caffeinated hi.

 A good café cannot be underestimated.  The mood is everything, and I hate to admit this but the actual coffee sometimes plays backseat for me.  A hole in the wall is always the best, although as cliché and horrific as it is, I still love Starbucks.  The makings of a good coffee shop is great décor with possibly an  exposed brick wall, eclectic rugs, relaxed lighting, raw wooden tables and great music lightly playing in the background.  Free wi-fi is not even a must for me.  A break from the internet would actually do me good and force me to do more productive activity, unless of course I need to work and frantically check e-mails (which is simply not the case right now).  As I am leaving New York I bid adieu to my favorite little spots, but look forward to finding new hole in the wall joints for a solid cup of joe and ambiance in the Windy City.

Nailing Down

I think nail polish should be an extended expression of yourself and it's an easy, non permanent way to spice things up.  And, it is also the most inexpensive way to update a look--though I should warn you, it won't transform you like a great pair of platforms.  I personally am intrigued with the half moon manicure.  The half moon manicure is basically the opposite of a french manicure and with your choice of shades.  I am already donning my attempt at it, yet since it was a self made manicure it doesn't look quite as, well...polished.  What are you wearing on your nails this season??? 

Half Moon nails from the Vena Cava Spring 2011 runway

Fall has Fallen

No, the leaves haven't started changing colors yet, but the weather certainly has.  Perfect sunny days in the 70's and a chill in the evening air, yes, fall is not merely approaching it is here.  Pumpkin spice lattes are being crafted again and the world is back at work, and in the case of New Yorkers they are back in the city.  How is it already the middle of September and when did that happen?  Honestly, I feel like  I could blink and holiday shoppers will be rushing home with their treasures.  Me, having ample time on my hands am truly curious as to where all of those lost moments went…. 

Autumn lends itself to inspired thinking and sparks an awakening from my hazy days of a balmy summer.  It's as if every time this year we get a fresh start, similar to the feeling you are supposed to get at New Years, but at New Year's I only feel cold and disappointed from an overpriced night out.  Hopefully, this fall will only bring  the same feeling of rejuvenation to invigorate my senses.  My word for fall is alive and my vision is steaming hot cider, an oversized cable knit sweater with suede arm patches and a fur scarf. 

eating.praying.loving....or just eating.

Eating…check.--I am a huge fan, along with the millions of people that read Eat Pray Love and on Friday I entered the crowded theater to escape the summer heat and view this book adapted on film on its opening day. I have to say, I was quite pleased and will absolutely see it again (actually, I have seen it twice now). I took a cue from the story and did my own version of Italian pleasure seeking through eating last night, however I enjoyed these satisfying morsels with a French wine, pardon moi. I guess onto the praying and meditating part--to Bikram I go.

Reading Along, Reading Along

It has indeed been awhile since I last blogged. There is no reason…I guess getting a full time job got in the way. Today, I write to you to inform you of a book that has brought me many laughs this new year; the book I am speaking of is Eccentric Glamour by Simon Doonan. It is perhaps the most refreshing and humorous book I have ever read on glamour or any subject really. Doonan's humor and wit had me in hysterics; I even found myself giggling out loud on the subway. Eccentric Glamour is a lighthearted book that should be taken as such. If you are missing the unsubtle hints at sarcasm and fun then I believe you might be too serious for this book and should try reading William Faulkner instead. But, for those of you looking for a jovial read to brighten up your winter blues-this is for you!

http://www.simondoonan.net/books/eccentric_glamour/

Sugar Plum Delight

...Mmm I know strong red lips are big this fall, but I feel like that is a classic, a given if you will. I always love red lips, matte and bold. Red lips will always be in style in my book.

But, the lip shade I love this fall is….purple. Yes!!! After seeing the Teen Vogue shoot with Emma Watson, I fell in love. I currently am wearing Butterfly Ball in Goodbye, by Lipstick Queen. It is a surprisingly easy to wear purple that looks stunning for this season and beyond. If you aren't ready for purple try a nice wine color, which is also a gorgeous shade choice.

Intriguing, But False

My past blog on "lickable wallpaper" was erroneous, erroneous on all accounts. Sadly, I found out that this wallpaper is only of the scratch and sniff variety. So, I am sorry if I got anyone as excited about this product as I was; I completely misled you. On the upside, the wallpapers are still bright and fun!