Spring/Summer Favs

Here are some of my obsessions for Spring/Summer:


*This store has THE best plush toys EVER!! Even plush pancakes! My nieces are getting cupcakes :)*
http://www.kidrobot.com/Toys/PlushToys/



*There is a street vendor on Broadway/Spring St. in Soho with amazing REAL bead bracelets from Africa*





*Put Hot Chip in your Pandora playlist and you will be dancing for hours*



*Aries*

Detox- Day 2

What should I do on a sober Saturday?

I happily went for another run and spent the day laying out on my personal concrete beach.


I had a brief visit from (formally) Mr. Perfect. We made dinner plans later in the week, just in time to fill the void of London. He has been acting distant out of nowhere? I am expecting a fade out in the near future.

All is good though because my fabulous fuck buddy is back in the States and apparently craving a late night visit. I will manage to see him before I jet off to Italy to reunite with a past lover and hopefully new future fling.

I recently read that Aries are associated with the ages 0-7. If we don't get our way, we will express our unhappiness with a tantrum. Aries are also known to lack patience and drop anything that no longer interests them. I have noticed this is my classic move in relationships. If they don't hold my attention, I am on to the next one. If they make one wrong move, I drop them instantly or put up a wall so strong it will force them out of my life.

Que Sera, Sera

*Aries*

Detox.....Day 1

So today is the first day of detox. I woke up with energy at 6:30am and went for an early run on the Westside Highway. Today was the first warm morning in months, so the running path was still empty. I was relaxed, happy, and present.


I stayed for stretches and abs on the pier and made it home just in time to have the apartment all to myself.

I took my time getting ready while watching the Royal Wedding highlights.

What a difference a day without alcohol makes!

*Aries*

Stepping Out Tonight...

Tonight, I'm headed to a black-tie. It's the 10 Year Anniversary of OHDCC at Columbia University. This week, Jason & I nipped about town hunting for a seriously chic black suit for him. We struck gold, and with his height and long, lean frame, he looks seriously sexy. I must say, our first shopping trip together was a great success - at one point I even had to hurry him along lest we miss our dinner reservation.

Later in the week, he texted me images of shoes while he was at the mall near Princeton. The boy's been well taught, is all I'm gonna say.

After the ball, we're jumping in his car to head to the beach for the weekend. I cannot wait to throw my stuff down in the bungalow and feel the sand between my toes... all those spinning classes have been paying off!

Happy Friday, all!

*scorpio*

Le Boom Boom

Last night found me, Aries and our friend the Absolut rep at The Boom Boom Room to celebrate Oli, a man-about-town who knows absolutely everyone. He started as a promoter and now has launched his own business. A British transplant, he's been in New York less than two years. His career will be one to watch, for certain. He and I met about a week after he arrived, at Pink Elephant of all places. We've been together (in nightclubs) ever since.

It was great to go to Boom Boom, because I'd actually never been. Beautiful space, of course, but it was great fun to catch up with everyone there and mingle with old friends. A lovely change of pace from the thumping music and strobe lights of yore - though I've never been one to turn down a couch dance. Maybe next week....

*scorpio*

Someone had a great Friday...

Last Call for Alcohol

When you sit down and calculate how many nights you drink in a week, it could be a huge wake up call. I have decided to ignore calculating how much money I have spent on bottles of wine and Kettle One cocktails. It could make me feel even more sick.

I somehow managed to have one Champagne too many with Scorpio at Boom Boom. Now, I have decided to bite the bullet and go a week without drinking a sip of alcohol. I am hoping for more quiet nights, which will force me to dedicate more time to my Italian lessons.

I just can't wake up another morning feeling like a bloated slug!

*Aries*

Want.

GAR-DE Oversize Crochet Sweatervest

rag + bone Midrise Skinny, Kelly Green

Sergio Rossi Aztec Suede Booties

*scorpio*

Images from Intermix

Funny Like A Dude

A lot has been said about Hollywoods unwillingness to work outside of female stereotypes, but all of that is starting to change with the rise of Kristin Wiig and Anna Faris. Both women have an appetite for Aptow-style humor, and they think that audiences are ready to see women in those vulger roles. Anna and Kristin have pushed hard for their films to be made (Kristin was asked to write Bridesmaids in order for it to be produced). While the women are conventionally beautiful, they are also funny, silly, a little gross, and most of all - human. Gone are the one-dimensional 'girlfriend' or 'bitch' roles; these women are real.

It's a gamble - as this New Yorker article points out- but I'm hoping its a smash success. We've seen the scope of female roles widen over the years; Meryl Streep still has a thriving career past the age of 40 (and Betty White!).

Here's hoping it continues, after all, according to the Geena Davis Institute On Gender in Media, "The more hours of TV a girl watches, the fewer options she believes she has in life. The more hours boys watch, the more sexist their views become."

*scorpio*

Free, At Last

in other news...

I'm FINALLY DEBT FREE, bitches!

For the first time in my adult life, I have zero credit card debt and a healthy savings, if I do say so myself. I have been a cheap asshole for almost a year in order to reach this goal. All those taxis I could've taken, all those dinners (and drinks!) I could've had. But nope, I memorized the MTA map, I ate before I went out, I had water while my friends did shots. And it was all worth it.


Now...what should I buy to commemorate the occasion?



just kidding!

*scorpio*

The New RULES

I'm soon to be (back?) in the Boys' Club, & I need to be prepared to rise to the top. Below, a few gentle suggestions for any woman in a male-dominated field.

RULE #1: Befriend The Other Woman. She is not the enemy. She is never your enemy. The enemy is always any guys who are creating situations that limit the number of females allowed. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down.

The idea that men will be turned off by ambition or success is just another part of the big lie. It is meant to scare you and keep you from questioning the system. The only men who are turned off by ambition and success are men that are insecure about their own talents and success or lack thereof.



Things That Might Happen While You Are In The Boys' Club:

- it will be suggested that you are only considered talented because you are a woman, implying that even if you are talented, you are just "talented for a woman." Untalented men jealous of your skills will cling to this even when it becomes clear how blatantly untrue it is.

It involves the idea that being beaten by somebody who is "lesser" is emasculating and humiliating. But that women should be happy, even excited to be beaten by men in all situations, because women's egos are always discounted as being secondary to men's.

- Whatever you look like, it will be used against you. If you're attractive it will be used to suggest that men are just pretending to care about what you think in order to try to fuck you. If you're unattractive, it will be used to discount you as a human being entirely, on the grounds that a woman who is not physically attractive to heterosexual men is a completely useless entity, no matter how smart or talented she is.

- You may be praised in a way that is so backhanded and/or condescending you're not really sure if it still counts as praise.

- The conversations will all be oriented around straight men and their desires.

- Boys' clubs exist to protect and preserve the right that some people believe they have to make no allowance for anyone else. That is privilege.

- If you dig too deep with some people it will come out that they genuinely do believe that women are less interested in things than men are. That women who have interests are outliers or unusual cases, This is part of a larger heterosexual male narcissism wherein it is assumed that all of women's interests are related to men: that if a woman is a record nerd, it is because she learned about it from a guy or she hopes to meet men through it rather than because she just genuinely enjoys music. This is obviously total bullshit.


Read more wit here.

*scorpio*

Rubik Cubed

My favorite streetwear looks from Model of the Moment Anja Rubik. Get inspired here

*scorpio*

Rainbow Bright

Singapore

*scorpio*

I'm Just A Girl

And this is what I want my future boys to look like........

*Aries*

The Long Game

My iPhone lit up on the bar where I was splitting a beer with my brother one lazy Friday night, and as he glanced down at the screen, his mouth fell open.

"What are you doing still talking to him?" my brother asked, incredulous.

"We're just casual friends now," I replied simply. The truth was, ever since I walked out of his apartment last December, I hadn't really given him much thought. As I walked out of his apartment for the last time, the slamming door echoed the sentiments of my heart. He'd revealed himself to be just as he always was, and it was just the wake-up call I needed to finally move on with my life (and, incidentally,find someone wonderful) No coincidence there, I think.

"But you can't be friends with an ex", he sputtered. "One person always wants more."

I vehamently disagreed - after all, I have managed to stay casual friends with almost all of my ex's. And I certainly didn't want them back.

Growing frustrated, my brother upbraided me for my ignorance. "It's called The Long Game, and he's playing it with you"

Suddenly, a random man at the bar interjected. "Oh, the long game... yep that's tough... my ex is doing that to me right now."

My brother explained. The Long Game is when an ex works slowly to reel you back in - my ex has sent me a bracelet from India to thank me for taking care of him after his accident, along with a very sweet note expressing a kindness I'd never seen while we were dating. Then there was the time he was emotionally vulnerable to me over email when cancelling our friendly lunch. He explained how he just wasn't ready due to some lingering depression over the accident. Again, far and away the most open and real email I'd ever received from him. He texts me a few times a week, and has mentioned we should get together again now that he's back at work.

I understand my brother's insistence that I be careful - he doesn't want me to fall back in with my ex, who was bad for me in spectacularly inumerable ways. But, I've never sent him a gift, I don't write cards, I barely remember to respond to his texts. The truth is, if it weren't for the accident and the crushing emotional blow that followed, I doubt we would have ever spoken again. It's a combination of sympathy and guilt that keeps us in touch.

Still, now that my brother has divulged this well-kept man secret, I can't help but notice it everywhere. Johan still texts me every few days, though we haven't seen each other since I became exclusive with Jason. He's proposed the idea of being friends a few times - but now I know better. My favorite fuck buddy just can't seem to stop checking in - I guess he's hoping I will soon be single. I can't really understand how men think this long game is actually going to be effective - if they knew anything about women they'd know you only get once chance per woman. They never seem to believe us or want to change until we're already gone... and now I know that even their 'changes' are all part of The Long Game.

Now that I know this, I can't believe I ever thought otherwise... Ladies, take heed.

*scorpio*

Parisian Chic

Image from Loonymag.com

*scorpio*

The Healer

I have suffered with some mysterious illness for the past two years. I would joke with my friends and family that I am just allergic to New York. One day, after many rounds of steroids and antibiotics, I decided to turn to acupuncture. Now, I truly consider her a healer. I was so desperate under my chronic stress and this reoccurring allergy/head cold that I booked an 8pm appointment on a Friday night!

After an hour of needles and cupping, she accomplished what a week of rest and every medicine you can imagine couldn't do.

If you live in the New York area, you must visit Catherine Cusumano. I have posted her website link below:

http://www.willinghealthacupuncture.com/

*Aries*

Candy Colored Lens

Walking home from spin class this morning, I couldn't help but smile. Even though it's still 40 degrees outside, the streets were suffused with sunshine. I was reminded of those gorgeous New York days in spring, when everyone's just a bit more reckless and a bit more hopeful. I always have a madcap adventure (or 8!) once the weather finally turns... and this year will be crazier than ever. I just sublet my apartment for the summer & I've only got a few months left before I head off into the sunset of my fashion career.

I love new beginnings.

Happy Easter, all!

*scorpio*

Ryan Bingham

For those of you who are not aware of Ryan Bigham, he most recently won a Grammy for his song "Crazy Heart" that was featured in the film with Jeff Bridges. The moment the credits started rolling in the film, I downloaded his album "Mescalito".

Tonight, he was the featured artist at City Winery. The storyteller setting only made the music more soulful. If you have not been to City Winery, you are missing one of the best music venues in New York. I met London there for a cheese plate and 2 bottles of wine. After a heart stopping performance, London and I found ourselves smoking cigarettes with a cowboy from Texas before stumbling back to my apartment and having another amazing night to remember.

*Aries*

Fake It Till You Make It

'This stuff’? Oh, ok. I see, you think this has nothing to do with you. You go to your closet and you select out, oh I don’t know, that lumpy blue sweater, for instance, because you’re trying to tell the world that you take yourself too seriously to care about what you put on your back. But what you don’t know is that that sweater is not just blue, it’s not turquoise, it’s not lapis, it’s actually cerulean. You’re also blithly unaware of the fact that in 2002, Oscar de la Renta did a collection of cerulean gowns. And then I think it was Yves St Laurent, wasn’t it, who showed cerulean military jackets? And then cerulean quickly showed up in the collections of eight different designers. Then it filtered down through the department stores and then trickled on down into some tragic Casual Corner where you, no doubt, fished it out of some clearance bin. However, that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs and so it’s sort of comical how you think that you’ve made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you’re wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room. From a pile of “stuff.”



No joke, a woman very much like Ms Miranda Priestly used to be my boss... ah, misty watercolored memories. I'm now in the midst of mentoring several young girls from my alma mater. I'm having a hard time mustering the enthusiasm I used to have for the industry.

Luckily, I know how to fake it.

*scorpio*

The Editrix's Tricks

Guess who...







Taylor Tomasi Hill, Accessories Editrix at Marie Claire

Taylor Tomasi (before the Hill), Kate Lamphear and Mary Kate Steinmiller have been some of my favorite fashionable editors for years now. They're often featured on The Sartorialist and other style blogs, though I actually became familiar with the ladies during my days in fashion PR. They'd sail into the showroom for our appointment looking fabulous; their intimidating clothing belied a kind & lovely demeanor. While Kate and Taylor were 'famous' when I met them, I've enjoyed watching Mary Kate rise in the ranks.

So it's no surprise Refinery 29 did an awesome feature on Taylor Tomasi Hill's West Village apartment and closet. To DIE for.

See the full article here

A few of my favorites she mentioned:

PUNKROSE shoes

Madewell Boyfriend Jean

Rick Owens leather jacket

*scorpio*

A Single Gal

I was taking a trip down memory lane on iphoto, when I came across this picture of my old coffee table. This was what a typical girl night in looked like in my studio apartment.

I miss the nights of solitude! Living alone in NYC is such a nice luxury!

*Aries*

A Piece of Clay

The male ego is a delicate thing. You have to know how to mold and caress your words to smooth over a major issue. I am taking suggestions on how to do that when it comes to sex and a sensitive relationship.

When I first met this person I was taken back by everything! I was in awe of the person he is, overcome by my immediate emotional attachment, and excited about the promise of amazing sex when I felt the chemistry like a lightning bolt after our first kiss.

Cut to three sex scenes later......

I find myself in bed listening to his compliments and wondering what the hell he just experienced?

It's like he is either:
A. Is/was a virgin?
B. A closet gay
C. Clueless as he has only been with one woman in college

I have never been so confused by a man's actions or lack there of in bed? When he wants to have sex, he just says so indirectly? The second time it was almost like he was too shy to even say the word "sex". The third time was the first time he actually initiated it by sort of touching me first. I am used to men basically tackling me and touching every square inch of my body when they are in the mood. This suitor was more aggressive about it when we initially rolled around like teenagers, in a PG way before he stayed over?

I have started testing the boundaries, which has only led to more confusion. For instance, I asked him what his favorite sex positions are. I can answer that question in .2 seconds, as can most people. He looked at me and rattled off something about the position not really mattering it is more the moment. Before we fell asleep I told him he had to "fuck me in the morning". He smiled and held me closer as we both drifted off into our own dreams. When I woke up, he was all smiles and held me without one sexual caress. The condom is still on my night stand! As he was gathering his things to leave, I stood on my bed completely naked. His eyes did not move from mine. He didn't even do a quick once over?? He just kept his eyes on mine and gave me a long hug and quick kiss goodbye? Is he being sweet and respectful or is he asexual and scared?

I know he has A LOT going on and most guys get stuck in the tunnel vision blinders, but is that it? Can he be the perfect man, with no game? Can something like this be fixed? Is it possible he just needs the right woman to mold and shape his sex skills? All I know is that I am getting frustrated fast with this one.

*Aries*

I feel like a dog chasing it's tail. The poor, maybe idiotic pooch spins in circles until it is either bored or exhausted. This twisted circle is now the best analogy for my dating life?

I have been running in circles all over the city with 3 impossibly different suitors. The only problem now is I am either becoming exhausted or bored by all three! What's a girl to do.......

*Aries*

Movie Night, Manhattan Style

Last night, Aries and I met for a movie. We had 8pm reservations at The Crosby Hotel for the film True Grit. Prior to the film, we were treated to a specialty cocktail and appetizers in their lounge.
Over drinks, Aries and I caught up on our lives. I'm happily ensconced in couplehood; she's dating her way through Manhattan. It's so fun to trade stories now that our lives are so different.
At 8, we leisurely made our way downstairs to the private film room. We settled into the squishy chairs and enjoyed a preview and ad free film. It was so nice, so dignified, so anti-stress. Most of the time, movie-going in Manhattan is rife with a veritable panoply of people and popcorn. This was wonderful, peaceful, easy.

I highly recommend, and I'm not the only one!

*scorpio*

They Like Me, They Really Like Me!

Guess Where I Am

Hint, it's my future.

Yup, after I shook off the stench of vodka, I dragged my beleagured body up-uptown to Admitted Students Weekend. I sat in on lectures from esteemed faculty, met my future classmates, drank some wine, did a campus tour, and found out I was one of the few to be awarded a merit-based scholarship (woot!). Suffice it to say, it was super fun and very informative.


Turns out I'm right on top of everything - I already have my classes picked out, my ID made and my medical history cleared. And I found out they have sick spin classes at the FREE four story gym on campus.

I'm going to Looooove it here!

*scorpio*

Mister H & Miss Absolut

Last night, I finally dragged my ass out for a night of good old fashioned club hopping. It had been so long since I'd had a wild night, I just felt the need bubbling up in me. I met my dear friend the Absolut rep for dinner at La Esquina. We were joined by some of her tall, blonde Swedish friends, which is always a treat. Afterwards we combed the city, club hopping at Avenue, 1 Oak, Goldbar, Mister H and a few others (forgive me, the vodka kicked in!) It was such a massive night.

We flirted with bartenders, made appearances at various birthday bashes, and lied to silly boys after one particularly insistent man refused to believe I lived in New York. After that, I went with Sweden:)

I forgot how fun it can be to just flirt and tell little lies and be silly. It was so restorative... except for the fact that we shut the place down at 4 am.

I finally got home around 4:30, and wincing, set my alarm for 6:30 AM. Hey, I'm addicted to my spin class!

Of course, as is my habit whenever I go out with Miss Absolut, I slept right through my blaring alarm and barely made it in time for Admitted Students Weekend at Columbia University! EEK.

So worth it, though.

*scorpio*

Leather & Snakeskin

Gah! My leather pants just arrived! I'm super thrilled, they're amazing. I feel like a total badass in them.

They'll be perfect for Europe this summe- wait, who am I kidding? It's going to be 100 degrees! They'll be perfect for class next yea- wait, who am I kidding? It's not going to be easy to make new friends when I'm rocking the most intimidating pants (with snakeskin lace-up heels, natch).

So they're not the most practical purchase. I still say Leather is Forever.

xoxo
*scorpio*