Rawr!

The other day I went to the Morgan to review their new exhibit on Maurice Sendak's early drawings of Where the Wild Things Are (which can be found right here). Since I was a little girl, I've always been a fan of the book, and like practically everyone I know, am beyond excited for Spike Jonze's film (October 16th)! This is a classic book, and it definitely has to be done right in order to please...well, practically everybody above the age of 4. But between the story, costumes, and even the greatly anticipated soundtrack by Karen O, it seems that Spike Jonze's film will do much more than please audiences. I can't wait to see it!

So as my mind was in a haze of Monsters, Max and Mischief (hmm...the three M's?), I went to my fool-proof guilty pleasure, and watched The Rachel Zoe Show. (I find her incredibly charming and just the other day went to a vintage clothing sale and couldn't help but think, 'W.W.R.D.?') And as Rachel paraded about in Chanel during Paris Fashion week, my jaw dropped at what we saw alongside Rachel at the Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 show.

Sasha Pivovarova in an oooooversized blazer with bright pink bunny ears atop her head. With that image on screen (and Rachel just dieeeeddd), I immediately thought back to my experience at The Morgan and of Where the Wild Things Are. The look really reminded me of a combination of the huge Monsters in the film, and of Max's awesome crown (so jealous). And with a bit of scoping out the runways, I noticed a lot of oversized pieces (a la large and in-charge monsters), neutrals (not unlike Max's fabulous jump suit), and stripes (the skin, if you will, of the monsters).

Who knew a day at work and my favorite guilty pleasure could coincide so nicely?

Ch-ch-check it out!


Oversized

Promotional Poster, Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton

Neutrals

Maxy-poo on the wild, 3.1 Philip Lim, Stella McCartney

Stripes

Image from the classic book, Alexander Wang, Sonia Rykiel

Bring on the wild side.


images: www.Style.com, www.wherethewildthingsare.warnerbros.com

Cookie Crisps

This post is pretty difficult to write. As I'm sure many of you know, CNP folded four magazines yesterday - Cookie, Gourmet, Modern Bride and Elegant Bride. As a magazine fah-reak, this is really hard to absorb, and as a former Cookie intern, it's even harder. I'll be honest, the whole bridal umbrella - not really my thing, but it's still more print publications shutting down and more talented people with jobs lost.

I interned at Cookie two summers ago, and despite having two internships under my belt, the experience was entirely new. For the first time, I was writing. When I was published in Cookie, a national publication, I screamed. And I bought a million copies. The article was about how to poach fish in olive oil - my expertise, clearly. And it was maybe 1/20th of a page. But no matter - I was freaking out. It certainly wasn't the fish that made that summer so incredible (though the cafeteria at 4TS is to-die-for a la Rachel Zoe).

It was the fact that I was given a tremendous amount of responsibility (baby photo shoots are not all fun and games, let me tell you...but those models are damn cute), got to sit in on editorial meetings, and the editors were always open to answer my questions and help me in any way. It truly was a caring environment where everyone put 100+% effort into everything they did, but always managed to have fun while doing it. Not to mention how gorgeous the magazine was. I continued to read it, and was probably one of the few 19-22-yea-olds reading a parenting magazine, but I couldn't help but imagine the bitty clothing blown up in size to fit me.

As for Gourmet, that magazine is a marker of history. Culinary history, for sure, but it also has greatly affected my own upbringing. My friend Katie and I would salivate over the images, and my mother cooked those recipes from back to front. Birthdays, Thanksgivings, and practically every late-night meal was taken from those glossy pages. No matter what she would be cooking, if I saw it came from Gourmet, I knew I was in the clear. It was a comfort, and a beautiful one at that. You know what else was comforting? Seeing Ruth Reichl in the elevator, and noting that she too was a proud curly girl.  

As I write this, I realize that I am an active participant in the web vs. print debate, but seriously, you print publications...I'm here and up for hire at any time! (hint, hint)

Style vs. Fashion vs. Heart

Yesterday I went to a talk at the 92nd St Y (I don't think I've been there since my brother was learning how to swim) between Dr. Gail Saltz and Stacy London of What Not to Wear. Now, I actually had never seen the show (and that has been fixed thanks to good ol' DVR), and have been off the Today show wagon for quite some time (that too might be fixed), so Stacy London and her streak of gray were all pretty new to me. But the talk between the famed psychiatrist and stylist was less about fashion than the self. She spoke about her struggles with eating disorders, self-confidence, and her experiences from Vassar college to Vogue. And for a fresh outta college 22-year-old, her words of wisdom proved to be quite the awakening into a world of positivity, hope, and self-esteem.

Here are some of the take-away points from last night's discussion:

• Style and fashion are two completely different things. Fashion is an industry about products and consumers. Style, though, is about what works for you, regardless of trends or what is hot in the moment.
  
• Know your own body and what works best for it. There will always be trends, so you can't feel out of the loop if one simply doesn't work for your build. Your body is what you have to work with, regardless of its mushes, sags, or wrinkles. You can spend all of your time caring about the 3,500 others you see daily (in person, on tv, ads, etc.), or you can care about your one body, your one self.
• Your clothes announce to the world how you want to be seen, so dress in a way that reflects your taste and personality. And more than that, wear what makes you feel your personal best.

Bottom-line - Stacy London is fantastic. She talks about the clothing industry as a means to empower women, and not to degrade them or hold them up to an impossible standard. She also is a prime-example of having a passion that leads you to a completely new direction that never could have been anticipated. Live in the moment, and look good doing it, she seemed to suggest. That, and use Pantene.

Finger point, tap the booty

For those of you who haven't seen this yet, this video will quite possibly make your day. You can thank me later. 

And always one to enjoy dancing at the classiest establishment the Midwest has to offer, not to mention a slight obsession (that some may choose to say borders on stalking) with the acapella groups on campus, Glee is the best thing since sliced bread. Well, maybe even better. I like english muffins anyways. 

Damage Control: Pop-Up Shops

Well, Fashion Week is over. And this may come as a surprise (yuk yuk yuk), but I didn't go to any shows - I don't think Wolverine inspired sweats would be appropriate. I have attended one show during fashion week way back in the day - the Mary Ping collection, complete with a swag bag with Vincent Longo makeup I still use, and a sighting of Nigel Barker. So overall, fashion week always seems great fun to me. This year there was a lot of hubub because of the fabulous Fashion's Night Out  where practically every store was open late and had special events. And like most fashionistas, I spent my Fashion's Night Out at a New York Mets game. Walking the runway on the baseball diamond, goody bags of Nathan's french fries, and a killer fierce blue and orange sweatshirt. Jealous? Yeahhhh you are. 

But this year's Fashion Week kept us unemployed-broke-fashionistas in mind...and luckily continues to do so. 

Confession: I was one of the crazies standing outside in the rain waiting for the Anna Sui for Target pop-up shop to open day one. It's not so convenient for me to get to a Target (her stuff is available at all of the stores now), so needless to say, I was pretty eager. All summer long I had been reading about her new line that was supposed to be fabulous and colorful (as everything she makes always is), inspired by my favorite Upper East Siders (xoxo), but with a budget in line with zee Tarjayyy. And quite frankly, I was much more impressed with the actual store than the clothing itself. Granted, this could have been due to the lack of sizes because of the New Yorkers who were pouncing on everything a size S and smaller. Don't get me wrong - the clothes were ca-uuuute! But often there was always something a bit off. The sleeves were too big, the neck too small, the belt hit too low...but that's to be expected. (That's not to say I didn't get my share of clothes. Ends up I'm more "Vanessa" than I had thought...check out that vest.) 

But it was truly the space that made the shopping experience. The Target team transformed a small, bi-level winding building into floor to ceiling of turquoise and purple with peacocks and chandeliers galore. Dolled-up models were even hired to recline on chaise lounges while texting on their Blackberries, done up in the looks inspired by each Gossip Girl. They didn't even look up from their phones. True Gossip Girls, I suppose. Or maybe just actors in the making. 

So after that little shopping adventure, it was time to see what else lingered from Fashion Week. And to my surprise (and that of my thinning wallet), Rachel Rachel Roy's pop-up shop was in effect. Ah, the joys of living in the fashion capitol. But seriously, this line is absolutely something to check out. It's funky, girly, classy, and street all at the same time, and is certainly at a price point easier to stomach than its couture counterpart. But the pieces, unlike those of Target, are extremely well-made and will last for years. 

Plus, they were serving Baked by Melissa cupcakes...and you know how I feel about cupcakes. 

Cupcake Canoodles

1. Sienna looking completely normal in an ARMY shirt at the gym. No Lulu Lemon, no bedazzled workout clothes. Just lifting in a sweaty gray tee in preparation for her upcoming play. 

2. John Mayer on the elliptical with his giveaway tattoos. Your body is a wonderland. 

3. Little Frodo Baggins with some non-Hobit friends on a bench in front of Thompson Street Park. I wonder if he was going to check out Tasti-D afterwards...

The Un-Glamptons

One of my favorite columns to read is the "Hot/Not Hot" page of Hamptons Magazine - the gratis weekly glossy that piles in front of cafés, ice cream shops and clothing stores along the main streets of the Hamptons. But let it be known that I do not think I've ever seen so much as one down-to-earth sentence in the entire magazine. Nope - I just read it to provide my own running commentary and knock the frou frou (not referencing the former Imogen Heap here) and shi-shi. I mean, how can you not laugh when Hamptons Magazine suggests that collecting limited edition John Varvatos sunglasses is hot, but collecting stamps is not hot? Who collects limited edition John Varvatos sunglasses?? 

So needless to say, the Hamptons comes with a lot of obnoxious associations. And don't get me wrong - many of these are deserved. It's one thing when a bagel with cream cheese and lox sells for $16. But when people actually buy said bagel...well, that's a whole other story. I've certainly experienced post-exercise town outings where I am sweaty and flushed and seem to be a freak of nature for not donning Lily Pulitzer from head to toe. Or witness to the mother who carries ten shopping bags while she berates her five-year-old daughter for pouring on too much salad dressing onto her lunch. A lunch that most certainly comes without fries. 

But despite these incidents that are utterly laughable (and you have to laugh, otherwise what else could you do?), I think that some people forget why this place is so inundated with skinny minnies during the summer months. The fact of the matter is, it is truly a beautiful place. (A place that is beautiful all year long and not just during the summer months - but let's just keep that between you and me.) 

And as much as I love NYC, it is an amazing feeling to be able to wiggle your toes in the sand, see seagulls instead of pigeons (aka flying rats), smell the sea, and in my case - wear the oldest items in your closet that you haven't worn since the 90's. 

So here is how I view the Hamptons...and I promise there are no sequins or stilettos in sight.

Walks on Main Beach

photo credit: Getty Images

Fresh produce from the Farm Stands (when the Union Square Greenmarket is not an option)

photo credit: Getty Images

Collecting shells, rocks and sea glass

Frozen treats at the snack bar (or BYO treats... chilled wine and beer at dusk) 

Not just the ocean, but long swims at the bay too

Unpredictable weather that is always incredibly picturesque

Momma's Hydrangeas 

Welcome to the Wrath

There comes a time in the life of every fashion conscious New Yorker where we all unite together, in our underwear. That moment is the biannual Barney's Warehouse Sale, an event that can be both hazardous to your health, leave you with scratch and bite marks, and nevertheless satisfied. I'm just kidding - we wouldn't bite, only scratch. That would be so beastly! 

Now there are several things to know about this event. First of all, the later you go, the better because the prices get lower and lower (kind of like that Flo Rida song). Second of all, prepare to be uncomfortable. There are racks and racks of goodies, with more than enough women to compensate for any breathing room. And on a day like today, where it is certainly possible to fry an egg on the sidewalk, the space is not without a strange body odor scent. But you'll forget discomfort when you're surrounded by good friends Marc, Diane and Marni. 

In order to make bank, you must be geared up and ready for action. Ladies, this is not the time to be fashion forward. I'm talking your oldest clothes...you know, the ones that have lost all elasticity and can be quickly taken on and off. 

Here are some essentials: 

• A loose fitting top that you don't really care about. That way, you can throw it on the floor and quickly crawl over to scoop up the Rag and Bone dress that the girl decided against. As you are on all fours, feel free to bare your teeth. 
• Shorts/pants/skirt - anything that means when you take off your bottoms, you only take off your bottoms. I know Blake Lively looks good in rompers, and Katy Perry certainly loves her body suits, but we don't need to see it all, just so you can try on a conservative pencil skirt. 
• Flip flops or sandals. I happened to go for cute but completely stretched out sandals. (The better to fling you with, my pretty.)
• Underwear. And sheer knickers do not count.  Seriously, we don't want to see that. 
• A microscopic teeny tiny purse comparable in size to that of Zoolander's phone (God?). Either that, or no bag at all. Pockets have turned out to be pretty useful. Plus, you'll need both hands...and claws.  
• On a day like today, you'll need one o these bad boys. Fashion forward? Certainly not! But when the humidity sways you to buy that hideous fringed raincoat, you'll come right back to your senses with a lil squeeze and a lil breeze. 

Now I think that's enough of a scholarly lesson for today. As for me, I came home empty handed and am waiting for those little red slash marks to keep ticking away at the price tag. I've certainly made out with some pretty great steals over the years, and I intend for this year to be no different. And as for you? Hop on it! 

*P.S. You might not be hearing from me for a while because of this fine occassion. Either that, or I'll be sample sale-ing. 

photo: Getty Images

Keep It Wild

NYC is a place that is constantly moving and shaking. Food is sold from street vendors and kitschy trucks, concerts are everywhere, and neighborhoods are being gentrified constantly. So it comes as no surprise that I am always stumbling upon new spots in this city I've grown up in. My newest favorite, is the High Line park on tenth avenue. The High Line just opened this June and is an above-ground, public park. It was originally built in the 1930's as a railroad track thirty-feet above ground to prevent some of the dangerous crashes that were labeling tenth ave "Death Ave." Now, though, the High Line is gorgeous. It spans along tenth avenue with views of the Hudson and the streets of the Meatpacking District (Which in itself has gone through so many changes, I hardly recognize the neighborhood of my high school. Does that make me an old lady?). It has certainly brought something very special to this neighborhood that was virtually vacant a few years ago.

The park has a very streamlined feel to it and there are built in lounge chairs all over - perfect for reading or chatting with friends. As LilVeggiePatch said, it's too bad this park wasn't in existence when Sex and the City was on TV. Because chances are, Carrie would be sprawled out with a floppy hat and aviator sunglasses, reading Vogue (because it fed her more...do you know which episode that's from?). But don't worry - I'm sure it will make an appearance in the upcoming film (why? whyyyy?).


Ice cold cups o Jo...just about the only way to get by on these astronomically hot and humid NYC days.


And with views of DVF's flagship, what could be better? A girl can dream...Until then - the job search continues!

Cupcake Canoodles

1. Mischa Barton huffing and puffing on the elliptical machine. Rough night? 

2. Mr. Big gruff and disheveled on a Village stroll. 

3. Nigel Barker still in the running while chowing down at Chelsea Market. Very dapper. And I think he was wearing this same outfit.