{things i learned} my week through instagram
1. today's accessories #alexanderwang #roccoduffel #alexandani #blogger #style #ootd #selfie
2. lunch date @avocenyc #diningout #newyorkcity
3. bread service + drained ricotta #yum #italian
4. salumi board #diedandgonetoheaven #italian #food
5. lobster + ceci salad #lunch #italian #yum
6. worth a second look- it's that incredible #phenomenal #lobster #salad
7. goat sausage ragu over cavatelli #yum #italian #lunch
8. walnut torta with fresh caramel and cinnamon gelato #decadent #chocolate #alwaysorderdessert
9. limoncello house-made marshmallows #sweetending #lunchdate
10. our view for lunch #columbuscircle #nyc #newyork #rainyday
11. pretty petals #nofilter #morning #spring #nyc
12. already getting ready for the met gala #beexcited #uppereastside #fashion #nyc
14. margaritas! #drinks #cheers #fiesta #cincodemayo
15. chips and guacamole #yum #imayneedtogoonadiet #cincodemayo
16. mexican spiced pots de crème #dessert #chocoholic #cincodemayo
{things i learned} barney’s electric holiday
Barney's Electric Holiday (learn more about it here) is just about wrapping up, but I was lucky enough to visit their pop-up shop within the flagship Manhattan store right before Christmas. As a fan of Disney and fashion, this collaboration seemed like it was made for me. Their displays were too cute: lots of sweet treats, character merchandise, and even a fun photo-booth were spread out on the top floor of the department store (my boyfriend treated me to this adorable ornament, a mini version of this season's shopping bag). Even though the holidays are over, the line is still on sale–it's worth a peek if you're looking to prolong the cheer like I am.
{things i learned} the sun goes down
[the time warner center towers at dusk]
[imported chocolates with italian landmarks on the boxes]
[blown glass window ornament]
[sleek ad campaign for san pellegrino water]
[the year's first autumn snowfall, as seen last weekend]
I think I'm finally settling into the spirit of the season. It always seems to take a while for it to sink in that the weather has permanently turned colder, the days have become so much shorter, and my favorite holidays are right around the corner. I don't know why there's any hesitation for me–I love everything that comes with fall and winter, from all the extra cooking, baking, and shopping to the general sense of busy-ness that pervades the days leading up the New Year. I just love New York during this time, and I think I'll use this weekend to get a head start on some Christmas shopping. I'm super excited for The Beautiful Things too–I have a bunch of fun collaborations in the works, so stay tuned for some amazing features and giveaways!
{things i wore} belted wool coat
It just had to get cold here in New York. I'm talking freezing–enough to make you start shivering the second you step outside (taking these pictures was truly an endurance test), enough to make you wish you had put on boots instead of flats (not a smart decision on my part but I just had to wear this new pair from Lucky Brand–so comfy), and enough to make your eyes water and wash away what was once carefully applied eyeliner (true story). Fortunately it was an "unseasonable" day–things will get back to somewhat warmer temperatures by the end of the week.
What do you think? Are you ever in denial when it comes to the season and the appropriateness of your fashion?
_______________________
Coat: Belted Wool Coat in Black, Kenneth Cole [no longer available]
Shirt: Perfect Fit Long Sleeved Tee in Black, J.Crew [$26.50, available here]
Jeans: Toothpick Ankle Jean in 'Classic Rinse Wash,' J.Crew [$125, available here]
Bag: H World Studded Bag in Black, Bag Inc. [$179, available here]
Shoes: Emmie Flats in Black, Lucky Brand [$59, available here]
Jewelry: Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Ring in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [no longer available, similar style here]; Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$475, available here]; Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Macy's
Nails: Essie's "Wicked"
Bag Inc, coat, cold, Essie, fall, J. Crew, Kenneth Cole, Lucky Brand, NYC, Tiffany, winter | 
2 Comments{things i learned} the islamic galleries of the metropolitan museum of art
[an airy late Medieval Moroccan court]
[beads and charms on display]
[a stunning carved, painted, and gilded wooden ceiling from 16th century Spain]
[a gold plait ornament (jadanagam) inset with rock crystal, rubies, emeralds, and amethysts from 18th–19th century India]
[Turkish iznik vases for sale in the gift shop]
My favorite museum in New York is the Metropolitan Museum of Art–chances are whether you've visited the city or not, you're familiar with its iconic Fifth Avenue steps and art collection that ranges from pre-historical to contemporary. One of my favorite sections is also the newest–the Islamic Galleries. Renovated from 2003 to 2011, they are visually stunning, just as these highlights from a recent visit show. If you're in New York and in the Met, make sure you lose yourself in these rooms for a while. You'll leave inspired.
ENTER MY CURRENT BRACELET GIVEAWAY HERE.
{things i learned} yesterday i heard the rain
[rain pooled on lincoln center's fountain]
[a sweltering 99 degrees according to the car's dashboard reading]
[the cutest birthday party favor: imported italian cards]
[a parked bright red scooter that always makes me smile]
[a perfectly light summer salad of arugula, goat cheese, almonds, and raspberries]
On Wednesday we had the most spectacular series of summer storms: lightening strikes in every direction, powerful bursts of soaking rain that felt warm against your skin, and clouds that dramatically rolled in and out of sight (these photos collected by The Daily Mail sum things up incredibly well). Sure, it was in the middle of the afternoon commute (all I was thinking about were my poor brown sandals) and yes, it ushered away the heat wave that had come before it (temperatures have slipped from the 90s to the 70s), but it was one of those days that disturbs your routine and yet still made you smile.
p.s. check back later today…I'll have posted an amazing (a.k.a three winners) sunglasses giveaway from Guess Eyewear!
{things i learned} chasing the sun
{bike path through the park}
{a stunning bloom of a 'jubilee' day lilly}
{one of my favorite buidlings on fifth avenue}
{watercress pizza margarita}
{an adorable 'twinkle' charm necklace sent from london by nadia minkoff}
Although I admittedly spend most heat-waves indoors (that is, in air-conditioning), there is something about their preternaturally high temperatures that feels invigorating when enjoyed in small doses. The city changes too: the air gets hazier, the streets more congested, and the fashion a whole lot more revealing. The swampy afternoon I spent outdoors ended with a pizza dinner and a package waiting for me at home. Nadia MInkoff, a fabulous British designer, was sweet enough to send some goodies stateside–I can't wait to feature her gorgeous 'Liverpool' bag sometime soon.
What do you think? Do you have any weekend plans? I'll be looking for ways to beat the heat!
p.s. Congrats to Dianne K …she's won the ‘ethel’ sideways cross necklace from robyn rhodes …. look out for an email about your prize soon! x Since I never heard back from Dianne, the new winner is Jennifer B.! Congrats! x
{things i learned} pops of color
{newspaper stands + a bicyclist in soho}
{my sister's bright manicure: N.Y.C. New York Color's 'Water Street Blue'}
{the broken seal on a box of Georgetown Cupcakes, my new favorite indulgence}
{an incredibly insightful billboard near the West Side Highway}
{the bright interior of a chalky white pouch wallet sent to me by Camille Zarsky}
I can usually look at a photograph and know what time of the year it was taken just by accessing the quality of its colors. Now that temperatures are running hot–80+ degrees feels so good–even in daily life colors seem to pop. The orange lining of my new wallet from Camille Zarsky makes me smile every time I fish it out of my purse. I can now say the same thing about the pink boxes of Georgetown Cupcakes: I thought nothing could replace Crumbs but after a delivery from their Mercer Street location–I highly recommend their classics, a Valrhona chocolate cupcake with a whipped Callebaut chocolate frosting and a Madagascar bourbon vanilla cupcake with a vanilla cream cheese frosting–I am already looking for an excuse to indulge in another order (hints have already been dropped to my boyfriend). And kudos to Manhattan Mini Storage for their fabulous ad: "NYC: Tolerant of your beliefs, judgmental of your shoes." Truer words may have never been spoken about the city.
Don't forget to ENTER MY CURRENT HANDBAG GIVEAWAY here…It ends TOMORROW!
{things i learned} a week in may
[a jumble of signs outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art as seen from Fifth Avenue]
[Upper West Side apartment buildings on a cloudy day]
[an incredible 'salumi e formaggi' plate with parmigiano-reggiano, sottocenere al tartufo, gorgonzola dolce lombardia, toasted bread, roasted nuts, and sweet coppa]
[a window display of a Village bookstore featuring Jane Austen's 'Persuasion' at its center]
[a clear dusk through the trees of Central Park]
I can't seem to make up my mind as to which time of the year is the most hectic: around Christmas I always swear I couldn't be busier, summers are jammed with rotating schedules, and both early fall and late spring seem distractingly transitional. I try my best to ignore the calendar and to take the time to notice details and relax when appropriate. The weather was a bit haphazard this week, a mix between rain and humidity or constant sunshine and cloudless skies. Still, I managed to enjoy a sit-down dinner, the view from various streets, and some time in the park.
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