Lovely, isn’t she? There’s simply something radiant about her that makes me smile every time I see her and it’s not often that I have the pleasure of her presence. Jessica was in town and I wanted to do a feature on her summer look, which also gave me the opportunity to experiment with some ideas. We decided to visit Governor’s Island not only because it was her first time but also for its charming colonial houses that I felt was perfect for her style. Coupled with beautiful weather, I felt fortunate and couldn’t ask for anything more.

JESSICA DANG
Consultant/Writer

-Kate Moss for Topshop Dress
-Givenchy Shoes

I was intrigued with meeting Michael when his sister told me how stylish her brother was. After finding some time, I asked if he would be interested in being featured and so we met up on a late summer evening near the Financial District where I used to work. It was certainly interesting to see Michael walking through an area where most men paired suits and dress shirts conservatively. I like how he adds small personal touches to make his ensemble unique such as the bird clipped to his lapel and lodging pennies into the cutout of his loafers, which prompted to ask why they’re called penny loafers.

According to a few sources, penny loafers were designed by John Bass in the 1930’s and originally called Weejuns. When pay phones were still ubiquitous, Weejun wearers start placing dimes – the price of pay phones in those days – into the shoe pocket to make emergency calls. Pennies later came along as when students wishing to make a fashion statement took to inserting a penny into the diamond-shaped slit on their Weejun instead.

It was interesting to see a fashion statement such as inserting pennies into loafers have a history and it’s almost comical thinking it now because pay phones has now become so obsolete. While chatting on our walk back to the subway, I expressed interest in purchasing a pair of boat shoes and Michael exclaimed that I should get loafers instead because everyone had a pair of boat shoes. His mindset was different and that’s what I liked about it.

MICHAEL NGUYEN
Writer

-J.Crew Suit
-J.Crew Tie
-Brooks Brothers Black Fleece Shirt
-Postmodern Gentleman Tie Clip
-Bass Penny Loafers
-Vintage Glasses

It’s amazing how there is an abundance of places in New York to explore and I’m constantly surprised with what I see. I recently met Tovah through a friend at the weekly social mixer that I co-host and I couldn’t resist asking for a spotlight feature. We decided to walk through Vinegar Hill, a neighborhood in Brooklyn located just east of the Manhattan Bridge anchorage, and found a charming little area that was perfect!

Tovah Gordon
Assistant Fashion Designer

-American Apparel Top
-Dolce Vita Shoes
-Vintage Skirt
-Vintage Scarf (tied around waist)

Josh came to visit NYC for the second time since we first met at NYFW Spring 2010 and we decided to do another shoot around West Village for fun. By this time, I was much more comfortable around her so we first caught up at a local coffee shop until the sun began to set. I could live vicariously through her stories as she tells me the people she met while traveling and her future business goals in New York. Josh is simply a serene yet driven person who inspired me with her accomplishments – recently adding designer to her resume. She’s currently starting her line of accessories under “Josh V” amongst other projects underway, making it another exciting year for her.

Josh Veldhuizen
Model/Writer/Presenter/Designer
http://www.mynameise.com/JoshVeld

Look #1
-Zara Blazer
-American Apparel T-Shirt
-H&M Shorts
-Gucci Shoes
-American Apparel Scarf
-Glamorous Fashion Studded Bag
-Josh V Jewelry
-Audemars Piguet Watch

I love it when I’m able to meet up with people from the fashion blogosphere that I connect with. It’s truly one of the greatest things about blogging especially with the ease of networking. What’s also fascinating is meeting that person for the first time even though you’ve been following their written thoughts and photos online for a while. I briefly met up with Erika of Fashion Chalet while she was visiting NYC for an Ann Taylor LOFT event and I must say how sweet and soft-spoken Erika is! I just hope that she’s able to visit NYC a bit longer next time.

Erika Marie
Fashion Blogger
http://fashionchalet.blogspot.com

-H&M Blazer
-Alexander Wang Tank
-Vintage Scarf
-Top Shop Skinny Jeans
-Givenchy Nightingale Bag

“My parents always discouraged us from buying into the ‘trendy’ looks that the mall was pushing. No Abercrombie allowed in our house! I remember my mom taking me into Goodwill when I was very young. She made it a game ~ here’s $10, see what you can put together with that. From then on I was hooked to the thrill of the chase!” – Kelly Framel on vintage clothing for Dujour Magazine

NY Fashion Week is closely arriving and I’m also excited that I will be going to Paris for the first time! I’ve never traveled internationally alone and what concerns me is navigating around Paris because I don’t speak one word of French. However, it should be a fairly interesting trip where I hope to split part of my time touring the city and participating in random food excursions. I must thank Kelly for informing me of a great website that listed vacation rentals because I originally felt distressed searching for affordable lodging in the heart of Paris. I had been following Kelly’s blog, The Glamourai, for some time and I remember being tantalized by her style consisting of various shapes, textures, patterns, and colors. While she embraces different pieces effortlessly, I also find that she possess an amazing talent for creating beautiful self-designed jewelry – both of which are something worth checking out.

Kelly Framel
Fashion Blogger/Stylist/Designer
http://www.theglamourai.com

-Rachel Roy Transformer Coat
-Vintage Jacket
-Forever 21 Skirt
-Pura Lopez Boots
-Urban Outfitters Hat
-Aldo Gloves

I enjoy scouting interesting places in NYC and I even purchased an iPhone application to help organize my growling list. I was particularly excited when a friend told me of a residential building with rooftop access around Hell’s Kitchen, so we went to check it out to take photos of Nadine. I met Nadine just a week ago and wanted to shoot her before she returned home to the Netherlands. With only an hour, we looked around the small rooftop and executed a quick concept that led to these fun shots.

Nadine Tijdink
-Patrizia Pepe Blazer
-H&M Shirt
-H&M Tights
-Steve Madden Shoes

The most difficult part about taking photos in the winter is dealing with the insufferably frigid weather. New York City experienced some intolerable temperatures in the last few days, which prompted me to think where to take Spotlight features. Other than effectively using strobe lights, finding indoor locations with interesting backdrop and an abundance of natural light is just as difficult. But when Rebecca of Fashion She Says suggested the MET Museum, I thought to myself that it simply might work!

As a fellow native New Yorker, Rebecca has a unique style that is defined by her extensive collection of vintage clothing. While her style is unabashedly girlie, I find that she also exhibits an eclectic balance of beautiful vintage pieces with modern sophistication. Her taste is undoubtedly an inspiration from her style icons circa 1960 such as Jean Shrimpton, Jane Birkin, and on-screen character Penny Lane from “Almost Famous”, played by Kate Hudson. And while there were many defining moments that developed Rebecca’s aesthetics and sartorial preferences, what I love about her is that she dresses to live and value clothes as a mode of self-expression.

Rebecca
Fashion Blogger
http://www.fashionshesays.com

-Vintage Suede Coat
-Ralph Lauren Cashmere Sweater
-3.1 Phillip Lim Feather Skirt
-Loeffler Randall Leather Boots
-Chloé bag

“To feel…it’s as vital as breath. And without it, without love, without anger, without sorrow, breath is just a clock… ticking.” – Equilibrium

I recently watched “Equilibrium”, a sci-fi film about a society who believed that human emotion is responsible for man’s inhumanity to man, thus banning all materials deemed likely to stimulate strong emotions, including, art, music, and literature. It made me wonder how society would be like if we did not have any source of inspiration to be different and innovative. I imagine everyone would easily be the same, working and thinking in a systematic fashion. From this film, I interpreted a simple message where society needs emotion because without it, there is nothing to inspire from.

I take inspiration from various elements that help evolve my distinct tastes and ideas. It’s one reason why I started this blog and it also helps replenish my insatiable appetite on lazy days when I feel consumed and jaded. So what better way to start the New Year than spending a lovely winter afternoon with the “verocious” Veronica Kirzhner. This inspirational beauty caught my attention with her crazy pictorials and poetic yet sometimes silly musings that left me yearning for more. I adore her fashion metamorphosis, as she channels between an androgynous look to her ferocious femininity. Coupled with her multifarious looks and artistic aptitude as a seasoned shoe designer, music artist, performer, photographer, and style savant, Veronica replenishes my craving for inspiration and reminds me just how much I enjoy what I do.

Veronica Kirzhner
Fashion Designer/Music Artist
http://www.saintandlibertine.com

-Vintage 1940′s Sgt. Pepper Band Coat
-In God We Trust Rabbit Fur Beret
-A.P.C. Turtleneck Sweater
-American Apparel Skinny Jeans
-Dolce Vita “Flexx” booties
-Washburn Acoustic Guitar

With the weather getting much colder and daytime lasting shorter in NYC, I find it more difficult to consistently find “street-style” photos, which is also why you will frequently see more Spotlight features. Most of the time, I believe great style is not always found on the streets, but simply though networking and connecting with people/bloggers that may have most of their time consumed by their profession or business.

Karen and I previously worked together while I was at the accounting firm and I fully understand how most of her time is committed behind the desk. Karen also happens to be the first to introduce me to the fashion blogosphere, which I am truly thankful for. It was after she sent me numerous links to random blogs that I fell into the immense world that I sometimes find myself digging deeper and deeper into. And while many have a pre-conceived notion of how accountants are dressed, I always found that her style – even in an office environment – stood out among others.

Karen Liang
Tax Consultant

-Harputs OWN Swacket Coat
-Steve Madden Ankle Boots
-Alviero Martini Clutch
-H&M White Button-down Shirt
-H&M Scarf (worn as vest)
-H&M Faux Fur Circle Scarf

It’s interesting to see how small the world is and the limitless connection we unknowingly build everyday. During a recent holiday celebration, I spoke with a gentleman who works at Rogan NYC and he explained how he had a friend at the John Varvato Bowery shop. To my curiosity, I asked him who his friend’s name was and it coincidently turned out to be the same person that assisted me with my recent python skin hi-top Converse purchase!

I couldn’t help but notice that similar connection I build when Karen sent me a tweet asking me what kind of camera I used. And what initially started off as a twitter conversation ended with me asking her if she would be interested in taking photos as part of my “In The Spotlight” feature. I was actually familiar with Karen’s blog ever since a friend introduced it to me; so I was interested in meeting this creative fashionista myself. What I love about Karen is not only her energy, but also her ability finding vintage treasures and creating DIY items such as her studded bag. Overall, the shoot was definitely fun and I was glad that we extended our day by sitting down for a late brunch at Schiller’s, one of her favorite restaurants located in the Lower East Side.

Karen Blanchard
Fashion Blogger
http://www.wheredidugetthat.com

-Silence & Noise Jacket
-Yesstyle.com Skull Knit Dress
-Topshop Boots
-DIY Bag
-Hat (purchase locally)

There is a park by my parents’ house in Queens, NY that I used to bike through because it was the only place that I was able to escape when I needed some solitude. It was an immensely large park that had hilly forest paths with an illusion that you’re in upstate New York and there were certainly times where I’d get lost. I recently went through the trails again with a friend who invited me to join her on a biking excursion. Although it was a breezy fall afternoon, my experience turned out to be more of an inspiration rather than a workout. I wish I had my camera to take a snapshot, but imagine cruising down a slightly narrow and long trail with trees surrounded besides you. The path is covered in a sea of foliage illuminated in yellow, orange, and red by a gleam of sunlight; and as you freely bike through, all you hear is the wind blowing against the trees and the rustling sound of crisp leaves under your feet.

I was hoping to capture something similar when I asked Jessica for a stroll around Central Park on a Sunday morning. Unfortunately, we soon realized most of the fall foliage was gone, but that didn’t put me down because Jessica is such an exquisitely beautiful person that practically filled all my photos with her warm persona. I couldn’t help but smile the day before when she was concern about what to wear. I told her to put some something she would wear on a brisk day and easily enough that was the perfect comment to inspire her to pick out this lovely ensemble.

Jessica Dang
Consultant/Writer

-Prada Coat
-Yves Saint Laurent Dress
-Yves Saint Laurent Shoes

For this Spotlight feature, I wanted to try something different with the photos, which eventually took me hours fiddling around with Photoshop; and who else to ask other than the radiant Chantal of Cocorosa! We spent a beautiful afternoon strolling around Tribeca as we discussed everything from our passion and interests to our cultural differences. I love how comfortable she is in front of a camera and I can imagine how her cheeks may hurt after smiling so much. But leave it to Chantal to surprise me as she pulls off a sweatshirt and sweatpants ensemble nicely. She has an amazing talent with a knack for creating DIY items, especially her tights which has been featured in several fashion publications. For example, the Victor & Rolf for H&M sweatshirt originally had embellishments all over that she spent hours taking it off! Although Chantal plans to travel a bit, I hope that somewhere down the line we will collaborate more.

Chantal Van Der Meijden
Designer/Fashion Blogger
http://mypreciousconfessions.blogspot.com

-Vanessa Bruno Sweatpants
-Viktor & Rolf for H&M Sweatshirt
-H&M Scarf
-BCBGirls Shoes

Nothing beats a Spotlight shoot during one of the hottest days in NYC, and we still managed to get some great photos! Sugar Vendil, a passionate classical music artist and fashionista, created The Nouveau Classical Project to exhibit a concert series in a new and refreshing way: fusing fashion and classical music. Typically held at a gallery-type venue, the musicians are dressed by up-and-coming designers with past contributers such as Debut, Nicholas K, and coh. N. Already with several successful performances, Sugar manages to make the classical concert a fun event with hopes to “promote it to a hip, downtown crowd.” To my interest, I asked how her parents came about her name, which she replied that it was a fusion between her parents’ names: Suzanne and Edgar. I thought to myself how intriguing that was and perhaps she born with the talent to combine these two arts together.

Sugar Vendil
Pianist & Nouveau Classical Founder/Artistic Director
http://www.nouveauclassical.org

-Zara Dress
-Anuschka Hoevener necklace

I spent the last few days at a resort in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico to celebrate the matrimony of two college friends. It was a large resort with all-inclusive meal and drinks, which meant that you’d find me around the resort with a bowl of guacamole, nachos, and a margarita. I didn’t spend much time out at the beach, but since I was staying in a “platinum” room, a friend and I decided to shoot some photos on the day of the wedding. Leng is originally from Australia and currently works in London as an account manager. She is one of the few people I know that has an Australian/English accent, which I find very soothing. Throughout the trip, I would frequently ask her to pronounce random words while I repeated after her as if I was a student. I have always been fond of the English accent and sometimes I joke around with friends about whether moving to London long enough would help me develop one.

Leng Lim: Account Manager
-Matalan dress
-Aldo shoes

I’ve been out for the last few days due to a cold that I’m still recovering, but I’m glad that I managed to go through photos from my second In The Spotlight shoot. A few days after stopping Karen on the streets, we coordinated to meet up on a beautiful Sunday to take a few photos. Karen is simply an amazingly beautiful and fun person to be around and take photos with. I’m typically a very shy person, but there’s something about her vibe that made the shoot very relaxed and comfortable. She also happened to be wearing the Michael Kors dress that she bought on the day we first met.

Karen Izaguirre
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

-Michael Kors Dress