weekend update

Pretty much the definition of the weekend.

This past weekend was one of those weekends that go down as the most/least remembered yet ultimately laughed about for 20 years to come sort of deals. Cindy came in town on Thursday, and we initiated her into NYC life with dinner at Xunta (pictures below) and drinks and Michael Jackson tributes at Cheap Shots.

Friday was low key, going to SEA (an offshoot of Spice Thai) for dinner in the East Village, and I called it an early night due to a migraine :(. Note to self: invest in Excedrin. NYC+Migraines = crabby girl.

Saturday we went to the ultimate in white trash indulgence, Coney Island. We had a Nathan's hotdog, drank some Coronas, looked at the atrociously overpriced rides ($6 for a Ferris Wheel ride!) and soaked in the tattooed, drunken mess that was this landmark amusement park.Nathan's Famous HotdogsNote the banner, "shoot the freak" no worries I love ya Caitlin!

After returning home from Coney we took a break then headed off to the Brass Monkey for some quality overpriced drinks, dancing, and harmless conversation with some New York natives. I wish I could recount all that went down leading up to, inside, and after the Brass Monkey, but I still want to get a job after college.

Sunday was spent at Benny's Burrito's recovering with huevos rancheros and mimosas (10.95 for brunch and unlimited champagne and mimosas) then a shake from The Milk Bar at Chelsea Market. Af and I watched three movies, slept through two and a half, and called it a night at 10:30.

Great weekend, great friends, great memories.

xoxo

P.S. ode to the name of this post, I will be attending Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on August 6th. Be jealous.

alice + olivia

Today was my first day at my internship... well my second, unplanned internship. alice + olivia needed some help and since I have Monday's and Friday's off, an appreciation for all things fashion, and the need for resume padding, I was asked to aid them in their time of need. I am working in the domestic retail production section so I pretty much get to do all things samples. I love it. So I now have a full week of work to keep me busy and my mind off missing home and friends. Good thing I have a beautiful city to keep me occupied...

have you ever wondered...

Our beautiful wall art/sheet

Just loving life on the Good Morning America set.

Cheap Shots and Beer

With the band at Xunta

Girls at Xunta for Cindy's first night in town!

smile

"I believe in pink. I believe laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing; kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls..." -Audrey Hepburn

Through the Looking Glass

While Johnny Depp may make most of the strong hearted swoon, the first pictures of Through the Looking Glass (Tim Burton's version of Alice in Wonderland) are kinda freaky. Alas, I will still see it because underneath it all he is still that swarthy pirate that will come save me... someday. 

Naughty Monkey

These are BANANAS. I DIE.
Perhaps to replace the count them THREE pairs of shoes that have died in the last week...

I've had enough of the Met.... Let's go to the GAP

Me and Caitlin at Spice

Dylan's Candy Bar... yum!

In front of the MET for Model and the Muse!

Drunk Joan Rivers at the Puerto Rican Day Parade, where we were NOT welcome

being famous going to Spice for Thai

proof

Cute of everyone but.... ok it was raining give me a break 

Chinatown love in the Canal Street subway station... this is for Lindsay Durbin

one of the many reasons I may never leave Manhattan...

WE GOT 40s!! ... those are 24's...Oh....

My beautiful roommates :)

Brooklyn Bridge

Sister love in Chinatown 

Sugar Rush

                                                                                                   

Yesterday was quite an eventful day for our little NYC exploration group. The morning started off at the largely hyped H & H Bagels. I tried the Onion and besides the breath issues after (ew) it was delish. Off to the Met, along with the rest of NYC (it was raining, museums get appealing when the outside isn't an option) to see the Model and the Muse exhibit put on by Marc Jacobs and friends. Super inspirational and fabulously designed, it was definitely worth the $10 dollar "suggested donation."

Dylan's Candy Bar was next for a little over indulgence in all things sugar. Daughter to Ralph Lauren, the owner truly created THE candy experience. Though I will say I was disappointed they didn't have Big Kat's. Work on that Dylan. I still squealed like the 11 year olds when I saw the wall of chocolate, I guess some things never change. 

Spice for a Thai dinner, and let me say, after some large dinner let downs, Spice really revived my belief in NYC cuisine. The food was cheap, the drinks were cheap, and it all was delicious. I tried the Siamese fried rice, and with a portion big enough to feed an entire family, I was happy and full when the meal was over. It also didn't hurt that the playlist for the bar included Neyo, Justin Timberlake, and old school Britney. Give me 90's tunes and I'm a happy girl. 

miss and love.

xoxo

RIP

So as I was walking, well strutting (the kind of walking that occurs after a few late dinner cocktails), to a bar called Antarctica last night when the most New York thing of my life happened. My heel BROKE off my Steve Madden Gladiator heels. BROKE. Thankfully I was being the resourceful New Yorker and had flats in my bag but I never realized how much I was actually "pounding the pavement" so to speak until my footwear became non-existent. So here's to you Gladiator heels, you did me proud, may you rest in peace. 

xoxo

P.S. Thank goodness I was planning a little trip to the Brooklyn Century 21 today...

love&miss

So a week in NYC, when it's raining, makes you think a lot about the comforts of home that you miss. A car, rain boots, access to your entire wardrobe etc. Though those are all things that make life a little easier, there are a few things in NYC that I would take in exchange for those comforts.

- a date with Rob Pattinson
-lifetime supply of Baked by Melissa (I know I mention it a lot but really, it's amazing)
-a pair of naughty monkey tassel flats/silence and noise boyfriend blazer
-to live here, for a while
-the new Anna Sui for Target Collection

I know these are all things that seem not really related to NYC but I have learned and grown my love for them through being here. I also appreciate coffee A LOT more.

On to more pressing issues, tonight we are heading to Spice Market in Chelsea for drinks and overall "partying." I'm excited, it's been a long week, and I need to chill out. Redbook is fantastic and we are doing a run through for the September issue on Tuesday :)

Sidenote: Spotted Tim Gunn getting into a town car with a very similar coffee to my own. I guess great minds think alike.

xoxo

P.S. I would like to formally congratulate Hannah on meeting her idol, Lil' Wayne. Congrats.

Anniversary's

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! Miss and Love!

xoxo

Boyfriend

If you don't have a boyfriend then I think the next best thing is this blazer. Sexy, stylish, and doesn't speak. Hell, it might be better than having a boyfriend...

Rob Pattinson

I have a slight, ok major, crush on Rob Pattinson, and much to my delight he is shooting a movie in Manhattan this summer. I am currently writing a paper for class, then heading off to the park where my future... is awaiting. Hopefully his other "fans" won't be too disappointed when I arrive...

wishing...

Also, while I am thinking about it, I really wish I would have brought my rainboots to New York. Besides the fact that I missed the memo that New Yorker's think its ok to wear boots year round (summer boots?) it has been raining up a storm and they would have been practical. Oh well, guess I'll have to find something here to replace them... just kidding mom :)

I am questioning, however, Marc Jacobs attempt at "chic-ifying" rainwear. I am personally of the thought that rainwear should be simple, stream lined and not draw too much attention (though my umbrella would elicit a scream from any fashionista) yet Marc (who I hate to criticize) has inserted heels into rain boots. Hm, jury is still out for me. 

xoxo

Harpos in NYC

Ever wonder if your college experience is different from any or everyone else's? Well it isn't. Josie Woods on the NYU campus is Harpos reincarnated in NYC. Except better specials. We arrived after 45 minutes of wandering (courtesy of my lack of directional skills and everyone else's willingness to follow) and inquired what the specials were. 

$6 dollars. One Budlight Lime. One shot of tequila. Let me reiterate. $6 dollars. This seems to be a trend in NYC the beer and a shot mentality. Not a good plan for people who can't resist a good deal. 

After a few rounds of the aforementioned deal we were enticed by the jukebox. Well, Afton and Hannah were. They were dancing queens, rocking out to Lil' Wayne, Beyonce', and the like. They cleaned out my quarters (and many other onlookers) but it was worth it. 

Friday Hannah and I visited Carrie at work and tested yet another cupcakery, Amy's Bread. Following is the ranking of cupcakes thus far.

1. Baked by Melissa (obviously)

2. Magnolia/Amy's Bread (Magnolia's icing, with Amy's cake would make these two close to the top, though if you like milk chocolate then Amy's is for you.)

3. Butter Lane (tastes very homemade, all around standard cupcake).

Then we shopped, grabbed a smoothie, and came home for a night of ramen and 10 things I Hate About You. Classic. 

xoxo

Thanks Mom

A quick THANK YOU SO MUCH goes out to my mother who shipped me a mattress, memory foam, thing. While it does smell like chemicals that would sanitize something unpleasant, that only reassures me of its superior qualifications in aiding my puny, if you could call it that, mattress. 

Note to Stuyvesant Town Apartments/ New School Housing: We are people, humans, not rocks or inanimate objects. Provide mattresses accordingly. Thank you. 

Off to watch, "fo free," Spice World on Netflix. Slam it to the left if you're having a good time.... oh, ok twist my arm.

xoxo

A little present for me? - Boy Meets World Reference

So one of the so-called perks of being an intern is SOMETIMES getting free stuff. The tally so far is my roommates tied at 1 and me sitting, pouting, with my two free nail polishes. Afton made out with a bag of Chanel make-up and Carrie, via a Cirque du Soleil trapeze class, was gifted with a Reebok goody bag including new sneakers and some ehem "stylish" $85 dollar stretchy pants. Not to say I'm ungrateful, but no one hates free things...

On the bright side I had the seriously satisfying experience of cleaning out the fashion closet for the onslaught of September clothes that will be coming in this week. FCUK is the first to come in and I have a feeling it will be stellar. And no Mom, that is not a misspelling, nor a bad word, it stands for French Connection, UK.

The city has been fairly pleasant, and the predicted rain has held of to a mild drizzle. Which is nice, but I still wish it was hot so I could stop wearing my pseudo-bag -lady wardrobe. (Read: lots of layers that don't really match because, well, they weren't meant to go together).

Overall a pretty standard week so far. Had Tasti-D-Lite with the roomies yesterday. Diet ice cream, excuse me "fro-yo," is crappy no matter how many toppings you layer onto it so tonight Afton and I got Chinese food. You know, to make up for the calories we missed out on yesterday. Totally fair.

Another housing update, we still have no, as promised, functioning kitchen table, and as we speak my air conditioner is making a noise similar to a hog being drug behind a semi, woo. hoo.

Maybe tomorrow I will join the Hearst running "club," that way I can eat more Chinese... and real ice cream.

xoxo

rain....rain.....rain........

Today is super miserable. Rainy and humid in the subway station. Gew. Hope the weather if faring better in the Midwest because in the City today, it is downright dismal. On a happier note I get to use my new umbrella :) Hope the rain isn't the kind that comes in sideways or else I am screwed.

proof

Home sweet home

Getting rained on does not a cute girl make... Carrie, me, and Hannah at Dos Caminos

All the girls at Dos Caminos, mmm passionfruit margs.

Alumni event at M.J. Armstrongs, so inappropriate.

Look Mom, Zarin Fabrics!

Little Italy with Caitlin, Hannah, and Carrie

21st Birthday Extravaganza

Yesterday was my roommate Afton's 21st birthday. Being the last of three to turn 21, Afton has been suffering through many "sober dinner's" whilst Carrie and I enjoyed a glass of wine or a margarita after a long day at work. Well let's just say we celebrated in style at bar's such as "Cheap Shots and Beer" among others. Afton survived, with a killer hangover, but she is alive and well. Note to self, champagne never mixes well with ANYTHING.

During the day on Saturday, Carrie, Hannah, and Caitlin and I went down to the fabulous Century 21 in the financial district. Carrie found a dream purse, Caitlin, a sassy Betsey Johnson belt, and Hannah and I found some adorable umbrella's that go above and beyond replacing my old one. Century 21 is one of the best discount store establishment's I have ever been to. Though I wouldn't recommend going on a Saturday, the crowds are worse than a DVF sample sale.

After shopping we went down to Little Italy and Canal Street to get some cheap thrills aka sunglasses. We also found time to stop by my favorite cupcakery Baked by Melissa, bitesize, filled, cupcakes. Yum.

Finally on Sunday we slept in, (the escapades for Afton didn't end till well into Sunday morning) then had a late breakfast (1:30 pm) at the Alphabet Cafe. Delicious. After that we explored Greenwhich and Washington Square Park. Oh to go to NYU and live here year round. Another goal of the summer, to go swimming in the fountain at Washington Square. Sometimes it's fun to act like you're 5.

Today I plan on working out, doing laundry, and maybe catching a movie tonight. Not so exciting but some days are meant for catching up on normalcy.

xoxo

opinion only

I think the subway is so chic. Why hide your outfit in a cab, when you can be a trooper and inspire everyone on public transportation? Besides, all that cab fare can go towards something more permanent, like shoes. 

Girls Night

Last night we went to yet another yummy, slightly expensive, Mexican establishment that had the best playlist I have heard in a really long time. Temptations, Ray Lamontagne, it was great. The restaurant was called Dos Caminos and it was in SoHo at the corner of Houston and West Broadway. Super cute, GREAT drinks. I ordered the passionfruit marg and it was too die. 

The attire was casual but I decided to break out my new TJ Maxx find, a beautiful pair of platform, round toe, black and white Michael Kors pumps. Carrie would have been proud. Needless to say that after trucking in the rain, drinking margaritas, then trucking in the subway at 10:30... in those shoes, I was a little loopy. So we decided, well, I decided, to stop off at the local grocery store for.....

COOKIE DOUGH. Well great idea when you have a fully functioning kitchen, but here in barren apartment NYC you have to improvise. So I crafted a cookie sheet out of tin foil and we were in business. I felt like I was a successful camper at "Camp NYC."

Side note, if you are craving some cookie love like I was last night, you have to try making the oatmeal, chocolate chip recipe that Quaker Oats makes. Probably the best cookie I have ever had, next to my Grandpa's/Dad's of course. 

During the day Carrie and I were rain soldiers, and got some errands run. She took me to her work at iVillage (never say diet.com) to retrieve her forgotten umbrella. I guess it was the day of forgotten umbrellas, because in my shoe induced pain haze I left mine in the subway :(. Oh well, good excuse to go find a truly fab NYC umbrella (seeing as the forecast for the next week is rain, rain, rain.) 

Back to where she works though, it is the adorable building called Chelsea Market and is filled with bakeries, seafood, and any other cuisine you would like to try. If I worked there, I probably would have a standing order at Eleni's Bakery. Cupcakes have totally become my weakness. 

Today is pretty unplanned, maybe the races, maybe Century 21, the possibilities are endless, the city is ready, and I have one more cookie left from last night...

xoxo

Dreary, Drinks, and Shopping

Well it's another rainy day in NYC, where is this supposed scorching weather it's supposed to have in the summer? Blah. Well Carrie and I are attempting to do laundry then are planning on going bargain shopping around Union Square. Carrie found a TJ Maxx that I am SUPER excited about. As every one of my friends knows I love bargain shopping and TJ Maxx is my mother ship. Payless also has some SUPER cute tribal sandals that may just have to become mine. Every girl in Manhattan seems to be sporting these adorable fringe flats that are the perfect mix of bohemian and vintage. They are bananas, I die. 

Last night Carrie, Afton, and I continued on our quest to indulge in every Sex and the City episode, movie, anything. Since the first two discs to my second season (yes I own the entire series, not mad) were lost to Gamma Phi during sophomore year we have resorted to Netflix. Let's just say I am impressed. Not only did that wonderful little DVD get here in one day, I can also watch millions of movies right on my laptop. Which is nice since we don't have a TV. It's the little things isn't it. 

After shopping we are off to Dos Caminos for dinner with the girls. Sounds like a pretty fab day to me. Tomorrow Carrie wants to go to a horse race in New Jersey called the Belmont Stakes. Big hats, beer, and preppy guys, I'm down.

xoxo

P.S. Big props to Ashley and Hannah for getting up at 3:30 a.m. to see Dave at the Today Show. That is dedication. Personally, I am holding out for the Jonas Brother's :)

One of the best things....

about working at Hearst is that there are magazine big shots EVERYWHERE. For example today, being the giddy, fashion obsessed intern that I am, I was scanning the beautiful lobby and "cafeteria" (more like a 5 star restaurant, it has anything you could ever what to eat) when I see who else but Nina Garcia of Project Runway, Elle, and now the fashion director at Marie Claire, walking down the escalator. I could have yelled her name and she would have heard me. I also would have been quickly escorted out by security. 

While that was definitely a highlight, today was full of the makings of my dream job. Sitting in a HUGE closet full of clothes, accessories, shoes, bags you name it's there is the stuff any girls dreams are made of. And today, I got to organize that closet. Approximately 12 fully extended clothing racks jammed packed with millions of designers had to be alphabetized, then categorized within each designer. woohoo. Good thing I was not alone, and had LeeAnn, Amity, and Hallie to split the job. We also did some sample send-backs and other fabulous things before getting off early at 4:30 (we usually should go 10-6). It sounds mundane and boring to most, but being around all that fashion, seeing how a single shirt or accessory can turn into an outfit is something I love. 

My editor, Cris, is super laid back and seems like she will be giving us a lot of responsibility and the opportunity to really learn from our experience. Ah I just can't believe I actually worked at Hearst today. It's is truly surreal experiencing a dream becoming reality. 

xoxo

P.S. We have this fab little grocery store of 1st between 17th and 18th street called Gracefully that will make shopping in Columbia horrific. It has every organic, yummy, totally overpriced food you could want. Ah to live in NYC. 

One more thing..

I have finally figured out my top goal for the summer. Drum roll please.....

To seek out the sartorialist, BEG him to think I'm fabulous, then appear on his blog and become world famous in the process. Totally doable. Probably should start upping the style quotient....

Excitement

Well here we go... the first of many days getting up early, staying in late, and proving to anyone that will listen that I deserve to be here. Today, I start my internship. 

Last night we went to an MU alumni mixer. Let me tell you. Hilarious. We had a few beverages and were home by 11. Oops, a little too late for the night before my first day, but whatever, you only are young, in the city, and prompted by 28 year-olds to stay for dollar bottles only once in your life... maybe twice. We were at M.J. something or other's, and it was actually a really fun bar, will probably go back. 

But I was responsible, am still well rested, and ready to pick out an outfit. I'm thinking dress with cardigan and belt? It's actually cold and rainy here so have to dress for the weather. I am dreading ironing, but it is looking like it might have to happen. gew. Well I have an hour before I have to leave so I better get going on the whole getting ready business. Hope this day goes well!

xoxo

Thank God

In all of the places that I have searched for cute, comfy shoes, guess where I finally found them. Forever 21. $7.50. Who would have thought? I'm buying them in every color. Simple, flat, and cheap who could ask for anything more?

Currently Listening...

rocking out to Lady Gaga (love) and heading out to explore Chelsea and get lunch with Hannah. Tonight we have some glam alumni event (read: could be awkward) at a pub by my house. Good chance to network, which is totally my favorite thing to do...

xoxo

San Loco

In between 9th and 10th on Avenue A (super close to my apartment) is this hole in the wall (though it is somewhat of a chain in NYC) tex-mex joint called San Loco which has the most delicious taco concoction I have ever tasted. While it sounds like something Taco Bell would boast, the taco wrapped in refried beans and another soft taco = heaven. The marg's weren't bad either :)

Now me and the roomies are sitting at home, drinking two-buck-chuck, and planning to take over Manhattan. 

Going Green

Fun fact: the Hearst Tower, where I will be spending the next 10 weeks, is the greenest building in Manhattan. Yay for saving the planet :)

Real Housewives Sighting.. sorta

Another forgotten happening, on our way to a party in Chinatown my sister and I spotted a true NYC landmark. Zarin Fabrics aka Jill Zarin aka Real Housewives of NYC fame. This didn't not register as relevant to the rest of our entourage however Hannah and I took a picture to commemorate its fabulousness. Ill get that up here later when I find my camera connector cord...

Bryant Park

Visiting Hannah today (hopefully). She is working at Alice + Olivia, an upscale boutique-like line with an edge. The one thing I am truly jealous of is that she gets to work right on Bryant Park aka New York Fashion Week's home. The park itself is super tiny but it is an inspiration in itself. It is designed just like a runway, with walkway's creating a grid like atmosphere, dotted with little cafe's and tables. SO New York, and SO Hannah. I'm so happy she found a place that showcases her talent.

Also on tap for today is more "exploring." I really want to go to little Italy and just wander. I went there with my mom before she left and there was this ADORABLE little cupcake stand called, "Baked by Melissa." They are miniature, and are only $3 dollars for three. They may be the best cupcakes I have ever had. Also they have the best pizza place called Lombardi's Pizza. I highly recommend the cheese, pepperoni, and spinach yum. Plus they make a lot of in house beer that is surprisingly good. Pretty much little Italy has a LOT of good food. 

I also forgot to mention our trip to Central Park the other day. It was the best day for strolling the park, and we got serenaded by these two guys, and we got their card? Check out their myspace, though we are debating giving them a ring.. (Bruiser Charles) Super awkward but whatever. Well I am off to explore an hopefully see Hannah. xoxo

NYC Prep

Class day one: went to the premiere of "NYC Prep."Let's just say the highlight for me was seeing Andy Cohen of Real Housewives Reunion fame. The premiere was at the Paley Center for Media The kids were super superficial and the whole thing seemed really pre-meditated to me. The first episode centered pretty much on how privileged the "prep school" elite of Manhattan are. The first scene was between two seniors, Jessie and PC talking about how they wanted to get into college, but if they didn't get into the one they wanted, there were "alternative" ways to still getting into that school. Gew its called getting in on your own merit. Take notes.

After the show there was a question-answer portion to the premiere, and my favorite question came from a woman asking about the moral implications of having such young "actors" on the show (which is totally staged, PC even hinted to not really being friends with the other kidlets on the show, oops Bravo, get a better PR person). The response: Andy Cohen: "They are just living their lives, they are like 'mini adults'" How articulate, thank you for that response. 

Overall I was not impressed with how Bravo presented itself during this premiere. It was really a take it or leave it attitude that really rubbed me the wrong way. But I guess in one of the most wealthy areas in the US (Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY) what more can you expect. 

On a brighter note, it was reassuring to see that even with these limitless bank accounts I was still dressed better than the girls on stage. Money can't buy style I guess. 

Blister update: getting better, need more shoes.

Also went to Magnolia Bakery yesterday and have been craving a vanilla cupcake with chocolate icing all day.  I may just go get another tomorrow, you know, because my feet hurt :)

Note to self: new shoes

So today is my first day sans roomies as they head off to Chanel and NBC I was planning on spending an independent day of exploring. Till I realized that my feet were not in agreement with me. Ill spare you the pictures (though I did send it to a lucky few of my friends) of the atrociousness that NYC has wreaked on my feet. Lets just say I didn't know blisters could get that big. 

So in order to remedy this inability to walk I subway-ed myself down to 58th and Lexington to purchase not one but two pairs of drum roll please.... Aerosole shoes read: GRANDMA. I am not ashamed though because while the name may throw you, they are actually somewhat cute. Black and patent leather are two things that are hard to mess up. 

I am now sitting in my still-barren apartment trying to doctor my injuries. Tonight I am going to the Paley Center to see a documentary on reality shows so that should be interesting and tomorrow, fingers crossed, I want to actually explore. I start work at Redbook on Thursday so I am hoping to get a lot in, in the next couple of days!

Off to style something that distracts from my feet. Adios.