Adorable & Affordable: Bass x Rachel Antonoff

I purchased these Rachel Antonoff x Bass "Maebird" oxfords just last week, and they've quickly moved up the ranks in my shoe collection.  The two times I've worn them I've received quite a few compliments; a meeting was literally delayed because my team wanted to discuss my fresh footwear.

These clear and black patent flats are quite comfortable.  The sole is nicely padded, but as one can imagine plastic doesn't breath that well.  So while not ideal for hot summer days, they're pretty great otherwise and could easily be worn into the fall with bold colored socks!


Worn without socks, it wouldn't be a bad idea to keep Band-Aid Friction Block handy at least for the first couple wears.

The flats are quite affordable even at their retail price $129, but I found them for under $100 at Amazon.  In case your size runs out, they're also available with a little discount on Zappos.  Speaking of sizes, Bass runs a bit large so I would recommend sizing down half a size.

Inside: Audrey Grace Pop-Up Boutique

The Audrey Grace pop-up boutique on the High Line is like a sugary cupcake coming to life - it just might be the girliest shopping experience that I've ever had in the best possible way.  Everything is so irresistibly charming and adorable that you want or need it all.

Audrey Grace is a boutique that is actually located in Jackson Mississippi.  It was started by Jaclyn Bethany who travelled the world to source products for her boutique and culled brands from Australia, Thailand, England, France and from the USA.

The pop-up has a combination of artwork, photography and both vintage and vintage-look designs that will transport you back in time.  there are 40 custom dresses that were made especially for the shop by designers including Erin Fetherson, Rachel Antonoff, Orla Kiely, Jill Stuart, Manoush, Samantha Pleet, Kelsey Genna, Wayward Daughter, Sretsis, Lucy in Disguise, Wren and many more.  Cat print dresses, tutus, sailor dresses, hearts, bows, sparkle, ruffles, lace and the whimsical all abound.

Also lovely illustrations of women like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Marie Antoinette are posted on every available surface from Artists/Photographers Dan Estabrook, Stacey Mark, Jessie Lily Adams,  Marie Zucker, Gunnar Larson, Jeannine Tann, Caitlin Shearer, Katy Smail, and many more.


I stopped by the launch party on Friday night and The Jane Doze was DJ'd the event as guests enjoyed cake, pastel candies and wine courtesy of Penfolds (Red) as they shopped the night away.

As I entered the boutique I saw models decked out in party dresses posed with the super fun oversized balloons from Geronimo.
Price points varied greatly with an adorable but simple rabbit ring for just $10 to vintage dresses for $45-110 to brand new custom designer merchandise from $100-450.  Prices are clearly marked for most part on neatly written labels.

Although the space is not huge there are racks upon racks of unique merchandise to explore.  I ended up snagging a great condition vintage shirt dress with pleated skirt in Creamsicle Orange for $50.  There is a fairly large sized communal changing area available with a rack and full length mirror to review your finds.

For every girly girl out there, this pop-up is well worth the trek to the West Side.  Bonus since it's literally right beside the 26th Street entrance to the High Line, why not take a scenic stroll afterwards.


Who: Audrey Grace Pop-Up Boutique
What: A week long Marie Antoinette-inspired fashion wonderland featuring special looks by Erin Fetherson, Alexandra Grecco, Rachel Antonoff, LuLu Frost and more.
When: March 23-28, 2012. Fri 8pm-10pm Launch Event - RSVP here, Sat-Wed 11am-8pm
Where: The Highline Loft, 508 West 26th St (b/n 10th & 11th Ave), 5th Floor