Gaga's Workshop

Oh, Lady Gaga. Your antics and wardrobe choices often drive me insane, but nothing can deny the fact that you are incredibly talented, generous, funny, and creative. Since Barney's announced the collaboration with Lady Gaga, I just knew Gaga's Workshop would be the holiday attraction.

The workshop in Barney's was a very creative and elaborate space, filled with lots of Gaga-esque art pieces and (expensive, but for a good cause) merchandise. It was the windows however, that I completely loved; they were on a whole other level. The combination of art, music, and of course fashion, were done so well, and in true Gaga fashion, that no matter who passed by, fan or not, it was sure to bring on the "oohs and the ahhs."

Gaga's Crystal Cave

Gaga's Boudoir, made of real blond hair.

Gaga Machine

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. 

Brooklyn Flea

On Sunday, I finally got to check out the Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg, with my friend Gabriella. Even though I see and read of the fabulous finds from the Flea (such as $30 for a vintage YSL suit by another dear friend) I was still a bit skeptical (in case you forgot why). After that first glance over when entering, I was surprised to see that it wasn't just a bunch of old crap (just being honest), but a mix of vintage items, random knick knacks, as well as stalls featuring independent clothing and jewelry designers.

Gabriella and I browsed the stalls looking at everything from vintage designer goods, to furniture. However, my favorite stall would have to be one that had a bunch of dresses and clothing from the Studio 54 days. I'm talking glitter and sequin EVERYTHING! It was fabulous! I was gasping for air (my version of the normal persons "ooh" and "ahh") at each piece. What I fell in love with most was this purple dress and the fact that according to the vendor, Diana Ross had the same one in mahogany.

But I didn't buy it. Even though I am still getting used to the whole idea of thrifting, this weekends trip to the flea has me coming around to actually doing it. From that glam dress above, to the absolutely amazing silk jumpsuit that Gabriella bought, those one of a kind pieces are just too good to pass up. And plus, that's what dry cleaners are for right?

What did everyone do this weekend? Any thrifting? Hope you all have a wonderful week!

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). 

When bloggers meet.

Saturday, I had the absolute honor and pleasure of meeting up with one of my favorite bloggers, Nina of XOXO, Nina. It was the first time I had ever met up with a fellow blogger, and I was SO nervous!! Would we hit it off? What would we talk about? Well, all that worrying was for nothing, because we hit it off right away which was such a relief!  

We started the afternoon at Saks, where we had lunch (so delicious and amazing views of midtown) and browsed around the store. Since Fifth Ave was closed off, we took advantage of that and the beautiful weather for photos. We then went over to Magnolia, grabbed cupcakes, and finished the day at Starbucks, just talking and laughing the afternoon away. Time surely does fly when you are having fun, because the afternoon just flew by!! It was such a wonderful afternoon, and I hope we get to do it again soon!

delicious chicken quesadilla from Cafe SFA at Saks

just realized the mannequins and I are wearing the same color!

how me are these Miu Miu pumps? Leopard AND sequins? Need, need, neeeddd.

Alloy top, ASOS belt, Torrid skinny jeans, Target flats, I Santi bag, Dior sunnies 

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?