New York Closets: Paula Mendoza

There’s a bit of a Colombian naissance occurring in fashion right now and at the front of the birth is jewelry designer Paula Mendoza. She’s responsible for the beaded chokers that look vaguely as though they are ancient, gilded snakes quietly creeping into the chest or up the arms of their wearers (among them, Beyoncé). And the designer’s larger-than-life yet whimsical jewelry seems to serve as a reflection of her personal style, which incorporates all the magic ingredients: denim, leopard and at least one fold that can be mistaken for a labia.

Welcome to the club, Paula.

Monday:

Rag & Bone truly understands the power of an amazing leopard jacket. Paired with a shirt from Ellery, my favorite Australian designer at the moment, this is a classic combination of feminine and masculine. Although it’s perhaps leaning more towards the masculine with my tuxedo shoes from Céline…

Tuesday:

I love to have fun when I dress and this is how I feel every time I wear this hat from Mason Michel. Sometimes I hate matching everything, sometimes I love to, and this is an example of the latter. My shorts are from the independent designer Santo Domingo. They were just too perfect not to match with my new Prada shoes….metallic perfection.

Wednesday:

I have no idea how I would survive this horrible winter without my favorite scarf from Norlha; it’s so warm and has become part of my uniform these last few weeks. I wear it with everything — here with a top from Hache and leather cream pants from Helmut Lang. Needless to say this day was about keeping warm!

Thursday:

This sweater from Firma Polite is seriously one of the comfiest things I have ever worn. I paired it with these Ungaro jeans with a bit of bling. Silver heels from Bimba y Lola complete the look and took me from the office to a late night of salsa dancing, without my feet hating me the next day.

Friday:

Because Christopher Kane is always a good idea, especially in pink and when it matches my newly painted pink office walls! Another round of leather pants, this time from Vince and my favorite boots of all time by Givenchy.

More closets? Yes please.