Commune and Memoir NYC In A Word

T-shirt and jeans

How to describe NYC in a word... 
Commune and Memoir makes t-shirts that communicate the story of New York City through 8 different words: Galvanic, Spectral, Idyllic, Abrasive, Pervasive, Inexhaustible, Fervent, and Elusive. Seeking to elevate the city as a work of art that can be observed, interpreted and described through curated words, these t-shirts offer an alternative to images as a trip memoir. These words are derived from a vast "word collection" that the New York based brand has been assembling for years. The t-shirts are made in Peru from the highest quality Peruvian pima cotton in a factory that practices safe environment and fair labor standards. Shop the collection.

NEW YORK IN A WORD / ELUSIVE 
From Latin eludere 
1. Hard to comprehend or define 
2. Difficult to catch, find, or achieve

I chose elusive because I've always liked the sound of the word and I think that it accurately speaks to how the city is ever changing  and can continually surprise you no matter how well you think you know it and when you think you do, there is still more to discover. NYC really has such a unique energy in this regard. This t-shirt has a modern, minimalist graphic feel so I choose to go simple and classic with my styling, pairing it with lightly distressed jeans, sleek neutral sneakers, cat eye tortoise sunglasses and a rose gold wood chronograph watch. So what do you think of this look? Is there a word you would use to describe where you live?

T-shirt:  c/o Commune & Memoir // Jeans : Gap Girlfriend (I love this fit!) // Sneakers: New Balance for J. Crew  620 // Sunglasses: Sedgwick c/o Classic Specs (review) // Watch: Sidney c/o JORD Wood Watch (review)

Disclosure: A shirt was gifted to me for editorial consideration. No other compensation was provided and all opinions are my own.

41 comments

Joan Lee said...

How fun! NYC is definitely elusive as it's always changing and so ephemeral. It's so different e/ moment in time. I think I would go for the Pervasive shirt, as once you land there it just kind of seeps into your bones.. the energy, the loneliness even... just everything.

Eagerly awaiting your SU:M37 reviews Rowena!

http://nonsonoquitter.blogspot.com

May Cho said...

I love the concept of the collection! I've never been to NYC, so I don't exactly know how I would describe the place, except for "I really want to go to the city." (Which isn't exactly a description, ha!) I think you've styled it wonderfully, too; it's laid back, very city chic!

May | THE MAYDEN

Emmylou said...

What a great word you've picked.:) I've never been to NYC, but I do think that this vibrant city is quite something else.

Anonymous said...

Very interesting to read how a New Yorker would define New York! Elusive would not have been the word that I'd have picked but then again, I haven't spent as much time there as you have. Love the look you created. I'd feel comfy wearing it. Have a lovely week.

LUXESSED

Paola Lauretano said...

I love NYC... great set Rowena!
Kisses, Paola.

Expressyourself

My Facebook

Jackie Harrison said...

Loving the sneaker doll. Nice outfit.

miasmode said...

I have never been to NY but I would have picked that tee too. I love the fact that it is ensuring environmental and fair labor standards. I would love to see you wear that outfit Rowena. Looks very cool :D Happy Monday!

Coco said...

I like very much this smart casual ensemble! Baci,
Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog - Valeria Arizzi

Lilli said...

Oh this is very fun and interesting Rowena, I like the message the brand spread through this project. I never visited NYC but probably Id picked your same word. The tee is very nice and I can see how soft it looks. Plus, I easily imagine you with this outfit and looks super pretty!:) Many kisses! xo

MITCH said...

I love how the company have a fair system for the labor. I miss NYC so badly!


xx
Oh Dear Bumblebees

Unknown said...

I love how much you adore NYC, it really comes through in this post. Are you a NYC native? X

http://www.leopardandspice.com/

Shireen L. Platt said...

Now this is really interesting, I like how it described NYC through 8 different words and the t-shirt while simple, it comes across as chic too. You picked is really nice one too, Rowena.

Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

FASHION TALES said...

There must be a great feeling to say that you are a New Yorker, and call it home. The T-shirt has a simple and nice design. Lovely way to describe NYC. :) Have a great week!
Foodie Tales & Maca

Ivana Split said...

so basic but so perfect! I absolutely love this minimalist look. Great styling! Nice concept behind the brand you presented. I do think you selected a great tshirt to describe NY. Elusive is a word that always sounded magical to me...perhaps because it is often used to describe snow leopard and other fabulous creatures (animals and humans) that are a bit people shy or withdrawn in their own world.

Oh to Be a Muse said...

Elusive is certainly a great word choice to describe NYC. Love the whole layout.

www.ohtobeamuse.com

ALLIE NYC said...

Hey, thanks for heads up on this. I have been in the market for some cool tee's and I love the fair trade aspect. Awesome!

Allie of ALLIENYC
allienyc.com

angelina said...

I love that idea, it's so cool that they used not as well known words to describe NY. Those would be helpful for learning vocab for standardized tests haha!

Angelina Is | Bloglovin'

Margaret Dallospedale said...

Beautiful set Rowena. I love the tee.
Kisses
Maggie Dallospedale Fashion diary - Fashion blog

Unknown said...

Nice post! I would love to visit NY one day!
Beautetude

June L. said...

HI ROWENA!!!! :D Great post - I think you described NYC really interestingly. I've been there a couple times (actually going there again this Friday). Love the outfit, and the shirt is so pretty! And simple! Something I'd wear hehe.
Junniku blog!

A Very Sweet Blog said...

They make some really cool tshirts! Love yours Rowena :D Great styling!
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

Midnight Cowgirl said...

What a fantastic tee!

Effortlesslady said...

What a cool collection. Love your pick. have been to NY twice and love it.
www.effortlesslady.com

trishie said...

Love your description of NYC!

oomph. said...

absolutely love the tees, rowena! you styled it perfectly as well...love the shoes!

Unknown said...

Love the shoes, they are perfect !
xoxo

www.sorananistor.com

Jo said...

I would totally pick "elusive" too coz it sounds so elusive... if you know what I mean. That in it could be a representation of many embodiment all in one. The white and gold shoes are my favourite!

Jo
Jo's Jumbled Jardinière

Elle Sees said...

cute tee! love your reasoning behind choosing it, too.

Coco said...

Just popped in to say hi sweetie :-)

JOURNAL OF STYLE said...

Unfortunately I can't call the place I live "elusive"... so I definitely agree with you on NYC, Rowena! Just love the contrast of NY's unique energy and the minimalistic style of Commune & Memoir's black shirt. Beautiful photo, Rowena!!

JOURNAL OF STYLE / BLOGLOVIN

Marcela Gmd said...

I LOVE NYC!!! Very pretty t-shirt!!!!
Have a good week, dear Rowena!!! and my g+ for you!!!:)))

Besos, desde España, Marcela♥

Unknown said...

Love New York, this shirt AND how you've styled it!

miss b said...

What a great idea and so original. I like the word elusive too!

Dania said...

Sneakers are really so cool!
Kisses

NEW POST

www.angelswearheels.com

Unknown said...

Hi dear,
this looks amazing!

Alice Cerea,
BABYWHATSUP.COM

Swati said...

great post....

www.crazyaboutcolors.com
Please like my FB page: https://www.facebook.com/crazyaboutcolors

Corinne said...

Oh wow, that's such a weird but great concept for a brand!

Corinne x
www.skinnedcartree.com

Rebeca Muñoz López said...

NYC Definitely should be an interesting city to visit and explore, they say that a trip is not enough that you will return again and again, I liked the combination that did reflect the spirit of NYC. Kisses Rowena!

www.urbanikamoda.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Great picks - the sneakers look fab! x

The Belle Narrative

Diana Mieczan said...

The whole outfit is amazing and totally something I would wear. Plus, those tees look great! I need one. xoxo

Stanislava E. said...

The outfit is chic, comfy and looks sooo good! Just my style! I like how you described NYC, it's a city I have always wanted to visit. Even to live in, but I am not sure if I would bear with its size. I meet a lot of familiar faces here in my city, which, in my opinion, won't happen in NYC. I'd describe Sofia as inspiring, full of hidden places to eat or just walk around, full of positive young people and the best places to have a beer outside (yes, it's not illegal to drink beer or alcohol outside). :)

P.S.:The t-shirt is so cool!