Later ShopBop!

After giving up on online shopping, I have returned to the web for one reason: Intermix. It started as a visually stimulating curiosity, never making it past the main landing page for the first month of being a fan. I would admire the simplistic beauty of their opening ad design and used them as inspiration for my own work. Now that I have made it past the first page, I find myself walking through an imaginary fantasyland of glossy images of pretty things juxtaposed on beautiful women emitting an air befitting a specific personality. Girlish & innocent. Biker chick bad-ass. Strong and subtle indian princess. It is absolutely fabulous!

If you can't afford it, at least enjoy it up close and personal on your own until you can :) We all know buying the cheap shit isn't as good as saving for the good stuff anyways, right?

New York, in Review

After a quick trip to NYC, I remember why I love the big apple so much!! Great food, great people, amazing fashion... what more is there to life?  While visiting the city that never sleeps, we worked the Intermezzo and Moda Trade Shows held by ENK at the monumental Javits Center.  Picking up holiday, resort, and spring collections from Velvet, Robins Jean, Chan Luu, and Vivienne Tam (along with many more) was more fun than work... booth hopping and shmoozing with designers was a great way to pass time.  Trendspotting helped with forecasting future fashions (next season is all about python, motorcycle gear, and rompers!) and allowed us to seek some new labels to add to our arsenal of brands.

After hours, the standard was cocktails, dinner, then more cocktails.  This trip was less about visiting my old favorites than it was about trying new things.  Luckily, I had friends to guide me through the evenings (Thanks V and Hayley!) and led to discovering a whole new slew of hot spots.  Some old revisited favorites included the St. Regis and Peninsula Hotels for after work drinks, however I visited the Peninsula's rooftop bar for the first time and it was a blast.  Being surrounded by the skyline at sunset was quite a nice way to end the day after working for nine hours, and a great place to see old faces and meet new ones.

  

After apres-work drinks, came delicious Italian feasts!  Forget the sceney Da Silvano's... instead we opted for local favorite Nello's off Madison, where the Calamari was the best I ever had, and the Asparagus special was too die for!!  Our second night we were treated by our friends at The Palace Hotel to reservations at the uber-swank and nearly impossible to get into Il Molino downtown.  Not only was the food and ambiance just what I look for in old school italian places, but the staff was so sweet I can't imagine going back to NY without visiting this fine eatery.  Now if only I could get back in! Thanks to manager of 27 years Claudio, yours truly can rub elbows with celebs and socialites again...

Some other notable New York moments include:

-Bendel's making the change of becoming all accessories!! Sad but true

-Crumbs Cupcakes on Madison, they made it to California and STILL taste like heaven!

-The Blue Room at the W on Lexington for late night cocktails was the place to be

-brunch at The Peninsula is a great way to start off a busy day of work

-the Redeye to Newark is the only way to go

-my adorable new red patent leather clutch from Bendel's 

-the always delicious street dogs, New York City's finest food!!

A Breath of Fresh Air

For those who can appreciate the arts of fine photography and engaging writing, please visit my boy Mike's photography blog.  His eye is impeccable and gravitates toward the beauty of nature and people all over the world and is simplistic in content but rich in emotion.  All his work is original and spans over the development of his career as a photographer, through various travels to both coasts and in between.  He can capture epic moments in the middle of a bustling city, or in the middle of nowhere.

Check him out!

www.gsmkphoto.blogspot.com

DO IT.

Que Syrah, Syrah

This weekend, I finally made my much anticipated trip to Syrah wine bar in the Gaslamp District.  I have heard great things about the place, and was excited to see it was the fantastic wonderland I have been dreaming of.  The discreet entrance, unique decor, and extensive wine selection make this lounge a real gem.  In a sea of Irish pubs and snooty clubs, this place offers a breath of fresh air to those looking for new horizons.

Andy Warhol meets Alice in Wonderland in this dreamy underground playground.  Moss lined walls, wine barrel lampshades, and art deco accent pieces give a curious and enchanting ambiance.  This is somewhere perfect for gathering friends, taking a date for an intimate evening, or merely to enjoy some innovative interior decor.

Whether you want to post up at the swank bar for a martini, or sit back in a plush vintage chair with a glass of pinot noir, this place is worth leaving your everyday worries behind to spend some time in Wonderland.

RYAN LOCHTE BELONGS IN THE TOOL ACADEMY

Is this guy freakin serious??

Ryan Lochte may have won the 2009 ConocoPhillips Nationals Championships & World Championship Trials in Indiana this weekend, but he looks like a total douche.

You were so cute, why did you have to go and screw it up???

My Sweet Dream Future

I have decided to set some long term goals for myself and have come to create a plan that balances the things I want to achieve and the things I love harmoniously.  After I settle down (no details on this part of my life yet, for obvious reasons), and while having children (hopefully 4...3 boys and a little girl), I want to own a bakery.  I want to specialize in retail cupcakes.  I have been fantasizing about the possibility of this being a completely rewarding and fulfilling career, and have decided it is totally possible!

As long as I can save enough money for a small business to start, I think I can muster up the support to keep up.  Besides... I LOVE MAKING CUPCAKES.

I have been making one batch a week, of classic box recipes, and need to start experimenting with my own recipes.  I wouldn't mind starting by giving samples until the personal orders start coming in and I can really start working.

I find it hard not to love this idea.  Being able to raise my kids and participate in their life while working and making cupcakes!  I can keep my other amazing job and fulfill all my sweetest fantasies.  MooMoo Dark Chocolate Cupcakes with White Frosting... Funfetti Rainbow... Chocolate Chip Yellow Cupcakes... Strawberry... Red Velvet... the possibilities make me hungry & happy, I can;t help myself.  No matter what I do in my life, I swear I will profit off of my love for cupcakes by spreading love through giving and sugary goodness.