Inspiration in Full Bloom

Yesterday, my family and I went to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx for our annual trip to The Orchid Show. I often forget and under appreciate just how much inspiration nature can provide. From the vibrant colors to unique color combinations, I found so much inspiration for home decor, future outfits, and upcoming design projects. After going through a bit of a creativity dry spell, I left with so many new ideas and just a slightly sniffly nose. 

Ladurée

I have been wanting to go to Ladurée since they opened in August. You see, the first time I had a macaron (I think) was over the summer in St. Martin. The thing is, by the time I got around to eating them, they had been in my bag for a few hours, and were a bit crumbled, and not so delicious. I figured if I was going to give macarons a proper second try, I had to go to Laduree.

To celebrate the end of finals yesterday, Gabriella and I decided to take a trip uptown to Ladurée. I read online that the wait was about 15 to 20 minutes, and figured we would be in and out. Wrong! We were on line for a total of 2 hours! I guess neither of us took into consideration that it was not just the holidays, but the first day of Hanukkah. Ladurée made the wait worth it as they came out not once, but twice, with macaron samples. It was divine. Literally. I'm certain I had an out of body experience after sampling the chocolate macaron. I think its what the angels in heaven eat for a snack. Yeah, it was amazing. 

My "starter" pack: pistachio, chocolate, dark chocolate, vanilla, cassis and coconut 

I came to the conclusion, that I do in fact like macarons, but only certain flavors. Ladurée will definitely be a treat every now and then, especially as I dream of and plan a future trip to Paris... 

Festive in the City

I absolutely cannot believe Christmas is less than a week away! Since I had a final bright and early at 8am this morning (which I finished in a record 5 minutes), I decided I would head into the city after, to get a move on my holiday shopping. 

While I was HIGHLY unsuccessful on the shopping front, everything and everyone in such festive moods, made the trip worth it all. As I was browsing the holiday market, this guy walking out the Union Square train station said it best : "There's no place like New York during Christmas." I couldn't agree more. 

The Feast of San Gennaro

There are just so many things I love in the month of September: my birthday, Fashion Week, and the feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy. Besides my love of all things Italian, its definitely the food that keeps me coming back, year after year. 

I have been going to the feast for a few years now, and the plan of action has always been as follows: 

-Start at Spring and Mulberry street 

-Walk up Mulberry and sample well, just about everything

-Call it quits when everyone involved is full. 

While the many vendors selling everything from sausage and peppers, to fried oreo's are the main attraction, many of the restaurants that line Mulberry make special outdoor seating for the feast, and have great dinner specials (free pitcher of sangria with entree anyone?). So for the feast this year, that is what my friend Lauren and I decided to do. After checking out at a few along the way, we decided on the one with the cute sweet Italian man, from Naples. I will admit, I was worried that it would be smoke and mirrors (especially since I didn't have a review to go on, but dinner was excellent. From the homemade pasta to the vino, it far exceeded expectations.

Pasta for dinner could mean only one thing for dessert: gelato. And since dinner was so good, it could not disappoint. After walking along Mulberry, neither of us were really feeling any of the vendors we saw, as well, none of them seemed authentic (IE not Italian). I then remembered an article I was reading on the train about the feast, and in no time we were at La Cremeria. We knew we hit the jackpot, when we walked in, and were greeted with a very welcoming and authentic "Ciao!". Again, we were not disappointed. The only other place I have had gelato that was this delicious was in, well, Italy!

pinot grigio and Cannelloni.

gelato selection at La Cremeria

perfect end to the night

If time allows, I hope to make a second trip to the feast. Its the only time "street meat" is acceptable to me (the sausage and peppers are to die for), and I need a zeppole (or 20). 

My FNO (in photos)

Missoni pop up

I know this is a super blurry shot, but this was the first instance of the evening when I was frozen with awe. Because that man in blue walking away is a man I have looked up to, and admired his work for YEARS. That is none other than the one and only, Bill Cunningham.  

(He was taking pictures outside of the line to get into Missoni)

Selita Ebanks at DVF

After leaving DVF, I couldn't help but run up and check out The High Line.  It was my first time there and it was honestly breathtaking. I must go back immediately, if not sooner.

overlooking the MPD from The High Line

outside DVF

My FNO (the novel)

Having done FNO the last two years, my plan for this year was to head to the Missoni for Target pop up shop, to check out the collection. I really loved the way they did the pop up shop for the Alexander McQueen Target collection back in 2009, and I couldn't wait to check out the collection.

Clearly that was the shared sentiment of many, as the line stretched from Sixth Avenue, all the way down 42nd Street, wrapped around the corner to Broadway, and then continued down Broadway to who knows where.

the line along 42nd Street, between 6th avenue and Broadway

the line stretching down Broadway

As we all patiently waited for 6 o'clock to arrive (the time the shop would open) to see how quickly the line would move, I kept myself entertained with Twitter and Tumblr. DVF was having a FNO Twitter contest, for those that tweeted "Be the woman you want to be #DVFNO", with the prize being her new DIANE by Diane von Furstenberg fragrance. I figured, "why not?" and tweeted away.

Soon, 8 o'clock approached, and things were pretty much at a standstill. As I was deciding what my next move would be, my phone vibrated notifying me I had a direct message on Twitter. It was DVF and I had WON! I really don't remember much after that, because I was so shocked, that I was shaking.  I said goodbye with the friends I had made waiting on line, and booked it to Time Square to catch a train downtown to the Meatpacking District. 

When I arrived in the Meatpacking District, it was ALIVE! The whole city was totally electric last night, but MPD took the cake! It was amazing! I arrived at DVF, and was soon met at the door by Liz, not just with a hello, but with a hug! The same when she brought me around the back to where the party was, and introduced me to Kate! Seriously, how wonderful is the DVF family?

After a quick chat, and some pictures it was time to enjoy the end of Estelle's concert. Even though I only got a little bit of it, she was AMAZING! Her energy was INCREDIBLE, with the entire room  dancing and singing along to her songs. It was a feeling like no other, and I couldn't have been happier to have been there.

the amazing Estelle

Kate from DVF and I

dreamland

After chatting once more with Kate, and some mingling it was time for me to head home. Who else would I run into before leaving other than the one and only Kelly Cutrone. 

I couldn't have been happier with how the night went. Not only did I meet some incredibly phenomenal women, but I learned a very valuable lesson: to be the woman I want to be.

And who says fashion is superficial? 

Luke's Lobster

I can't quite remember how I came across/ heard about Luke's Lobster. But after checking out the website, and the reviews, i knew it was a must eat. Because I absolutely LOVE lobster.

Last summer, my family and I went up to Maine to visit my sister. On our last day, we grabbed some lobster rolls which were just AWFUL. Too much mayo, a ton of lettuce, and barely any lobster! You call yourself a lobster roll, and have barely any lobster? BLASPHEMY!

But at Luke's, its all about the lobster. 5-6 lobster claw's fresh from Maine, a delicious buttery roll, light seasoning, a light smearing of mayo. And even better, if you don't want butter, seasoning or mayo, they'll leave it out (which is perfect since I really dislike mayo).

Combine that all together and you get:

You will be hooked, I am certain. 

People watching at NYFW

When Fashion Week was at Bryant Park, I always wanted to go to take in the sights and sounds, but never got the chance to because I was either working a show not at the tents, or unavailable.

So Wednesday after class, I took the train uptown to Lincoln Center, to do some people watching around the tents with my friend and fellow blogger Amanda. Despite the cold, it was really fun to just be there and observe everyone going to and from the shows ever so quickly. I was however, able to spot one of the fashion editors from the New York Times, as well as Chiara from The Blonde Salad!

Ok enough of my rambling. Since this post is extremely picture heavy (I took over 150 pictures in less than two hours), it will be a "read more". I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!!

Christmas in the city

Tuesday meant the last of finals, and the beginning of winter break! Tuesday night was spent with family doing Christmasy things around the city. The first stop was to the tree at Rockefeller Center. I have lived in NY my entire life, and have only been to the tree ONCE! I will admit that walking out of 30 Rockefeller from the train station, I was a bit shocked at how tiny the tree was. The TV sure does add 10 pounds, or in this case, 10 feet.

Regardless, it was absolutely wonderful to see the tree and to be around all the people full of Christmas spirit. 

Mwah 

30 Rock

I was half hoping to run into the one and only Andy Cohen, but had no such luck.

 

Brave skaters at the rink

After the tree, it was off to the theatre at Madison Square Garden to see Cirque du Soleil's Wintuk.  All I can say is WOW. The set, scenery, artistry, and ability of the acrobats/gymnast was just astounding. It was absolutely amazing and at the end of it, there was snow! Lots and lots of snow! Pictures were technically not allowed, but this was too amazing to miss, so I whipped out my Blackberry (hence the graniness of the pictures):

blizzard

"snow"

All in all. it was a great night out. I have a love/hate relationship with NY, but I sure don't mind it during the holidays.