Summer Wish List

J Crew Swoop Top in cobalt blue

Tory Burch Emmy in Tan

Lilly Pulitzer Delisa Dress in Resort White

Lilly Pulitzer Elsa in vivid pink

Chanel Timeless Clutch

Silver Spangle

Kate Spade Karolina in silver

It has been a full year and half since I purchased a new pair of karolinas.   How's that for self control? Well here is pair number 12.  I am in love and I can't wait to wear them.

Gatsby & Park Avenue

Last night J and I went to see Gatsby.  I loved every second of it.  It followed the book so closely.  Parts of it, particularly the portrayal of Queens, were exactly what I pictured when I read the book.  The best part was the music.  The juxtaposition of Gershwin and Jay Z (stop stealing my wedding ideas Baz Luhrmann!) was my favorite part of all.  The soundtrack really helped capture the spirit of New York.  Visually it was a pleasure.  I even liked it better than the version starring Robert Redford who is so much hotter than Leonardo DiCaprio but oh well.  

I also recently watched Park Avenue: Money, Power, & the American Dream.  The documentary features the author of 740 Park Avenue, a book I got a few years back, but never finished reading.  It was really interesting and they spent a lot of time of Ayn Rand and her influence over some of the richest people in America.  I had never thought about it until they mentioned it, but her philosophy is the same as Gordon Gekko . . . Greed is Good.

Lately, I haven't been reading as much. I have so many things swirling around in my brain that I just can't concentrate. Over the past couple weeks I did manage to finish at least a couple enjoyable reads.  Southern Charm by Tinsley Mortimer was really fun for me as I am also a southern girl who moved to the big city.  It was definitely light on substance, but sometimes, actually most of the time, that is exactly what I need.  Nevertheless, every now and then it's really nice to read something with a little more depth like Under the Cajun Moon by Mindy Starns Clark.  This woman is obviously a writer through and through.  She describes New Orleans and its culture thoroughly in this standalone mystery.  She writes Christian novels so there's always that spiritual aspect that makes the protagonist all the more relatable.  I recommend both.  

The Velvet List

For your edification I have compiled a list of all the best Red Velvet desserts I have tasted thus far in this world.  There is no way for me to say which is the ultimate red velvet pastry over all because they each hold a unique bit of heavenly specialness.

Red Velvet Cake

Magnolia Bakery

401 Bleeker Street

New York, NY 10014

Red Velvet Cupcake

Amy's Bread

672 Ninth Avenue

New York, NY 10036

Red Velvet Macaron 

Macaron Parlour 

111 St. Mark's Place

New York, NY 

Red Velvet Twinkie 

Lulu Cake Boutique

12 8th Avenue

New York, NY 10011

Red Velvet Donut

Gibson's Donuts

760 Mount Moriah Rd

Memphis, TN 38117

Cookie Monster

I finally tried the cookies from Momofuku Milk Bar today.  I went with the blueberry & cream and the cornflake chocolate chip.  They are definitely yummy and the interesting flavors are definitely why they're so popular.  I can't say I would trek across town for them, but I will definitely go back for more.  Levain Bakery is still my number one for cookies.  I have been a good girl and haven't even visited Levain since last summer.  It hasn't really been self control.  It's just too hard to get to the Upper West Side when I work 6 days a week and it's cold outside.  I am so excited for summer.  I really hope that it gets warm soon.