Straight up: I am pining for some more New York City times. If you followed my travels on the Insta or Snappers (@kobi_jae on both), you may know that I spent a fair bit of time in NYC in the second half of last year, including over Christmas and New Year. Towards the end it was gloriously chilly – although I missed out on the epic snowstorm of my dreams! I freakin’ LOVE SNOW. Probably because i’m so deprived of it. I fantasise of a lifestyle that allows me to follow winter and autumn/fall around the world, with sporadic stopovers in not-too-hot tropical hideaways (mostly for the cocktails).
Because I was travelling a lot when I took these snaps, my outfit choices were kind of limited and I remember feeling really restless and limited with the pieces I was carrying around on my back. I had to get creative and Bear Grylls myself something fresh, so i’ll let you in on a little secret… this top is actually a DRESS! Bless full skirts, you can damn well hide a whole other dress under them! Plus, extra warmth, especially when teamed with a quilted beauty like this one (which is sadly sold out).
My other little outift hack relates to this coat, which I got from Torrid. I love it to death – the cut, the collar and of COURSE the tartan lining. But I was a bit disappointed when I first received it in the mail because it had the most hideous button on it.
Like, I love tacky and gawdy, but there is still a right way to be tacky gawdy, and that ain’t it. I unpicked the unsightly little bugger, measured the button hole and popped down to my local fabric store for a more understated and classic one. Actually, now that I want to show you what it used to look like, I can’t even find a photo of it! All the shots on the product page have it carefully hidden! I wonder if this is intentional?
Anyway, during my time in New York I mostly stayed in Brooklyn. Yes, because it was more affordable on my student budget. But also because of the incredibly unique vibe and creative pulse that emanates from there. These pics were taken late December and I have been hoarding them like some sort of greedy six year old with the very best coloured markers (green & purple, duh). But now, it’s time to set them free! Be sure to listen to “Brooklyn Baby” by Queen Lana (Del Ray) while you peruse this post…
One last note about why this burrough is extra spesh… because one of my favourite Queens from this season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Thorgy Thor, is also from Brooklyn! Actually, so is Acid Betty who I visually ADORE as well, but she is turning out to be kind of a bitch. What do you reckon?
OUTFIT DETAILS
COAT: Torrid, and is currently on sale!
TOP (/dress): Fashion to Figure, currently not available but check their cute seasonal stuff.
SKIRT: Tatyana Boutique – sadly sold out, but they have lots of other cute circle skirts!
BOOTS: Urbanog. Seemingly no longer available, but these, these and these are very similar (and on sale)!
BELT & SUNGLASSES: Rainbow
EARRINGS: purchased on Route 66, but similar here on Etsy