reflecting

It has been a month since I moved into my first New York City apartment, and a month since I started my job.  This time last year, I was attending everyone's but my own graduation (except for Hannah, Brittany, and Shelby of course!), celebrating but saddened by the end of school and life as we knew it.  We were all going our separate ways, at this point last year I was NYC bound for my internship with Marc Jacobs.

Living here last summer has definitely made my adjustment here so much easier.  Something that hasn't changed though is my sense of direction.  It is a terrible feeling when you walk the length of an avenue and realize you are going the wrong way.  Especially in heels.

I live downtown in the Financial District.  As you round the corner of my apartment building you are immediately stunned by a spectacular view of the Freedom Tower.  Walk 4 blocks and you are standing at the base.

Living here is very convenient, I have access to all of the main subway lines which makes shuttling myself around the city very easy.  I have a 20 minute commute door to door to work, which is fair considering I work smack dab in the madness of the Garment District, edging Times Square.

I finally ate at The Smith, a restaurant I was dying to try.  It was the go-to for the lucky fashion week attendees this season so of course I had to see what the hype was about.  The food definitely delivered, they even had a photo booth!

We celebrated Kayla and Nikita's birthday earlier this month, starting with a sushi dinner + saki.  I attended my first "hotel club," complete with complimentary table service.  Supposedly these are pretty easy to find in the city - if you have connections.

Jay visited the following weekend and we an amazing dinner at Otto.  Amazing cannot even describe.  We split prosciutto pizza, carbonara pasta, and a side of broccoli rabe.  I will definitely eat there again, I really want to try their meat and cheese plate (+ wine)!

Jill also made a reappearance in the city that weekend, and Jay and I hosted her at my apartment for brunch a la Miranda!  No brunch in the city is complete without mimosas, we started our day off right before venturing uptown where Jay and I spent the afternoon strolling down Fifth, visiting Madison Square Park, and venturing to Chelsea Market.

The following weekend I ventured back to Atlanta - it was my first flight back not worrying about a job interview!  Jay had a great weekend planned, lunching in Piedmont Park, going to Zoo Atlanta, and taking me to my first IMAX movie.  I never fail to make some good friends.

We have Intermezzo this week - my first show where I can really interact with buyers!  Wish me luck!

first week in NYC

After a 4 month hiatus from blogging, this girl is reporting to you from New York City!  It's official - I am a resident.  The job?  Wholesale for the contemporary clothing label Ali Ro.  The apartment?  Financial district.  Pinch me, is this real life?

My first week was spent running around the city looking for an apartment - then finding furniture!  Both were quite an adventure and I am relieved that they are over.  I am ready to be settled.

As expected, the weather has been unpredictable.  On day one of the apartment search there were snow flurries, and since I had to trek all around town with a broker I had to bundle up.

And on Friday it was in the 50's which is considered warm during New York springtime.  I took advantage of the "warm" weather by forgoing a jacket on our night out on Friday.

Several of my friends from South Carolina live here and it was great catching up.  We went to a country bar - some things never change.

My friend Kayla and I spent Saturday exploring my new neighborhood.  The greatest thing about FiDi is that I am living 4 blocks from the water!  We are wrapping up the night with Easter Eve brunch - eggs, bacon, and mimosas - complete with dying Easter eggs.  Props to Amy for buying an Angry Birds and Sponge Bob dying kit.

Stay tuned for more adventures!

winter white + mint + camel and leather

 

From top: I chose this look for a holiday party (and to conquer the winter white trend).  I topped off my look with a jeweled collar necklace from Anthropologie (similar here) and green and silver tipped pointed-toe heels from Target.

Bottom left: I fell in love with this mint sweater - I had nothing remotely close to this color in my wardrobe.  The jeweled necklace makes it perfect for the holidays.

Bottom right: Excuse the airport bathroom background.  The contrast of the wool and leather in this dress is amazing.

       

greetings from marc + robert

Can they seriously give me any more of a reason to love them?  This video makes me feel so warm and fuzzy inside.  They are so humble and clearly still have a great partnership after 30 years.  Happy New Year to you too Marc and Robert - cannot wait to see what it holds for you!

Also, needing this:

Check out the rest of the MJ Pre-Fall handbags here.

classic sunglasses

 {Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses}

{Tom Ford Nikita Sunglasses}

{Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses} 

{Karen Walker Number One Sunglasses} 

{Celine Rounded Square Sunglasses}

These are five of my favorite sunglasses that I find worth the investment.  What are your go-to sunnies?

color workshop: blush

                  

I swooned when I saw these looks from Bottega Veneta Pre-Fall.  The whole collection had a concise minimalist feel updated with rich colors head to toe like the looks above.  My first thought when I saw the dark lilac outfit was I have to have something in this color.  It looks so rich and fancy!  However, finding similar items was a bit of a challenge.  Of  course, Bottega is in a league of it's own.

Go for the monochromatic look by layering a nude or pink shell under a blazer a few shades darker or lighter.  The pieces below from Topshop and ASOS are great picks.

From bottom left

ASOS Slouchy Boyfriend Blazer

River Island Geometric Ball Chain Clutch

Topshop Necklace Sweater

Topshop Collared Lace Pattern Tank

don't sweat it

This fall, quirky printed sweaters are everywhere.  They may feature animals, objects, or phrases. "Creme de la Creme" sweater, anyone?  Too bad that sweater is currently sold out everywhere.  If you are having trouble finding your perfect printed sweater, worry not - I have assembled my list of current favs.

     

 

    

From top left:

Banjo & Matilda Toucan Cashmere Sweater | Net-a-Porter

Zoe Karseen Bat Sweater | Dolls Kill

Markus Lupfer Cadillac Sweater | Matches Fashion

Tibi Lobster Print Jersey Sweatshirt | Net-a-Porter

Madewell Counting Sheep Sweater | Madewell

Boy. by Band of Outsiders Intarsia Dog Sweater | Shopbop