Bushwick, Brooklyn, is one of those parts of town that’s in the process of being gentrified.

This means that everyone who lived there previously is getting pissed, and everyone who never set foot there before is now flocking there to rent an apartment or try a new hipster coffee shop.

I used to work in Bushwick about two years ago, and it’s changed so much! When a friend of mine invited me to dinner/drinks at a place called Forrest Point, I was amazed that it was the same part of town.

To start, I had the Genji Gimlet which included Brooklyn Gin, Dry Sake, Green Chartreuse, Sesame Honey, Lime, Yuzu, and Toasted Sesame Tincture. It was really good and easy to drink. I also got this Rebecca Minkoff bag for sale at TJ Maxx for just $40 the other week, so figured I’d showcase that too.

For dinner, I was set on the eggplant sandwich but then the waitress decided to elaborate upon their “secret” burger menu and she literally saw my eyes light up when she mentioned a jalapeño mac and cheese burger. So my friend’s girlfriend and I decided to split the eggplant sandwich and the burger so we could have both. Always a great decision, because I always want to try everything possible.

Grilled Eggplant Sandwich: Marinated eggplant, roasted tomatoes, grilled halloumi, watercress, lemon-caper pesto. 

For dessert, we went across the street to Bake Shop, which was allegedly named as having the best chocolate cake in NYC or some shit. Once we saw that award, we were convinced. I got a Brooklyn Blackout cupcake and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed.

The frosting was overly rich and the cake was dry. I’ve had way better cupcakes in NYC. I really like Baked By Melissa because I can get so many flavors without feeling sick afterwards, and Georgetown Cupcakes never disappoints, although I may be partial because I’m from DC.

Thankfully, even though the cupcake was sub-par, they did have a really cute side wall for a photo op…

Outfit details:

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff (similar here)

Flannel: Thrifted for $2 (brand is Sears lol)

Bodysuit: Nastygal (on sale, mine is an XXS if that helps)

Shorts: American Eagle (similar here)

Socks: Betsey Johnson (similar here)

Shoes: YRU (on SALE)

Alright, so everybody is talking about dressing for the fall, but in case you didn’t notice, it’s still hot af outside. It’s going to be 91 degrees next Thursday here in NYC (according to apple weather, anyways). I’m sure all the fashion week peeps are going to want to be rocking the latest “fall trends” but they’re probs gonna be sweaty af.

Because I am also someone who gets sweaty af, you will probably not see me pulling out fall/winter clothing until I actually have to. But if I do want to put a bit of a non-summer spin on some summer clothing, there are two things I always add: Combat boots and a leather jacket.

Apparently combat boots are coming back “in” this fall/winter, which is great because I was going to be wearing them anyways. I definitely don’t need to add anymore to my closet, but if you do here are some fun ones you can buy now.

‘Hilary’ Zip Boot, Giuseppe Zanotti. Duplicity Boots, Dolls Kill. Pascal Baroque, Dr Martens.

Here’s a look that’s definitely a summer outfit, but the skirt is really easily transferred to cooler weather dressing with the addition of my baby pink Dr Martens and a leather jacket (a more covered top wouldn’t hurt either).

That’s the benefit to buying summer clothes in darker colors, and just another reason why there’s nothing wrong with asking if it comes in black.

In the mean time, I’ll still be wearing my summer clothes until it cools down.

Top: Tobi

Skirt: H&M

Sandals: Nordstrom Rack

Body chain: Amazon

Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.

I’m not usually a big fan of floral. It’s not that I don’t like floral on other people, it’s just not usually my style. But randomly, for some reason or another, I’ll occasionally see a floral piece that I like. Maybe it’s a very specific pattern that I’m into, maybe it’s a dark floral pattern that’ll fit better with my wardrobe, or maybe it’s just the warm weather has got to me.

When I went to Buffalo Exchange to trade in some old clothes, I spotted this bright yellow floral dress from H&M that was only $7. I was really in need of an easy dress to throw on when it was hot as balls outside, and this dress also seemed like it would be cute for casual day drinks or whatever. When my boyfriend saw my purchase, he was a bit confused and said “that’s not something I would ever see you buying.” And I said, “well, you don’t know how I’m going to style it…”

I paired the dress with a pair of super-high but super-comfy wedges I bought from Nastygal Shoe Cult a few years ago (similar here), a Zana Bayne choker (similar here), and a vintage leather Versace backpack (similar here). Here are some other accessories that would totally toughen up a floral look.
Chain Reaction Choker, Alien Outfitters (Use code ASHLEYU15 for discount!), Linked Mini Bucket Bag, Zana Bayne, Demonia Gloom Platforms, Dolls Kill.

I was really obsessed with how this look came together, so my apologies for so many pictures, hope you like them too 🙂

All shots by Pixilens

So I really love summer looks, but I kind of have trouble putting together daytime “appropriate” outfits that I won’t die of sweat in (I sweat a lot, okay?). Also, jean shorts are not really comfortable to sit around in all day. At least mine aren’t.

I really like flowy A-line skirts like this one from H&M because they’re easy to move in, keep you cool, and still make a statement, even paired with a basic top like the one I chose to wear. The only downside to wearing (short) A-line skirts if you live in a windy city like I do is you may accidentally flash your ass to strangers on the subway (as if you didn’t get cat-called enough, right?).

I used to wear some spandex running shorts underneath skirts like this (when I remembered, anyways), but ever since I got my hands on some THINX panties I’ve actually been wearing the boyshort-style ones underneath which is way comfier and less bulky.

The American Apparel top is another fave of mine that I wear all the time, although since I tend to wear it with no bra it results in some sweat stains in the summer…(part of the reason I couldn’t use some of the pics from this look TBH).

The part of my look that isn’t so comfortable are the shoes. I got these from New Look for about ten pounds, but they’re essentially a knock-off of this pair from UNIF. Sorry UNIF, I love you, but was way too broke to be spending $80 bucks on jelly sandals at the time (JK, I’m still too broke). I got the bag from Top Shop, and the necklace is vintage, given to me by my cool-ass great aunt.

UNIF Hella Jellys, Victoriaswing Neon Green Pleated Flare Skirt, American Apparel Sleeveless Crop Top

Photos by Pixilens