shopping

Walking Tall this Spring

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

From sandals to booties to platforms, Spring is always the perfect time to invest in a few new must-haves to take you from the beach, to outdoor weddings and beyond.  Fortunately, we’ve enlisted David Rosen, AKA @BarneysShoeMan to help us navigate top trends by our favorite brands.  We let David sound off on what he knows and loves best.  Shoes!

Check out his spring picks below -

BALENCIAGA

"This sandal is like having  pillows on your feet. Ridiculously comfortable.”


MAISON  MARGIELA

“The silver sequin bootie is probably the most fun, comfortable boot this season and surprisingly versatile as well because of the clear plexi heel.”


SAINT LAURENT

“The black patent pump is a nice ode to the YSL iconic logo. You’ll be the chicest on the dance floor.”


BALENCIAGA 

"The arena leather is very cool and the inverted kitten heel gives it a little edge. It’s a play on naughty meets nice.”


GIVENCHY 

“The hi-top sneaker is super versatile and because of its length, it can be worn with anything from jeans to dresses. Great street look.”


BEN TAVERNITI UNRAVEL PROJECT

“The Unravel bootie has a hidden heel and a rock-n-roll feel to them. It’s edgy luxe.”



MAISON MARGIELA BIRKENSTOCK 

“This sandal really has the comfort of an actual Birkenstock, but way cooler look. It also comes in a mirrored silver for a bit more flare.”



PRADA 

“The silver sandal is soft and with the feather detail it makes it a perfect sandal for vacation. You’ll see these all over Ibiza and Capri.”


BALENCIAGA 

“This red flat has the softest leather and the square toe fits much better on the foot. The overall them is a continuation from fall and it's all about comfort and versatility.”


GUISEPPE ZANOTTI

"Even though it's a very high heel, its thick and the platform makes it easier for navigating the city, even without an Uber.”


 

Black Champion Zip Up In Progress Hoodie by Vetements | Satin Slingbacks by Vetements x Manolo Blahnik | Jeans by ReDone | Medium Frame Shoulder Bag by Celine | Rings by Jennifer Fisher


TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT

DAVID ROSEN BARNEYSSHOEMAN@GMAIL.COM | INSTAGRAM @BARNEYSSHOEMAN


Salespeople, stylists, skincare specialists and all manner of self care mavens—they can be so much more than simply people who provide a service. If we’re lucky enough to score a particularly first-rate one, they might be closer to our therapists, confidantes…basically our support team. They work magic on our wardrobes. They whip us into shape after a rough week. They set us straight when we’re mired in bad vibes. They nix our doubts and fix our hairdos in one fell swoop. They are truly transformation experts. In this series, we’re giving credit where it’s due: to the pros who keep us on point. Get their take on style, wellness, and how we can all learn to love ourselves a little better—even after we’ve left their stomping grounds.

Talking Shop with Totokaelo’s Graciela Molina

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

Add this name to your fashion rolodex. Graciela “Gracie” Molina is uber-stylist behind conceptual, fashion-forward boutique Totokaelo. She has loyal clients who trust her opinion on everything from high-waist denim to the It-boots of the moment. A native New Yorker, born and raised in Queens, Gracie has dabbled in a number of creative fields such as photography and styling but saw her journey to Totokaelo as a long time coming. “Working for this company has shown me so much about myself and my view on fashion,” she said. “I feel like I've just scratched the surface of my career.” We feel so chic in Gracie’s hands, whether we’re attempting a new trend or trying to find that perfect gift.

We asked Gracie to sound off on spring trends, how to shop for your body and why wrapping jeans around your neck is totally a thing.

On how to shop for your body

“The best way to shop for your body is to KNOW your body type and what you want to emphasize or hide,” says Gracie. “Stylists are here to help you figure out what works well on you. We can determine if anything needs altering or hemming and which style pieces can flatter your body type. Whether a synch of the waist, half an inch up from the hem or determining what fabric falls best, we are there to decipher what works best for you.”

On how to buy what you love

“I gravitate to what speaks to me. I don't look at what everyone else is wearing, but rather what makes me feel bold and true to myself. I have a vivid collection of T-shirts from various designers, for example, because that's a go-to piece for me. I love quirky quotes, bold graphics and unique fabrications which most designers are fusing with their basic tees as of lately. I stay true to what I like and what is realistic in my world.”

 

On how to buy for spring

“The best way to buy for spring is to concentrate on pieces that would develop and grow your already existing wardrobe. Try and find new pieces that will compliment your current wardrobe . For spring, find pops of color pieces that would go with a favorite knit of yours from the fall. Fun prints to blend with winter fabrics to make your outfit less strict. Harmonize your pieces so you can have a forever blend of style in your closet.”

On how to make a single purchase go the distance

“Invest in pieces that would last longer than a season in your closet. Find those great pieces that speak to your lifestyle and take care of them.  A garment bag goes a long way.”

On shopping Spring’s top trends

“I am a huge fan of Jacquemus. I love his clothing because of his playful and conceptual silhouettes. For Spring 2017, his colorful striped knit shirt and voluminous wide legs pant are my favorite pieces. It's that perfect balance of practicality and spunk. The idea of a practical jean is turned on it head this season with a corset like top that hugs your waist and an exaggerated voluminous wide leg with huge cuffs on the bottom. 

Also, Demna's biker jeans for Vetements are the perfect jean! The amount of technique and tailoring that are put into this one piece is amazing. Literally, precisely cut pieces of vintage Levi denim, pieced together to form his signature jean. It is an ingenious concept that you can have a pair of one of a kind jean in your closet.”

On trends to buy into

“Avante-garde shirting pieces. Who says you can't make workwear chic? Numerous designers are playing with playful cuts with the basic button down. Really great pieces!”

 
 
 
 

On her one #protip

“If you want to know quickly if a pair of jeans or pants will fit you, place the waistline of the pant around your neck. If the edges don't meet at the back of your neck, the pant is too small for you. It is not a 100% guarantee but It will give you a better idea of the fit. Take in consideration the cut, but it really works! “


Find Out More 

GRACIELA MOLINA | Totokaleo, 54 Crosby Street, NYC | graciela.m@totokaelo.com | WWW.TOtokaelo.com


Salespeople, stylists, skincare specialists and all manner of self care mavens—they can be so much more than simply people who provide a service. If we’re lucky enough to score a particularly first-rate one, they might be closer to our therapists, confidantes…basically our support team. They work magic on our wardrobes. They whip us into shape after a rough week. They set us straight when we’re mired in bad vibes. They nix our doubts and fix our hairdos in one fell swoop. They are truly transformation experts. In this series, we’re giving credit where it’s due: to the pros who keep us on point. Get their take on style, wellness, and how we can all learn to love ourselves a little better—even after we’ve left their stomping grounds.

Spaced Out Skincare

Written & Photographed by A Wild Dove

Beam us up Scotty, because we’re taking a trip to space - Space NK, that is. Yes, we are talking about the go-to beauty boutique for insiders, professionals and product junkies like ourselves.

Brands upon brands of luxury creams, fabulous color cosmetics and top haircare products. We recently hung out at Space NK’s new Brooklyn outpost, where we basically felt like kids in a candy shop, since our version of candy is primers, glosses, shimmer sticks and hair oils. The store is clean, chic, well-lit and so warm and inviting. Plus, with its prime Williamsburg location, it makes it even easier to shop from whichever side of the river you’re on.

Space’s beauty gurus just released their spring edit - a powerful mix of products like amazing highlighters by Kevyn Aucoin, the ultimate eyelash curler by Surratt and the most glam mascara by Rodial . They also carry the super exclusive Byredo line, ONLY available at the BK-NK (got that one?) and in their San Francisco boutique. We added a bit of our faves to theirs, for the must-shop list for Spring that will have you looking photo-ready.  


 
 
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Relevée Lash Curler by Suratt Beauty | Lash Dance Mascara by Smith & Cult | Glamolash Mascara XXL by Rodial | The Neo-Limelight by Kevyn Aucoin | The Neo-Highlighter by Kevyn Aucoin | The Neo Powder Brush by Kevyn Aucoin | Surreal Skin Foundation Wand by Suratt Beauty | Lipstick Chess by Lipstick Queen | The Expert Lip Color by Kevyn Aucoin


 
 

Regenerating Cleanser by Tata Harper | Elixir Vitae Serum by Tata Harper | Ultramoor Mud Mask by Omorovicza | Phytoactive Anti-aging Cream by Royal Fern | Neck & Decolletage Treatment By 37 Extreme Actives | Cucumber Balancing Elixir by Kat Burki


Tracie Martyn Shakti Resculpting Body Cream | Tata Harper Revitalizing Body Oil | Malin + Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub | Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish | Kat Burki Hand Therapy

 

Gold Lust Repair & Restore Shampoo and Conditioner by Oribe | Volume Powder by Sachajuan | Voluminous Shampoo and Conditioner by

Rahua | Hair Oil by Quai | Extreme Caviar Scalp Mask by Miriam Quevedo

 


 

SpaceNK Apothecary Brooklyn