Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Scarf Attack

Do you think scarves are only winter accessories? Think again, they are a year round accessory. They can be used multiple ways this season - as a light cover when the sun goes down, as an extra punch to your solid summer bag or beach tote, or as a beach cover-up. Check out some of my favorite summer scarves. Which one is your favorite?

1. Tropical Bird Scarf, Madewell
2. Braden Printed Textured-Silk Scarf, Diane von Furstenberg
3. Skull Print Fine-Knit Scarf, Alexander McQueen
4. Printed Washed-Silk Crepe de Chine Scarf, Burberry
5. Tromp L'oeil Silk Scarf, Kate Spade
6. Printed Silk-Twill Scarf, Missoni
7. Vintage Siracusa Souvenir ScarfAmerican Apparel
8. Square Scarf, Kate Spade Saturday
9. Wallenstein Picnic Scarf, Anthropologie

Monday, June 24, 2013

Treetop Flyers


Treetop Flyers are a folk rock band hailing from London. Their debut album The Mountain Moves effortlessly captures the spirit of the late-1960s with a west coast pop-rock vibe. Think of Steely Dan and a hint of Crosby, Stills Nash & Young - it is hard to image they are from the UK. They play Mercury Lounge this Wednesday. I may just have to go check them out, but for now check out some of my favorite jams for their album.  What do you think?

Making Time

Things Will Change

Friday, June 21, 2013

NYC Summer Guide 2013


Today is the first day of Summer - woo woo!! What better way to kick off the season then to share the top 10 things to do all around NYC - the ultimate guide to fun in the sun. I plan on attacking everything on the list below instead of sitting in front of the AC in my apartment avoiding the heat. What are some things that you like to do in the city in the summertime?

1. Grab your picnic essentials and head over to Bryant Park. Every Monday night, HBO presents their Summer Film Festival. Check out the list of movies playing this season. They always play the classics and this year I am looking forward to Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and E.T.

2. Cool and refreshing feisty beverages should always be enjoyed outside in the summertime. The Boat Basin and The Frying Pan are the best outdoor drinking spots on the west side.

3. Two fabulous exhibits taking place this summer are the Rain Room at MOMA and PUNK: Chaos to Couture at the MET. These are two great escapes inside to avoid the heat, plus it is an added bonus of getting your culture fix in the city.

4. Everyone always loves a good bike ride in the summertime especially when the weather is sunny and a little breezy. Every Saturday and Sunday, head on over to Governors Island and go exploring with your bike. If you don't have a bike you can always rent one once you get to the island for a small fee for the day.

5. Shakespeare in the Park is one of the best experiences in the summertime. What's on the schedule this summer? Check out The Comedy of Errors and Love's Labour's Lost (a new musical). Get in line early and you will be able to snag free tickets or you can enter their virtual lottery online.

6. Just 1 hour outside of the city is Storm King Art Center. It is celebrated as one of the world's leading sculpture parks with just over 500 acres of fields, hills, and woodlands with more than 100 sculptures created by some of the most acclaimed artists of our time. Last year I was fortunate to spend a Saturday afternoon exploring the grounds and I highly recommend escaping to see this wonderful gem.

7. Every Saturday and Sunday head on over to Brooklyn and check out the Brooklyn Flea. These outdoor flea markets are located in Fort Green (Saturday) and Williamsburg (Sunday). The flea features hundreds of top vendors specializing in all things antique (re-purposed furniture, vintage clothing, and collectibles) and jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food.

8. Row, row, row your boat, gently do the [NY] stream. Check out the top places in the city to rent rowboats, paddleboats, and kayaks. I find this activity to be an adorable date  - so grab your companion of choice and head on out to the waters and enjoy the scenery.

9. Who doesn't love a free concert? Every summer, "Celebrate Brooklyn" at the Prospect Park Bandshell and enjoy free concerts when the sun goes down. This summer there are a wide variety of things to see at the bandshell. Anyone up for some ballet under the stars to see "Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo?"

10. Start your weekend early - every Thursday night, the Eventi Hotel sponsors Hester Nights  which is an artisanal food night market and the best place to sample some amazing food and drinks with friends under the stars.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

PUNK: Chaos to Couture


This past Saturday I spent the day being fashionably cultured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's "PUNK: Chaos to Couture" exhibit. I always look forward to the fashion exhibits in the summer time at the MET. While nothing can beat the Alexander McQueen exhibit two years ago, this one might have come in a close second.

The exhibit is an origin story of punk's most enduring contribution to our cultural landscape. Punks were not only recreating their own fashions - they were also breaking down the barriers between the production and consumption. In a bizarre twist of fate, their do-it-yourself ethos have become the future of the "not future." A fun fact that I learned from the exhibit was that what people think of as punk style really dressing up with different color hair and all - started in the UK.

Not quite sure how I was able to snap these photos, but I got some beauties. Take a sneak peek inside the world of PUNK. Which designer is your favorite?

{Burberry - Spring/Summer 2013}

{Vivienne Westwood - Seditionaries 19976-1980, "Save the Queen" t-shirt worn by Janet Street-Porter}

{John Galliano - Spring/Summer 2001: dress made out of raffia, newspaper, and scotch tape}

{Left: Alexander McQueen - Spring/Summer 1999}
{Right: Vivienne Westwood - Spring/Summer 2007}

{Commes des Garcons - Spring/Summer 2013}

Monday, June 17, 2013

Milo Greene


Milo Greene is a quintet indie pop band from Los Angeles, California. Their band name originated from a fictitious booking agent, this persona helped the band get gigs in the early days of playing shows.  Filter magazine quotes..

draw comparisons to bands like Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene, but the thing with those bands is that they have shit ton of members, while Milo Greene manages to achieve their sound with only five. If the band can pull off their sweeping sound on stage with their small numbers then they're definitely going to stake their claim on your summer playlist.

Milo Green is definitely on my summer playlist. Check out of few of my favorites below. What do you think, did they make your rotation?

Friday, June 14, 2013

Father's Day Gift Guide


Have you thought of what your getting your Dad this year for Father's Day? Check out my unique last minute gift guide for the man who probably has everything. For the Dad who loves everything bacon flavored, check out Amoretti's bacon flavored icing. Or for the Dad who loves nostalgia, check out the Nintendo mints from Fred Flare. There is definitely something for everyone. How are you celebrating your Dad's awesomeness this year?

1. Bag, Jcrew
2. Nintendo Mints, Fredflare
3. Bacon Icing, Amoretti
4. Family Style Recipes, Thomas Keller
5. Whale Tie Clip, Jcrew
6. Black Orchid Cologne, Tom Ford
7. Iphone Case, Jack Spade
9. Rope Coasters, Lekker

Monday, June 10, 2013

Wardell


The lineup consists of Theo Spielberg (guitar, drums, bass, piano, marxophone, percussion), Sasha Spielberg (vocals). You might be thinking to yourself - I've heard that last name before, well you have, Theo and Sasha call Steven Spielberg their Dad. Besides having a famous Dad, these two siblings make sweet music under the name Wardell.

The band sounds like a combination of Rilo Kiley, Beach House, She and Him, and Cults. If you like at least one of those bands, you are bound to like this group. Check out two of their songs from the Brother/Sisters EP out now. What do you think?

Friday, June 7, 2013

Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis: Oscar de la Renta


Last night, my girlfriend Brittany and I attended the infamous Fashion Icons lectures with Fern Mallis where Oscar de la Renta was the guest. The Fashion Icon series are so enchanting and intimate. I always leave with such wonderful insight into the lives of these artists and feel even more inspired in my 9 to 5 by their impeccable life stories and careers.

First and foremost, Oscar is 80 years old. In 2 hours, Fern barely graced over some of Oscar's remarkable life. The audience was intrigued from the minute he sat down and began telling his first childhood story. Fern tried to keep his story-telling to a minimum, but even Oscar was too excited to not share every detail (a man after my own heart). 

Check out 5 fun facts from my evening below, that I wanted to share with all of you. You can catch the rest on twitter. Super excited that the 92Y will be announcing their Fall line-up soon. I can't wait for more of these events in 2013. What famous designer would you like to see at the 92Y?

1. As of 2006, Oscar and I are both cancer survivors.

2. Work hard and believe in yourself are the key words of advice that Oscar has for inspiring designers.

3. Oscar has dressed more First Ladies than any other fashion designer in the industry. His two favorite First Ladies he dressed were Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush.

4. From 1973 to 1976 he was the President of the CFDA. He is also responsible for creating the CFDA awards. 

5. Oscar does not have an educational background in fashion design. Oscar states that he got his fashion education while working in the sample room at Balenciaga. 

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Vineyard Vines

{the best license plate on the island}

This past weekend, the girls and I had a mini Day Hall (6th floor) reunion on Martha's Vineyard -celebrating Laura's 30th and our 11 year friendiversary. We all had such a great time that we are planning on making it an annual trip for years to come. The trip started off a bit rocky with a last minute decision to fly instead of riding the ferry. After several panic attacks and a home alone moment running to our terminal, we embarked on our 33 minute Jet Blue flight (can't beat that air time) and were in MV hours before our original arrival time of 11:30pm. The rest of the weekend was filled with tons of relaxation, "tanning", fabulous meals, quaint site seeing, and endless laughter. Take a look at some of my favorite pictures from the weekend.

{the beach and view from our adorable hotel}

We started off the weekend exploring our surroundings. First a trip to the beach to collect seashells and play in the sand. We then took a walk around town to check out the adorable scenery, shops, and houses. Then it was off to dinner and a night dancing at "The Warf" with the local 22 year olds.

{exploring/frolicking}

{adorable house #532,091)

{adorable house #532,092)

{Tiffany Blue painted ceilings}

{a delicious meal - thanks for the hook-up Dan/Aaron}

Saturday and Sunday was even more exploring, shopping, pool time, and another night out on the town. So happy that Katie was able to make it out for Saturday/Sunday activities. 

{best hidden gem/cheese shop/quiche ever}

{pool time with chiquita banana}

{album cover}

Happy early Birthday Laura Grace Goetz Gamse. So glad we are still best of friends after all of these years. Love you!

{twinsies}