Orange is the New Black

Blouse - Joe Fresh; Pants - J.Crew; Shoes - Christian Louboutin (similar here and love these; Lipstick - Chili by MAC; Necklace - Nordstrom (old)

Photo Credit - Angie Harding

Two-Ways Tuesday: Back to School

Natalie: Skirt: Kate Spade. Shirt: J.Crew.  Sweater Vest: J.Crew. Shoes: Cole Haan (old).
James: Shirt, Sweater, Blazer, & Pocket Square: J.Crew. Pants: Zara(old). Shoes: Ralph Lauren. Clutch: Madewell.

Photo Credit: Angie Harding

Feathers of Fancy

Top: Club Monaco. Skirt: eBay (similar here). Shoes: Ralph Lauren. Earrings: Sequin New York (old). Lipstick: Silhouette by Chanel.

 Photo Credit: Angie Harding

Hot Pants

 

Pants: alice + olivia. Jacket: Mackage (old). Necklace: J.Crew. Shoes: Nine West.

Photo credit: Angie Harding

How to Walk in Heels

We are nearing the end of New York Fashion week and have seen model after model walk down the runway in 5-inch heels. They sure make it look easy! However, take a stroll down the streets of NYC on any given day, and you'll see some precarious high-heel situations.

To help you learn how to properly strut your stuff in heels, we found this short video with some basic tips:

And, New Yorkers, if you want hands-on help, you can now take a "How to Walk in High Heels" class by Victor Chu, whom the NY Post has dubbed "the stiletto whisperer." (Read more about his class here.)

Photo credit: AP Photo/Louis Lanzano

Everyday Leather

 Skirt: Banana Republic (in-store only but same style here). Blouse: Topshop. Shoes: Madewell. Earrings: Ann Taylor

Leather is still a big trend this season—and one of my favorites! While I love the tough edge of leather, sometimes it's nice to soften the look. Therefore, I was pleased to find this ultra-feminine 100% leather skirt at Banana Republic. It's strikes the perfect balance of tough and sweet, making it a great capsule piece to style around for day or evening!

I chose to keep this outfit simple with a floral blouse and my new favorite plum-colored Madewell loafers.

Photo credit Angie Harding

Americana

 

 Natalie: Top: J.Crew. Skirt: J.Crew. Shoes: J.Crew (old). James: Jumpsuit & Necklace(vintage). Shoes: Zara (old).

What about this polka-dot piece made you want to purchase it? 

Nat: While I have a lot of great summer dresses, my seasonal closet inventory manifested that I was lacking in versatile summer skirts. I am a huge fan of an Americana look, and I like that this skirt is in that genre without being a stripe like most of my patriotic pieces. Plus, we all know I love color, and this bright blue really resonated with me.

James: This jumpsuit wasn't exactly a purchase I made. I acquired it from a client who insisted it suited my style more than hers. At first glance I thought it was dress, but when I put the piece on I realized it was a culotte jumpsuit! It was an absolute score. I love that it's an unexpected twist on Americana style.

For what occasions can you wear this? 
Nat: I won't buy a separate unless I can make at least three different outfits from it. For this particular look, I wear gold sandals for daytime errands and pop on these fuschia heels for a casual dinner. When I want to make a more work-approprate look, I pair the skirt with a classic white button-up shirt tucked in—and sometimes complete the look with a fitted navy blazer when I want to feel ultra preppy.

James: The styling options for this look are endless. For a long work day on set or shopping with clients I prefer to wear this look with a comfortable pair of flat metallic brogues. When I want to dress it up for a cocktail party or girls night out, I wear it with these pin-dot peep-toe heels. For a nautical look, I pair it with a white blazer and simple yellow strappy sandals--captains hat is optional.

Photo credit: Angie Harding

Every Day w/ Ebony and Ivory

In keeping with the French theme, we want to share some of our recent favorite NYC French restaurants. So put on your stripes and beret and bon appetit!

Maison Harlem (341 St. Nicholas Avenue)
We haven't tried anything we don't like here. (And James has been many times!) Everything is well prepared and perfectly portioned. The atmosphere is so relaxed and easy that it feels like you are dining at home with friends.

James's favorites: Lobster risotto (a special not always on the menu) and PEI mussels mariniere
Nat's favorites: Tagliatelle carbonara and grilled salmon

Match 65 (29 East 65th Street)
James: This is a laid-back restaurant on the Upper Eastside with reasonably priced French fare. You can't go wrong with any of their seafood options. Make sure you go when "MooMoo" the maitre'd is there; he'll ensure your service is superb.

Favorites: Moules frites mariniere, fish and chips, and salmon provençale

Bacchus (409 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn)
Natalie: The atmosphere is rustic and cozy, and the food is even better. The moules frites are magnifique, and on Tuesdays you can sample each type when they are all-you-can-eat.

Favorites: Any of the moules frites and the skate fish entree

NYers, what are some of your favorite French restaurants in the city?