Boston: Neiman Marcus, Elizabeth Locke

Neiman Marcus is synonymous with luxury. The fineries of fashion, designer trends on the cusp, not to mention the fancifulness of giving.

The 2013-2014 collection of jewelry designer Elizabeth Locke, whose pieces are handmade in 19K gold, reflect the classic, historic, vibrant colors of a time past, yet designed for the modern day woman.

The influence of the arts of centuries before us are seen in luscious Venetian glass intaglios, intricately carved gambling pendants, Greek and Roman relief coin pieces finished in hammered gold, all exuding the precious quality of timeless heirlooms.

Elizabeth Locke brings GOLD to the 21st century...

Boston: Saks Fifth Avenue: Designer Floor Launch

As a photographer I am always seeking to capture the beauty in everything and the grand opening for the newly remodeled designer floor at Saks Fifth Avenue was exactly that: beautiful.

The ribbon cutting ceremony was hosted by VP General Manager Gretchen Pace and Marketing Director Cara Fratto, who unveiled the myriad of luxury boutiques including Donna Karan, Alexander McQueen, Alaïa, Stella McCartney, Pucci, Givenchy, Céline, to name but a few.

Each of the luxury brand's aesthetics are reflected in the unique layout, lighting and interior design of each shop. Exquiste materials, some imported from Italy, are showstoppers themselves, notably the pink inlaid wood floor (designed by Stella McCartney herself), the luminescent onyx wall from the team at Céline, and the baroque moulding at Alexander McQueen.

Donna Karan herself raved about the newly designed floor when she was in town for the launch of her own in-store boutique.

Join me as I take you on the scenic route through a lil' bit of luxury brought to you in classic Saks Fifth Avenue fashion...

Boston: Saks Fifth Avenue: DONNA KARAN

I had the honor of meeting and photographing the iconic Donna Karan, thanks to commissioned coverage for Saks Fifth Avenue, this Fall. I was delighted to cover the opening reception party for her luxurious designer shop in the newly remodeled space for modern and contemporary fashion.

In grand company, Ms. Karan was welcomed by Stephen Sadove, CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue, Gretchen Pace, VP General Manager, Jennifer De Winter, VP of Stores at Saks Fifth Avenue as well as other friends and guests.

To me, Donna Karan has always represented the modern woman; the strong woman. Her Fall 2013 collection is no different. Built upon her first stand-out collection of seven easy pieces and also influenced by her late husband Stephan Weiss' sculptures, the pieces are sensual and sculptural, working together by addition or subtraction.

Of course, I wore her clothes, and loved capturing the essence of the collection up close, each piece is beautiful, timeless and powerful, just like the woman herself...

NYFW: Alice + Olivia SS2014

Being at an Alice + Olivia NYFW presentation is like being in a candy store: everything is colorful, sweet, pretty and you want it all!

I'm so glad I was able to make the SS2014 show at the Highline in my 6 hours at fashion week this season.

As always, it was such a beautiful collection: preppy, girly and OH SO pretty.

Here, some of my faves with appearances by: Paris and Nicky Hilton, Kelly Bensimon, Johnny Weir, Dylan Lauren, Taylor Momsen, Kelly Rutherford, Taryn Manning, Aimee Song, Chloe Bridges, Sarah Hughes, Langley Fox, Louise Roe...

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Beauty!

It's all about YOU at Neiman Marcus, this fall.

And for Boston's Back Bay Night Out, I was surrounded by the latest colors, treatments, fragrances and makeovers of the season, with lots of champagne, chocolate martinis, a lipstick reader and of course, BEAUTY...

NYFW in a NEW YORK MINUTE: Marlon Gobel SS2014

"We Built This City"

The theme of the Marlon Gobel collection is the "cowboys of the sky", the ironworkers of the 20s where this type of work brought brave young men from Europe and Canada to New York, the capital of skyscrapers, to "build this city". Documented by photographer Lewis Hine in his series "men at work" he showcases men laboring on iron beams up in the air, for the construction of the Empire State building in 1930.

Such is the inspiration behind Marlon Gobel's Spring/Summer collection, and what better location to show than at NYC's Park Avenue Armory under an ironwork canopy?

I loved all the aeronylon blazers...I think I may have to borrow from the boys for this one...

NYFW in a NEW YORK MINUTE: The Tent

Between shows, the E!Online Fashion Police film their Style Network segments and it's nice to catch a glimpse of Joan Rivers. And once you do, you want to see all of them!

I also loved seeing ANTM Cycle 18 Winner Sophie Sumner, how adorable is she?

NYFW in a NEW YORK MINUTE: Pamella Roland SS2014

I was in NYC for less than 24 hours for Fashion Week this season, covering four shows in six hours.

There's nothing quite like the intoxicating buzz at fashion week: the crowds at Lincoln Center, the fashionistas posing for photos, the rush of the photographers, editors and pr from show to show, the adrenaline as a show begins, the squeak and anticipation of the protective film being pulled away from the runway surface....

Pamella Roland's SS2014 show began with lots of inspiration from the Cannes Film Festival in the 60s..lots of bold, vibrant and French Riviera colors: orange, pink, yellow with a bit of metallics and neutral black and ivory. The honeycomb beading was a stand out as was a stellar transparent vinyl trench coat...functional, yet fashionable. The highlight for me was sitting behind THE Nigel Barker, and thanks to D Dipasupil/Getty Images there's this. And if that wasn't awesome enough, Jay Manuel was also there.

Here, some of my faves....

Boston: Neiman Marcus, Fall Trends 2013

Neiman Marcus continued the Fall Trend Party (see part I, here) partnering up with Fashion Project for a fall fashion presentation by Andy Tabulina featuring gorgeous Maggie Models in all the trendy looks for the season: red as the new neutral, mini structured bags, and a little bit of borrowing from the boys.

There were couture cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcakes to be decorated with all the fall trends... I mean, who doesn't love a studded cupcake?

I especially loved meeting my friend Elizabeth's daughters who stopped by, and hanging out with the lovely ladies of the Fashion Project who gave away "do-goody" bags and spoke about their wonderful company.

Crowd fave DJ Liz Ladoux spun rocker chic tunes to get the party started....

Boston: Neiman Marcus, TRENDS for Fall!

I don't know about you, but I'm ready for fall!

Especially if RED is the new neutral!

Come join me as I photograph the opening night of the Neiman Marcus Fall Trend Event, where everything from rocker chic to a bit of tomboy, to the pointed toe (yes, it's back!) to scaled-down handbags, and red as the new neutral are coming at you this season!

Classics like black, navy and animal print aren't going anywhere. As for jewelry, try layering lots of chain-link necklaces and studded pieces. I love that the moto jacket is here to stay, too.

Neiman Marcus personal stylist Elisha Daniels gives a fashion presentation sharing the latest trends for the season, and it's all fabulous!

Come, see....

Style Profile: Marissa from The Well Appointed Catwalk

All my life. I went to college in upstate New York but came back after graduation.

Boston: Hippie Chic at the MFA

I was born in the 70s....um...that's the LATE 70s, but have always been a fan of the 70s boho chic look. Especially all of the colors and patterns of that decade, so when I was invited to check out the new Hippie Chic exhibit at the MFA, I brought Anathalia along for the "trip".

Style Profile: Alaina from So Alaina

Sometimes you meet a person at just the perfect time in your life.

For me this person is Alaina, a freelance writer, who recently moved to Boston and contacted me for a fashion and lifestyle shoot for the launch of her new blog So Alaina.

The day before the shoot, we met for tea and hit it off! I couldn't believe we hadn't met before!
Since then, we've been to yoga together and jogged umbrella-less through Back Bay in search of smoothies.

Our stages in life, love for travel and support for the Bruins (a topic of many a conversation) are just a few of the similarities we both share, so without further ado, allow me to introduce you to the beautiful, warm and bubbly Alaina!

i just moved here in december. but my dad has lived here for a decade, and i've been visiting for that long. i used to spend my summers poolside in his old house in melrose.

Chicago: Rebecca Minkoff #RMRoadtrip

Meeting Rebecca Minkoff at Nordstrom for #RMRoadtrip was a.... trip!

Add meeting blogger Clare from C Squared W in real life with her friend Kristen? Perfection.

It made for a wonderful time in Chicago...and I bought this for my sister, which Rebecca signed.

Seoul + Jeju: What to Pack

Headed to South Korea, specifically Seoul and Jeju! I've never been to that part of the world but from what I've learned, the people over there dress very well and the women like looking feminine and like to dress up!

So, I'm thinking my love for blouses will come handy and will be packing many a girlie shirt, the florally, ruffly and lacey, the better! It's SPRING afterall!

I actually did buy the Prabal Gurang dress from Target, and I love the way it fits!

The key to rainy island weather is layers! I will take a couple of light cardigans as well, just in case but here's my wish list of what to pack.

Seoul + Jeju by hoggerandco featuring 1920s jewelry

Danielle from Story Of Style

Danielle of Story of Style is one of the first bloggers I met in Boston. I love her vivacious, warm personality and cool girl vibe! She was also one of the first fans of my photography, and we both share our love for the Big Apple!

Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled to photograph her recently, before her big move back to New York City!

We were supposed to meet last week on Monday April 15, but we all know how that day panned out.

So, with a beautiful Spring day in Boston this past weekend, we were able to shoot at The Liberty Hotel and in and around Beacon Hill.

Here, some of my favorites....

Boston: Blog Better Boston Style Summit

This past weekend was the Blog Better Boston Style Summit, a local blogging conference organzied by Amy and Alana and held here.

I was honored to be invited to host a discussion session on Instagram sharing 10 tips on How to Make your Instagrams Better and Finding Your Voice (Thank you Kait for this shot of me!).

I also enjoyed attending the style summit to hear the other speakers discuss topics such as working with brands, creating content calendars and media kits.

It was so wonderful to meet bloggers in person (Kaitlin, Melissa, Georgina, the JustUsGals, Allie, Tieka, Julie, Emily, Alyssa, Susan, Brooke, Holly, Sheryl) and see others I hadn't seen in a while (Alison {who I accidentally called Amy during my sesh!}, Shauna, Alana, Amy, Emily, Kristen, Amanda, Surabhi, Noelle and Elissa)

If you missed my Instagram discussion, here's a recap:

10 tips on how to make your Instagrams better

Find your voice on Instagram by connecting and following others in the IG community
Hashtag so that people can find you!
ie: #igersboston (Instagrammers in Boston), #igers, #igdaily, #ignation etc., will allow you to connect with other IGs in Boston and around the world!
Take a genuine interest in others, and leave comments
Be visible, not just online (attend events such as Blog Better Boston and other blogger events)
Be passionate about your IGs, treat them as you would photos with a real film camera
Explore other apps to make your IGS better (ie. VSCOcam, Instasize and Afterglow)

There were a lot of sessions I wanted to go to, but alas, could only attend a handful, so here are some things I learned:

Working with Brands led by Kristen

know your stats using google analytics
a media kit is really important to introduce yourself
create a pitch and send to a brand you really like and identify with
know which posts are most read on your blog (most interaction/likes/views)
your time is valuable
follow up once you have worked with the brand/done a post

Creating a content calendar led by Julie:

identify your priorities
create a content calendar and schedule posts so that there is consistancy for your readers
use google calendar or even a paper calendar and pencil, whatever works for you
stick to a general theme and find your niche
save your great idea for when you have time

Creating a media kit led by Tieka:

a media kit is a pre-packaged set of promo material on YOU
selling yourself to give a brand a few facts on whether or not you are a good fit for them
include: about page, you and your blog, site stats, past brands/partnerships
what you can provide as a service (ie. sponsored blog post, giveaway, side bar ads, text links, be gifted products to review)

Here are just a few snap shots from the Style Summit, as I was mostly taking notes! For more #BBBos coverage, check out the Twitter feed, and for more photos and updates follow Blog Better Boston on Facebook.

Thank you Amy and Alana for having me, and for all the sponsored goodies!

Here's how you can join the next Blog Better Boston summit.

Boston: Jason Wu at the ICA

The Institute of Contemporary Art recently hosted fashion designer Jason Wu for a conversation with chief curator Helen Molesworth.

I met up with Elizabeth, Jaime, Noelle and Elissa for the talk and I think we were all impressed by how warm, candid and genuinely funny he was!

Wu credits his parents for allowing him to go to any college he wanted, with the only condition being that he went to boarding school. Wu went to Parsons.

He also thanked Debi Greenberg, owner of Louis Boston for being a tastemaker and one of the first stores to carry his designs.

He reflected on how gorgeous the First Lady Michelle Obama is, and how well-dressed!

He mentioned that his "approach to fashion is that it's super wearable" and reflected upon the first time he saw someone wearing his clothes, thinking "That's look #9!"

A few quotes I tweeted:

"As designers we have to react to what's relevant." "It's the ability to do something when it makes sense" - @JasonWu @ICAinBOSTON #JasonWu

"I'm most myself when I'm doing my work." @JasonWu "I do things that I want to do" @ICAinBOSTON #JasonWu #ICABoston

Wu laughingly remarked:

"A Jason woman doesn't want to talk to you. She's a little bit bitchy."

For more coverage of the event, be sure to check out Elizabeth and Elissa's awesome recaps!

Boston: MiniLuxe

Location:

296 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

Who doesn't like things in mini sizes? Mini cupcakes, mini chocolate bars, mini Easter eggs...okay...perhaps these are not the best examples as they're all chocolate related, but, what I'm trying to say is that it's easy to indulge when the portion is mini, right?

You still get the satisfaction of having the whole thing, but it's guilt-free. Such is the deal with MiniLuxe...it's all of the luxury of a full service nail salon without the big price tag, and without sacrificing cleanliness, while still offering maximum satisfaction and relaxation in a pretty salon setting.

I stopped by the MiniLuxe on Newbury recently, courtesy of my friends at Aigner/Prensky, and was treated to a wonderful warm oil pedicure and full manicure by Danh. My feet were soaked, scrubbed, oiled down and steam wrapped. It was a glorious 45 minutes of heaven and the jet-free foot tubs are much nicer and make everything feel much cleaner. Speaking of clean, all the instruments are autoclaved (pressurized steam-heated machine for sterilizing) and the other utensils are freshly opened from sealed packages. The nail files used on clients are theirs to take home after.

Here's the full MiniLuxe Menu.

Thank you Danh for pampering me and getting my nails ready to shoot this event the following day!

Boston: Indochino Traveling Tailor

I was honored when Indochino commissioned me to photograph their Traveling Tailor pop-up shop at 234 Clarendon St., in Boston this week!

Based in Vancouver, Canada (always happy to work with my fellow Canadians!), Indochino provides customizable, high quality, hand-tailored suits and shirts (and accessories) for the sophisticated and dapper gentleman.

Traveling Tailor has already been suiting up Chicago, New York City and Washington DC, and now they are here to #SuitUpBos!

Pre-book your 30-minute appointment with one of their talented senior stylists, and if you purchase a suit in store, (starting at $379) you'll also receive a free custom designed and fitted dress shirt as well as a gift set containing cufflinks and a tie pin!

Indochino is currently taking appointments so get measured up to size, while the traveling tailor(s) are in town, only until April 15!

Here's a look at INDOCHINO in Boston...