[Fashion Bloggers] The Beautiful People at The Box

A few evenings ago, my blogger bestie Ashley and I went to the famed The Box.   We didn't go for the burlesque shows or the pretentious atmosphere. In fact, I don't remember why we went but we did! The gentleman featured in the above images was someone we ran into while at the bar. It was his birthday so I decided to do a few birthday snaps. I really liked how Ashley and the birthday boy look together: ebony and ivory at its finest. 

[Summer in the City] Spanish Moss 

Crochet + Fringe Top H&M Lace Shorts Strawberry Shoes Aldo Clutch Vintage

Sometimes, it is easier just to shoot what your friends are wearing because they do it better. In the summer, especially summer in the city, I get caught up in my uniform so I'm not much to look at (unless you fancy denim + t-shirts until you die). I always love Lauren's interpretation of trends; she's current but still integrates her personal flare. Instead of piling on loads of necklaces and bracelets and wearing beaded flats in the spirit of what's "in," she wore only two gold pieces and a healthy glow. The best accessories are the ones we already have folks, our skin and our hair. 

[Summer in the City]  Accessories that work 

I'm not sure as to where everything is from in this image but I do know, I really want/need a Nixon watch unless of course, Michael Kors thinks he can do better.

[EAT] Gemma @ The Bowery Hotel, NYC

The above images were taken earlier today during a late lunch that I shared with a friend at Gemma, located inside of The Bowery Hotel. Today's lunch was my first time eating at Gemma, a magnet for celebrities and socialites but I was just there truly for the food. Here are some details to accompany the above food porn images:

Insalate. Beets, Mizuna, Goat Cheese, and Pistachios. 

Absolutely delicious -- I'm really into salads with goat cheese and beets, so if you're into the combination as well, then I highly recommend you order this salad. The mizuna was delectable, a nice change of greenery pace for me (former arugula addict). The pistachios were a brilliant and unexpected addition to the soft textures and sweet flavors of the salad. The salty + crunchy of the pistachios added the perfect balance. I think that the lunch portion of this salad should definitely be doubled. 

Paste. Pappadelle with Oxtail Ragu. 

I thought this dish was pretty unusual considering it's a pasta with oxtail. For those of you who don't know what oxtail is, it is basically the gelatinous meat located in the tail of an ox. When oxtail is prepared correctly, it is mouth-watering delicious. I think the chef did a decent job with the dish as a meat sauce pasta, but I wasn't in love with it. I was hoping for a pasta dish that really featured the flavors of the oxtail. Unfortunately, the ragu was a bit of a disappointment in that regard and I probably won't be ordering this dish again. 

Dolci. Torta di Cioccolato. 

The dessert was a recommendation from our waiter. The torta was very rich and tasty -- a warm chocolate cake with a small scoop of vanilla gelato on top. Although I wasn't able to finish the dessert, I seriously regretted it as soon as I returned home -- definitely a dessert for chocolate lovers. 

Overall, I'd have to rate the food, service and the experience at Gemma with a B+. My waiter was attentive but he failed to read us the specials (I overheard him gushing them to Amber Tamblyn, who was dining directly behind me) and that bothered me. If I heard the specials, then maybe I would have selected a better entree. The salad and dessert were very delicious but the oxtail ragu was not mind-blowing. I would most certainly eat at Gemma again and think that if any of you guys are in the area (note the first image for the location of the restaurant + hotel), then you should definitely stop by for a bite! Oh and if you do, please feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

[All of the lights] Patricia Field, New York City 

The internet has been buzzing with all of the Mac rumors and their latest progeny, iCloud but I want to share with you an acid-trip of a shopping experience that I had at Patricia Field. For those of you who aren't from NYC, haven't watched Sex and  the City and/or have been living underneath a rock for the last 20 or so years, Patricia Field is the end for all that is fashion styling and costume. Field's shop boasts of every possible accessory you can think of from rhinestone embellished bra tops to bondage-esque faux leather bottoms for men. And it doesn't matter what your personal style sensibilities are, there is something for everyone in Patricia Field. And if you thought the buck stopped with trinkets and embellishments, you're wrong. In addition to the friendly and knowledge sales associates, Patricia Field even has a full service beauty parlor downstairs, complete with vanity mirrors and of course, wigs galore. So if you're just visiting NYC and have about an hour to kill or are looking for the seemingly impossible (or the unusual), then you should head over to 302 Bowery and satisfy your fashion curiosity.

Don't think you'll have an opportunity to visit NYC? Never fear as Patricia Field is online. 

UP ALL NIGHT / Happy Birthday to The Queen

I love a good party. I love to dance, drink and stay up all night with my team. We sure do like to have a good time.

The following images were taken last month during my birthday festivities in Lower Manhattan. First, we started off with a 13 person dinner at Il Buco followed by more drinks and dancing at the LES haunts Darkroom and Fat Baby. Please enjoy the one day of the year when I behave like a complete jackass for the entertainment of my friends and strangers (though I had to edit like crazy because some images will NEVER see the light of DAY): 

 See ya later mid-20s!