Elephant Locket

(Image Credit: Freshy Fig's Etsy)

Isn't this vintage locket lovely? I've never seen anything quite like it.

The Row for Toms Shoes

 (Image Credit: LDN Fashion, Toms Shoes)

I've been a fan of MK&A (Mary Kate and Ashley, duh.) since their Michelle Tanner days. I religiously followed their careers from solving any crime by dinnertime to Two of a Kind to Mary Kate's brief stint on Weeds, so I was thrilled to hear about the twins teaming up with Toms Shoes for a collaborative collection.

As I've mentioned before, Toms Shoes is a company that runs on the philosophy one for one: for each pair of shoes sold, a pair is given to a child in need, and this collaboration is no exception to that rule.

Made with cashmere and Italian wool, the collection is currently available for purchase on the Toms website, and prices range from $140-150.

Readers, what do you think of the collection? Is $150 too much to pay for a pair of slip ons?

Obsession of the Moment: Angus Dei Design

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting Danjebis Rodrigues of Agnus Dei Designs on the corner of 23rd and Madison. He was in need of directions, and somehow pegged me for a local. I'm still not sure if I pointed him toward his destination, but a quick conversation and his black-on-black business card steered me toward his jewelry company's website.

Rodrigues' designs are the perfect edge to roughen up my classic style. I love his cuffs, especially the Doors of Perception wrap bracelets and the simple Signature Evolution Cuff. And his unique rings would be the perfect contrast to a polished party frock.

I definitely recommend checking out his collection. It's a bit pricey, but his looks are so unique and made of high-quality metals. They're totally worth it.

Readers what's your latest accessory obsession?

Spotlight on New York: Cafeteria

Taste Test (Wednesday): Maryland Crabs

Last weekend I went to visit my boyfriend in Baltimore, which will henceforth be known as the surface of the sun. It was literally over 100 degrees every day I was there. But Saturday night we managed to escape the heat with a trip to Captain James Crab House for a dozen steamed Maryland crabs, a bowl of coleslaw, a basket of hush puppies and two swiftly melting ice waters.

It was my first experience eating whole crabs, and let me tell you, it was not a pretty sight. At first the hammer was a bit unwieldy, but I eventually got the hang of it and only mashed my thumbs once or twice. A barbaric, labor-intensive project, cracking open the crabs was a struggle, but oh-so worth it when i finally got to the meat inside.

Readers, have you eaten crab before? What's your favorite summer dish?

If I can make it there I'll make it anywhere: New York, New York

I know I've been a little MIA recently here on Style of a 20 Something, but I promise I have several good reasons. Not only did I graduate NYU's Summer Publishing institute, but I also found an apartment and a job! Well okay, a paid internship, but hey, it's a start.

Any tips on how to be a newbie New Yorker?

My recent move to New York coupled with an on-going search for an entry-level position at a magazine inspired me to rewatch MTV's The CIty

Manhattanhenge 2011

 My view of today's sunset. New York readers--did you all watch Manhattanhenge?

Taste Test Tuesday: The Smith NYC

This past weekend a sorority sister of mine came to visit New York, so a group of us went out for a big dinner at The Smith NYC, a chic east village restaurant.

After perusing the chalkboard style menu, I settled on the grilled shrimp with jalapeno grits. Creamy, with a mild cheese flavor and a hint of spice, the grits were good, almost surprisingly so. They nearly fooled me into thinking I was back below the Mason Dixon line. Set atop the grits were 6 perfectly seasoned shrimp. The dish also included a garnish of marinated vegetables, but those only seemed to take away from the rest of the plate. Most of mine remained untouched.

If you aren't a fan of crustaceans, give the ricotta gnocchi with truffle cream a try. I stole a bite from a friend, and immediately caught a case of order envy.

Overall, I'd recommend The Smith for a special occasion. The food was great and the service quite good. The prices, on the other hand, were a bit steep for an unemployed student.

Apartment Hunting

 (Image Credit)

Readers, today is a big day for me. I'm going to look for my very first New York apartment. I'd really appreciate any advice y'all have, so please, leave any suggestions in the comment section!

Inspired by: 23rd Subway Station

The New York subway is not luxurious. While efficient, it's a less-than-glamorous means of transportation. That being said, I love that subway stations have subtle nods of nostalgia in the form of gorgeous, vintage mosaics.

After a quick Google search, I learned the history of these public art pieces. The project was initiated in 1910 by subway art director and engineer Squire Vickers, and has continued into modern day with new designs popping up in recent years. One of the new mosaics happens to be in the station on 23rd near my dorm.

The wind-blown hats pictured above inspired a search for the perfect summer headpiece. I'm normally a fan of the floppy, but these cute cloches and fedoras could easily sway my opinion.

1.) Floppy Bergere Hat (American Apparel, $44)
2.) Floppy Stripe Hat (Gap, $30)
3.) BDG Linen Fedora (Urban Outfitters, $24)
4.) Badgley Mischka Margo Hat (Bloomingdale's, $60)
5.) Lauren by Ralph Lauren Classic Linen Cloche (Bloomingdale's, $30)

Readers, do you have a go-to summer hat? What public art are you admiring these days?

Happy Birthday America

 (Image Credit: Food Network)

Happy 4th of July readers! I'm still not sure of my plans for today, but hopefully they'll include fireworks, grilled hot dogs and lots of patriotic songs! What are you up to today?

Style of a 20 Something Book Club: The Summer We Read Gatsby

Last week, my class at SPI took a field trip to Three Lives & Company: a local, independent book shop in the West Village. As you can imagine, our crew of English nerds quickly invaded the small shop, pouring over the thousands of colorful covers.

I walked away from the visit with both a new-found appreciation for independent booksellers and The Summer We Read Gatby by Danielle Ganek.

Praised by magazines like O, Vogue, Glamour, People, Real Simple and Marie Claire, The Summer We Read Gatsby is a modern-day homage to one of my favorite novels. I only hope it can live up to my expectations.

I'll be posting my review of the book here on Style of a 20 Something in two weeks, and I'd love if you'd pick up a copy and join the conversation!

Readers, what books are on your list this summer?

Sundress Weather

The solstice has come and gone, so it's officially summertime in the city. With weather a hair cooler than the oppressive Nashville heat I'm used to, New York is hovering around 80 degrees: perfect sundress weather. Warm enough to bare your shoulders, but cool enough to enjoy being outdoors, this temperature is ideal for colorful frocks. I'm on an even tighter budget than normal, so these dresses are all under $150.

1.) Lucca Couture Studded Sundress (Urban Outfitters $79)

2.) Rumi Dress (J.Crew $118)

3.) Jersey Knot Dress (Old Navy $25)

4.) Pleats and Panels Shift (Anthropologie $98)

5.) T-Bags Ruffle Dress (Bluefly $117)

6.) Quechua Dress (Anthropologie $90)