Harley

I've kind of been obsessed with vintage tee shirts for a while now. And now that I can finally walk outside without a jacket, I can wear some of my favorites. I was on the hunt for a while for a vintage Harely Davidson tee shirt but couldn't seem to find anything I liked without having to cough up a few hundred bucks for a tee. My mom is kind of an ebay fanatic (caramia's collection) and told me I'd be sure to find something there. Yup, I did. At first I kind of skeeved the idea of ebay and clothes and what not, but I got over it and I just got my tee shirt in the mail for only 15 bucks. It's really cute and worn out looking, not to mention a few holes (ie: next time read the full description). But overall I like it.

I love that you can just pair a great tee shirt with anything. Tonight I was planning on wear the H.D tee with a tight black mini...maybe pics?? Now I'm looking for a lighter color tee since I sort of normally stick to black. I really like MK's vintage Rolling Stones tee in this pic. Very worn in looking. And the way she piled on the necklaces...love.

I also found this cool website with some pretty awesome tee shirts. They have some cool movie based ones. I bought this one in a few sizes too big so it's long enough to wear with leggings. I absolutely love it. I've gotten a lot of compliments on it which surprised me because it's just a Transformers tee, but cool.

So I guess that means that tees and denim cutoffs are going to be my main summer staples. What are some of yours?

xx smiley

Lambert

Like I said in my last post, my sister got to have lunch with the guys from American Idol and the result is this picture. I'm not the biggest AI fan, I just can't imagine watching it week after week after week. Just announce the damn winner...sheesh! But boy do I love Adam Lambert. He was robbed!! He has such a baby face in that pic, I can't believe he's 27.

Anyway, was bored today and the ickky weather does not help so I made a quick trip to the mall. Made out only with a cute day dress from Forever21 (not yet on the website) and these shorts. Bought them in a few sizes too big so they'd be ultra baggy. Got a similar pair from Urban Outfitters a few days ago (triple the price) but I can tell I'm going to be living in my denim shorts this summer.

Yet with all the shopping I do, I still feel my summer wardrobe is lacking. Oy, the problems I face. Just kidding!

xx

Black & White

In a few weeks my sister is throwing another party at her place, but this time it's themed...Black & White. I'm pretty excited for the party since her first one was absolutely crazy (in a good way) and I haven't been "out out", as my friends and I like to say, in a while because of my bummed knee. But physical therapy has finally seemed to make a difference and I think I'm ready to put some heels on. I'm even more excited that my sister chose the black and white, however black and white isn't much of stretch for me since that seems to be my theme everyday.

Now even though it's a couple of weeks away, I have a lot of time on my hands since school's out and I don't seem to have an internship for the summer. So yeah I'm already scouting for outfit ideas. I'm really loving Lauren Conrad's outfit in this pic. It's totally feminine with the Shift Dress by Whitney Eve (aw how precious friends wearing friends designs...) yet it still has edge with the M by Madonna H&M Leather Jacket. It's really simple but it works. So that could definitely be an option. Of course I'd spruce it up with some cool shoes and accessories, you know the deal.

The other day I bought this skirt from American Apparel. I know everyone has it and I usually stay clear of that but I haven't seen anyone wear it in white, so why not!? I was thinking that could be another option but rather than pairing it with a typical black tank (I'd usually wear my Michael Star wife beater) I was thinking of wearing it with a white tank and risking all white. But I'd try pairing it with this black studded belt I have yet to wear (yes the one from the SATC movie) and some sort of fun shoes. I'm just afraid of risking the whole "butcher" or "ice cream man" look with the all white like I feared when I was younger haha. Hmm..we shall see, I do have plenty of time.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. Mine consisted of tanning, pool, bbq, tanning, pool and more food. Oh and right now I am so jealous of my sister because she's having lunch with Adam Lambert (from A.I) right now with US Weekly..ohh and the winner is there too...errr..Kris Allen. She's kind of become buddy buddy with some "really important" guy that works there and always goes to these lunches and she's convinced him to get Robert Pattinson to be the next one. Now it's just setting up the date and he promised her she could bring me if it happens. AH!! I hope I hope I hope. Clearly an unhealthy obsession...err scratch that..infatuation. =)


xx baby

Just Go With The Flow

It's pretty obvious by now that I have some faves when it comes to my fashion icons, since I tend to repeat celebs in different outfits. But hey, if it ain't broke don't fix it. So I'm just going to stick to that.

Here's VHud in this gorgeous Jen's Pirate Booty Poncho Villa Ruffle Dress sold at Singer22. I love the free flowing silhouette. It's so airy and girly. Definitely a great summer day dress or even perfect for an early dinner and drinks (especially in the Hamptons..def a great Hamptons dress). Even though I can't see what shoes she's wearing with the dress, I would pair it with a simple, understated gladiator sandal like these or these from Aldo. I used to work at Aldo before they really had some cute shoes (especially sandals). Damn, now I don't have my 50% off discount.

I'd even pair the dress with a nude pump, like most of you who have been reading know I'm a huge fan for. And I'm totally digging her hair in this photo. Makes me happy I took the time to grow my hair long and makes me almost want to cut my bangs again...almost.

By the way, I just had my first mini-trunk show at my sister's place in Manhattan the other day to show some of my new bracelets. Made a few sales. Pretty awesome and kind of proud of myself. =) I also joined twitter recently. I still don't really get the whole point (maybe I'm getting old) but I'm definitely becoming a mini-addict.

Follow me if you please: http://twitter.com/alexaRkopel

xx love

Nudist

Remember that episode of Sex & The City when Carrie goes on her first date with Mr.Big? Now remember that dress? Yup, I mean the naked dress! Charlotte claimed it was a big no-no because she screamed SEX and come on it was a first date. And yes I may have my own ideas about sex on the first date but HELLO did that dress scream sexy or what? And it was definitely because of its fabulous color: nude.

I've been seeing nude everywhere as of late and I absolutely love it. It can be worn many different ways, not just as "the naked dress". (But let me tell you that I'm kind of dying for my own naked dress this summer.) Just look at Angelina Jolie in this gorgeous Versace gown she wore to Brad's premiere of Inglorious Basterds (yes it's spelled like that) at the Cannes film festival. Fab! (I may like Brad a tiny bit more though...just a tiny bit.)

Now I may not have my own film to premiere (yet) therefore I don't need a floor length gown but there are great alternatives. I love this dress from Forever21. It's so fresh, fun and flirty and can definitely be worn to many different occasions throughout the summer. Even this adorable skirt from American Apparel that can worn as a dress too is great.

So let's get naked. Well maybe not exactly but we can still wear clothes while feeling a little err...free.

xx smiles

Bite Me

The New Moon poster was officially released today. And I must say "Va Bene"!!! I'm such a twi-fan. A little pathetic, but hey everyone's allowed a guilty pleasure...or two. The Twilight Saga is definitely my guilty pleasure. Or maybe it's really just RPatz? Hmm..I'll take both.

Yay..finished my final and handed in my last few papers today. It's officially summer break! Now what to do? Is beach all day considered a productive summer?

xx

tag

The very sweet Carla from Isquisofrenia tagged me. It says to 'list seven things that you love and then to pass it on to seven bloggers.'
7 things I love:
-my family and friends
-my pets

(pup-pup & macca)
-arts & crafts
-sitting in a theater watching a movie
-a really good book
-chocolate
-taveling
(swiss alps)


7 bloggers:
cuz im crazy
fashion chalet
fashion confectionairy
fashionology
cocorosa
pretty in leather
the new black-starr

xx

Itty Bitty

Just came across this pic of Lilo out and about town in LA and I'm totally digging her outfit, particularly her cropped tank. It seems as of late everything has become itty bitty and cropped to expose a little belly, or in Lilo's case lack there of (not gonna lie: jealous!) It used to be taboo and a major no-no to show some belly without being way too risque. But Lilo definitely pulls it off here especially with her flared jeans. It doesn't look, as one would day, "slutty" at all.

I'm kind of glad the cropped top is back, it gives me more motivation to continue my twice a day daily crunches work out. (But where are my results already!!??!!) However, last year, before people like Lilo were rocking the cropped top, I bought a cropped tee from American Apparel. Before I came home from Florence my friends and I found this cool clothing store (way overpriced) that sold these adorable Chloe cropped tees with weird abstract images on them. Unfortunately that was around the time my trip was coming to end and therefore I had pretty much drained my bank account for all its worth and didn't want to spend 80 euros on a tee. That's where the AA tee came in.

Although I have yet to wear it for fear of looking too risque, I can sense that it's definitely going to come in handy this summer as a staple in wardobe. Maybe even paired with my wide leg J Brands could be cute. I also found this adorable top from Singer22 by Wildfox (my new favorite brand, everything looks worn in and vintage and is so comfy). It doesn't looked to be as cropped as my AA tee and nowhere nearly as cropped as Lilo's tank, so it's definitely easier to wear for the more conservative.

Can't wait to whip out my cropped tee, well maybe not until my 6 pack shows (hah just kidding).
xx

ps: if anyone can identify Lilo's top, I would love know who makes it. Thanks :-)
(photo:lohanfan.org)

Crunch Time

Had my last day of classes today! Yay! Now just one more final plus a paper to hand in and I am good for the summer. Thank goodness it's been a really long semester but one major positive thing came out of it: this blog. Chic & The City started out as an assignment for my Basic Reporting class. We had a guest speaker come in who created his own blog and made loads of money off it, so basically he wanted to inspire us. My professor never felt shy on telling us that by the time we graduate (for me that's next semester ahh real world!) most jobs in journalism will be obsolete and blogging is the next big thing. While I don't expect to make a career out of it (well maybe not right now hehe) I've definitely taken a liking to this whole blogging experience. I've never actually considered journalism to be on my career path, I was basically taking the class as a requirement for my major. But our guest speaker told us to write what we know, and what I know & love is fashion and TADA: Chic & The City was born. But I never would be having so much fun keeping up with the blog if it weren't for all the great feedback, so keep it coming. I read all of them and am truly amazed that I have some great followers. (Plus I'm an avid reader of all of your blogs too.)

Bla bla enough of my ranting. I'm exhausted and should be studying but instead eating homemade whip cream (yup that's right) and strawberries while attempting to paint my nails. Tomorrow I plan on spending the day with my sister shopping, hopefully getting more supplies to make some new bracelets.

So I leave you with some pics of Lilo and Ali on a Paris balcony, not because I love what they're wearing but because the way Lilo looks is the way I feel: exhausted. But please, could you ever get tired of fashion? I think not!

So keep the comments coming. I plan on keeping this baby rockin' even though school's out for summer.

xxciao

Freak Show

How amazing are these pictures? In the words of Cher Horowitz "I was like totally buggin'!" That's exactly how I felt when I first laid my eyes upon these freakishly gorgeous ads for Eli and Moshe Azran's Fall 09 Lookbook. They absolutely caught my attention and make me want to know more. I love the jeans, love the denim shirts even more. This confirms that my love for all things '90's isn't going anywhere.

But seriously, how amazingly terrifying are the models in the masks? The first thing that came to my mind was the film A Clockwork Orange because it's frightening yet undeniably eye catching and intriguing.

Hmm..maybe it's just me, but I always seem to be drawn to the freaky, abnormal things. Life's way more fun that way.

;-) xx

White Trash Chic

So now that the warm weather in NYC has started to stick, it's time to get my gams ready. That means shaving my legs regularly (I'm the girl that puts that task on the back burner during winter...unless you know there's a hot date involved wink wink), exfoliating and using my daily self tanner/moisturizer. (I prefer Jergens Natural Glow.) But this also reminds me that I need to examine my drawer full of shorts, in which I realize I don't have a drawer FULL of shorts. I have a drawer of SOME shorts.

It's not that I don't like showing off my stems, it's just that I don't usually like most styles of shorts from the past seasons. But I did dig up my fave go-to pair of shorts that I practically lived in during last summer: my mom's vintage Levi cutoffs. They're so worn in and distressed; they're perfect. However I want to make these babies last forever, so I figured I better stock up on some substitutes.

For a while now I've been craving everthing baggy, so why not apply that to my shorts? I love the ultra baggy shorts MK is wearing in the pics above. (Probably ultra baggy because she's ultra tiny..hey I'll just have to fake it.) I absolutely cringe when I see girls in super short tight cutoffs, like bottom of the cheeks are beginning to creep out...ick! I love the way MK pairs her baggy shorts with a loose tee. It looks effortless plus will keep you cool when the hot months approach.

I'm loving these Current Elliot ones from Singer22. And also these from Forever21 at a fraction of the price. I think the key thing here is the distressed look and cuffed hem. Denim shorts, like jeans, are so versatile that they can be paired with practically anything. I'm kind of digging the idea of pairing insanely baggy shorts with a wife beater. White trash city yeah! Plus how great are these also from Forever21.

Can't wait to get my hands on some baggy shorts. I'm thinking I may even cut up a pair of my mom's old vintage Levi jeans that are big on me. That could work too. Whichever ones you prefer just remember Glamour Don't: No Exposed Butt Cheeks. Ugh I cringe at the thought.

xx smile baby.

My Babies

Here are some of the bracelets I was talking about that I make. It just started out as a fun hobby and now I sell them around. The picture quality isn't so great, so please bare with me. These are all made with glass beads.

These are definitely the most blurry, but it was the only picture that showed the colors.
Pink and Stone Grey 6mm. 'Good Omen', 'peace', and skull bead.

Orange 8mm beads with floral designs on the bead. 'Spirit' charm and the other says 'harmony'

Orange 8mm beads. Gold Hamsa charm with Star of David in the center.

Red 8mm beads. Harmony, Star of David, Hamsa charms. Plus my favorite 6mm beads with silver skull.

Brown 8mm goldstone beads. Cupcake and Happiness charms. Floral cloisonne beads on the first two.

Blue 6mm beads with silver skull and 'peace' bead.

Black 6mm beads. Ying-yang, peace signs, 'Good Omen' beads.

Black 8mm beads. Floral cloisonne beads.

These are some of the colors put together. The fun of them is being able to mix and match them all.

Again, some mixing and matching.

Thanks. Let me know what you all think of them. I'm planning to create some more designs for summer once classes finish. They all definitely look a lot prettier in person but it was the best I could do for now.

xx

Yumzz...

I'm still sick. Stuck in bed all day. I'm entitled to a little drool worthy moment (slash a little reminiscing). Proceed:

My Yanks...aRod & DJeter

A little Balenciaga doesn't hurt either.

Nor does Chanel. (Yep obsessed)

Plus some of my fave pics of me and my bff. Drool worthy bc they were taken in Florence. Yep I really miss Florence.

And how delicious! Baked by the talented little AK.

DIY Denim

Today I am sick and stuck in bed. Not a very fun day. Besides drinking tea and watching a marathon of The Millionaire Matchmaker, I was going through some magazines I have lying around. When I made my way to my May 2009 issue of InStyle, I found their own tutorial of DIY bleached, destroyed jeans. I don't know how I missed it. I've been meaning to bleach a pair of my jeans but haven't figured out which pair I'm going to use.

I don't normally use tutorials or directions. I'm a 'just wing it' kind of girl. But I may end up using this one because I've heard some horror stories about too much bleach. So I thought I'd share InStyle's "This Is How We Do It".

1-Bunch areas on old black jeans and pour a bit of Clorox on each. "When you're happy with the color rinse out the bleach, " says staffer Casamassimo.

(I wasn't even considering using black jeans, but seeing her creation now I may.)

2-Sand the knees and the fronts of the thighs with heavy grit paper.

(I've always used a cheese grater, now I'll go get some sand paper.)

3-Slice the areas you want ripped and pick apart the fibers in the weave.

4-Machine wash and dry your version-twice.

(Knowing me, I would have waited for them to dry and just worn them smelling like bleach all day...ditz.)

If anyone has other great tutorials on some DIY projects I'd love to see them. I'm always up for something new.

xx

Trans Fat

I just love him and his attitude. But if my burger and fries came in Chanel cartons, I don't know how much weight I'd lose. Just saying. =) But I LUVVzz it!

Now where are my fries and honey mustard sauce.

xx

Dress Your Neck

People that know me, know that when it comes to accessories I'm more of a chunky bracelets kind of girl. Ie: how it came about me making my own line of beaded charm bracelets. Post?? Anyway, I love stacking tons of cool bracelets on my wrists. My bff and I simply just call it "the wrists". We think of it as dressing up our wrists. It's corny but we love it. Plus when we were abroad we would buy tons of leather braided bracelets from the market outside our school and switch it up practically every week. (My favorite one I bought was this leather leopard print one with red sprakles.) Even our neighbors in our building (miss you neighbs) asked us one day to take them to the market to dress up their wrists. It was so cute and we were very flattered.

But for the last few weeks I've been sticking to my usual wrist dress up: gold Swatch watch, the many different color combos of my beaded charm bracelets, and this fleur de lis link bracelet I stole from my mom. (It gives off this motor-chic vibe.) But the reason I've been sticking to this combo is because I've been having some fun dressing up my neck. Everyday I wear my white gold 'ALEXA' name plate that I got years ago inspired by the Carrie necklace. My mom got it specially made for me with tiny diamonds in the 'x' to assure that no one else has it. I never take it off.

Although, I have to admit, I've been having so much fun browsing through all these amazing close to the neck necklaces. I don't really like the long layered look, it just was never my thing. But I have finally taken off my Alexa name plate because I've been buying such cute necklaces. I bought this one a few months back. Forever21 seems to have totally jumped on the bandwagon of close to the neck necklaces. I found a bunch that I'm going to order, like this and this. Adorable and affordable. (Including above pic.) Even if they don't last long, you won't feel guilty.

In the end my nameplate kicks any of these necklaces to the curb but that's because it has meaning to me. However, I'm definitely loving playing dress up on my neck for the time being.

xx

Fashion's Oscars

Kate Beckinsale in Marchesa. I swear I saw this dress a few months back and thought 'Wow when I go to the Oscars, this is my dress.' Yea I have thoughts like that. My red carpet looks are all planned out. ;)


Kate Bosworth in Stella McCartney. Wowza! Fabz!

Madonna in Louis Vuitton. Icks.


I understand the whole risking taking thing considering this is the Costume Institute Gala at the Met...but...no. Just no. Just because she's Madonna, she has no right trying to bring back the scrunchie! It's a scruuuuuunchie (stress). Scrunchies are for your hair when washing your face. That's it.

There were definitely some other great dresses (and icky ones) but I'm sure you all have seen them by now. Which were some of your best and worst?

xx

(pictures: just jared and huffington post)

Tag! You're It!

K, so I didn't really get tagged but I wanted to join in the fun. Going to give it my best shot at my first questionnaire. (Got this one from fashion confectionairy!) Here I go:

1.What are your current obssesions? Combat boots, oversized blazers and ripped jeans.

2. What is your weirdest obssesion? The entire Twilight saga. I guess not that weird but considering it's mainly for teenage girls..hmm.

3. What are you wearing today? Topshop stirrup leggings and an oversized vintage sweater.

4. What's for dinner tonight? Hmm don't know yet, too early.

5. Why is today special? Because it's one day closer to the end of the semester. That means summer and my friends finally graduate from school and I have them home for good yay!

6. What would you like to learn to do? Work my sewing machine again.

7. What's the last thing you bought? A black maxi skirt.

8 What are you listening to right now? I have old school 90210 episodes playing on my TV in the background.

9. What is your favorite weather? Sunny, warm with a light breeze.

10.What's your most challenging goal right now? Figuring out what I'm going to do when I graduate.

11. If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be? Florence, Italy.

12. What would you like to have in your hands right now? A magazine. (I'm a tabloid junkie)

13. What would you like to get rid of? The old clothes in my closet.

14. If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Back to Florence. I miss Flotown.

15. Which language do you want to learn? Italian.

16. What do you look for in a friend? Kindness and trust.

17. Who do you want to meet in person? Robert Pattinson.

18.What’s your favorite type of music? I'll listen to pretty much anything. But it doesn't get better than old school Britney.

19. What’s the favorite piece of clothing in your own closet? Chanel Blazer.

20. What is your dream job? Owning my dream store with my bff AK. (Yes we have it planned out.)

21. Any favorite models? Is it too cliche to say Kate Moss? Whatever, I'm a cliche.

22. What would you most likely spend 100 euros on? Shoes.

23. What would you like an endless supply of? Shoes,handbags and bracelets.

24. Girl crush? Kristen Stewart. (I guess it's that twilight thing.)

26. Do you admire anyone’s style? Kristen Stewart, MkOlsen, Johnny Depp, Nicole Richie, Erin Wasson...list goes on.

27. Describe your personal style. I like to think of myself as edgy, grunge, laid back, comfortable yet still have a feminine side. If I like it, I wear it.

28. How did you get into loving fashion? Rummaging through my mom's closet with trips to Barney's on weekends with her, I couldn't resist. Plus she taught me at an early age to be creative and make my own things. (She got it from her mother.)

29. Where do you work now? I just finished an internship with Harrison and Shriftman PR. I worked for the fashion department. Cool experience. I worked the William Rast (Justin Timberlake) fashion show during fashion week.

The Rules

[1] Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace questions you dislike with questions of your own invention, add one more question of your own.

[2] tag eight other people.

merkovsky

weareriffraff

childhoodflames

mypreciousconfessions

handescloset

zanita

thestylishishwanderer

iam-ashleigh

fashiontoast

Besos

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To the Max

Writing that title I couldn't help but instantly think of Zack Morris and crew chilling at The Max on Saved by the Bell. Ah the good old days. I still watch the reruns early mornings when I'm awake and will never get sick of them.

Anyway to my point, I am absolutely in love with Nicole Richie's outfit in this photo. I love every piece of it. I have been in search of the perfect maxi skirt for a while. (Ask my mom, I tortured her with my need for one.) When I saw Nicole wearing this look, it confirmed my love for all things maxi. It's a new take on the popular maxi dress style. (Which I love equally as much.) I love the way she pairs her Dries Van Noten skirt with a Phillip Lim 3.1 Rolled Sleeve Muscle Tee, Minnetonka black ankle lace ups and a knit beanie. It's effortless chic.

Recently I took a trip to my local crafts store and bought some jersey fabric since I wasn't having any luck finding a skirt like Nicole's. I attemtped my first major sewing DIY project and made a black skirt with an elastic waistband. Let me remind you though that I do not remember how to thread a sewing machine so all stitiching was done by hand. Ouch! It took me a few hours but it's definitely cute. However I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to my DIY projects (I get it from my mom) and refuse to wear it until I get the stitching perfect.

So until that's perfect, I took a trip with my dad to Target and found maybe the most perfect maxi skirt. It's exactly what I have been looking for and bugging everyone about. It's a Mossimo Black Maxi Skirt and it's adorably chic for only $19.99. I wore it last night for the first time with a white hanes wife beater, AA grey zipup, plain flipflops and my own knit beanie that I sewed by hand out of a hood (maybe another post on that?). I topped it off with my black leather jacket and Rayban aviators. My dad told me I looked like a gypsy like the ones that surround the Duomo in Florence (where I used to study with my best friend AK...shoutout!). But I thought I looked cute and comfortable anyway. Plus it was the first outfit I got to wear in a long time where my knee brace was fully hidden. (Who would have known that a knee brace can make any outfit look ugly...I've been suffering for nearly 2 months with it.)

Would love to know what you think of the look. Too Esmeralda for you? Hey, it's whatever works for you.

xx