Lissie

One of my favorite pop-rock country crooners, Lissie, is back and better than ever. Dropping October 8th, Back To Forever, the Illinois singer’s follow-up to her 2010 debut, is ready to showcase her soft folk charm all over again to her adoring fans. The reviews state that the album is still as bluesy and soulful as the first, containing soft lyrics which are scattered over a punchy 80's pop backdrop.

Lissie has leaked a handful of songs from this album but my favorite to date is They All Want You. Check it out below and tell me what you think in the comments.

They All Want You - Lissie

NYC Fall Guide 2013

Oh Fall, I love when you show up right after my birthday. As any New Yorker will tell you, it's the best season in Manhattan.  I am obsessed with your crispy weather, leaves that change, pumpkin flavored treats (food or delicious smelling candles), and Autumnal fashions. Inspired by my friend Deborah's recent post on her blog "The Sunday Blog" and my NYC Summer Guide, I decided to create my own NYC Fall Guide for some great activities to take advantage of this season all around the city. What are some things that you like to do in the city in the Fall?

 1. The 51st New York Film Festival will take place September 27th - October 13th. This is North America's second oldest film festival, running 17 days, continues to introduce audiences to the most exciting, innovative and accomplished works of world cinema. Two films to keep your eye out for are Ben Stiller's directorial debut The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Spike Jonze's Her with an all-star cast inclusive of Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, and Rooney Mara.

2. After you check out the NYFF, make sure to swing by the New Yorker Festival running October 4, 5, and 6. The program this year is filled with some phenomenal guests - Tavi Gevinson, Michelle Williams, Ethan Hawke, and Malcom Gladwell. The program I am most excited about is Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig talk with Ian Parker about their amazing film Frances Ha.

3.  Fall Theater season always brings its A-Game. Movie musicals continue to strut their stuff on the great white way and this season two of my favorite films are making their Broadway debut. My girlfriends and I have tickets in October to see Little Miss Sunshine at Second Stage Theater. Directed by the ever-so-talented James Lapine and starring the power house vocals of Stephanie J Block and Will Swenson. This is sure to be a hilarious and warm-hearted new musical. I am also excited to see Big Fish the Musical directed and choreographed by the award winning Susan Stroman.

4. Just before the drab, colorless winter months, MOMA PS 1, will hang some color in its halls. The museum is hosting the largest exhibition of Mike Kelley's work to date beginning October 13th and running through February 2nd. This exhibition will feature 200 works, including early pieces from the 1970s and my favorite Care Bear explosion.

5.  What to check out the behind-the-scenes of some of the most famous Big Apple buildings, make sure to pencil in Open House New York between Oct. 12 and 13. The participating buildings will be listed in early October. Some of last year's open houses included the Phillip Johnson-designed The Four Seasons restaurant and Grand Central Terminal.

6.  Bust out your inner Nancy Kerrigan and get ready to brace The Rink at Rockefeller Center. There is plenty of time to practice your double axles and triple loops because it is open from October 12th and running till April 2014. I love ice skating and will definitely be checking this out this season, especially because it is open late, late night session anyone (10:30pm - midnight)??

7. From October 15 - 19th over 1,000 bands will grace NYC's indie music scene for the annual CMJ festival.  Besides just music, there will also be an assortments of seminars, parties, meet-and-greets and panels. I will definitely be checking out my favorite acts Dan Croll and Panama Wedding.

8. If you missed the PUNK: Chaos to Couture exhibit this summer at the MET, fret no more, because the Brooklyn Museum is housing a spectacular exhibit this Fall. The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk will be on display from October 25th thru February 23rd 2014. This will showcase over 140 haute couture and prêt-à-porter ensembles, from the designers earliest to his most recent collections. 

9. One of my favorite activities in the Fall is to go Apple Picking. Grab a few friends (it helps when one of them has a car) and check out this guide for the top 11 farms located an hour or less outside of NYC. You usually can also pick up a pumpkins to carve for Halloween.

10. A neighborhood favorite will also take place this season. Next weekend, October 5th-6th and the following weekend October 11th and 12th the annual Lincoln Arts Autumn Craft Festival is taking place. Everyone can get an early start on their holiday shopping and support local artists and vendors.

Isabel Marant For H&M

Just when I thought that the Phillip Lim collab for Target couldn't get any better, Isabel Marant created a collab with everyone's favorite mass fashion retailer. Hitting the H&M shelves November 14th (just in time for the holidays), the ever-so-super-cool-bohemian chic-fashionista is dropping the coolest collection featuring all sorts of dresses, trousers and sleek coats. I picked out my favorite pieces below but head on over to Refinery 29 to check out the full lookbook.

Lola Wolf

When I think of Zoë Kravitz, two things come to mind:  She is the daughter of the musician Lenny Kravitz and she used to date Lonely Boy, Penn Badgley, from Gossip Girl. In addition to being born into the industry and dating someone famous, her wikipedia page states that she has also dabbled into modeling and movies. But let's push that all aside for a minute, because I think she is about to get her big break with a new band she is front running called "Lola Wolf." 

Take a listen to their new electronic pop single titled "Drive" and see for yourself. There isn't any other news on the internet regarding this band, but they are sure to be a big deal in the next coming months.

Drive - Lola Wolf

Fashion Meets Decor

I'll be the first to admit that the only magazine I still subscribe to is Teen Vogue. There is something about the magazine that continues to draw me in (even at 29) knowing full-heartedly that the average reader is probably around 16 years old. The same thoughts can apply to home decor and the lovely designers at Pottery Barn Teen. 

Pottery Barn Teen has teamed up with designers Emily Current and Meritt Elliott (formerly of Current/Elliot) for the ultimate shabby chic home furnishings line. The designers told WWD that their 37-piece collection (inclusive of furniture and accessories) is "Americana mixed with youthful charm."

Check out some of my favorite pieces from the collection which debuts online today but will hit select stores around the country on September 20th!

{Butteryfly Pillow Cover, Bloomer Pillow Covers, and Ticking Stripe Pillow Covers}

{Denim Chaise Lounge, Wardrobe Rack, Travelers Trunk, and Tree Trunk Side Table}

{Animal Wall Hooks, Weathervane Jewelry Holders, and Ring Holders}

NY Fashion Week Round Up - Spring 2014

Living on the Upper West Side has its perks. Close friends nearby, surrounded by great restaurants, steps away from Central Park, and of course so close to Lincoln Center - the epicenter of Fashion Week. These past few days, I've enjoyed walking the extra 20 blocks up or down, to catch a glimpse of celebrities, bloggers, and designers celebrating my favorite week of Fall in Manhattan. Although there have been no sightings just yet, I have been refreshing the internet every minute to catch my favorite designs from Spring 2014 runway shows. Check out my top picks below. Which show has been your favorite?

O P E N I N G  C E R E M O N Y

Taking influences from Paris, Orange County and Japanese cultures, Opening Ceremony's Spring collection navigated between upscale streetwear (either with exagerated t-shirts and basketball shorts) and a touch of elegance (savvy jacquards and crepes). It certainly tested the boundaries and brought a snazziness and charm to new silhouettes. 

C H R I S T I A N  S I R I A N O

It seems like just yesterday Christian Siriano was just a contestant on Project Runway, and now five years later, continues to dominate the industry, one runway show at a time. Each show proves to be better than the last and this season was no disappointment. Inspired by his recent vacation to Mexico's Isla Mujeres - where houses were painted in neon colors and women sold hand woven baskets in the local markets.   Although formalwear remains the crux of Siriano's brand, these daytime looks proved that he is capable of making all-occasion clothes.

A L I C E + O L I V I A

I love that designer Stacey Bendet started her brand with a pair of great fitting pants and now each season her collections evolve and not only showcase pants, but classic girly cocktail dresses and amazing separates. The designer calls her Spring collection "preppy meets pretty" with standout commercial pieces. Get your wallets ready ladies.

J. C R E W

It's the California coast meeting the Venetian coast - the perfect setting for J. Crew's Spring 2014 collection. West coast was represented with casual neoprene fabrications and bold florals. While the Italian flare included touches of lace, eyelets and nautical stripes. I cannot wait to pair the Aloha t-shirt with the adorable eyelet midi skirt. My bank account is not going to be happy in 2014.

This post has been submitted as an entry to IFB Project #112: NYFW Favorites 

Wildcat! WIldcat!

Wildcat! Wildcat! are an indie band from LA that share similarities to Passion Pit and Foster the People. Their latest EP will drop tomorrow and it is definitely worth checking out. The are about to embark on a Fall tour with another recent favorite of mine MS MR. They will be playing Webster Hall on September 24th, who is coming with me? For the time being, feast your eyes on some tunage below that I think is pretty awesome. 

Mr. Quiche
Garden Grays

ABC Cocina

Last weekend Mel and I had dinner at ABC Cocina - the latest venture from infamous chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The location used to be home to my old favorite stomping grounds, Pipa. I was devastated when it closed its doors last year, but I am happy to report this is an exceptional replacement. 

The cuisine and ambiance are similar to Pipa - Latin American or Spanish/Tapas accompanied by dimly lit chandeliers on the ceiling. The menu changes seasonally which will be an added treat to try out this Winter. We tried a handful of things from the menu but the standout dishes were : sweet corn cortija cheese and lime and savory glazed short rib tacos with habanero relish and frizzled onion. Take a look inside the restaurant below and some foody pics before you dial up for a reservation.

{Romantical - perfect for date nights}

{patatas bravas with spicy tangy sauce and rosemary aioli}

{delicious savory glazed short rib tacos}

{market vegetables brown rice and salsa verde}

Go make a reservation, I promise you will not be disappointed.

-----

ABC Cocina

38 E. 19th St., New York, NY 10003 
nr. Park Ave. S

(212)-677-2233 

Fall Forward

Top: Marc by Marc Jacobs // Dorothy Perkins // Elizabeth and James

Middle:  Zara // Theory // Zara // Oasis

Bottom: Madewell // Zara // Isabel Marant

I love that in the Summer you can just throw on a sundress and look effortlessly chic by only throwing on one article of clothing. But there is something about Fall and layering multiple articles of clothing that trumps any easy sundress. Coats/Jackets are just one of the pieces that complete your Fall look. Check out these 10 unique designs that are either wallet friendly from Zara or splurge worthy from Isabel Marant. Which style is your favorite?