March 12, 2012

Flower Power.

Happy Weekend ! Well I hope you all had a happy one (= This weekend the weather was lovely save for a bit of cold Saturday but thats okay.. Today made up for it. I was lucky enough to have a stellar weekend with the beau. Since its springtime I have caught spring fever and my usual black clad self actually went the flower route… Naomi from Hello Beautiful Salon fixed me right up.. I met her years ago on a visit to Brooklyn and was fortunate enough to find she still works out of HB sometimes, appointments have to be booked a month in advance however because since I last met her she has blown up and does nails for the likes of Madonna, Lady Gaga, Courtney Love (!?!?) Topshop Makeup and various publications… needless to say I stumbled upon a nail genius ha. The inspiration for these were Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette and spring..of course.

Magnolia Bakery Orange Chocolate Cupcake.

My weekend was filled with good eats, good friends and good weather. I couldn’t ask for more !! Besides springing up my nails I recently restocked my parfume supply with Daisy… Anyone ever try it ?? Its much lighter and less spicy then I usually go but its… nice and clean.. not to mention I got a free umbrella covered in cute flower illustrations to keep the April showers at bay.

Now not everything I did this weekend involved flowers … All Saints is basically the best thing ever ha. Really though, a place that bases their design aesthetic off of Jack the Ripper and Old London?? Sold. Below is a video of their Soho shop..

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ovjvd21_Ao]

I highly highly recommend their leather jackets and boots, they are great quality and not over priced PLUS their Damisi Boot is perfect and you can just get it resoled when it wears out, I am done with cheap boots. Investment pieces are a better.. well.. investment ! Don’t waste your money on multiple cheap pairs when you could just have one awesome pair….. makes more sense.

Also if your ever in the Brooklyn area please stop by Muddy Paws on a Sunday and adopt a kitty !! AND grab a spicy mexican mocha from the tasty coffee cafe next door.. cats & coffee= RAD! And swing by Enids in Greenpoint if you want a mimosa and brunch.. make a day of it !

Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Cakes.

Cheers! Flowers and Leather,

P.s. Here is a picture from a gentleman that uses his pet lizards, positions them like humans on little doll couches and photographs them. Apparently when they are warm enough and comfy they “just sit still like that.” Entitled- Lounge Lizards. Hilarious.

March 2, 2012

Okcupid, your pretty Okstupid.

Online Dating… ah yes… formerly reserved to Craigslist creeps and sad desperate souls… fast forward to the new millennium in NYC and it’s nearly the only way to meet people, as a friend of mine said “It’s the wave of the future.” Is it?? I avoided and refused to do it for so long convinced it was pathetic.. and in a city of millions how the F&*$ can you have a hard time meeting people?!?! Well… you can… in fact in a romantic sense its damn near impossible here. Why? Well most people here are following a dream or career goal, are already involved, or since the singles scene is dominated by many 20 somethings to early 30’s and there are plenty of fish abound.. rarely if ever do people stick around. Especially (let’s face it) testosterone filled dudes in a sea of women, why stop with one?? At least this seems to be the case, many if not all of my single friends and random girls I meet complain of this exact problem… so after much consideration last year I gave in and joined Okcupid.

I gotta say maybe since it was free I got a slew of ridiculous messages but also had fun with it too, I actually did go on a few dates which was all new to me (see also: I hated the idea of dating and successfully avoided it for nearly my entire life) and lo and behold I did meet someone.(Impossible! you say) I have long since disabled and then deleted my account, although the messages you get can be pretty damn amusing (perhaps a social experiment should be done) you also get a lot of junk mail, not to mention I have since decided although entertaining and even though I did meet someone…I will never online date again… not that I had a bad experience but it really is kind of ridiculous and 99% of the time ( I do hope you are in the 1% though !) you just won’t find quality… especially if it’s a free site, maybe people on the paid ones are more serious..? Who knows…Overall I really believe even if it seems hopeless and your too busy to “look”, if its meant to happen it will happen, and while online dating can be fun if you are looking to be serious, well, best of luck with that hunt….I still like the old fashioned way and the element of serendipity best. I wanted to share a link of a fellow blogger who posted about her experience and its pretty damn funny and entirely true. ~~READ !~~

Now to bring this round’ to my second point: You actually meet someone online dating.. (Holy Smokes Batman!!) When is it appropriate to declare to the rest of the online dating world your taken? When do you delete or disable your profile?

…Hmmmm… well personally the minute I was feeling more I got rid of mine, also just like facebook and myspace (where you experience the “Why am I not in your Top 8??” drama, online can create real life problems as it sometimes is a reflection, but sometimes it’s not..) Did you know I googled these questions and there are threads upon threads and even forums, YES! Forums! with slews of girls (and some guys) discussing this very thing… after reading way too many of them, it seems that the majority of you out there in cyber space agree once exclusive and after a few months of dating it is more than reasonable to delete/change status blah blah blah and no matter how many funny quiz’s or tests you like to take, (see also: excuses excuses) a dating site is not a facebook or any other social networking site, it’s a DATING site, duh. There is no excuse. Another opinion was to just get over it and having one up means nothing, actions speak louder than words after all.. but isn’t keeping it and especially logging in still an ACTION!?!?

It’s reasonable to be bothered by it, whether it’s an insecurity issue, a respect issue, a sign that your just not the one to said non-deleter of dating profile, they forgot about it, etc etc.. who knows. It could be any of these things..Personally it was a huge problem for me, to me it just seemed a given to get rid of it and I was highly upset by the presence of it.. to me its weird to keep one active/still log in if your involved, I mean.. why??? It’s a big WTF dude and I think if you ever find yourself in a similar situation its ok to ask to take it down when things have gotten to another level, if said person doesn’t even after your obvious problem with it… well that is not okay and excuses of “I hardly ever log in, I use it for the quizzes, I keep in touch with people, blah blah blah..” BULLSHIT. If your feelings are remotely important they will not hesitate or have a problem complying with your request, even if its crazy lol I think for some people it’s an issue of control or the idea of having it there is like a subconscious plan B and makes them feel better ?? I don’t know. Has anyone had any online dating experiences they’d like to share?? I’d love to hear some! Also opinions and thoughts are always welcomed and appreciated!

Cheers and cyber hearts <3 !

P.S.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_HQqHLdjvQ]

February 25, 2012

“Recessionista”

1.	Recessionista	1422 thumbs up, 38 thumbs down
	A person who evokes being affected by the recession because it’s the ‘in’ thing to do, especially if they have no real need to. They may even pay more for the privilege of having just the right down-market accessories or habits. (Reference the evolution of the hipster.) I found the above on urban dictionary, hahah. I don’t personally like the term, if anything one should aspire to be a trendsetter, therefore never following anything but your own drum beat, however I commend those who can stick to a budget.. which brings me to our main point.. Fashion on a budget !! Its very easy to spend a lot in NYC, leave me in Soho for a couple hours and I’ll manage to drop a small fortune… BUT its also easy not to spend a fortune here… How?!?!? you ask… Well first of all there are a TON of sample sales if you know where to look and what newsletters to sign up for (Betsey Johnson is constantly having sales!) and in general good bargains to be had. Lets not forget as soon as a season changes all those high priced items are slashed and thrown on the sale rack and being that I could care less about what is “In” or “Out” .. I have a field day with it. What prompted me to write this piece were two things: Currently I am on an actual grown up budget and secondly, I realize I have scored some pretty big deals and today on my day of girl fun (I shopped, I manicured, I bought makeup, I even dyed my eyelashes) I know my need to be more disciplined might come in handy….. ha. SO here is a little list of recommendations and good finds. Recently my best find was this: A reworked dress from ~~Reformation~~ … I actually ordered this online using a coupon from ~~*Refinery29~~, a great website that covers fashion and events in major cities. Overall I paid $60 for this and a pair of earrings from ~~Bing Bang~~ which should have cost me $225… nuff’ said. This site as well as LivingSocial.com have garnered me many a great deal. Last year I went to an amazing Oscar party at ~~W Hotel~~ for sooooo cheap because I bought tickets thru Refinery29, a site that is not unlike many other bargain sites, you can find some specific to your city, I suggest signing up and get ready for a good time !! Also if you want one of a kind finds check out ~~Etsy*~~.. I always type in a designer I like or whatever random thing I’m thinking of and sometimes a treasure will pop up in your search results.. For example, I typed in Chanel and found this !

Also on a side note: Buy ~~Warpaint The Fool,~~ I love it and can’t stop listening to it!!! ~~Shannyn Sossamon~~ was an original member…Below I left a sweet vimeo for you, I actually have passed by this Man’s place thinking it was a boutique, it looks like a few I have seen, you can see his bed thru the front window !! Now that I know its an apartment I’m going to try and see it inside…

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/37093042%5D

Cheers and keep following your own beat !!

February 11, 2012

The people I used to know

Bang.Bang. Nancy Sinatra.

I often wonder how many times I’ll bang my head against the same wall before it sinks in… being stubborn is both a blessing and a curse. Its all about balance. Lately I’ve been really nostalgic, memories flooding my head like a cinema movie screen projecting its images over a rapt audience at the rate of 72 images per second, each frame appearing 3 times…

Perhaps its a human thing but also, the definition of crazy is approaching something the same way over and over again yet expecting different results. I need a new approach. I’ve never forgotten what’s important, my friends and family mean the world to me. Do what makes you happy and don’t undervalue yourself because if you do so will others. I’m kind of too cool for school, and so are you. Find someone who sees that about you!

P.s. Here is a list of things worth investing your time in: Music, Film, (go to a museum! or a show…) Friends, Family, Reading, Making things: ANYTHING! Finding cool new shops (Like this one) Taking classes (As of 2012 I’m a member of 3rd Ward and taking Trapeze Lessons) *excited* Learning new things and perfecting skills always makes me happy, perhaps you will enjoy it too?? Find a local listing of what is going on in your area. Volunteer. Just have fun and learn as much as you can. I find myself happiest when surrounded by good friends and doing what I love. Find your love.

January 4, 2012

Welcome to the other side….

Happy New Year everyone !! In contemplating the past, the future, the potential, the successes and failures… whilst flipping over to the next calender year a thought occurred to me… Is the grass really greener on the other side?? Many people think this and base a majority of their decisions on it…it’s a human thing to want, to wonder, to wander…but be careful what you wish for, right??

As a restless soul I always had the problem of discontent, my mind wandered (as it still does because I am a dreamer) but to what I could or should be doing.. the B that should be an A, the country I want to inhabit, the numerous amazing projects I wanted to begin or complete, etc etc.. goals are great however there is a point where it becomes hard to be content; truly content and many times we inflict this discontent upon ourselves. I found a great list, 38 “Zen Habits” some of them are good advice and insightful and at the very least entertaining.

After all…. if your not fully in the present you’ll miss most of your life. I think back to the people I wish I would have spent more time with but was distracted by being too “busy” with work, school, a social function. This New Years I spent with my Mom and turned down the numerous other places I could have been, and you know what?? The social functions will always be there, my Mom will not.. its one of the best New Years I have had for that reason… quality not quantity… I believe too many of us have the tendency to possess this restless spirit, but there is a degree I believe to where it becomes detrimental.. its all about priorities..

How many times have you and certainly I, left something only to realize how good what you had was.. life goes on.. you live and learn but growing up and figuring out what is important to you makes all the difference… making better decisions, learning how to be content with yourself and where you are. For me this has meant spending as much time as I can with the people who over the years have shown me boundless love, acceptance and support. I’m not always as good at making time as I’d like to be.. balance is another thing I am forever trying to master….

I remember reading about the Dalai Lama and he had said that true happiness comes thru altruism.. I believe that is right too.. I want to live for something bigger and better then just myself. Living in NYC has been a crazy, wonderful, sometimes terrible (aka exhausting) journey but its made me tougher and its further shaped what I have come to value….. For me my job is not important, money is not everything, spending time in hollow relationships with people who don’t actually care about you is a waste, and furthermore being able to recognize the friends and foes is an ongoing journey as sometimeessss…. wolves dress like sheep.

Heck, this idea even carries over into romantic relations…When I first moved to the city I remember meeting in my first week, at my first job (bartending) a beautiful, nice, seemed non-crazy( really! but who knows….), successful girl and as we got to talking she complained of her difficulties in finding a solid/stable dude….”They all just want to play and move on to the next girl because here there are so many girls” (lots of pretty smart ones too)…. I thought I was doomed for sure if this girl couldn’t find a real relationship…(It was long before this I began my imaginary cat collection in my mind.. ha ha. sigh. Actually fuck that, motorcycle collection, and lest not forget vintage Vespas and Lambrettas and loud Rock N’ Roll. yaaaaa !) and I will say 90% of the women I meet here (young to middle aged to old) all have the same problem…(Note: for some reason I attract these kinds of confessions/discussions from many times total strangers, ?? I’m too approachable I think, NEVER make eye contact ha ha (kidding..sort of…)…

I really feel it is unfortunate that it seems to be how this city predominately is… new generation? a NYC thing? bad dating skills? bad decisions? Holy smokes Batman.. I am not sure… however I believe its a typical case of the grass is greener.. with so many people in the grass is greener mindset I believe they miss out on what is right in front of them; don’t miss out. Take good care of the grass your on and you’ll soon have a garden and soft cushy grass to cloud watch in. (=

Also ladies, about all those dudes.. Someday you’ll all find someone to look into your eyes and say “Helloooo your my very special one.” Here is a song for you about just that and perhaps maybe about prolonging this new year just a little longer (especially if 2011 treated you well)

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_Vs37KtNpE&feature=related]

P.S. …………………………..

December 4, 2011

A Gaga Christmas?

This month I’m going to try and be consistent with Holiday themed posts…Lo and behold its already December 4th ! Lets talk about something Christmas-y haha.

So naturally I’m on foursquare and I keep seeing a friend check into the “Lady Gaga Window Display” and my curiosity is somewhat peaked, but not until I see it happen a few more times coupled with my Mom texting me that Lady Gaga has a Christmas Special on T.V. do I investigate further. Lemme tell ya’, this Lady is good at marketing. It’s almost difficult to wrap my head around the level of success she has had on such a large-scale. Almost like when I think about the J.K. Rowling empire and how that came to be, regardless of its mainstay in popular culture that people have grown accustomed to it is still crazy. I believe I read something about Rowling’s publishing company when she was unknown and just had the first book out, in a matter of a year or two she skyrocketed their profits from some low number to MILLIONS… in a very short time period. THAT IS CRAZY !! So at the ripe age of 25 (sarcasm) Stefani Germanotta has done something similar in pop music. The first time I heard of her was a few years ago I had visited a friend in Brooklyn before I lived in New York and was getting my nails done and randomly the nail tech asked if I had heard of Lady Gaga (which I hadn’t) she then informed me that she did her nails too. I asked if this Lady Gaga came in to see her, she laughed and said “Oh nooo I go to her apartment.” Naturally when I got home I looked her up and I liked her style/dance music. Of course she still looked like this then:

And not yet this:

SO back to the story… I was off of work and a wandering kid yesterday, feeling under the weather and decided to google this Lady Gaga at Barney’s stuff and found out it was a “workshop” a.k.a a pop up store a.k.a one entire floor in Barney’s transformed into Gaga Consumerism Land. So of course I wanted to see….

The Opening Ceremony, Gaga with a collaborating designer on the workshop in a big poufy Chanel ball gown.

(FYI This sculpture is BIG and cool.)

cookie?

(Under the “Gaga Spider” were cases with jewelry and costume memorabilia)

I read a few articles and comments online slamming the concept and the prices… However, yes, it is overpriced but not everything is crazy. The price range is from about $6 to potentially $600 … so a wide range, and lets not forget its BARNEYS people. Also 25% of all sales go to the “Born This Way” Foundation. All in all, a marketing win for the Gaga Team. I did purchase one overpriced item purely because I am a capitalists dream a.k.a sucker for gimmicks and packaging. At least I’m self aware. I bought this:

Its a colaboration made with Deborah Lippmann for the workshop and is a two bottle set called “Edge of Glory.” Here is a math breakdown:

2 bottles of DB normally would cost 32$ maybe 35$ with tax.

This cost me 49$ with tax. HOWEVER since 25% is going to charity (and Barneys/Gaga/Deborah Lippmann must make a profit somewhere..) that means 12$ of this went to charity, great. So I paid 37$ with tax and a 12$ donation. That makes sense. So people should think about those details before complaining about the prices, it is what it is and its once a year maybe never again so just enjoy looking or buying if you choose to. Its worth a stop in to see the bustle (and if your lucky a Lady Gaga Impersonator walking airily around the store you can get a picture with)

I leave you with a “throwback” haha, of one song of hers I really like.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Mh1x0Xz6-c&feature=related]

Hope your day is lovely dears !!! Now kindly exit to the left.

December 3, 2011

Buone Feste Natalizie ! or… Merry Christmas! (in Italy)

Not sure where to go for that edgy fashionista of yours? Or perhaps you are a smitten kitten looking for that special something this Holiday? Well look no further ! Here is a list of online shopping links sure to fill your wish list and/or the boxes under the tree. Cheers!

http://www.shampalove.com

http://www.nastygal.com

http://www.lazybonesvintage.com

http://www.agentprovocateur.com

http://www.bondno9.com

http://www.fredflare.com

http://www.modcloth.com

http://www.shopplasticland.com

http://www.pinupgirlclothing.com

http://www.wildfoxcouture.com

Also want to read up on how the rest of the world celebrates? Go here! —> Santa is a Jet Setter

And for good measure a holiday song for you all. Xo

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFLExwIQKto]

December 2, 2011

Character Matters.

Today I ventured out of my comfy bed to the Lower East Side to go to ~~Babycakes~~ … A very tasty and Vegan/Allergy friendly Bakery that is super cute to boot ! I took a few pictures and then noticed after a small sign saying “Please no pictures or video.” oops. The Bakery has a 1950’s vibe, sea foam green and pale pink colors and the girls that work there wear cute uniforms with bows around their necks, also reminiscent of a retro vibe. Some people might be scared off of a bakery that is non-traditional as such BUT let me tell you.. I have a sweet tooth and have sampled my fair share of sweet treats on this continent and others and I really really love this bakery. Its healthier (no butter and other junk) tastes just as good if not better and doesn’t kill your taste buds with too much sugar, its just right. They are known for their donuts, I however really like the chocolate filled agave brownies.

(Agave Chocolate Filled Brownies, Cinnamon&Sugar Donut, Salted Caramel Donut, Strawberry and Cream Scone.)

[vimeo http://vimeo.com/12598047%5D

The song is by ~~Cults.~~ Check them out, I adore this band.

After grabbing a box of goodness at Babycakes I sipped my coffee (~~Stumptown Coffee~~) wandered around and stumbled upon a couple really lovely shops that I plan on re-visiting with my Christmas Loot!

~~James Coviello~~ (Their design studio is in the back of the shop, they make womens clothing that fits to kill… a very 1920/1930’s vibe and high quality workmanship, worth saving your pennies for)

And….

~~Old Hollywood~~ (A ton of independently handmade jewelry, soft knitted hats and scarves and cute little knick knacks like soaps and reproduction Saloon Coins that they used at brothels !)

Crazy…… I hope you are all having a great Friday and if not, no worries, its the weekend soon ! Xo to all you Weekend Warriors. hahaha.

P.s. Doc Marten is doing a “~~Firsts~~” .. various lists where people share stories. Interesting to pass the time with. Go tell them about your First. Agyness Dean is in a short film about heartbreak.. and if you think about it along with the images, she is right, it’s sad but good. Watch it here:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XemkB3qFd-k]

December 2, 2011

Keep warm when the heat shuts off.

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3249045/bleu-is-electric?claim=6kur6g5hy2q">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

So for whatever reason my heat is not working, so I’m sitting here with gloves on making online mixes. I should probably get to rubbing those two sticks together… anyway.. enjoy!

CLICK HERE !!! —————> TOASTY

November 27, 2011

I don’t buy your beauty magazine.

I don’t generally review or recommend products because I think women get told enough about how to look better but not feel better… we need more feeling, less “self improvement” shoved down our throats…However these products are not necessarily to mask who you are or what you look like but enhance and be as natural as possible. After YEARS of being a sucker for packaging and hunting for the perfect foundation that looks and feels like I’m wearing nothing… the end result is this so far. If your anything like me and prefer as little make up as possible if any then this is for you.. I like to keep it simple. Minimal is the name of the game, and while I have procured a small arsenal of shadows and glosses these are the basics that will always stay put.

Love the skin your in:

I have recently boarded the wagon of Philosphy’s Purity Cleanser (works even better if you have a Clarisonic Mia !) I tend to have oil/acne prone skin so finding products that work for me is always a battle, I can’t even begin to think about the amount of money I have spent on products for my skin…. so to find something that keeps me balanced is a blessing!

I use this in conjunction with my mia and wash twice as well as a daily regimen of vitamins (fish oil is key) Vitamin B, Vitamin D (for those who are in low sunshine states..) a Multi and a general Hair,Skin,Nails Vitamin. If you can buy Whole Food Vitamins, they are less processed and absorb more efficiently into your body as oppose to just going right thru your system. In other words, you actually will feel and see the difference, its worth the damage on your wallet, you only get one body.

Also I recently discovered Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (SPF 20 Oil Free) which is great and light weight and her translucent setting powder over that.. no need for heavy foundation. This evens out olive skin tones especially (I use nude) and feels good. I was previously using MAC’s Studio Sculpt but wanted less… less is more.

Eyes:

I keep it simple here too, eyeshadow when you go out but in a daily basis mascara and a simple eyeliner is perfect. Think pin-up girl eyes! I discovered MAC’s Penultimate Eyeliner (built in tapered tip for the easiest application ever!) and Benefit Cosmetics “They’re Real !” Mascera that has a pokey brush that separates and builds on what you already have, doesn’t clump up and look fake, one or two applications is all you need!

Don’t forget to fill in your brows as they really do frame your face and your eyes. I find a pencil works best. Any brand will do but Estee Lauder’s works well and stays on all day.

Lips:

I change this everyday, just depends on your mood.. here are some of my favorites though that I have found stay on/don’t dry you out and feel good !

Urban decay’s lipsticks are nice, this dark plum being my favorite.. not to mention the packaging is rad (be careful though because the top has a tendency to want to come off in your bag if not secure…)

Nars Chelsea Girls. Great for everyday, good consistency, and especially good if you are doing a dark eye or Mod Twiggy Eye look, then all people see are EYES !

ANY of the Korres Lip Butters, come in about 6 different colors, full of good natural ingredients, just pick your poison and your off!

I don’t care how chapped your lips are, use this for a couple days and its as if it never happened… I swear by this stuff.

Hands down the best your lips will feel ever ! Use this scrub in conjunction with the clear balm afterwards and prepare to be one smooth talker. Another lip scrub worth checking out is Sugar’s Brown Sugar Lip Scrub, you’ll want to eat it.

And just for fun…..

Any of Duwop’s Lip Venoms. They make you feel all tingly (a topical poison?? Ah well.. the things women do for beauty) and it just feels cool, doesn’t look too bad either, put on under or over your other lip products.

Smell???

Just for the hell of it, I’m wearing this until the bottle is drained of its smelly goodness. Maybe you’ll like it too… its not another flowery mess (like many girls parfumes are) Just simple, clean, basic. I also tend to like scents that are sexy, dark, woodsy. Almost like a Mens scent but if a man liked wearing dresses occasionally.

If you have any questions feel free to ask! Chances are if there is a method or skin care product for oily/acne prone skin your thinking of using/trying, I’ve done it, so just ask, I’ll probably be able to save you some serious $$cash$$ or at least point you in the right direction. Cheers! Stay you, stay beautiful, and please, quit buying Cosmo (if you are or are considering it)

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