Merecedes Benz Fashion Week, Fall 2012 -- February 9th

How jealous are you that I get to watch all of NY Fashion Week from the comfort of my desk? Props to working for a modeling agency.  Now if I could only convince them to send me to the actual shows.

SCHEDULE

FEB 9th

9am - Nicholas K

10am - BCBGmaxazria  *excited!

11am - Richard Chai

2pm - Tadashi Shoji ***

Nicholas K - Not entirely impressed, but I do like the neutral color scheme and the cowboy hats intrigue me. The re-introduction of loose fiting capris coupled with shimmery fringe tank tops seemlessly blends comfortable & edgy with a touch of feminity. 

BCBG - what an entrance. Love how they set the bar for the show with two of the most fabulous jackets ever. I am a slave for BCBG.  Like always, reinventing fashion with a limited palate of colors and block patterns.   Thank you for keeping fur jackets at the forefront of fall '12 too. 
                                                                  
                                                                           why can't this be me?

Richard Chai - My intitial thought was that I liked the line, for a Banana Republic ad. But what a pleasant surprise the show ended up being!  Obsessed with the silky plum colored pattern tops, wide leg pants in what looks like velour, and the boho-esque skirts that are really pants!  Nice touch with the napsack & unique collars for the males.

Tadashi - you hold such a special spot in my heart.  The ultimate romantic line with silky fabrics that cascade over the models and patterns that beg for a second look. The detailing is beautiful and the execution seamless.

FEB 10th

2pm - Rebecca Taylor

3pm - Rebecca Minkoff

6pm - Nicole Miller ***

7pm - Charlotte Ronson 

FEB 11th

10am - Lacoste

11am - Jill Stuart

3pm - Herve Ledger by Max Azria ***

6pm - Tibi

7pm - Monique LHuillier

FEB 12th

2pm - Tracey Reese

3pm - Custo Barcelona

4pm - Diane Von Furstenberg ***

FEB 13th

10am - Caroline Harrera

11am - Carols Miele

3pm - Reem Acra

5pm - Bibhu Mohapatra

6pm - Betsey Johnson

FEB 14th

10am - Badgely Mischka ***

11am - Vera Wang

3pm - Dennis Basso

8pm - Narciso Rodriguez

FEB 15th

10am - Michael Kors ***

2pm - J. Mendel 

3pm - Milly by Michael Smith

6pm - Anna Sui

7pm - Vivienne Tam  ***

Observations through the steam of my hot cocoa

So I'm cold and grumpy. To torture myself i've decided to do a cute little photo comparison.

                                              February 2012 in Halifax, MA

                                          February 2011 in Beverly Hills, CA

Superbowlin' in Southie

Friday morning I chucked all of my precious belongings into an oversized tote and caught the train to Boston.

Initially, I planned to revisit Vegas for a superbowl weekend of binge drinking, gambling and trolling the clubs for Scott Disicks, but the New England fever got the best of me.

Maybe it was the prospect of trading stilletos and fake eye lashes for jeggings and flat boots.  Or cosmos and sushi for bud lights and buffalo chicken dip.  Or maybe my blood does have that NE pride running think no matter how much I deny it.   Whatever the reason, it seemed illogical, and even wrong, to spend superbowl Sunday anywhere other than Southie.

Friday flip cup with neighbors folded into putting in a 10 hour shift at Stats Bar & Grille. Stats is both horrible and fabulous at the same time.  You'll run into everyone you had forgotten about from college, or high school, or that random time you drank keg beer on an E street rooftop party. Its cozy and clean (somewhat of an anomaly), the food is scrumptious -- of course especially the pizza, nachos and buffalo chicken, and they serve pitchers of bud light for cheap!  I still spent $80, but two meals and a dozen drinks at $80 is qutie the bargain. Sat night at Whiskey Priest, of course.  We had to get classy at least one night, right?

Gameday started off at Cranberries, which I have to give a bunch of stars to.  This healthy and affordable cafe has everything from protein smoothies to homemade mufins to eggwhite omelettes and fresh soups.  The antique decorations, white washed walls and friendly baristas give a southern vibe to this hidden little gem. To experience the superbowl southie-style, we decided the only option was beer and making any appetizer we could douse in franks hot sauce.
                      Pats - epic loss.   Chelsea & Mary's southie superbowl party experience - big W.

Exposed brick? so southie.

slugging mimosas? not so southie. 

Buying your own andre champagne & generic brand oj to save money on mimosas? perhaps a little more southie.

Lessons Learned:
1.  If you're at a bar long enough to order brunch and dinner, you've been there too long.
2. You must fake a Boston accent or you will be demonized. ok fine, well you'll be suspiciously questioned about your origin.
3. Even if bars in southie have drink menus, they're going to snicker at you if you ask for one.  Don't do it.  If you did it anyways because you can't follow directions, then when the bartender does roll her eyes snort and say you're kidding you'll have a pitcher of pbr. with one glass.
4.  Southie makes everything buffalo.  And thus, everything tastes so good.  Just get the buffalo chicken wings/pizza/bites/omelettes and feel bad about it some other time.  Southie gals aren't calorie counters.  And they aren't particularly receptive to the non-southians who order plain salads with grilled chicken or (gasp) get egg whites.

Fashion Fridays

Some days, i'm filled with bitterness while window shopping through Copley Mall.  

Other days, I'm stopped in my tracks by the marketing geniuses dreaming up the next window display.  

This one is so utterly fabulous that I'm not even filled (too much) with spite that I might never own my own Louis (cue Jennifer Hudson's renting a Louie scene from Sex in the City)

Fashion Fridays

So in the never ending battle to stay chic and trendy while living on mere pennies, I come to you with my new blog idea (i know, this blog is all over the place).   I die for over the top trends and would wear anything fun and outragous, but unfortunately Boston doesn't share my same style obsession.  So here it goes.  The first of many Fashion Fridays.

My February affordable obsessions:
*Jeans: grey and dark blue (Macys)
*Nail polish: Rimmel steel grey (cvs)
*Makeup: Michael khors makeup line with Estee Lauder, esp the blush + eye shadow palette (Macys)
*Look: silky summer dresses in neutrals/light colors with a plain sweater over & tights
*Shoes: 6 inch + platform lace up booties (Bakers)
*Pattern: anything paisley, neutral or dark colors
*Velvet: get a pair of velvet skinnys! also long sleeve velvet dresses are a must (American Apparel)
*Tops: Fell in love with a white blouse/black color oversized shirt from the 80s hidden in my mom's closet. it has diamond buttons and detailing around the neckline. Found similar ones at (Zara)
*Accessories: (like always) over stated and layered jewelry & infinity scarves. Oh and those adorable little fur neck scarves, too cute. I'm big into dark grey & purple opaque tights too. Chain headbands. Light pink big rimmed glasses frames. (Francescas)

I know, quite a scowl on my face. But Fridays morning aren't my best when I spend Thursday nights at a launch of National Jean Company's new store on Newbury with free flowing prosecco floats and stoli drinks.

But anyways, how cute right? Perfect for Friday .. because I can sub out the white longsleeve for a silky top and the flats for heels and I'm ready to club it! (okay well maybe, a re-application of makeup and some fake eye lashes and i'd be ready to club it, but you get the idea)

Necklace: Gift from boyfriend for xmas  (but you could find a similar one at anthropologie for $20)

Shirt: Old Navy, $6   ...switch to white tank top $4, H&M

Fur Vest: Marc Jacobs, Gift from Mom for xmas (but you could find a similar one for $20 at h&m, bought an off-white one yesterday)

Skinny black dress pants: Target, $20, these are a god-sent.  Cotton-Spandex blend.  Fits like really thick leggings, but there is a clever pleat down the front and back that make them office appropriate. Bought them in Dark Grey too.

Ring: So Good Jewelry, $6

Shoes: Boutique in Naples, Italy, 10euros (similar ones at Zapatos)

TOTAL: $70

Observations from the bubbly.

The daunting pessimism about the future is inescapable today. Growing up in a country embedded in individualism and the pursuit of materialistic prosperity, my generation is embedded with the notion that success is measured solely by wealth. With an unstable economy and poor job market for college graduates, feelings of shame and hopelessness are rampant. Despite this, the first question we ask one another is “what do you do for work” and the first descriptor on a Facebook profile is “occupation.”

Granted it was the "I Heart Denim" Party and an excellent network opportunity for the niche group of Boston's fashion & entertainment professionals.  But why do we define ourselves foremost by our profession?  and why does the conversation end there?  I'm tired of being sized up because what I do to make a paycheck.  I'm equally tired of immediately passing judgement on others based on their titles, or lack there of.  I've dismissed countless new acquaintances on the basis of how someone answers my, "what do you do" interrogation.

It'd be nice, just once have someone say, "What are you passionate about"
                                                   
                                                   Model Cub Staff @ I heart denim party

Rapture Predicting via post cards? Ingenius!

Oh! A post card! How fun!

The important message here is that Rapture post cards are only 25cents each, which is a real steal.

And why wouldn't we spend our last hard earned quarters to send out this lovely, uplifting cards!

Perhaps the Rapture Group should invest some of their money into marketing; to have Jesus cause planes to crash into sky scrapers couldn't have been the best idea they bounced around.  If I was on their team of completely sane business professionals, I might suggest a picture of the souls of a bunch of old birds playing bingo rising up. 

you know, play down the morbidity card a little.

Bingo!

Homemade Red Sangria

Perhaps it was the 2 pitchers of Sangria I guzzled on Sunday, or the 60 degree day I enjoyed today (on Feb 1st no less), but I felt compelled to make sangria tonight to compliment my roast chicken, baked winter squash and grilled brussels sprouts.

The beauty of Sangria is you can use what you already have!

You'll need:

• Cheap strong red wine:  really the cheaper the better - I like a red wine blend, try a shiraz
• lemon juice, fresh or from the bottle -- or if you have lemonade that works too!
• fresh fruit - buy whatever is on sale, but i like strawberries, pears, green apples and firm grapes the best
• fruit flavored club soda: try pomegranate if they have it, or Polar's cinnamon or green apple
• cinnamon sticks
• Apricot brandy: You can sub peach schnapps, cointreau, peach or berry brandy, triple sec.  Whatever you've got throw in a splash!  Even if it's flavored vodka or rum... just make it a little splash. 
• sugar

Directions:

1. Freeze grapes/strawberries (cut off tops of berries)
2. Slice remaining fruit into bite-size pieces and refrigerate over night with a sprinkle of sugar on top
3. pour wine into jug and leave out over night with 2-3 halved cinnamon sticks in the bottom
4. Day 2: pour fresh fruit, flavored brandy, lemon into pitcher and refrigerate overnight
5. When you are ready to serve the sangria, fill wine glass 3/4 way over 2-3 ice cubes.  throw in some frozen grapes and strawberries.  If you have an orange, kiwi, or lemon slice use as decoration.  Add 1/4 flavored soda water.

Best accompaniment:  Humblefog Goat cheese, honeycomb and a toasted baguette.  Oh and of course a group of best friends :)

Birthdays in Boston

Nothing quite as depressing as aging in Boston; Beantown is seriously lacking a venue for 20 somethings to celebrate their big days.

This past weekend, to honor my dear friend Camille's 24, we headed off to Howl at the Moon promptly at 9pm to beat the rush. I mean really, is there anything better than slurping green fruity (and overpriced) concotions out of giant buckets while singing along to quirky piano renditions of the Blacked Eye Peas? In all seriousness, I am mesmerized by the talent of the pianists who collaborate to churn out hit and after hit.  I have a hard enough time getting through "Blackbird" on the piano when I'm staring right at the music.  That they can even decipher the drunken scribbles from patrons' requests is talent enough, but to actually be able to sing and play ...together.. all of those songs?  And it's this remarkable talent that kept me outside in below freezing temperatures for 45 minutes until succumbing to the sweaty-sock closet, formally known as Down.

   Down is the sorriest excuse for a club I have ever seen. My car is more spacious ..and I drive a Passat. I suppose it was fun the time or two I went and sat at a table, but most nights with free flowing vodka and the luxury of judging grinders from the comfort of a table usually is.   The place is so small and crowded that you literally are being watched by the 5 tables looking onto the "dance floor".  The music calls for nothing short of bumpin' and grindin' and you're bound to spill 80-90% of your drink on you the second you turn from the ominous sunken bar.  I give this place less than zero stars, but I still end up here every single time I attempt a night at Howl with the glimmer of hope that I'll be able to sneak upstairs just in time to request "No Diggity" before last call.

  Night two I took matters into my own hands and weaseled us onto the guest-list for Bijou.  The club vibe is energizing, every house music fanatics dream. Loved the Los Angeles/Vegas set up, the euro crowd, the strobe lights, the vodka.  Embarrassingly enough, I spent the majority on the first, and much less fun, floor ..unaware that there was an entire upstairs begging to be danced on. What I don't like is the $20 REDUCED cover, and the pompous air of some slinky club goers, but this truly is a Boston gem.  The first, and hopefully not the last of its kind.  five glittery stars for Bijou.

Lessons learned:
1. Don't chose Howl for your birthday ...everyone does and they're not about to let you cut the line just because you have a crown on.

2. If you're still dumb enough to chose Howl, get there before 8, yes 8, and secure a table. Put on your crown when you get inside and let the buckets never go below half-full (you see that, there's another lesson - don't say half empty on your birthday). Request "No Diggity".

3. Bijou has an upstairs (palm to forehead).  Don't waste more than the 5 minutes it takes to coat check on the first floor.  Bring cash but still act cute in line, just in case someone with a table wants to select you as one of their plus 4 (only 5 free guests per table, absurd).

4. Don't go to Down.

5. You didn't listen and you went to down anyways.  You're even dumber than you were in number 2.  Drink enough tequila shots and grab the first guy you see who looks like he won't try to grab your ass while dancing (I know, needle in a haystack).  Dance shamelessly with your hands in the air until you collapse from exhaustion. Hopefully by then, Howl will be close to last call and you can run upstairs to request "No Diggity".

Boston Birthday Hotspots

As a non-celebrator of my own aging, I usually avoid throwing myself a Boston Birthday Bash.  BUT I absolutely get giddy over planning for someone else's big day and stress for ions over where to have the hooplah!

here are my top favorites based on the personality of the honoree.  I broke it down specifically like this because, contrary to popular practice, the birthday party should be centered around the person actually having the birthday, not what will please the masses.  Just because the birthday girl/guy was nice enough to keep lazy, jobless Eddie as a friend, doesn't mean you can't go somewhere classy for the party because your worried Eddie won't be able to afford it.  Screw Eddie!  If he's smart he'll use this as an opportunity to make some money and he'll drive everyone to the bar in his Corsica at $10 bucks a head.

Anyways, 

For the Eddies (lol); the friend who doesn't like to spend a lot of money, favorite show is STILL South Park, and who thinks buffalo chicken is a food group.  We all have, and we all love (sometimes) our Eddies. 

• Coogans, Financial district. Dollar drafts, enough said. 
• Stats or Playwright in Southie 
• Sullivans Tap on Canal Street
• Whiskeys on Boylston
• Harvard Gardens
• FOR DINNER: The Fours, Cheers, Sidebar, Boston Beer Works, Tommy Doyles, Fajitas and Ritas
• WEEKEND GETAWAY: Vermont, Maine, NH 
• ACTIVITY: bowling at Kings, karaoke bar

This person has a large group, and variety, of friends.  He/she is laid back, prefers beer to martinis, and doesn't like to miss a New England sporting game.  Works hard, plays hard. Chose someplace with a little bit of a dance floor, plenty of room and affordable drinks.

• The Harp  
• Clerys  
• Northstar 
• Market
• Greatest Bar, across from the Garden
• Dillons on Boylston
• Jerry Remys, Whiskey Priest, ABG
• ACTIVITY: Medieval Manor dinner show, Howl at the Moon, F1 racing in Braintree
• WEEKEND AWAY: Cape Cod, Newport
• FOR DINNER: Dicks Last Resort, Fire & Ice, Brownstone, 

For the friend who is classy but not a club goer.  He/she likes nice things and owns their own suit (fellas) or a nice designer bag or 4 (ladies).  This is the guy who brings the specialty seasonal beers when everyone else gets a bud light and the girl who makes impeccable desserts for holiday parties that look too good to eat (my women's studies professor would have puke if she read that, but you get the idea).

• Towne
• Liberty hotel -- Alibi or Clink
• City Bar 
• Drink
• 28 Degrees
• The W lounge 
• ACTIVITY: A show - flower show or car show in the expo center, play or concert, hypnotism show in Back Bay
• WEEKEND AWAY: Marthas Vineyard, Nantucket, PTown 
• FOR DINNER: Legal Seafoods, Strega, Tias, Toro, Cafeteria, The Butcher Shop, 

This Birthday Brat is wild.  They love house music, dancing, think youtube videos are a suitable hobby and spend too much time getting ready and worrying about appearances (yes guys too)

• Bijou
• Bond
• Royale
• Estate
• Gypsy Bar (least club-like)
• If it's nice weather head down to Marina Bay
• For Dinner: Red Lantern, Sonsie, Umbria, Le Petit Robert
• ACTIVITY: Pole dancing class, Comedy show, Improv Show
• WEEKEND AWAY: Go to Foxwoods and get a table at shrine! Or skip off to NY and get wild at Pasha!