distant places

I love New York. I've lived here for over a year and frequented the island all my life, and somehow amidst the crowded trains at rush hour, the constant and pressing deadlines and the overwhelming nature of the concrete jungle, I still love it and am convinced that I'll be here for a long time. But that doesn't eliminate the need to wander and stray for a little while; to escape the chaos. I fell into a total daydream state last week when I got to visit some of my favorite people in Florence. We made pasta, climbed hundred-something year old staircases, and even escaped to Nice, France for a few dozen hours. An escape within an escape must be defying science on multiple levels, but the ephemeral journey felt more real than anything has in a while. And unlike other trips, I will keep the exact documentation brief, leave the details out, and carry the moments that I picked up along the way with me instead.

Photos by my good friend Steven Puccetti. Check out Rhisen, his clothing line! Here's the link to their website and Instagram!

Outfit Details: Top: Gypsy Warrior (similar), Shorts: Forever 21 (similar), Tights: Urban Outfitters, Boots: Hinge, Hat: Free People (brown), Necklace: Topshop (similar)

yours,

Austen 

damsel in distress(ed denim)

I remember the first time I encountered distressed denim. I was in seventh grade and I was in Hollister (because seventh grade amirite). I came across some jeans with holes in them and remembered wondering who in the world would ever buy jeans that had holes in them. On a scale of 1 to sense, it made none. I saw girls wearing them and could never wrap my head around the concept. So here I am seven years later and, as of Saturday, I am now the owner of a pair of distressed jeans. Here's what I like about this particular pair from Gypsy Warrior: 

1. They're straight leg, not too baggy or too tight, which can either look sloppy or scary. 

2. They're light wash and I find tears most appealing with this shade of denim. 

3. They're not gaping holes. Granted, with wear they will continue to distress but I can actually wear them in the brutal New York winter that awaits. 

But until then, I am continuing to enjoy this gorgeous fall weather with the occasional adventure uptown to the Cloisters/ Fort Tyron Park with someone who was friends with me even when I thought leggings qualified as pants. 

Photos by Jake (that's Jake^)

Outfit Details: Sweater: Uniq (similar) Jeans: Gypsy Warrior, Boots: Hinge, Bag: Brandy Melville (similar), Necklace: Forever 21 (gold)

yours,

Austen

Keep Calm and Chiffon x Skechers

It actually makes perfect sense- a brand that has comfort sewn into their DNA should be responsible for every type of shoe ever. I decided not too long ago that while I love and admire stilettos (on say super models or more coordinated college students) I don't personally vibe with crazy shoes for everyday life. That's why I was so thrilled to team up with Skechers and test out some boots from their Fall 2014 collection. I spent a solid part of my childhood in Skechers as many of us did. As I was doing this post, I fondly remembered my light-up sneakers which I'm pretty sure I slept in. But I've grown up, and so have they. The fall line is totally brilliant and these boots look right at home in my closet and they feel as though I've owned them whole life. In other news, I'm mixing prints. Who am I?

Photos by Lynne

Outfit Details: Dress: Vintage (similar), Flannel: Thrifted (similar), Shoes: Skechers, Beanie: Free People, Armband: Gypsy Warrior (similar), Necklace: Forever 21

yours,

Austen

**Shoes courtesy of Skechers, but all opinions are my own**

Runway Warriors

I almost didn't realize how long it has been until I got this text the other day:

"Are u alive?"

Apparently, I have completely fallen off of the grid, with one exception: promoting Runway Warriors, a fashion show hosted by my sorority, Alpha Chi Omega that uses fashion to raise funds for Domestic Violence Awareness and Support (DVAS). I've been working with several of my sisters for seven months on this show and I couldn't be more proud of it. We were able to make not one, but TWO promotional videos (one behind-the-scenes of the photo shoot in Central Park and one involving the larger Columbia community) and organize not one, but TWO promotional photos shoots (shot on the Highline and in Central Park), which I've included some images from below! The photo shoot concepts were basically hard and soft, playing off of the geometric lines on the Highline and the gorgeous flora and fauna in the park. I'm really thrilled with how everything has come together and surprisingly can't wait to be in that backstage zone counting down to curtain! Thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way and break a leg to my gorgeous models! It's time to find that warrior spirit and channel it like crazy. 

The Highline in Chelsea

Central Park at 72nd Street

Photos by: me (edits on my photos by Celine Haeberly), Kimberly Flores and Caroline Hirsch

Outfit Details: Model's own clothing

yours,

Austen

pre-whitney

Saw the Jeff Koons exhibit over the weekend, hence the ultra-edited photos. Am I kitsch yet?

Photos by me and Nora

Outfit Details: Sweater: Forever 21, Jeans: Free People, Shoes: Topshop, Hat: Free People, Necklace: Brooklyn Charm, Bag: Brandy Melville (similar)

yours,

Austen

semi-sheer

Do you ever have such a love affair with a shirt that somehow it just molds itself to your body? This top has some serious second-skin vibes to it that make me question why I don't wear it all day, every day, all of the time, always. It seems just as natural to wear it out as it does under sweaters and tucked behind leather jackets. I've ultimately found that instinct kicks reason's ass every single time, so screw reason if it doesn't make sense and live sans regret. Even if people give you weird looks for wearing the same top three days in a row. 

Photos by Fenco

Outfit Details: Top: Urban Outfitters, Pants: Free People, Shoes: Free People x Jeffery Campbell, Hat: Forever 21 (similar), Bag: Brandy Melville (similar), Necklace: Forever 21

yours,

Austen