Shoe Love: Glitter and Bold

A few weeks ago I went to a Sequin Happy Hour which consisted of a bunch of friends meeting at a bar and all wearing some sort of sequin, glitter, or sparkle. Even men were forced to participate. It was such a fun idea and I jumped on board immediately, before realizing that I have no sequins in my wardrobe. None. Not even a sparkly rhinestone necklace. I felt like this was some sort of huge womanhood fail. I don't think of myself as a tomboy, but maybe? I re-thought my whole identity.

Then remembered I did had some Miu Miu pumps with glitter on them (phew) but they are a sandal and freezing even if worn with tights.  I ended up wearing holiday colored flannel, denim, and leopard loafers. With red lipstick. And diamond earrings. Those count, right?

I love these Miu Miu glitter pumps! They would make the perfect holiday addition to any closet and they're on sale.

Do you have any sequins in your wardrobe?

Images via Net-a-Porter

Weekend Recap: Oscars and such

This weekend started out right with a fabulous Friday night happy hour, followed by a date with Gman and Saturday brunch in Alexandria. We spend the rest of the weekend cozied-up inside avoiding the insanely windy weather. The images above are shots from around the house.

In the spirit of the Oscars, Gman and I watched Citizen Kane, arguably one of the greatest movies of all time. I had no idea what to expect and I loved it! The style of filming, the story line, the superb acting came together brilliantly. I'm not going to spoil it for you by telling you the story. Go move it to the top of your Netflix queue, ASAP!

What did you do this weekend? Did you watch the Oscars or gawk at the red carpet? Did you predict the winners?

Lady Dates

I went to happy hour on Monday (best idea ever, start the week of right!) to meet up with a new girlfriend. We only hungout twice before, both times in groups. A mutual friend thought we would hit it off and he was right; we ended up talking for hours longer than intended. We already have plans to see each other again!

It's funny how similar developing new girlfriend relationships and dating can be! Even the text the next day follow up is comparable. Maybe that's why I like it so much? Do you find that trying to make new friends is like dating? Is it fun or daunting to you?

Weekend Recap and Destination: New York City

This weekend I jumped on the DC to NY bus and for $60 was whisked away to my beloved New York City. Friday started off right with a nap on the bus ride up. As the bus approached the skyline, my heart leapt with excitement and anticipation. Once there I walked the streets to meet the lovely Katie for lunch at Wine on 30. Their menu is light and fresh, perfect for the summer heat. I enjoyed the butter lettuce salad with lemon-mint vinaigrette and Katie had the brie sandwich (noms!). We both paired our meal with the Terra Nova Reserva Sauvignon Blanc. The atmosphere is casual enough for lunch but elegant enough for a lunch with clients.

(A constant layer of sweat covered my skin all weekend. It wasn’t anything a few showers and cold beers couldn’t fix but not preferable. Generally speaking, I would not recommend visiting NYC in late July or August: it’s full of tourists and it’s hot as hell.)

Just like old times I met my buddies out for happy hour at Brother Jimmy’s. If you are from out of town and want to meet friends in a centrally located area, go to Union Square. I always find it to be accessible and tolerable despite some crowds in the square itself.

On Saturday morning before heading into the city (I stayed in Brooklyn) Katie and I stopped by the Smith Canteen and ate the most delicious blueberry muffin EVER. The iced coffee had a wonderful balance of bold flavor and creamy texture. We then jumped on the subway to take a stroll up and down the Highline which has just been extended. The Highline is like a contemporary enchanted garden perched above the busy streets and tucked between the new hotels and dilapidated factories. (I wrote more about it here.) Before our trek down the railroad, we spontaneously decided to stop at the Standard Biergarten for a pint and a pretzel. It was 12:05pm.

Later that day, after a long walk, shopping, tasty falafel and pineapple & coconut smoothies, we met the rest of the ladies out for dinner at La Palapa. Not only was the sangria refreshing but so was the company of my beautiful and clever companions. Sharing a meal and drinks with my girlfriends is definitely in my top five favorite things to do. We picked up where we left off, as if no time had passed since our last dinner out (love!). The night ended with a slice of Brooklyn pizza after hours of dancing around pubs in my leopard booties.

We slept in on Sunday and tried Van Horn Sandwich Shop for a late lunch. Although the menu was limited, there was only one thing we wanted: a fried chicken sandwich. It came with shredded cabbage and cucumbers on the bun and a small salad on the side. Sweet tea was a must to wash it down. It wasn’t exactly a southern style chicken sandwich and tea which is what we were expecting but satisfying none-the-less.

Van Horn Sandwich Shop

the ladies

On the bus ride home I racked my brain for a story to tell about the weekend. Should I talk about my love affair with New York? Was there a funny or awkward situation I could mention? Should I discuss the fashion in the streets? Did I do something stupid? I couldn’t even think of a specific conversation I had. The only thought that came to mind was a general feeling of a full heart and stomach. In the end that’s the reason I keep going back to that beloved city of mine.

Shoe Love: metalic slippers



DV by Dolce Vita

Right now I am on my way to my beloved NYC. Happy Hour with all my best friends is the first item on my agenda. I'm wearing black cotton cuffed shorts and a v-neck grey shirt (I have like 5 of these, love grey shirts!) with a pair of black sandals. These metalic slippers would spice up my outfit and be comfortable whilst standing around the bar catching up.

What are you doing this weekend?

Florida Keys: a more sophisticated approach

Vogue ( <-- LOVE) has also been traveling to the Florida Keys lately! Check our their guide for suggestions on hotels and luxurious experiences. Maybe you'll add some of their suggestions to your itinerary?

New York City: Favorite Happy Hour Spots

 

I've inherited an uncanny ability to socialize from my father. I love being out with my friends talking about our days and thoughts on the latest news, culture or fashions. I also love meeting new people in new places. This is one of the reasons I love to travel! Most people are friendly and eager to tell you about themselves or their local way of doing things. And sometimes there is no better time to get to know people than during Happy Hour. It is a great time to let go of that stressful day and mingle with your peers. If you ever want to do what the locals do, find the best happy hour spots. Here are some of my favorites in NYC and just in time for Friday night:

Stumble Inn: This cheap Upper East Side establishment has the best happy hour specials including Mondays 7pm - close $1 drafts. It's a bit "fratty" and has two beer pong tables set up at all times. If you are into sports, the TVs usually play whatever game is on. Not the most exciting atmopshere but you will likely leave tipsy, happy, and with most of your cash still in your wallet. It's stumbling distance from the subway on 76th St and 2nd Ave.

Brother Jimmy's BBQ: Although this is a local chain restaurant, if you find a Brother Jimmy's you've found young hardworking professionals and cheap beer. One must not pass up this opportunity to drink PBR from a can and relive the old college days in a casual "southern" style environment. Check their website for weekly specials.

Pig 'n' Whistle: I had to include at least one Irish Pub on here! Although I hate on Midtown (too crowded with tourists and a lack of foodie restaurants, stay away from Times Square if you want an authentic NYC experience), it is centrally located if you are meeting people from downtown, uptown, Queens and New Jersey. Pig 'n' Whistle has three locations, live music, and pretty decent food. This is my go-to if I am between 59th St and Grand Central Station on the East Side.

The Gingerman: With over 100 specialty beers to choose from and a rather large space to mingle in, The Gingerman is the place to go if you are in the Murry Hill neighborhood and with 50 of your closest friends.

Sidebar: Conveniently located one block from Union Square, Sidebar is on the corner of 15th St and Irving Place. It has large windows which they open during nice weather (I love the indoor outdoor space!). The food is delish: truffled bleu cheese french fries, chicken fingers and honey mustard, hummus plate - be still my heart! This is also my favorite College Football Game Day bar as it is one of the official Gator bars in the City (University of Florida Gator Alumni holla!). After drinks I highly suggest a stroll up Irving Place to Gramercy Park, its so charming and romantic!

Pete's Tavern: This Irish Pub is basically next door to Sidebar. Grab a Guiness, a burger, sit back and people watch. Sit outside to enjoy the architecture and passers-by. It also boasts being the oldest continuously operating bar in NYC.

Pravda: This is an upscale SOHO Russian Vodka bar. It's underground bunker speak-easy vibe creates a mysteriously sexy atmopshere. They serve only the best of the best and in the most exciting ways (and I'm not just talking about the ultra hip and sexy bartenders). Having a vodka martini here transports you and your comrades to the old country with a new flare.

The Blind Tiger: This hole-in-the-wall Greenwich Village bar has a well edited selection of local draught specials and a very casual atmopshere. The food is cheap and mighty tasty. You will be overdressed if you are wearing a collared shirt but that doesn't stop the afterwork crowd from enjoying themselves.

Tortilla Flats: LOVE this divey Mexican bar. It has one of the most festive atmospheres I've ever experienced. You will be drinking pitchers of Margaritas and eating your fill of chips, salsa, guacamole, and sloppy bar quality mole pollo, tacos, and burritos. If you go on your birthday, in addition to happy hour, there is a chance at free tequilla shots for your table. I'll let you find out how to get it. (Ernest Borgnine fans unite!)

The Rusty Knot: Although nestled on the West Side Highway (aka BFE), it's worth taking the trec out to this time capsle. Once you step inside you are transported to a 1970's nautical themed lounge. Drink Tecate in a can and relax in the glorious wood panneling, fish tanks, and pool table. And dispite appearances wearing a mustache is not required. (No website for this one; it's located in the West Village, 425 West St on the corner of W 11th St).

Frying Pan: This is the ultimate outdoor happy hour destination. The bar consists of a number of floating vessles out on the Hudson River. On a beautiful day you are standing elbot to elbot with beautiful people (yes, people do go here to be seen). If you get hungry it's worth waiting for a burger and fries. Yum-mie! Leave at dusk though as it gets sketchy after the sun goes down. (No website for this one either; its located at 63 Franklin D. Roosevelt East River Drive and E 24th St).

Boat Basin: This might be my only choice for the Upper West Side (sorry people, I just don't go up there). It's also a great outdoor destination and much more relaxing than Frying Pan. Food is good, drinks are good, and the views of the river are awesome.

Do you have any favorite NYC happy hour destinations?