The Calm Before the Storm

As the city continued to hunker down, board windows and shut down public transportation, a somber feel came over NY.  The New York Couple warned of the severity of the storm and being an Angeleno with no real concept of hurricanes, it was only after I walked the rarely empty streets of Manhattan on Sunday evening that I realized people were preparing for the worst...

 

 

Botkier Satchel Tote Nicola red bag, Club Monaco Diana leggings, Club Monaco Matilda faux-fur vest (in brown here), H&M turtleneck, Century 21 rubber rain boots.  {Photo credit to the NYC.}

 



The New York Couple

Despite preparations for Hurricane Sandy and NY's state of emergency last weekend, I enjoyed time with one of my favorite couples who lives, loves and breathes NYC.  Their knowledge of NYC and all things Afghan and Italian, combined with general witty banter and political discord, means never a dull moment - with or without natural disasters.

Various adventures with the New York Couple ("NYC") included:

Head all the way upstate to La Marina in Washington Heights.  Listen to talented cover band.  Look out to the George Washington bridge over the Hudson.

 

 

Contemplate 20-mile bike ride through boroughs for five seconds.  Opt for Aire spa.  Pat myself on back for making right decision. 

 

 

Trek to Mario's in The Bronx for authentic Italian-American food (because as I was told, there are some things Manhattan just does not do as well as the outer boroughs or Jersey).  Zara studded camouflage trousers, Forever21 beige top, Kenna-T leather jacket (similar here), Tory Burch necklace and Ralph Lauren pumps.

Pair late-night Italian pastries from Delillo Pastry Shop with tea. Michael Kors and Kep bracelets, Essie mint candy apple nail polish.

Game Day Morning

October 13, 2012 was a beautiful day for the Couture Confectioner's wedding.  Game Day morning:

 

Arrive at hotel, Ponte Vineyard Inn.

 

 

 

Check beautiful view. 

Enjoy a cup of coffee at hotel's outdoor cafe.




Get makeup and hair done.




Test isolated wooden plank on pond.

Walk through vineyards with a glass of wine in the company of fellow bridesmaids.  Dress from Japan. Jcrew sandals.

Wedding Prep

There are few occasions that will bring out my Martha Stewart side (to the extent there is such a thing) but the Couture Confectioner's wedding was definitely one of them! 

 

Order over 100 olive oil bottles.  Cut rosemary from bride's backyard.  Fill.  Print labels.  Create wedding favors.

 

 

 

 

Buy old window panes off Craigslist.  Razor paint and dirt from panes.  Write guest names.  Insert placecards in wine corks.  Create vintage seating chart.

Sunday Funday

One of the best things about staying local is hitting the Larchmont Farmer's Market with my favorite Southern Belle transplant (who can show you how to choose corn and teach you the difference between Navel and Valencia oranges - all while sauntering in an adorable skirt).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H&M dress, Coach flats (similar here), Jcrew sandals, Michael Kors bracelet, Miu Miu Vitello Shine bag, Casino Royale OPI nail polish.

 

The (Not So) Foggy City

Day One down with dinner at Burma Superstar in inner Richmond (not pictured but delicious Burmese food well worth the wait!) followed by a wine-filled nightcap.  Next on the agenda:

Wake up to a warm cup of chai in sun-filled bay windows.  CB2 throw pillows. Illitala mug. Michael Kors and Kep jewelry.

 

Take in the crisp SF morning. Bellatrix blouse. Kenna-T leather jacket. Joan and David pumps. Frenchi shorts.

Say goodbye to the Foggy City that ended up being not so foggy at all.  Nordstrom hat. Goyard large light blue St. Louis GM bag. Chanel lipgloss. Marc Jacobs iPhone cover.