{beauty} hooked on Deborah Lippmann

When you find things that add something to your life, fit a need or just makes you happy, I always find it wise to allow yourself to indulge in that thing(s).  Now, I may indulge a bit 'too' much with certain things, but, I digress. 

My big addiction right now is Deborah Lipmmann nail polish. I never used to care about doing my nails - I would slab it on and wipe off access paint on my skin in the shower the next morning. When I actually took the time to do my nails it was obviously much more adult looking so I decided to change my ways. When I looked into Deborah's products and read up on her tips [like NEVER cut your cuticles], I started pampering myself once a week and can't stop. Between using her cuticle remover, cuticle oil, base + top coat, and her perfect colors, I've never gotten more compliments on my hands [keep them coming, honestly].

My favorite "go-to" red that has a smidge of an orange hue to perfectly match my skin is It's Raining Men [I should have mentioned the names are brilliant, too]. I also just went out of my comfort zone for my long weekend in St. Maarten [photos to come] and chose this perfect pale Blue Orchid which seemed like the perfect travel companion. When in Rome...

photo: Robin West

{weekend inspiration} inspiration, itself

Many of us on the east coast have found ourselves with the winter blues. The more the temperature drops, the less we want to venture outside [minus the normal caffeine or brunch fix]. I have somehow become one of those New Yorkers that works too hard + stopped taking the time to remember what makes me happy. No more dressing up for fun. Taking the camera along 'just in case'. Posting to this blog. Creating things in any sense has ceased to exist.  

I was talking to one of my partners in crime over a late lunch today + this came up. I brought up a scene from The Holiday where the older gentlemen tells Kate Winslet's character that she should be the leading lady in her own life, but she is playing a supporting role. That's it! How did this happen? [palm to face]. We are in one of the most inspiring cities + time in our lives + we get got caught up in everyday monotony.  

Now, there's nothing wrong with sitting back. But sitting back + being a passenger is a bit silly. Silly rabbits...

photo by Robin West :: Gasoline Alley Coffee

{oh snap} fall'ing back

I know, I know, I've been extremely lazy/uninspired and have fallen into a hole of not posting, minus the occasional Instagram/shoe selfie.  Good news is, I'm creating goals for myself so that this doesn't happen. Stay tuned!

{taking a pause}

Call it a bit of mental Spring cleaning, but I've been having a few realizations over the last few weeks/months.  There is a plethora of negative energy out in the world + I for one just don't have time for it anymore.  I have been making a conscious effort to surround myself with people + situations that are genuine + drama free and the difference that it has made in my life in this short period has allowed me to be the healthiest + happiest I've been in a long time.  No bullshit.  Cleansing the negative energy + toxicity out, and making a conscious effort to keep it out, is seriously life changing.  

I don't know about you, but I have far better things to do + experience this summer than anything that is less than extraordinary.

photo: Robin West

{style} mod leather + military

Is it just me or did Spring take an exceptionally long time to get here this year?  Walking around the city this past week has been truly incredible... it's like everyone has woken up, are refreshed + just a little lighter on their feet.  To be honest, my favorite part of this specific season is to sit back + watch men as they rediscover the shape of a woman's figure that has been in hibernation for a good 6 months, which tends to lead to walking into parked cars, street signs, or each other.

Zara military jacket, Topshop faux leather dress, J.Crew Etta snakesin pumps, Abro handbag, Kate Spade sunnies, vintage necklace.  More style posts here

Thanks to Kelci + Jess for the photos!

{manifesto} striking truths

A friend just sent this website over to me + I instantly fell in love.  Each manifesto's simple words touches a truthful point that anyone can connect with.  This one spoke to me, personally:

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{editorial} Vogue Thailand

As New York Fashion Week has officially kicked off, I thought a little luxury could be a nice touch of inspiration.  What's better than some gold + bedazzlement, anyway?

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{design} Ricardo Bofill's Concrete Abode

I love seeing how an architect or interior designer can see the possibilities in an abandoned space, but this space that Ricardo Bofill created from an old cement factory has left me speechless.  I mean, can you believe that living space with those ceilings?? 

photos: Elle Decor

{side by side} vintage pinks

photo 1, photo 2

{NYFW} Altuzarra Spring 2013

It's refreshing to see designers like Altuzzara get so many much deserved accolades for an unbelievably original + detail-oriented collection, especially the last image below (whoa):

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{fall color inspiration}

Purple and blue tones are definitely some of the colors that I need to make sure to over purchase this season.

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{new beginnings} + happy friday!

Up until 2 or 3 years ago, I lived my life in fear.  I will always be a work in progress, but "what if I lose my job", "what if I don't have enough money", "what if they don't like how I do this",  "what if I tell them the truth and they get mad", and so on, were thoughts that were in my head every day and thoughts that I allowed to run my life.  I was afraid of trying new things or doing what I wanted to do and failing at them/looking bad, so I never expanded out of my comfort zone.  Which, as you probably know, to succeed you need to fall a few times.  And that's ok!

I know I just serious for a Friday.  It's bittersweet, but today is my last day at my current job and I will be moving on to another agency on Monday.  Am I 100% sure of my decision to move out of a comfortable job and atmosphere that I have been secure in and have been able to roam freely in?  No.  Am I 100% sure that this is absolutely the best fit?  Nope.  What I AM sure about is that for once, I made a decision that seems like the best thing for me at this time.  

Only time will tell how I grow and who I grow with, but today, I have that excited/nervous feeling that I used to get on my first day of school.  And in the long run, I made a decision for myself and know that no matter what happens, I will be ok.

{leave ego + fears at the door}

Photo: Robin West, taken at StyleCaster offices

{snap!}

Some fun Instagram photos that have been collecting virtual dust in my phone over the last few weeks...

Photos: Robin West
[you can find me on Instagram at @RobinWest. easy enough, right?]

{what's in my bag} NYFW survival kit

My necessities for a few lucky upcoming days will be an amazing bag, a great red lipstick, some extra bling and a watch to keep track of time.  Truly a Fashion Week Survival Kit.

J.Crew Tillary Tote & "Thoughts I had and couldn't remember" notepad

Michael Kors watch

Vintage & heirloom jewelry

Palmer's Cocoa Butter lip balm

M.A.C. Kissable Lipcolour in "Strut Your Stuff"

and because it's NYC, an unlimited MetroCard

Photo: Robin West

{always look on the bright side of life}

always. 

image 1 by Robin West; image 2; image 3

{shoes, glorious shoes}

I can confidently say that if I was able to create a tub of designer shoes in my home, there is no doubt that I would have a smile on my face as big as Tabitha Simmons does.  The only difference is that I would most likely be in the tub with them...

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{daily inspiration}

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{six word story every day}

I find myself being more & more inspired the longer I scroll down this page.

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{designlovefest} rainbow closet

For the past 5 years or so, I have always had a color-coordinated closet [and I'm not even OCD, I just find it easier to find things that way].  Last year I purchased an additional clothing rack to display my fun, sparkly & printed items for show and to inspire myself to wear them more often.  The problem was, my rainbow wasn't really flowing, that is, until I saw this beauty on DesignLoveFest's blog [Bri really IS a miracle worker]:

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