Girl About Town: Saturdays Surf NYC

When Jay-Z wrote about Saturdays Surf NYC on his acclaimed lifestyle blog, Life + Times, I knew had to visit. My desire remained for two reasons: because I think anything that appears on Life + Times is instantly cooler, and because I drank the Hova Kool Aid. Regardless, the experience was everything I hoped it'd be, in an extremely understated way.

Outside, men sat with their coffee cups and enjoyed the sun on their face in this strange turn for fall that the August weather has taken.

Inside, the space is long and narrow.

A model watched a man (unidentified to me) leaf through her portfolio and tap on the photos he favored as she outlined her previous experience.

Customers talked surfboards and paraphernalia, never bristling once at the cost of a board (the least expensive ringing up at just under $700) or a book.

The greatest thing about this little coffee and surf shop was the barista. Oddly handsome and slightly hairy, he charmed everyone that went by. Men, women, children, pets... it didn't matter. Everyone was friends, and like Cheers, everyone seemed to know your name. And if he didn't, he asked. He wanted to carry on some interesting banter about the weather or the "big time" amount of ice coffee they had behind the bar. He was a reminder that on a busy Tuesday afternoon in SoHo that there is always time for a genuine connection between two people... He was a reminder to slow down and smell the surf wax.

So I did.

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Five Reasons Why I Love Pretty Boys

My friends often have something to say about the type of guy I find myself falling for. They are incredibly well dressed, devastatingly handsome, and always pretty. Think: Blair Underwood/Jason Lewis. I can't help it; I like a guy to look good. When I express interest in a dude who looks like he forgot to shower, the reaction is very similar to the shocked g-chat emoticon:

Here are my five reasons Why I Love Pretty Boys:

He loves to shop
This is important because I love to shop. I could shop for hours on end, spend hours in the dressing room making sure the items are right, and will spend the day bogged down with bags all for a hard day's work. In fact, shopping is in my blood - my mother calls shopping "fieldwork" because it really is work. Be it online, in the stores, or otherwise, we will go to town making sure we get the best deals and the best items. If he loves to shop, it means we won't have any of those "but how long can you really shop for??" and "are we done yet???" arguments when I'm just getting into the heat of my purchasing.

I'm never worried about what he'll show up wearing
I've dated the guy who needs outfit direction and it's exhausting. Well, wait, don't get me wrong... it can be fun to play dress up with your man, mostly because you both end up naked anyway. But there is nothing more calming than knowing that no matter where you go, your boo will show up dressed appropriately. No jeans around his knees, no Air Force Ones when he should be wearing Prada Loafers. Phew - crisis averted.

He won't judge my exploding closet
Because his looks just like mine. But he's a boy so most of it is all over his floor too. This is also a key point because it makes me feel great that most of my closet is in my Carrie & Aidan inspired arm chair. Oops.

He doesn't know how to dress down
Let it be noted that with all this "pretty boy" stuff, one may have concerns if said "pretty boy" likes "pretty girls". The true test for me (aside from the one in the bedroom) is how he dresses down because he doesn't really know how and ends up wearing crazy colors that only a dude wouldn't care about. Trust that if you look like a real hot mess, you'll have me at "eep!"

When he goes scruffy, it's a nice surprise
Please. Don't deny the scruff. PLEASE. Because I love it. It allows me to indulge in my occasional bad boy fantasies if my pretty boy is looking a little rough around the edges. It's also a nice surprise when we see each other shortly after your shape up. Keeping that element of surprise alive keeps the butterflies flying in my belly.

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What I'm drinking this week: my roommate often goes to this itty bitty liquor store a few blocks from our apartment. Ever since she mentioned it when she was buying a gift for her man, I've meant to check it out. Last night I discovered they have more of my favorite wine than even Trader Joe's! Thanks for the tip, roomie :).

This week I'm drinking a beautiful South African Sauvignon Blanc by Indaba Wines. Yum.

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Work & Play

I want to be able to call myself a writer, but I have yet to reach the frequency with which I think "a writer" should be writing. This is self imposed of course, but still is my reasoning all the same.

When I'm not writing, or trying to write, or thinking about writing, or cursing myself for not writing or thinking about writing... I'm working. Like yesterday, when I managed a team of models handing out the YSL Manifesto in NYC. I had several lovely visitors, but my favorite photo documentation is of Dushane. 

If I were a fashion blogger, I'd be so proud of myself and my photo taking skills. But because I'm not a fashion blogger/photographer, I'm even prouder. Makes me want to buy a fancy camera and do a lot of pretending in the streets.

xx,
MJ

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Five Trends I Just Can't Get Behind, vol.1

I love me a fashion and beauty blog, I really, really, really do... but I there are always a few things I can't help but cringe towards when I see them in those beautiful photos.

Here are my current Five Trends I Just Can't Get Behind:

1. Jeffrey Campbell Lita Shoes

[via]

Aaaaaaaaah! Please!!! Someone! Help! Tell me why! Because I just can't understand. And I love Jeffrey Campbell shoes! So comfortable and well made. But these? iCant.

2. 3-D Nails

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Eep!! Why would you do that! I'll give you a little rhinestone or something "classically" middle school (sorry, that's when I remember rhinestones on nails the most), but why on earth are your fingernails talking to me? iCant.

3. Backpacks for Grown Ups

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I equate backpacks with college parties. They are usually stacked full of some sort of classy beverage like Natty Ice or PBR. If you're really lucky, you might also find some Hypnotiq, a bandaid, a hair tie, an ace bandage, and a pen. Just because it says Chanel or Vuitton doesn't mean I'm not judging you (and hoping you'll give me a beverage). iCant.

4. Sheer Clothing

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I get it. Sometimes its nice to have something a little sheer on to show off your curves. But I can't understand showing everyone ALL of your unmentionables. What ever happened to slips? Old fashioned? Maybe. Classy? Definitely. iCant.

5. Full Body Jewelry

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I actually think, if done right, this could be a good look, but the functionality of it makes me nervous. I'm notoriously clumsy with my jewelry. I can't even begin to guess how many Forever21 necklaces I've accidentally caught on a railing (or even the stove) and have had to toss after a night out. These vests and such are a lawsuit waiting to happen for me. And how dominatrix. iCant.

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On Being A Black Cat, or all the costumes I'm dying to wear instead

I have always loved Halloween. Not really sure why, as it's a rather creepy "holiday", but there's something about getting dressed up and having a reason to party that resonates well with me.

Should you be lucky enough to take a trip to my sleepy suburban hometown, my mother will sit down with you and show you albums upon albums of me in the little outfits. First-day-of-school outfits, first-school-dance outfits, first-date-to-the-mall outfits, first-field-hockey-game outfits, and of course, the Halloween outfits.

For as long as I can remember, I dressed as a witch. In fact, I wore my witch hat from mid-September through to Thanksgiving, when my parents told me it was no longer acceptable and I had to wear my Christmas socks instead (which I did, duh). As soon as I got to middle school, I started to care more about what I looked like and decided right then and there that I would be a black cat for every Halloween thereafter.

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I'm 25 now, and I have tried 1.5 times to wear something other than my uniform of cat ears and a tail. Last year, I tried to be Madonna, but told people I was an 80's baby instead because my girl, who also went as Madonna, actually LOOKED like her, and I looked like a jumble of the sale section at H&M.

This year, I decided I was going to be a captain. I went all out and purchased the captain's hat and everything. Last night, I tried to test my roommate and her boyfriend. I opened my bedroom door and stepped out in my costume:

"Do I look like a captain?"
"Um..." their eyes flickered to each other briefly as they tried to find the best way to let me down gently. I held my hand up in a salute, to help the cause.
"I like your hat?" My roommate said.
"Maybe if you had some of those shoulder things, that would help :/" her boyfriend suggested.

I went into my room and threw on my faithful cat eats in defeat.

That said, there are so many AWESOME Halloween ideas I would love to give a try. My first stems from my new obsession with Nicki Minaj.

 [via]

I want the hair, I want the "Barbie" necklace, I want the ridiculous jewelery and the booty. I want to walk around mugging for cameras with that extra cheese, and the occasional growl. I want the British accents and the 5 personalities... just for one night.

I blame Claire of The Fashion Bomb for my black cat restlessness. Every Halloween she highlights great costume ideas, make up tricks, and outfit inspiration - all of which I am eager to try out now. Check out her series here, and additional costume photos below for some inspiration.

 A little Amy Winehouse and some extra faux-tattoos never hurt anyone.

Sandy OR Rizzo from Grease. In fact, I think I own Sandy's leggings...

A sailor! Is it too much to ask?

 Diana Ross, because really - she's fierce.

 Does this even need words?

Don't mess aroun'...

I mean...

 Oh well... just keep an eye out for this girl in a black cat costume.

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Suburban Girl's Fashion Week Recap: Michael Kors

I've saved the best for last: of the three shows I attended, the Michael Kors show was my favorite. The backdrop boasted bright springy greens while the clothing featured mostly whites, browns, khakis and navy, with the occasional pop of color. My favorite looks below:



The trailing hot male model doesn't hurt either.




I NEED this sweater in my closet immediately.








All images and the full show can be found on Elle.com

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Suburban Girl's Fashion Week Recap: Issac Mizrahi

I had very high hopes for this year's Issac Mizrahi show. I was lucky enough to attend his show last year and sat there gawking at the incredible theatrics! Did you forget? HE MADE IT RAIN and it was incredible!







This year, he went the more traditional route sending models down a normal straight, white, boring runway with no golf carts, no rain, and no tech guys in New Balance sneakers hoping out from the audience valiantly with an umbrella. Womp.

That said, the show was beautiful. My three favorite looks below:









all images via zimbio.

Gimme.

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Suburban Girl's Top 5 :: Relaxation

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"I will never, EVER be able to live in New York City," she tells her mom as they hop on an M-something bus with fingers crossed and hopes that they're going the right way. She was visiting NYC with her mother - their tri-annual trip to the city where they ate, shopped, and saw theatre.

The routine was always the same, Boston South Station to New York Port Authority. Cab to Amy Ruth's for waffles and chicken (or fish), and bus downtown passing by all the potential graduate schools her mother thought would be best.

"Are you sure, Maiah? How can you really block off an entire city?" her mother inquired, slightly fed up but mostly entertained.

"Because New York is not a place you go to for peace of mind. New York is a place you go to for shaking things up. Then, you go home and say 'phew, glad that's over'."

Fast forward and here I am in 2010, a New York City resident of 2 years and 3 months... Oops. I still haven't perfected the art of life in a city like New York, especially having grown up in Weston, Massachusetts (the smallest, cutest, quietest, most relaxing suburb ever). It definitely hasn't been all smooth sailing either. After an incredible first 6 months, I lost my amazing job to the economy, I lost my then gentleman-friend to a horrible disease called Man Child Disorder, and I lived in a vermin infested apartment with a stripper and a nanny.

I was spiraling. It was around this time that I realized I needed to regroup and recoup. And this is when I began compiling the Suburban Girl's Guide to Getting By in the City. It's much too long for one post, so we'll go subject by subject. Let's start with one of the most important - the top 5 places I go to relax:

1. Bookstores

There is nothing better than going to The Strand or Borders (the one on 57th & Park) after work and letting the day's foolishness just wash off my shoulders as I browse books. Of course, when shopping The Strand, it's best to go with a few things in mind. That said, when it's quiet and you have a whole section of books to yourself, what could be better than slowly perusing the book titles and cover art.

2. Hookah Bars

I love smoking a hookah with a cold beer and a good friend or four. My favorites are Horus on 10th & A and in Astoria: Cherry Cafe on Broadway & 34th and Soho Cafe on Broadway & 44th.

3. The Movies

There is nothing better than taking yourself out to an afternoon film. I personally prefer the Kaufman Astoria Theatre to some of those bed bug infested ones in the city (eek). I also feel very strongly about Kaufman Astoria for date night - there's nothing better than taking in a late night double feature, especially when it involves a bottle of red snuck inside in my always oversized purses.

4. Early Morning Shopping

My saturday morning routine always involves waking up early, coffee and eggs, and early morning shopping (also referred to as "Field Work" by my mother). Sometimes, shopping in the city is UNBEARABLE with the crowds of tourists and pushy locals, but shopping anywhere before the hour of 10am is always a joy. Plus, there is nothing better than grabbing a hot coffee from your favorite morning street cart on a crisp and cool fall morning, and walking through your favorite neighborhood(s) as you pop in and out of your favorite stores.

5. Queens

Since I moved to New York, I have always gone home at the end of the night to Astoria. I like to maintain that I was forced to this sleepy little borough by Larissa, Mihal, and Dushane. Despite that fact, I love living here. To be able to come home at the end of a long day and retire to my cozy bedroom and take in the Manhattan skyline from my window makes living in New York worth every up and down.

What about you? What are your favorite places for regrouping in the busy city?

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Suburban Girl Shops: Post Traumatic Shopping Disorder

See this image?:

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That was me, this afternoon, waiting for the ever glamourous N train to Queens.

It really wasn't my fault.
I just want to be very clear about that fact. I have a disorder. And no one has been able to diagnose it! I had to diagnose myself over twitter, by accident, and then realize the diagnosis happened thanks to @Everyday_Runway. No really! I'm not kidding!

It's Post Traumatic Shopping Disorder. It pops up when you least expect it: It can happen after a 9am Saturday morning dentist appointment. It can happen after a long day week at work. It can happen after a telephone conversation with your grandma ends in "When are you going to finally bring home a boyfriend?????" And it almost always rears it's ugly head right after pay day. And most likely when summer starts it's descent into fall and you can't help but stroll around New York City because is there any place more gorgeous than NYC in autumn?

Well.

My catalyst was that 9am dentist appointment, for which I was 10 minutes late (what? I was listening to K-Ci & JoJo). I found myself thrown out onto E. 56th and 3rd and thought, well, after all that, you at least deserve some chocolate! And then the beautiful and hopeful idea of chocolate turned into devious looking cavaties way too eager to get into my mouth. So then I thought, Well, after all that, AND that horrific cartoon, you at least deserve some shoes. And by "some shoes", apparently I meant these.


[Nine West Ambitious Pump, Black Suede : shop]

And... these

[Rachel Roy Halia Bootie : shop]

Then, I found myself inexplicably drawn into H&M, where I found myself inexplicably purchasing a fierce little black dress with an exposed silver zipper! And then, I found myself at my favorite eyebrow place in Astoria saying "yes please!" when she asked if I'd like the massage too! And I almost fell into my favorite nail salon for a little mani/pedi, but I was magically restored back to good sense and promptly rushed home and locked myself in my house, where I believe I am safe from more incredulous spending.

Please, take this as a PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Post Traumatic Shopping Disorder is a serious matter. Don't let this happen to you.

[via... this article lies!]

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Suburban Girl Shops: Louis Vuitton

When a girl from a small suburban town moves to New York City, she has huge expectations. She imagines every day will feel like she's living in an episode of Sex & The City, running from date to date with her girlfriends and the city's hottest eligible bachelors. She imagines that Blahniks, Louboutins, Dolce & Gabanna dresses, and martinis grow on trees. She expects rent to NEVER be due, that she'll easily find a rent controlled 1-bed on the UWS, and that she'll work a job with flexible hours that allow her to lunch with her friends for 2 hours a day.

Then, she'll get here, realize rent is ALWAYS due, and that she can only afford to live in Queens with a roommate (or 2). She'll never drink as many martinis as she originally planned because they are expensive (unless she is at Pazza Notte, where she will imbibe too many martinis and contract a hangover every time). She'll work a job that requires more hours than there are in the day, and as a result, she'll eat dinner mostly at her desk, working as she chews. Her paychecks won't allow her to shop the way she had first hoped - until she gets a raise and decides that on one fateful Sunday afternoon a gorgeous Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM bag will be hers for the taking.

She's thrilled and invigorated. She plans the day to fulfill a "New York Dream". She gets dressed up, she puts on ALL ofher favorite David Yurman jewelry, and she does her make up. She skips down Fifth Avenue to the Louis Vuitton Store on the corner of 57th. The flagship store, and the way she had always imagined New York shopping had to be done - on Fifth Avenue, as detailed in rap songs and old movies. She is jittery, nervous, and ... sweating. It feels like a blind date. She's anxious.

She walks into the Louis Vuitton store on Fifth Avenue and expects a wide open store with sales associates welcoming her with open arms. Instead, she walks into a tourist haven. She's knocked backwards by a group of over eager Italians. She looks around briefly, taking in the scene before finding her choice of bag, and a brilliantly nice young man to help her.

Thirty minutes later, she is walking down 57th Street with the iconic brown bag. She sees a couple holding hands walking in her direction. They are engulfed in love for each other and she fights the urge to shout "I AM IN LOVE TOO. WITH MY NEW PURSE." She is floating through New York.

She contemplates taking a cab over the bridge to her sleepy little borough, but thinks better of it, as she realizes she just spent a small fortune on a new purse. As she descends into the train station, reality sets back in. But then again, what better way to make it in New York than on the N train with a Louis Vuiton shopping bag on your shoulder?

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