My advice? Run, don’t walk!

Showing through February 15, 2015.

Ain’t love grand?

Skirt: Trina Turk, Sweater: Uniqlo, Pumps: Louise et Cie and my grandmother’s antique pearl ring.

A year ago, I changed things up.  Having always worked in marketing & events for fashion magazines and luxury brands where the day-to-day is beyond demanding, I needed to create some new space.  I wanted a place where I could write about what I want, and just let my hair down and be myself.  In the process, I have learned more than a thing or two about the digital and social worlds (before STRENGTH+Sole, I had never put forth a single Tweet!). I have also, I hope, helped old friends, new friends, family and co-workers discover places, ways and reasons to work out–and work their closet.

They’re no longer alive, but, my grandparents were my biggest fans, long before social media. They lived ten minutes away for most of my life. In these photos, you’ll see my grandmother’s wedding ring, which I wear on my left index finger. Every so often, whether I’m at a business meeting or out on a date, searching for the right guy, wherever he may be, I look down and think of her. And, also, of my grandfather–an eternal optimist and entrepreneur, whose life motto was, “The time is now.” This gives me hope.

So, here’s to STRENGTH+Sole. Here’s to you. Thanks for reading, commenting, clicking and supporting the work that I love most. And, to my grandparents. Everything that I do is for–and because of–them, too.

Aqua Dress; Rebecca Taylor Coat; Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes.

Photos by Sean Williams/studioARC; shot at Billy’s Bakery, Chelsea.

I spy: the most gorgeous pair of sumptuous suede boots.

They’re Dior.  The color, the fringe, the hardware.  Hello.

And, meet their owner–Kim. I spotted her outside The High Line Hotel, where her company Redscout, the branding & design agency, was about to host an event.

I adore the rest of her look, too: a cozy cardigan layered over a simple black sheath and topped with a statement piece. Her style? Ladylike with an edge. Way to start the day off chic!

Necklace by Haute Hippie; Dress by Zara.

During the holidays, it’s easy to gravitate toward the myriad black pieces in my closet.  They’re easy to throw on after work before a cocktail party and a no-brainer to accessorize.  I stumbled upon this little red dress while shopping with friends, originally thinking that I’d wear it to the Creative Time Fall Ball at Output a few weeks ago.  I wound up going more funky that night (a form-fitting, multi-color graphic print), but, I’ve since worn this to a number of fun, festive events around town.  I’ve felt a little more daring (and, P.S. guys notice girls in red!)  So, this season, it’s goodbye (for now) to the LBD.

H&M Dress, Lady Grey Bracelets, Ivanka Trump Pumps, Angela Frascone Purse, essie “Chinchilly” Nailpolish.

Photos by Lindsay M. Koffler Photography.

Top: Forever 21, Denim: LOFT (similar here), Heels: Jimmy Choo (old), Rings: RAGEN (right) and vintage (left), Sunglasses: David Yurman (similar here).

Twenty minutes before the photographer arrived for this shoot, I realized that I forgot to pack it in my tote, as I sprinted out the door for work.  So, like with any tough client meeting or training run that’s not going as well as expected, I made the best of it.

Here, I go from my desk to posing in the park with just a few accessories and a quick change of shoe.

So, the next time something like this happens, don’t worry.  Take a deep breath, smile and shake it off.  You can do it, too.

Heels: vintage; Sunglasses by Michael Kors (similar here).  Sperry sneakers by Milly.

Images by Shante Carlan Photography.

“Shoe Obsession,” on view now at The Museum at FIT, explores “the rise of the shoe” as described by Associate Curator of Accessories Colleen Hill, who worked alongside Valerie Steele, the Museum’s decidedly chic director and chief curator, to create the fantastical exhibition in just 8 months.  It explores the phenomenon by which designer footwear has taken center stage in the female wardrobe, replacing the “it” bag as women’s must-have accessory.

Whether it was Carrie’s Manolo craze in Sex & the City or the artful, avant garde designs of emerging designers like Nicholas Kirkwood and Charlotte Olympia (on display), one thing is for sure: there are many, many reasons to adore shoes.

Footwear fact: the average American woman has nearly double the pairs that she had inside her closet in the late ’90s.

Check out “Shoe Obsession,” here, and you’ll see why.

“Shoe Obsession” – The Museum at FIT
Seventh Avenue @ 27th Street, NYC
fitnyc.edu/museum
Now through April 8.

Run, don’t walk!

Image 3:
Chanel, 2009
From the collection of Lynn Ban
Photograph © The Museum at FIT

Image 4:
Tom Ford, Spring 2012
Courtesy of Tom Ford
Photograph © The Museum at FIT

Image 5:
Roger Vivier (Bruno Frisoni)
Eyelash Heel pumps, Fall/Winter 2012-13
Rendez-Vous (Limited Edition Collection)
Courtesy of Roger Vivier/photograph by Stephane Garrigues

Image 6:
Iris van Herpen X United Nude, 2010
The Museum at FIT, PA2012.28.1
Photograph © The Museum at FIT

Image 7:
Nicholas Kirkwood, Fall 2011
Courtesy of Nicholas Kirkwood

Image 8:
Prada, Spring 2012
From the collection of Lynn Ban
Photograph © The Museum at FIT

Jacket: DKNY (Madison Avenue store exclusive).  Dress: Cynthia Steffe.  Booties: Me Too.  Jewelry: David Yurman.  Clutch: St. John.  Sunglasses: CHANEL.  Nails: Midnight Cami/Essie.

Grab your Goyard luggage…

And, make a wish.