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}

for the love of scarves.

A colorful silk scarf is my go-to accessory, oftentimes the final piece I throw on to complete an outfit. An instant mood booster, a quick pop of color, a conversation starter... I love a good scarf.

That being said, I am very excited about Alexander McQueen's collaboration with Damien Hirst.

The fashion house has teamed up with the artist to create a collection of 30 limited edition scarves incorporating the iconic McQueen skull and elements inspired by Hirst's Entomology series.

While I am not always the biggest fan of Hirst's work (depends on the piece), I do love his Entomology series. The exactingly symmetrical overall patterns Hirst constructs using butterflies, beetles, and other entomological specimens are stunning. For me, they recall ancient mural works and weavings.

"Tityus" by Damien Hirst, 2012

Hirst's trippy, kaliedoscopic patterns translate beautifully into scarf designs.

And the film shot for the collection by Sølve Sundsbø {below} is just as beautiful and inspiring.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK_-Ycn69sg&w=560&h=315]

{scarf images courtesy of www.damienhirst.com}

 

bubbles and brick.

New York City is always beautiful to me - no matter the weather conditions. I welcome the rainy, grey days that create tiny, sparkling rivers trickling down the roadside. I treasure the snowy days that open the opportunity for a rare quiet moment in a usually bustling metropolis - still, white moments where time seems to stand still. I appreciate even the angry, windy days that twist my umbrella inside-out as I clomp through the tourist-packed, trash-ridden sidewalks - there is a certain beauty in the pure chaos of such a scene (despite my frustration and loud cursing in the actual moment).

And NYC certainly outdid itself this weekend. Clear blue skies, warm sunshine, mild temperature. The perfect conditions for an arts festival.

The DUMBO Arts Festival spanned from Friday night through Sunday evening. I visited the event on Saturday, specifically to see Andrey Bartenev's "Bubbles of Hope" performance. During the piece, dancers clothed in brightly colored spandex joyously frolicked inside an abandoned fortress-like space. The lively music, imaginative costumes, creative dance moves, and floating bubbles instantly lifted my spirits.

One could not help but smile in the midst of such revelry. Bartenev's mission to deliver a message of harmony and joy was definitely achieved. He also delivered an (unintentional?) education in human anatomy...

Another artist participating in the festival had created an art game on a side street. Colored tape labeled with random statements littered the street. Onlookers were asked to place a penny numbered by the artist on an applicable message and then to look up what emotion the penny's number corresponded to.

I placed my penny on "Everything looks beautiful to me." My number (256) indicated that I was feeling "Appalled." Honestly, all I felt was confused.

My favorite part of the day was walking beneath waving pink flags on a side alleyway. The flags bathed the cobblestone path a lovely shade of pink.

I do love viewing the world in rose colored glasses. Quite literally.

Shot in DUMBO. Photos by Nicole Weiler and Chris Weiler. Wearing {a grunge inspired outfit, a mix of unrelated prints that together somehow works, a sartorial choice that inspires risk}:

Gryphon mixed floral silk dress, Rachel Roy leopard print cardigan, by hudson black boots, ripped American Apparel black sheer tights, no-name sunnies, vintage black leather bag, assorted gold and silver jewelry

a night at the museum.

The Whitney Museum hosted an opening party for its newest exhibition, "Robert Indiana: Beyond Love," on Wednesday night. The retrospective explores the span of Indiana's work, featuring everything from an assortment of boxy Western-feeling sculptures to advertisement inspired paintings rife with coded messages to twinkling signs emblazoned with tiny flickering light bulbs.

Prior to the show, I knew very little of Indiana's work beyond the well-known "LOVE" pieces. The show, which runs through January 5th, provides an informative background on the 1960's Pop artist who so thoroughly explored the themes of Americana, road signage, and advertising.

Indiana's work feels a bit cold to me; I could not get a sense of the artist's hand in the pieces and had a hard time emotionally connecting with anything. Despite my feelings, I was completely engrossed by Indiana's art. The words, sentences, numbers, and symbols embedded in his pieces leave much for the imagination. I felt myself perplexed and intrigued by many of the artworks, desperately trying to solve the puzzle before me.

Also on view (through Ocober 6th) was "Hopper Drawing," an exhibition exploring Edward Hopper's creative process. As an artist, this show in particular spoke to me. Seeing Hopper's preliminary drawings next to his finished masterpieces allowed me to connect with the work in a personal, intimate way. I was able to get a sneak peak into the rough process that led to the immaculate finished painting and was reminded that not everything is perfect the first time around (or ever for that matter...)

What blew me away most of the Hopper exhibit was the juxtaposition of rough sketches with finished works. So often museums and art organizations present artwork in a sterile, calculated manner - perfectly framed and positioned on a bleak white wall with a rope or piece of tape blocking the viewer from getting too close - that can alienate the spectator. The experience of viewing any artwork is so influenced by the context in which the artwork is presented, and the Hopper exhibit allowed me the chance to feel less intimated by the paintings due to the incorporation of his humble, imperfect drawings.

Hopper's "Early Sunday Morning" was also presented on the original easel it was painted on - which Hopper actually built himself. Again, the presentation of the painting differed from the expected and also connected the painting with a sense of the artist. I could not tear myself away from the work.... but was forced to due to closing time.

I left feeling inspired to create, even if my work isn't perfect the first time around.

Shot at The Whitney Museum of American Art. Photos by Nicole Weiler and Chris Weiler. Wearing {wearable art, the pants remind me of an Abstract Expressionist painting... and feature a customizable zippered "skirt" at the back, an outfit that instantly makes me feel daring and inspired}:

Iris & Ink navy cashmere sweater, 3.1 Phillip Lim silk print pants, Vince blue suede heels, Loeffler Randall color block bag, an assortment of gold and silver jewelry

art and motion.

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending a panel discussion on how galleries choose their rosters and maintain relationships with artists, museums, and other organizations.

The event was hosted by the Whitney Museum at the Suzanne Geiss Company in Soho. Alexxa Gotthardt from the Suzanne Geiss Company, Margaret Lee from 47 Canal, and Andrea Neustein from Miguel Abreu Gallery led the informative and intriguing talk.

Before the discussion began, the attendees and I were able to view the current exhibit at the gallery. Digital Expressionism, a show that explores the place of art objects in an age increasingly dominated by the digital, is on view now through October 17th.

The exhibit features works by Ben Wolf Noam, Greg Parma Smith, and Korakrit Arunanondchai, all artists experimenting with the production of art by digital means.

Upon entering the gallery space, I immediately responded to Wolf Noam's 15 foot digitally painted columns. The colors in the overall patterns were mesmerizing and energizing, and there was a strong sense of movement in the scribbly lines and rough shapes wrapping around the tall poles.

Standing amidst the columns I felt humbled by the sheer height of the pieces... yet energized by the explosion of color and freedom of form in the painting.

Following the talk, my friend and I took advantage of the crisp, mild fall weather and strolled to a tiny, hole-in-the wall sushi joint. There are so many advantages to walking around New York City (even in strappy heels)... there is so much to see at any given moment.

On the edge of Soho I spotted a particularly bright and busy street painting. Inspired by the colorful patterns and uplifting motion in the pieces featured at the Suzanne Geiss Company, I could not help but take a closer look.

While the graffitied wall was created in a different manner and presented in a completely different context than the Wolf Noam works, it shared the same positive energy through its pleasing patterns formed by electric colors and jarring shapes. Again, there was a strong sense of movement throughout this composition that elevated and energized me.

Sparked by the beauty in all of the art I had seen that night, I placed myself into the pattern plane, contributing my own energy and life to the art...

Shot in Soho. Photos by Nicole Weiler and Rachel Kozin. Wearing {an artistic power outfit, I love the unexpected red in the abstracted leopard print of this instantly sophisticated feeling dress}:

DVF wrap dress, Reed Krakoff white and black strap heels, DVF black leather jacket, vintage black leather bag, silver cuff bangle, vintage rings

an introduction.

When I began to contemplate how to possibly introduce myself here, I could not help but to introduce my city. New York City has been my home for the past (almost) four years and has been an integral part of my personal and professional development. It has also seriously influenced my sense of style.

New York has always had a certain magnetic draw for me. The energy here is unmatched, the possibilities are truly endless, and beauty abounds on every street corner. Growing up, my dream was always to live in this inspiring city and to pursue my creative career. I am extremely blessed to have made that dream a reality, and I embrace and treasure every opportunity that New York brings my way.

As an artist, fashion-lover, and all-around creative kook, my sartorial decisions are psychological and emotional. I use my clothing to not only express my feelings but also to enhance and alter my mood. New York is a constant inspiration, challenging me to take risks in my sense of style and in my life.

So, cheers. To this new opportunity. To this new risk. To sharing my love for fashion, fine jewelry, art, music, and all of the beautiful things life throws my way.

xo, nicole.

Shot in Williamsburg. Photos by Chris Weiler and Nicole Weiler. Wearing {my feel-good favorites, the go-to choices when I need a boost/just need to feel myself, my Instant Happy outfit}:

cloth & stone chambray shirt, rag & bone army green jeans, rag & bone Newbury boots, no-name sunnies, vintage Hermes scarf, vintage leather bag, z&z 14k yellow gold oval hoops, 14k yellow gold chrysocolla ring bracelet {designed by Nicole Weiler}.