{ updated braid }

If you're anything like us, a great braid has gotten you through a lot of dirty hair days. So why not try something new? Try a simple braid twisted up into a chignon-- an easy update to a classic style. 

Here's how you can get this look:

{ Fine & Dandy Comb }{ Big Sexy Hair Flip It Over Textured Spray }

{Clear Snag-Free Hair Elastics }{ Bobby Pins }{ Superfine Hairspray } 

{ workspaces }

I spend a lot of time in my office. A LOT.

I believe that you're workspace can really influence your day and that you should take some serious time to make it feel special. Here are some things that we saw and loved this week.

{ Corkboard Map } { Nuevo Jordan Desk-Brushed Stainless Steel }
{ Teal Maison Task Lamp } { Lucite Desk Collection } { Pollock Executive Chair-Brown }
{ Pollock Executive Chair-Black } { The Pillow Collection Gambela Floral Pillow }
{ Delilah Rug } { Small White Hairhide Ottoman } { Emilio Pucci-USB Key }
{ Kate Spade Stud Bow Phone Case }  { Golden Ipad Case }
 { Cole Haan Crosbody Medium Zip Pouch }

{ Bohemian Luxury/Samantha Wills }

The best thing about my job this year (besides the clothes, and the new york city trips, oh, and the shoes ...) is that I have reached a point in my career where I am constantly surrounded by talented, creative and driven people. Through social media, at some point last year, I connected with the beautiful Samantha Wills and am proud to call her my friend.

3 different people introduced me to her work in one week, raving "this line is so you" and that "you just have to see it". So I did and I've been a collector ever since. 

Samantha Wills is one of the very few artists that I feel gets "bohemian luxury" just right. She combines the right amount of boho, not too much sparkle and a dash of edge in each piece. And the quotes inscribed on the pieces makes each one even more special.

Here are some photos from my latest visit to her NYC showroom.

If you haven't familiarized yourself with her work- it's time.

{ samantha wills }

{ Heart of Aries Necklace }{ Love At Sunset Collar }{Autumn Adventure Collar }
{ Cleopatra Bangle }{ Roaming Existence Cuff } 

{ things we need: blue and pink }

{ MTV Muscle Tank } { Blue Midi Skirt } { Pigalle Glossy Python Pumps } { Rosaline Earrings } 

{ Alisha Sunglasses } {Convertible Color } { Ilia Lipstick 'In My Room' }

{ express part three }

Alright! Last express look before the big EXPRESS Times Square Grand Opening. This one is my favorite look of the three posts we did b/c who DOESN'T love a camo trucker hat?!? (It's men's, but I couldn't resist.) I paired it with their white portofino shirt, distressed black denim shorts, my new favorite color blocked heels and added a camel bag and watch b/c I love the gold links.
Which look was your favorite?

Oh and ARE YOU COMING TO THE EVENT?! If yes I hope you'll say hello?

{ The Convertible Sleeve Portofino Shirt } { 2 Inch High Rise Denim Cut Off Shorts } 

{ Ankle Strap Wide Heel Runway Sandal } { Camouflage Trucker Hat } 

{ Rhinestone Side Aviator Sunglasses } { Turn Lock Mini Cross Body Bag }  

{ photos by alison conklin }

{ Hudson New York }

Last week on my trip to NYC I was invited to stay at the hudson hotel. 

While I've visited once before, this was my first stay and won't be my last.

Spent a few mornings in the peaceful back library which is equipped with a pool table, chess boards, comfy couches for lounging, a bar oh and decorated with photos of cows in hats. Genius.

Can't wait until it warms up so I can explore the Hudson's outdoor area and rooftop on my next visit.

Have you stayed? Were you as taken with the design of the hotel as I was?

{ Hudson New York } { Photos by Sarah Kerens } 

{ express part two }

More express? Yep.

Still getting all ready for our fun party for Express's Grand Opening in Times Square. I'm hosting. Your shopping...and probably taking some pics too b/c Robin Thicke is performing. 

Above, look two from my recent Express haul. The shoes that I can't stop wearing are here again b/c I can't get enough of a color blocked heel.  These jeans are the mia skinny leg ankle and I paired them with a mesh tank for some fun. I piled on my favorite express jewels, and watch and hit the city for a nice afternoon off.

{ Perforated Graphic Tank } { Mia Ankle Jean Leggings } { Leopard Skinny Belt } 

{ Ankle Strap Wide Heel Runway Sandal } { Short Status Link Necklace } 

{ Quartz Pendant Necklace } { Rhinestone Side Aviator Sunglasses } 

{ photos by alison conklin }

{ express part one }

Next week in nyc I am hosting an event with Express. Oh and Robin Thicke is performing.

And you should come and hang out with all of us.

Don't worry I'll be posting info for you on this but first wanted to share that I'm wearing express above!

I popped in to grab a few must-haves for the event trip and thought I'd share some favorites with you this week. I started with a high-waisted full skirt and paired it with a mesh cut crop top- which just brushes the top of the skirt. Over that I wore a thin bomber jacket in black (it was unseasonably warm in nyc above so it's in my arm here). Then I picked up these shoes in white/camel and I have a feeling you'll be seeing alot of these on me.

I wanted to keep this look simple so I'm jewelry free- weird for me but the shades were a fun accessory.

Hope you love. Links below! Happy shopping!

Doors open at 7 with chances to win gift cards, giveaways, and other special prizes all night.  Express. Robin Thicke. Prizes.

See you there NYC.

{ Mesh Cut Out Crop Top } { High Waisted Full Skirt }{ Ankle Strap Wide Heel Runway Sandal }

{ Kenneth Cole Reaction Retro Sunglasses }   

{ bomber jacket }

{ photos by alison conklin }

{ coach }

Last week, I teamed up with Coach to make an illustration as part of their ongoing #coachnewyorkstories and they asked me what NY style means to me. 

"The thing I love about NY fashion is the individuality. If you gave 5 of my friends in nyc these shoes, they'd all style them differently and that it what keeps me inspired on my trips to the city."

 Check out my illustration for the Nillie Sandal at coach.com.

{Nillie Sandal}

{ things we need: tomboy chic }

A round up up my very favorite things that we stumbled across this week.

Those sneakers?!

 { Wool Cashmere Leather Fitted Car Coat } { Camo Sneaker } 

{ Illesteva Leonard 2 Green Mirrored Lenses Horn Sunglasses } { Gossamer Diamond Ring } 

{ Seventeen Watch in Gold } { Moschino Textured Leather Belt Bag }

 { Mar Jacobs Fragrance Perfume } { 3 Charm Italian Amulet } { NARS Blush in Taj Mahal } 

{ NARS Larger Than Life Lip Gloss } { Kendra Scott Ellie Earrings in Neon Yellow }

 { Terry O'Neill Coffee Table Books }

{ DS Loves Free People }

Last week, we got one random day when it hit 60 degrees and I took full advantage. When it comes to a dress with long sleeves, and a high neckline I like the hem to be short. Reeeally short b/c I'm petite and don't want to walk the street channeling a porcelain doll. 

I love this dress -the Victor Victorian Dress- by Free People , here I belted it but it falls straight for a completely different look (will be equally perfect unbelted, over black tights, and under a coat when the weather turns back to freezing next week)

I piled on jewelry by Samantha Wills and Kate Lawson, and lace up these bad boys - the Landmark Lace up boot- also from free people. I'll be wearing them to the city next week over my black denim. The color I chose is black/brown. 

Dals tips: Don't shy away from high boots little ladies, 

worn correctly they'll somehow make you feel taller.

Check out the rest of  Free People's dresses and shoes. 

What I wore it with :

{ victor victorian dress } { samantha wills } { Kate lawson } { otk socks } { landmark lace up boots } { Free People Dresses } { Free People Shoes } 

{ bangs, liner, & lips }

Ok, SO I don't have bangs, whatever.

But is a look fun to try and if you have bangs, then, bonus points for you. A heavy liner is key here. Use a liquid instead of a gel or pencil for this. I like maybelline's master precise liner. I've tried countless ink liners and this is a favorite because it stays put all day. Go with black and skip the liner on the bottom, an ash brown shadow to bottom lids will be just fine. You'll want your skin to be matte so bare minerals ready foundation will work nicely.  Swipe on your favorite mascara, a dusting of beige blush for depth and warmth if needed and then a brilliant red to your lips (marc jacobs' classic red is perfection).  The piecey ponytail here is key to making this look feel modern. Add a bit of texturizing spray ( holly at salon 828 just introduced me to kerastatse powder bluff so I'm trying that out this week) and give it a good mess before pulling it back.

tips: You can pair this look with lace and pastels just as long as you keep your hair a bit on the edgy side. Ringlets in that ponytail won't be a good match.

Want to try the full look? Links below. Happy shopping.

{ master precise liner } { shadow } { mascara } { blush } { foundation } { red lip } { texturizing spray } { teasing comb } { lace top } { pastel jewels }

{ #ThingsWeNeed: All Black Everything }

In this week's #ThingsWeNeed, we're feeling the need for all black. Do you need these Ozzie Caged Platform Sandle Bootie? Without question, yes. What about these Julia cropped mid-rise leather pants? Of course you do. All black, so chic. 

{ Ozzie Caged Platform Sandle Bootie} { Illesteva Leonard II Green Mirrored Lenses Horn Sunglasses} { Earrings } { Chameleon Crossbody Bag } { Julia cropped mid-rise leather pants } 

{ Moooi Smoke Arm Chair } { Jersey and Leather Dress } { Dope Beanie Hat } { Essie Nail Polish in Bulgaria }  { NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Pandora } { Taylor Headphones } {Piper Boot }

{ Hot Pink }

Because it's finally almost Spring and no color says warm weather appropriate quite like hot pink. Am I right?

{ Dallas Shaw Pinterest }

{ new dkny avatar }

I just wrapped the new dkny avatar. Here are some snaps of her in progress. 

Yes, I take her hair very seriously. 

Hope you enjoy! Keep up with a new avatar monthly at @dkny on twitter.