we've got a long ways to go

This picture of a young Leo and Kate makes me grin from ear to ear. We have so much learning and growing to do. Just look at how far they've both come since this photo!

(photo via here)

solange, why you so fabulous?

I've long admired Solange's colorful and comfortable style, so seeing her as Madewell's new brand ambassador is a treat! I love that she is generous with mixing pattern and color, and dresses for her mood, whether it be retro or bohemian or edgy. As Coco Chanel once said, "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." That you are, Solange!

Two of my favorite Madewell photos from the Solange + Madewell photoshoot

 

This pinterest board has more photos of Solange's bold style... inspirational!

life lately... july recap

Is it me, or did July just disappear? This summer has been the speediest summer of my life! Here are some Instagrams from July...

 Last night, I grabbed dinner at Delicatessen with my girlfriends from college: Eunsan, Andrea, and Tina. It was Eunsan's belated birthday, so Andrea got a bunch of desserts from Ceci Cela. Delicious. (Thanks for sharing the treats, E!)

 Another necklace from eBay -- clearly this is becoming a habit ;)

 I'm usually a homebody, but going out dancing with Justin and Christian at Stash until 4AM is one of my fondest memories from this month. Dancing with two gay men is SO much fun. My skirt's too short? Who cares! They're buffers for unwanted attention, have great dance moves, and not to mention are wonderful people/friends in general. Above is a capture of J and I goofing around in our Sobe glasses (Justin works at Pepsi, which owns the Sobe brand).

 Coffee dates with friends are really so inspiring. Eunsan and I try to have "Creative Sessions," where we brainstorm new projects. Last weekend we popped by La Colombe, and prompty after the session, I started my Living with Purpose column! I tell you, creative accountability really works.

My friend/coworker Valorie invited our entire team of eight to post-work drinks & snacks on her Financial District apartment rooftop. It was amazing to take in the sunset views of the Brooklyn bridge with a glass of wine and great people.

 Angela and I popped by Hester Nights for dinner two weeks ago. I am OBSESSED with Lizzmonade, a startup beverage company that makes the most insane lemonade combinations. I got a mix of lemonade with real mango and raspberry pieces mixed in, an ambrosial combo. Angela and I unintentionally had matching manicures ;)

I usually swing by Uniqlo (a Japanese clothing store with a US flagship in NYC) once every two weeks. But this was the first time I was treated to a full on drum performance in-store. Not sure what they were celebrating, but they were giving out some delicious Asian candy and chocolate as well. Right place at the right time!

Speaking of right place... an exciting celebrity sighting from two weekends ago: Adam Levine was a foot away from me at Le Esquina (a favorite Mexican food restaurant of mine in Nolita), but I didn't know it was him until after he walked away. Here he is above with his girlfriend Victoria's Secret model Behati (in the orange dress). You'll be surprised to know that my night got even more exciting: my friend Danny L drove into Manhattan from Staten Island in his yellow convertible Camaro, and we cruised through Soho in a car! (A real car! Not a taxi! This is a huge deal to me.) And then we went with Justin and Graham to karaoke. (Another huge deal for me -- I am a karaoke fame whore.)

The photo of me above is from the hottest day of the year so far -- it was 99 degrees out, and Paul, Justin, and I were walking through Soho, about to die. We made pit stops to random stores like Kate's Paperie and my favorite bookstore McNally Jackson just for the air conditioning. I was having a good hair day so I made Paul snap a vanity photo. (Sometimes when I put my hair in a bun, waves just happen. It's my trick!)

Hope you're having a great July xo

newest book on my shelf: wallflower at the orgy

I haven't blogged about this until now, but I along with the rest of female kind was in serious mourning after Nora Ephron's passing on June 26th. (The cab driver even asked me if I was alright, after I found out in transit via NYTimes' mobile app.) I had been quietly collecting her books, essays and movies for years, acquiring I Feel Bad About My Neck and I Remember Nothing immediately after they were published. I wanted to share with you my most recent purchase -- her essays from the 1970's all bound up in the evocative title, Wallflower at the Orgy. What a treasure! Glad to have that 2-day Amazon shipping.

Here's some Nora Ephron links that capture her so richly:

- Fabulous tributes by Tom Hanks and Lena Dunham 

- A great Ephron round-up by Joanna

- Ephron's hilarious essay, "A Few Words About Breasts" in PDF

- NYTimes's write-up on Nora

We'll miss ya Nora, xoxo

a sunday read

I've had a sweet spot for Audrey Hepburn ever since I spent the whole 8th grade working on a paper and presentation on her life. I watched almost all of her films (Breakfast at Tiffany's, Funny Face, and Roman Holiday are my favorites!) and read this biography to prepare. Imagine my delight to find this book at the Strand today! I'm reading it now on my couch... so far so good!

“A bonbon of a book...as well tailored as the little black dress the movie made famous.” -- New York Times

Find it here on Amazon!

barack & michelle

I found this wonderful story of the Obamas on Facebook and would love to share... It made me smile from ear to ear! :)

"One night President Obama and his wife Michelle decided to do something out of routine and go for a casual dinner at a restaurant that wasn't too luxurious. When they were seated, the owner of the restaurant asked the President's secret service if he could please speak to the First Lady in private. They obliged and Michelle had a conversation with the owner. Following this conversation President Obama asked Michelle, why was he so interested in talking to you. She mentioned that in her teenage years, he had been madly in love with her. President Obama then said, "so if you had married him, you would now be the owner of this lovely restaurant", to which Michelle responded, "no, if I had married him, he would now be the President."

Michelle is my kind of woman for sure!

mad x2!

I'm absolutely mad about these Mad Men collectible dolls that Kiernan Shipka (aka Sally Draper) owns. That sassy Joan doll is just perfect. (via the Coveteur.)

kate middleton for the win

Okay, so we all know Kate Middleton is gorgeous and has great style... but did you know that she also happens to be the star of Kate Middleton For the Win? (Aka, the funniest royal tumblr EVER.) Loveezzzz it! You must go check it out ASAP :)

So brilliant!

writer sightings!

Luckiest. Week. Ever. I somehow managed to meet two of my favorite writers/ girl crushes, Jenny Slate and Miranda July, all within a span of 3 days! I went to the NYC Literary Death Match this Wednesday, and saw Jenny (creator and voice of hilarious short film Marcel the Shell With Shoes On) dominate! She is such an inspiration-- very successful actress/comedienne/writer/former SNL cast member, not to mention still in her twenties. Dannng, girl. Oh, and Jenny is pee-my-pants hilarious.

Just watch this...

And today, in front of McNally Jackson, I bumped into Miranda and HAD to say hello. Her short stories from No One Belongs Here More Than You are some of the best I've ever read. So I told her I was a "huge, huge, huge fan of your work" and she thanked me, and we chatted for like four glorious seconds. It was awesome.

So, Jenny and Miranda are both curly brunette Jewish ladies in film and literature. They're like badass twins. (Just see Miranda on the left, and Jenny at right.) Don't you recognize the same wit that's settled in the gaze of their eyes? I do. :)

paris in midnight

My obsession with Paris and fondness for Woody Allen films means I need to see Midnight in Paris ASAP! I'm planning on seeing it at the Angelika next week. I've also heard great things about Bridesmaids, which I think I'll catch this weekend during my time back home in Philly. Any other new movie recommendations, friends?

(Photos via Tribeca Film Festival)

princess bride

Isn't this a gorgeous photo of Kate? So happy to be all caught up with the wedding, thanks to the Royal Family's Youtube and Flickr accounts :)

(Photo via this is glamorous) 

book love: an object of beauty

I'm almost finished reading Steve Martin's An Object of Beauty, and it's one of my favorites from this year! Steve Martin's writing is not just good, it's freakin' New York Times bestseller fantastic. (On that note, I had no idea Martin was such a Renaissance man. To be a actor-comedian-writer is one thing, but to be successful at all of them is another! I need to read Shop Girl next.).

Learning more about the Manhattan's art world is also super fascinating. I especially love the photos of classic art that perfectly accompany the story. Such a feast for the eyes and mind.

PS: Other books I love here and here :)

tibi-tastic!

I know I'm a little behind on my style posts, but my dolls, I am in love.... with Tibi! I've been an admirer for a few seasons, and this Spring '11 collection is oh so fabulously cozy. Olivia Palermo as model definitely works... I think her mellow, comfortable-chic style really suits the brand to a T!

Also, a month ago, I got my hands on my own Tibi cocktail dress on a lucky trip to Bloomingdales!!! (Here's a picture of me in the dress + friends at an NYU event, getting our grooves on :)

oscar sunday.. oh so soon!

Okay I know Oscar Sunday doesn't have exactly the same punch as "Superbowl Sunday", but whatever -- I. am. SO. excited!!! Check out this video of Oscars hosts Anne Hathaway and James Franco getting ready - too cute & hilarious.

look & feel

Lunch with friends, gym-time, and cooking have kept me cheerful and sane this week in the midst of all the meetings & emails (I hate the CC button!) & business events! I'm feeling as serene as Grace Kelly looks in these photos. (Which is very lucky indeed. I could be feeling like this. Scarrrry!) Wishing you lots of "Grace Kelly feelings", dear readers!

(Grace Kelly in 1955 via pintrest)

golden globe favorites

Let's talk about last night's Golden Globes, which I had a ton of fun watching (and tweeting about with my twitter friends of course!). There were so many great moments -- pretty dresses, funny speeches, and a wonderful camaraderie and appreciation for film and television. Here are a few of my favorites Golden Globe memories...

1. My favorite gowns - so colorful!

Kyra Sedgwick in Emilio Pucci, January Jones in Versace, and Anne Hathaway in Giorgio Armani Privé

2. Favorite Speeches...

Chris Colfer's anti-bullying speech (Best Supporting Actor in TV in Series)
Claire Dane's emotional speech (Best Actress in Mini-Series/TV Movie)

Robert Downey Jr's hilarious speech (Presenter)
Annette Benning's classy speech (Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy)
Natalie Portman's endearing & kind of awkward speech (Best Actress - Drama)

3. Glee and The Social Network for the win!!!

4. Robert Downey Jr. being downright sexy

.... with his lucky wife Susan

5. Oh, and this stylish Chrysler commercial which aired during break

Any other favorite memories, my sweet friends?

(photos via instyle, people, the examiner)

some wednesday humor

This Vanity Fair mockup of the New Yorker featuring coverboy Justin Bieber makes me laugh. Hope you are having a humorous, wonderful Wednesday! :)

Speaking of the New Yorker, I am currently reading 20 Under 40: Stories from the New Yorker, which I got my very literary little sister for Christmas - and I'm enjoying it quite a bit! (As did she!)

blue valentine

Can't wait to see this film... I've been waiting since April! (One of the producers went to NYU, and he's a friend of a friend.)

the spade's place

Pictures of Andy and Kate Spade's apartment via The Selby makes my heart pitter patter like mad. What character! What color! Things I love about their home: vintage furniture, art & photographs EVERYWHERE, books piled up on desks and windowsills, and the elegant clutter. (I'm a firm believer in clutter if it looks good!)

Not only do I adore Kate as a designer and businesswoman (I read her Harvard Business School case a few years ago, and it's brilliant), I think her family and home are positively charming. See more photos here!

much love for nora ephron

Not to obsessively blog about successful, inspiring women (although honestly, there can never be too much talk about the subject!!) but I'd like to dedicate this post to a woman I adore, and that is Nora Ephron. There are so many reasons why I am completely in love with her, but I'll narrow them down to five...

1. She makes brilliant films that feature strong female characters. (Ephron directed Julie & Julia and wrote screenplays for When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle -- MY FAVORITES!!!)

2. She turned her personal heartbreak (husband cheating on her while 7 months pregnant) into a bestselling novel and film, Heartburn. The best revenge is success, no?

3. Her recent book I Feel Bad About My Neck made me laugh so much, I bought it and cracked up even more the second time around... despite not being able to completely empathize on aging in my early twenties.

4. She spoke out against institutes that produce "docile and unadventurous women" -- including her own alma mater Wellesley. Bravo!

5. She gives the most riotously hilarious speeches. Best examples are her tributes to Meryl Streep and Mike Nichols on their AFI Lifetime Achievement awards:

Isn't she fantastic? Most of all, I just love that as a director, producer, screenwriter, novelist, journalist, author, and blogger, Ephron shows us we can really pursue all of our passions, that it can all be done. "It's nice to be fluent in more than one language," Ephron says, and I couldn't agree more. For more reasons why I love Nora Ephron, read her bio here and here.