Mini Moments

Besides a Chipotle burrito date night on Friday I haven't seen much of my guy (he's been swamped with school projects and work), which means lots of 'me' time has been happening over here! 

 The above looks were from the final collection at the annual Cornell fashion show on Saturday night. I was completely impressed with the talented student designers and student models. It was by far my favorite Cornell event I've attended this year (helps that it was right up my alley) and it's always fun to have an excuse to dress up. My girlfriend and I made a night out of it and grabbed mojitos after the show.

Wearing my BaubleBar monogramed necklace (the first item I own with my married initials).

Enjoying an afternoon cup of mint green tea while reading magazines, listening to Citizen Cope, painting a neutral manicure (Deborah Lippmann Fashion) and sending notes.

An edgy / cool two-tone number that's very Helmut Lang... wouldn't you agree?

What's In My Jewelry Box

DIY and Tory Burch Necklaces (last worn here). 

My jewelry collection ranges from pieces I've made myself to items admittedly worth half our rent (don't tell my husband). I'm drawn to an eclectic mix of both bold / quirky pieces (as seen here and more recently here) as well as delicate ones (as seen here). Some of my jewelry has been passed down from family members and has sentimental value like the diamond necklace my parents gave me when I graduated from college and the Dannijo earrings I wore on my wedding day (both pictured below) while others I simply treated myself to. I love that when I'm wearing my favorite necklace or sparkly earrings a normal day somehow feels fancy! I'm overly attached to my jewelry collection and hope you enjoy this mini sneak peek at some of my favorites.

J.Crew and Dannijo Earrings (crushing on these).

Kate Spade Earrings. Diamond Necklace (from my parents). Gorjana Necklaces and Stackable Rings.

Vintage Necklaces.

Oia Jules (Etsy).  J.Crew, Poshlocket, Dannijo and Shop Jeen Bracelets.

Best Kept Secret

Helmut Lang Blazer.  Rodarte Tee.  BB Dakota Pants (similar style for spring).  Dannijo Bib.  

Gorjana Necklace and Rings.  3.1 Phillip Lim Satchel.  gifted DVF Booties.

Khakis aren't my thing and pencil skirts typically make my legs look even shorter than they already are. Silk pants are my best kept working girl secret (it's like wearing your pajamas to the office)! Before moving to New York I worked at an investment firm and wore these pants 2 to 3 times a week (with various sweaters and blouses of course) and since I worked with predominately men no one seemed to notice or care for that matter. I wasn't headed to a corporate office yesterday but wanted to dress up for an afternoon meeting. I paired my pants with my Helmut Lang blazer (last worn here) and a tee for a creative type meets professional look.

Snow Day, Color Play

Old Navy Tee.  J.Crew Sweaters.  Current/Elliot Jeans.  3.1 Phillip Lim Satchel.  

  Zara Pumps.  Dannijo Necklace.  Oia Jules Bracelet (Etsy).  Gorjana Rings.

I woke up to a lovely sheet of white snow yesterday. Snow... (I'm still wrapping my head around the fact that just last week I was prancing around in shorts)! And since there was no way I was pulling out my winter coat I decided to freeze just a little, all in the name of fashion. My jeans and tee proved to be the ideal neutral palette to accent with pops of pink and orange. I painted my nails, threw on a neon necklace and colored my lips with MAC Show Orchid before walking out the door. This is what I call a 'winter-meets-spring' ensemble.

*Confession: I later transitioned from heels to boots.

Caught in the Rain

Parker Dress.  gifted Joie Sweater.  J.Crew Jacket.  Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Boots.  gifted Brahmin Bag.

It rained on and off this weekend and therefore most of my pre-existing plans were swapped in lieu of staying dry. A trip to the farmer's market turned into brunch, my hopes of going for a run turned into an afternoon matinée and Saturday evening consisted of staying in to bake macarons.

I have to admit that I did more wine sipping than helping with the baking.

Gorjana Stackable Rings, Super Star Necklace + Chevron Necklace.  Poshlocket + J.Crew Bracelets.

Sunday Girl

Wearing: Joie Sweater (also love this one) + Paige Verdugo Jeans (crushing on them in pastel for spring).  

 My pick: Joie Topaz Dress (on sale this weekend!) also available in orange.

I'm doing a little happy dance over here because I'm featured as the Joie 'Sunday Girl' this weekend! Not only is Joie a long time favorite brand of mine but I always enjoy reading their Sunday Girl features (you should read up on their previous girls if you haven't already). Sundays really are the best, aren't they. I'd eat cupcakes and shop at the Madison Ave Joie store every Sunday if I could. Oh and by the way, this photo was taken on the day I first dyed my hair red and it was the Joie girls that really made me feel confident about my new do.

You can read about my ideal Sunday here but I'd really love to know how you spend your Sundays so please spill!

Friday Find {Bora Wear}

J.Crew Chambray.  Bora Wear Tee ($20).  gifted Paige Shorts.  

I haven't posted a 'Friday Find' (an item under $25 that I love or think is cool) for a while now but today I'd like to introduce you to my latest find: Bora Wear. I'm rather biased as this apparel line was started by my friend James but I think you will all enjoy learning more about his story. James is a senior at Cornell and instead of accepting a corporate job upon his graduation he has decided to pursue his sewing skills passion which is giving back to his community in Africa through his own apparel line. The fabrics are sourced from Africa and part of the proceeds are given back to abandoned and orphaned children who are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. His story makes me think back to when I graduated from undergrad (boy was I confused when I first stepped out into the real world), and I'm very much in awe of his leap of faith. We should all take more leaps of faith!

If interested, you can use code: cheetah for a 15% off discount (and the leopard tee is available upon request).

Color Me Spring

A denim on denim ensemble inspired by the pastel blue colored house pictured below.

It's easy to get stuck in a rut. I enjoy my morning routine (which includes sipping coffee out of my favorite mug while browsing my go-to news sites, blogs and of course, Pinterest) but it's those days that I switch things up and step out of the norm that I'm left feeling most inspired. With spring in full effect this week (we actually hit 80* on Monday) I've been trying to make the most of this sunny weather by going for morning or afternoon strolls. From my strawberry pink frozen yogurt and the colorful tulips outside the Cornell law school to a cute baby blue house... I've been feeling freshly re-inspired by both the pastel and bold colors of spring!

Loving this bright purple, red and yellow/orange combination.

 Wearing gold accessories (Citrine by the Stones Cuff) and bold red lips (Nars Heat Wave + Revlon Firecracker).

Baby blue house-spiration.

And I'm now craving all things in a beautiful shade of violet purple.

Bag Crush

 Equipment Blouse.  Acne Sweater.  Current/Elliot Boyfriend Jeans.  Miu Miu Heels.  

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel.  The Row Sunglasses.

I recently shared my bag crush with you here (3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel!) but what I neglected to reveal was that I made it mine last week! While I also love it in classic black, jade green feels fresh for spring and yet it will take me straight into next fall and winter. I'm so curious, what bag(s) are you currently crushing on?

Tailored Perfection

Rachel Roy Pants.  DVF Blouse.  gifted Rachel Zoe Leather Blazer.

Zara Pumps.  J.Crew Tote.  The Row Sunglasses.  Poshlocket Bangles.

At 5'1'' a great fitting pant is hard to come by and therefore I typically have all of my jeans and trousers hemmed. I've had these orange pants for months but it wasn't until more recently (after having them taken in at the waist and in the length) that I've been getting my fair share of wear out of them... orange is having a moment after all! And for my two cents on tailoring: I always bring the exact pair of heels or flats that I plan to wear with my pants to the seamstress and I have all of my pants hemmed so that they're just shy of skimming the ground. I know this look isn't for everyone, but it really elongates the leg (case in point).

And the winners of last week's Revlon makeup giveaway are: Katie, Allison, Sam, Aubrey and Leah... I will be reaching out to you all shortly and I hope you enjoy playing with these new products! 

Mini Moments

Well our New York City apartment hunt has officially begun! Here are a few mini moments from the past few days while out and about wandering my favorite neighborhoods.

In french bulldog heaven (my fingers are crossed we will be getting one in the next year)!

Crazy cool blow dryer lighting at Revolver Salon in Soho.

A blue manicure moment.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Satchel crushing at Otte boutique in the West Village.

Helmut Lang Jacket.  Vince Dress.

Was seriously tempted to just take this little guy home with me!

Natural Glow

My latest video in partner with Revlon® is now live! This month's focus product was the Revlon PhotoReady™ Sculpting Blush Palette. I'm all about a simple beauty routine which is why I especially love this 3 in 1 blush, highlighter and bronzer palette which I'll be giving away (as well as last month's focus product: Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush™ Mousse Makeup) to some lucky readers. Please "like" Cheetah is the New Black on Facebook (here) and leave a comment below with your email address. I will announce the winners next Tuesday!

Not So Spring-like

Helmut Lang Blazer.  Funktional Blouse.  gifted Paige Denim Jeans.  

gifted DVF Booties.  gifted Brahmin Bag.  Made By Beanie.

Well remember when I was craving this Helmut Lang blazer? Yea I totally took my own advice (I tend to do that!). It's the perfect light weight blazer for spring / summer although on this particular day it was about 40 degrees out and not so spring-like at all. It's one of those blazers that I can see myself pairing not just with jeans as seen here, but with dresses and skirts as well for a toned down and instantly cool look.

PS: If you're crushing on leather sleeved jackets like me... this Zara jacket is another cool option!

Downtown Chico

Vintage Sweater.  Rodarte Tee.  Current / Elliot Boyfriend Jeans.  The Row Sunglasses.

gifted Brahmin Bag.  Prada Heels.  Poshlocket and J.Crew Bangles.

I thought spring sequins were rather appropriate for a Saturday afternoon outing in downtown Chico... 

I was with my favorite ladies after all!

A Happy Easter

Festive window display in downtown Chico (my hometown).

Easter has always been one of my favorite holidays (I mean, what's not to love about dying eggs, family brunches, pastel colored chocolates and rabbit earred decor?). And since my parents recently moved I was even more excited to come home to California for the occasion and to see their new house. 

My sister and I on Easter Sunday. I'm wearing a Fifteen-Twenty blouse from A Bit Unruly (a new must visit boutique in downtown Chico) and my little sis is wearing Equipment.

One of the coolest light fixtures I've seen lately (spotted in A Bit Unruly). 

My latest jewelry crush: cone cuff bangles from Poshlocket.

While organizing my new bedroom I came across my favorite bear, "Pinky." He had been in a box for years and I decided it was time for him to come out again.

{Let's Play} Dress Up

Tibi.  Rebecca Taylor.  Miu Miu.

I recently selected a few dresses that have been catching my eye for a feature over on Real Beauty.com (you can see my picks here) and in full anticipation of the warm weather to come I have rounded up an additional bunch! From your little black dress (which for the record is totally season-less and always appropriate) to flirty ruffles, I'm craving it all and more than ready to show some leg. Which are your favorites?

Rebecca Taylor.  Joie.  Joie.  Rebecca Taylor.

Joie.  Tibi.  Joie.  Tibi.