Friday, May 30, 2014

NYC June Sample Sale Guide


I don't know about you, but I always love a good sample sale. It takes serious patience to be able to attend a NYC sample sale - you have to be in "the mood." However, if you have the guts, courage, and passion for the hunt, you could walk away with some amazing pieces at a fraction of the original cost. One of my favorite fashion websites racked, just posted some amazing June Sample Sales happening all around the city and I thought I would share in the good news.

With wedding season approaching, it is time to get crafty with your wardrobe without breaking the bank. Check out some awesome sales happening where you may be able to find a fun, festive, and affordable frock. Keep checking this website, because racked.com via Dealfeed will be updating the list as more and more come in. Happy Shopping!

Friday May 30th
Opening Ceremony: Up to 90% off; 76 Mercer St [Dealfeed]
Saks Fifth Avenue: Up to 70% off bridal gowns; 611 Fifth Ave [Dealfeed]

Sunday June 1st
Cosabella: Up to 70% off lingerie and more; 220 Lafayette St [Dealfeed]

Monday June 2nd
Ralph Lauren: Markdowns on women's and men's; 317 W. 33rd St [Dealfeed]

Tuesday June 3rd
Equipment, Joie, Current/Elliott: Discounts on all 3; 260 Fifth Ave [Dealfeed]

Friday June 6th
Mara Hoffman: Deals on swim and RTW; 201 Mulberry St [Dealfeed]

Sunday June 8th
La Perla: Up to 80% off lingerie and RTW; 225 Fifth Ave [Dealfeed]

Monday June 9th
Alice + Olivia: Discounts on women's clothing; 260 Fifth Ave [Dealfeed]

Tuesday June 10th
Tory Burch: Discounts on apparel, shoes and bags; 261 W. 36th St [Dealfeed]
Shoshanna: Up to 75% off swimwear and dresses; 231 W. 39th St [Dealfeed]
James Jeans: 50-80% off women's denim; 500 Greenwich St [Dealfeed]

Wednesday June 11th
Tocca: Up to 75% off women's, candles and fragrance; 542 W. 22nd St [Dealfeed]
Nicholas K: Markdowns on women's clothing; 435 Broome St [Dealfeed]

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Sneaker Pimps

Snekaers

Middle Row: Sperry Top-Sider // Gap // Superga
Bottom Row: Mod Cloth // Converse Jack Purcell // Keds

My left foot is out of commission for the next three weeks - ugh. I am finally healing my running injury that took place last Summer by sporting an awesome boot. One side of my outfit looks like I am heading to the slopes, while the other side, is sporting either Chuck Taylor's or a pair of Vans. I would love to get a new pair of kicks with a little extra edge. Check out some awesome sneaks that are catching my eye in an array of patterns and colors. I'll take one of each please.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Memorial Day Weekend


Wishing everyone a Happy Memorial Day Weekend. So excited that our office has finally kicked off Summer with Summer Hours and will offer early departures every Friday from now until Labor Day. This weekend, I'm off to Chicago for a family friend's wedding with Karen and Steve. This will be my first time in Chicago, so feel free to pass along some hot spot recommendations to check out. 

Enjoy the sun and sand this weekend. Are you staying local or are you headed out of town? 

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

The Bruffin


This past weekend I headed over to the World's Fair 50th Anniversary celebration with my girlfriend Rachel. Before we toured the park, our first pit stop was checking out all the international food vendors to pick up a delicious snack. One of the vendors that I tried was The Bruffin. Rachel had tasted them once at the Long Island Flea and recommended I try it because they were tasty and packed a big punch. Watch out Cronut, you have some stiff competition. Their tagline rings true, they are "the perfect meal in a muffin." This buttery, flaky brioche dough is rolled around a variety of international ingredients. They were the perfect vendor to be featured at the World's Fair for each treat is baked in parchment paper and adorned with the flag of the nation that inspired it.

The originator, Medy Youcef, coined the name "Bruffin" with the combination of "breakfast" and "muffin." He wanted to create a handheld, full meal that would satisfy your appetite in the morning and provide real nourishment. I wanted to try every flavor that they offered at the fair and it was even way past Breakfast time. I settled on the Greek Bruffin - Spiced Beef, Spinach and Feta. Only because they were sold out of the Canadian Bruffin - Maple Bacon and Cheddar. They were practical, quick to eat, and beyond tasty. Boom, mission accomplished.

Check out some of their deliciousness below or head on over to their Instragram and follow the fun. Is your mouth watering yet? If you didn't catch them at the fair, check them out over the weekend at either the LIC and/or Smorgasburg.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Amos Lee


One of my favorite things recently is discovering independent artists covering iconic artists infamous songs. A month back on Music Monday's, I featured Janelle Monáe covering this anthem, and now I bring you another gem from Amos Lee. Check out the amazing singer-songwriter crooning and strumming along to my favorite Madonna song of all time. Not gonna lie, I didn't think he could do the song justice, but he has definitely proved me wrong. What do you think of the slower jam?

Amos Lee - Like A Virgin

Friday, May 16, 2014

Weekend Adventures


What a week! My parents were here and my best gal pal Virginia popped into the city for a few nights from her two month stint in London. I don't know about you, but I am really looking forward to this weekend. The weather finally seems to be sticking. You know what that means, right? Weekend adventures are in full force. My travel plans over the summer are in high gear starting next weekend. Therefore, I need to soak in all the city has to offer before I blink and it is Fall again. Take a peek below at some awesome events happening all around the city (including the boroughs) this weekend. Is it too much to say I want to do everything?

FRIDAY, MAY 16th

Bill Cosby
8:00pm @ St. George Theater, Staten Island, NY

The only reason to take the ferry to Staten Island ever would be see everyone's favorite Huxtable, Bill Cosby this Friday. One of Americas most loved personalities known to both young and old gets better and better with age. Catch him for one night only and enjoy an evening of his energetic style. Get your tickets here.






Rooftop Films Festival Opening Night 
Doors at 8:00pm, film at 9:00pm @ Sunset Park, 39th Street and Frist Ave, Brooklyn, NY
(Take the D, N, or R trains to 36th Street)

18th Annual Rooftop Films Summer Series launches this Friday. Kicking off the launch with the power of the short film, which they believe is the best medium suited to showcase the power of a freewheeling imagination. Check out the details http://rooftopfilms.com/2014/schedule/this-is-what-we-mean-by-short-films-5/




SATURDAY, MAY 17th

Brooklyn Half Marathon
7:00am @ Prospect Park // Coney Island

Head on over to Prospect Park on Saturday morning to be a spectator and watch the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Sadly I will not be partaking in the event this year due to my damn left foot, but I do have some friends running (Go Garrett and Gina!!). It is an awesome course which covers a good chunk of Park Slope, starting in the park, past the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, on over to Grand Army Plaza, and straight down Ocean Parkway, then ending on the Coney Island boardwalk. See all you finishers on the Cyclone!!



Taste of Tribeca

11:30am to 3:00pm @ 334 Greenwich St // Duane St (rain or shine)


A culinary festival to support a wide range of enriching activities at our public schools including modern and ballroom dance instruction, storytelling, museum collaborations, visits from celebrated authors and arts support for the classroom of PS 150 and 234. Who wouldn't want to enjoy tasty food from local vendors and support a great cause. Get your tickets here.


SUNDAY, MAY 18th

World's Fair Anniversary Festival
1:00pm - 8:30pm @ Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park Queens

Celebrate the 75th and 50th anniversaries of the NYC World's Fair with an entire day of free activities - SIGN ME UP. There are events for all ages. Get your face painted, enjoy $0.50 rides on the historic carousel, puppet shows, a visit by Mr. Met, cultural music (a Beatles cover band and more). dance performances, indulge in food from all around the world (infamous Belgian waffles which were first introduced at the 1964 World's Fair) and then topped off with an evening of fireworks. This all sounds amazing, meet me there?

Hanami 
10am–6pm (Saturday and Sundays) @ Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

One of the largest collections of Cherry Blossom outside of Japan. 220 cherry trees show off their floral display; you can monitor their progress using the BBG’s online CherryWatch Blossom Status Map. Hurry on over to the gardens before they are not in-season anymore.

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Bridal Shower Gift Guide

Celebrate the Bride to Be

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

It's almost Memorial Day, which means that wedding season is almost upon us. I'd like to refer to myself as a wedding guest guru. For the last five years, I've been averaging at least 5 weddings a year, which basically qualifies me as an expert when it comes to all things wedding related. Friends always seek my advice on what to get the bride for her bridal shower. I like to stray a little from the typical path and not pick a gift off of the registry, yet pick something more unique and memorable. Is anyone really going to remember that you were a key contributor in their flatware set? Also, everyone always asks what is the typical amount to spend on the bride to be. I usually take the amount that I am going to spend on the wedding gift and half it for the shower gift. Or go in on a bigger gift with a bunch of girlfriends to share in the cost. Check out my bridal shower gift guide above for some fun unique gifts that won't break the bank. Are you headed to a wedding this Summer? If so, don't forget to snag one of these gifts.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Christina Perri


I'll say it time and time again, but I am a big sucker for a power ballad. It's a shame that more people don't embrace the slow jamz, 'cause if so, this Monday song would be a major hit. Watch out Adele, there is a new lady in town and she's about to destroy your big smash Someone Like You with a tune of her own. The Words is a beautiful, honest and crushing love song. Check out her second album that just hit shelves, Head or Heart and don't forget to catch her on the road this Summer. No plans for NYC just yet, but don't you worry, I've got my tissues handy and can't wait to hear her songs live. 

Friday, May 9, 2014

Going Bananas

You all know that my obsession with the movie Troop Beverly Hills began at a very young age and was validated last year for Halloween costume inspiration. One of my favorite parts of the movie is the sleepover scene at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It is here, where I was first introduced to the iconic banana leaf wallpaper of the Beverly Hills Hotel. It seems that what is old is new again. This bold print was originally designed back in 1940's and seems to be making quite the comeback in not only home decor statement pieces, but in fashion silhouettes as well.

Check out my favorite pieces below and you too will be going b-a-n-a-n-a-s and want to get your hands on everything. Would you wear it or decorate with it?

Going Banana (Leaves)

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Do you need any last minute gift ideas for the woman who has done everything and will do anything for you? Fret no more, I've got some great ideas in store for Mother's Day, May 11th. I would bend over the moon and back for my mom, Karen you rock! I can't possibly think of repaying her enough for her generosity, love, support and overall awesomeness. We are all so fortunate to have certain women in our life that we cannot only call mom, but can also our best friends. Mom, you are one of them. Need a tissue yet? Take a peak at some gifts I've been eyeing below for the best lady around town. What are you getting Mom on Sunday?

Mom's the Word


1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10 // 11

Monday, May 5, 2014

White Hinterland



Last month, the indie rock world was taken by storm when Casey Dienel, aka White Hinterland dropped her fourth studio album titled Baby. Dienel spent many years recording in Montreal and Portland, OR, but for this album she moved back in with her parents in Scituate MA, built a studio in their basement where she once practiced piano and vocal lessons as a child. As she crafted the album, she studied countless YouTube tutorials about different production techniques and viola, a new aesthetic was formed. The lead single "Ring the Bell" is a fantastically lush, buoyant dance-pop track.  This mighty fine lead single would fit right in with the likes of BEYONCÉ and Lykke Li. Check it out below, awesome, right?

Ring the Bell - White Hinterland