Strange Talk

Friday, it looked like Spring had finally sprung; but the rest of the weekend didn't bode so well. It's time to get over the winterpalooza blues and retire the slow winter jams to the back of closet. These next few weeks I plan on indulging in lighter indie pop to get me amped for warmer climates. Have I got a treat for you - check out Strange Talk, an Australian quartet with infectious sing-along songs and sizzling in neon synth-pop goodness. Their latest single or better yet, carefree Spring anthem entitled "Young Hearts", shouts to the inner rebellious youth in all of us. Who wants to play hooky when the weather gets warmer?

Young Hearts - Strange Talk

Cool-lottes vs. Culottes

As some of you may or may not be aware, we are having a major 90's revival this Spring season. My middle school nostalgia is longing for crop tops, Birkenstocks and culottes. While it may take me a while to rock my bare midriff, I can definitely get behind the culotte trend. After all, when you owned a pair of these bad boys in middle school, you were cool. They are work appropriate and when paired with a killer platform, can look fab for a night out on the town. Below are a few that are catching my eye, which one do you fancy?

A // B // C // D // E // F // G // H // I // J

Lykke Li

May 5th can't come soon enough. Lykke Li will be back with a new album and if the preview of her chest-clenching new power ballad is any indication, this new album is sure to be a great success. After three years away from the lime light, this Scandinavian female singer is about to take the pop category by storm and reign higher than her sister singers Robyn and Annie. According to Li, No Rest For The Wicked, was inspired by a period of "hurt, shame, sadness, guilt, longing" following the end of a relationship. While that period can seem gloomy and a bit cloying, the song surprises and provides a little uplift even though you may wallow in her sadness. Take a listen below to the beautiful masterpiece.

No Rest For The Wicked - Lykke Li

Ikea PS 2014 Collection

Brace yourself IKEA fans - their latest collection is aimed just for the city dwellers and will be hitting stores this April! The 8th PS Collection theme is "on the move".  The young urban demographic is constantly in motion when it comes to either living locations and/or sharing situations, so they catered an entire collection around them.

In order to bring the beautiful and functional collection to life, the company partnered with young-minded designers from all over the world. Peter Klinkert, Head of Special Collections for IKEA of Sweden states that "At IKEA, our consumer is the inspiration behind our designs. Globally, we found that young people are looking to use every inch of their home effectively. With IKEA PS 2014, we worked to create pieces that keep multi-function and small space living at the core." Klinkert's commentary nails the collection right on the head, check out my favorite pieces below. I wish I could take everything home with me, but I think I have my eye on the leaning bookshelf. What do you have your eye on?

{A shoe storage heaven}

{Hallway or Kitchen or both?}

{Lighting above your kitchen table never looked so good}

{The perfect corner seating hideaway}

Work to Weekend!

Being a city girl, almost your entire paycheck can be spent on rent. When it comes to shopping, this girl's on a budget! I always try to make my clothing purchases stretch multiple outfits so that it is worth the credit bill in the end. Sometimes it can be hard to imagine a work blouse that can be worn past the 9 to 5 routine. Below are 3 "secretary chic" blouses that can be paired back either to comfy weekend attire or a night out on the town with your girlfriends. Which look is your favorite?

Topshop: Mixed Media Tee

New Look: Heart Print Boxy Shirt

Don't Sweat It!

Who isn't in love with a good sweatshirt? It seems that the cozy college staple is gaining buzz and popping up all over the runways, magazines, and in your favorite retail stores. The best thing about the latest craze, is it has become a very versatile silhouette. Consider it day-to-night-to weekend dressing in one easy step. Sport it during a Saturday afternoon with some Chuck Taylors, and then toss the sneakers aside and grab a pair of heels for a night out on the town with the ladies. Check out my favorites above in a variety of patterns, embellishments, and prints/sayings. Which one is your eye gravitating towards?

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Saint Raymond

Don't be fooled at all by his seriousness, Saint Raymond is a big fan of the woah-oh-ohs and then some. Hailing from Bramcote, Nottingham, Callum Burrows penned his band name from his grandfather's surname and the name of the street where he grew up. Consider his name the more mature approach to his porn star name ;)

He's got a great ear for melody and his songs are jam packed with catchy choruses. He mimics the Police with a side of Vampire Weekend. Check out my favorite tune below. Are you swooning yet?

As We Are - Saint Raymond

NYC Spring Guide 2014

Is it Spring yet? I am so over the polar vortex and am longing for no coat wearing days ahead. Some New Yorkers may say that their favorite time of year is Spring, the temperature isn't too hot and you can sport around town with just a light weight topper piece. Over the years, I am come to appreciate Spring, especially the fresh flowers along Park Avenue. Check out my NYC Spring Guide for some great activities to take advantage of this season all around the city. When Spring has finally sprung, who is joining me on my adventures?

1. Head on over to the NY Historical Society to check out an amazing exhibit by the infamous fashion photographer Bill Cunningham. The exhibit titled "Facades" is running from March 14 - June 15, featuring 40 years of work. These original prints showcase his street muses in elaborate vintage attire culled from thrift shops and modeled in front of iconic NYC locations. 

2. Starting this Saturday (March 8th) and for the next 6 consecutive Saturdays, the NY Botanical Garden has a great evening activity to check out. With a complementary cocktail in hand, check out the Orchid Show: Key West Contemporary.  An evening filled music and surrounded by flourishing tropical garden beauty makes for an ultimate date night. There is also an added bonus of  restaurant partners from Little Italy's Arthur Avenue and more if you get a little hungry too. 

3. For only $60, let your taste buds be transformed while traveling all over NYC and the world without leaving the confines of Pier 36. The 7th Annual Village Voice's, Choice Eats food tasting is happening March 25th. Don't let your stomach go hungry and get your tickets today!

4. There is some amazing new theater to get behind this Spring. Playbill just announced it's schedule for upcoming Broadway shows to get behind and I couldn't be more excited. I've got my sights on a few shows including Idina Menzel's If/Then, the reboot of Les Miserables, Bullets over Broadway featuring Zach Braff and Mice of Men featuring my favorite Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester. 

5. I'd much prefer a glass of wine over a glass of beer any day. That's why I'll be checking out the Annual Wine Riot taking place April 5-6. Sample over 250 glasses of wine in 4 hours. Even if you've had a few too many, download their free app for the Iphone or Anroid and hit the "like it" or "love it" button and it saves in your history for future memories.

6. I always love a good independent film and am dying to check out the 37th Annual Tribeca Film Festival from April 16-27th. There will be 55 world premieres, 37 first-time filmmakers, and 22 female directors. There are many exciting films to look forward to including Jon Favreau's Chef, which will co-star Robert Downey Jr., Dustin Hoffman and Scarlett Johansson.

7. Maybe this year will be the year that I get out on my bike just a little bit more and go on TD 5 Boro Bike Tour. Grab your helmet along with 32,000 cyclists and pedal your way through all five boroughs on a traffic-free, 40 mile course. Don't get too afraid, it is a tour not a race; therefore, participants can relax and embrace one of the best ways to see the infamous city.

8. Calling all home decor enthusiasts, ICFF (International Contemporary Furniture Flair) at the Javits Center from May 17 - 20 hosts more than 500 exhibitors from more than 30 different countries. Featuring everything in design that you could ever imagine from contemporary furniture to lawn furniture, wall coverings, textiles and more.