Springtime in New York

Ahhh. The ebb and flow of a New York Spring can give your closet an identity crises. Stretches of warm weather get us excited for Summer, then the inevitable chill sets in that makes us wonder if Mother Nature forgot what time of the year it is. So while our closets are bulging with an eclectic mix, we rejoice when we're on the upside as we are today.

Sartorially, I have little to add to this image. It just feels so... Spring! The colors are perfect and a wonderful contrast to the darkly muted chill.

Everyone have a fantastic weekend!

Kristen Colapinto

In a bit of a fun twist, we're turning the camera around on the fashion media. Kristen Colapinto is a wonderful journalist with Fashion News Live. The times I've seen Kristen on the job, she's always dressed in great style with a warm, fun personality. You can see it in her face.

Here, Kristen's wearing a short, fitted jacket with flared sleeves and lovely detail. The print of the blouse gives us hope for this on-again, off-again Spring we're having in NYC. The bag, accessories, even her nails are all working together- but I can't help but keep coming back to the personality shining through. Pretty as a picture.

Glowing

What great energy! A beautiful and joyous smile. Momohana Nguyen beautifully framed her face with a black jacket over a white shirt. The vibrant colors in her bag and the roses are eye-catching in contrast to the jacket. I have to wonder if those roses have something to do with her glow?

An Englishman in New York

I'm constantly amazed at the disproportionate number of Europeans that catch my eye for style points. Let's get going NY!

Our English gent is wearing a fitted bespoke pinstripe suite and custom-made shirt. The cut reflects the fashion cycle we're in of shorter jackets with narrower legs. Between the cut and the pinstripes, it elongates and emphasizes height- which is generally a desired effect (unless you're already 7 ft. tall).

A general rule-of-thumb for a classic length jacket is to come down to an extended thumb or where the fingers bend. You can see this is a couple inches shorter than that classic standard. In a couple of years he may need to put the suit away in favor of the inevitable change of length, but today he is looking very smart.

A Little Different

Now this is a look!

Our musician with a guitar strapped across his back is donning a military-inspired blue jacket with brass buttons. It's actually a cool look... if you're in a band. White pants with a decorative belt. An interesting mix, Bob Marley meets Napoleon in 2010 New York!

He's so expressive due to a guy in a clown-suit (kid you not) walking across our paths. As I'm clicking frames he yells to the clown, "I'm getting more attention than you are man!". That he is.

What a Difference a Shoe Makes

This is a neat look. There's nothing complicated about it, but the way it's put together makes it work. The black cropped and fitted leather jacket is nice and goes seamlessly with the black purse. Simple gray top and rolled trousers.

When I'm out, I instinctively size-up virtually everyone's look in a nano-second. I've always done it but I'm very in-tune with it since I'm looking for special looks.

This look could have gone two ways. It could have been nice but nothing that puts it over the top to be noteworthy. However, there was one detail that did put the look in that special category. It was the shoes. I've seen so many looks that worked but was minimized by boring shoes that have no style or sexiness; thus eliminating what could have been special.

These heels are studded in a neutral color that would work for day-wear or a night on the town if dressed up. Here, they're perfect. The rolled trousers highlight the heels. The studding gives a little extra pop and blends well with the studded bag (which are clearly popular- I'm seeing them a lot).  The continuity of that studded detail leads the viewer's eye from shoe to bag to jacket and then the ultimate and ideal focal point- the face.

I don't know how many other straight men notice sexy shoes on woman but I presume its probably more than woman realize judging by the mundane and boring I see everyday. I certainly noticed these and as a result, the rest of the look as well as her pretty face. I vote YES to sexy shoes!!!

Marisa Leiman

Every picture has a story. I was sitting outside MiN New York on Crosby Street talking with my friend Chad who owns this wonderful boutique (which I highly recommend). Chad runs inside to get something, I look to my left and see a picture perfect scene. My instant response was, "Love the look, mind if I get a picture"? Graciously agreeing, I rattled off a number of frames... and then she subtly moved her head back and to the left. I stopped, peered over the camera and said, "you're a model, aren't you?". She smiled and said yes.

I finished taking shots and we talked. Stunning Marisa Leiman is a Northern California native with an Eastern European look. Previously working with MC2 Model Management, she's been with Muse for the last year and has had a very successful career thus far. When I later saw a list of her credits, I realized why she looked familiar.

Beyond the obvious beauty, Marisa is pleasant and a sweetheart with great energy. As for the shots, she doesn't take a bad one.

For her look, she perfectly matched the bag and her sandals. Mixing up the blacks by varying textures, her scarf has enough vibrant color to give the black that little extra pop that pulls the eyes to her face. Looks, style and personality, it was picture-perfect.  

Characters Welcome

There's something about the older generations. There seems to have been more characters, individual style and charisma. Perhaps its just my perception. You can see the twinkle in his smile that's warm and inviting. The bow-tie, vest and scally cap are classics. If it wasn't for the modern backpack, I could have aged this photo and it would have looked as if it was 60 years ago or more. That makes for enduring style.

Scene

Sometimes an image says it all.

A Little Different

It's the weekend, everyone's relaxing and I thought I would share some entertaining and interesting shots I've run across. Hope you enjoy!

I'm pretty sure this wasn't one of her finest moments. When Cary Grant said "It takes 500 small details to make a favorable impression", I wonder if this was one that crossed his mind.

All was not lost, this was nice. Love the contrast.

Since we're on the subject of shoes... pedicures are a nice touch.

Vintage

Laura Salinger with a beautiful classic look in all vintage.

She was gracious enough to indulge me in getting a few shots. It's not everyday I get such great material to work with.

The Intangibles

Sometimes the greatest accessory is a nice smile.

Happy Easter everyone!!!!