Capture Fashion by Amanda Del Duca

You guysssssss…..what do you think of my new ‘do?!

Do you love it, or do you love it? I’m so happy with the final look. I had a vision for what I wanted and the final product is so close that I just don’t even really know what to say. For my shoots, I always find photos that I want to recreate or try to capture some aspect of it’s magic. My homage attempts usually morph into something very differnent from the orignal source of inspiration. Resources and new ideas have a way of changing what you thought you wanted into what you can actually achieve.

In this case, my new hairstylist Patrick Navarro  nailed the damn thing. Click the “read more” link and peep a couple inspiration photos I emailed to Patrick the week before my appointment. Let me know how you guys think it turned out. I’ve been hearing that it reminds people mostly of Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. I’m ALL GOOD with that! She has dragons and is an all around bad bitch. Did you SEE last nights’ episode? #Restmycase

So, here I am in the shower showing off my new Mikoh bikini. You all know I gotta keep it resort and a represent Miami style.  Swimwear is my first love, I’ll always show off something special I find even if my current weather doesn’t allow it. What’s special about this bikini is the mint color. I’ve seen this style of Mikoh in black and hot pink and loved both instantly. Seeing the pastel green, I took it home on the spot. It’s just so pretty and feminine.  Another thing I appreciate is the thickness of the fabric (also double-lined) and the string details are just fun.

Check back this week for street style pics. xx

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My favorite spot in my temporary NYC digs is in the shower. The view is epic and the sitting ledge has become my hidey hole. I have a spot like this in Miami on the ledge of my back door where I like to work from my phone and smoke a cigarette. I can’t smoke from my NYC perch, but the view more than makes up for my bad habit. I meannn the Chrysler building in all it’s Deco glory is just the most beautiful. I love watching out this window and just breathing in the city skyline. I wish I could bottle it and hold it close forever.

I figured I better capture the view and it’s perfect little ledge for a CF photo shoot. I just picked up this “YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US.” tee at Brandy Melville last week….and let’s just say I’m more than obsessed. Not only is it one of my favorite movie lines ever, but it’s also a crop top and the softest baby tee you can hope to find. Did I mention it’s $18? Brandy Melville is just out of control with the low prices. I didn’t realize. I went in and bought this tee, a silk crop top (that is so 90s Kate Moss it makes me smile wildly), and a pair of tribal printed sleep shorts for a total of $36. #Score

Next up is shower shots. xx

Tee, Brandy Melville. Bikini c/o Mikoh.

I’m so happy to finally share these photos. I’ve been waiting for my ear to heal and then David got a ring flash. We have been playing with test shoots and trying to figure out the proper light, so I apologize for anyone waiting to see what I got pierced from my Instagram teasers.

Now for the goodness! Introducing my latest obsession….NY Adorned and specifically J. Colby Smith. I’ve been following Colby’s work since my girl, Alyssa, posted about her latest piercing on insta. I immediately clicked over to Colby’s profile and was smitten by the subtle glamour of his work. I’ve always had two holes in each ear and never really thought about more. I freaking love earrings and am fond of interesting bling in general, so after seeing Colby’s work I couldn’t wait to come up here and do the damn thing.

I have always been fascinated with piercing culture. It started with me being a spectator, then a collector, and eventually a giver. I try to put myself in my client’s position, anticipating their individual needs. When it comes to jewelry I prefer subtle and elegant. Smith said to The Coveteur. 

I was here in New York a week before my appointment with NY Adorned. Alyssa came along for moral support and I came into the experience with little thought put into what I wanted. I really wanted to go for the “J. Colby Smith experience” and let the artist do his thang. The first hole we decided to pierce was my conch with a simple black diamond. This is my favorite new piercing, but also the most painful. The actual needle going through was super easy. I don’t know if it was Colby’s calm vibe, a testament to his skill, or the handful of advil I took beforehand….but I swear the pain was minimal. Now, afterwards is an entire different story. I still can’t sleep on my right side, but I think it’s doing wonders for my back. I’ve been forced to sleep like a vampire and my back hasn’t felt so good in years….

Moral of the story: the conch is still sore, but I love it and am willing change my sleeping habits for my new adornment.

Next up was my forward helix with a simple gold hoop and then a third hole on my lobe with one of Colby’s 108 back-drop designed pieces. These two were fast and painless. Both don’t give me any trouble now (2 weeks after piercing) and were sore for maybe 3-5 days after.

I have a few more piercings planned, but I’ll wait another couple months. It’s super addicting. Especially the combo of feeling like a badass but still looking simple and feminine.

In addition to getting The Coveteur treatment, Colby is totally having a high fashion beauty moment with his work featured on Into The Gloss’ NARS Lip Satin pencil ad. 

Check out Colby’s work here and here and NY Adorned here. xx

Helix, Conch and upper lobe earrings from NY Adorned. First lobe earrings c/o Virgins, Saints & Angels. Rings from index to pinky; David Yurman, Top Shop, onyx ring from my Mimi and signet ring also a gift from my great grandmother, Mimi. Acid washed jean jacket c/o Big Star. Lip color by OCC Lip Tar in Vintage.

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Maggie Norris’ studio. One of my oldest and dearest friends, Siobhan, is assisting under the legendary New York designer and I was invited to come meet Maggie and take a few photos of her enchanted work space.

Stepping into the studio I was immediately transported to what felt like another time all together.  Every available wall space was filled with a couture sample that somehow seemed more detailed and special than the next. I spent the first 20 minutes just in awe. The beadwork! The incredible boning. Fabric and colors that can only be described as regal. The entire studio is just so personal and feminine.

Maggie Norris began her fashion journey at Ralph Lauren as a creative designer. Shortly thereafter, she was promoted to senior design director in charge of the women’s collection and stayed in the position for 13 years. I couldn’t help but recognize the Ralph Lauren influence in both Maggie’s work and her sartorial look. A beautiful green trench I tried on is wonderful couture version of the classic piece. At the time it was something that seemed “very Ralph” to me, but now is forever “very Maggie.”

After over a decade at Ralph Lauren, Maggie moved to Europe where she worked as the chief designer for Mondi’s women’s collection. In 2000, she returned to the U.S. and launched Maggie Norris Couture in New York City.

When I first arrived in her studio, Maggie was finishing a meeting with a gentleman named Daniel, who I learned is the V.P of the Napoleonic Association. He was in the building to share some history and artifacts on Maggie’s latest inspiration: Napolen. One item I photographed (no.2) is the french Legion of Honor medal that was once given solely for military purposes, but is now given to a wider array of dignitaries in a similar fashion as Britain’s knighting process. In addition to a variety of medals, Daniel also brought miniature portraits, porcelain statues of Napoleon, and a miniature replica of the banners carried by Napoleon and his men.

Due to her unyielding commitment to maintain the highest quality, Maggie Norris Couture creations are cherished by all the majors; Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts, Alicia Keys, Diane Keaton, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Beyonce and First Lady Michelle Obama. (Source)

It was such an honor to meet Mz. Norris and visit her lovely studio. THANK-YOU to Siobhan and the entire Maggie Norris team. xx

This week’s weather in NY has been ridic. When I say ridic, I mean awesome. It got up to 82! I freaking loved it. Bring on the humidity…I can’t handle cold and dry. I’ve been semi-sick for two weeks. Living in Florida for so long has definitely increased my susceptibility to getting sick. Its so warm and clean there. I do miss Miami, it’s nice to long for something. I should be more appreciative of my little home on the beach. That being said, NY makes you work for the love. That is nice too. Wouldn’t it be fab if I started to split my time between NY and MIA? #MasterPlan

You all remember the spring ’13 Balenciaga crop top that stops time and is a perfect creation?

Since the city decided to give us a heat wave, I thought it was high time I broke out a crop/bra? top that I have been dying to share. You all remember the spring ’13 Balenciaga crop top that stops time and is a perfect creation?  Kristen Stewart wore it on the red carpet and looked amazing.  Well, I found a knock-off. Look, if I could afford the real thing it would so be MINE. I would wear it to death and then hang it above a sun lit window as a permanent fixture. Point is, it’s too pricey for my budget and even if I could afford the crop top of my dreams, I can’t find it online anyway.

So, where did I find this version? NastyGal of course! And it’s ALREADY gone. This is one of the few times that I have seen my heart’s desire and ordered it immediately. I didn’t even think. It was $30 and in my size. Best advice I can give about internet shopping: SEE IT, WANT IT, BUY IT. ‘Cause there is no warning before that perfect top is sold out. And trust me, it’s just gone. If you have ever searched the web for a certain item you have to have….then you know it’s a really frustrating and often fruitless situation. I struggle the most with this when shopping for Ashley. I’ll send her an item and when she checks it, the item is suddenly out of stock. I’m talking like 20 mins later on occasion. It’s super sad.

Long story short: this top is awesome and now I can’t find it available online anymore. The brand is Solemio Los Angeles. Apparently you have to create an account to view the merch and, well, I just don’t need another daily email from a clothing brand. I’ll let you all do the searching from here!

Before I go can we talk about the trouser/drapey skirt situation going on my lower half? I die for this piece! I just picked it up at the Zara on Lexington Ave. It was the last one and is so luxe. I cannot wait to wear this all over springtime. xx

Solemio Los Angeles crop top. Zara flowing sarong trousers. Kenneth Cole platforms. MyFlashTrash robot necklace.

I’m not going this year…but here are some thangs I would bring along for the adventure. I have a few friends escaping New York’s chilly weather for the dry and (hopefully!) warm desert this weekend. I’ve had a good time helping them pack and pick up last minute items. I kinda wish I was going now! Considering I’m on a month long vaca in NYC, I shouldn’t really be complaining.

New posts coming at you this afternoon and tmrw. I have lots to catch you all up on. New nails, new piercings and a visit to one of NY’s last couturiers. Check back for the goods! xx

Clockwise from top: Marc by Marc Jacobs printed Katie bracelet. Cole Haan Slouchy Hat. Dr. Martens Floral Print calf boots. Madewell Hepcat shades in soft Mint. Forever21 Crochet lace crop top. UNIF shorts in Cotton Candy. Opening Ceremony x Spring Breakers Mesh backpack. Cheap Monday Chambray Gilian Dress. NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Yu. Standing babe on the bottom left is image from RevolveClothing.com trend report.