Monday, September 29, 2014

Rostam Batmanglij


Guys, I've got a problem. I can't stop thinking about the show I saw last Monday - "This Is Our Youth" starring my very popular boyfriend Michael Cera. The set alone was just magical and everyone who starred in it was just fantastic. My girlfriend Ali and I had great seats at $40 a pop (who can beat that for a Broadway show?). I kind of want to go again - it runs till Jan 4th. Any takers?

My typical Broadway favorites always include big production numbers with catchy tunes, so it was a nice surprise to be just as enamored with this straight play, all songs aside. Before the play begin, the audience did get a special treat with some original music by Rostam Batmanglij of "Vampire Weekend" fame. 

His beautifully crafted two minute tune is entirely constructed with just simple piano keys. Living on the Upper West Side while attending Columbia, he spent his early 20's studying piano and perfecting his art. He wanted to bring an aspect of his youth to the stage and I think it fits in just perfectly. Take a listen below.

Upper West Side, 1982 - Rostam Batmanglij

Friday, September 26, 2014

Sock It To Me

Sock It To Me

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a sucker for a fun sock. In fact, it is usually a safe bet when looking for a gift for me. Whenever Karen and Steve travel the globe, they always bring me back a fun pair to add to my collection. Now that the weather has finally broken, and we are trading in our flip flops for boots - it is time to start thinking about your feet and possibly adding a stylish flare.

It was hard to narrow down my favorites, but here are the top 9 sweeping the internet. I usually prefer Happy Socks to anyone, but there are a plethora of different stores who offer fun socks at an affordable price. Which brand is your favorite?

1. One of my favorite activities in the Fall is to crunch a pile of leaves. These socks take that activity to a whole new level.

2. For only $7, Accessorize will bring out your inner child with these fun and whimsical socks featuring an adorable badger at your feet.

3. Anonymous Ism for Club Monaco features an eclectic pair, with a blanket-inspired pattern.

4. This bright orange and yellow pair will lend weekend combos an upbeat vibe with this giraffe printed pair.

5. It's all about the dots with this fun pair from Express.

6. He loves me, he loves me not. You'll be breaking hearts with this fun pair from Happy Socks.

7. Bugatchi offers a splash of color and fun to your office wardrobe, Monday through Friday.

8. For every pair purchased, Arthur George will give a pair to a family in need. I gotta get my hands on this exploded herringbone combo.

9. Get lucky in these green argyle printed socks by Argoz.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

NYC Fall Guide 2014


Yesterday it officially became Fall around the country and most importantly in NYC. Obsessed would be an understatement when it comes talking about all Fall related things and activities. Heck, even The Onion got in on the fun especially when it comes to searching for the perfect mate - I'm looking at you. I'm beyond excited for layering clothing, donning my favorite hat and scarves, drinking/eating anything pumpkin flavored and of course having some adventures all around the city this season. Check out my top 10 things to do all over NYC this Fall. Who's in?

1. "Killer Heels: The Art of the High-Heeled Shoe", Sept 10th - Feb 15th
Head on over to the Brooklyn Museum and feast your eyes on the latest exhibit featuring fetish footwear from the 16th century to present day. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute and the Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto, these shoes will sure to attract attention from both women and men alike.

2. This Is Our Youth, Sept 11th - Jan 4th
There is a lot of really good theater hitting the great white way this season that you don't want to miss out on. If you were going to select only one show to see, head on over to the Court Theater and get tickets to This Is Our Youth. This star studded cast features Michael Cera, Kieran Culkin and Tavi Gevinson at their finest. I saw it on Monday and absolutely LOVED it.

3. 52nd Annual New York Film Festival, Sept 26th - Oct 12th
This Friday the most anticipated film of the Fall debuts at the NYFF, Gone Girl. David Fincher brings Gillian Flynn's phenomenally successful best selling book to life. This film is anticipated to be a great work of popular art by one of our best filmmakers. If you miss Gone Girl, there a handful of other films making their debut over the next couple of weeks. I want to snag tickets to Birdman, what about you?

4. Chile Pepper Festival, Sept 27th
Head on over to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and check out one of the longest-running festivals on the East Cost. BBG's Chile Pepper Festival features a full day of fiery live music live music and dance performances from international musicians; unique culinary creations showcasing chile peppers, spicy chocolates and more. Feeling hot, hot hot...

5. Blood Manor, Oct 3rd - Nov 8th
I am a sucker for Halloween and what better way to get into the holiday spirit than checking out NYC's premiere haunted house at Blood Manor. Sitting on your couch in the dark watching The Shinning can only get you so far, go exercise your lungs with a good scream at this spectacular spooky place.

6. Decker Farm Pumpkin Picking Weekends, Oct 4th - Oct 26th
Escape the city on Saturday and venture out to Long Island to grab a pumpkin from Decker Farmer.
For just $5, enjoy a fun filled day at this historic 1800 farm, take a tour, join a hayride, stalk the corn maze, get your face painted and of course take home a pumpkin. After that, I plan on having some peeps over to crave pumpkins this year.

7. Stargazing on the Highline, Every Tuesday Till Oct 28th
There is nothing more beautiful then looking up at the night sky and feasting your eyes on the stars. You don't have to leave NYC to see the stars, beginning at dusk, head on over to the Highline between West 13th and 14th Streets, and gaze at the stars, planets and moon through the high-powered telescopes of the Amateur Astronomers Association. You can even chat with the experts about the sights you see.
8. Cider Week NYC, Oct 22nd - Nov 4th
Over 200 bars, restaurants and markets all over the city will turn their attention to the season's best spiked apple spirits. Enjoy cider-pairing classes and tap takeovers spotlighting local cideries, including Bellwether, Bad See, and Harvest Moon. For more info, look here.

9. Canstruction, Nov 6th - Nov 20th
Each year, teams of architects (some of my best guy friends), engineers and designers build large-scale sculptures out of canned food for this competition food drive. A total of 26 entries will be displayed and judged in categories including Best Use of Labels, Most Cans and People's choice; my favorite from last year was the infamous pasta scene from Lady & The Tramp, made entirely out of cans. For more info check here.

10. Radio City Stage Tour, Till Dec 26th
Take a magical look inside the Art Deco theater including a look at the Roxy Suite. Who wouldn't want a meet-and-greet with a Rockette, or glimpse at the VIP-signed guest book or even pose digitally re-created version of the vaunted Rockette kick line? I mean I know I would. Tours leave every half hour... a five, six, seven, eight.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Hozier


Hozier is an Irish vocal sensation who bares similar sounds to Sam Smith, Gotye, and Father John Misty. Earlier this year, he made appearances on Letterman, Ellen while dropping an EP with a handful of songs that are soulfully delicious in sound. 

At only 24 years of age, the singer songwriter is about to take the music industry by storm. He will be gracing your tv sets on October 11 when he stops by SNL to sing a couple songs. So if you haven't already jumped on his bandwagon, make sure to set your DVR right now so you don't miss out on his beautiful crooning voice. Take a listen to my favorite songs below, they should tide you over until mid October.

Friday, September 19, 2014

Hey Y'all


It's been five days since turning the big 3-0, and I'd have to say that it's so far off to a fantastic start. This past weekend, I headed to Austin to ring in the new decade with six incredible ladies (along with a bajillion other bachelor and bachelorette parties - #utzagainstaustin). This weekend ranks up there with one of the best weekends of my life. Just thinking about it - brings an instant smile to my face.

We ate, we drank, we danced, we explored and we basically conquered the town. We constantly asked ourselves, "What would Tami Taylor do?" The gentlemen, even the pedicab drivers (Montana and Alex), were all so charming and fun. And although we never saw Tim Riggins,  I'd give the city of Austin two very big thumbs up. Check out my weekend highlights in photographs below and seriously consider your next trip to Austin. I promise you will not be disappointed.

{The best $.50 thrift store find ever}

{Austin is filled with some incredible murals and art}

{Lambert's BBQ > Dinosaur BBQ}

{Austin B-Cycle brought us to Lady Bird Lake & Barton Springs}

{No matter where we went, there was always a dance party}

{Consider traveling with these ladies, they're awesome}

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Top Iphone 5/5S Cases

ET Phone Home

I know the Iphone 6 comes out on Friday, but for those who can't upgrade just yet, feast your eyes on this post. My girlfriend Bibi recently asked me about Iphone cases - she was looking for something cool and/or unique and if I had any ideas. Well stress no more girlfriend, I got your phone covered (no pun intended). I found the top 10 cases gracing the interwebs, each one unique in their own voice. Whether you are looking for something whimsical with words, a funky pattern, and/or an adorable bold/vibrant print, these cases are sure to win your heart over.

My life and apartment are packed with punches of color and it is hard to believe that my Iphone case is a boring solid black. I'm immediately purchasing the Markus Lupfer Diamond Case to jazz up my phone. Which one of them is your favorite?

1. Top London-based designer Markus Lupfer takes on a playful aesthetic with this jeweled inspired case. 

2. This heart-shaped sunglass print from Nasty Gal, will have anyone throwing some serious shade in the nicest and chicest way possible.

3. Get tribal with this funky aztec printed case from BlissfulCase.

4. Kate Spade New York suitably proves that frosting and cake are the two most essential food groups in your world.

5. I can hear the Hawaiian breezes blowing especially with this fun pineapple printed case from Nasty Gal.

6. This case from MacKenzie Childs instantly makes me smile and secretly wish that this adorable little man was my boyfriend in Kindergarden.

7. "Whip" your Iphone into shape with this whimsical print from Delia's

8. I'm sure the people in the quiet train car, think these words exactly when your on your phone and talking loudly.

9. Connect the dots: Fossil's tech case plus playful polkas make a winning combination.

10. Your phone will be camera ready with this fantastic case from Etsy.

Friday, September 12, 2014

Thirty


Time and Tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of thirty.
- Robert Frost

Ain't that the truth! By this coming Monday, it will be time to fully embrace the new decade as I turn another year older and wiser. This weekend, I couldn't think of a better way to begin this new chapter than by jetting off to Austin, Texas with 6 of my closets friends to celebrate. Can't wait to indulge in some of the best Tex Mex & BBQ, meet some cute cowboys and discover Austin with fantastic adventures and laughter. Even though I am one of the last of friends to join the 30 club, it doesn't mean I haven't been thinking about this day since the beginning of 2014. 

One of the best books I picked up last year was inspired by an article from Glamour magazine titled, 

30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know By The Time She is 30

I thought I would do my own take on the list but add a few of my own. Attention 30 year olds, what would you add to the list?

By 30, you should have …
1. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth that you can smile and laugh at and willing to move on from
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age — and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An email address, a voice mailbox, and a bank account — all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A brand of suntan lotion that you love to help protect your skin from those harmful rays
12. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. A guilty tv show that always puts you in a better mood once you've watched at least three or four episodes..
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better.

By 30, you should know …
1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
6. The names of the secretary of state, your great-grandmothers, and the best tailor in town.
7. For those below 5'2, we may be small, but we are mighty
8. Where to go — be it your best friend’s kitchen table or a fabulous running path — when your soul needs soothing.
9. That you can’t change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
11. That you are exactly where you are meant to be.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can’t, and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

NY Fashion Week Round Up - Spring 2015

I can't believe it is New York Fashion Week for Spring 2015 already. Just as the weather seems to be breaking and we are anticipating taking out our layered apparel, the fashion world is two giant steps ahead and showcasing Spring apparel for the following year. Like 2014, I keep refreshing the internet every minute to catch my favorite designs from the runways. Check out my top picks below. Which show has been your favorite?

D O N N A  K A R E N
According to the show notes, it was time to show your colors and paint the town with urban chic. Donna Karen did just that this season, and wow was it a big success. The designer focused on art, but mostly street art. Each look topped the next, all bold in their own light with different eclectic prints. This was a vibrantly desirable collection as silhouettes looked fresh - even the Pharrel inspired hats made all the outfits look chic. 

R E E M  A C R A 
When I dream, I want to be outfitted by Reem Acra's Spring 2015 Runway collection. It was full of fantasy, elegance of endless tulle, sparkle, and chiffon. Acra spends a lot of time in Paris, continually inspired by the draping and detailing mastered by mid-century couturiers. Although she claims that her designs this season were focused on women today and what they would be wearing, almost every single piece showcased that she would be wearing a whole lot of nothing! I'm ready to embrace the bare, if these are only silhouettes I have to pick from.

O S C A R  D E L  L A  R E N T A
He has been making clothes for decades and never once feels repetitive or boring. Season after season, each piece that he produces is nothing short of ageless elegance. It makes you wonder how a man at 80 years old is nothing short of a timeless wonder. His recent resort collection showed a multitude of silhouettes ranging from lunchtime attire, to cocktail looks and to stunning black tie dresses. These are the clothes for the good life, which seems pretty close to reality if you ask me.

T O R Y  B U R C H
It has been years since I embraced a pair of signature Tory Burch ballet flats, and just when I was about to write her off completely I saw her Spring 2015 runway show. She describes her Spring collection in a couple different ways. First as "raw and refined" combining her bohemian-lit clothes and meshed beach-club standards with global cues and arty confidence. And lastly as "elegantly easy" which is showcased perfectly because she has a real skill for creating basic pieces that are a far cry from anything well, basic.

Monday, September 8, 2014

Adele


It has been years since Adele has graced us with the ultimate power ballad. Last week, two never heard songs dropped onto the interwebs and the world seemed right again. Reports are claiming these songs were written and recorded back in 2010; however, they still seem fresh and new. Check out my favorite of the two songs - it's quintessential Adele, singing about regret, nostalgia, and resignation about a former love. Although the lyrics are a bit somber, her voice makes you want to hit the repeat button over and over again. See for yourself below from our beloved British icon, I sense another hilarious SNL skit.

Friday, September 5, 2014

Fashion Icons with Fern Mallis: Bill Cunningham

Last night I attended one of my favorite evenings at the 92Y with Fern Mallis, Fashion Talks. Sitting in the chair this time, was the incredible Bill Cunningham. It has been one of my life long dreams to be photographed by the famous photographer. Although it may never happen, I was fortunate enough last night to at least get to spend an evening with the legendary genius and continue to be inspired by his incredible life. I was absolutely amazed at his energy level for an 86 year old, so lively and youthful. The stories that this man had to tell were captivating, his memory and attention to detail were beyond fascinating. Here are 5 fun facts from last nights lecture and don't forget to turn over to my twitter to see the rest.  

1. Although Bill has worked for quite a few publications (WWD, Details Magazine & NYTimes), he claims he is completely illiterate. He said "I write with pictures. I let the street talk to me. The street speaks to you, if you aren't on the street, you don't know anything."

2. When Bill first got his column in the NYTimes, his photos were considered a breakthrough for the paper. It was the first time celebrities were photographed without their consent.

3. When Bill was evicted from Carnegie Hall Apartments he could have been bought out for $2M or find an apartment equivalent in size that the city would pay for. He scratched the millions and moved on up to an apartment with a view of Central Park. 

4. Bill doesn't own a tv. He would rather go out at night and watch the real thing than watch anything on tv.

5. Bill's Persian blue coat was originally worn by street sweepers in France and only cost $20, the retail value today has doubled to around $50 and he claims is made with poorer quality fabric. 

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Pillow Talk

pillow talk

One of my very first home decor posts on P&P, was all about my love for Jonathan Adler and his quirky pillows. He will always be number one in my book; however, he can be a little pricey with his furnishings. Therefore, I've rounded up some alternatives that are part whimsical and/or fun patterns and colors that won't totally hurt your paycheck. Enjoy!

1. This Surya Ikat pillow is sure to deliver the modern sofa with an eye-catching accent. 

2. CB2 always packs a punch and this soft geometric petals flutter creating a 3D sense of movement on a whimsical sour apple green.

3. What girl doesn't want to wake up and see this boost of confidence every morning, even if her bangs look like a haggard mess. 

4. I love anything with glasses on it, cause it resembles my 9 to 5 look. Check out this pillow, for the nerd in all of us, especially me.

5. Pier1 brings this pillow into full bloom.

6. One of my favorite Sunday activities is reading the NYTimes in bed. Who needs the paper when this pillow can offer all the material.

7. High Street Market, wants you to bring your picnic blanket into bed with this adorable gingham pillow

8. A very wise animal reminds us that "life is beauty full" and would make a perfect accent to any nursery. 

9. This graphic art pillow by Kelly Wearsetler must be added to my bed ASAP.