making changes...again

Hello my dears. Sorry that I've been missing from this blog for almost a month now. I'm currently making some changes to my blogs...hopefully it'll be an improvement.

Be back soon!

street style

Back when I bartended in lounges, I had to wear black clothes everyday. It's been so liberating to be able to wear colors again. I wasn't sure if I looked like an Easter egg with all this pastel but it's ok. I felt so bright and cheery in this outfit. 

just wow

The Grecian Chanel dress that Blake Lively wore to the MET Costume Institute Gala might be one of my favorites. Gorgeous.

(PS: Why is everyone turning into a red head lately? Should I follow suit?)

slap on watch

Speaking of gifts, my awesome brother, who is the world's best gift giver, got me this kick-ass watch from Thailand. The best part? It's a slap on! 

(PS: My ring is from Topshop).

truly fabulous people

I got this cute Jessica Kagan Cushman bracelet as a gift. I thought the writing on it, "Truly fabulous people don't wake up before noon," was pretty funny. I may have actually believed this when I was 25 but now I beg to differ. I'm in bed by 11pm every night and up by 7am everyday. My how things have changed. I wonder if JKC makes one that says, "The early bird gets the worm." Haha, I'm such a nerd. 

fairy tale wedding

And of course, speaking of Kate and weddings, I couldn't go today without mentioning The Royal Wedding and "The Dress Seen Around The World" now could I?

I thought Kate Middleton looked absolutely breathtaking in her Alexander McQueen dress. The long sleeves and the lace is so elegant.

Those Middleton genes... Sister, Pippa, looked gorgeous as well.

I forgot to set my alarm to watch the wedding live but I was able to catch all the coverage after work. What girl isn't a sucker for the marriage of a Prince and Princess? 

mr. & mrs.

My friend, Kate, finally posted pictures from the wedding that I assisted her with. Everything about that day was perfect from the weather to the cute details. How beautiful are the photos?

I like you necklace

How cute is this In God We Trust necklace? For a long time, before my boyfriend and I said "I love you" to each other, we would always say, "I like you... alot." I was always worried that I would slip and say those 3 words first, before he was ready to hear it. If he gave me this necklace I think I would have laughed.

bridesmaid dress

I was thinking this dress from H&M's Conscious Collection would make a perfect bridesmaid dress. What do you guys think? I just love the scalloped hem. Also, it's made from recycled polyester and the $49.95 price tag doesn't hurt either!

Easter attire

I brought my camera on Easter with the intention of documenting the entire day and this photo of our shoes was all I took before I heard the wonderful words, "Dinner's ready!" Ah well. Dinner was well worth it. 

PS. It was the first time I wore these shoes and they are just as comfy as they look (as far as heels go). 

nieces and nephews

My heart just swelled when I saw these photos of my niece and nephew this morning. I just love their greenish gray eyes. Aren't they just precious? I'm such a proud Auntie.

braided top bun

Lately, I've needed to find a solution to my super long hair that's in need of a cut. (I just haven't the time or the money). I first spotted the braided top bun here and had decided to try it out. Mine isn't as on top of my head as the model's, and my hair is really thin so the braid gets pretty small towards the end, but I still like the result. It brings me back to my ballerina days. Sigh. 

yellow jeans

I'm now obsessed with finding a pair of yellow jeans after seeing Aimee's outfit. I love the unexpected color pairings and the black heels. I've always been afraid of mixing yellow and black for fear of looking like a bumble bee or a die hard Steelers fan but I think she looks perfect.

electric pink lips

Even though pink's never been my color, I'm thinking of trying out Emma Stone's electric pink lips look. I'm picturing it worn with khakis, army green, or royal blue. What do you guys think? Pretty in pink? Or too 80's?

Cynthia H bracelets

It's Monday morning and I'm feeling like I need to channel all the positive energy I can to get through this week. Sometimes you need to wear the reminder on you like a ribbon tied to your finger or a cute bracelet on your wrist. 

(Bracelets by Cynthia H)

It's me!

I'm not gonna lie, I kinda strategically walk past the editor's desk as many times as possible in hopes of getting my look picked for the day. They finally just gave in. : )

Andy Warhol iPhone case

So...I don't have an iPhone...but I've been wanting one. And I kinda want one only so that I can get this Andy Warhol case for it. Aaand I kinda only want this case because it makes me think of the children's song, Banana Phone, that my boyfriend played for me the other day. It would make me laugh every time I answered the phone.

riddgge

These Steve Madden wedge heels just arrived in the mail today...I really don't know what got into me when I ordered them. I barely wear heels and can't think of where I'd wear them (since I haven't been out in a while), but I guess it gives me an excuse to get dressed up...

street style

I took this Street Style photo for Refinery29 today in Soho. I'm loving her entire look and the way the background colors compliment her outfit. 

(Perhaps I'll go back to being a photographer! - Just kidding. No more career changes, I promise.)

feathered headband

I come from the school of thought that you should be able to wear whatever the hell you want, when you want, and if it incorporates something fun from your childhood, then you win extra points. I had to contain my excitement when I saw this feathered headpiece headband in Aldo. Hello, my name is Nina and I'm a tutu wearing Indian princess. Yes, please. 

Penguin Charm Necklace

You guys will soon find out (if you didn't already know) that I'm a little obsessed with all things Penguin. I'm in love with this Penguin Charm Necklace from Max &Chloe. So cute!

Stylish friends

This month, I pitched my friend, Guil Castellane, for the Most Stylish New Yorkers feature in Time Out New York. I've always loved his style that ranges from Hip Rocker to Mr. GQ. I'm so excited to see that he is featured online and in this week's print!

(and he lives in Astoria which ups his cool factor even more!)

Little Bee

If you're one of those people who skips ahead to find out what happens (like me), this book will be really difficult for you to hold back. The author, Chris Cleave, tells a beautiful and, at times, heart wrenching story of two unrelated women, making you read as fast as possible to find out how their lives are connected. I was also so impressed with his ability to capture different characters' voices and dialects. I don't want to tell you more about the book because it will spoil it, but I definitely recommend it. If you've already read it, let me know what you think!

high waisted shorts

I know that most trends weren't made for all body types but I have been on a mission to make the high waisted styles work on me. I have tried on a hundred pairs from different stores but my body shape is pretty square so I always end up looking like Spongebob Squarepants. I refused to stop searching, declaring to my boyfriend that "I will get myself in a pair of high waisted pants." (He was most likely thinking, "Less talk about what pants you're getting into, more about how to get you out of them).

Alas, I have finally found a pair that fits! I realized I was trying on ones that went too high (below the chest does not work!). These Sparkle & Fade shorts sit right at the waist and the belted, paper bag top helps to make the illusion of a slimmer waist. 

Alice Ritter

Check out the slideshow of the Fall '11 lookbook here.

Banksy

Imagine my pleasant surprise when I stumbled upon a Banksy while walking around in Park City, Utah. It was snowing out and you can see a few of the flurries in this photo. I just love his work. 

PS. Have you guys seen Exit Through The Giftshop? If not, you should definitely add it to your Netflix queue. 

Daisy eau so fresh

I normally wear Marc Jacob's Daisy, which I love, partly because it was named after a character in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. I'm thinking about switching to this lighter and more floral version, Eau So Fresh, for the spring. 

wedge shoes

I tried wearing heels to work the other day and I really don't know how people do it. The walk to the subway alone was unbearable, staying in them for the rest of the day was almost impossible. I am determined to be able to function in heels so I think I'm going to give these wedge shoes from Aldo a try.   They look proper enough for work and the rubber wedge heel actually seems comfy.

flannels

I pretty much live in flannel in the winter. I'm sure I look like a boy but it's just so darn comfortable. I looked at my closet the other day and thought, "I may have a problem."

A few weeks ago I started cracking up when I was doing my boyfriend's laundry (pictured below). It appears we have the same problem. At least we can share. : )

TOMS shoes

These would be perfect to wear on a summer bike ride. (Is summer here yet?)

P.S. - TOMS is expanding to more than just shoes!

pretty dress

I kinda need this dress for spring. Wouldn't it look so cute with a pair of brown oxfords?

helping hands

I wrote my first post for Refinery29 today about products you can purchase whose proceeds go to help with relief efforts in Japan and spreads the message. Every action, no matter how small, counts. We are all citizens of the same planet. 

(Print by Nan Lawson)

mia madre

I came across this photo of my mom the other day and I actually thought it was me at first glance. (That's a little compliment to myself. : ) ) 70's style is coming back this Spring and I wonder if I'll walk around looking like her mini-me. I never could pull off blue eye shadow quite like her. 

(I think I'm going to give her a call today to remind her how beautiful she is and how much she's loved).

notecards

I love writing and receiving notecards so I was so excited when I found these on Rue Renee's Etsy store. It's even awesomer that she's a fellow Astorian. (Yay Queens!)

These Thank You notes came in handy this week following an interview I had. Although, I definitely didn't want to part with them and debated sending two different interviewers one card. (Don't worry! I spared two in the end).

cats

It was only a matter of time before Mr. Gustavo made his debut on Mi Piace. I am such a cat lady. Doesn't he look so dignified in front of the book shelf? I feel like he should have a pipe, mustache, and British accent. 

Also, I thought this was so funny for those who don't like (non ti piace) cats. 

bikes

Can I live here? 

(As seen on You Are My Fave)

angry birds

I was curious about all the hype so when I got my iPad for Christmas the first app I downloaded was Angry Birds. Oh yes, it is as addictive as everyone described. And now, while I'm pulling slingshots on my iPad, I could have this Angry Bird plush toy from Urban Outfitters hanging out with me.

So angry. So cute.

recipe notebook

Most mornings I stand in front of my closet thinking, "I have nothing to wear," even though my clothes fill up four closets and a dresser. I do the same thing in the evening, standing in front of the open refrigerator, at a loss for dinner ideas. I've made so many recipes but when it comes time to cook, I can't think of one. 

This Recipe Notebook from Anthropologie would be the perfect remedy. I could jot down all my recipes in one place and refer to it when I'm planning a meal. 

one shoulder wedding dress

I've found my wedding dress! OK, maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself here. I'm not even engaged.   But sometimes, when I'm sitting at my desk, I go into mini panic attacks about completely irrelevant topics. Does this ever happen to you? I'll be sitting in the office worrying that I don't know what to do in case of a shark attack. (Is it punch them in the nose or poke their eyes out?)

Today, I worry that I don't have a dream wedding dress in mind, should someone ask for my hand in marriage like right now. (Which is more unlikely? A shark attack in the office or someone proposing?)

OK fine, I'll just take the feather hair piece for now. 

(Dress by BHLDN)

typewriters & flea markets

I went to a flea market in Raleigh, NC a few weeks ago and spotted this 1940's typewriter. I circled past it a million times wondering how I would get the 50 pound, non functioning object on the plane back to NYC. I imagined myself on the security line. 

"Excuse me, Sir. The sign says you have to take out your laptop, but what about typewriters?"

I had to buy it just to see the faces of the other passengers.

Ciao. Hello.

When I began studying Italian I could form only the most basic sentences, limited to the few vocabulary words I could memorize. While my verb conjugating skills were still rusty, I would manipulate my conversations around describing things that I like and dislike, surely, leaving me to appear less sophisticated than I am.

My vocabulary has expanded since, but sometimes it’s just simpler (and more fun!) to speak (and act) like an eight-year-old. My name is Nina. This is a blog about things I like, and sometimes, things I don’t like.

Tanto piacere (So nice to meet you).