainbow, but I think I could incorporate some brights into my accessories like the ones pictured above.

Readers what are your style inspirations? Are there any other public art pieces in New York I should seek out?

PS Click here for a link to the Wayuu foundation's website--It's a really cool nonprofit working with the indigenous people of northern Colombia and Venezuela.

Accessories Inspired by: Thanksgiving

Happy Turkey Day Readers! I hope you're all watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and stuffing yourselves silly with turkey, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie. If you want to make your holiday a touch more authentic, style tonight's outfit with accessories inspired by the Pilgrims and Native Americans. Now get off the internet and spend some time with your family!

1.) Feather Earrings (Forever 21, $3.80)
2.) Pumpkin Spice Muffin Shower Gel (Philosophy, $16)
3.) Alkemie Native Bird Double Ring (Shopbop, $155)
4.) BE & D Carlisle Belt (Shopbop, $388)
5.) Alexander McQueen Buckle Peep-Toe Boot (Zappos, $1,055)
6.) Minnetonka Fringe Boot (Zappos, $98)

P.S. Check out these two websites to plan your Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping.

Inspired by: Burlesque

In honor of Cher and Christina Aguilera's feature film premiering November 24, I picked out a handful of sparkly, Burlesque-inspired pieces. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, sequins are an easy way to spice up your wardrobe, but steer away from a head-to-toe outfit. Leave the show-girl look to the professionals.

Clockwise from top right:
Bring on the Bling--OPI--$8.50

Glitterati Party Clutch--J. Crew $59.50

Jenna Metallic Pump--Tory Burch $325

Scandall--Steve Madden-$109.95

Felicity Chandeliers--Anthropologie--$28

Jeweled Headband--Forever 21 $6.80

Curve Sequin Shift Dress--Topshop $250

The blog world is abuzz with discussion of Kate Spade's newest book, a collection of "inspirations, intriguing bits, and other curiosities" inspired by the much-loved section of the brand's retail website, "The Things We Love". While The Things We Love is not yet available for sale to the public, I decided to create my own edition, The Things I Love, for today's post. Enjoy!

Here's a consolidated list with links:
1.) Ballet Slippers
2.) Keith Haring
3.) Capri Blue Candles
4.) Hidden Messages
5.) Bows
6.) Aphrodite's Pink Nightie Nail Polish
7.) S'mores
8.) Starbucks Holiday Drinks
9.) Fifi Lapin

PS Click here to watch a special on Kate's house on Plum TV!

Inspired by: Bastille Day

I know it's the tail end of July 14, but I thought I'd throw up a quick post. Here are a handful of French-inspired pieces in honor of Bastille Day!

1.) Chanel Hydrabase Lipstick ($65)
2.) P. Saint Hilaire Fine Sailor Scarf ($16)
3.) Fleur de Lis Bobby Pin Set ($5)
4.) Love in Paris Zip Pouch ($18)
5.) Black Beret ($32)