Get a Leg Up: Over-the-Knee Boots

La Lamphear Demonstrating How to Properly Wear Thigh-Highs (Photo Credit: Jak & Jill Blog)

Geraldine Saglio Showing Off her Slim Jims (Photo Credit: same as above)

Although thigh-high boots have been associated with women of the night and other scantily clad, morally questionable females, this seemingly daunting new fall accessory trend is actually very wearable--and done right, one needn't anticipate wanton cat calls by seedy men. The key is coverage: wear them with longer tunics/mini dresses, shorts with tights, and skinny pants/jeans/leggings. The extra layer of leather will keep you looking warm and chic in the upcoming chilly months. Personally, I think suede versions are less intimidating and more flexible; don't hesitate to wear a suede pair with your au courant leather shorts. Choose flat versions to lessen the sex appeal for more wearability.

Some High/Low Options:

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1. Dolce Vita "Stud" OTK Boots, $355: These remind me of Chloe's starburst shoes from a few seasons back. You can kill two birds with one stone with these (studs and OTK boots).

2. Steve Madden Xcept Black Suede Boots, $299.95: The platform and heel on these add interest.

3. Chanel Lambskin Cap-toe Thigh-High "Paris-Moscou" Boots: These babies are on my wish list. (Actually, nearly everything from the Paris-Moscou line is on my wish list.) The decorated wedge heel is what makes these not only wearable but also very unique.

4. Guiseppe Zanotti Suede Platform Boots, $1,225: Yes, they're quite expensive, but you're getting your money's worth with Zanotti. His shoes are extremely well made, not to mention gorgeous and comfortable.

5. Guiseppe Zanotti OTK Croc-Embossed Boots, $1,225: I couldn't resist adding another pair of Zanottis. I'm a sucker for any animal skin, embossed or real.

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Sorry for the lack of posts recently; this week was extremely busy (I had another out-of-town guest for the second week in a row), and I also caught a cold! Thankfully, I'm in the last stages of my cold.

I also want to thank Sofie from ModeDiktat and Kat from Mango Girl for their thoughtful and lovely blog awards and Grace from VitaMinn for kindly mentioning me on her fabulous blog. Thanks, ladies--I feel really honored!

A Leopard Can't Change Its Spots

Leopard prints are hot again for fall, and they come in an assortment of styles, colors, and price points. Cardigans are perhaps the easiest way to wear this trend--throw one over a black shift, jeans, or a pencil skirt.


Cropped Ruffle Flyaway Cardigan, $49.50 at Express

Crumpet Leopard-print Cashmere Cardigan, $350 at Net-a-porter

Two-tone Leopard-print Cardigan, $19.80 (also available in red) at Forever 21

White + Warren Leopard Cashmere Crew-neck Cardigan, $255 at Neiman Marcus

Tory Burch Ainsley Leopard-print Merino Wool Cardigan, $295 at Nordstrom

To celebrate my brother's job offer, my brother, husband, and I headed over to Blue Smoke (27th between Park and Lex) for some hearty BBQ. Although we didn't go to the lounge part of the restaurant, apparently it's also known for its soulful live jazz music.

The colorful, neon exterior with that retro feel

The art consisted of over-sized wooden boards decorated with sparkly mosaic tiles (the kid sitting under it eerily reminds me of James Franco; click to enlarge)

Overhanging tin (?) Christmas-y stars

Appetizer #1: Heirloom Tomatoes with Goat Cheese Fritters, Arugula, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Aged Balsamic

Appetizer #2: Yellowfin Tuna Taco Trio

Entree #1: Kansas City Ribs. WARNING: Do not attempt to eat this on a first date!

Entree #2: Sliced Texas Beef Brisket with Mashed Potatoes and Crispy Onions
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Please let me know if you'd like me to continue including food and restaurant pictures. My blog is starting to evolve...I want to know if this evolution works for you! Thanks for reading and commenting! :)

Afghan and Aliens

Blouse: 3.1 Philip Lim

Pants: Vena Cava for Gap

Cuff: Hermes

Bag and Wedges: Fendi

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For quality Afghan food in a cozy, homey setting, my husband and I like to go to Bamiyan, located on 3rd and 26th in Murray Hill. While it's great for dinner, it's even better for lunch (a mere $21.95 for a hearty meal for two).

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The mosaic walls and carved wooden door

The richly decorated bar and part of the restaurant

Shir-Chay: This wondrous concoction of milk tea with sugar, cardamom, and rose petals is my favorite kind of tea. I could live on this!

Kadu: Pumpkin Turnovers with Yogurt Dip (although this is an appetizer, it tastes like a dessert...yum...)

Mantoo: Steamed Meat Dumplings with Yogurt and Meat Sauce

Sib Chalow with Chicken: Tender boneless chicken breast with fresh apple slices, split peas, and cinnamon: this entree has a hint of sweetness
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After enjoying our early dinner, we watched District 9, Peter Jackson's most recent sci-fi movie about aliens in Johannesburg, South Africa. A die-hard sci-fi lover, I was initially hesitant about this movie, but it did not disappoint. A. O. Scott's cogent review does retell most of the movie's plot, but his last line certainly captures the heart of the movie: "It suggests that sometimes the only way to become fully human is to be completely alienated." The movie is more than an action-packed sci-fi thriller (although it certainly is that); it explores humanity's savagery (with historical undercurrents of apartheid and xenophobia) and possible redemption. Using aliens as a metaphor, District 9 is really a movie about mankind.

Taking Cues

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After neglecting all of my dainty jewelry for some time now, I decided to follow fellow blogger Marian--who is the queen of mixing and matching jewelry--and stack my bracelets for a chunky, funky vibe. Individually, each piece runs the risk of seeming too precious in today's hard-nosed fashion climate; together, they add a certain heft that works to neutralize some of my more feminine looks.

How about you: which bloggers have influenced your style or given you an idea, which you have implemented?

Queen Marian demonstrating here how it's done

On my way to the Nuyorican Poets' Cafe in the Lower East Side for the Moth Story Slam, I passed by this droll metallic sculpture garden. The garden itself was gated, so I had to stick my camera through the bars to get some shots.

For those of you who don't know, The Moth, a not-for-profit organization, hosts regular story slams in different venues around the city. Storytellers must prepare a concise 5-minute story on a particular theme (last night's theme was food) and submit their names in a hat before the show begins. Ten names are randomly selected throughout the night. Judges rate them on various criteria (my friends and I were selected last night to judge!), and the winners from each slam go on to the Grand Slam for a final showdown. The stories were hilarious, poignant, ironic, and well crafted--everything that reminds you why people love a good story told face to face.

A shot of the interesting artwork (which reminds me a little of William Blake's art) and various scalped heads

The eager and cheerful crowd before showtime. All I can say is fire hazard!

Brunch at Sushi Samba

Satin Jacket: Oscar de la Renta

Camisole: Old Navy

Necklace: Vintage Key with Urban Outfitters Chain

Bracelets: Van Cleef and Arpels and Black Pearl bracelet (from Hawaii)

Jeans: Rock & Republic

Wedges: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Louis Vuitton

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Gramercy Park: Unfortunately, this is one of those rare gated parks, open only to select residents. (I remember seeing a lot of those in London, but I rarely see them in New York.) Gorgeous, isn't it?
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Most people aren't aware of Sushi Samba's incredible brunch value: $15 per person for a four-course family-style meal with an eclectic menu of standard American brunch fare with Asian and Spanish influences. If you go to the Park Avenue South branch, ask for Mark. He's one of the best waiters I've ever had, and my husband and I always get the VIP treatment with him.

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Course #1: Smoked Fish Platter with White Fish, Salmon, Trout and Homemade Bagel Chips (not seen):

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Course #2: Sushi Roll (we usually substitute the Sunday Samba Roll for the Shrimp Tempura roll):

Course #3: Asian Pear Pancakes: so light and fluffy!

Course #4: Carmen Miranda (Fruit, Granola, and Yuzu Yogurt)

Somewhat random: I espied this dramatically dressed woman (on the left) and managed to get a shot of her back. Her shoes were killer:

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

The Biker Babe Gets a Corporate Job

RM by Roland Mouret Zephyr Wool Jacket

Alexander McQueen Wet-look Denim Jacket

Willow Wool Zip-detailed Jacket

Studded Cuffs

Dress and Belt: Max Azria

Cuff: Hermes

Pumps: YSL

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Although the rocker chic trend that's popular for fall may seem at odds with professional clothing, one can wear studded accessories without resembling Ozzie Osbourne's groupie. I love the edge of a studded cuff with a more traditional sheath for an unexpected but professional look.

Some Options:

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1. CC Skye Triple Stud Cuff: The white leather is polished, but the gold studs are tough:

2. VITA Como Double Wrap Hexagon Bracelet: The smaller studs are subtle but strong:

3. Stephen Webster Superstud Silver Cuff (available at Saks): An investment piece, this beauty will be as versatile as it is wearable:

Blogger Meet Up: Lynn from All Things NYC

After meeting the fabulous Wendy Brandes earlier this week, I channeled my chutzpah and decided to ask Lynn from All Things NYC to (bubble) tea. I've admired Lynn for some time now; her style is eclectic, professional, chic, and enviable. She graciously agreed to meet me at Saint's Alp Teahouse for some addictive bubble tea and toast with condensed milk. (For those of you who don't know, bubble tea consists of Chinese milk tea, either cold or hot, with tapioca "bubbles" that one slurps through a large straw. I usually don't get the bubbles, though.) Lynn's charming and sweet personality--not to mention her gorgeous smile--immediately won me over.

We took a shot together, but my photoshop skills are pretty nonexistent so I couldn't edit my face out of it. Here's what I wore:

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Blouse: Antonio Beraldi

Cuff: Hermes

Jeans: Rock & Republic

Boots: Ann Taylor

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For some reason, whenever I meet up with another blogger, it's a veritable deluge outside. This time I chose practicality over fashion and wore my "I-don't-care-if-they-get-ruined" boots. By the time we parted ways, the skies cleared up and the sun finally emerged.
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If you haven't already, do check out Lynn's amazing blog, All Things NYC. It's highly addictive!

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UPDATE: Read Lynn's account of the meet-up here.