There's a humming in the restless summer air.

Topshop adventures in Tompkins Square Park

Maxi Dress by Band of Gypsies from Topshop

Shoes by Y-R-U (similar here)

Hat from Nasty Gal (Similar here)

Necklace from Sequin NYC

Penny ring from Stone Cooper

Photos by Rachel Lynch.

I'm Really A Mermaid

I know I did a pretty lame job of documenting the mermaid parade the other day but it was because I was having such a great time. I haven't been to Coney Island in about 4 years so going back was such a blast. I got to hang out with my 2 Rachels and my new friend Phil. Coney Island has changed so much! Luna Park looks phenomenal and even though I had to head to work, I was able to fit in one ride in. 

Of course when you go to a mermaid parade you have to break out the long colorful hair. I wasn't really prepared to be an all out mermaid due to work and lack of preparation, but that wasn't going to keep me from letting everyone know that I was really a mermaid. So I paired my blue wig with this fantastic Wildfox shirt and some green mermaid shorts that match my leggings from this post.

So here is to finding more reasons to celebrating your inner mermaid this summer!

Photography by my favorite curly haired photographer Phillip Van Nostrand. 

I'm Really a Mermaid shirt from Wildfox 

Similar mermaid scale shorts found here

Gitter heart shaped sunglasses from ZeroUV

Forever I See You And Me

It's been an insane week. I don't have much to say about it except for that. I'm currently obsessed with some of the new looks to come out of Urban Outfitters. They've been offering some dressier looks including their new collaboration with Betsey Johnson. Together, Urban and Betsey have created sophisticated looks that have almost a 90's feel. The nostalgia of the 90's and Betsey Johnson create a happiness I simply can't resist. 

This look that Urban supplies is from another company I just can't get enough of, Ecote. They have really fun looks that, to me, bridge that gap at from fun part wear to the more sophisticated wear. You still have all of the dresses that you could wear to Coachella or Governors Ball but you could also wear them to a small get together or even to a casual dinner party. I became obsessed with this dress because it has two of my favorite things: lace and beading. The baby doll shape of the dress adds extra spunk to the dress that makes it pop more and shows off lots of leg.

Title from this week's song obsession Forever by Haim 

Ecote Sea Gypsy Beaded Babydoll Dress from Urban Outfitters 

Designer Inspired Round Circle Half Tinted Lens Sunglasses from ZeroUV

Xpert wedges from Steve Madden 

Ear cuff from Romwe but is no longer on website 

B is a still hanging on to the last bit of winter by keeping the sweaters out. With a little bit of a breeze blowing, B will wear a sweater. With a little bit of a breeze and a little bit of sun I'm in a dress and soaking it all up.

Hawkings and McGill sweater from Urban Outfitters (no longer on site) 

Shoes from Marc Jacobs
Pants from Marc Jacobs

100th Post!

This is my 100th blog post!

I'm really excited. It's wonderful to look back at all of the posts and see how much things have changed. My first post was about moving a little bit away from the editorial side of photography and moving into more documenting my life and the things around me. I think I've gotten better at doing that as seen here,  here, here and here. I'd like to get back into the editorial side of photography again and now with the warm weather back I think I can start doing it. 

Looking back at all of my blog post I've seen so many wonderful moments in my life frozen and captured. From old homes and old relationships to new homes, new friends, new loves. The first photo I ever posted on this blog was of a terribly snowy day in the cemetery outside of Chad's old apartment on 153rd street.

When I look at this photo I can almost feel the snow falling down the back of my jacket because I had forgotten a scarf. 

Fast forward to a year and a half later fighting my nerves enough to photograph Brian on the roof of his apartment building. Both of us were afraid to admit our feelings to each other but when we did, we couldn't get enough of each other. Two years later it's still nice to laugh about moments like this.

2013 was a strange year for me. I spent half of the year in an incredibly dark place. I came out with How To Love Your Depressed Lover to open up about my depression and anxiety as much as I could. I needed away to explain to everyone why I was withdrawn and why it may have seemed as if I had changed. The response I got from people was completely overwhelming. I got messages from people I didn't even really know telling me that they too suffered from anxiety and depression and sometimes felt as alone as I did. It brought together a conversation amongst friends that we are all here for each other. It started a tiny fire within myself that has been growing each and every single day. While I still struggle with these issues, I'm happy to report that I'm getting better. 

The second half of the year was spent bettering myself and on my birthday I wrote a short post reflecting on my year and my future. I caught myself afraid of all of the change that was about to happen in my life with my friends moving, a new pup and the big change of moving in with my boyfriend. I remember being alone at my parents place with Charlie while writing this post and not being able to write everything I wanted because I had gotten too emotional. 

2014 has been incredible and I can't wait to continue the year and see what it brings me and my photography. I can't wait to see what the next 100 posts capture. 

Most of all I need to say thank you. I know some of you click on the blog when you see it pop up on your newsfeed because there is nothing else to do but a lot you have also told me you look forward to my weekly style posts on Wednesday or the posts portrait posts I do. Thank you all so very much for your kind words of support and love throughout all 100 of these blog posts. 

As a thank you I've decided to hold a contest with one of my favorite companies that I've worked with for my style posts, ZeroUV. I'm going to be giving away a $40 gift card to the site which has sunglasses for both men and women. They're great quality and super fun. 

You can enter up to four times!

Here is how:

1-Comment on this blog post with your name and which pair of sunglasses is your favorite.

2- Post any of these photos (each photo counts as a new entry) to Twitter, Instragram, Facebook and tag me, ZeroUV and use the hashtag #Emmas100thpost

A winner will be chosen on Monday May 5th! GOOD LUCK!

Early Easter

Went out last week with B for a little Easter celebration since we knew we wouldn't really be celebrating on the actually holiday. We would be coming back from our friend's wedding in Ohio. 

Without a second thought we put on some of our most colorful clothes and went to a lovely dinner and enjoyed some yummy ice cream from Sundaes and Cones (which I'm almost positive I mentioned in another post. You should all go because it's delicious) 

*Last minute edit: I realized this blog has been a little all over the place when it comes to our style posts. B has a pretty consistent sense of style but mine is really an explosions of different parts of me. There are parts of me that are preppy colorful chic (as pictured below) festival inspired, super casual or bold and sexy. Most people also have a diverse sense of style to them so I go out and don't be afraid to rock them! 

Clara Buttondown shirt from Anthropologie 

Pome Blossom Skirt from Anthropologie 

Fanned Petal Post  earrings from Anthropologie X Bauble Bar Collection

Fanned Petal necklace from the  Anthropologie X Bauble Bar Collection

Ladonna Heeled Sandal from Jeffrey Campbell 

Cat-Faced Shoulder Bag from H&M

Sunglasses from Betsey Johnson

 Mens Premium Linen Long Sleeve Shirt from Uniqlo (yellow not available anymore)

Hawkings McGill Stretch Skinny Chino Pant from Urban Outfitters (color not available anymore)

Shoes from Marc Jacobs

Titty Your City

Just when I tell myself I have a week to relax it ends up picking back up again. 

I've spent this week doing countless pick ups from some really lovely companies for a some new style posts coming up.  

One of the things I've come across this week is a contest being held by Gypsum Style called "Titty Your City" a contest in which you can win this awesome shirt. I decided to take to my friend Noah's roof again to show the city the goods. 

On the topic of Gypsum Style, I have gone through their site up start to finish and have fallen in love with pretty much everything. Here are some of my favorite pieces that you should absolutely check out.

1- Kitty Kat Halter: Because who doesn't like a shirt with an animal on it?

2- Free Spirit Lace Top: Perfect for listening to some chill bands during festival season. Light, airy and it's no secret how much I love lace. 

3- White Lust Maxi Dress: This white maxi dress is what you can wear to feel sexy and powerful. The slit on the bottom right of the dress paired with the deep v-neck is just divine. Throw this number on and listen to Beyonce's Flawless while walking to your date. 

4- Seduction Kimono: Kimonos are just the best and this kimono is one of the rare ones that can be worn outside in the real world and in bed.  The chic delicate leaves and colorful flowers that wrap around the kimono are perfect. I can just imagine all of it blowing in the wind or surprising my love wearing nothing but this kimono. 

5- Tinsel Pencil Skirt: My favorite piece and the one I'd probably wear the most. I'm obsessed with sequins. I own sequin shorts, shirts and my favorite, gold sequin pants. This perfect length pencil skirt is made out of black sequins and has an sleek slit on the right side of the skirt. It would be perfect for a night out when you feel like being an dark disco ball (trust me, it's a good thing)

Be sure to follow Gypsum Style on Instagram and let me know which piece from Gypsum Style is your must have below! 

Brynn Watkins

Last Tuesday New York City pulled it together and gave us one incredibly beautiful spring day. It had been such a long time since I had seen New Yorkers outside enjoying the weather, it was really lovely. I noticed so many photographers out and about taking advantage of the sun and the warmth. I was excited to take advantage of it as well and met up with fashion blogger Brynn Watkins of Beingelliott.com. We headed up to my friend Noah's roof and took in the sights and sounds of New York City. I love being able to enjoy rooftops when the weather is warm. I always feel closer to the city while getting to remove myself from the crowds. 

I asked Brynn some questions about blogging, fashion and life.

Beige sweater: vintage 

  

How long have you been blogging/what made you decide to start? 

I needed an outlet to put my creative juices into, and blogging seemed like the perfect solution. I started Being Elliott in late 2012 and I have loved every minute of it since. I love interacting with my viewers and interviewing designers and creative minds in the industry. I love hearing all of their stories. I feel like it furthers my own story in a rich, fulfilling way. My work with Being Elliott focuses on telling others about the amazing world of fashion and design out there. I want to give my readers inspiration and a smile everyday. I hope my viewers can sit back and read my blog when they are looking for an outlet for inspiration and self expression.

Navy mini dress: vintage

What has been the most fun thing to come out of blogging?

I love the community having a blog and being a blogger creates. Being Elliott has brought me together with so many talented individuals.  It's a wonderful experience to interview and collaborate with creative artists, from amazing clothing designers to skilled leather artisans, to accomplished furniture crafters.  I love developing friendships with these unique individuals.  Being Elliott has created a portal for interesting conversations and great friendships!   

White shirt: Ralph Lauren

Sunglasses: ZeroUV

Do you have favorite designers? Why them?

3.1 Phillip Lim. His style of minimalism and elegant line is easy to fall in love with. Tom Ford, for his use of the color red as a focal point. Oscar de la Renta, for bringing my every editorial fashion fantasy to life!

Long bright blue dress: vintage

Tell me something about you that not many people know. 

I am a HUGE Lord of the Rings and Star Wars fan. I have the whole movies memorized. They are the best.