autumn inspiration: russian ballet & j.crew

images via {j.crew blog}

combining my loves for j.crew & ballet & an exotic destination was simply not fair.  and this ballet is not avant-garde ballet russe, but classicist, perfection swan lake & romeo + juliet {swoon. now.} how am i possibly supposed to resist the urge to buy everything in the new j.crew catalog, which greeted me upon returning home {along with the new bon appetit, joy!} today was in boston, chatting & long lunch {bin 26 in beacon hill} & frozen yogurt & paper source for new marigold thank-you notes & a petite present {could this day get any better?} with friend & former co-worker & mastermind of halcyon style, so wrapped up in chatter that we failed to notice the east-coast earthquake.

but how striking & delicate these photos are.  for me, the ballet infuses j.crew's new season with elegance & grace & romance, and the st. petersburg location dons an old world exoticism that is simultaneously fresh & clean & open.  i do long to jet off to st. petersburg, for the winter palace & a glimpse into the world of fused european & eastern extravagance.  the photos also make me strangely excited to bring my turtleneck sweaters & leather boots & wool skirts & my perfect belted trench out of storage. perhaps i can translate this russian glamour & suffuse lighting to my very own autumn in new york.  any thoughts on j.crew fall?  xx hillary 

p.s. j.crew used real ballerinas from the st. petersburg ballet for studio models. lucky lucky.  

images via {j.crew blog}

p.p.s. merci beaucoup & enchantée to lots of new readers aujourd'hui!

autumn aura: new essie hues

clockwise from top left : carry on : case study : power clutch : glamour purse : very structured : lady like
images via {here + purchase too}

hello lovelies!  what a lovely day i had today.  a {very close to} teary-eyed quick visit back to my alma mater for a dissertation text, browsing bloomingdales with mom, a perfectly portioned lunch {and fro-yo} at their restaurant, 40 carrots & a relaxing mani-pedi at my most favorite ever nail spa, miniluxe.  it's a cross between the local nail salon & a day spa, and the result is just brilliant.  so clean & fresh & girly & with options for extended massage, oh and such fun retail things, the miniluxe experience is positively uplifting.  i had truly missed it!  and although today i chose a summer hue {orangey-red geranium by essie}, i also got a sneak peak at the essie fall collection, which is just divine, inspired by glam travel bags.  which is your favorite?  i am loving loving wine-y carry on, grey-green power clutch & burnt siena-ish very structured & the slightly muted glamour purse, case study & lady like would be parfait for weekday workday.  perhaps i should buy all six. goodness i do love essie.  the early evening air is getting cooler and its mum season.  autumn is on its cusp.  & if its nail colors are any indication, it is bound to be perfectly magical.  xx hillary  

oh & c'est absolument official.  hello christie's september. 

summer style: flowing neutrals

hello darlings!  is it just me {this very well could be the case} or can you not get away from silky dresses in neutral tones this summer?  my wardrobe seems to have been taken over by soft frocks, a hint of lace here, or ruffle there, which require only a belt and a bangle to achieve that easy-chic so synonymous with summer.  my tan and off-white dresses pair perfectly with the currently oh-so-fashionable nude shoes, in flat, wedge, or heels, and go from day-time casual to elegant evening simply with a change of jewelry, bag, and hair.  my suitcase for nyc this weekend will include at least six of these neutrals {not at all necessary, but they weigh but an ounce!}: camel with black dots and gathered waste, flowing camel with brown belt, palest pink with ruffled neckline and shoulders, a grecian-inspired number with bubble skirt in cream, off-white, draped, with lace shoulders, and this {above}, most recent purchased for only $58 at 344.  

beautifully detailed in swirling flowers, with thousands of little chiffon petals, the body hits just above the knee and cinches at the waist, matching sheer fabric creating an alluring but conservative top, gathered together in the reverse by a sweet bow.  add sky-high nude heels, a clutch in the same, long pearls, and a rose-gold bangle, contrasted by chestnut brown locks and bright red lipstick, and say hello to saturday night in new york. {others will be parfait for journey down, friday evening drinks, wandering the met, picnic in the park, and farewell brunch.}  although not farewell for long because i start in the city in just over a month!  but what if i were heading to the coast instead?  strappy sandals in gold, of course, and a basket-style bag in straw large enough to hold my sweater, prepared for the evening's cool beach breeze.  oh and swap the necklace for more dramatic earrings. 

more neutral beauties:

 wherever you're heading, a neutral frock will keep you cool & comfortable, with elegant composure, and a touch of romance this weekend.  {oh, and pair with a boyish blazer, and the look will last you long into september.} what are your weekend plans?  it is nearly here ...  for now, enjoying sun on my skin & perfect weather by the pool.  xx hillary

oh and one more {for good luck}

images via pinterest