New York City

{things i learned} the beautiful things, nikkirich clothing, & nyc

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As all my amazing readers know, a huge part of my posts here on The Beautiful Things showcase my personal style–and my personal style is a direct reflection of my life in New York City. My fashion sense, my shopping habits, my wish-lists–they all revolve around what I see, hear, and experience on the sidewalks of my hometown (which just happens to be the greatest in the world). So when NikkiRich Clothing asked me and other bloggers to pick a piece from their line that best reflects the fashion of my city, I began immediately searching for something chic but practical. Their gorgeous 'Elizabeth' wool woven jacket from their Fall 2012 collection fits the bill perfectly: as you can see from the way I've been dressing this winter, outerwear is essential in my East Coast metropolis, as long as its tailored, monochromatic, and chic.

 

{things i learned} spring fling

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[an amazing skin care system c/o 3000 BC: Isis Deep Repair Hand Cream - $20, available here, Antioxidant Cleanser - $30, available here, Calming Phyto-Nutrient Toner - $22, available here; Enriched Nourishing Cream - $52, available here]

 

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[an early morning in washington square park]

 

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[colorful imported glass lamps for sale]

 

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[a d.i.y. project in progress]

 

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[a sweet and sparkly surprise: Ambre Briolette Chandeliers, c/o Send the Trend - $28, available here]

 

Sure, everyone officially celebrates the new year back in January with champagne, noise makers, and lots of resolutions, but I always think of things really starting fresh when spring comes around. A date in the middle of winter has nothing on the time of the year when the weather gets warmer, the days get longer and fashion gets shaken up. We're not quite there yet but my mind is already on spending time outdoors, wearing bright colors, and getting organized. I've gotten some inspiration already. Nothing says new start better than pampering, and I can do that every night thanks to an amazing skincare regimen sent to me by 3000 BC, a great company that personalizes your treatment depending on your needs. After just a few nights of using i I can already  tell that my skin is less irritated and more hydrated–no small task considering it's still freezing outside. March 20, bring it on.

 

Enter MY GIVEAWAY to win a $100 gift certificate to Shop September here!

 

{things i learned} my week through instagram

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1. latest shoe purchase @ninewest#indenial #iwishitwasspring #fashionfind #sale #ineedabiggercloset

2. so it's basically snowing glitter right now #winter #sopretty #brr #newyorkcity

3. illy latte #cantgetwarm #brr #winter #coffee #pickmeup

4. i haven't been this excited about a shoe purchase in a long time @uggaustralia#freezinginnyc #boots #comfy #cozy

5. maple glazed salmon, root vegetables + chive cream cheese mashed potatoes #dinnertonight #yum

 

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{things i learned} lunch at bouchon bakery

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A few weeks ago I had a spectacular lunch with my boyfriend at one of my favorite spots in the city to grab a quick but spectacular meal–the cafe at Bouchon Bakery. From their crusty bread to their quiche du jour, the food is always flavorful, fresh, and seasonally unique. If you follow my Instagram you'll probably have noticed my love for all things chocolate so what really takes the cake at Bouchon–literally–is their Guanaja chocolate soufflé. Not too sweet and
served with a sinfully rich crème anglaise it's well worth the wait it takes to bake after you order it. Thankfully you can't get any calories from these photos, but if you get the chance and are nearby one of the chain's five locations (click here for a list) be sure to stop in for a taste yourself.

 

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{things i learned} all is calm, all is bright

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[the tree and skating rink at rockefeller center]

 

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[seasonal cookies at bouchon bakery]

 

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[hot apple cider at a holiday market]

 

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[animated window display at saks fifth avenue]

 

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[under the mistletoe at tiffany & co.]

 

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[glassware 'ornaments' at williams-sonoma]

 

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[holiday party caroling]

 

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[shopping under the stars at the time warner center]

 

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['the beautiful things'-esque ornament by Jason Wu for the Target + Neiman Marcus holiday collection] 

 

To say December has flown by would be an understatement–but isn't that always the case? I had a weekend filled with last minute shopping, hurried present wrapping, marathon baking (check out my Instagram account for a play-by-play), and some preparatory cooking for today and tomorrow's inevitable feasts. Before all the presents are opened and all the cookies gobbled up, I thought I'd post some of my favorite photos that I've taken over the past few weeks as a way to relive a bit of what made this holiday season quietly magical for me.

 

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{things i learned} it’s christmastime in the city

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Walking down Fifth Avenue is pretty exciting any time of the year (especially if you’re after something special in one of the shops or department stores), but in the weeks leading up to the holidays it’s downright magical. I’m always amazed by the careful decorations that appear seemingly overnight on every facade–they manage to suit the brands they adorn perfectly with touches of class, sparkle, and luxury. I snapped these shots of the ones I liked most–Bergdorf Goodman, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bvlgari, Harry Winston, Versace, and Cartier.  If I had to pick a favorite I’d be torn between the classic elegance of the simple red-bowed wreaths on Berdorf’s and the oversized gems that crown the windows of Harry Winston.

 

What do you think? Have you ever visited  in New York City at Christmastime–what was your favorite part?

 

ENTER MY CURRENT SVEN CLOGS GIVEAWAY HERE!

 

{things i learned} my week through instagram

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1.  surprise (early) #christmas present from my boyfriend: the jason wu ornament set from #niemanmarcus + #target! #excited #luckiestgirl #iloveyou

2. #baking #cookies #chocoholic

3. lemon drop martini + skinny mojito #datenight #drinks

4. sushi #yum

5. which to eat first… #pizza #yum #cookingallday

…….

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{things i learned} newyorkpolis #NokiaLVK

 

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Here it is: my final mood board for the Nokia and LeiVanKash fashion quest challenge. You can learn more about the event in this post, but to recap 55 bloggers were sent Nokia Lumia 900′s to capture inspiration for a new piece of LeiVanKash jewelry .

The collage takes a fashionable journey through my day-to-day life in New York City: inspired by LeiVanKash’s ancient-themed jewelry line “Persepolis,” the pictures show both myself and my polis (or city) and its eclectic mix of modern and classic styles. Hope you enjoy x

 

 

{things i learned} my week through instagram

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1. traditional chocolate soufflé. #diedandgonetoheaven

2. peppermints a at williams-sonoma. #shopping

3. tibetian jewelry. #baubles #gorgeous

4. #ilovenewyorkatchristmas 

5. barneys + disney #toocute

6. #target + #niemanmarcus #score #proenzaschouler

……

For more, follow me here:

INSTAGRAM @thebeautifulthngs

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{things i learned} nokia’s lumia 900, leivankash jewelry, and the #nokiaLVK fashion quest

[Nokia Lumia 900 - $3999 ($99 with contract), available here]

 

A month ago I was sent a brand new–and gorgeously sleek–Nokia Lumia 900 to use as part of a fashion challenge. The quest? Ask a group of bloggers to photo-journal their lives and collect the pictures as inspiration for a piece of one-of-a-kind jewellery to be designed by Leila Kashanipour, the creative force behind the incredibly gorgeous London-based line LeiVanKash. It was definately a fun project, and I enjoyed the opportunity to use such an innovative phone (and its specular camera) all over the city. I'm still putting the final touches on my photo 'mood board,' but for now I'd like to share some of my favorite snaps with you. 

Happy weekend! x