TEA FOR TWO, TWO FOR TEA!

As the temperature drops, and the layers start to pile on (beanies, and scarves, and earmuffs, oh my!) I put on my springiest dresses and top-hat and enjoyed one last high tea of the fall season with my best girls at the most whimsical tea party on the Upper West Side.

I will share a little secret, if your craving an afternoon snack or your feeling fancy hit up Alice's Tea Cup for tea and dessert! This place is my favorite little hidden gem in the city (thus far) and will deliver a wonderland of dreams in the form of enormous, delectable scones and a million and one tea flavors that will make your heart melt.

Picture this... a delicious mix of black and green tea, jasmine, and lavender. Can you say heaven in a kettle?

Pinky's out. Or not.

To all my readers, meet my ever so lovely roommate and personal photographer, Victoria. We both share a love of horror movies, chinese takeout, rocker downtown boys, and tea parties. Ya dig?

THE OUTFITS

I was totally NOT freezing in 50 mph winds, and I definitely did not lose my hat at least twice, okay?

Kids, always look both ways before you cross the street. Don't think cabs will stop for a photo shoot in session, they won't. They honk, and floor it. RUDE!

How beautiful are these Autumn decorations? We decided that when we can afford to split rent in an  NYC town-home, it will totally look like just like this! So festive and fun! But for now, we will work on decorating our dorm apartment.

On Victoria:

Floral Dress- Trash and Vaudeville

Black Pea Coat- New York & Company

Boots- Steve Madden

My Outfit:

Polka Dot High/Low Dress- TJ MAXX

Faux Denim Moto Jacket- F21

Black Booties- Urban Outfitters

Quilted Bag- Betsey Johnson (stolen from Vic!)

Top Hat- H&M (also stolen from Vic, tehe.)

Stay warm, lovelies!

Make sure to layer up when you go outside (unlike I... *sniff* *cough*)

xxx

TEEN VOGUE FASHION U: DAY #1

I could NOT keep those darn paps off me today at Teen Vogue's very own Fashion University held at Hudson Theatre and TV's Conde Nast office. It was a day filled with a million fashion-obsessed girls who all share the dream of making it in the industry, long lines, stampedes of teenage fashionistas sprinting to get the best seats (I'm not even exaggerating, I fell three times), amazing industry influentials, and lots and lots of industry talk. Let's just say it was an amazing first day, and I can't wait to go back tomorrow! Let's just say I was photographed, gifted some amazing freebies, and was told I look like Leandra Medine! It was just as amazing, if not more, than it sounds. This experience really reassured me that moving to New York City to pursue fashion is the best decision I could have ever made towards moving closer and closer to my ambitions and career goals. Three cheers (mock-tails of course!) to Teen Vogue for putting on such a great day of events and making all of the fashion-obsessed boys and girls from across the country that our dreams are well within reach. We salute you. Thank you so much, from the bottom of my oxblood-red, glitterized heart.  

Demi Lovato's November 2012 Cover! I really loved her spread and how naturally and effortlessly she was shot, it was a vintage-urban feel that left me mesmerized. Have you picked up your copy? After today I now have three! Time to get- Inspiration boarding!

The legend herself, Vogue's creative Director, Grace Coddington, literally graced us with her presence this morning and told all her worshippers all about how she got started in the industry and shared some of her amazing work in Vogue. She truly is extraordinary. I cannot wait to read her new book, Grace: A Memoir, when it gets delivered to my doorstep just next month! Have you pre-ordered your copy yet? You can right here. Trust me, this is a must read. She is so inquisitive and classic, it was an honor to be in her presence this morning, it almost didn't feel real. 

Meet my newly blonde bff, Ms Erika Bearman aka Oscar PR Girl! Her talk was my favorite seminar of the year, and I got a front row view of her true radiance and beauty! She was mesmerizing to listen to, and I hope to meet her again. Who else can rock a velvet maxi like her? Exactly, no one can. 

Even fashionistas have to eat every now and then (unless your me, because I never STOP eating!) But for lunch today I went for a chicken salad sandwich with dried cranberries and celery and a refreshing passion tea! So yum, so so yum! Can I get another?

Last seminar of the day was with the amazing Teen Vogue Editorial team! Do I even have to explain? They are so MAJOR and today really just reminded me why I am where I am, that my dreams aren't as far away as I may think, and that I can do what I love with a whole lot of ambition and initiative.

THE OUTFIT

Today I woke up and thought: Let's mix every possible texture in my closet and mix it all together to a mess of an outfit that I just so happen to be in love with...

Basically for this day long fashion crazed, fun-filled day I went with a look that is one I feel really defines my personal style and my personality. Which is perfection because when you're surrounded by fashion influentials and fellow fashionistas from across the country it's good to show that you have a strong point of view, and in my case a bright, fun, yet chic aesthetic when it comes to fashion. Here I really was channeling my inner Man Repeller with this furry, almost obnoxiously loud teal and yellow palette combination. Because who doesn't love a good ruffle and nice shag? So the look is really prep girl meets motorcycle gang, and I'm kind of obsessed. A good lace can make you feel so girly and chic, yet throw in some leather and chains, and you can really call yourself a package deal. Vroom Vroom. As you've probably noticed I was not rocking THE MESSY BUN this sunny afternoon (GASP!) and I actually took the time to tame the beast atop my head, 2 hours, and 5 different cremes later. This is a special treat for you new readers, yes, Alex does in fact put in some hairy effort, but only on rare occasions. I figured Teen Vogue deserved this honor, because it truly is just that an honor. You may now bow down to my horse mane, and chant that the bun makes an exclusive return TVFU Day #2!

Teal Shag Sweater- H&M, Similar here!

Neon Ruffle Bib- H&M, Similar here!

Vintage Sheer Lace Dress- ALICE by Temperley, similar here!

 Leather Moto Boots- H&M, Similar here!

Check out all things TEEN VOGUE FASHION U on Teen Vogue's website!

xxx

GLITTER & CORDUROY.

Excuse my incapability to open my eyelids any wider, it was quite sunny out. :)

Oh, Sky... Quit making me laugh. Shame on you, clouds, shame on you. 

These photos were taken of one of my best friends, Luke Hartman, and myself for our school yearbook. We got voted "Best Dressed" for our Senior Class, pretty cool right? I was actually really excited to take these photos cause I mean it's not every day we get to pose like cheese balls, while having to "stare deeply into each other's eyes" Teehee. Yes, that picture does not and will not appear on here, but it did made me giggle. This guy above is one of my biggest cheerleaders and voices in my ear of encouragement and assurance whenever it comes to putting outfits together. We have very different tastes most days but we have learned to just accept what ever crazy thing the other comes across. I love him for that, and I'm glad I got to post about him so early in my blog's adolescence because he is undeniably amazing. Watch out for him in the near future as he is an aspiring fashion journalist and will sure in the very near future be an renowned editor. Look out world, Luke and I are comin' for you! 

This outfit was inspired by an urge of an equestrian meets glitterini-bohemian kind-of feeling. I knew some of these pictures I would be showing my kids in the (not so near) future as we flipped through my high school days, and so I knew I had to embody the core of what I believe my personal style truly is: an airy, free feeling mixed with a few edgier pieces, and finally a dash of avant-garde beauty. By that last ingredient I mean the ultra-fabulous glitter flatforms that I cam across for a cheap steal! Not only are they super comfortable but they give me an extra four-inches, I mean what's better than that? 

LACE TOP- FREE PEOPLE

DENIM VEST- FOREVER 21

RIDING PANTS- H&M

GLITTER FLATFORMS- FOREVER 21

All photos taken by the incredibly talented photographer, Erin Williams. 

xoxo, Alexandra Victoria