Sorel Boots Update

New York had a stretch of high temperatures, but it looks like fall is already transitioning into winter. There isn't snow in the forecast quite yet, but I'm ready when the flurries start falling. I finally bit the bullet and went with Sorel's Caribou Boots. They're warm and sturdy and look a bit like moon shoes, but I'm sure I'll be singing their praises come January.

New York Fashion Week Street Style: Susie Bubble

The fabulous Susie Bubble outside Lincoln Center for New York Fashion Week.

NYFW: Bright Young Things Opening

I'm absolutely thrilled to be officially published on DailyCandy (even if it's just on our Tumblr). Check out my review of the Bright Young Things show opening party! And if you're in the New York area, head over to Mina Gallery in Cooper Square. Artist Justin Belmont's show is up until Oct. 1.

Here are a few more photos of the event we couldn't squeeze on the DC Blog:

PS Be sure to check back with Style of a 20 Something later today. I have a great FNO post coming up soon!

Google Doodle

Stop whatever you're doing and click over to Google, right now. Today's doodle honoring the late Queen front man, Freddie Mercury is awesome!

Old Gold and Black

According to my alma mater's mystery blogger, Chic Deac, today is College Colors Day. After last night's disapointing loss against Syracuse, the Deacs' season isn't looking so hot. Good thing old gold and black is a classic color combo.

In honor of College Colors Day, I put together a wish list of Wake-themed accessories using Snagit. I'm just getting started with the program--Anyone have any tips?

Are you all dressed for College Colors Day? Which team do you think has the most stylish color combination?

 

DailyCandy Ask the Office Guy

 Click here for my voice-over debut on DailyCandy's Ask the Office Guy! haha!

J.Crew Fall Catalog

Aren't these shots from J.Crew's fall catalog just divine? There's a chill in the air this morning. I could use a touch of cashmere, and I'm always a fan of a good tutu.

Glitter

I'm a big fan of glitter too. (and I love how she does jazz hands haha!) Looks like I'll fit in just fine in the magazine world.

East Coast Shakin: ManhattanQuake 2011

In case you missed it, Manhattan felt a very small earthquake, and Twitter exploded with excitement. Carole King feels oh-so appropriate today. Readers, did you feel the quake?

Bobble Water Bottle

Whoever invented Bobble Water Bottles is a genius. It's a water bottle with a built in filter! This weekend I went on several shopping adventures to spruce up my new apartment. While searching for a trash can at the container store, I stumbled upon this gem. At only $10, this is the best back-to-school deal around.

Readers, do you carry a re-usable water bottle? Had you heard of bobble?

Obsession of the Moment: Baked by Melissa

From a girls night in to a mid-afternoon snack at work, Baked by Melissa has been on my radar several times this week. The bakery's bite-sized cupcakes come in a variety of flavors and are seriously addicting. That "betcha can't eat just one" tag line? It definitely applies to these quarter-sized confections. In my experience, the crowd favorite is red velvet with cream cheese icing, but I can't get enough of the s'mores (chocolate cake with a graham cracker stuffing, chocolate icing and a marshmallow topping). Priced at $1 a piece, these tiny treats are well-within my intern budget.

Baked by Melissa has stores in Soho, Union Square, Grand Central and the Fashion District. Readers outside of Manhattan? Don't fret. Order online and you can get your sugar rush delivered.

My favorites: Missoni for Target

By now, everyone and their mother has posted the complete Missoni for Target lookbook. I won't bore you with a repeat of all 400 looks, but here are my tops picks from the designer collaboration.

After perusing the sneak peak catalog of images, I'm seriously coveting the collection's accessories. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the clothes, but quality is key. They'll either be a home run or a huge disapointment.

Starting from the top:

Scarves are a Missoni staple, and I have high hopes for the Target versions. These two were my favorites--they'd both look cute paired with a solid peacoat. This southern girl needs to stock up on cold-weather essentials for winter in New York city.

Why aren't more bloggers raving about these pumps? If I can only purchase one thing from the collection, it'd be a pair of these shoes. A unique take on a classic black pump? I couldn't ask for anything more.

Plain and simple, I'm a sucker for floppy hats.

And finally, I'm still trying to cozy up my new apartment, so how cute would this zigzag blanket look tossed over an armchair? I love the bright colors, and I can't quite tell, but it looks reversible!

Readers, what do you think of the Missoni for Target lookbook? What pieces are y'all most excited about? The collection debuts online and in stores September 13!

Obsession of the Moment: Visual.ly

Readers, I think I have a new obsession. No, it's not my apartment (Though my new pad takes a close second--more on that later)--it's Visual.ly, a new website dedicated to infographics (like the one pictured above!). Right now, the website features a library of serious and silly infographics depicting data in visually creative ways like this graphic of America's current state of unemployment or this one about Macs vs PCs. My personal favorite? Visual.ly's Social Media Yearbook.

The best part? The website is currently working on a "lab" where users can enter data to create their own infographics like the one pictured above. Be sure to sign up for their email list for the latest updates. I can't wait for the launch.

Readers--have you checked out Visual.ly yet? What are your favorite new websites?

p.s. Follow Style of a 20 something on Twitter for all the latest updates: @challemann

Elephant Locket

(Image Credit: Freshy Fig's Etsy)

Isn't this vintage locket lovely? I've never seen anything quite like it.

The Row for Toms Shoes

 (Image Credit: LDN Fashion, Toms Shoes)

I've been a fan of MK&A (Mary Kate and Ashley, duh.) since their Michelle Tanner days. I religiously followed their careers from solving any crime by dinnertime to Two of a Kind to Mary Kate's brief stint on Weeds, so I was thrilled to hear about the twins teaming up with Toms Shoes for a collaborative collection.

As I've mentioned before, Toms Shoes is a company that runs on the philosophy one for one: for each pair of shoes sold, a pair is given to a child in need, and this collaboration is no exception to that rule.

Made with cashmere and Italian wool, the collection is currently available for purchase on the Toms website, and prices range from $140-150.

Readers, what do you think of the collection? Is $150 too much to pay for a pair of slip ons?

Obsession of the Moment: Angus Dei Design

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting Danjebis Rodrigues of Agnus Dei Designs on the corner of 23rd and Madison. He was in need of directions, and somehow pegged me for a local. I'm still not sure if I pointed him toward his destination, but a quick conversation and his black-on-black business card steered me toward his jewelry company's website.

Rodrigues' designs are the perfect edge to roughen up my classic style. I love his cuffs, especially the Doors of Perception wrap bracelets and the simple Signature Evolution Cuff. And his unique rings would be the perfect contrast to a polished party frock.

I definitely recommend checking out his collection. It's a bit pricey, but his looks are so unique and made of high-quality metals. They're totally worth it.

Readers what's your latest accessory obsession?

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)

New York City Runway Inspirations: Sheer Genius

(Fashion Image Credits: NY Mag)

Is it just me, or was the scaffolding on this New York building inspired by the sheer fashions found all over the Spring and Fall 2011 runways?

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.