As much as I try to keep my wardrobe simple and low-key, a part of me will always immediately gravitate to anything that sparkles. I've been looking forward to the return of ballet flats this season, and my eyes and wallet just couldn't ignore these crystal-embellished ones from Jimmy Choo. They were a pricey pair of shoes for me, but one that I think will go together with anything from casual to dressed-up with ease. Not to mention, they perfectly helped me renew these color-blocked trousers that I've worn all year round since I picked them up as a statement piece, more than a year ago. Spring weather is always tricky, so I love being back in New York because it doesn't feel as if I'm being culturally offensive by walking around with a bralette like when I was in Tokyo. Of course, no look of mine is complete without all my usual gold accessories accents.

Blazer: Mango (another option)
Top: Black Tank Bralette
Pants: Petar Petrov Color-blocked Trousers (similar)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo 'Gai' Flats
Bag: Chanel WOC


Photo by Christina L.

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Fresh Whites, Satin and Denim

I was going to title this entry as 'Spring Whites' but by now, I'm sure all-white can literally be my go-to for any season. I'm not really sure what it is about all-white outfits that just suits me really well, but I especially love it for Fall and Spring. The contrast between what's possible with the layering during the Fall versus the minimal but differences in textures of Spring pieces, make all-white in both of these seasons really fun for me to dress up for. A prime example is this dramatic flowy satin blouse by Orseund Iris paired with a sturdy wide-leg pair of denim by AGOLDE and my trusty old white Common Projects sneakers.

Top: Orseund Iris 'Drama Blouse'
Cross-over Denim: Agolde (in white and also black)
Shoes: Common Project
Bag: Chanel WOC 
Hair tie: Lelet NYC (Double Arch Holder)


Photo by my Sister

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Spring Dewy Skin with uruoi

For a collaboration with one of my go-to Japanese skincare brands, uruoi. Wearing a set of Dear José top and skirt. Similar spring style cut-out shirts linked here, and tiered ruffle mini skirt here. Enter the giveaway on my Instagram (@forevervanny) until 05/02/2021. Shop with 15% off (VAN15) at uruoiskincare.

uruoi skincare

Series of self-portrait and product visuals for a Spring giveaway with uruoi skincare (U-Series).

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Ribbed Knit and Linen Belted Trousers

The transitional season is always my favorite to dress up for. It allows me to get a few more wear out of my favorite previous season pieces, like my Acne Studios sweater, while finally switching it up with some lighter layers. I've been looking to add a few more linen pieces into my Spring wardrobe, and I'm so happy that I stumbled on this pair of high waisted linen trousers from &OtherStories. I especially love the belted details and tapered legs. As the weather is still a bit temperamental right now, I made sure to throw over a chunky knit just in case. As usual, I kept my accessories neutral for this look. You can never go wrong with white sneakers and a roomy bucket bag for a day strolling in the West Village in New York.

Sweater: Acne Studios 'Deborah' Ribbed Knit Sweater (similar)
Top: TheFrankieShop Tee
Belted High Waist Linen Trousers: &OtherStories (similar)
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: MeliMelo 'Santina' Bucket Bag (similar)


Photo by Christina L.

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Cherry Blossoms on Roosevelt Island

By the time that you see this, most of these cherry blossoms on Roosevelt Island have probably fallen off their nesting branches for the season- but Spring is like this, fleeting. I wasn't necessarily prepared or looking forward to spending this Spring in New York City, but that's the thing with life- nothing really ever goes according to plans, and you just have to make the best of it.

Roosevelt Island, even to some native New Yorkers, isn't the first place that comes to mind when they think of a spot for a quick afternoon stroll, a weekend date spot, or even a stop along their daily commute; let alone that it's a cherry blossom viewing location, right in the center of the city. For me, this place has always been somewhat of a hidden gem. It used to be a casual date spot that Shun and I would often visit during our early dating years. We would grab a cheap dinner in the city, spoil ourselves with the overly cliché and overpriced frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity on 60th St., then walked down a few blocks to take the only tram in the city across the East River to get on the island. We used to have some of our best walks and talks along the river and we've actually had some of our coldest dates there, and yet we've never had the opportunity to see the cherry blossoms bloom during the Springtime. It was a little bittersweet not having Shun by my side as I went back to Roosevelt Island this time around, but it definitely brought back so many memories for me. I've been surprisingly lucky to catch some amazing cherry blossoms viewing all over the city, so I hope you'll enjoy them more real time as I share on my IG.

Blazer: Anine Bing Kaia Blazer via Shopbop
Top: Aritzia
Pants: Roku 6 (JP)
Sneakers: Common Projects 
Bag: Chanel WOC


Photo by my Sister.

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Floral With A Touch of Utility

Florals for Spring isn't that groundbreaking anymore, but every year, the thought of a change of scenery from dead trees and snowy streets just makes florals as exciting as ever. This year I'm especially drawn to neutral florals, something that definitely works amazing for this transitional period before the weather *really* feels like Spring. If you've been watching my style over the years, you'll know that I've always been a big fan of juxtaposition whenever it comes to styling any of my outfits. If I'm wearing something baggy or oversized on top, my bottoms has to be a little more streamlined and tailored, and vice versa. If I'm wearing a more feminine piece on top, I love to balance it out with something tougher on the bottom. Hence why I called this outfit- florals, with a touch of utility.

This Nanushka floral turtleneck has been on my wishlist for a long time, I was hoping to grab it up sooner because I thought it would have actually made a great layering piece for the rest of winter. But now that I've gotten my hands on it, I'm sure that you've seen me where it two other different ways on my Instagram already. I've worn it casually with a chunky knit thrown over my shoulders, and another time layered under an asymmetric slip dress. But what I really had in mind when I made the purchase was this particular look where it's styled with some sturdy utility trousers. These photos were taken at a conservatory at The Maker Hotel, a lovely hotel upstate that I'll share more with you in the coming weeks. For now, I hope that this outfit inspires you to add some floral prints to your Spring wardrobe, as cliché as it might sound.

Top: Nanushka Floral Turtleneck
Pants: Ulla Johnson Dune Trousers
Shoes: Common Projects Sneakers
Bag: Chanel WOC
Jewelry: Gold Pearl Anklet

Photo by Christina L.

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