the new york public library {st. john}

Top, skirt and jacket: St. John; Shoes: Saint Laurent; Clutch: Charlotte Olympia (old, similar style here); Necklace: Bauble Bar; Sunglasses: Celine; Lips: Marc Jacobs "Amazing"

One of my first visits to New York City was with my family years ago. I was probably 9 or 10 at the time. It was the middle of July. And I remember feeling so incredibly overwhelmed, in the best way possible.

From the buildings, the hustle and bustle of folks passing by on the street, the honking of traffic almost at a standstill, the weight of the humidity making it hard to breathe and of course, the undeniable energy of it all combined -- it was absolutely electric. I like to think there's a mental picture of me in both my parents minds: wide-eyed, grinning, with a dash of "WTF is going on?!"

Hailing from Nevada, I wasn't prepared for this type of pace -- the kind that leaves you breathless if you don't have your wits about you at all times. It was strange and foreign to me, not necessarily frightening, but more like that dizzying feeling you get when you purposefully spin around too many times, just to see the floor and ceiling dance crazily around you, until you fall in a fit of laughter.

I loved it.

And then I saw the New York Public Library.

We likely had passed it during one of our double decker bus tours, cruising past Bryant Park, with it's array of trees sprinkled everywhere, offering shade to those hungry to read a book, sip iced coffee or simply to watch people scurry by. Rounding the corner from the park, there it was -- it's impressive columns standing guard at front, the lion statutes flanking either side and those marbled steps! Oh, those steps! This library had me at hello.

I loved how regal it looked -- distinguished and yet inviting -- like a quiet oasis or reprieve from the honking city surrounding it. I knew in that instant that I'd have to come back to that library someday and spend hours there.

I've since then been to the New York Public Library many times, sometimes to browse the stacks and cozy up with a good book and other times to simply take in the stillness of hushed voices and whispers, alone with my thoughts. It's my little escape, a quiet nook for me to return to, time and again, when I just need to hit pause from the city for a moment.

As for this show-stopping look? In continuation of my series with St. John, I like to think this number pays tribute quite nicely to my personal New York escape and the little girl who wanted nothing more to hop inside the library that day back in July. Except this time, she's upgraded her worn out Converses for a pair of Saint Laurent heels, a gala-worthy skirt and a chic leather jacket.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

You can see the first part of this collaboration here. And make sure to check out a few more exclusive photos of this look right this way on Pinterest! 

This post was in collaboration with St. John. As always, all opinions and styling are my own. Thank you for supporting all This Time Tomorrow collaborations! 

on the road {yosemite valley}

"Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of stone and space." -- Ansel Adams

I was first introduced to Ansel Adams in my Introduction to Art class, during my freshman year of high school. The assignment was to select an artist, from any time period and any medium, and write a report about them -- the hook being they had to share our birthday. 

Fast forward a lot of random Google searches later, I arrived at some of the most striking black and white landscape images I had ever seen, in particular, this one of Half Dome in Yosemite, with the moon rising ever so gracefully above it. I had found my subject, a certain Ansel Adams (Ms. Feeney made an exception for me here since his birthday is technically a day after mine), and subsequently, an obsession that would see me through to this very day. His command of contrast, lighting and composition are, of course, unrivaled but I think it was his uncanny ability to make a landscape appear more as a character: from brooding to ominous to downright joyful, that had me hooked. His images have always struck me more like portraits, than they do landscapes. 

Years (and many Ansel Adams calendars and prints) later, I still had never ventured to Yosemite Valley, which really is only a several hour drive from both Reno or San Francisco. Camping space reservations are admittedly hard to come by and it always seemed easier to head to Tahoe or to drive up the coast instead. That is, until a recent trip back to San Francisco, when my guy and I, on a complete whim, happened to snag one of the last camping spots left for the weekend, packing up just a few hours later to hit the road.

Granted, it was a whirlwind 48-hour camping trip, complete with snow and moody skies the first day and a crisp, clear blue summer day the next. We roamed around the valley floor, taking in everything as mere small observers in such a vast and grandiose space and then hiked up to Glacier Point, again, feeling smaller still, perched high above the valley below, with Half Dome and El Capitan flanking us on either side. 

All the while, I couldn't help but wonder, how Ansel Adams must have felt when he had first ventured to the valley himself -- how quiet and pristine and alive he must have felt, alone with these giants. These larger than life characters, at home in their perpetual sunrise of green and golden wonder. 

Needless to say, I think I'll be coming back to Yosemite for more. Very soon.

Photos by Tyler Graff and Krystal Bick

rooftop season

Dress: Reformation: Sandals: Zara; Bra: Anine Bing; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Necklaces: Jennifer Zeuner

There ain't no season, like rooftop season. AmIRightOrAmIRight?

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

kick flare

Top: Anine Bing; Jeans: Anine Bing; Shoes: Henri Lepore Dezert; Bag: Saint Laurent; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

I've basically been living in these flared jeans and this flowy top lately, because, well, Anine Bing, you just get me. Oh, and don't get me started on her lingerie line here. But we'll save that for another day...

Photos by Lydia Hudgens

call it magic

Crop top and skirt: Cameo (here and here); Sandals: Zara; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban; Watch: Daniel Wellington

I think our fleeting springtime moments have come and gone and we've officially moved into summer heat (and humidity) these days. But I did manage to fit in one late afternoon bike ride, with the breeze catching the falling cherry blossom petals just right, falling almost like snow across the street.

I don't think I'm exaggerating  when I say that it stopped most people in their tracks that afternoon. Like we were all stuck in this little springtime snow globe together, just watching the pieces fall back into place.

Photos by Lydia Hudgens