Familial Thoughts on 2016
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
As I write this I'm now realizing it's my third consecutive year concluding with a travel post. I guess you can predict my priorities. There is no doubt that my destinations are of the first things I think of when reflecting on a year. 2016 has had no shortage of incredible adventures -- check my travel tag for proof. But looking back on this year and all that has changed, the first thing I'll remember is that home is truly where the heart is.
This year has been defined by adulthood. I started my full-time career, my sister left for college, and my boyfriend and I re-secured our relationship. My sister and I are now both living apart from our parents, and in some ways it feels like we've now all become closer. With change it's a blessing to know you have constants. For me, it's the shoulders I have to lean on that I appreciate the most.
These photos were taking at a family wedding on the last day of our trip in Asia, where I spent a consecutive week with solely my parents for the first time in a while. As the last trip of an ever-changing year, it was a reminder that home is family, and it will follow me anywhere. With this transition away from the holidays, out of 2016, and into the new year, it's moments shared with those closest that I will carry through.
A Day in Marina Bay, Singapore
Thursday, December 22, 2016
As much as I loved Malaysia, Singapore quickly became my favorite city on this trip. Between the sense of innovation and fusion of cultures, it felt like the perfect blend of New York City and Shanghai, the two cities I hold closest to my heart. We spent our first day in Singapore at its heart of modernism, Marina Bay. Despite its reputation as the tourist hub, there is really no other experience like it.
For anyone making a visit to Marina Bay, fortunately all the best sights are within walking distance (although don't ditch your sneakers -- it is still quite a bit of walking!). I recommend a full day in this area to truly enjoy the sights without adding stress to your vacation. When your day of adventuring is over, take the subway just one stop over to enjoy a night market dinner at Lau Pa Sat. You will need a full meal after a day in the Lion City!
Malaysian Moments | Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Sunday, December 18, 2016
Second to Georgetown, Batu Ferringhi is Penang's second most popular destination with its long stretches of white sand beaches. With an easy half-hour drive from our Georgetown hotel, we spent our second and last day in Penang on a brief adventure to the area. While it's no Caribbean, Batu Ferringhi has its own unique sights to offer between tropical gardens and deliciously local food.
Malaysian Moments | Kuala Lumpur + Georgetown
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
I'll admit this is the longest break I've taken from blogging, but leave it to a long-awaited trip to get me re-energized and re-inspired. My parents and I recently traveled to Southeast Asia for a week of adventuring through Malaysia and Singapore concluded by a family wedding.
Truthfully I had no idea what to expect from this trip, but I left with a reminder of my love for Asia. The history and culture that define these regions are vibrantly unique and refreshingly different from our familiar surroundings. As of now I'm just waiting for the day I get to return. Read on and stay tuned for highlights from our travels abroad.
Textured Monochrome
Monday, November 28, 2016
It's about that time of the year again when my wardrobe gets darker as temperatures drop lower. When it comes to battling a cold winter morning routine, I'm all about getting ready faster to sleep in longer. Hence my unchanged, everyday makeup involving just two strokes of winged liner.
Head-to-toe monochrome has always been my go-to when it comes to effortless outfits, though the best part is making it look different each time. In this case that means adding textured tweed details and hints of gold. If there is any accessory that best pairs with my dark winter wardrobe, it's this black/gold timepiece from Daniel Wellington.
Work Out, Wear Out
Monday, November 21, 2016
In my last post with Reebok I introduced their Perfect Never campaign and the idea that a workout should be enjoyed, because ultimately the perfect body doesn't exist. I believe the same goes for style. I'm grateful to be part of an era when fashion and comfort are more aligned than ever. We are making strides towards the overall embrace of different body types, and while there are still some flaws, I'm hopeful that this path will continue.
With that being said, you can find me in my Reebok gear both in and out of a workout. If it feels good, why not? At the start of another New York winter, I'll take all the coziness I can get. This quilted sweatshirt and legging pairing will take you from yoga class to the streets without compromising comfort at any point. As I've said before, fashion is meant to feel good. The appearance will follow.
Photo Credit: Victor (the bf)
This post was written in partnership with Reebok. All opinions are my own.
Soldier On
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Lately it seems as if this military-inspired coat couldn't have met my closet at a better time, for more reasons than following fall trends. Since exactly a week ago this nation as changed, though I'm not here to rant about the sources or implications.
What I will say is that our country and people have been through much worse. We've conquered tragedies and overcome injustices, together. The worst thing we could do now is erase everything that was worked for over the past several decades. Unfavorable outcomes are no reason to regress. Whether at a personal or macro level, the struggles we are met with only give us more reason to stay determined, passionate, and compassionate. Change is what you make of it, so throw on your game face and soldier on.
Savannah, Georgia: Days 2 & 3
Thursday, November 10, 2016
It wasn't until I started editing this post that I realized my attention to taking photos in Savannah dwindled each day. By the time my mom and I were at our third day in the charming city, we were too busy making spontaneous plans to remember documenting them. But I think that is a beautiful side of travel -- to document experiences solely in your memory, for only yourself to hold onto.
While I am typically a schedule-oriented trip planner, there is something about Savannah that encourages impromptu exploration. In a small scale city, you quickly become immersed in the local culture and take notice of the details that give the community character.
My mom and I spent the last days of our trip popping in and out of historic homes and strolling Savannah's waterfront area. We weren't able to hit all the important sites due to hurricane damage and marathon crowds, but it gave us the chance to explore the streets like locals.
Savannah, Georgia: Day One
Monday, November 7, 2016
Leading up to life as a post-graduate my goal has always been to give back to my parents, my day-one supporters. Now that I'm approaching a year as a full-time working girl, I am finally in a place where I can start doing so.
My mom and I went on our first girls' trip to Italy this past February and still find ourselves gushing about it each time we get together. Come fall, I decided to treat her to a birthday vacation in a city that has all the charm and ease for the perfect girls' trip -- Savannah, Georgia.
Lined with Spanish moss-covered oak trees and elegantly historic architecture, Savannah has everything we wanted from a quaint Southern city. Beyond a welcoming environment, the locals made us feel right at home with a kind of friendliness that isn't always found in New York. It takes more than a few paragraphs to describe Savannah with its deeply rooted history and uniquely Southern culture. But I can say that from my mom's goal to visit all fifty of the United States, I'm so grateful we chose to explore this one together.
Read on more details from our first day in Georgia's oldest but most beautiful city:
Belled
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
It's been a bit since I've written about my work wardrobe despite spending what feels like 90% of my time at the office. With temperatures dropping, I've been finding it more difficult to quickly pull together work-friendly outfits without the ability to throw on a cute day dress. Honestly, I'd wear my mom jeans and sneakers every day if I could.
When it comes to quick outfits, it's all about those details that show more effort that required. For this season, I'm relying on the bell sleeve. Sleeve detail has been everywhere lately (including this blog), and I'm loving the effortless drama that comes with it. The simplest tee can be easily upgraded with a great sleeve, making any office outfit more than your traditionally monochrome tailored look. I'm pretty sure I'll be living in this top for the next few months.
Staycationing With Arlo Hotels
Monday, October 31, 2016
Only since making friends with fellow working girl influencers did I start hearing about staycations. I've quickly learned that once we trade college for career, it becomes too easy to get wrapped up in the stresses of everyday life. While the idea of spending a weekend just a few miles away from home may sound less appealing than traveling abroad, the benefits are significant.
Victor and I spent Halloweekend at Arlo Hudson Square, a newer addition to the New York City hotel scene that blends efficiency with design. Despite being just a subway ride away from my apartment, it was the retreat we needed after a busy week. There is something refreshing about changing up your daily surroundings regardless of the distance. Amidst the chic, studious atmosphere of Arlo, we were nothing but relaxed. New York almost felt like a separate city from the one we scramble through from Monday to Friday.
Scroll on for highlights from my favorite corners of Arlo Hudson Square.
An Autumnal Dream in The Berkshires
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Though it feels like New York skipped over fall, this past weekend's foliage adventures were enough of an autumnal dream to keep me satisfied. Encompassing the westernmost part of Massachusetts is a rural region knows as The Berkshires, where the scenery and culture are unlike any surrounding region. My family spent a weekend exploring the vibrant hills of this area and by the end of the trip, I wasn't ready to return to the city.
Despite unfavorable weather for most of the trip, the foliage still seemed to shine through. Among my favorite stops in the Berkshires was Olivia's Overlook (shown below), where the autumnal landscape is almost unbeatable. We made it up just minutes before sunset and were rewarded with views of evening fog weaving between the colorful trees. As much as I will always be a city girl, I wouldn't mind spending every fall season in the hills of the Berkshires.
#PerfectNever
Monday, October 24, 2016
I'll admit it's been a while since I've been fully confident with my fitness level. Every day I skip a workout is another moment of appreciation for those daily sports practices in high school. I'm not the kind of girl who can be confined to a traditional gym. Give me a mountain to hike or a kayak to paddle, and I'll happily work out any day.
Here in New York, the gym is a lifestyle. But despite the endless membership options that line these streets, I'm not sure I'll ever fit in with that world. I prefer workouts that don't feel like exercise - the ones that create memories along the way. That is the beauty of Reebok's #PerfectNever campaign. I may never achieve the body of a supermodel, but I'll leave every "workout" knowing I achieved more than a chiseled body.
In today's society, the perfect body is nonexistent, as is anything else that is subject to comparison. Work out to feel good, and do only what you enjoy. No one has time for anything else. What is your #PerfectNever story?
Travel Made Easy
Thursday, October 20, 2016
A peer recently asked me what I enjoy doing for fun, and the first word that came to mind was exploring. Despite being a broad term, it encompasses everything I value when it comes to "leisure" time. Being in a city like New York fortunately makes this an accessible hobby. This past weekend my boyfriend and I hit three boroughs in one day as we traveled around for food, views, and company.
In a city as busy as New York, cold weather layers are only fun until you head indoors to find yourself juggling a coat on one arm. Especially when traveling, such a small thing can still hinder your focus on the actual travels. Thankfully Covert has developed the perfect accessory to keep you prepared for anything the day may bring.
There is no doubt that I live in leather jackets when fall comes around, and one that adds function to style is a win in my book. This Covert piece transforms between a timeless layering piece and a convenient drawstring bag that still has room for your personal items. The switch between both is easy, and your day is instantly easier.
Wandering Williamsburg
Monday, October 17, 2016
Williamsburg, Brooklyn: the neighborhood with charming restaurants on not-so-charming streets. Since moving uptown my trips to the eclectic neighborhood have become less frequent, but each time I make the journey it's always worth the ride.
These days Williamsburg is reaching its peak of gentrification, but what I love most (other than the thriving culinary scene) are the lingering indications of its artistic, dare I say hipster days. Despite being a hub for young millennials and brunch connoisseurs, the Brooklyn neighborhood is still far from refined. Its streets are lined with unoccupied, run-down buildings like this pale blue spot that carry a history of which we have no knowledge. That is the quiet beauty of Wiliamsburg -- the marks from years past that have no clear origins, yet continue to tell the story of this continuously evolving place.
Coffee Shop Corners: NYC
Thursday, October 13, 2016
When I spend the night at my boyfriend's place, he wakes up an hour earlier than his usual to grab coffee with me before heading to the train. It becomes an opportunity to discover the cafés of Jersey City and an extra fifteen minutes in the morning that we get to spend together. As cheesy as it sounds, coffee has a way of connecting people. Quick café plans turn into deep conversation and suddenly you're sipping on your third cup as the hours pass.
I share a lot snippets from my life on Instagram that never make it to the blog, so here's a little visual compilation of some of my favorite coffee shop moments from New York City. Cheers to the laughter, conversation, and memories that follow a simple latté. What small moments mean the most to you?
A New York Day Trip to Dia:Beacon
Monday, October 10, 2016
The way I see it, rainy weekends in New York create just as much opportunity for adventure as those with blue skies. My boyfriend and I had intended to go apple picking on Sunday, but an extra gloomy morning re-routed us on a Metro North train up the Hudson Valley to Beacon, NY.
When you hop off the train at Beacon Station, you'll notice that most of your fellow passengers are headed in the same direction -- towards Dia:Beacon. As a 300 square foot contemporary art museum housed in a former printing factory, this site has been at the top of my must-see list. Each gallery is created to feature the work of a specific artist, with my (obvious) favorite being Dan Flavin's fluorescent creations. I'm no expert on modern art, but I'm always up for an artistically unique experience.
The clouds cleared up just as we left the museum, and we finished off our day strolling along Beacon's waterfront. Surrounded by lush mountainside and only the sound of the Hudson River, we concluded our weekend with the best that autumn has to offer.
A Little 70's
Thursday, October 6, 2016
I didn't realize how much I loved this outfit until I spent a day in it. I purchased this top months ago and let it wait in my closet until the annual New York heat wave died down. Now that it's autumn, give me some bell sleeves and I'll be twirling all around the concrete jungle.
You know those style quizzes that place you into a certain "type of girl"? The Modern Girl, The Classic, The Bohemian Babe. I don't feel like I fit completely into any of those, and I don't think anyone should have to. As much as I love my leather jackets and weekend athleisure, I'll just as happily bring out my inner 70s chick with a pair of flares and free-flowing sleeves.
The final touch to this look? The bucket bag that carries it all. I spent a day in the city fully equipped with my DSLR camera and typical bag necessities without needing to carry anything oversized. You could never tell, but everything fit perfectly into this bag that I've now been wearing on repeat.
The Mom Jean
Monday, October 3, 2016
Denim is having a moment right now and I've found my favorite kind. I picked up my first pair of mom jeans in a blue wash this summer and after my first wear immediately went back for black. There is something perfect about this un-restricting, curve-friendly denim trend -- something called natural.
I won't go on a lengthy lecture about body image, but I will thank mom jeans for accommodating my leg shape and my former dancer thighs for filling them out. The style world isn't just about skinny jeans anymore, and I get the sense that most women are loving it. With trend resurgences happening every second, it is much easier to find a unique pair of pants or jeans that both look and feel good. Revolutionary, right? Sarcasm intended.
Regardless, here's to not only embracing, but also accentuating your body's quirks. Getting dressed is more fun that way.
Fall Florals
Monday, September 26, 2016
It is typically unlike me to wear color in three consecutive posts, but hey I'll roll with it for now. Lately I've been trading my daily monochrome tendencies for some injections of deeper color palettes, mostly out of excitement for the new season.
As much as I'm personally ready for fall, my wardrobe isn't exactly on track. Is anyone else always behind on preparing for the first chill of the season? This is when recycling summer favorites comes in handy. The arrival of autumn is no reason to immediately store away those warm weather pieces, and in this case I'm taking full advantage of my olive florals. To keep this cold-shoulder dress weather-appropriate, I've added on a light utility jacket to continue the olive palette with an autumn touch. A little layering goes a long way.
In The Garden
Thursday, September 22, 2016
My boyfriend and I spent the last official weekend of summer away from the urban jungle at the New York Botanical Garden. Though still within the boroughs of the city, the garden seemed worlds away. With a span of 250 acres, it felt virtually empty at almost every corner - with the exception of the Conservatory's beer tasting event, of course.
The sun beamed down through the cloudless sky, making it seem as if autumn wasn't just around the corner. It was just the two of us, sipping on autumnal beers and strolling through rows of flowers that had just passed their peak bloom but still retained their beauty. It was a perfectly bittersweet farewell to summer and a welcoming hello to fall.
Autumnal Musings
Monday, September 19, 2016
Though it doesn't quite feel like it yet, autumn is (finally) just three days away. Is anyone else also overwhelmed by the fact that September is two weeks from ending? A new season is around the corner, and a new month is close behind. I'm personally more than happy to welcome the newness as a reminder to continue progressing.
This has been my first officially year spent adulting, and it's safe to say I've had my fair share of both highs and lows. There are times when I find myself getting wrapped up in the monotony of urban working life, a feeling I never want to make permanent.
When we're students it feels like everyone pushes us to do more - learn more, participate in more, and experience more. It's funny how once we leave school we become our only motivators, and suddenly we appreciate those external pressures. As the new season approaches, I've committed to taking some unfamiliar classes and continuing to make time for new experiences even when it feels like I have none. Here's to finishing out the year on the highest note yet. What are you looking forward to this fall?
Everyday Ease
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Commuting in New York City is rarely associated with comfort. One minute you're squeezing yourself into a rush hour subway, and the next you're dodging tourists on the streets. But that is just the dynamic of the city, and the best you can do is grab a coffee, put in your earphones, and leave the four-inch heels at home.
Lou & Grey has finally opened its first New York store, and its just what we city girls needed. The brand values the relationship between style and comfort, which is evident in this jumpsuit that I've worn twice since the weekend (#noshame). From a day at the office to dinner with my guy, it felt as if I had never taken off my pajamas from the morning. That's clothing in its best form.
Forward
Monday, September 12, 2016
Is anyone else overwhelmed by the fact that it is already mid-September? Around this time we New Yorkers have forgotten our Labor Day goodbyes to summer and started desperately pining for humidity levels to drop. Autumn breeze, we're waiting for you.
I'm personally waiting for the first weekend I can eat my way through an apple orchard without a drop of sweat. But for now I'm throwing on my most comfortable sneakers to rush through Manhattan's steamy streets with as much haste as possible. I don't know about you, but I'm definitely ready for summer's end to make way for new beginnings -- for more reasons than un-airconditioned subways.
Petite Power
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
I must have complained about petites sizing options one too many times, because my requests have finally been answered. As a petites shopper it often feels like fashion was not made for me. And the thought of paying double to tailor everything I pull off the rack is simply out of the question.
Thankfully Petite Studio has finally launched an online boutique serving up on-trend pieces at affordable prices for those of us who were built shorter. It's basically the answer to all my wardrobe dreams. My favorite piece is the Whitney Dress with its athletic vibes (and pockets, of course). You can bet you'll find me wearing this all-white look weeks after Labor Day.
Shine On
Thursday, September 1, 2016
The right accessories easily enhance any outfit, especially when they carry a story. Though delicate, the necklace stack I'm featuring today is not one to be overlooked. The Shine Project was founded to fund scholarships for inner city youth and now employs students to design jewelry in support of their educations. It's a small (but lovely) wardrobe investment for you that makes a massive impact on someone else.
Summer at Storm King
Monday, August 29, 2016
In November of last year, my sister Erin and I took a day trip upstate to Storm King Art Center and quickly fell in love. With 500 acres of art and nature to explore, it was an easy choice of destination for our last weekend together before she leaves for college.
Nostalgia is imminent you think about how quickly time passes. In just less than a year since our first visit, I was completing my college career and my sister had only just applied. And much like the scenery here between late fall to summer, things have changed since then at the blink of an eye. Though with any passing of time, the strength in our sisterhood has always been constant. So I wish her all the best as she begins a new chapter in her life and cannot wait to look back on even more changes on our next visit to the art center. Here's to change, growth, and the constants that keep us grounded.
Date Night
Thursday, August 25, 2016
The sunset rolled in as we dined over a quiet, familiar meal. The streets of West Village remained uncrowded, allowing for the kind of peaceful stroll that is not always welcomed in this city. We shared an ice cream cone for two, a scoop of Honeycomb for him and Earl Grey for me. The slightest summer breeze crept in as night fell and we returned uptown hand-in-hand. Sweet simplicity at its finest.
Classic
Monday, August 22, 2016
Knotted, layered, or half-tucked, there is no shortage of variations when it comes to styling the classic button-down shirt. The best wardrobe pieces are those that evolve with you, like the close friend you've had since middle school. A perfectly-fitting button-down shirt is one you can keep forever.
I took my newest button-down from the office to the weekend with a pair of distressed girlfriend jeans and my favorite everyday mules. Despite the beaming sunshine, the light cotton of this top kept things comfortable with the rooftop breeze. It's safe to say that classics never disappoint.
Stars & Laces
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Despite the ongoing heatwave here in New York, my mind is starting to shift to the imminent transition into fall. As much as I love the summertime, the saunas that are this city's metro stations have me ready for a cool autumn breeze.
Shopping for the seasonal transition means selecting pieces that can take on freezing mornings, toasty afternoons, and for me, the office environment. I love the subtle print on this maxi that shows just enough skin to get away with at work. With its breezy side slits and autumnal shade of green, I'll be taking this dress from desk to dinner, summer to fall.
The Midi
Monday, August 15, 2016
To any of my fellow readers who shop for extended sizes, I'm sure you can agree that we are skimped out on when it comes to selections. As a petite shopper I find I am often offered the baseline of product without much of a fashion selection mixed in. But when a retailer like Banana Republic offers a full petites line within its collection, I am instantly a fan.
With petites collections I like to experiment with trends that aren't regularly meant for my body type (ie. the midi skirt). As long as you feel good in what you wear, nothing should stop you from rocking it. I love the movement of this piece and its ability to be styled both up and down. In this case, I dressed it down to take on a steamy day in the suburbs.
Long Island City
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Among the places I frequent on a New York City weekend, Long Island City seems to be at the top. My boyfriend's brother has lived on this western edge of Queens for years and never fails to host a rooftop barbecue or game night to entice us over -- not to mention his three adorable dogs as well.
I think I enjoy this area for the same reasons I love my Upper West neighborhood. Both are quietly residential without straying far from the center of New York's vibrancy. This past weekend we took a short (but sweaty) walk to LIC's Gantry Plaza State Park overlooking Manhattan's eastern skyline. It is amazing how quickly this area has transformed from a warehouse-ridden industrial hub to every young professional's new sparkling home. The lure for outside visitors is not quite there yet, but there's no telling what Long Island City will become.
A New York Sunday
Monday, August 8, 2016
You could live in New York for fifty years and still not see everything. That's the beauty of this dynamic city. One World Trade Center has been on my family's to-do list since its opening, so for their 24th wedding anniversary my parents decided to finally make the trip.
At a time when waves of tragic events start desensitizing us, a visit like this is almost necessary to bring us back to reality. Beyond spectacular observatory views, what used to be the WTC Plaza offers an emotional reminder of 9/11's continued significance. Follow along for a visual recap of our day spent exploring, remembering, and celebrating.
Curious
Thursday, August 4, 2016
I have friends who tell me I'm always away; a.k.a. if it's not a work day, I'm probably out of the city. It's funny how people (myself included) are always searching for more, as if there is always something better elsewhere. In many ways I do believe we need appreciation for what we have - family, friends, stability. But it's that hunger for more that keeps curiosity alive.
Contrary to the norm, we did not visit the beach in Cape May until evening. I personally never see travel as an opportunity to relax all day. I can do so from my bed with Netflix if I truly wanted to. Travel, even if that means a short car ride away, is a beautiful opportunity to experience the unfamiliar. As a part of Corporate America, breaking away from daily norms is immensely important to me. So yes, as much as I believe in appreciating all that deserves to be, curiosity is never something to shy away from.
One Day in Cape May
Monday, August 1, 2016
When my boyfriend and I started dating, our first trip together was a spring break weekend in the charming town of Cape May. Four years later, we returned for a day trip that reminded us why we love this little Jersey escape so much.
With its iconic Victorian architecture and quaint bed-and-breakfast scene, Cape May is the anomaly of the notorious Jersey Shore beaches. Even in its peak season there is a sense of tranquility, making you feel far removed from the tri-state area. Read on for a full recap of our day in this lovely seaside town:
The One-Piece
Thursday, July 28, 2016
You know a trend has peaked when your five-year-old cousin and his grandmother have caught on. My family spent this past weekend celebrating my little cousin's birthday with a day-long swim and of course, everyone's favorite pool accessories. After all, what is a 2016 pool party without a photo shoot on bird floats?
With all the summer trends that come and go, I truly hope the one-piece swimsuit resurgence sticks around. What was once attributed to children and competitive athletes is now a silhouette that all women can feel confident in. I personally love the pieces that show just enough skin to keep things flirty with class. You'll find me poolside in this flattering Adore Me suit until the summer sun sets.
Take It Back
Sunday, July 24, 2016
It is no coincidence that the Wall Street Journal just recently published an article about fashion's focus on the bare back. Jason Wu explained it best when he said, "There's something sensual about showing off the back - an undercurrent of sexuality, a subtle hint, as opposed to something obvious."
In most cases I typically veer away from the dramatic with my actions. I've never been one to heavily participate in classes or meetings, and even the single tattoo I have is kept secretly behind my ear. There is something beautiful about statements that do not ask to be noticed. A bare-back dress gives a nice hello, but a "you'll want to see me again" kind of goodbye. It's those unexpected statements that keep things exciting.
Steamy Summer
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
The peak of summer has officially hit here in New York, clearly indicated by the unbearable levels of heat and humidity. It's funny to think that just a few years ago I would have thrown on a Brandy Melville graphic crop top and denim cutoffs at this time of year. Personal style changes so quickly depending on the needs of our lifestyles.
Since starting work the limited time I have to shop is spent searching for truly useful pieces. At the height of summer that means work-appropriate items that are light enough for weekend walks. They say you can never go wrong with a little black dress, and in this case I've taken it to maxi lengths. A long breezy dress will take you not only from day to night, but also from summer into fall. The accessories may change with your style, but a great LBD has no limits.
Asbury Park
Thursday, July 14, 2016
It's funny how often I've been asked if I live amongst farmland when I say I'm from New Jersey. The tiny state always plays second to its neighbor New York, and honestly the reasons are typically true. But good old Jersey will always be home, and I am keen on highlighting some of its most redeeming qualities (no, not farmland).
This past weekend I made a quick stop to Asbury Park, a seaside area that has never been the same since Hurricane Sandy. What used to be dynamic casinos and theaters are now virtually abandoned, leaving the boardwalk with a certain character that isn't yet to be ignored.
I almost see Asbury Park as the next Brooklyn of New Jersey, with chic brunch/coffee spots and transformed markets selling goods straight from the coolest NYC borough. The boardwalk is lined with wall art reminiscent of New York's DUMBO as well. And while Asbury Park is nowhere close to being the next destination for travel, it certainly wouldn't be a bad way to spend a summer day.
Montreal, Part 2: Neighborhoods & Nature
Sunday, July 10, 2016
Much like New York City, Montreal is separated into distinct neighborhoods each with its own unique character to explore. West of Old Montreal's cobblestoned streets you will find everything from the eclectic vibes of Plateau Mont-Royal to the liveliness of Gay Village.
In this last post from our weekend in Montreal I am sharing some of the best neighborhoods to visit and what to do in them. Immersing yourself into the diversity of this city is truly the best way to discover it.
Montreal, Part 1: European Flair
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
There is no single word to describe Montreal. It is a city of old and new, with cultures of near and far. There is a little something for everyone, from quality culinary offerings for foodies to streets lined with wall art and galleries for the artsy types. At no surprise, I found myself most drawn to the European flair of Old Montreal.
Situated along the St. Lawrence River, Montreal's oldest area spans a few walkable blocks of cobblestone streets and early architecture merged with modern boutiques, galleries, and bistros. A walk through this area is so pleasant you almost forget you aren't actually in Paris. Even a little rain couldn't hinder its charm.
Weekend Vibes
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Admit it, you were looking forward to this weekend before the last one started. For my USA-based readers, it's likely because the start of July means backyard barbecues, animal pool floaties, and most importantly, one less day of work.
Today's post is just a short one to wish everyone the best weekend of the season. Throw on your favorite summer dress (Americana or not), grab a cocktail, and celebrate like it's your job. As for me, I'll be back soon from a new destination!
6 Weekend Trip Ideas (From The Northeast)
Monday, June 27, 2016
As we approach July 4th and the peak of summer, it's time to make every remaining weekend count. While it's always tempting to book an extravagant international vacation, many of us do not have the time or funds to support one. As a full-time employee I am a firm believer in the value of weekend travels and making the most out of those few free days each week.
From a European escape in Canada to charming coastal towns, I've rounded up six of my favorite weekend trips to take from the New York/Northeastern USA area. Let this post be a reminder that travel is what you make of it. Wherever you are, take a break from Netflix and find a new place to explore.
Seaside Evenings
Thursday, June 23, 2016
You that feeling when you show up to a party in a dress and heels only to realize everyone else is wearing jeans? That is basically what's it's like to wear all black in New England. But hey, personal style is personal for a reason, right?
After a day of going full-on nautical in my striped romper, it was time to bring it back to my darker New York roots. We celebrated Father's Day at Straight Wharf, a seafood restaurant on the pier that is not to miss. Our fantastic meal was followed by a chilly walk down Madaket Beach to watch Nantucket's beaming sun set for the night. It was the best way to end our weekend trip to this charming little island. Nantucket, I will be back for you!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)