Punting the Present Guide

A few of you have been asking for a Professionelle holiday 2012 present guide.  I have to admit, I'm not particularly great with present guides.  So, I'm punting this request to Pinterest.  I absolutely adore Pinterest.  So much so that I actually wrote begging them to open a New York office and then hire me to do something, anything!  Pinterest team, if you're reading this, call me. 

Pinterest is a virtual pinboard.  There's a little widget you install onto your browser (for those of you who work with me, yes, this works on our antiquated computer system).  Anytime you're on a web page with an image you like, you can hit the "Pin It" button on your bookmark bar.  A pop up appears and you're able to, among other things, comment on the image, attribute it and categorize it.  Users follow other user's pins much like Twitter or Instagram. 

Pinterest is great for gift inspiration.  After all, it's a catalog of what your friends actually want (brilliant, it's constantly marketing to me and I don't even care).  Here are a few of my favorite pins by the people I follow:

From lolitas.se, James Dean reading.  Not sure if this comes in print, but would be a great image for over the couch

Wood Glass Canisters (22.00)

Champagne jello shots by Amanda Johnson.  The gift of libation.

Follow Professionelle on Pinterest here.

STREETFSN

Last week I pushed a few fashion boundaries at work - wore things that I would never recommend fellow Professionelles wear.  Every once in a while, it feels good to throw away the rules and just wear what you want.  This week, it's back to my usual rotation, although there's still a part of me that wishes I could get away with more - like the people in the following shots:

If I owned this dress, I'd break it out sometime in September when the weather begins to turn, but before my wardrobe turns mostly black and gray.

I love the top on the girl slightly in the back.  With a black skirt you could probably pull this off at work.

These shoes are killer. 

There's something intriguing about the black bag/ripped jean combo, although I'm not a fan of the 70's print shirt underneath.

This is my favorite look.  I love the colors and texture on an otherwise classic shape.

The shots above are from STREETFSN which is by far my favorite street fashion blog by Korean photographer Nam.  I've been meaning to post about STREETFSN for a while, and the timing this week seemed perfect.       

Helmut Lang - Holiday 2011

First of all, thank you so much for your readership and support these last few years.  Since the launch of the new Professionelle this Spring, we've had over 10,000 visitors!  I know that's not a lot for some blogs, but it means a lot to me, and I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to peruse this little corner of the internet.  Coming up next, I'll be posting about menswear inspired prints, upon the recommendation of a reader, so please write and let me know if there's ever anything you'd like to see on Professionelle.  But today, it's all about one of my favorite designers...

My mom and I love to shop together, so naturally, I took her to my favorite hidden shopping spot - the Theory Company Store which also carries a full line of Helmut Lang.  Much to my surprise, my mother loved Helmut Lang, and so do I, particularly their new Holiday 2011 collection.  Below are my favorite pieces.  Keep in mind if you're going to order online that Helmut Lang tends to run small. 

Mantle Felt Coat (1290.00)

Smoking Wool Blazer (575.00)

Supple T Dress (220.00)

The Murse - Reinvented

I caught up with an old college friend last weekend at the October Ball, and he told me that he has read Professionelle from beginning to end (I won't out you, but you know who you are :)).  So, I thought, as a thank you to all of the Profession-hommes out there who read this blog regularly, I would post something that you might actually find useful.  To see a man carrying a bag is no longer unsual, in fact, the most stylish men in my office tote their murses proudly.  Last weekend, I went searching through the West Village with Chris for his very first murse.  We didn't find anything that day, but he ended up with this great bag (that he picked out on his own!):

Tumi Everett Essential Tote (295.00)

I also like the following two choices, both of which I've seen around the office:

Filson Original Briefcase (215.00)

Jack Spade Nylon Laptop Briefcase (425.00)

Fendi Chameleon Calfskin Leather Shopper

I have been searching for the perfect work bag for over two years.  It had to be structured and professional yet young and modern.  It had to fit my laptop and papers, but look appropritate on my petite frame (which knocked out the oversized YSL Muse).  And as much as I'm willing to pay for quality, handbag prices have skyrocketed this year eliminating a few of my Chanel favorites including this gorgeous bag I posted about in March.  But the search is over.  Although it's still pre-order only, I'm going to put a fork in it and proclaim that the Fendi Chameleon Calfskin Leather Shopper is the perfect work bag.  It's beautiful and not overly flashy, the straps look durable and the shape is flattering.  Priced at $1590, it's expensive, but not out of reach.

Shop Online at Zara - Finally!

My google reader hit an all time high last week due to a very busy September at work, which means that I'm about two weeks behind on the announcement that Zara has finally launched an online store!  I actually found out when I saw a girl walking down Fifth Avenue with a Zara bag that said "shop online."  I nearly stopped her, then realized how creepy that would be, so I pulled out my iPhone and sure enough...

So, better late than never, here are my must-have fall items from Zara: 

Longer cut jackets are in this fall.  Not a great look for petite girls, but I love the black/blue combination.  Blazer with Shiny Lapel (89.90)

Double Breasted Coat (169.00)

Laminated Heel Court Shoe (89.90)

I love the look of bright suede.  Perfect accessory to a basic trench or black wool coat.  Coloured Suede Belt (29.90)

I'm also very impressed with how Zara has designed their online shop.  The thumbnail pictures are large and when you click "view all," it saves your spot on the page.  Plus, there is free standard shipping and shipping to stores.  Bravo Zara!

The French are Coming!

I promise I will stop with all of the Paris/France related posts, but this news is just too exciting.  Maje and Sandro will open Soho locations in mid-October!  If you can't wait until October, Bloomingdales has already started carrying both lines.

(49 Rue Vieille du Temple)

(50 Rue Vieille du Temple)

When I was in Paris, it was slightly overwhelming trying to figure out where to shop.  Boutiques were scattered throughout unfamiliar neighborhoods and everything looked to-die-for just because I was on a vacation high.  Taking advice from Camilla, I narrowed in on a few stores.  Maje and Sandro were two of my favorites, along with the Kooples, a store that sells matching clothes for couples (weird concept, super cool and edgy clothes).   My only purchase at the time were these pants from the Kooples (which, attention petite girls, fit me perfectly without alterations), but with the opening of Maje and Sandro in New York, I can buy all of the items I continue to pine for after returning stateside.  

Short Fit Leather Effect Jeans with Zip (135.00 Pounds)

 (191 Rue Saint-Honoré)

The Best Thing I Ever Bought

I love the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  It's exactly what it sounds like; Food Network chefs talk about the best thing they ever ate.  If I were on the show, I'd definitely talk about the Elotes Callejeros at La Esquina, but I digress.  So, I thought it would be fun to ask some very stylish Professionelles to talk about the best thing they ever bought (limited to office appropriate items).  Here's what they had to say:

Erika loves her large, black Longchamp bag.  It can fit file folders, shoes, and her entire life, but is still technically a purse (so she can take it into museums, restaurants, etc. and not feel like she's dragging a tote bag or briefcase).

Monster iClarity bluetooth speakers were Sonia's pick.  They connect via bluetooth to your iPhone (no extra cables to deal with) and also via a chord to your laptop. Another bonuses is that they take up hardly any desk space and are chargeable via USB.  Sonia has no problem sitting for 12+ hours a day, but her ears can't deal with headphones clamped over them for that long, so once her officemate leaves for the day she listens to music over these babies.  They are clutch for late-night and weekend doc review sessions. They're also versatile: easy to travel with and sound good at low or loud volumes - great for blasting Ke$ha in your hotel room with your friends (if you get a free weekend).

Shuli claims her pick is very pedestrian, but those are often the items you wear all of the time.  Shuli's pick was a black pencil skirt from Uniqlo that she wears at least twice a week.  It fits comfortably but professionally and somehow looks good with every top.  It's also one of the few skirts Shuli has found that's the perfect length for work - right above the knee, so it's flattering but still appropriate.

Phyllis's picks were very unique.  First, this gorgeous potted orchid.  I also have a large potted orchid along with two other plants in my office, and they bring me more joy than anything else at work.  Second, Phyllis suggested this beautiful desk lamp.  Sure, the firm gives out free desk lamps for those who want extra light or share an office with vampire-esque associates who work with the lights off (yes, this really happens), but why not spruce up your space with something pretty?

Marissa loves her diamond solitaire stud earrings set in white gold.  Her mom got her a pair for college graduation.  This style of earring is truly appropriate for every occasion - subtle enough for work but sparkly enough for going out after!

This was tough for Sarah, which doesn't surprise me at all since she has about the chic-est wardrobe I've ever encountered  Sarah was tempted to say her new nude prada pumps that she bought a few weeks ago - work appropriate, but sexy and very comfortable.  She also love her Brooks Brothers non-iron shirts for work that fit perfectly (she suggests to get the fitted ones and go down a size), look crisp and can be thrown in the laundry.  She can see why all of her guy friends love them.

My personal pick is a silk knit black cardigan that I got at Cour Carre at Harbour City in Hong Kong.  Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it and it's not available online, but it's warm yet thin so I can toss it into my purse and pull it out whenever I get cold.

Hopefully, these items provide some inspiration and guidance.  What's the best thing you've ever bought?

New York vs. Paris

It's true that you always want to move to the places where you vacation.  Never before, however, had I felt such a strong urge to drop everything and move than when I was in Paris.  The feeling eventually passed, and as I've settled back into normal life, I've realized that there are so many things I'd miss about New York.  Paris and New York are both incredible cities with so much to offer their residents, yet so different in their quirks as illustrated by Vahram Muratyan in his blog Paris versus New York: a tally of two cities. 

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

 Whichever you prefer, make sure you keep le ticket with you at all times or you may get a fine from the SNCF.

 I think pigeons are worse.  Rats can't fly. 

Pistachio macaron vs. red velvet cupcake?  Now this is a tough one...

I'm not sure how I.M. Pei would like having his creation compared to a retail store, but they do look similar...

I've never been to the 3rd or Williamsburg, but I imagine those who have can attest to the accuracy of this image.

What the Cool Girls are Wearing

I think French girls are so cool.  They look so...effortless.  Like they rolled out of bed looking totally fabulous.  Since I spent only one week observing what Parisian women wore, I can't claim to be an expert (or even very accurate) but I noticed a few trends: leather motorcycle jackets, cross body bags and chunky ankle boots.  All of these items lean towards casual, so I thought it would be fun to interpret them in a way that could work for a Professionelle.

McQ Leather Vest-Inlay Jacket (1565.00)

I love how feminine this leather jacket looks.  The cut softens the edge of the leather and the cropped length would work well for petites.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Naples1 (250.00)

The buckles on these boots give it that biker chick look but the shape of the boot is very refined.  I would wear these with patterned black tights.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Harbridge Saddle Bag (228.00)

I actually saw this bag in the window of the Macy's on Nicolette Mall in Minneapolis.  Paris inspired, but found in the Midwest.

Alexander Wang Leather-Front Blazer (895.00)

It's so hard to find a leather blazer that doesn't look outdated.  I love how modern this looks, yet it still feels classic.

Alexander McQueen Tab and Buckle Heel Bootie (1225.00)

Now this boot is going to take some attitude to pull off at work, and perhaps a very conservative outfit to balance the shoe.  I absolutely love navy suede for Fall.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Jane-On-A-Leash Crossbody (228.00)

I'm so glad Marc Jacobs finally made some Marc by Marc Jacobs bags without that awful gold plaque.  This bag makes the perfect day to night purse.

An American Professionelle in Paris

Bonsoir Professionelles!

Je suis très désolé!  I have been in France for the last two weeks and had every intention of blogging during my entire vacation.  But alas, it's my last night in Paris and I'm just getting around to writing my first post.

This has been the most incredible trip.  It began in Burgandy, for Peter and Lisa's beautiful wedding.  Next, my dear friend Yun Ah and I traveled to Provence and Nice before heading to Paris.  Unfortunately, Yun Ah had to return to work, but I was incredibly lucky to have three fantastic local hosts (Chiawen, José and Camilla) to show me the city of light.  In fact, the title of this post is inspired by Chiawen's blog, A Chinese-American in Paris.  Since I know of at least a few Professionelles who will be traveling to Paris in the next few months, and also because the French are très chic, I will be sharing with you a series of posts inspired by my trip.

It's past 1am here, and I have a flight to catch in the morning, so this first post is actually a re-post from a fabulous blog Camilla introduced me to: HiP Paris.

The above illustration is from this great post about how to pack for Spring in Paris.  It translates very well for those who are traveling to Paris in the Fall.  I generally consider myself a fairly sophisticated traveler, and for the most part, our trip has gone off without a hitch, but I really could have used this post before I left New York.  As I was planning this trip, I used travel websites like Trip Advisor and Airbnb (can't wait to use Approved by Friends for my next trip!), I consulted friends who had been to the places we were going for recommendations (thank you to the Ulterior Epicure!), but for some reason, I didn't think to check out local blogs for inspiration.  If I had done so, I would have packed at least one pair of pants and many layering options for the unpredictable and varied French weather!

With that, I'm off to bed for now.  But once I'm back stateside, I will be posting my observations about what Parisienne women wear to allow them to look so effortlessly chic, reviews of the stores Parisienne women actually shop in, whether French designer goods are really cheaper in France and why, after only two days, J'aime mon carré!

Bonne nuit Professionelles!

P.S. please excuse any mistakes in my French as I am using the ever so accurate Google Translate.

Custom Salvaged Wood Dining Table

As Christina is well aware, I have been looking for the perfect dining table for over two years.  It had to be small enough to fit in a New York apartment, but big enough to seat six people for a small dinner party. I wanted it to be rustic yet elegant and it had to be sturdy but not clunky.  Needless to say, like with other areas of my life, it was hard to find something that met all of my requirements.  That is, until I stumbled upon these gorgeous custom tables by a husband and wife team at the Brooklyn Flea.  They don't have pictures of their tables on their website, but you can basically get any size table (dining, coffee, bar height etc.) that is of the style shown below.  I asked for a 54x32 dining table with legs set 17 inches wide in order to fit my ghost chairs.  I asked for wood with some flaws to give it some character.  In less than a week, my table was ready!  Prices vary, but I paid $550 for the table pictured below.  Finally!  Table success!  Now, I've just got to find the perfect black work bag...

Email John or Avian at avian@verizon.net to order your custom table.  They require 50% down for all custom orders.  If you want to check them out before ordering, you can find them on Saturdays at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene.

Crazy Silly Beautiful

It's been a rough week for this Professionelle.  Meetings from dawn till dusk, late night conference calls with counsel from all over the world (which is why I'm up at 1am writing this post...) and a little bit of racial insensitivity from a counter-party to boot.  Needless to say, I cannot wait for my upcoming trip to France (one week and counting!).  So tonight, I bring you a re-post.  Something that made me smile and appreciate how wonderful life can be.  A reminder that there are flowers and gold paint and gosh darn it, I will some day have enough free time to brush gold paint on flowers just because it's pretty.  Found on Creature Comforts, this totally useless DIY is crazy, silly and beautiful.