I Won a Bike From Topshop & Chictopia!

OMG, I won! Last month, I entered the photo above into the Topshop/Chictopia bicycle club contest, and holy... I actually won!

Vintage romper + Lani styling + Steven Chu photography = win!

For the past two years, I've been without a bike because I couldn't commit financially (other priorities like rent, food, um... clothes), so to score a bike, so perfect! I was ecstatic when I found out I won. I was at work, and I definitely jumped out of my seat.

I got the bike last week and took it for a few rides through Brooklyn and Queens over the weekend. I'm not ready to deal with Manhattan traffic or the big bridges just yet, and plus the bike is too heavy to carry onto the train.

It's a blue cruiser, a little dinged up because it was one of the bikes they had at the store, but I'm not complaining. I'm so thankful to have a bike! And Topshop was so sweet. They also gave me a helmet, basket and bicycle lock - very thoughtful! Thank you, Topshop, and thank you, Chictopia! I will be putting this bike to good use.

Now Wearing...

White tunic dress - noblita
Black lace half slip - no name
Distressed "denim" vest - Forever 21
Studded diamond sandals - Issa Kamara
Black leather chain bag - Kooba
Necklaces - Alex & Chloe and Subversive for Target
Rings - no name
Bangles - clothing swap

I always have so much fun with Steven Chu. He's an incredible photographer! None of the pictures that I've posted on the blog have been retouched. He's the real deal.

So Steven and a couple other friends have suggested that I entertain the idea of a lady mohawk. I think it could be fun, but it's really not for me. I like to dress crazy, but hair and makeup I like to keep simple and low maintenance.

Now Wearing...

Gray drapey top - ADAM
White tank - Gap
Light blue jeans - Lux, Urban Outfitters
Studded diamond sandals - Issa Kamara
Chain strap bag - Kooba
Bonjour necklace - Alex & Chloe
Bangles - from Beijing
Rings - no name & Forever 21

I'm a fake. It's not my bike; it's the same one I borrowed for my TopShop bicycle contest entry. Thanks for the bike and amazing photography, Steven!

When I wear these sandals because they're so bold and a lot of look, I try to pair them with more basic shorts or skirts. In this instance, I wore them with my light wash jeans, which I rolled up inside for a cleaner look. Worn down there was too much bunching around the ankles. Earlier this week, it wasn't as hot, so I didn't mind. But with summer heat kicking in, I doubt I'll be wearing skinny jeans again any time soon.

Now Wearing...

Denim dress - H&M
Wide brown leather belt - Ann Taylor Loft
Brown woven flats - Jeffrey Campbell
Backpack - secondhand, mom's closet
Other accessories - Forever 21

You can't see it in this picture, but the dress is a bit short in real life. It could be worn as is, but I usually prefer to wear it with leggings. In the summer, leggings are just too hot, so I'll layer tank dresses under. Yesterday I couldn't find the layering dresses I wanted, so I actually pulled a tube top down and wore it as a skirt underneath. it worked out nicely - gave me a couple extra inches and stayed snugly in place.

Now Wearing...

The romper was one of my first vintage finds ever. It’s a 1980s piece I found almost four years ago, and it’s still one of my favorites. The backpack is from the 90s courtesy of my mom’s closet. I found it when I visited home, used it for a 90’s party and couldn’t part with it, so I brought it back to New York.

I'm entering Topshop's bicycle contest. I don’t have a bike yet, so I had to borrow my friend Steven’s bike for this photo. I felt like such a fake. I would love to win one from Topshop, so I could have a bike to call my own!

In putting together this outfit, I went for fun and practical. I hope the judges at Topshop and Chictopia are into it.

Teal blue romper - vintage
Navy woven belt - secondhand
Brown backpack - secondhand, mom's closet
Brown woven flats - Jeffrey Campbell
White fingerless gloves - Urban Outfitters
Yellow bangle - Forever 21
Black bonjour necklace - Alex & Chloe

Now Wearing...

Crimson red kimono top - Rachel Pally
Nylon tricot print leggings - Michael Angel
Black turban - vintage
Hematite necklace - secondhand
Bangles - secondhand via clothing swap
Chain side bag - Kooba
Heels - Jeffrey Campbell

I need more Steven Chu photography in my life.

I found these leggings at Buffalo Exchange, and they are hands down one of my Top 10 favorite items in my wardrobe. I am so in love with them! I only wish my legs were longer because I have to tuck in about four inches worth of fabric!

In putting together this outfit, I started with the leggings and somehow ended with a gypsy slash fortune teller look? I added the turban to balance out the sheen and black on bottom, and boom, I’m a gypsy.

Now Wearing...

Black dress - Madison Marcus
Chain necklace - actually a belt from Urban Outfitters
Silk scarf - Matthew Williamson for H&M
Green satin clutch - vintage
Black cutout heels - Pour La Victoire

Photo cred belongs to Steven Chu. These are from our impromptu photo shoot over the weekend. He called me late Saturday morning and asked if he could come over to practice shooting with his camera. I was still in bed when he called, and he was over in less than 30 minutes. Needless to say I'm really pleased with the photos! I had so much fun with Steven, and I'm so impressed with his skills. I'm no model, but he made me look quite ladylike, no?

Now Wearing...

Mini straw hat - H&M
Cropped jacket - Grey Ant
White tunic dress - noblita
Black leggings - Uniqlo
Brown flats - Jeffrey Campbell
Necklace & bracelets - Vintage & Forever 21
Umbrella - gift from my good friend Allyson

I had a play date and impromptu photo shoot with my friend Steven Chu over the weekend, and these were some of our first shots. Some of the other pictures were incredible. I will be sharing later this week!

In other news, I've been surrounded with so much cake over the past three days I think I may be over cupcakes?