Four More Years | Obama Wins in 2012

Congrats, Barack & Michelle. Four more years in the White House!

The silence on my blog has been exacerbated by a few things, most notably the five cold, powerless nights Mr. V and I spent in our apartment after last week's hurricane. Particularly in the wake of last week's weather disaster and hardship, I'm proud of our country and the freedoms that have been upheld, and this election is an exciting and wonderful affirmation of a President I believe in and respect. New York is celebrating today!

Image from President Obama's twitter account. 

October's Arrival

The green has yet to disappear from the leaves outside my window, but the crisp, fall air has certainly settled into the city. When I walked out this morning, the cool breeze immediately enveloped my body, and it felt so good, as if the fresh season brought a certain calmness along with it. I adore this time of year, and now that October is here (and wow, it snuck up on me), I'm ready to unpack my sweaters and blankets and get the hot apple cider on the stove. 

 

I'm also itching to get to the Farmer's Market and pick up some autumnal blooms, and these two beautiful arrangements from Saipua are especially inspiring. I can't wait to start celebrating this new season, a true favorite of mine.

Images via Saipua.

Late Summer Musings

As August winds down and Labor Day weekend begins, I've found myself clinging to the last bits of summer. Thinking back to May 12, when Mr. V and I got engaged, it feels like minutes have gone by, much less three and a half months. This has been the best summer I can remember, but it was also a whirlwind...

Since the end of May, I've been to Berlin, Martha's Vineyard, Milan, Torino, Vermont, Virginia, and Florida. We've celebrated several friends' weddings (Mr. V has been to ten ceremonies since January; I made it to eight of those). Mr. V and I have also been working hard to plan our own wedding, which is seven and a half months away and feels like it's just around the corner. Additionally, we recently adopted a sweet kitten that we just adore. With all of these wonderful summer memories and experiences tumbling around in my mind, it feels hard to let go of the season. However, today's weather finally ignited a small yearning in me for fall. The air felt warm, yet crisp, and the light streamed through the trees, illuminating a few yellowing leaves, just as in this beautiful image of a farm's garden. It has left me exited for a new season and a fresh start, and I'm going into the long weekend feeling ready for the change. Have a happy final few days of summer!

Image via Modern Hepburn. 

Summer Dressing

I'm back in New York, where the heat has finally (somewhat) broken and I no longer feel like I'm going to melt into the sidewalk with each step. All of these changes in temperature have me yearning to find a few sundresses that I can really live in this summer, such as these great looks, captured by The Sartorialist...

The breeze and beauty of these three ensembles would definitely make beating the warmth a little easier, and certainly more stylish!

Images via The Sartorialist. 

Happy Weekend!

Mr. V and I are heading to brunch in TriBeCa to toast our friends who got engaged this week (yay!). Yesterday, we attended our other friends' wedding in the city, which was a fantastic lunch-time bash. They already had a stunning week-long wedding in Udiapur (that we got to attend!), and yesterday's nuptials allowed them to celebrate again with more friends and family stateside. I had never been to a daytime wedding, and it was a lot of fun!

This weekend I'm lucky enough to have a rare two days off with Mr. V, so I can't wait to get outside and soak up the warm, sunny weather in NYC and get some extra time with him. Happy weekend to you all!

Image from Lonny via The Glitter Guide. 

Backyard Envy | Mallorca Vacation Home

Heavy summer rain has hit New York today, and coupled with the heat of the past weekend, I'm dreaming of escaping to an exotic beachside locale with sunny weather and a refreshing pool. Lounging at this vacation house in Mallorca is precisely how I'd love to spend a week or two (or three!) this summer...

And, (lucky me) it's available for rent here. Maybe if I wish hard enough, Mr. V and I will be lounging in those two poolside chairs by the end of the season! If nothing else, I'm enamored with the row of topiaries in square terracotta pots. Isn't that wonderfully chic? It would look great on any patio, from this Mediterranean backyard to a city terrace. It's something I would love to try one day...

Also, happy one month engaged to the amazing Mr. V! What happy times there have been around here lately.

Images found via desire to inspire; Original images via Nuevo Estilo. 

Summer Garden Party

Fresh off the happy news of our engagement, a few lovely lessons at Haven's Kitchen, and a class with the Little Flower School, I left last Wednesday for Berlin, where I spent a quick, great three days for a work trip. The weather there was magical - sunny and cloudless with temperatures in the mid-seventies each day. On Saturday, I flew to Florida for a party hosted by Mr. V's family in Palm Beach, where it was so nice to celebrate his brother's graduation, his parents' anniversary, and our engagement all in one weekend. I'm finally back in New York, but only for a short spell, as Mr. V and I leave Friday for a friend's wedding on Martha's Vineyard...

Neither Mr. V nor I have ever been to the island, and thinking about this weekend has me dreaming about an outdoor party under the sun...A rustic and casual affair filled with salty air and bountiful flower arrangements, a bit like these fantastic blooms that completely transform the landscape. How gorgeous! I can't wait to spend the weekend exploring the Vineyard and toasting to our friends' wedding.

Image one via Heartbeatoz; Image two via The Sweet Occasion; Image three via My Favorite and My Best. 

Spring Style | Adapting to the Elements

For the past few weeks, the weather has been conflicted in typical spring fashion, quickly changing from warm and sunny to cool and rainy. This makes fashion choices a bit harder, as one has to be able to slip between sunshine and sudden showers without sacrificing too much style...

For me, this look perfectly personifies the style of many New Yorkers at this time of year - half sweet, with the tied blouse and red lips, and half tough, with the rolled jeans and motorcycle boots. A perfect pairing while the weather is still waffling!

Image via The Sartorialist. 

Feeling the Heat

New York was a scorching 85 degrees today, which, despite the cool and steady breeze, immediately made me want to dive headfirst into a pool...

While it's nice to feel that summer is almost here, it was a bit unexpected to walk out my door and feel the rush of warmth on my face. That being said, I'm so excited for the things that come with the change of season...Vacations, outdoor dining, and the general merriment that accompanies the summer months. I can't wait!

Image via Architectural Digest.

Dining Out | Easter Dinner at Spice Market

Yesterday after brunch, Mr. V, our friends, and I took a walk through the West Village to enjoy the absolute perfect weather that graced the city. We headed to the outdoor biergarten at The Standard to sit outside under The High Line and drink some cocktails, and then we went to Spice Market for dinner (another Jean-Georges favorite, in addition to ABC Kitchen and Perry St), and had the most delicious family-style feast.

A few highlights were the Lobster Summer Rolls with Citrus-Dill Gele Sriracha Emulsion, Cod with Malaysian Chili Sauce with Thai Basil, Vegetables in Green Curry, Chili-Garlic Egg Noodles with Seared Shrimp and Star Anise, and the Ginger Fried Rice. It was all so delicious! A bit of an unorthodox Easter meal, but wonderful nonetheless. It was great to be out and about in the warm weather, and then end the day with such a nice dinner, all in the company of friends - a New York style holiday!

Image via Fireplace Chats.

New Blossoms

New York has had the prettiest spring weather the past week, and we took a long walk in Central Park yesterday to enjoy the warmth. The flowers there were blooming in bright and bold colors, and this beautiful table setting immediately came to mind...

These arrangements emanate cheer and romance - they feel very fun and fresh! Personally, I always gravitate towards slightly unkempt, natural bouquets like these. I'd love seeing something so fresh atop the tables at a wedding or dinner party...

Image from Elizabeth Anne Designs.

Wednesday Wanderlust

I'm craving an exotic escape today, filled with palm trees, warm sun, a refreshing pool, and the sound of crashing waves...

Wouldn't it be lovely to slip away for a few days somewhere so beautiful? I'm in love with that pool and beautiful cabana!

All images by Douglas Friedman.

Retail Therapy

The temperature was in the low seventies today, with bright sun shining and a cloudless sky. Dying to get outside and enjoy the weather, I went on a neighborhood walk this afternoon that turned into a mini shopping trip.

I stopped at Ciao for Now on 10th Street for an iced skim latte and vegan banana bread, then headed to browse the stores on Bleeker. I came away with the loveliest seafoam lucite earrings from Alexis Bittar, a classic gold bracelet from Michael Kors, and a new candle from Diptyque. I also fell in love with a few pieces from Sandro, which I will be saving for this spring! I've decided to shop for a color palette of crisp white, tan, mint green, and melon tones for the upcoming warm months. This breezy white shirt dress perfectly embodies how I'd like to be dressing as the heat rises - classically summery and chic.

Image via loveelie.

Winter White

I adore these glamorous, yet colorless, cold-weather ensembles! It has only snowed twice in New York this season, so it's nice to see a bit of white this winter, even in a wardrobe...

These looks make me want to run out and swathe myself in monochromatic, alabaster layers. This is a beautiful way to stay fashionable while braving cooler temperatures!

Image one of Peony Lim; Image two of Laura Remington Platt by Vanessa Jackman.

Year of the Dragon

My friend Tao organized a dinner in honor of Chinese New Year on Saturday night, and a group of us merrily celebrated at a restaurant on Mott Street in Chinatown.

After our very tasty meal, we headed to Apothéke, an apothecary-themed mixology bar tucked away on tiny Doyers Street, where I took this picture. The city was quiet, and soft glow of the streetlights illuminated the remaining snow from the morning storm. Today, I read about the history of this little lane, which has quite a colorful past. In fact, Apothéke's space was once an opium den, and the bar has quite a unique atmosphere...It's worth a visit!

Image taken by me with my iPhone.

White Delight

This morning, I woke up to a light, steady snowfall coating the bare trees and empty sidewalks outside my window. Up to five inches are falling on New York today, which I am so excited about, as it's the first snow of 2012!

I'm about to swaddle myself in layers of black winter attire and dash outside to hunt for an available taxi (an Olympian task during snow or rain in the city). I hope to look at least half as fashionable as the amazing Vika Gazinskaya, whose turban and bold haircut make a strong statement, despite her monochromatic attire. So chic!

Image by Hanneli Mustaparta.

Evenings in the Cold

While I was at work today, a chill settled over the city, rendering cabs much harder to find and myself noticeably underdressed to face the elements. It's now 29 degrees in Manhattan, which has me wishing that a light snow will fall (and that I had new winter boots).

As much as I'm tempted to snuggle under a big blanket and stay in tonight, Mr. V and I are off for a double date dinner at Snack Taverna, a neighborhood Greek favorite. Tzatziki and good company are definitely worth journeying outside and bearing this temperature. Have a happy Friday night!

Image via Cup of Jo.

First Snow of Winter

My words last night were very appropriate, as hearty snowflakes fell from the sky this morning and coated the trees in a light dusting.

Mr. V and I are still at my parents' house in the country, spending a week sleeping in under a down comforter, visiting with friends and family, and eating delicious meals by the fire. This is the most relaxed I have felt in quite some time...For once, a week off isn't flying by at the speed of light!

When I emerge from this holiday, I'd like to channel this look for the rest of the season. I'm so drawn to the faux fur, metallics, and messy bangs! Sexy winter chic at its finest.

Image one via Pinterest; Image two from Elle Belgium via Red Glasses.

Braving the Storm

To have a hurricane and an earthquake in the same week is a bit insane, but we're making a party of it! Supplies purchased, friends gathered, we're ready to hunker down and face the storm (bottles of wine and plenty of rations ready, of course!). Wouldn't it be nice though, to jump aboard this beautiful boat and sail away to calmer seas...

Image from Velvet Italia May 2011 via Dustjacket Attic, Photographer: Marcus Ohlsson

Solange Knowles

Today (the day an earthquake rocked the east coast!) I wanted to share pictures of Solange Knowles' cheerful style. Friends of mine know that I love Beyoncé, but I'm also a fashion fan of her sister. I really enjoy the way Solange, 25, consistently plays with both color blocking and fabric shape throughout her wardrobe. Beautiful!

Image one via Fashionista.com, Photographer: Ashley Jahncke; Image two via WhoWhatWear; Image three via vogue.com (Balmain top, Opening Ceremony pants, Vintage Panama hat, Illesteva sunglasses, Ralph Lauren shoes, Lia Sophia rings); Images four and five via Refinery29.