New York, You Set My Heart on Fire

I moved to NYC in 2007. I’ve been here ever since (with a few short stints in MA which don’t count because I lived out of my suitcase).

I love this place; there’s always something to do, so many unique people, and its ever inspiring. Though someday I may leave for the west coast (these 12 degree days are killing me) I think I’ll always have a home here. The skyline forever makes my heart skip beats and it never loses it’s novelty, even after these four and a half years.

H&M Leggings

Aldo wedges

Skirt borrowed from my roommate

I Heart NY shirt from Times Square

H&M Leather jacket

Don’t Forget to Follow Me!

On BlogLovin’      On Twitter      On LookBook

Day Job: GaGa’s Workshop

And the worst blogger award goes to… Sahra of EffortllessCool!

But really guys, I’m sorry. Between the bullshit that is my life, my full time seasonal gig, and preparing to move, and not having anyone to help me take photos, I’ve been totally slacking on blogging. Sorry guys!

I’ve been working SO much, almost 40 hours a week in retail, sticking to the wardrobe requirements daily.
I’ve been trying on some of the products and playing around with make up too! And taking pictures, so here are some iPhone photos for your enjoyment!

DIY jeans, Givenchy “fantasy pink” lipstick with Llamasqua red

Noritaka Tatehana shoes (above)
Erickson Beamon Necklace(below)

And, on one lovely Saturday at work, I was asked to meet with Francisco Nars, of Nars make up, to do some signings for customers. My friend and co worker Michelle and I couldn’t resist a photo op with Francisco and Simon Doonan.

Now the shop/boutique itself is truly magnificent, though I can’t go into detail so you’ll have to come in and see for yourself!

Work and Play

Saturday was a day of both work and play. As some of you may know, I’m a coordinator for the New York Fashion Blogger Meet Up Group. The other coordinators and I, as well as top IFB bloggers and other members of our group attended the Blogger Closet Raid held at the Tribeca Grand Hotel. I had just spent my Friday shopping, but once I found Nitrolicious, all plans to “not spend” went down the drain. Having and amazing shoe collection, ALL in my size, ranging from Jessica Simpson to Jeffrey Campbells to Louboutin’s it was like her set up was curated specifically for me. Though I wish I could have indulged in the crystal encrusted Louboutin’s and Xanadu fur JC’s, I knew I needed to think realistically…and then I found the Jessica Simpson moto boots. I’ve been scouring the internet and shops for the perfect studded moto boots to add to my collection, and when I stumbled upon these for their low price there was no WAY I could say no. The following few images were taken by Monroe of Fashion Steele NYC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After the raid-fest and saying hello to good friends, it was time to get down to work. Monroe, Yanil and I decided to dine and chat at the Tribeca Grand’s lounge, which was full of attractive attentive staff and delicious drinks, as well as coffee and food according to my counterparts.

I hope they don’t mind that I made myself at home on their chairs!

Delia’s ribbed tank

Express Shorts

Bracelets from…around

Jessica Simpson moto boots

As you can see I’m completely smitten with my new purchase. I’m also ecstatic that my ombre manicure if still going strong, since nail colors usually don’t last long on me due to chipping and such.

Lower East Side

The weekend has taken new meaning to me since I have the normal 9-6 job now (weekdays actually ending around 8 due to classes). This weekend in particular was supposed to be busy doing final projects and studying…instead, I got drunk for two days straight.

Saturday I woke up in need of some brunch, so my roommate and I fancified ourselves and headed to the Lower East Side, to this delicious place, Sebastian. We started our morning there with a lovely bottle of Rose and mimosas.

After brunch, we shopped around in the hopes of finding an open fabric store to actually do my homework, but instead we found cute dresses and a mop pup!

Forever 21 dress

Men’s Heritage 1981 Cardigan

Aldo shoes

Vintage bag

We bar hopped for most of the day Saturday, and I had my first ever Bloody Mary…Which I did not like. We dined at Sebastian again for dinner, and everyone at the table raved about the steak, while the Penne with tomato and basil I had was honestly divine. I do suggest the restaurant for a lovely french date!

Springtime Flowers!

As we all know springtime means the influx of florals in our wardobes. Yesterday I had the great pleasure of going to one of the oldest fabric floral centers in New York City. M&S Shmalberg Custom Fabric Flowers has been an in house design and production company for over 100 years, surprisingly owned and operated by men. They make flowers of every kind of fabric you can imagine; chiffon, leather, cotton, lace…you name it, they will make it.

Their mini factory on 36th street does everything, and the process is truly quie fascinating. Beginning with yards of drapable fabric, they then starch the pieces, before cutting each into a flat floral shape with petals. Then, using heat presses and molds, they mold the starched fabric to give it dimension. Next, 3-4 pieces that had been molded together are slightly seperated and spun, creating a flower!

Now, you may have not heard their name, but you’ve definitely seen their flowers. As the largest custom flower distributers in America they do the designs you see on all your favorite brands. From Coach to J. crew and Banana Republic, but also including custom designers, headbands, and wedding dresses.

The company is currently run by a father and son, Warren and Adam, and they are some totally sweet guys. Warren gave me a flower and some fabric that I’m already planning a great dress for (I’ll sew it one of those weekends I’m free…) and were just so sweet. Their website is of simplest forms, but the son, Adam, is trying to tech the business up, as seen on their Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=h#!/fabricflowers

Mainly, This post is a gush about how great this company is. They’re name isn’t a common household name, but they’re flowers definitely are and they are indubitably under appreciated. If you’re planning a party, wedding, or anything else you may need fabric flowers for PLEASE think of them. I can’t gush enough. I also can’t wait to head back to them with some project ideas of my own! ❤