Preppy Lawyer and the City

Katze in a Hut

2012-02-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

I am proud to say that my morals and politics are largely informed by Dr. Seuss books and cartoons. This was floating around facebook today and it's absolutely brilliant.

Case of the Mondays

2012-02-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

Monday is always so anti-climactic after a great weekend. My friend A from Ohio came to visit this weekend and I was reminded that I have so many more wonderful friends than I sometimes remember. It seems as though almost all of them have moved away now and sometimes it leaves me feeling as though I have no friends despite truly having an abundance scattered all around the USA.

I had the most delicious passion fruit macaroon from Bouchon Bakery in the Time Warner Center. Why are these cookies so expensive? I mean they're worth every penny but it's a shame that the suppliers know it. I also had the chocolate chip cookie which was delish.

I'm still a Falcons fan, but last night coming home from the Giants' victory was pretty fantastic. A super drunk dude on my subway car kept pressing the emergency button and asking the conductor to say that "we won, the Giants won." Finally, after a few stops a message finally came over the intercom saying, "Attention passengers, the emergency call button is for emergencies only. We're all happy the Giants won . . ." The remainder of the message was inaudible because everyone on the train went wild hootin' and hollerin'. I heart New York.

Make It Happen

2012-01-31T18:57:00.000-08:00

I have opined my lack of travel for the last three years many times and I promised to stop all that for 2012. Well, looks like I'm keeping my word. I realize that I can always use the excuses not having enough time, or enough money, or scheduling conflicts with friends. I booked last minute trips to Las Vegas and Pittsburgh for February and should be booking a flight to Germany any day now. Stressing about what I am going to wear and what sights I want to see is perfectly fine with me.

Inspiration

2012-01-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

I feel as though I should read this every day for the rest of my life . . .

Psalm 49 (The Message)

Listen, everyone, listen-earth-dwellers, don't miss this. All you haves and have-nots, all together now: listen.

I set plainspoken wisdom before you, my heart-seasoned understandings of life. I fine-tuned my ear to the sayings of the wise, I solve life's riddle with the help of a harp. So why should I fear in bad times, hemmed in by enemy malice, shoved around by bullies, demeaned by the arrogant rich?

Really! There's no such thing as self-rescue, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps. The cost of rescue is beyond our means, and even then it doesn't guarantee life forever, or insurance against the Black Hole.

Anyone can see that the brightest and best die, wiped out right along with fools and dunces. They leave all their prowess behind, move into their new home, The Coffin, the cemetery their permanent address. And to think they named counties after themselves!

We aren't immortal. We don't last long. Like our dogs, we age and weaken. And die.

This is what happens to those who live for the moment, who only look out for themselves: Death herds them like sheep straight to hell; they disappear down the gullet of the grave; They waste away to nothing-nothing left but a marker in a cemetery. But me? God snatches me from the clutch of death, he reaches down and grabs me.

So don't be impressed with those who get rich and pile up fame and fortune. They can't take it with them; fame and fortune all get left behind. Just when they think they've arrived and folks praise them because they've made good, they enter the family burial plot where they'll never see sunshine again.

We aren't immortal. We don't last long. Like our dogs, we age and weaken. And die.

All Dressed Up

2012-01-22T11:17:00.000-08:00

Lilly Pulitzer Celina

Bloomingdale's consolidation sale was pretty paltry but while shopping I was able to find this beautiful dress. Too bad it's made in China. Up close it's better, and also with a tan. Who knows when I will ever get to wear it.

One week ago I tried Peruvian food at La Cerveceria so I can scratch #16 off my New Year's resolutions.

Taxi

2012-01-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting these for a couple years now, but I'm glad I waited for a sale and an extra 25% off. This doesn't mean I am going to be hailing a cab anytime soon, but I definitely could with these babies.

Red Velvet Pancakes

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Have I ever mentioned my favorite neighborhood diner, EJ's Luncheonette? I can't remember. I recently revisted this place with my friends J and J. I got the red velvet pancakes which I never notice before. They were scrumptious. I felt like I was eating cake. The icing/topping was just the right amount of sweet for a breakfast food. First I had scrambled eggs so that the pancakes would just be the dessert portion of my meal because dessert after every meal is how I roll.

Ways to Save and My Mom is So Cheap

2012-01-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

My paycheck is meager especially for a lawyer. To afford luxury products and extra payments on my law school loans I have to make choices.

(1) Instead of a gym membership I go running by the east river. I do yoga with videos I find on hulu. For strength training I work with a ball and use random products from my apartment as weights.
(2) If I have a monthly bill, like cable or my storage unit, I contact them periodically threatening to stop using the service if they don't reduce my price.
(3) I use my sister's netflix to watch movies via my laptop which I hook up to my tv with an HDMI cable.
(4) I don't go to the movies unless I have a coupon or it's half off because it's an A.M. movie. I prefer to
rent one from the blockbuster kiosk for $1 rather than pay $13. Don't even get me started on the three course meals I sneak into movie theatres.
(5) Hot chocolate is something I crave every day in the winter the way most people crave coffee. I would love to go to Starbucks or something but I go to Gristedes and get a box filled with packets and have that instead. Whole foods also has a delicious dark chocolate peppermint flavor for $9 that makes 11 servings.
(6) I would rather dehydrate than buy bottled water. I use a brita.
(7) I only take cabs when under serious peer pressure.
(8) I don't have a pet even though I want one.

These are the least embarassing ways that I save money. My friends have no clue how unbelievably cheap I really am. I think it stems from my parents' (particularly my mom) "frugality." I have no qualms about embarassing my mom and she doesn't embarass anyway. My Mom is So Cheap . . .

she goes to Ross on Wednesdays so she can get her senior citizen's discount, because Ross is not cheap enough already
she saves every last morsel of food and puts it in tiny Tupperware containers (or old margarine containers) to eat later. I got her tiny spatulas from William Sonoma so she can scoop the very last drop from jars.
she washes baggies and reuses ziploc bags until there are holes
she keeps the blinds closed on hot days so that the AC won't come on as much. It's pretty dark in the house on a summer day.
If she's not using it, she unplugs it.
One day while on the phone with my mom she exclaimed excitedly that it had started raining. She got off the phone with me right away so she could put buckets underneath the drain pipes to catch the rain. She uses it to water her garden.
During the drought in Atlanta, she even put a bucket in the shower with her so she could reuse the water for her garden.

If I didn't know better I would think she's some sort of environmentalist.

Not Again

2011-12-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

Nothing gets my blood pressure up like rumors of yet another Chanel price increase. I was excited to find this site that updates the prices of Chanel bags in different countries since the website does nothing of the sort. The only upside of the price increase is that it makes me feel better about what I paid for my bag last April. I have been wanting this bag for over six years now. I want to buy it so badly, and I only have one day left. Bag or vacation? Please, God, let me be strong and save for vacation.

A Classic

2011-12-28T10:51:00.000-08:00

After Christmas I checked out a new (to me) boutique in Atlanta, Ann Mashburn. It was cozy and colorful and right up my alley. I got this.

Saint James Minquier (Made in France)

I can't wait to wear it over short shorts and a tank top on summer nights. The XS is still ridiculously huge so I think it looks best paired with something super tight or super short. In order to hold myself accountable to my resolution that no less than 25% of my clothing purchases be made in America and/or vintage, I am going blog about where every single item of clothing I buy was made. Hopefully I will get so tired of it that I will just stop buying clothes altogether. Not! I made four additional clothing purchases while down south for Christmas: (1) vintage Seven for all Mankind jeans (made in Mexico), (2) vintage Citizen of Humanity jeans (made in USA, but with imported denim), (3) vintage James denim skirt (made in USA), and a (4) green t-shirt from Anthropologie (made in USA). That's 60% vintage, 60% made in the USA. So far so good.

Head Start and More Dresses

2011-12-28T10:04:00.000-08:00

I'm proud to say that I can scratch #17 off my list of resolutions for 2012 as my Mom taught me how to hem pants over Christmas. The first leg of my yoga pants are not so hot but the second leg looks pretty good if I do say so myself. I might just become a hemming fool and make all my longish dresses a little shorter. Furthermore, I purchased 5 articles of clothing while in Georgia and three of those items were vintage. I was also fortunate enough to receive several beautiful presents this year, but here are a couple of my favorites.

Lilly Pulitzer Blayney Ruffle in "It's a Lilly" pattern

The Blayney is my favorite style of Lilly Pullitzer dress because it is appropriate for work, dates, church, and most other occasions. It's super comfortable and has pockets. This is my third one.

Lilly Pulitzer "Taylor Engineered" Cameo

This doesn't look like a typical Lilly dress to me but the fit is pretty great and it's nice to have something different. I now have a clothing rack in my room devoted just to my favorite dresses. It's 50% Lilly, 35% Kate Spade, and 15% random mix of other mostly colorful designers. I only picked out about one-fifth of those dresses!

2012

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Since I've had my blog I've been pretty good about keeping my resolutions. I guess once I tell the internet world then I have to do it. So my 2012 goals will be far more ambitious than the last few years. This year the new places I visited included Newport, RI, Montreal, Atlantic City, and Bethlehem, PA. Not too shabby, but I think I can do better next year. Maybe a new state and a country on another continent. Here goes . . .

1. Make at least 25% of my clothing purchases vintage and/or "made in America"
2. Visit a new American city
3. Visit a new foreign country
4. See Book of Mormon on Broadway
5. Pay off 20% of the principal balance of my student loans. This one will make #s 2 and 3 difficult.
6. Get item #4 from my fashion bucket list
7. Do one of the following: sky diving, heli-skiing, white water rafting, hang gliding, or ziplining
8. Maintain my weight. I've done it for two years now so I'm feeling pretty confident
9. Do NOT buy more than two pair of Kate Spade Karolinas. I just bought the camel ones and that makes eleven. I don't care if they come out with 20 new to die for colors. I will not get more than two pair.
10. Attend a professional football game
11. Go skinny dipping
12. Get great seats for a concert of one of my favorite artists
13. Read this book I bought months ago about Esther that's supposed to be a really good Bible study
14. Attend a show at the Metropolitan Opera House
15. Help at least two kids improve their reading
16. Try Peruvian food just cause I never have
17. Learn how to hem my own pants
18. Explore a secret part of New York City
19. Go see the Frick Collection
20. Stop doing things I don't really want to do just to make other people happy.

Perfect Ten

2011-12-11T18:10:00.001-08:00

Kate Spade Karolina in Ostrich

I've been really good about not shopping lately with Christmas coming up and all, but I couldn't resist adding another pair of Karolinas to my collection. I just received these and another pair is coming soon. That pair will make it eleven, so I've been starting to ask myself whether I can have too much of a good thing. I still want so many more. I'm so greedy.

Green Grass

Multi Glitter

Satin Starlight in Brown

Oops They Did It Again

2011-12-05T18:27:00.001-08:00

Guess I'm still in Britney mode. Every time I think I'm over my Kate Spade addiction, they come out with another dress for me to obsess over.

Kate Spade Bailey

Happy Birthday Britney

2011-12-02T11:16:00.001-08:00

I have been an unabashed Britney fan for thirteen years now. In honor of her 30th birthday, here are my favorite songs/performances.

10. Sometimes

9. If You Seek Amy

8.What U See Is What U Get

7.I'm A Slave 4 U

6. Hollywood with Madonna, Christina, and Missy Elliot

5. Break the Ice

4. Oops I Did It Again

3. Til the World Ends

2. You Drive me Crazy (the stop remix!)

1. What It's Like To Be Me feat Justin Timberlake

The Cat's Meow

2011-11-30T12:51:00.001-08:00

Last night at an Upright Citizen's Brigade show I learned a very disturbing piece of trivia. There are many old people who live alone in the city with their cat(s) or dog(s). When they die, it might be several days before anyone discovers they have passed. While dogs will wait roughly six days to start chowing down on their deceased owners, cats start in after just one day. And they start by eating the face! I may have to rethink this living alone thing that I love. The idea of getting a cat has been permanently shelved.

Colorful Friday

2011-11-25T14:51:00.001-08:00

I finally got a chance to check out C. Wonder today and I loved it. I want everything there from the striped tops to this green and navy tweed jacket. I also want every single thing at Kate Spade! Today Kate Spade was offering a free ride to anywhere in the city so L and I took a short ride to Louis Vuitton.

We should have taken it to the Doughnut Plant because that was a long walk.

Private Manhattan

2011-11-17T12:45:00.001-08:00

My office is located in the Chanin Building across the street from Grand Cental Station and caddy corner to the Chrysler building. It's a busy commute and the incessant droves of people don't seem to let up even when I reach my floor. The constant barrage of coworkers in the kitchen and break room leave me without a single moment of peace. Despite my desire to live south of 14th street, on hectic days it's a pleasure to return to my peaceful block on the edge of the Upper East Side.

So many parts of Manhattan are so trampled upon that I often find myself desirous of a special nook to call my own. I envy Washington Mews, Sniffen Court, and Pomander Walk dwellers. In the past I've always said I'd like a Classic 6 where the doorman sends you straight up so you don't need a key. Truthfully, I never adapted to my last doorman building and the lack of privacy it entailed. Give me a key to Gramercy Park or a gated street and I'll never complain again. Or at least, not as much.

Taking it Back

2011-11-13T19:42:00.001-08:00

I really can't buy anything new for a while so I made my dad send me my classic bass bucks. They've been sitting in my room since high school collecting dust. When he asked me if he should throw them out I replied with an emphatic No! I can dust these suckers off and wear them now. I had these shoes in every size from first grade until my feet stopped growing. I will always love them.

What I Did This Weekend

2011-10-31T12:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend was nasty outside and I didn't make plans for Halloween so it was the perfect time to use my movie coupons. J and I went to see the Ides of March starring Ryan Gosling, of Mickey Mouse Club fame, and George Clooney. Has anyone else seen that video of Ryan breaking up a fight at Astor Place? He's just hot. J and I talked for hours after the movie. We were sitting on a bench outside the theater chatting when she thought she noticed Chris Rock entering the bathroom. J has an eagle eye when it comes to celebrity sightings. Despite his attempt at being stealth, he knew we'd spotted him as he walked toward the exit, and returned my huge smile with an even bigger one. It sure beat the death stare I once got from Matthew Broderick.

I also watched the Kim Kardashian wedding yesterday, only to find out she filed for divorce today. I wonder if she made money or lost money on the production.

The More Things You Will Know

2011-10-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

It's almost November and I'm not sure I've finished a single book given to me last Christmas. I've started a few. Just in time for a snowy weekend in the city I've decided to take some time to rectify this situation. I would like to have read 10 books this year. I know that avid readers will consider this cheating, but I am going to help myself reach this goal by listening to unabridged books on tape. I finished The Hobbit the other day and I'm already on chapter 6 of the The Scarlet Letter. My sister is the bibliophile in the family and I've always begged her to read to me because I love to hear them. I'm just not a fan of the reading part.

Can't Let Go

2011-10-20T07:43:00.000-07:00

Here are just five of the many skirts I've continued to rock since my middle school days. I'm so proud that they've stood the test of time. Fortunately, plaid, pleats, and argyle never go out of style.

You Can Never Have Too Many

2011-10-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Dresses. Especially if they're Kate Spade. My generous sister sent me these in the mail. I've already worn this one to work.

Kate Spade New York Amy

Kate Spade Fiona Leaf-Print Wrap Dress

The Fiona will be a bit of a challenge. Unlike this model, who must be 5'11", this dress comes halfway down my calf.

2011-10-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Last week was likely the last warm weekend in the city this year so I took the opportunity to wear the Kate Spade Floral Wynne and debut my new Hermes scarf. I wanted so badly to wear the scarf as a headband, but alas my head is just too small. I have so many talents and they are all academic. There is not one creative bone in this body so I am going to have to study some youtube videos if I really want to get my money's worth out of this scarf.

2011-10-14T13:34:00.000-07:00

These arrived yesterday in the mail. I love the way they look, but I hope they turn out to be comfortable walking around the city.

Corso Como Whiskey Leather

Fear

2011-10-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

The biggest thing holding me back right now is my neglect in conquering my fears. If I had greater confidence in certain areas I think my life would be so much more fun and full of adventure. One of my biggest fears is driving. I only drove for one year before starting college and since then I have driven only on occasion and only out of necessity. Overcoming this fear would inspire me to visit more places without public transportation and allow me to be a better road trip partner. Why do I feel like I am writing a college essay right now?

Another one of my fears is homelessness. I've had to move so many times in my life when I was unprepared to do so. I've lost most of my keepsakes, my baby book, and letters from high school boyfriends/friends during moves. In the last 3 years I have moved eight times. Every time, friends and/or movers have flaked out and I have had to do almost everything on my own. I have had a recurring dream for a couple of years now of being in an alley between two trash bins. I'm sitting on the ground wearing a trash bag and it's raining. Mostly, I blame this fear on my decision to attend law school in 2006. Had I forseen that by 2011 the legal profession would be the #1 worst profession for obtaining a job I would not have mortgaged my future. I am in constant fear of losing my job and becoming homeless. So instead of traveling, I put money in my emergency fund.

My biggest fear is that I will spend my whole life never being loved the way I have loved others. When I broke up with my boyfriend over two years ago, my friend J said "Oh you'll find someone. You have so much love." No one had ever said that to me before, but I realize now that my capacity to love other people is boundless. I have loved so many people unconditionally in my life and continue to do so despite all the heartache and pain they have inflicted upon me. I have forgiven the most heinous of betrayals and continued to love. The love I've received is fleeting whereas my love lasts a lifetime. When I look at myself in the mirror I see a princess, but other people see a frog. I'm terrified that only God will ever see the value of my virtue and that no one but God will ever truly love me. I can practice driving and I can pay down my law school debt, but I have no clue how to conquer this one.

Story of My Life Right Now

2011-10-11T15:20:00.000-07:00

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.' We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we're liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." Marianne Williamson

What I Did Today

2011-10-05T20:15:00.000-07:00

work
went to a taping of the Daily Show with Jon Stewart (guest Hugh Jackman!)
ran 1.5 miles
read the October issue of Seventeen magazine
watched 90210 and the X Factor while doing some yoga
ate a lot of lot of chocolate my dad brought me from Belgium
I also watched Suburgatory because my sister informed that Ana Gasteyer was wearing my new dress. I will be wearing it this weekend.

Today was a good day.

Sweets for the Sweet

2011-10-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

With my sister is in town I decided to try out a couple new bakeries in the city. First we tried the Donut Plant on the Lower East Side. The creme brulee donut was one of the best things I've ever tasted it and my sister seemed to like it even more than I did. I also recommend the tres leches. LES is really the best place for desserts in this world.

The next day we went to Billy's Bakery on Franklin Street in Tribeca, right down the street from Mariah Carey's apartment. My pink cupcake with butter cream icing was bleh. I would rank pretty far down on my list of cupcake places. My sister got the seasonal pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese frosting. It was delicious. It wasn't too sweet and the cake part tasted more like a spice cake than too overly pumpkin. I wish everyone could taste it all over the world so everyone could experience that happiness that I did in that moment.

Something New

2011-10-01T19:11:00.000-07:00

I've been scouring websites for inexpensive items to fill out my wardrobe and yesterday I bought this skirt for 17.98 at H&M.

All the advice about investing in coats, bags, and shoes while spending less on clothes is finally starting to sink in. Nevertheless my sister spotted this super cute coat and now I'm thinking that a couple inexpensive coats and jackets might be acceptable.

Fashion Bucket List

2011-09-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

Last week I got an Hermes silk scarf at their sample sale. After following a girl and her boyfriend around the room waiting for her to set it down, a random man set the same one on the table and I immediately snatched it up. I love hot pink so the solid scarf in Rose Mexique is perfect. I haven't worn it yet because I still have to figure out how I want to wear it. I definitely haven't figured out the halter top.

So when I told my friend B about the list of classic items I've wanted for years, this guy referred to it as a fashion bucket list. I guess you can call it that. Now I can check off #3 of ten. Shopping with no regrets is a high like no other.

What I Wore Today

2011-09-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

kate spade cafe melody dress, tory burch flats, sweater from ross

My black satin karolinas are in the dust bag behind me and you can't see my Chanel m/l classic flap bag which I finally got around to photographing. My camera phone really doesn't do it justice. After 3.5 months of owning this bag I am pleased to say that I have not seen anyone else with this bag (and I live in the east 60s on the Upper East Side!).

Reality Check

2011-09-14T19:52:00.000-07:00

http://www.creativeclass.com/whos_your_city/maps/#The_Singles_Map

Jackie O

2011-09-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

I just finished watching Jacqueline Kennedy: In Her Own Words and I found her to be so inspiring. I think I got my love for pearls, sunglasses, and jack rogers from watching her. Her patriotism, loyalty, and love for reading struck me even more than her style. She revitalized the White House and worked to procure items of historical importance. She spoke several languages, and educated herself about current events. Sometimes I get so frustrated with women. It seems the more attractive and well groomed the lady, the more vacuous I find her to be. It's so refreshing to see an example of a woman with great style who didn't abandon attention to her character and intellect in order to achieve it. She told Ms. Magazine "It's sad, so many women of [her] generation were never encouraged to use the full power of their minds." Sadly, I can say the same for mine.

Coming this Fall

2011-09-09T10:38:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that I am a girl's girl. Here are the new shows I'm excited about for fall and all of them star talented ladies I love to root for. I'm ready to set my DVR!

Staying in Touch

2011-09-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

I've lost touch with most of my friends in the past couple of years. It's really hard to want to call people and keep in touch when there is nothing new to say. People keep getting new jobs, getting engaged, getting pregnant . . . and nothing's happened here. In the past two years I've grown spiritually and I've become healthier than ever but no one cares about that. What's really scary is that I've gone from being super extroverted to spending a lot of time by myself. What does that mean? I might as well move to the country.

Interests

2011-08-31T07:20:00.000-07:00

For some time I have been lamenting the fact that I have no hobbies. All I ever really did was school because my parents "couldn't afford" to put me in gymnastics or ballet. I'm also a quitter. I tried to learn how to crochet and knit. I've played piano, flute, and the recorder. None of it really went anywhere. However I do have interests.

• Days of Our Lives – With the exception of my college years, I have been an avid viewer since 1993. I have watched as many old episodes as I can pull up on youtube including the first four that aired in 1965.

• Mysteries – I have always loved Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes and any Christian mystery series I can find. My favorite board game is Clue. My dream is to one day go on a full blown murder mystery weekend.

• Admissions standards – There isn’t a good college in America that I don’t know all about. I started my college search in the 7th grade. In 10th grade I filled a large filing cabinet with all the brochures I received from schools around the country that liked my PSAT score. My obsession has now extended to private prep schools in Manhattan.

• The Bible – I have read the KJV, NIV, and New Revised Standard Version. I plan to make my way through The Message soon. I don’t know what my parents did but by the age of 3 I knew all the answers to the hundreds of questions from a board game called “From Egypt to Canaan.” Bible has been my favorite subject from elementary school through the present. It is by far my most expert subject.

When people inevitably ask me what I like to do for fun, I don't have much to say other than that I watch an obscene amount of television. But, I do have my interests and that will just have to be enough.

It's Not Right But It's Okay

2011-08-18T07:56:00.001-07:00

My friend J and I went to Holey Cream this week and had donut ice cream sandwiches. I had never heard of such a thing, but as a lover of all things sweet I nearly lost my mind when I saw it offered. They sliced a glazed donut in half. On the bottom half I had a scoop of mint chip, red velvet, and belgian dark chocolate ice cream. Then they dipped the top half in strawberry frosting. Then they told me I could have unlimited toppings and I just went buck wild. I had andes mints, chocolate chips, oreos, and all manner of other nonsense on top of my sandwich. Here is mine. The one on the bottom is J's. I was so jealous of her's because I didn't see the gummy bears!

A Penny Saved

2011-08-11T10:44:00.001-07:00

Hopefully this palm-print vintage fleur dress from Kate Spade will be my last splurge for a while. I contemplated getting a new dress for a wedding this weekend. Instead, I took my dress to the tailor to take in a few sizes. We'll see how long this lasts.

Parlez-Vous Anglais?

2011-08-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

Montreal is beautiful. If I had to live outside of America, it would be top on my list. I had so many new experiences there and found the people to be lovely. I had many firsts including:
(1) going to Canada
(2) gambling (I lost $4 CAD)
(3) paddle boating (at Mont Royal but I dunno if that's really what it's called)
(4) tasting French macaroons (They are delicious!)

So I've kept my weight off for going on two years now. I traveled to Newport and Canada. I've actually paid off 18% of my law school loans and it's only August! So there is only one thing left to justify my chanel bag.

Number Nine

2011-07-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Kate Spade Karolina in Strawberry

I think I have a problem. These babies came in the mail yesterday. I realize that since I moved into my place last September, I have purchased 5 or 6 of these bad boys. I haven't been on a week long vacation to a foreign country in three years. People keep getting married and having babies and birthdays and they all require gifts. Kate Spade keeps making Karolinas in new colors that I have to have and new dresses that I absolutely cannot possibly live without. In fact, I just purchased another one today. Don't even get me started on Chanel.

During law school there was a 6 month period when I just didn't buy any clothes. I think I may just have to resurrect that lifestyle. It's so embarassing to be turning 30 soon and to not have been anywhere. I will be going to Montreal this weekend. So that's a start.

What I Did This Weekend

2011-07-25T12:44:00.000-07:00

I did absolutely nothing this weekend and it was fabulous. My Saturday night was spent chatting on the phone with my sister and watching the last episode of the Voice. Of course I could only really enjoy it because the past couple of weeks have been so hectic. I did manage to do a few loads of laundry, watch Friends With Benefits with my dear friend J, and pick up this beauty at the Lilly store on Madison.

Blossom Dress Embroidered in Starfruit Yellow

The Look For Less

2011-07-15T06:52:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to see "Baby It's You" on Broadway and I was inspired by the 50s style clothing the women wore. I have a vision:

50s Housewife by jennifermg featuring flower dresses

But, with all my recent purchases, it wouldn't be prudent to buy exactly what I want. This is what I really want.

Kate Spade Floral Wynn Dress

Unfortunately it's $495. ModCloth has this dress for 69.99.

Fresh Bouquet Dress

Forever 21 has this dress for $17.80.

Sweetheart Roses

Hmmmm

Big Homes in the Smallest State

2011-07-07T12:04:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I was supposed to go to Nantucket, but ended up in Newport, RI instead. It's a beautiful New England town that I'd never visited. While there we went to see the famous Vanderbilt mansion, Breakers. It was enormous and exquisite. I once lived in a house with over 20 rooms. It could not compare to this place with it's intricate design features and construction. We couldn't take pictures inside these places so I just got images from google. They are bad. I am lazy.

We also went to Rosecliff. I was particularly excited because the Robert Redford version of The Great Gatsby was filmed there. I actually preferred it to Breakers.

People can still have parties there. According to the audio tour, a man once rented the entire place for himself and his wife on their anniversary. How romantic! After 11 years of apartment living, I can admire the beauty of these homes, but my aspiration remains a Classic 6, or 7.

How Rude

2011-06-29T14:06:00.000-07:00

My coworker just came and sat down at a computer nearby. She is popping her gum incessantly. Earlier today she was loudly chewing cheetos with her mouth open. I try not to let all the loud slurping and teeth sucking at work bother me, but it's simply more than I can bare. People can behave however they prefer when in the privacy of their own offices, but while we are working in this small space, I would really appreciate if these people would have the decency to eat quietly. Lately, I've been wanting to bring a copy of Emily Post's Etiquette into work. It's pretty big so I figure I can knock people out with it when they start being impolite.

Who Says NYU Isn't Preppy?

2011-06-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

Not Brooks Brothers, which is going to produce college sweaters and polos for 15 schools including NYU. Sign me up. I love to rep my alma mater!

http://gawker.com/5815919/brooks-brothers-inadvertently-reveals-americas-whitest-colleges

What I Had For Lunch Today

2011-06-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

Roasted cauliflower sandwich from Num Pang, a new Cambodian American sandwich shop near Grand Central Station. I noticed a long line outside this place during my noon break and decided to check it out this afternoon. It was delicious.

Shoetopia

2011-06-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

I got them all out to look at them together. They're always in the boxes because I don't have a shoe rack or shelving in my closet. One day I will have a beautiful walk-in closet and will be able to easily see and access all of my clothes and accessories. On that day I will know that I have finally made it.

P.S. I am wearing my Blayney Ruffle Dress in Multi Curves for National Wear Your Lilly Day

Don't Judge Me

2011-06-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I could start to relax from my intense schedule of spring television programming, along comes the summer season with enough shows to keep me from the active social life I should be having. What happened to summer reruns? I cannot not watch

The Bachelorette
Covert Affairs
Love Bites (starring Becki Newton from Ugly Betty!)
Pretty Little Liars
The World According to Paris
Royal Pains

Ok. You can judge me. I don't care.

It's Always Nice to Be Asked

2011-06-15T19:12:00.000-07:00

Even though I didn't find anything, I had fun looking and talking to the other girls who escaped work for some 10am shoe shopping.

The Lullaby of Broadway

2011-06-09T08:12:00.001-07:00

I have always said that my favorite thing to do in the city is to go to Broadway shows. Well it's already June and the only thing I'd seen so far this year was Kathy Griffin Wants A Tony. With the Tony Awards coming up this Sunday I knew I had to rectify this situation. So, last night J and I went to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying starring Danielle Radcliffe and John Larroquette. The show was right up my alley. It reminded me of Thoroughly Modern Milly with the office setting and old fashioned costumes. There was lots of dancing. I love when a show is a big song and dance. That is what broadway is really all about.

On Sunday, I went to see Rock of Ages with L. Now that Constantine Maroulis is on tour in it, I could truly sit back and enjoy the show without the annoyance of a poor singer and even worse actor. I thought it was a lot of fun. It's nothing serious, but the music is fun and the guy playing the lead has and awesome voice.

Waity Katie

2011-06-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

I am so fortunate to have acquired 3 fabulous Kate Spade dresses for the summer thanks in part to my generous sister and also to my tremendous patience in waiting for sales. I have been terrified that two of them would sell out at retail price. Thankfully it worked out just in time for great weather. It's comforting to know that there are over 20 flattering and timeless dresses in my closet just waiting for the right occasion to come along. Here's to having a much better summer than the last and to clothes that never go out of style. I am so blessed.

Melody

Natalia polka-dot

Striped Rosette Sutro

Yummm

2011-06-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

I think I've had whole wheat pancakes at some point in my life but I just can't remember. My Memorial Day weekend was spent on the beach in Southampton. We did a lot of fun things but I cannot stop thinking about the whole wheat pancakes I had at Babette's in East Hampton. I got the Jo Mama, which had everything I could ever want in a breakfast: eggs, french toast, whole wheat pancake, fruit, and oatmeal. It was like a buffet on my plate.

How Cool is This?

2011-05-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

The Best Clothes I Never Buy

2011-05-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

J. McLaughlin
Lanvin
Leifsdottir
Marc Jacobs Collection
Theory

Social Climbers

2011-05-10T13:45:00.000-07:00

My small group has been reading The Science of God for the last couple months. When I was ordering it, I knew I would need a more fun book to reward myself with along the way. So I got Social Climbers. I'm so happy I did. I don't really know how to describe it and it wasn't what I expected. Reading about Philadelphia Society was a nice change. Totally made me long for Rittenhouse Square. She describes everyone's outfits in detail througout the book. Love that. There are also these incredibly detailed and funny lists at the end of chapters describing how to tell an SC. There are also some surprisingly honest moments at the end of a book for which I am a total sucker.

I'm With Coco

2011-05-05T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's official. The Chanel 2.55 reissue I was planning to purchase for my 30th birthday will have a price increase of $500 on June 1st. This past season they came out with a version with black hardware. No gold. No silver. Just black. It is my ultimate bag fantasy. Fortunately, I got the last one at the 57th street store last Friday and had it shipped to my sister in South Carolina. Well my sister was fortuitously home from work when the Fedex man came today. She didn't even have time to open the package but she did send me a pic. I told her she can open it and use it for the next couple of weeks until I vist. I hope she does. It's far too beautiful to be left sitting in a box!

Forever Young

2011-04-27T12:44:00.000-07:00

When my friend M came to visit last month, she commented that I never age. This is a comment I get from southern friends a lot and I never feel like spilling my secrets. Well today I have finally decided to spill. One major thing I do not do, is get consistent sleep and my youthful look is definitely NOT genetic. I do the regular things like always wear sunscreen, sunglasses, moisturize, and take vitamins. But here are the things that really distinguish me from my aging friends.

5. I don't have children. I want them more than an Hermes Kelly, but I don't have them.

4. I have never taken work home with me. Law school was immensely stressful and I'm positive it will be responsible for taking many years off my life. Aside from that, I have never consistently worked long hours. When I had sensitive accounts as an accountant in the music industry, or when I have held clients' financial well beings in my hands, I have always kept a clock in/clock out mentality. I work to live, something I learned from my parents, and not very New Yorkerish of me. Compartmentalizing is key.

3. Diet. I eat at pint or more of blueberries at least twice a week. Blueberries are so cheap these days and I have convinced myself that they are the perfect food. I don't eat any meat at all. I'm not vegan, but I only drink rice milk. The number one vice keeping me from looking my best is cheese. I also stick to whole grains. The key here is that my parents raised me on whole grains, and to abstain from meat, coffee and alcohol. It is sticking to these things consistently rather than adopting them as an adult that makes all the difference in my opinion.

2. Something terribly sad happened to me last night so today I watched Chris Rock being interviewed on Inside the Actor's Studio. I make sure I watch or read something funny at least 6 days a week. Laughter is the best medicine. People who smile more live longer. There are very few comedians who can make me laugh. It is a short list: Kathy Griffin, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle, Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy and Carol Burnett. That's it! I watched the Hangover and didn't laugh one time. I have high standards. I watch Modern Family, The Office, and Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List. I read the Boondocks and Fox Trot. It helps.

1. This is the most important of all. I didn't start wearing makeup until a few years ago. I never ever go out in the sun in makeup.

Now you know.

Purging

2011-04-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

My dad bought land on the beach in Liberia a couple of years ago. He had this crazy idea about moving there and starting a school and blah blah blah. So he wants me to once again go through my closet and pick out all the things I don't want. That is a huge problem for me. I can be a bit of a hoarder. My clothes are all classic, so unless they don't fit or they get stains on them, I want to keep them forever. One thing I can get rid of is shoes. I am going to let go of every pair of heels that is uncomfortable. That means every pair that isn't Kate Spade. One day I want to have a walk in closet so that I can see all of my lovely clothes on display. Then I will know I have really made it.

Lucky #7

2011-04-15T03:09:00.000-07:00

So my Karolina collection is racking up rather quickly. I need to stop, but I am addicted to comfortable heels. The other night I walked from my office on 50th and Lexington to the Yale Club, in the rain, with no discomfort at all. The Soho store was totally sold out, so when these popped up on the website again I nabbed them as quickly as possible. They are a total party on my feet. Love.

Hollywood Dreams

2011-04-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

I am still recovering from the sleep deprovation that was last week. I went to my friend J's wedding in downtown Los Angeles and it was a lot of running around. (I cannot even begin to explain how much I love J and how much I loved her wedding so I will not even try.) Coming off of the past three months of being busy busy busy I decided I would take this week to slow it down by catching up on some reading and watching tv. I think I am gonna try going home more after work next week too. Also, I stayed over for a couple nights at my friend S's apartment in West Hollywood. I want to move there. Seriously. I am looking into it. I know it would mean having to buy a car and having to drive that car and having to parallel park - yikes! But, for it to be sunny and warm so often. To be situated just north of LA, just east of Beverly Hills, and smack dab in the middle of Hollywood. Wow. Los Angeles is the only place other than the city where I've ever gone and felt immediately at home. It's the only other place where I can look at its residents and think of how lucky they are to actually live there. Two places I would love to visit again: Porto's Bakery in Glendale has some awesome pastries. I still need to go back and try the guava and cheese that J was raving about. The Griddle Cafe on Sunset Boulevard was listed as the best brunch in Hollywood and it did not disappoint one bit. My other friend J and I loved it. I need to go back here so I can try the red velvet pancakes. We wanted to return but ran out of time. We also went to the Scarlett Tea Room in Pasadena which was also lovely. Next paycheck, I will start saving for a car.

I'm a Charlotte

2011-03-31T09:11:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a coworker was admiring my bright green Kate Spade bag. She said, "You know who you remind me of? Kristen Davis on Sex and the City." I have never heard this before, but I take it as a huge complement. I told her that Charlotte is my favorite one, but I doubt she realized that she made my whole day. It sure beats the usual . . . "Has anyone ever told you that you look like Alanis Morrisette?"

The Velvet Rope

2011-03-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

or Why My Church Should Relocate to the Meatpacking District

Two Tuesdays ago I went to Tenjune for the first time in a couple of years. Tenjune is a club in the meatpacking district that has a "doorman's discretion" policy. Over the years I have learned what they like so I was complemented on my heels and walked right past the velvet rope. I became bored with this scene five years ago when I realized how much I love to dance in sneakers, but I must say I had a lot of fun with my friend H and the DJ was perfection.

After 10 years of experiencing New York nightlife I have come to understand a few things about getting past the velvet rope. My friends come in a wide variety of heights, weights, ethnicities, and social classes. I was once being allowed past a velvet rope at Le Souk with my friend S. When the bouncer got a look at S's friends coming in behind us, we were all turned away. When I went to Apotheke with my friend J, the doorman actually came to the back of the line to escort us past the other ladies who'd been waiting. I've taken notice of all the patterns and have come to understand what "doorman's discretion" means.

Doormen are most likely to let you in you are tall, thin, attractive, well dressed (read: rich and sophisticated), and white. If you possess four of these five attributes you have a good chance. (If not you probably need to buy a bottle.) If you are white, or can pass for white, you can probably get away with just two more. In fact, you can tell when a formerly exclusive club is on its way out by how few Caucasians are still going. The sad irony is that many of these doormen are overweight undereducated men of color from outer boroughs i.e. the type most often turned away from the "best" clubs and lounges.

My church is located near Park Avenue on the Upper East Side. When I came back from law school, the demographic of the church had dramatically shifted in terms of race and class. If my church were a club in the Meatpacking District, the elders would be the bouncers. The church is like one of those clubs that used to be hot, but now that the b&t crowd's discovered it, it's no longer cool. Unwilling to let go, the elders have taken it upon themselves to make sure that only people with "a certain polish" are in leadership positions. Anybody might be able to enter through the front doors of the church, but to really get in it's easiest if you are highly educated, rich, attractive, and preferably white. If you are white, you really don't even need the other three, so long as you are well groomed and not a social pariah. If you are none of those things they will still welcome you, to cook their meals and clean the fellowship hall. People claim to have been "banned" and "dechurched" by the elders for nefarious reasons and it's really not hard to believe.

It really is like an exclusive club. You know the door policy is harsh and unfair, but once you get inside you're having so much fun, you forget all about the people still waiting out in the cold (or those just flat out turned away.) In fact, you feel flattered to have made the cut. I'm not gonna lie. I preferred my church when it was largely highly educated, all-American, Manhattanites. It's easier to be around people like myself. But I don't believe heaven has a velvet rope, so church shouldn't either.

You Know How Picky I Am About My Shoes Daddy, And They Only Go On My Feet

2011-03-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

I am thrilled to have added a sixth pair of Kate Spade Karolinas to my collection.

Natural Roccia Python

My first college roomate, a good friend from law school, and my best friend from childhood came to visit the city this weekend. It was so fun. I am totally exhausted. My friend M and I reminisced about Clueless and how we used to say that we were friends because we both know what it's like for people to be jealous of us. I'm pretty sure that I still have that movie memorized.

New Favorite

2011-03-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Diane Von Furstenburg Dugan Top in Tiny Simple Stripe Nude/Navy

I got this top last weekend and it's my new favorite. I use to only spend money on jeans/pants because I didn't like my lower half. Now, for the first time in my life, I love my arms, and I think that justifies raiding my $20 limit for non-work shirts. Hooray.

Don't You Think It's Strange?

2011-03-22T18:59:00.000-07:00

I think it's strange when people take food and drink products into the bathroom with them. I think it's gross. Today a coworker practically followed me into the stall because she left her water. I handed it to her, but I was totally grossed out. Why not leave her water at her cube? I washed my hands like crazy. I will now forever associate her with this incident. I have so many bathroom phobias.

2011-03-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

My very good friend J asked me to be her bridal assistant for her LA wedding coming up on April 3. She seemed sheepish about asking me, but I was so honored and excited. I figure I get to hang out with her on the most important day of her life, rather than get the 30 seconds everyone else will get. Plus I don't have to spend the $300 on dress and alterations inevitable if I'd been in the wedding party. She and the groom are only having one attendant each, their sisters. I think that's sweet.

So I was looking into things that a bridal assistant should carry around and I sure wouldn't have thought of it all on my own, (Brush/comb, Cell phone, Dental floss (for all those photos!), Emery board, Extra panty hose, Hair spray, Handkerchief, Makeup, Mints, Mirror, Legal documents, contact solution, bobby pins, scissors, needle and thread, and safety pins. There's more but my arms can only carry so much. I don't think most people would be so excited about this job. Perhaps I chose the wrong career.

Fusion

2011-03-08T08:56:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy lately that I never even have time to do laundry. I'm trying to avoid sending it out but yikes! At one point I hadn't done any for three weeks. It's getting warmer and I've started going out more and more. I've gone to all the places on my To Do List, and more. No more movies for me.
I recently went to see an Off Broadway show called Love, Loss, and What I Wore. It's by Nora Ephron and had a revolving cast. We saw it with Sabrina Labouf (from the Cosby Show :)) and Orpheh, a huge Mariah fan and actress I met years ago when I went to see the Great American Trailer Park Musical with my friend K. The show was hilarious and I would highly recommend as something to see with your girlfriends, Mom, sister, etc.

Sunday night I went to the Fusion Fashion Show at the Parson School of Design (where they filmed Project Runway) with my friend L. It's a competition between 15 students from the freshman and sophomore classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Parsons School of Design. Each student got to show 6 looks and I was really impressed with the creativity of such young students. I love creative people. They always inspire me.

Next week I'm going to see Kathy Griffin Wants a Tony with my friend S. I am a huge fan and I can't wait.

My Picks for Best . . .

2011-02-25T17:23:00.000-08:00

Supporting Actress - Hailee Steinfeld
Supporting Actor - Mark Ruffalo
Animated Short Film - The Lost Thing although I also love Day and Night, and the Gruffalo

Animated Feature - Toy Story 3
Art Direction - Alice in Wonderland
Costume Design - Alice in Wonderland
Original Score - How to Train Your Dragon
Original Song - Tangled "I See the Light"
Actress - Annette Bening
Actor - James Franco
Picture - The Kids Are All Right

My First Chanel

2011-02-24T15:20:00.000-08:00

While walking through Soho on the day before my birthday, I discovered the most fabulous second hand store on earth called Roundabout. I'm not much of a vintage person, but I fell in love with this silk Chanel skirt:
It really doesn't photograph well. In person it is magnificent and soft and perfect. Plus, vintage is good for the environment.

Happy Birthday to me.

How To Train Your Dragon

2011-02-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

This movie was adorable. It's no Tory Story 3, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Now if I can only find someone to watch the Illusionist with me, I will have seen all the animation nominations for the Academy Awards. I am definitely more excited for this year's show than last. I love Anne Hathaway. And I LOVE James Franco.

To Do List

2011-02-09T15:24:00.000-08:00

I really need to get out more. While the weather has been great for my reading and movie life, it has really taken a toll on my social life.

Better Being Underground
An underground lunch spot that's only open from 12pm to 4pm.

The Blind Barber
A barbershop/lounge in the East Village.

Once Upon a Tart
Yummy looking tarts in the West Village.

Death and Co
Speakeasy with a truffle mac&cheese.

I also want to go back here:
Stuffed Artisan Cannolis
I consider myself something of a cannoli connoisseur. My friend J and I stumbled upon this place last summer when I was living on the Lower East Side and we were on the wait list for the Clinton Street Bakery. Mint Chocolate Chip cannoli = bliss.

Dilemma

2011-02-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

How is one to live her life like she was dying if it's highly likely that her life would continue for the next 50 years? If I knew I only had a month left I would spend all my savings going on trips and having lots of fun. I would also engage in higher risk behavior than is typical for me. It just really aggravates me when people say to live life right now. How can I do that when I am supposed to act responsibly to preserve my reputation and save for the future?

What I Did Today

2011-02-01T23:57:00.000-08:00

10 hour work day

Read the Great Gatsby, The Trousseau by Chekhov and this week's Entertainment Weekly.

Watched an episode of Royal Pains.

Half an hour of Yoga

Not bad for a wintry day. I have finally mastered the art of being all alone. It's fabulous. I can get so much more done.

Ooh La La

2011-01-18T12:03:00.001-08:00

It seems that I have finally mastered the Rue La La auction thing. I still can't remember to sign on at 11am, but fortunately at noon there were still some cute things left in my size at quite a bargain. I got these in the mail yesterday and they fit so well. Lilly sizes make me feel skinny. :) Lilly Pulitzer Liddy Full Sun

Lilly Pulitzer Chapman, but in Shorely Blue

Hibernation

2011-01-18T10:31:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to do much besides eat and watch movies when the city is so nasty outside. So I've been spending my weekends doing a little of both. I went to see True Grit about a week ago with a few friends. I heard it was a western so I was really dreading it. Much to my surprise the story revolves around a young lady trying to avenge her father's death. I was hooked from the beginning. When I heard western, for some reason I pictured Brokeback Mountain aka The Most Boring Movie I Have Ever Sat Through In My Entire Life. Fortunately, there was lots of dialogue. Jeff Bridges and Matt Damon were funny and awesome.

This past weekend I went to Cafeteria for the first time. I had a Passion Palmer, a little variation on one of my favorite drinks, the Arnold Palmer, that replaces lemonade with passion fruit juice. Yummy. I also had their much raved about mac & cheese. It was delicious and I am craving more as I write this. I also had a generous slice of red velvet cake. Who know why it has taken me so long to go there. I will definitely be back soon. P.S. The waiters are hot and wear suspenders.

Then I went to see the Black Swan. I hate Natalie Portman, but I love Mila Kunis. This movie was a bit ridiculous and it's overhyped. I am fascinated by ballerinas though. I lived with 3 when I was in Minneapolis and it was lots of fun. Whoever did the footwork for Natalie's character was amazing.

So far 2011 is looking like a fun year, even if spent mostly indoors.

Longing for Spring

2011-01-14T18:14:00.000-08:00

It snowed again this week and I have been wearing my yellow Hunter wellies for the past three days. I got this dress the day after Thanksgiving and I would love to wear it.

Vineyard Vines Polo Dress

Alas it seems as if I will not get a chance unless I go on some sort of tropical vacay.

Somewhere

2011-01-06T12:21:00.000-08:00

Lost In Translation. Hated it.
Somewhere. Liked it.

As my friend J says, these rich kids like Sofia Coppola are painfully self-indulgent when it comes to there "art." J hated it but I liked it because it gave me a little window into Chateau Marmount, a place that has always fascinated me. I can't say I would recommend this movie. There's not a lot of dialogue. It mostly captures mundane moments of a rich spoiled actor's life (Stephen Dorff). The most captivating parts involve the daughter (Elle Fanning) he neglects. Award season is here and I've only seen cartoons. Did I mention that I watched Toy Story 3 with my sister and balled like a little baby. I wasn't even hormonal. It was bananas. That's my vote for Best Picture. So far anyway.

I've Got My Hopes Set High

2011-01-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

There's an Amy Grant song that goes "I've got my hope set high. That's why I came tonight." That is me all the time. I try with all my might to set low expectations and not get my hopes up. It's not possible. Every time I head out for a party, a night out, or a date, I always have high hopes. No amount of trying to trick myself out of disappointment works. I can feel myself doing it all over again now. I'm excited. I'm excited over nothing really. I know in my head that it's foolish, yet there is this part of me that wants to believe that being happy and in love could be in my immediate future.

When you are single, people will always believe it is your fault and that there is something wrong with you. They are wrong. Nonetheless, one of the things I liked about being in a relationship was the lack of judgment from people who are in them. It's been a year and a half almost. I think I'm due for some wish fulfillment.

What I Got

2011-01-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

I was blessed with some lovely gifts for Christmas such as,

Lilly Pulitzer Sabine Shirtdress

Lilly Pulitzer Shauna Tunic Dress Embroidered

Tory Burch gold metallic flats

William Rast Savoy Flare jeans

amongst other lovely things like books, and lotion, and a down coat from J Crew that I am absolutely loving. 2010 ended in a far superior manner than 2009. It can only get better from here and I refuse to believe anything else.

Better Late Than Never

2011-01-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

In 2011 I resolve to

1. Maintain the weight, just like I did last year
2. Go to a new American city
3. Go to a foreign country (unlike last year)
4. Pay off 16% of my loans
5. Not care about my ex boyfriend at all

If I can do all that, I will reward myself with a Chanel bag.

Let's Go To the Movies

2010-12-28T05:33:00.000-08:00

One thing I love about Christmas time is all the awesome movies. These two were awesome:

Reese Witherspoon can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned. Her character in this movie was so endearing sincere. Owen Wilson was hilarious too.

You're not really a New Yorker if . . .

2010-12-27T15:49:00.000-08:00

People have mistaken me for a long life New Yorker since the day my dad dropped me off at NYU 10 years ago. There are people in the city we refer to as b&t because they have to cross a bridge or tunnel to get into Manhattan. There are other people who move here for a year or two for a specific reason but leave because they just don't belong here. I call them tourists. All of these people are easily identifiable:

You're not really a New Yorker if . . .

10. You pronounce Houston Street like "Hew"ston rather than "How"ston
9. You hang out in Times Square for any reason other than to go see a Broadway show.
8. You amble rather than walk with speed and purpose.
7. You don't understand the difference between streets and avenues.
6. You still believe that Steve Madden, Aldo, and/or Nine West make decent shoes.
5. You drive
4. You eat at Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday's, or Red Lobster. Gross.
3. Crowd around street/subway performers who are 90% hype
2. You go to any nightclub in Chelsea or Times Square on a Friday or Saturday night.
1. You can't make proper distinctions between the East Village, the Lower East Side, Soho, and Nolita etc.

Love and Other Drugs Trailer 2010 HD

2010-12-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

Anne Hathaway has come a long way since The Princess Diaries. I thought this movie was funny and touching. It must have been good since I wasn't checking my phone the entire time like I was during Eat Pray Love, which I think is the last movie I sat through in the theater.

7 out of 12

2010-12-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

When I made my 2010 resolutions, I truly believed that 2010 couldn't possibly be worse than 2009. Four apartments and one car crash later I realize that you can't always change your situation, hard work doesn't necessarily get you anywhere, and things can always get worse.

Well I didn't go anywhere new or even go to see the statue of liberty. I did however manage to stay in shape for the longest period of my life that I ever have, I found an inexpensive apartment that I love, and I exceeded my expectations by paying off over 10% of my students loans. Overall, I think this year is wrapping up nicely. I definitely have more friends than last year. But I mostly feel numb.

Another Pair

2010-12-03T01:23:00.000-08:00

My trip to Woodbury Commons last week was quite the success. I have now added a fifth pair of Kate Spade Karolinas, in plaid tartan, to my collection

Great Quote

2010-12-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

"Wouldn't you rather live someplace else than die in New York?" . . . "Meryl?" . . . "I'm thinking." -- SJP in Did You Hear About the Morgans?

Alex P. Keaton

2010-12-01T11:39:00.000-08:00

Aren't sweater vests adorable? The best thing about Republicans is the way they dress. I have been watching old episodes of Family Ties lately and Alex P. Keaton is so cute. Michael J. Fox was on an episode of The Good Wife a couple weeks ago and it got me in the mood for one of my favorite shows from the 80s. I watched Spin City, Life with Mikey, and Back to the Future, but Family Ties is the absolute greatest.

Words of Wisdom

2010-11-21T16:49:00.001-08:00

If you cry over a guy, then your friends can't date him. It can't even be considered. -- Taylor Swift

Black Friday

2010-11-16T21:14:00.000-08:00

So I was all psyched to go to Woodbury Commons the day after Thanksgiving. I had even picked out all the things I wanted to buy in my mind: Burberry trench, DVF wrap dress, Tory flats, J Crew t-shirts. etc. Unfortunately, life through me a curve ball and it looks like maybe I will just get the flats and some t-shirts. It seems as though any time I think I'm starting to get into a financially comfortable situation, something happens to set me back. I can never seem to really get ahead. Why?

For someone who like me, someone who loves outlet shopping more than anything, Woodbury sounds like the holy grail. I mean Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Chanel, Diane von Furstenburg, J Crew, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Lacoste, Tory Burch, Vineyard Vines. I just hope I can contain myself.

First Time for Everything

2010-11-11T11:37:00.000-08:00

I am really not a makeup person, but my friend Y took me to Sephora last week to give me some tips. Out of everything we tried, I went home with this. Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes Mascara is truly eyelash changing. It makes my lashes go on forever. I never thought I would post makeup anything but I suppose there really is a first time for everything.

It's A Lilly

2010-11-09T17:32:00.000-08:00

My friend J is a music teacher at Diller-Quaile and she invited me to come shopping at the Madison Avenue Lilly store and help support her school in the process.

It was so much fun trying on dresses and such a great excuse to buy this:

Blayney Ruffle Dress in Multi Curves

I Just Don't Get It

2010-11-08T13:29:00.000-08:00

I love short shorts and long pants but I just don't get capris.

I love Kate Spade and Marc Jacobs but I just don't get Coach.

I love Chanel and Burberry but I just don't get Louis Vuitton.

I love pink and I love blue but I just don't get purple.

I love high heels and flats but I just don't get kitten heels.

Anthropologie

2010-11-02T16:38:00.000-07:00

I can't take it any more. I have tried so long to avoid this place because there are never any good sales. The only thing I've gotten from Anthropologie at this point is a headband. But. After watching Emma Pillsbury rock this skirt from Anthropologie (that I'd been wanting) on last week's episode of Glee I know have a new place to bleed me dry of all my hard earned money.

I must have it. It would go perfectly with this sweater that Emma were on Glee a few weeks ago and as did one of Blair minions on Gossip Girl last week.

Don't Want to Be An American Idiot

2010-10-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

I heart Green Day. I heart Broadway. This show was tons of fun.

Petite Abeille

2010-10-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

My friend J and I went here for brunch and it was so yummy. I mostly ask for a cheddar cheese omelette everywhere I go and in the city you mostly get white cheddar. Well Petite Abeille has orange cheddar and I was so happy. It may be all in my head but I just think orange cheddar tastes better.

Friend Divorce

2010-10-24T16:28:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to a superhero/villain party dressed as Wonder Woman. I had never been to American Apparel before Friday evening, but I must say it was a great experience. I walked in and told them I wanted to be Wonder Woman. They found me a gold headband, red knee socks, blue shorts, and a red tank top in a couple minutes. I don't think I will be going back until maybe next year around this time, but I was certainly impressed.

My childhood best friend M called this morning and told me how she has to divorce yet another friend. Her friend L came for the weekend and spent the majority of the time making catty remarks. At one point L kicked her puppy. M thinks I should divorce my other friend M. My other friend M has several men in her life that treat me like garbage and she does not care. I don't want a divorce, but it's starting to seem inevitable.

Halloween is coming and I am so excited for my costume. I cannot wait.

La Cage Aux Folles

2010-10-10T19:06:00.000-07:00

Such a great musical. It won the Tony for Best Musical Revival this year and I can see why. It was hilarious. Only downside: Kelsey Grammer cannot sing.

Shoegasm

2010-10-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

Kate Spade Karolina Twirl

Kate Spade Silver Lizard Karolina

Kate Spade Camel Karolina

Tory Burch Gold Metallic Flats

Tory Burch Black Patent Flats

Full Circle

2010-09-29T15:49:00.000-07:00

After moving four times this summer I have finally found some peace. I am now situated comfortably in the safest part of the safest neighborhood in New York City. I have no plans to move again unless it's to get married or leave the city or both. I went from the Upper East Side to Harlem to the Upper West Side down to the Lower East Side and am now back to the Upper East Side. The Lower East Side was my favorite though I do not miss the fifth floor walk-up. Yikes! I am now just a hop skip and a jump away from Dylan's Candy Bar. I have also been able to walk to work for the past two weeks. I have not fallen in love with New York all over again. But maybe one day I will.