sun and scarves.

As much as I love New York, adjusting back to Manhattan's grey winter weather after a week and a half of sunny island life has not been easy.

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Just over a week ago, the most I had to layer on before walking out the door was a substantial amount of sunscreen. My days were spent in lightweight tees, giant dark sunnies, and my favorite pair of slightly oversized, slightly torn jean cut offs. Simple, uncomplicated, and practical styling.

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Never without my favorite accessory, I utilized a new silk scarf for extra sun protection and a pop of color. Wrapped around the head while catching some rays, tied around the waist during a lazy beach stroll, or draped over the shoulders during afternoon cocktails, a colorful print scarf makes for a versatile beach necessity.

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Shot at Anse Chastanet Beach, Saint Lucia. All photos by Nicole Weiler. Wearing {in addition to some serious SPF}:

Hermes silk scarf, Stella McCartney sunnies, American Apparel bikini, yellow gold hoops, diamond pendant necklace {designed by Nicole Weiler}

denim, dogs, and dads.

Nothing is as beautiful and inspiring as a hug from a loving puppy.

I was able to hug the best pup I know on Sunday when I visited my parents in New Jersey. Copper, a four year old golden retriever, is one of the sweetest, gentlest souls I know. He's also just really damn adorable.

A lover of the outdoors, Copper spends most of his time with my father, an extremely talented carpenter who spends much of his time working outside.

I cannot say enough good things about my dad. He taught me to love vintage and antique oddities, to appreciate fine workmanship, to be generous to anyone and everyone, to use my time wisely and efficiently... the list goes on.

One of my dad's staple uniforms (while I was growing up... and still to this day) is pairing faded, paint-splattered jeans with a faded, paint-splattered (often denim) workman's shirt.

One of my staple uniforms (for the past few years) is pairing dark denim, sometimes ripped jeans with a faded, sometimes scuffed-up denim jacket.

Like father, like daughter. {And dog, for good measure.}

Shot in New Jersey in front of my dad's wood pile/work area. Photos by Nicole Weiler and Chris Weiler. Wearing {a feel-good, no-brainer outfit with my constantly present, most favorite accessory: the silk scarf}:

vintage denim jacket, J Brand jeans, keds x Opening Ceremony kicks, vintage Hermes scarf, assorted silver and gold rings

the world at my feet.

Imagine. Sky scrapers at your feet. Sidewalks curved towards the heavens. Brownstones flipped and toppling downwards. Lush greenery spilling out in every direction.

Jennifer Williams makes these seemingly impossible feats a reality in "The High Line Effect," which opened on Thursday night at Robert Mann Gallery in Chelsea. The show is on view through December 7th.

Williams' show focuses on New York City's High Line, the recently constructed (and still expanding) elevated park that just happens to be in the same neighborhood as the gallery hosting her work.

Images in the photo collages highlight the ongoing transformation of this public space as it continues to grow and become an ever-increasingly popular attraction. Cranes, construction sites, and buildings under development collide with bustling streets, rich foliage, and towering skyscrapers.

These images are more than photographic references to the neighborhood in which they are displayed. Each installation reverberates with energy and embodies the sheer electricity of the bustling High Line. Williams' pieces come alive before you, exploding with color, crawling around corners, wrapping over ceiling beams, spilling out onto the gallery floor.

What blows me away most about Williams' work is her ability to capture a sense of movement and life through very simple, basic images. Her photographs are not static records of the world. Together they are mind-bending, lively creations that challenge traditional ideas on perspective.

The way that Williams arranges her photos together creates a new world that feels more real than any photograph does on its own. Despite the fact that buildings are flipped upside down and placed under foot (so far from physical reality) I felt that I could be standing in the middle of the elevated park when standing in front of each installation.

For me, the collages embodied the feeling of walking along the High Line... experiencing the chaotic world around the park, hearing the incessant beeping of taxis, squinting from the sharp light reflected off surrounding buildings, feeling the crisp wind against my face, watching the tourists and city strollers pass by.

A big thank you goes out to my old college buddy, Ethan, who helped prepare the show and invited me and some friends to the special occasion.

Shot at Robert Mann Gallery. Photos by Nicole Weiler and Christine Bilms. Wearing {a delicate one-of-a-kind treasure from the '60s that feels more special with every wear}:

vintage jacket with beading and pearls, Rag +Bone jeans, Rag +Bone boots, vintage bag 

the art of dressing.

Fashion is transformative. Personal styling is a form of communication, a way to express one's own unique view on the world, a tool to enhance self image and boost career.

My wardrobe choices reflect my emotional state, my plans for the day, my goals for the near future, my current art or music obsession...

But beyond expressing different aspects of my personality and mood, my outfit choices are used to raise my spirits, encourage me to take risks, and completely change the course of my day.

Every year I feel a certain sadness as summer transitions to fall. While I treasure autumn the absolute most of all the seasons (the crisp cool air, the buttery yellow and fiery orange leaves, the excitement of starting anew), I always experience a sense of loss as summer slowly dies away.

I need my sartorial choices to not only combat the increasingly chilly temperature but to also battle melancholy.

An instant mood booster? Leopard kicks. Always.

Shot in Williamsburg. All photos by Chris Weiler. Wearing {a comfortable and quirky ensemble, two prints that never fail to make me smile}:

Anthropologie floral print blanket sweater, American Apparel black tank, J. Brand jeans, Opening Ceremony x Keds leopard pony hair sneakers