New Look

Hey everyone!

So lately I've been getting bored of how Mallory In New York looks, and I decided  yesterday to give it a new look! I sat here like an idiot for hours, playing around with all the design and template options, only to find that the original look was in fact the best!

However, I am a strong believer that as life changes, the things around us change as well. And if they won't change on their own, then we should change them! So that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'll be playing around with the look and feel of Mallory in New York over the next few weeks, and I guess we'll see where it ends up!

There are already a few changes you may notice:
1. The Link Bar. I decided that it would be a lot easier to navigate if around the blog if everything was separated into categories: Beauty, Fashion, My Life, Interviews, and My Looks [coming soon!]. I'm working on organizing everything into categories as we speak!
2. The Width. One thing I ALWAYS hated about the blog was how narrow it was. It would take seemingly forever to scroll down past every not-so-long post. I played around with the width, and I now feel a lot better about the look!
3. The 'About Me' and FAQ. As I'm sure you've all noticed a long time ago, I LOVE incorporating my somewhat interesting daily life into the blog! I've actually heard from a lot of readers that they enjoy my posts about my personal / professional life the most, and that they want to know more. So, I'm working on an all-inclusive mini-biography to include under the About Me tab.  As for the FAQ tab, I'll start answering some of the questions that I'm - you guessed it! - most frequently asked. Feel free to comment on the FAQ page with new questions you're curious about, or you can just email me at MalloryinNewYork [at] gmail.com OR reach out to me on Twitter (@MalloryInNYC).

So there we go. I guess overall I'm looking for a more professional look, while still staying true to my personality and the main components of the blog -- Girly, NYC, and PINK!!! If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

Versace for H & M

As we all know by now, Donatella Versace has continued the high-low collaboration trend by creating a low-quality low-priced line to be sold exclusively at 300 H&M stores. At first glance, I have to admit that I wasn't a major fan. I mean, palm trees?! I'm from South Florida -- our signature tree is hardly cutting edge.

But, after a few weeks of over-analyzing the lookbook, I found that there actually are a few cute, non-touristy pieces included. Check out my top six below, and sound off in the comments!

Solestruck + Jeffrey Campbell = La Isla Bonita

It's been a few months since I first discovered the sheer magic of Jeffrey Campbell [My New Obsession: Jeffrey Campbell 99 Tie Mint Suede Wedges]. I remember the day perfectly. It was back when I was still obsessed with all things mint green, including Doe Deere's Limecrime shade. I was wandering aimlessly through SoHo, and by some miracle, I ended up at LF. Of course, I just had to go in. And that's when I saw them -- the 99 Tie. I tried them on, and I was awestruck. I went home that afternoon and blogged about them, but somehow I never ended up buying them. I guess they're "the pair that got away."

Fast forward about five months, and I'm now completely obsessed with everything Jeffrey Campbell. [Except the Lita. I never really liked it as much as everyone else...] I now check Solestruck literally everyday, praying that they will somehow, someday receive more of the 99 Tie in Lavender (its much more standout that the mint, and much more practical for city life!) From Nightwalk, to Skate, to Tardy, I love them all!

So, as the MAJOR Jeffrey Campbell and Solestruck fan that I am, I was insanely excited to see the new La Isla Bonita photoshoot in my inbox, which consists of NEW JC styles for winter! [You can pre-order the looks on Solestruck here.] Each piece is honestly incredible. I've displayed my favorite looks below. Enjoy!

Giambattista Valli.... for Macy's?

My new obsession -- Giambattista Valli clutch ($69)

Okay, I know I'm a little late to the party here, but I honestly had no idea that Giambattista Valli created a collection for Impulse at Macy's! That was, at least, until I wandered out of 'Clinique World' a few days ago and stumbled across the most incredible bag I've ever seen.... excluding Chanel, of course. ;)

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli.

If you're wondering who Giambattista Valli, you're definitely not alone. My 100% heterosexual boyfriend doesn't know who he is either... Just kidding.

In all seriousness, Giambattista Valli is an Italian fashion designer. He has worked with Yves Saint Laurent, which automatically makes him blog-worthy. He recently designed his first (!) couture collection, which you can feel free to obsess over right  here. His biggest client is Posh Spice herself, miss Victoria Beckham, as well as Easy A starlet Emma Stone. He even designed the gorgeous red and pink dress to the right! [read: Color Blocking Reaches New Heights: Pink And Red]

Anyways, back to my 'little too late' discovery. So, on a mini-break from putting makeup on ugly people work, I decided to wander upstairs and browse through things I shouldn't buy rather than giving in to my caffeine addiction (yay!).

And, as I was browsing, I just happened to stumble across THE BAG. You know -- the one I mentioned in the second sentence? Better description -- the one I'm now in love with! [above]


The bag itself is ridiculously incredible. It has some gorgeous Chanel-esque detailing (the ribboned chains), but between the tan biker leather, the modern shape, and the bold stone clasp, it has a very modern, punk-chic vibe as well.

If you love the bag as much as I do, you can buy it here for only $69!!!

Or, if you think this is the absolute ugliest bag you have ever seen, then please, check out a few more of the soon-to-be sold out pieces below:

Five Trunk Shows I'd Die To Attend

Vera Wang Bridal 2012 Gowns.

[#7]

This weekend I will be attending the Vera Wang Bridal trunk show at Saks Fifth Avenue. I am extremely excited for the event, as trunk shows are like a mini fashion show. All of the gowns are displayed, and there are usually a few models to show you how to wear them. Of course, a trunk show is on a much smaller scale than the stage at Bridal Week, but this can sometimes be an advantage. A major plus is that there are hardly any crowds, so you really have the chance to get up close to the designs and make a better decision about which one to purchase. And, sometimes the designer even makes an appearance!

Here is a video from Vera Wang's Spring 2012 Bridal Show. I will be seeing the same designs this weekend!

I've been to only one trunk show before, and I have to say it was an incredible experience. I went to a Jovani trunk show during my senior year of high school. I was in search of the absolute perfect prom dress, so needless to say, I was in heaven amongst all of the couturesque designs. Here are a few more shows I'd love to attend:

1. Alice and Olivia. Not that the designs are incredibly high end, but they're just so unique and free-spirited! I'd love the chance to see them up close as an entire collection.

2. Chanel. What girl doesn't  love Chanel?! Karl Lagerfeld is an absolute genius... His designs are so classic and timeless.

3. Vera Wang RTW. Not only does Vera Wang design beautiful bridal gowns, but she also has a history of creating excellent Ready to Wear collections. Everything 'Vera' seems to have a gorgeous romantic twist.

4. Miu Miu. When Miu Miu first came on the scene, a lot of fashion critics thought of it as nothing more than a spinoff of Prada. Now, years later, Miu Miu has involved into a line all on its own. I love the whimsical inspirations!

5. Alexander McQueen. The true designer himself may have passed on, but Sarah Burton has certainly made it understood that she will carry on the legacy of McQueen. Each season, I look forward to seeing what kind of shocking designs will make their way down the runway, and I'm never disappointed.

DIY Candy Corn Nails

Who doesn't LOVE Candy Corn?!

After checking out Marie Claire's new website, I noticed an interesting link under the Beauty section. The link, Simple Halloween DIY Nail Art Designs, brought me to a slideshow with step-by-step instructions of how to create three simple Halloween nail designs, including blood splattered, spider web, and candy corn designs.

While I was quickly obsessed with the grotesque blood splattered and intricate spider web designs, my favorite by far is the candy corn design. It should be noted that candy corn is the best non-chocolate candy in the world -- and that's not just my opinion. It's a fact.

Below are five steps (and a few pictures!) to help you recreate the design, all courtesy of Marie Claire!

And, if  you enjoy this tutorial, check out my other nail how-to: Jil Sander Inspired Nails.


Step One: Apply a base coat and two very thin layers of white nail polish. You want the white polish to be completely opaque. Try A-ha Moment! from Sephora by OPI ($9.50)

Step Two: When the white nail polish is completely dry, apply two coats of a bright orange shade to the top 2/3 of each nail. For best results, apply thick enough to assure that the shade is totally opaque. Wait approximately five minutes for the polish to be completely dry. I suggest using Hi Def from Sephora by OPI ($9.50).

Step Three: Wait five minutes for the orange polish to dry. Then, paint the top 1/3 of each nail with a layer of yellow polish. The shade you choose should be a bright, opaque color, like Cab Fare from Sephora by OPI ($9.50).

Step Four: This step is totally optional. If you'd like to add more shine to the bold design -- or conceal any errors! -- try adding a coat of glitter. I suggest Don't be Eggnogious (copper sparkle) or Spark-tacular! (rainbow glitter, which also acts as a topcoat), both by Sephora by OPI.

Step Five: Don't forget to add a topcoat after your design is complete -- you want to protect it as much as possible. If your glitter polish acts as a topcoat, this step can be omitted. If not, try out Topcoat from Sephora by OPI.

Nicole Miller Spring 2012

Spring 2011. Classic Nicole Miller.

Before you say it, let me admit that this post is a little biased [not to mention late]. I mean, I've been working in Nicole Miller's PR department since August, filling my schedule with busy days of trying on (ahem, I mean picking up) samples from magazines, photographers, and stylists. So, needless to say, I've been exposed to the Nicole Miller aesthetic pretty much nonstop throughout the last three months. But -- intern or not -- when the Spring 2012 line arrived, I was 100% in love with it!

Now, this isn't just typical me, becoming obsessed with one designer at a time, and choosing a new one at the start of each season. No, this is me admiring the proposed change in direction from an extremely established designer.

Spring 2012. A new, retro-styled runway look.

Let me explain. Nicole Miller is known for her classic, sophisticated [but still trendy] styles. She's a favorite among multiple celebrities -- including Alexis Bledel and Ashley Tisdale, both of whom sat front row at the show -- and editors alike. Although not typically the most daring designer [think the anti-McQueen], her designs still manage to remain relevant multiple seasons after their original debut.

So, imagine just how shocking it was to find that for the Spring 2012 collection, Miss Nicole Miller was inspired by none other than 'glam' rocker David Bowie (presumably during his 'Ziggy Stardust' days).

The entire collection is a polar opposite of her classic runway style. And, although, I've always been a MAJOR Nicole Miller fan [why do you think I work here?!], I can't help but say that I'm extremely excited to see not only how this collection sells, but whether Nicole sticks with the new 80s vibe, or transcends back to her classic aesthetic come next fall. Only time can tell, but for now, enjoy the video!

[This is Blog Post #6 for my Creative Fashion Presentations class at FIT. If you're not from FIT, feel free to comment anyways!]