Living the Dream

Ten years after first desperately wanting to relocate to NY, I have finally made the move, and after romanticizing Manhattan for so many years, exploring it from the perspective of a resident is magical.

Living in Greenwich Village means I'm just a hop, skip and a jump away from Washington Square Park, which is steadily becoming one of my favorite parks with its focal water fountain, locals lounging, live talent, random quotes in chalk and beautiful flowers - from dawn to dusk.

Pixie Market skirt. H&M ruffle black tank.

Photographed by a former New Yorker but still one at heart, Jeffrey Mills - food connoisseur, seeker of authenticity and the BFF's boyfriend.

South Orange

Like many New Yorkers, my lovely friends, the New York Couple, bit the bullet and moved out of the city for more space.  And more space is what they got.  They bought their first home in the cutest town, South Orange...

...and welcomed me with open arms and amazing decor:

The living room.

The family room.

The master bedroom (with my favorite wall redone in this nook).

The guest bedroom.

The dining room.

The backyard (where a deer came sauntering - just 12 miles out of Manhattan!).

And of course, the remnants of NYC.

DC Stomping

Ten years ago, my BFF and I both moved to the east coast - she to DC and I to Boston. Even though I abandoned Boston after 3 years, she ended up staying in DC so I have visited consistently. Over the last decade, we have shared some wonderful memories there and, now, as we move to NYC for the summer, we are saying goodbye to:

Busboys and Poets.  Named after Langston Hughes. Bar plus coffee plus bookstore plus poetry slams. A place that strives to be culturally, politically and socially aware in the best of ways. Touted as the spot for artists, activists, writers, thinkers and dreamers.

Dukem.  A fantastic Ethiopian restaurant with questionable service at times.

Tryst.  A local early morning or late night coffee shop in Adams Morgan mixed with alcohol, movies and music.

Bukom. West African restaurant also located in Adams Morgan and unlike any spot I have come across in LA.

Dangerously Delicious Pies.  Known for its Baltimore Bomb (which on this particularly evening was sold out).

Colorful townhouses...

...and of course, Georgetown, Ben's Chili Bowl, all the museums, the Supreme Court and the White House (not in that order).

Casual Pops of Color

I often get a crazy look when I tell people how much I love east coast summers but as someone who is always cold, it's rare that I can spend all day in a regular t-shirt, so yes, I love east coast summers - humidity and all.  

Comfy casual with pops of neon in boyfriend jeans, my favorite tee and what I consider an everyday summer bag.

SOLD Design Jeans boyfriend jeans.  Cake for Breakfast tee. Goorin Brothers hat.  Rebecca Minkoff almond and yellow purse.  Joie a la Plage sandals.  Vintage sunglasses.  

Wedding Season

I love attending weddings.  More than that and unbelieving of the stigma associated with it, I love being in weddings!  A couple of weeks ago, I had the great honor of being in one of my best and longtime friend's weddings.  (I've known the groom since third grade and he has helped shape who I have become.)

Some favorites from this wedding:

The Legion of Honor. Where photos were taken.

The different but perfectly compiled bridesmaids' dresses (Focus on dresses. Ignore crazy expression on my face.)

That my bridesmaid dress from BHLDN was surprisingly comfortable.

Seeing the happiness in the groom's eyes.

And of course, the beautiful bride. (Professional photos courtesy of DnDphotography.)