I sit here editing this post while a prisoner of my first love, New York City. I've been here for one week on business, and constantly reminded why my parents chose to bless my life with the colorful reality of a big city upbringing. (Curious about my past? Read my BIO.)

Curiously enough, as I have been envying the evolving hustle and grind of my oldest and dearest NYC friends all week, I fortuitously find myself sitting on a rented couch on the upper east side, gazing out of this brownstone to the electric streets, only to be editing this very post.

This very post, might I add, is one of the biggest reasons I fell in love with Los Angeles. Throwing away everything I had learned to be accostumed to as a New Yorker {sweat, schlep, subways}, to trade it all in for {sun, serenity, S-Class Mercedes} Ok, fine. It's a Porsche. Happy? Oh, and a skate park on the beach. Because I skate. {Definition of skate: look cute against a cement background while slangin' a 16-year-old's board}.

Coming back to reality, a.k.a. New York, is always a jolt of feel-good energy. But in the end, skate me away to my new home of sky-high fantasy.

Just don't take away my first love.

...that time TMZ followed me around Beverly Hills asking me countless questions about female drivers in Los Angeles.

"Do female drivers need wider lanes?" 

All the news that's fit to print...

**In fashion related news, I'm jumping into fall colors a bit early this season with two feet forward. Pair me a sky blue oxblood combo any day of the week... except Wednesday. On Wednesday's we wear pink... ;)

Ever have #nailenvy? Drool over countless nail-based Instagram accounts but can't seem to {hang ten} on your own? As Captain in this Varsity Nail Game, I'm ready to train my team. Follow along for my industry-insider tips to getting the perfectly tricked-out (finger)tips...

A short dress doesn't often catch my eye. If you're not handing me a leopard skirt with a floral top, likely I'm just not that interested in what you have to offer. Period.

A short dress is just, well...that. It's short of all the frills and fun that comes along with creating a leeeewk. Just throw a dress on and you could be slangin' the identical get-up as a mere passerby'r. {GASP!}

But sometimes, just sometimes, a short dress can come out on top. In this case, with an extra accessory, a belt, a swaggin' smile, and a pair of sunnies so charismatic that they tell a story of their own, that the simple, short dress is just, well...right. 

SIDE NOTE- I'm currently in NYC on a photo shoot. Follow my sweaty adventures on instagram @elshanesworld!

There's no better feeling in the world (back massages, basking in the sun, cracking open a lobster, coming home to a Chanel handbag at your doorstep)...

One of the greatest feelings in the world is when a woman puts on a real dress. A dress where she can twirl in her heels and watch behind her back as the fabrication follows with each turn of her head.

A real dress is one that makes a girl feel like a woman. Oozing power, sophistication, and a taste of seduction from every angle.

One she can slip on in the morning without an extra hand, and slip off at night without a peep. One that makes her go to bed with a stealth grin while recounting the steps in her day. In her real dress.

This Tibi dress is a real dress. 

Rachel Zoe spring collection. She just gets me.

Brief DIY interjection about my black suede choker necklace:

Buy a long black suede string (craft store). 

Double wrap around your neck.

Act like a 90's cowgirl.

There's nothing better to complete a fresh summer look than by adding a {so fresh, so fly} crisp new accessory. A new imaginary best friend in leather or suede. A new shoulder {bag} to cry on. A new slat {shoe} to lean on. Get on that seasonal staple for the health of your mind, body, and soul!

Oh, and the mini trampoline will definitely get you on this summer's best dressed list, oh yes. How, you ask? With all of your new best friends knocking on your door, someone's sure to butter up to you in every which way... 

Shop the look from left to right...