New England, je t'aime.

People never hesitate to praise Europe for all its historical, cultural, and fashion integrity, and most Americans, with the current state of the country, aren't exactly patriotically opposing the nay-sayers either. But do we realize that just across the pond from Buckingham Palace, New England holds up its own, in a very dignified manner, no less? Boston, New York, et cetera... Paris has Chanel and the Brits can take their Lady Di, but we've got Japanese street style and CBCG all in one city. On my spring holiday, I noticed the beauty of America that often sits in the shadow of the disgraces the rest of the world labels on this modern and surprisingly sophisticated country.

The New Jersey coast.

Downtown Boston.

Museum of Fine Arts (complete with flying plaster men).

The van Gogh corner. Can you feel his ghost?

The New England dining experience.

Columbia University.

"Boy on the right, you're trying to look studious, but I know you're enraptured with me."

Last stop. See you soon, New England.

Bostonians = Hip.

Je suis devenue jalouse quand j'ai arrivé à Boston. Tous les gens sont si, si, si chic ! Sorry these photos are a little blurry, I was on the run most of the time.



It was still brisk in New England last week; boots were ubiquitous.
Her coat is so feminine but without looking WASP-y.
A little overzealous with the matching briefcase, luggage, AND Nike Ace '83 hightops. Still interesting, though; she reminded me of a modern, urban warrior, very utilitarian.

I think this girl epitomized cool that day. Looking classy and reading. Like one of my previous posts proclaimed: style + substance.

Soho Street Style.

Hip girls that I shot in different parts of New York (i.e. Soho, Morningside Heights, etc.).

When I first saw this on the No. 1 subway line downtown, I thought it looked tacky. But upon closer inspection, this girl had fun with her outfit by pairing a vintage leather bomber with electric blue puff capris. Her flats were interesting as well; the heel looked like it was upside down.

Some people have complained to me that they hate the skinny jean trend because it seemingly calls on an '80s, super-flashy (and super-tacky) revival. But let's face it: skinny jeans are not going anywhere. They simply look GREAT on many body types. This girl did a great job of dressing herself that morning--a quilted black jacket, a slouchy gray jersey top, a brown hobo bag (a little too trendy, but still), and good old Chuck Taylors.

Two girls inside Columbia University. A little bit leaning on the trendy side, but still looking good. I personally don't understand the whole gigantic-logo-on-sunglasses trend, it's like people are advertising for companies on their face (in that case, you should be getting paid for it). Loving the chunky white scarf on the left. The bags were very simple and luxe, I like the feel and look of worn leather.

New Yorkers are probably the best dressers in terms of footwear. Everyone on the streets had on flats, boots, heels, whatever, that were extremely fascinating and inventive. Flats are still prominent in the city and there are so many different styles and prints. Naturally, I went a little nuts while shopping. In conclusion, I hope that these animal-esque shoes don't just make me want to tempt robbery.