Beatnik

Marc by Marc Jacobs trench coat, Oscar de la Renta cardigan, H&M v-neck t-shirt, Zara mustard corduroy pants, Workshop Andrea Jovine infinity scarf, H&M classic slouchy hat, Urban Outfitters reader glasses, Clark's chukka shoes

Salvage

Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket, Gap sweater, Alfani collared shirt, Levi's jeans, Oscar de la Renta vintage necktie, H&M slouchy hat, Calvin Klein shoes, Michael Kors Hamilton tote

Inspiration:

James Plumb refurbished suitcase chest of drawers

Quest

There is not much in this world that I love more than dumplings.  It's true.  Recently my coworker and I ventured out into the rain during our lunch break in search of the new Rickshaw Dumpling kiosk in Times Square.  Once we discovered its location it seemed like my entire daily lunch routine improved drastically.  The dumplings are beyond delicious, and affordable.  If you ever find yourself hungry and bumping into tourists in Times Square I highly recommend stopping by.  The chicken dumplings are a favorite of mine, with an amazing dipping sauce that you will want to openly weep.

I love food trucks in general.  There are so many amazing and diverse options in the city, and they are all delicious!  From tacos to waffles, gay ice cream, or dumplings you can find anything your heart desires parked on a curb somewhere close by.  Once I even had the most amazing native american food from a cart after a fun night out with friends. It was honestly one of the best meals of my life. I've never been able to find him again, which makes me believe that he was definitely an old spirit guide that came to me because of a high score on Oregon Trail once as a child, and then disappeared into the night shortly after I consumed my meal moving on to teach valuable lessons to other intoxicated adventurers across the land.

Unfortunately, all dumplings were consumed before a photo could be taken.  But trust me, they were to die for.

Tyra Banks, eat your heart out.

Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket, H&M breton stripe sweater, Gap utility shirt, Zara mustard corduroys, H&M aubergine scarf, H&M classic slouchy hat, Frye distressed motorcycle boots

Chasing Fall

Happy Fashion Week!  New York has been bustling this week as the top american designers show their Fall 2012 collections.  While this week means fashion shows, industry parties, and stunning ensembles for buyers, press, and public relations, it means quite the opposite for me.  It means that I'm totally exhausted!  Fall 2012 is always the most challenging season because it coincides with Chinese New Year and is difficult to get samples made on schedule from overseas factories that lose focus months in advance of the holiday and then close up shop for close to two weeks causing endless delays.  While chasing outstanding Fall samples like a bounty hunter and trying to put together outfits with what I have so far to show for Market Week, I'm also designing Holiday/Resort season now, and finishing up Summer production fittings. While other people are prancing around Lincoln Center in Derek Lam, I am at the other end of town wrangling my line together like Derek Had-A-Little Lam.  Therefore this fashion week I'm keeping things cosy and comfortable, focusing on showing color in my outfits instead of tailoring.  And I'm skipping the industry parties to snuggle up in bed and get some much needed rest and relaxation.  I hope that everyone has a great week, and keep up the good work!

Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket & t-shirt, J.Crew Sweater,  Levi's jeans, Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply chambray scarf, Clark's chukka boots, H&M slouchy hat, Topman colored socks

Glimmer

Recently I had the honor of being a bridesman in my best friend Andrea's wedding party.  Besides the fact that I can't make it through a post on Style Me Pretty without audible sighs and squeals, the entire experience of being involved with her wedding was one of the best of my life.  I loved being there every step of the way, helping to plan and prepare.  The couple's vision was so sophisticated and beautiful, I couldn't help put it caught up in the excitement along with them.

Of course no wedding would be complete for any bride-to-be without a debaucherous bachelorette party!  We couldn't let Andrea be swept off into the sunset without giving her a fabulous night beforehand that she would never forget, or would forget entirely if all went well.  We decided on a theme of shimmer and shine, complete with a sequin suggested dress code and confetti glitter to spare.

I love dressing up for special occasions, but deciding exactly how I wanted to sparkle throughout the night was initially somewhat difficult.  Although sequin tuxedo jackets have been making their way onto the men's runways recently, I couldn't justify that large of a purchase.  As soon as I saw these black glitter oxford style shoes I knew that they were perfect for the event.  They provided a much needed keystone for the rest of the outfit.  Finally, I added one more masculine touch of shine with a flashy gunmetal neck tie.  I was totally prepared to throw some glitter and make it rain!

Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket, H&M vest, J. Crew plaid shirt, Marc by Marc Jacobs skinny jeans, H&M shimmer tie, Bakers shoes

The party was a success!  We had the best time clinking our champagne flutes in celebration and dancing late into the night.  I woke up covered in glitter, and discovered that I had aimlessly spread the shine throughout my entire apartment.  Frankly, that's pretty standard way for me to wake up.  That's the life of a bridesman.  It's a glittery job, but somebody has got to do it.