tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37656329420176036962024-03-05T12:27:29.310-08:00Chocolate & CoutureStephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-63356508906839999712013-03-13T19:23:00.001-07:002013-03-13T19:35:40.253-07:00Nap Your Way to the TopDay 3 officially marks the mid-point of my juice cleanse. I would have to say that everything is going quite well and has been slightly easier than expected (what a relief!). I definitely think the almond nut milk is the perfect "juice" to end the day, a filling and sweet treat before bed.<br />
<br />
Contrary to what I had thought in the beginning, that I wouldn't have as much energy because I wasn't eating solid food... I actually have more energy because I am still getting all the day's necessary nutrients and according to studies the body isn't using the 20-30% of its total energy that it normally does digesting food.<br />
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When performing my research beforehand to prepare for the cleanse, I came across many articles that enforced the fact that juice cleanses are excellent ways not only to reset your body but your mind and soul as well. Many sites played with the idea of getting spa treatments to further enhance the detox process. Never being one to turn down advice on indulging in some spa treatments (I mean it's all part of the this process right?) I went on<a href="http://www.giltcity.com/newyork"> Gilt City</a> and bought my mom and I deals for a facial/nap combo at <a href="http://www.yelonyc.com/">YeloSpa</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4klTNsd5B5CLS7jHnpQTDpdHvqp7bPNjMx5JD6qbqv8dISu9LlD1nEx3qohU4mg_C35x0tDJQltAG5UpVY5dR7SH3cyiRpy2euDAWmVQ9uz_b5AAylsd8t5mjeJooc0VrMR_z3WGwUBi/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4klTNsd5B5CLS7jHnpQTDpdHvqp7bPNjMx5JD6qbqv8dISu9LlD1nEx3qohU4mg_C35x0tDJQltAG5UpVY5dR7SH3cyiRpy2euDAWmVQ9uz_b5AAylsd8t5mjeJooc0VrMR_z3WGwUBi/s400/IMG_3880.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{All pink - definitely my type of spa}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Recently I read in a magazine about YeloSpa as a place where you can pay to take a nap... at first this concept confused me, but after trying it out first hand its actually pretty cool! Though I didn't exactly fall into a deep sleep, the feeling of floating in a zero gravity chair while listening to zen music for 20 minutes was quite intriguing. The facial was among the best I have ever experienced and the esthetician was extremely friendly, treating my mother and I as if we were long lost family. What a nice relaxing way to end this Wednesday :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96eJ1XOkckyTImTywiD52mT995HGo5Y9k-v4-pfOk_PiLg9T-B0rQmLbe8VSc4a7B0CR5jM9uKd33ksPTTgq2GYJcrXwSYflFgkQoFoyMbaiDmsN0Wma2tq_O5EXn9rDPmoKXOu8pExEi/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96eJ1XOkckyTImTywiD52mT995HGo5Y9k-v4-pfOk_PiLg9T-B0rQmLbe8VSc4a7B0CR5jM9uKd33ksPTTgq2GYJcrXwSYflFgkQoFoyMbaiDmsN0Wma2tq_O5EXn9rDPmoKXOu8pExEi/s400/IMG_3886.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Zero gravity chair "NAP YOUR WAY TO THE TOP"}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-44185464944190979082013-03-11T19:36:00.000-07:002013-03-11T19:37:03.189-07:00Refresh. Restart. Rejuvinate.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Call me crazy... but today I
officially started the first day of my<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://coolercleanse.com/">Cooler Cleanse</a>. Yep, me, going on a juice
cleanse. The girl who loves food more than anything and has the word
"chocolate" in the title of her blog is actually going to go
an entire week living solely off of just liquid alone.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic529wQXKp22FmLgocz84mTrvPMGA6zTwNVaIn7oL2pUAR2hcFGcCfC3cBNidB8bl5xaXU1B6AT-pslC5TFz6xorB1V402-9uwyV82ZoIAdWDyBLPMMVt6ke-MKjr99MIDSjSssFdSgwDt/s1600/IMG_3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic529wQXKp22FmLgocz84mTrvPMGA6zTwNVaIn7oL2pUAR2hcFGcCfC3cBNidB8bl5xaXU1B6AT-pslC5TFz6xorB1V402-9uwyV82ZoIAdWDyBLPMMVt6ke-MKjr99MIDSjSssFdSgwDt/s400/IMG_3784.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{My juices for the day}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I'm by no means one for "fad
diets" but after hearing about all the healthy and detoxifying effects of
juice cleanses I decided that I would give it a try. I mean who doesn't want to
"feel cleaner, lighter, brighter, younger and more energized with a
clearer body and mind" (according to Cooler Cleanse's reasons on why to
cleanse).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">I have been prepping all weekend
by only eating only raw, organic foods to make the transition to consuming only
liquid easier. Not knowing exactly what is considered a "raw"
food, I headed down to my local<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://juicegeneration.com/">Juice Generation</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>that carries a "raw cooler"
menu for those who are seeking a moderate, food-based raw cleanse consisting of
only raw ingredients. Saturday I tried the Live Pizza, which to my surprise was
delicious and tasted like something that could be ordered at a restaurant. On
Sunday night, I tried the Maki Rolls, which turned out to be another delicious
meal. Eating raw ended up being a lot easier and tasty than I had originally
expected. I think I feel ready to dive full swing into the juice cleanse now.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrmEUKABVcB3XIxPCKE4qyHpfaeWnRhwlV1PLwVWMd_C-fo2Dd4_vRhCYx55U5V-8oQhEKu9lxt7ouzhQlOQvrVX50_2ct4TH-cypMwaJ2RvK5-Apkac1g7iUliFZ_Tje-wUqH5zorh2L/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-11+at+9.59.20+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrmEUKABVcB3XIxPCKE4qyHpfaeWnRhwlV1PLwVWMd_C-fo2Dd4_vRhCYx55U5V-8oQhEKu9lxt7ouzhQlOQvrVX50_2ct4TH-cypMwaJ2RvK5-Apkac1g7iUliFZ_Tje-wUqH5zorh2L/s400/Screen+shot+2013-03-11+at+9.59.20+PM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Maki Rolls and Live Pizza}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">DAY 1:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">7:45am: Getting up a little
earlier than usual, I headed down to the Juice Generation on 63rd and Lexington
to pick up my first 3 days worth of juice. Originally, I was planning on
heading straight to work after I picked up the 72 hours worth of nourishment.
Little did I realize how heavy and bulky 288oz. of natural juice was going to
be. As I lugged the enormous white bag clearly labeled "COOLER
CLEANSE” down Lexington Avenue, I was praying that no one noticed me. I soon
realized there was absolutely no way I was trekking all the way to work holding
this 18lbs. of liquid. I quickly grabbed a cab to drop the next two days worth
of juices at my apartment and headed to the office.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR3jZFg2BsG5lS5l4_8nUBvRG9kcnroJwe5v8NxxsyJFkD0KdXaeO3pCy7E5WJATru-NKLOm7xD0j2Mm8sL6sDJRkSWJ7I-1S8lTLsx13OOea5j6-M6pY1GwuqJyHg4Usa6CDFUWlUVy5/s1600/IMG_3786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQR3jZFg2BsG5lS5l4_8nUBvRG9kcnroJwe5v8NxxsyJFkD0KdXaeO3pCy7E5WJATru-NKLOm7xD0j2Mm8sL6sDJRkSWJ7I-1S8lTLsx13OOea5j6-M6pY1GwuqJyHg4Usa6CDFUWlUVy5/s400/IMG_3786.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">9:00am: Looking in my little
white cooler pack at the labeled caps numbered 1-6, I grabbed number 1 to start
my day. Here goes nothing, my first of 30 juices for the week. "Sweet
Greens", a mix of kale, spinach, parsley, watercress and apple turned out
to be a lot sweeter and satisfying than I was originally anticipating.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">11:15am: Now onto my 2nd juice of
the day - Pineapple & Ginger. With only two ingredients, I wasn't
sure exactly how this was going to taste. However, I am a huge fan of both
ginger and pineapple so the combination was a perfect blend, I absolutely loved
this one, definitely a very nice kick from the ginger.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ-LvYQN91Hle9HSGStZ-OwkBuDloog8kYWbb3tVSeKjm3jtuK8loJIsjfV-hD-sLCbKyvJvYKBSpou6nZYMpM-7PBnofqZVSNFPla9G_M7h1Gjmp2n9JXoTRNdsGvVR2fEkdKfFONOL9/s1600/green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQ-LvYQN91Hle9HSGStZ-OwkBuDloog8kYWbb3tVSeKjm3jtuK8loJIsjfV-hD-sLCbKyvJvYKBSpou6nZYMpM-7PBnofqZVSNFPla9G_M7h1Gjmp2n9JXoTRNdsGvVR2fEkdKfFONOL9/s400/green.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Sweet Greens; Pineapple & Ginger}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1:15pm: Juice
#3 "Essential Green" - cucumber, celery, dandelion greens,
watercress, spinach, parsley, kale, pear, lemon & ginger. What a mix.
Sooo I definitely wouldn't consider this my favorite... counting down the
minutes until the next one. This is going to be a struggle.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">3:40pm: The juice most commonly
associated with the Master Cleanse... Spicy Lemonade made with lemon, lime,
cayenne pepper, raw agave & filtered water. Honestly, I had expected it
to be worse. This one I can deal with, basically just tastes exactly like its
name.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGDLvktMw1IcAECwQgJESE42rwPF1SitjkRdFqkxAhdUNWPK-c5nnBR-YzgdqsZnLvOxZNxOYw58xRdYVFCMKs2Ki639pmy9wKa0aKKKMtWCdqdZ5_OHKdmYR8TSJ1idQ7TUkEA_euAZd/s1600/beet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJGDLvktMw1IcAECwQgJESE42rwPF1SitjkRdFqkxAhdUNWPK-c5nnBR-YzgdqsZnLvOxZNxOYw58xRdYVFCMKs2Ki639pmy9wKa0aKKKMtWCdqdZ5_OHKdmYR8TSJ1idQ7TUkEA_euAZd/s400/beet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Spicy Lemonade, Essential Red}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">6:00pm: Just leaving the office
and grabbing my Essential Red to go – a mix of carrot, beet, apple and lemon.
Judging from the bright red color I could already tell the beet was going to be
the most dominant flavor, I was right.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">8:30pm: Ending the day with the
most delicious juice yet. Juice number 6 is Almond Nut Milk made from raw
almonds, vanilla bean, dates and filtered water. It basically tastes like a
melted milkshake, I’m in love. Finishing off the 480-calorie bottle, I am
definitely satisfied and ready for a good night sleep.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGgifZetlUFbSpXBXIDchn0rK-lp89-b357Dj4jD_y1wedv0tpnkgsiPbv9baeNE5gVPiTLMMxKwbia4QNK49vcl8yNmygvZptdKlxu_Woje3pLyJOHvisZhpbNwtheu4otSaCKmjupo2/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-03-11+at+10.32.58+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGgifZetlUFbSpXBXIDchn0rK-lp89-b357Dj4jD_y1wedv0tpnkgsiPbv9baeNE5gVPiTLMMxKwbia4QNK49vcl8yNmygvZptdKlxu_Woje3pLyJOHvisZhpbNwtheu4otSaCKmjupo2/s400/Screen+shot+2013-03-11+at+10.32.58+PM.png" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{THE best juice}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1 day down…. 4 to go….<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<!--EndFragment-->Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-47681576140906029782013-03-07T17:45:00.003-08:002013-03-07T17:47:14.974-08:00Educate a Girl - Change the WorldLast night I attended yet another exciting event, with the invite being extended to me by my parents... once again. As the cab dropped us off at the Paris Theater for the movie premiere of <a href="http://girlrising.com/">Girl Rising</a>, judging by the ubiquitous amount of paparazzi standing next to the red carpet, it already appeared as if this was going to be quite a star-studded evening. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This heartfelt documentary focuses on the lives of 9 extraordinary young girls in 9 different countries, each telling their unique story through the voices of 9 well-known actresses, including Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, Selena Gomez, Alicia Keys and Salma Hayek. The movie highlights the importance of girl's education in the developing worlds. Throughout the film, many statistics are brought to life demonstrating how significant the problem of girl's education truly is (ex. "A girl with an extra year of education... can earn up to 20% more as an adult"). Considering most of the girl's families in the movie are barely able to afford any schooling at all, this really shows the affect not having an education will ultimately have on the girls. An education that here in the US we continuously take for granted. While I definitely remember days where I would wake up dreading to go to school and would do everything in my will power not to have my parents make me go... girls in other countries are actually showing up and being sent home due to insufficient funds. </div>
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All in all, I'm not normally a documentary... more or less movie person for that matter... but I would definitely recommend seeing this inspiring movie that comes into theaters today!
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHlfK5oHT4llqTVUst5xyy-xlssvpDnNUGcYidXCsxPdpWIw0hLYmWjnAi8QGMJLAGVfYBvOGSbyi4d6u3T_WO7OtHw-7hkyU6ShSfekpcdHd7Q4ys1-dAg0SvbcQgCUi4zHHjPYWaIIq/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqHlfK5oHT4llqTVUst5xyy-xlssvpDnNUGcYidXCsxPdpWIw0hLYmWjnAi8QGMJLAGVfYBvOGSbyi4d6u3T_WO7OtHw-7hkyU6ShSfekpcdHd7Q4ys1-dAg0SvbcQgCUi4zHHjPYWaIIq/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Our ticket to the after party at TAO!}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
After the movie premiere everyone headed over to <a href="http://taorestaurant.com/">TAO</a> for cocktails and appetizers. I have never been to the New York location but judging from my past Las Vegas experience (the bouncer not letting me in with my REAL ID) I have since been hesitant about the place. We entered into what seemed like an Asian oasis with an enormous buddah and candles everywhere. The place was majestic and needless to say after trying their lychee martini and the perfectly cooked Kobe beef sliders I instantly fell in love. The night ended with chocolate covered strawberries and an inspirational speaker with a lasting note... "If you educate girls you can change the world". Think about it.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lEmtLv1BJ5s6fBvlku1iBZlNXy9uma5Jn_6pBrXjJEzPVVZhSBertQyoi_j9Stht3WkhZOuNfj4EfEwU-Yjixy5hFV9wjClgwsUASfgomgQxt5aymrUoea8_XuIjQK6QCZ0GF2jQPb4K/s640/blogger-image-1977875876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7lEmtLv1BJ5s6fBvlku1iBZlNXy9uma5Jn_6pBrXjJEzPVVZhSBertQyoi_j9Stht3WkhZOuNfj4EfEwU-Yjixy5hFV9wjClgwsUASfgomgQxt5aymrUoea8_XuIjQK6QCZ0GF2jQPb4K/s400/blogger-image-1977875876.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Mother and I with our cocktails}</td></tr>
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-24807573356169866472013-03-05T19:20:00.000-08:002013-03-05T19:25:33.187-08:00Last night: Zainab Salbi Book Signing & Half the Sky: Movement Game LaunchI have to admit. My parents get invited to the coolest events. Luckily for me, they always extend the invites, though you would think it would be the other way around.... :)<br />
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Last night I had the opportunity to finally meet in person the amazing lady I did my global comm 131 project on in college, Zainab Salbi. She is the founder of <a href="http://www.womenforwomen.org/">Women for Women International</a>, an organization that helps women who have been victims of war and conflict rebuild their lives in eight different countries. She recently published a book that vividly demonstrated though beautiful photographs and emotional stories the lives of some of these struggling women. Listening to her speak about her different experiences while creating this book and traveling to these countries was very inspiring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAN39PccJz1Stq6f2vx56DLBYhbmp0k_BwJfVrp7rp3njCsT4BMKtNtCVlBpGdadLWjqHD8mE-Qa_dtk0yt3y2g64v1vXc6mXewDNZNQeW9t-eYqFip3XI5LhYsvqYuLFQvZnazCOC28E/s640/blogger-image--716298814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAN39PccJz1Stq6f2vx56DLBYhbmp0k_BwJfVrp7rp3njCsT4BMKtNtCVlBpGdadLWjqHD8mE-Qa_dtk0yt3y2g64v1vXc6mXewDNZNQeW9t-eYqFip3XI5LhYsvqYuLFQvZnazCOC28E/s640/blogger-image--716298814.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Zainab Salbi and I at her private book signing}</td></tr>
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After the book signing, we jetted off to another fab party at No. 8 for the launch of a social media app called <a href="http://www.halfthesky.org/en">Half the Sky</a>: Movement. Having recently just been the venue for the Bloglovin x Who What Wear party a few weeks ago, I'm sure I was able to spot the black unmarked door much easier than some of the other party-gooers. If it weren't for the bouncer standing outside I doubt many people would have suspected that was the entrance to the oh-so-swanky No. 8. Inside, Olivia Wilde along with Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn mingled with guests and introduced this new social media game for change. In this era of new technology and every-changing media, it is was so interesting to learn about how online games can be used in conjunction with non-profits to raise funds and awareness for causes that can actually create real-life results. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0mcX217bayxy6m1tvP9E6PIcVyPjaPXWXZGqrWwT_rZM-9BMswCiCb0_Q_KlTgSFxzlsXFyiCIWoZ0Tp-EGsg2_CP2Ld_r8h49Gq4RTp_0vpVQxknloAxfyk9OyJZZIMew7TgYki9YmH/s640/blogger-image--832252892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0mcX217bayxy6m1tvP9E6PIcVyPjaPXWXZGqrWwT_rZM-9BMswCiCb0_Q_KlTgSFxzlsXFyiCIWoZ0Tp-EGsg2_CP2Ld_r8h49Gq4RTp_0vpVQxknloAxfyk9OyJZZIMew7TgYki9YmH/s400/blogger-image--832252892.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Olivia Wilde speaking at the Half the Sky: Movement game launch party}</td></tr>
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Capping the night off at Death & Co. and PDT was the perfect finish for this March Monday evening!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-59576339017175310892013-03-04T08:45:00.001-08:002013-03-05T08:26:00.609-08:00....and I'm Back!2013 calls for some changes. A new year. A new career. And a new-found passion for blogging again. I can't believe it has been a year and a half since my last post, boy how time flies! 18 months and 10 countries later... I definitely have a lot of catching up to do. <br />
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In the midst of spending my last semster studying abroad in Italy, graduating college and scoring an awesome full-time job in NYC, needless to say I haven't had much down time. Now that I am just finishing settling in and starting my real-world career, I think it's about that time to get back on that blogging hype. <br />
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To play a quick game of catch-up, here are a few pictures that help capture a few of my abroad adventures across Europe: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzo-oVwTIW7J3FK43RBpjz2Qnvd5EhR2lOWdy5YAOR3iXfmTazaRlV9jDMQ8burU97UDaFkMDn8E3VNeA-qqDjXbKqQYitDmF9QmPJWIr7NvKMWXj8d_868rUobNi8WFhjjfnkG9qGrYF/s640/blogger-image--795559602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVzo-oVwTIW7J3FK43RBpjz2Qnvd5EhR2lOWdy5YAOR3iXfmTazaRlV9jDMQ8burU97UDaFkMDn8E3VNeA-qqDjXbKqQYitDmF9QmPJWIr7NvKMWXj8d_868rUobNi8WFhjjfnkG9qGrYF/s400/blogger-image--795559602.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Living the Parisian lifestyle at the Lock of Love bridge}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GOKLVXpYiSR-__lu1c46s-Vg7XZN9agahymdFo5cVS_dsqL95TbWQENv6Kp4rLiGVXIYLls6W2I8Qxy-rGh2mMgtMh0eEbGP0PrWDHk_cYjNqDQtCeruCtQLdDUtXRazTbFzpXBzOWpL/s640/blogger-image-507670567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GOKLVXpYiSR-__lu1c46s-Vg7XZN9agahymdFo5cVS_dsqL95TbWQENv6Kp4rLiGVXIYLls6W2I8Qxy-rGh2mMgtMh0eEbGP0PrWDHk_cYjNqDQtCeruCtQLdDUtXRazTbFzpXBzOWpL/s400/blogger-image-507670567.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Snowy days in Switzerland}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZTfJrRMRkl09-cqPR3IBVCef99JTAWLKpxanQXKZAtvQkENIh_BFS8x4bWi2KQSvvfE4ZJZWF6JQKHHfdq0veXE2Ea14oBViIGLNHryi20RAQ97EzVlm_Oqc6nzIYzLt0VhLkXvmdO3R/s640/blogger-image--870441061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZTfJrRMRkl09-cqPR3IBVCef99JTAWLKpxanQXKZAtvQkENIh_BFS8x4bWi2KQSvvfE4ZJZWF6JQKHHfdq0veXE2Ea14oBViIGLNHryi20RAQ97EzVlm_Oqc6nzIYzLt0VhLkXvmdO3R/s400/blogger-image--870441061.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{I left my heart at the top of the Duomo - My and Syd's signature sign}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChU1_OjmvVXk6ycBE4rJTpg24FiWgSCsjX2p7P8WOoSG74UhwFoXiaZK7Use6qNeQHzyrv9T8pKAUiH3UJZP-jaTL5XIlNEfR6gc6QUqYfQ1MmVyPZPnC94qHXzIeBB9PWzEhr2o50OtA/s640/blogger-image--471916604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChU1_OjmvVXk6ycBE4rJTpg24FiWgSCsjX2p7P8WOoSG74UhwFoXiaZK7Use6qNeQHzyrv9T8pKAUiH3UJZP-jaTL5XIlNEfR6gc6QUqYfQ1MmVyPZPnC94qHXzIeBB9PWzEhr2o50OtA/s400/blogger-image--471916604.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Beach living in Monaco}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR1wD1ilAniucUScPwsE3ycXzdCe1g7DHgWrtnV9zp9lJ21j0pzJ1Nz2pAk1Grw-IbYDu8xMg9c6JQeWwxt0ud5rySQJsdoqs8WTA1cnPTKcBDdUDWMAPxk4foZwfY0gTh7_uQutVB8GL/s640/blogger-image--1092924622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR1wD1ilAniucUScPwsE3ycXzdCe1g7DHgWrtnV9zp9lJ21j0pzJ1Nz2pAk1Grw-IbYDu8xMg9c6JQeWwxt0ud5rySQJsdoqs8WTA1cnPTKcBDdUDWMAPxk4foZwfY0gTh7_uQutVB8GL/s400/blogger-image--1092924622.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Wine & cheese... The ultimate abroad staples}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8TmGYJ2PBxbDwspQ8Jjk9TPxIURoXNavG0hMylmCjFNc-RB88jf4P6f5cDzpcDebjFFLoPjJMxpEWgTh6SrWLinW4AVE314RTmgBCy38ccoHCCoruOSUonvCm9RdUXc20MdhFS3qyDpT/s640/blogger-image-383798896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8TmGYJ2PBxbDwspQ8Jjk9TPxIURoXNavG0hMylmCjFNc-RB88jf4P6f5cDzpcDebjFFLoPjJMxpEWgTh6SrWLinW4AVE314RTmgBCy38ccoHCCoruOSUonvCm9RdUXc20MdhFS3qyDpT/s400/blogger-image-383798896.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{THE best... And I repeat THE best dish you will ever taste. Cheesy truffle oil gnocchi}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBKJfP6cmKWlB9tFlZcqz6eXPegGquMBo_RK0iygghxHv0ZWM-_-IvitrCcBb7kj9S4976p07otJY9ibqiy7N4SetUqKC81pfEIcrPcXZ0H3TeX0ldCcfw9GJxsVMv0Z3oFj5h8BymDS8/s640/blogger-image--1954109896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSBKJfP6cmKWlB9tFlZcqz6eXPegGquMBo_RK0iygghxHv0ZWM-_-IvitrCcBb7kj9S4976p07otJY9ibqiy7N4SetUqKC81pfEIcrPcXZ0H3TeX0ldCcfw9GJxsVMv0Z3oFj5h8BymDS8/s400/blogger-image--1954109896.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Bora Bora beach club in IBIZA... Enough said}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1Txp378lNfX6FFACt21Ic6LCwlGp1_Xnnc33mraLfd0inZ8mCM8krqtfA6Pt1GF23nPFGMuHvZdP0jr4w-1ZDMXoIMJiDMJRpzsjDaCoNwamBEdnK6sDFjJ2ypY-4um_aUE0DFbg4Nfp/s640/blogger-image-1626880118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS1Txp378lNfX6FFACt21Ic6LCwlGp1_Xnnc33mraLfd0inZ8mCM8krqtfA6Pt1GF23nPFGMuHvZdP0jr4w-1ZDMXoIMJiDMJRpzsjDaCoNwamBEdnK6sDFjJ2ypY-4um_aUE0DFbg4Nfp/s400/blogger-image-1626880118.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Beautiful canal streets in Amsterdam}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQf8k5noYRwDWLno6Rz7ZADRxgWEx3dOWCCSYuj5-aLXiDERNRDhpl3hKZd2txCBRdvsDXlEfI-WF6u-r-bjFI58GXQeiUP6bNW80H8VdkYhns9-V1Tf0ZtZrqodIZDp15XruZ3NmcEWs/s640/blogger-image-340639284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQf8k5noYRwDWLno6Rz7ZADRxgWEx3dOWCCSYuj5-aLXiDERNRDhpl3hKZd2txCBRdvsDXlEfI-WF6u-r-bjFI58GXQeiUP6bNW80H8VdkYhns9-V1Tf0ZtZrqodIZDp15XruZ3NmcEWs/s400/blogger-image-340639284.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{The crew on our first weekend in the Amalfi Coast}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_TZgK27cL3lRPbt7Ba6ZLRh8hQZKNsABUjhjQ70_fE8b2bkktEcvxwC21TXpLh7bOOxaDBW6aIFECdvbnDaNrdFQ4Tx5LXfU6sUVOJVjUcAhYEKLPB8Heka3iYlZ5owNCk5NyW_7bEuw/s640/blogger-image--736521939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_TZgK27cL3lRPbt7Ba6ZLRh8hQZKNsABUjhjQ70_fE8b2bkktEcvxwC21TXpLh7bOOxaDBW6aIFECdvbnDaNrdFQ4Tx5LXfU6sUVOJVjUcAhYEKLPB8Heka3iYlZ5owNCk5NyW_7bEuw/s400/blogger-image--736521939.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Oktobefest.... Where beer lovers unite}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIJDyupmVlUCPW7Ihejq5FWP0IzAUubOSgTpY_k3qlj2KqoC66zDtm-xWOIME1zSBoJNaeKgxABctIVunYs1oDIQwBQ7BPlE-8XkwSFD365pFrRvocRWENWIk5SgtB1kO45xnne4RCXSu/s640/blogger-image--2059273314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIJDyupmVlUCPW7Ihejq5FWP0IzAUubOSgTpY_k3qlj2KqoC66zDtm-xWOIME1zSBoJNaeKgxABctIVunYs1oDIQwBQ7BPlE-8XkwSFD365pFrRvocRWENWIk5SgtB1kO45xnne4RCXSu/s400/blogger-image--2059273314.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Sunset strolls in my magical city}
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-62124146565101804612011-09-29T04:08:00.000-07:002011-09-29T04:12:51.418-07:00SWEET SUCCESS: Alberta Ferretti InternshipEven though I was only able to intern at <a href="http://www.aeffe.com/aeffeHome.asp?pattern=1&lang=ita">AEFFE</a> USA (the company that is the home to brands such as Alberta Ferretti, Philosophy, Moschino, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Pollins) for only a few short days during fashion week, I learned an incredible amount of information about how fashion houses are run. Converting from interning at a well-known fashion magazine (<a href="http://www.allure.com/">Allure</a>), to working with a start-up fashion brand (<a href="http://www.maiyet.com/">Maiyet</a>), to then helping out at a high-end runway show (<a href="http://www.albertaferretti.com/">Philosophy</a>), I definitely received a great amount of experience in different departments on the fashion industry this summer. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw20AxKDeWsvl-_hStTj-PhPKLTew2IBC_U7BA_VU9EOS251Qnw18GqCMYsZPXq6N2KA9q2cpE1TluAKNX2mTf2D4frBPLzUYDxG_r6XS-qWldHR5OEktw7c2kYMZmpGxxfDNy7GKFUUz/s1600/AFbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLw20AxKDeWsvl-_hStTj-PhPKLTew2IBC_U7BA_VU9EOS251Qnw18GqCMYsZPXq6N2KA9q2cpE1TluAKNX2mTf2D4frBPLzUYDxG_r6XS-qWldHR5OEktw7c2kYMZmpGxxfDNy7GKFUUz/s1600/AFbags.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Inside the showroom}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After I helped dress models for the Philosophy show during February fashion week, I thought that this experience would probably be quite similar. However this year I worked the few days before the show as well and little did I know how much time and effort goes into those short 15 minute shows. Monday morning when I arrived, no time was spared before they handed me a stack of around 70 invitations that needed to be hand delivered to areas all throughout Manhattan. Getting to the office at 8:30am, I was already out by 9:00am ready to start my wild goose change throughout the city. Starting in Midtown West, walking over to Columbus Circle, back to Times Square, all the down to the Flatiron District, exploring Meatpacking, then Soho, over to the West Village, and heading all the way up to the office again, I was walking around everywhere for a straight 8 hours. Dropping off VIP invitations to dozens of luxury hotels, important guests were awaiting their invitations to the show just 2 days later. When I returned to the office around 6:00pm, my feet were definitely in need of a rest; I think that I walked around more that day than I have the whole time I have been in NY! (I now permanently have the map of the city ingrained in the back of head).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EtXUTEX1ShackFX6_npHAjiQO6Fn6de-Xvdm7fmjThUIIKQaZWrSomg9ww7Ayvx8nvgKnodghwaXi8K8blG5-retzQG9P5U3v-RRirHyeS0ZYug54q-jwJAhdV3nkpyhxZ9pm3eNLzuo/s1600/invited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EtXUTEX1ShackFX6_npHAjiQO6Fn6de-Xvdm7fmjThUIIKQaZWrSomg9ww7Ayvx8nvgKnodghwaXi8K8blG5-retzQG9P5U3v-RRirHyeS0ZYug54q-jwJAhdV3nkpyhxZ9pm3eNLzuo/s1600/invited.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{The stack of invitations I hand delivered}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The day of the show was exciting and chaotic all at the same time. When minuscule problems arose, they had to be dealt with immediately and seemed to turn into a much larger deal than anticipated. Not having enough seat tags or all of them not being the right size, handwriting not being identical, chairs not being in a specific arrangement... its the little things that people barely even notice that cause the biggest dilemmas. After dealing with all the unexpected emergencies, the whole set-up for the mansion looked exceptional. A spiral staircase entrance, 4 rooms, a courtyard, it was evident that a lot of careful planning went into picking the perfect venue. The show ended up starting around 6, after all the VIP and guests arrived; <a href="http://img208.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=325420697_emma_roberts_targetmissoni_01_122_259lo.jpg">Emma Roberts</a> showed up in stunning gold YSL shoes and a black lace dress.The models looked glamorous strutting their stuff down the staircase and through the runway in 4 separate rooms. As the show ended, the guests spent no time lingering around as most of their cars were already outside waiting for them to be taken to the airport. Although fashion week is a fun exciting time, it is no time for rest. The city is bustling at all hours and there is continually something to be seen and done. I wasn't even able to stay around for long after myself, as I had to rush to a Financial Adviser gala to meet my parents, therefore fully concluding my fashion week events.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-84541569879051324082011-09-17T08:25:00.000-07:002011-09-17T08:25:24.797-07:00U.S. OPEN<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubYLX2NX_XSUhuULGuZZcf1UuhGsNnUiBAPfr2tN5V2-C_R8ANxiOA6uWLadEuIfwY31unHS6zHmpKFJoZJ4YpV-4FfkIlLRM3loBdWKa0Oy-5IM8N3LJm_-HLuNGz3xINglwTINfmXPC/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgubYLX2NX_XSUhuULGuZZcf1UuhGsNnUiBAPfr2tN5V2-C_R8ANxiOA6uWLadEuIfwY31unHS6zHmpKFJoZJ4YpV-4FfkIlLRM3loBdWKa0Oy-5IM8N3LJm_-HLuNGz3xINglwTINfmXPC/s1600/IMG_1236.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{U.S. Open sign}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had the amazing opportunity to attend the U.S. Open this year with my parents, which first started back in 1881. Being one of the oldest tennis championships in the world, times have definitely changed from when this event wasn't even televised to now it being displayed in high-def 3-D flat screen tv's at one of the venue kiosks. Our box seat tickets had previously been scheduled for the day before but due to the crazy weather were postponed until the next evening. This postpone, which we had originally thought was a setback, actually enabled us to watch the match between Serena Williams and the #1 womens tennis player in the world, Carolina Wozniaki.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgvAhEBtXiWyyGnRYcWa2dTTbTo-91IdZ6Smdy3xxbXAujwOe9RoXpRY3dQ0LQ7QNDsdEOhNt0gu7QB-6HIXhgHoFT0boBROf-QJH-43iFQ3U-ERNa-fSByMjmS5r7cbrVlgbzTLXfoyH/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgvAhEBtXiWyyGnRYcWa2dTTbTo-91IdZ6Smdy3xxbXAujwOe9RoXpRY3dQ0LQ7QNDsdEOhNt0gu7QB-6HIXhgHoFT0boBROf-QJH-43iFQ3U-ERNa-fSByMjmS5r7cbrVlgbzTLXfoyH/s1600/IMG_1284.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Serena's opponent, Carolina Wozniaki}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Before the match, we ate dinner at Aces, the delicious restaurant of a wold-renound chef for events across the country. Honey Deuces, a Grey Goose melon cocktail was the signature drink for the evening and therefore we had to try them, you even got to keep the souvenir cup!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQdAKo2awH0QHrBDK9FTEQvmT_cAZOM7c6vjzYlYrD3zZTd18lpEBFiOMMv7LNb51ClpwJz-Sm0dKcYXfZTOvNH8LFnxS0Eg757YoB47PUtEGm1D-DL8mdtHjwESHcDhyrZYJ6xEy5DPY/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQdAKo2awH0QHrBDK9FTEQvmT_cAZOM7c6vjzYlYrD3zZTd18lpEBFiOMMv7LNb51ClpwJz-Sm0dKcYXfZTOvNH8LFnxS0Eg757YoB47PUtEGm1D-DL8mdtHjwESHcDhyrZYJ6xEy5DPY/s1600/IMG_1253.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Honey Deuces cocktail}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For appetizers, we ordered the portobella fries which the waiter informed us that they receive 45 cases of mushrooms every single day just to make these, needless to say they are extremely popular.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iTa7MbbKDCCOU_CIcAcxQcdmlptx5Rt0tiUqttkiEoadPAw6mpvVctDdzsKDktTULzAwsTzT8nZm2tKDbycD5m1ghnKswonc-TWmSd_YdKMMDDv3-ngUCOT1p9KPXrT-jHLSACLRaOPe/s1600/IMG_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iTa7MbbKDCCOU_CIcAcxQcdmlptx5Rt0tiUqttkiEoadPAw6mpvVctDdzsKDktTULzAwsTzT8nZm2tKDbycD5m1ghnKswonc-TWmSd_YdKMMDDv3-ngUCOT1p9KPXrT-jHLSACLRaOPe/s1600/IMG_1255.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Portobela frieswith ginger soy sauce}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For dinner we tried an assortment of entrees, including scallops, lobster salad, and ahi tuna (although they were all very tasty, I must say the tender ahi was my favorite).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnNL1PnIOKLBjqxNjqnRXzR57LCtdTJ23ljITs1ha406zdDIhEiw1dwsSRAXaX37TbcDITACJrZRqMeuM3b8HtKTY7zQ_2DUk0tCXOtjvdh9hHD1ULD1QqOaTcx5MY2Vh4H8Sw5wWmv0h/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbnNL1PnIOKLBjqxNjqnRXzR57LCtdTJ23ljITs1ha406zdDIhEiw1dwsSRAXaX37TbcDITACJrZRqMeuM3b8HtKTY7zQ_2DUk0tCXOtjvdh9hHD1ULD1QqOaTcx5MY2Vh4H8Sw5wWmv0h/s1600/IMG_1256.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Scallops and arugula salad)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>However, I must say that the mini peanut butter ice cream sandwiches for dessert might have been my favorite part of the meal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h_EXI7ilfB0wRu9kFLqgnVfTVpeRx1DGeOhJaHYqtBaEnQlf1wmy9hWz7Y_7tJUbjwnYswN4BQJ1jaQXioqXjRY_z-WvZFDEjjT-F9fWUOKQZ2Jpbv0lQgx7V7n8BZ5q-tMTzeAGXEAK/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5h_EXI7ilfB0wRu9kFLqgnVfTVpeRx1DGeOhJaHYqtBaEnQlf1wmy9hWz7Y_7tJUbjwnYswN4BQJ1jaQXioqXjRY_z-WvZFDEjjT-F9fWUOKQZ2Jpbv0lQgx7V7n8BZ5q-tMTzeAGXEAK/s1600/IMG_1258.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Mini peanut butter cookie ice cream sandwiches}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A little while after we finished eating, we headed over to explore the whole venue. There were lots of different kiosks sponsored by companies such as American Express, Grey Goose, Ralph Lauren, and a few others. After not too much longer we went to our seats and had an up-close and personal view of the action. Cyndi Lauper sung the national anthem and then the games started. At serves over 115mph, you could see the power in Serena's shots.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpVWnkrgGdp9KaCfLF88Y6TAgyvWm_JJHjwPNsGKYmVwOCESabY38r8NaFGe0fp1CmJXnyzVjhgowjadACxL4LANfj5mzWvpmwsbNnK9LMxFokU3JZSNyBoDOGSfsnM0Y90KxfxGkbH3C/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnpVWnkrgGdp9KaCfLF88Y6TAgyvWm_JJHjwPNsGKYmVwOCESabY38r8NaFGe0fp1CmJXnyzVjhgowjadACxL4LANfj5mzWvpmwsbNnK9LMxFokU3JZSNyBoDOGSfsnM0Y90KxfxGkbH3C/s1600/IMG_1287.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Serena Williams}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The excitement continued back and forth while the fans cheered each of the opponents on. After just 2 sets, Serena had already won the game! As fans applauded and slowly left the stadium, I took in the whole scenery of unforgettable night.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-21800605317358724632011-09-16T11:18:00.000-07:002011-09-16T11:18:08.135-07:00Fashion's Night OutI can't believe it has taken me so long to finally write my Fashion's Night Out post... maybe that is because on some level I am still fathoming over all the marvelous events that took place during this year's fashion week. As my Facebook status said "Fashion's Night Out is better than my Birthday and Christmas combined...."and to some degree I could pretty much consider it my favorite day of the year. With complimentary cocktails and gourmet hors d'oeuvres being passed around by model-looking gentlemen at basically every single store, there is truly nothing not to love about this elegant night (okay except maybe the insanely large crowds and seamlessly never-ending lines to enter certain stores). Starting off in the Upper East side around my apartment, we strolled down Madison Avenue stopping in just about all the stores we passed. <a href="http://www.chloe.com/">Chloe</a> was amongst the first we went into and we were quickly served champagne and the decadent desserts upon our entry. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg6HJ4B_ALmRnYhD8Pn4haPUkxHQfWbp0y6wzuXGuR_orqR7zGzorfrotcTGj2znBVeSfhX9MF9veh25tqYanfMuoWSoU8k3xMyKzWyjlPa5zjmzlvEHOHq_FYUiAcR9Hs_DuoZiIylIx/s1600/IMG_1034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmg6HJ4B_ALmRnYhD8Pn4haPUkxHQfWbp0y6wzuXGuR_orqR7zGzorfrotcTGj2znBVeSfhX9MF9veh25tqYanfMuoWSoU8k3xMyKzWyjlPa5zjmzlvEHOHq_FYUiAcR9Hs_DuoZiIylIx/s1600/IMG_1034.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Mini desserts at Chloe} </td></tr>
</tbody></table>After Chloe, we continued strolling down Madison and ran into the amazingly long line filled with star-struck young girls waiting to see pop star Justin Bieber at D&G. Next we went into Lanvin who was hosting a karaoke contest, however with our singing capabilities we chose not to participate... although we did help ourselves to a glass of champagne while we sat on the comfy chairs and chatted on the top floor planning out our next move. Finding some gourmet appetizers was on our agenda and it just so happened that our next store was serving delicious mini lobster tacos. After going back for seconds we decided it would be time to find a new location.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv3MnzB5sc73Y6523egMGSsUOTIF1i5a8ZiGp_mxw-WwkuuGD8K3OssGLKa-VC-QYO85TJtDAS04OXpBsSZKnrXaonEX4QII-jCSmEZ93yiLwX5dwwuoohP4r8N3gP2Cmh1BbkAd_YRmI/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBv3MnzB5sc73Y6523egMGSsUOTIF1i5a8ZiGp_mxw-WwkuuGD8K3OssGLKa-VC-QYO85TJtDAS04OXpBsSZKnrXaonEX4QII-jCSmEZ93yiLwX5dwwuoohP4r8N3gP2Cmh1BbkAd_YRmI/s1600/IMG_1050.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Mini lobster tacos}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Oscar De La Renta himself was hosting the FNO party at his store, assisted by his PR girl or most commonly known as @OscarPRgirl on Twitter (who we had the fortunate opportunity of meeting and taking a picture with). Although Oscar seemed heavily involved in his "oh-so-important" phone call, we were able to briefly meet him, until he was whisked away to join in singing with the mariachi band. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aP_CI-KbKJDxy17_Nugw7ZY3EM6dI2c7HrR6U3bAvsIgBxWxwZ_UH8YcQcr6QzF4Wdz78G7d8cVE7wQKeSblXJwZ7nxbbKxxyX5kUU-5WjEvP1uAUXIGH6GJZyViSGqz7rn0JXjQUV4t/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aP_CI-KbKJDxy17_Nugw7ZY3EM6dI2c7HrR6U3bAvsIgBxWxwZ_UH8YcQcr6QzF4Wdz78G7d8cVE7wQKeSblXJwZ7nxbbKxxyX5kUU-5WjEvP1uAUXIGH6GJZyViSGqz7rn0JXjQUV4t/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Me, Oscar PR girl, Hannah}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Agent Provocateur was next, where we watched sky high models emerge out of limos in nothing but lingerie waltzing up to full body windows where they were modeling. After perusing most of the stores down Madison, we decided to make a change of scenery by heading over to Lexington and stopping in <a href="http://www.dylanscandybar.com/?gclid=CMb8r_CvoqsCFTMBQAodmQGXWg">Dylan's Candy Bar</a>. The top level was transformed into an actual bar and upon walking in, everyone over 21 received a wristband validating their age.Sangria was served and while sipping on this sweet cocktail we frosted out own high-heel cookies, an unbeatable combination.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZeyrJ8Ko-8ycLgphgcF79awGpTYlX8qU2U2GcQA-NxLDOSKaYSwubCJHxc2TeQS6o4lMFuuVahrJiNShdPPULE8B_GLdk0DjvYq-JU92ay1TvD9f459bslag_yjk9jq_l7uvTjEqBgRN/s1600/IMG_1069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZeyrJ8Ko-8ycLgphgcF79awGpTYlX8qU2U2GcQA-NxLDOSKaYSwubCJHxc2TeQS6o4lMFuuVahrJiNShdPPULE8B_GLdk0DjvYq-JU92ay1TvD9f459bslag_yjk9jq_l7uvTjEqBgRN/s1600/IMG_1069.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Dylan's "Candy Bar"}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig91pTE2hVeVsw71jb6a-RxVIf3tSPrkjx8664ynXyttsz7MZQKkMW5p-MwU6kf5IdQPrQxVSc6X8VK_SAY_B9Nv-r_PF7zThDByrngbpQCjUWRNCzTVHaEyRgzI-S_NJ5OoQ2tWbDV5w8/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig91pTE2hVeVsw71jb6a-RxVIf3tSPrkjx8664ynXyttsz7MZQKkMW5p-MwU6kf5IdQPrQxVSc6X8VK_SAY_B9Nv-r_PF7zThDByrngbpQCjUWRNCzTVHaEyRgzI-S_NJ5OoQ2tWbDV5w8/s1600/IMG_1073.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{High-heel cookie and white sangria}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Celebrities were being studded throughout the neighborhood and it was exciting to run into one of the couples from the Real Housewives of NYC. Although Oscar's singing with the mariachi band was fun to listen to, the real singing talent came out when we heard Natasha Bedingfield at Ann Taylor.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNdGVhCVOBmdFmuPHxOtah3LxYHPYOa4yXbs76FQ0MnnUYryeRDGweUdILj1tpuC32-_gaVnqb_mWENRQwT75EfeMIzMZEg7j3MjpMNM9zDDLAxbz3jSHh8wOYm8odlYe4cyENvV5wK7D/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNdGVhCVOBmdFmuPHxOtah3LxYHPYOa4yXbs76FQ0MnnUYryeRDGweUdILj1tpuC32-_gaVnqb_mWENRQwT75EfeMIzMZEg7j3MjpMNM9zDDLAxbz3jSHh8wOYm8odlYe4cyENvV5wK7D/s1600/IMG_1083.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Real Housewives couple of NYC}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9eNYYP1vQ4StzJimlezTpL77IJ4MHVbECsP4hBQmr-Ei47XxEWIKw5zZf23CtnpzcDkwxz0BwElHeG-BYE_fwYG3ddyonl8rGI_kG87D1Yft40o588h7dE2eJGf9r2vv_ig2Am1mYdsp/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9eNYYP1vQ4StzJimlezTpL77IJ4MHVbECsP4hBQmr-Ei47XxEWIKw5zZf23CtnpzcDkwxz0BwElHeG-BYE_fwYG3ddyonl8rGI_kG87D1Yft40o588h7dE2eJGf9r2vv_ig2Am1mYdsp/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Natasha Bedingfield at Ann Taylor}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>YSL, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Henri Bendels, were a few more places we popped into before the saddening 11pm FNO closing time rolled around. The Hester Street fair took over Bendels 2nd floor and over a dozen local food vendors opened their stands inside this high-end retail store (a seemingly unconventional location for quick bites such as homemade mac n cheese and crepes). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExNxscw2e5bMyuRVloxJsLrHcKBSY7QNb-n3bI5aKUtf0wvnGB8Xz6TggbpiMgg9S0hNE5h1qJ0YXqTW0sKp7ar9K1ipycaQy7h_e6OJ10XeAaLVDKVWfUQh2DkuYtEOmnIJ_u5u47gsg/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExNxscw2e5bMyuRVloxJsLrHcKBSY7QNb-n3bI5aKUtf0wvnGB8Xz6TggbpiMgg9S0hNE5h1qJ0YXqTW0sKp7ar9K1ipycaQy7h_e6OJ10XeAaLVDKVWfUQh2DkuYtEOmnIJ_u5u47gsg/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Hannah and I in front of the YSL store}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now that another year of Fashoin's Night Out was officially over, we continued the evening by attending Christian Audigier's party at <a href="http://www.urbandaddy.com/nyc/11521/Romper-Room">The Chelsea Room</a>, The event was lively but we left after about an hour and headed over to <a href="http://www.tenjunenyc.com/">Tenjune</a>, one of my favorite Thursday night hot spots. Heading home a little after 3am, I would consider this night to be a huge success.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-53464838063697356082011-09-06T12:55:00.000-07:002011-09-07T07:11:11.980-07:00SWEET SUCCESS: Maiyet Internship<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As my 10-week long summer internship with Allure magazine came to a close I took no time jumping into my next endeavor, helping out at a social venture fashion start-up company. For a short 2 days last week, I had the wonderful opportunity of interning at a new socially innovative fashion brand that is set to launch during New York’s upcoming Spring 2012 Fashion Week. Maiyet, a luxury clothing brand, that will soon be in comparison to the names such as Balenciaga and Hermes, will be showcased in high-end retailers coming this January. Not only are their clothes incredibly visually appealing but their social initiative behind the company is one in its own. Partnering with companies located in developing countries worldwide, Maiyet (who’s name comes from the Greek God of harmony, justice, and truth “Maat”), is able to empower small artisans to create beautifully made products that can be sold worldwide. Some of the profit that is made from selling these clothes and accessories is then turned around and put back in the hands of the artisans to teach them the training and skills they need to improve their business. Watching how Maiyet is able to take small town artisans and give them the motivation and guidance they need to move from embroidering on poorly made fabric that they sell in their tight-knit village to embroidering on high quality textiles sold to high-end retailers is truly amazing. Each of these diverse companies that Maiyet works with is hand chosen through a selection process where the company’s founders spent one year traveling across the globe meeting with each and every small business deciding which ones they should create partnerships with.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8t6uQMJpWhsKfSNLxCogLzMhVWK1IQ5Ow9nd83x2HILxt24wLTvm5tiQuDY6VFcwcjnTzXvjWdv8IAkJDtA4BFGe2qxK7BMBLkl0dj71fHMWc2odFjZYUg80sv48ZyzujI2guOcgEh_bO/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-06+at+3.08.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8t6uQMJpWhsKfSNLxCogLzMhVWK1IQ5Ow9nd83x2HILxt24wLTvm5tiQuDY6VFcwcjnTzXvjWdv8IAkJDtA4BFGe2qxK7BMBLkl0dj71fHMWc2odFjZYUg80sv48ZyzujI2guOcgEh_bO/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-09-06+at+3.08.49+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As one of my tasks while interning there, I researched each of the companies and tried to find as much background information on them as I could (some being very difficult because they had no website and were no where to be found online). Some of the main countries they work with are Africa, India, Colombia, Kenya, and Indonesia. Especially after my trip last summer to Africa, I was definitely able to see the potential in their artisans. The talent is noticeably there but their motivation and drive is what they were truly lacking, which is where Maiyet comes in to lend a hand. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Being a start-up company, they still had not launched their own website, which ended up being really interesting advantage for me. I had the opportunity to sit in on one of their meetings with the web design team they were working to create their site. Decisions had to be made right and left, down to the exact color grade of the background on the homepage. Whether the logo was going to be straight or curved, the littlest decisions seemed so important and everyone gave their personal input. Another one of my tasks was to look at other comparable designer’s websites and jot down ideas for what Maiyet may want to include in theirs (things as simple as the “Shipping & Returns”, “Legal”, and “Privacy” tabs). </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, as social media is becoming larger than ever, I browsed Tumblr for ideas on what types of pictures and postings Maiyet may want to include in their own. Little did I know how much time and effort went into the small <u>things</u> that one does not really think about when working with an already established brand. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although I was only able to lend my help for a short two days, I believe I was able to leave with an abundant amount of knowledge about how fashion start-ups are born and how showrooms are run. In my last 30 minutes, I was given a tour around their 4<sup>th</sup> floor loft that was filled with inspiration photos, fabulous textiles, and interesting photographs. With models running in and out for casting, samples being altered right in front of my eyes, and phone calls being made across the globe right next to me, this was definitely an exciting environment to work in. Maiyet seeks to “celebrate the rare, unexpected, and exciting” and soon will be in available for purchase in a store near you. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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</div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-18496924976427892272011-09-05T19:49:00.000-07:002011-09-05T19:49:47.451-07:00CollegeFashionista BioMy first <a href="http://www.collegefashionista.com/school/view/style_guru_bio_stephanie_cordes">CollegeFashionista post</a> became live today! I am so excited to start my internship being a Style Guru for my school (University of California - Santa Barbara), so I decided to share the pictures from my bio on my blog. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH07nU9F-EF9UC5eKfJuP698rxLpU3R3MDeN94BIbAiICNPawYjbgVEf0O_AtngNeFTbTQ9wnpKNUJxFFP8xRjirrXGMgpnJr33nUZ_qJIC4aJ4_wGDF_Dy2xL1a-f1QsMAm6e0QatFrG/s1600/Cordes082911-1-500x754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvH07nU9F-EF9UC5eKfJuP698rxLpU3R3MDeN94BIbAiICNPawYjbgVEf0O_AtngNeFTbTQ9wnpKNUJxFFP8xRjirrXGMgpnJr33nUZ_qJIC4aJ4_wGDF_Dy2xL1a-f1QsMAm6e0QatFrG/s1600/Cordes082911-1-500x754.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{H&M White Hairband, <a href="http://www.opticsfast.com/product.asp?product_id=92618&brand_id=177&color_code=5013C">Chanel Bow Sunglasses</a>, Vintage Pearl Necklace, L&F Polka Dot Dress, <a href="http://www.samanthathavasausa.com/">Samantha Thavasu Bag</a>, Mia Wedges}</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I scored this brand new navy polka-dotted dress at the amazing <a href="http://www.lfstores.com/">LF</a> sale. Their only sale of the season is definitely not to be missed, as the entire store is 60% off, unreal if you ask me! After sifting through my entire closet trying to decide what to wear for my CollegeFashionista bio picture, I decided on this summery ensemble. This taxi-filled background on busy Park Ave seemed to be perfect background to portray my fast-paced life. My style can be described as extremely girly and feminine yet trendy and chic at the same time. Many may refer to me the ultimate "girly-girl"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX7Q4umS58iu38LnKMOqMSg8hR6XlmK_QQ8NPxarYxEBZj4Ow7E2E26SxE02RMLmpFrcY9rOQBCJkEJHfLN-yflbY5ggLGE1wb6EKiXNSlKcg-hZNzwQW9kQo6Tz3H0fhtWZApxyE0WvJ/s1600/Cordes082911-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX7Q4umS58iu38LnKMOqMSg8hR6XlmK_QQ8NPxarYxEBZj4Ow7E2E26SxE02RMLmpFrcY9rOQBCJkEJHfLN-yflbY5ggLGE1wb6EKiXNSlKcg-hZNzwQW9kQo6Tz3H0fhtWZApxyE0WvJ/s1600/Cordes082911-2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Jewelry: <a href="http://www.davidyurman.com/shoponline/product.aspx?itemid=Y0CH0&folderid=/catalogsnextgen/springgiftguide/page18&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=Y0CH0">David Yurman Heart Ring</a>, <a href="http://www.davidyurman.com/shoponline/product.aspx?itemid=Y0C3B&folderid=/women/bracelets">David Yurman Chain Bracelet</a>, <a href="http://www.davidyurman.com/shoponline/suite.aspx?itemid=-37MA&folderid=/women/bracelets">David Yurman Heart Bracelet</a>, <a href="http://www.davidyurman.com/shoponline/product.aspx?itemid=Y0KE5&folderid=/women/bracelets">David Yurman Cable Bracelet</a>, <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/michael-michael-kors-runway-ceramic-small-watch/3178797?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=260">Michael Kors Watch</a>}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My jewelry collection clearly demonstrates my girly-girl style, as I am naturally drawn to anything diamond and sparkly. David Yurman is my definitely go-to jewelry designer and as each Birthday, Christmas, or other Holiday passes I seem to keep adding new pieces to my growing collection. Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-2318287781044017582011-09-05T05:00:00.000-07:002011-09-05T05:00:05.897-07:00SWEET SIP: Grilled Cheese MartiniGrilled cheese sandwiches.... tomato soup..... martinis.... sounds like 3 very delicious things..... but together? not so much. When I first read an article about this very interesting drink on <a href="http://www.urbandaddy.com/home/nyc">Urban Daddy</a> (one of my all-time favorite websites), I automatically put it on my bucket list as a "must-try". So one Friday evening before we went out, I dragged my apprehensive friend along with me to <a href="http://www.beechershandmadecheese.com/Locations/NewYork.aspx">Bleechers</a> and told him we were about to try one very intriguing cocktail. As we entered this small storefront known for it's hand-made cheeses, we made our way down to it's darkly-lit restaurant named "The Cellar". Our enthusiastic waitress sat us down promptly and before she could even hand us the menu, I already knew exactly what to order, "two grilled cheese martinis please," I said excitedly.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4u4fhwTemQqZlspfXX5Fv1GSwHnKJxDMSE3dIw1nfGB-rcwiUfctnmiKq-eCJzLZN6AzOUn_p6yR-tQ3qs_2putTC9mguBLHXd8_KFzfUkMuUQMZq0tn6LTAVmvpcHbvPweg2AuPNqdUE/s1600/301064_2267618243389_1036530511_32605511_4478282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4u4fhwTemQqZlspfXX5Fv1GSwHnKJxDMSE3dIw1nfGB-rcwiUfctnmiKq-eCJzLZN6AzOUn_p6yR-tQ3qs_2putTC9mguBLHXd8_KFzfUkMuUQMZq0tn6LTAVmvpcHbvPweg2AuPNqdUE/s1600/301064_2267618243389_1036530511_32605511_4478282_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Grilled Cheese Martini}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Only a few minutes later she arrived back with our drinks, not entirely sure what I was expecting them to look like, this definitely was not it. Rimmed with some sort of chunky chipotle-looking substance, I decided to ask her exactly how this unique drink was created. She went on to explain that they begin by making their famous grilled cheese sandwich allowing it to sit in a tub of vodka for 24 hours. Then after the liquor has been fully infused with the cheese flavor it is poured into a martini glass over a cube of iced tomato soup, topped with a full tomato. A splash of balsamic vinaigrette is then added with a touch of pepper and <span style="font-size: small;">voilà</span>, the drink is served!<br />
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In a hesitant toast, we each took a sip of this so-called savory drink and prepared for the best. Giving each other a "Hmmmm....... well this is interesting......" look, I set my glass down and quickly ordered a plate of cheese and crackers to wash down this indescribable taste I had in my mouth. Needless to say people must order this drink for its appeal and not its enjoyment... better luck next time!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-58259597716721374722011-08-25T08:54:00.000-07:002011-08-25T08:54:54.063-07:00SWEET SPOT: Max Brenner - Chocolate by the Bald ManChocolate, hence the name of my blog, is clearly one of my favorite things. Therefore when I stumbled up on <a href="http://www.maxbrenner.com/">Max Brenner's</a> Chocolate by the Bald Man in Union Square, I knew that I had reached my paradise. Merely walking into the restaurant, I was engulfed by the smell of freshly baked chocolate treats. At the storefront is a little chocolate shop which sells everything ranging from s'mores kits and chocolate waffle cone gifts to T-shirts with quirky phrases such as "Chocolate is good for you" (which I actually purchased... maybe in hopes that it would be true).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWXBiijra6Bl3uQtYYX_LUgz4T_F0P2oE3Hixn599erEGEyUVqu_d0toaCMryhHGn_DVh8X1X6hIRZAqm_IaNoG2MhL3ZafQzGblXQjvCtdyutyVF8nDxKkRLZ5uxagybywOEVqZxix8y/s1600/Picture+16.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWXBiijra6Bl3uQtYYX_LUgz4T_F0P2oE3Hixn599erEGEyUVqu_d0toaCMryhHGn_DVh8X1X6hIRZAqm_IaNoG2MhL3ZafQzGblXQjvCtdyutyVF8nDxKkRLZ5uxagybywOEVqZxix8y/s1600/Picture+16.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{"Chocolate is good for you" T-shirt}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bEcOdmDCygT5-gTnJFW2RDeEuUksUAmUzVgNhIAkg1XOrp_Vc4Vqa-Nlfuy_wVE778cb6bHZprYz5NmtchB4grPVu3qZvxxBsTrpYkexXnICjiIxUvFca2Ei4grmZaOVnm_8Bs0cbzJV/s1600/Picture+17.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bEcOdmDCygT5-gTnJFW2RDeEuUksUAmUzVgNhIAkg1XOrp_Vc4Vqa-Nlfuy_wVE778cb6bHZprYz5NmtchB4grPVu3qZvxxBsTrpYkexXnICjiIxUvFca2Ei4grmZaOVnm_8Bs0cbzJV/s1600/Picture+17.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Chocolate Shop goodies}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Max Brenner, known as the bald man is attempting to create his own "chocolate culture" in which chocolate is not only meant to be taste, it is supposed to be experienced, causing a flow of emotions and sensations. Steering away from some of the more traditional uses of chocolate on his menu, he incorporates a chocolate ranch to complement the onion rings. Onion rings and chocolate are my weaknesses so therefore quickly ordered this unique combo to test it out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeBrrl0x5aEFbbaxJjB8cwUYvA6I-D5oqfGg9APZy0wmTH7i0q3ewXZ2PCmDsf9Y5n2NLKRVgOrkURrf5-5G31TEzc1yl0bYLBbwwhs-BnN2mPTl_tNCFKnVtDpd5GcYYZdz9U3M2ZUKI/s1600/Picture+23.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieeBrrl0x5aEFbbaxJjB8cwUYvA6I-D5oqfGg9APZy0wmTH7i0q3ewXZ2PCmDsf9Y5n2NLKRVgOrkURrf5-5G31TEzc1yl0bYLBbwwhs-BnN2mPTl_tNCFKnVtDpd5GcYYZdz9U3M2ZUKI/s1600/Picture+23.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Black & Tan Beer Battered Vidalia Rings w/ Dark Chocolate Ranch Dressing}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The inspiration behind this unusual pairing was that Max believed chocolate is too often sold in it's conventional way, he wanted to "free" it and let people experience the sweetness in an entirely new way.<br />
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For our main courses, we ordered the grilled asparagus crepe, as well as the rosen deli smoked turkey crepe. As for dessert, the most important part of this meal, I had an incredibly hard time choosing which of the chocolate specialities I wanted. After browsing the menu again for about 20 minutes I I finally concluded that I wanted to try the chocolate pizza because it looked so incredibly delicious when I passed by it walking in. I was definitely not let down when I tried "the works" pizza, buried under a mountain of toppings including Max's double chocolate melting chunks, crunchy hazelnut bits, bananas, peanut butter, and roasted marshmallows. Experimentation is one of his main guidelines, there are no rules when it come to cooking with chocolate, anything goes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVfgR0TaMT6PPFYHWfRs-7tR5WiIcf3Y70TAEt3VJsAtWPXhFFnOW0dW46jBOMhGoLPEJg1IOL2PzzPvfuNfn6-VmdmaYqs3Nfyk8fFkodaOcFLHqlswMT4J3qcs8pzKMWKHMzUqgUJp6/s1600/Picture+22.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVfgR0TaMT6PPFYHWfRs-7tR5WiIcf3Y70TAEt3VJsAtWPXhFFnOW0dW46jBOMhGoLPEJg1IOL2PzzPvfuNfn6-VmdmaYqs3Nfyk8fFkodaOcFLHqlswMT4J3qcs8pzKMWKHMzUqgUJp6/s1600/Picture+22.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{"The Works" Chocolate Pizza}</td></tr>
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Max Brenner wants to ensure that leaving the restaurant all 5 of your senses have been filled with by chocolate. Seeing, touching, tasting, smelling, and even hearing chocolate he feels is the only way embrace yourself in the full chocolate experience he is hoping to accomplish. Simply writing this blog takes me back into that "chocolate mood", craving for something sweet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotFRGSGRZWRIuQ2CKx99Ezjd7XvC3ubWIjpdOBf18IYLIMdqc5LulhzbFzTxh2FmagzBgs4Q1NbGTXFqqlChHBa4F4RTKlnGtbOl0Qwuj-b4klfN_DXkjm6p9Jl7syY6gXNTweBC5BPG3/s1600/Picture+24.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiotFRGSGRZWRIuQ2CKx99Ezjd7XvC3ubWIjpdOBf18IYLIMdqc5LulhzbFzTxh2FmagzBgs4Q1NbGTXFqqlChHBa4F4RTKlnGtbOl0Qwuj-b4klfN_DXkjm6p9Jl7syY6gXNTweBC5BPG3/s1600/Picture+24.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Inside of Max Brenner's Chocolate Bar"}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Starting out as once a small chocolate shop in France that was said once looked "more like top fashion designer's boutique than a chocolate shop", he has widely expanded over the years into the American market. Of course he couldn't have achieved this much success without the expose to leading fashion designers including Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul G. while in Paris.<br />
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Have you ever been to Max Brenner before? What did you order? Everything on the menu looks amazing!Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-82840604282835008432011-08-23T20:58:00.000-07:002011-08-23T20:58:17.482-07:00PARKED. NYC's best food trucks come togetherDo you like NYC's food trucks? Or do you prefer sitting down at restaurants? For a tasty, quick, and reasonably priced meal on the go food trucks are the perfect option. Originally when I used to hear the word "food truck"I would think of the grungy taco truck that used to hang out near the park by my high school. However, after moving to NY I have seen the most gourmet food coming out of those mobile vehicles cruising around the city streets. Hearing many great reviews about the fabulous finds you can eat on the street, I couldn't believe I still had yet to try a place until this past Saturday. Therefore, when I read online that over 30 of the best food trucks in NYC were all coming together at the South Seaport I jumped on the opportunity to try all these delicious treats.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uViGxkgHmQT8Q1hLhPgabxcHe0D44t3OdsqZNy9tg40hQQ-6d4j64UlxetJL8fzv6TY-ftXw_j9fZ_db79dfZt9g5PIvVag2q8C9WpmVKeIdeQBvGrBWpIrjTQjb6Iz2v1EaGp27v7hr/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uViGxkgHmQT8Q1hLhPgabxcHe0D44t3OdsqZNy9tg40hQQ-6d4j64UlxetJL8fzv6TY-ftXw_j9fZ_db79dfZt9g5PIvVag2q8C9WpmVKeIdeQBvGrBWpIrjTQjb6Iz2v1EaGp27v7hr/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Crowd of people at "PARKED"}</td></tr>
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Though when I first arrived I was overwhelmed by the increasingly large number of people and the lines that looped around to what seemed to be almost back uptown. After perusing around all the different trucks to see which ones were worth the wait, my family and I decided to all split up so we would be able to sample multiple different eats. My mom waited at the infamous <a href="http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/">Wafels & Dings</a> for the BBQ chicken wafel while my dad waited at it's bumper truck, <a href="http://www.rickshawdumplings.com/">Rickshaw Dumping Bar</a> that sold the most delicious vegetarian edamame dumplings. I went back up toward the front where I had seen many other great trucks that I wanted to try.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46mLOcGGAcTbJpxXViHGnZyxfqff9h24oA_ODWzNSBR2ocevtYpQLuqBPfB2lm5A6hTBFBje0PFGMPRx69sDOo7gX7SgHYhpiwWmn6cfEIEdh7gs_LuTJ_UV8l7lXfTBhTCRhoUcjLY33/s1600/WAFELS.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46mLOcGGAcTbJpxXViHGnZyxfqff9h24oA_ODWzNSBR2ocevtYpQLuqBPfB2lm5A6hTBFBje0PFGMPRx69sDOo7gX7SgHYhpiwWmn6cfEIEdh7gs_LuTJ_UV8l7lXfTBhTCRhoUcjLY33/s1600/WAFELS.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Wafels & Dings Truck}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrgHSvgSKQTT_m_uvztmA3DiqimxltEnYmLl_zOGhc20K1OseCLmvuYBubP5mXk12Jjoo6IrJ-KDOFQWBgkCDkqGCPEFvHp8xiHCH3t3uoEvzZaOAwYfXBCXNzIqQCxlvqVq3q3tAYyzA/s1600/DUMPLING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrgHSvgSKQTT_m_uvztmA3DiqimxltEnYmLl_zOGhc20K1OseCLmvuYBubP5mXk12Jjoo6IrJ-KDOFQWBgkCDkqGCPEFvHp8xiHCH3t3uoEvzZaOAwYfXBCXNzIqQCxlvqVq3q3tAYyzA/s1600/DUMPLING.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Rickshaw Dumpling Truck}</td></tr>
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On my way back, I couldn't help but sample all the delicious desserts being passed out by the <a href="http://www.treatstruck.com/">Treats Truck</a>; the mexican brownies, almond & crandberry rice krispies, and the oatmeal raison cookies were among my favorite. Stopping at the <a href="http://www.cinnamonsnail.com/">Cinnamon Snail</a> for a minute, I almost purchased a tempeh sandwich from this vegan truck, however just a few inches away I saw someone carrying a mouthwatering mountain of shaved ice with an assortment of yummy toppings. I immediately asked them to point me in the right direction and I found myself at a small booth. Although this event was primarily food trucks, 10 temporary booths joined the party to serve from their mini traveling shops. I ordered some very unconventional toppings (peanuts, wasabi peas, almonds, rosemary, granola, and strawberries) which actually complemented the shaved ice and the dollop of mango sorbet perfectly in an interesting way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs7yP_iyG8kPlqO9NC6SjwsyFalpN9qEuv7mJ2G4jHNmmC8CkTq5JytlMJWMW0B5K20BPpnhRzadE4utR2wcSopdYQkq0h-dl5EjhajTqYs3xUyXtpNxWZ-NWWUcw89l-IdnrLbeKO_7q/s1600/SHAVED+ICE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrs7yP_iyG8kPlqO9NC6SjwsyFalpN9qEuv7mJ2G4jHNmmC8CkTq5JytlMJWMW0B5K20BPpnhRzadE4utR2wcSopdYQkq0h-dl5EjhajTqYs3xUyXtpNxWZ-NWWUcw89l-IdnrLbeKO_7q/s1600/SHAVED+ICE.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Shaved Ice Menu}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Even though I was only able to try 3 different trucks this time, I am hoping to try some of the ones I missed in the near future: <a href="http://gorillacheesenyc.com/">Gorilla Cheese</a>, <a href="http://www.fryingdutchmen.com/">Frying Dutchman</a>, <a href="http://eatcoolhaus.com/new-york/">Cool Haus Ice Cream</a>, and <a href="http://redhooklobsterpound.com/">Red Hook Lobster</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7-SPavovyeAhpI03SwX1tKtSv5uVYkcd0dV1rAFyAocf4hgwwph2oZ0PPYjcJ-yF1YTnfGpS5qhtZOetDiMNyLQq4FrIXTcdCFF2zmY2E8eW0zXCLtgmbNsaIbcIlh370pJXn06OHxd0/s1600/FRYING.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7-SPavovyeAhpI03SwX1tKtSv5uVYkcd0dV1rAFyAocf4hgwwph2oZ0PPYjcJ-yF1YTnfGpS5qhtZOetDiMNyLQq4FrIXTcdCFF2zmY2E8eW0zXCLtgmbNsaIbcIlh370pJXn06OHxd0/s1600/FRYING.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{The Frying Dutchmen}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VkXpRn9bbQ-ibxBTIezUqaSznbt1NcE81keL2ePHSBzrj-4uG-2WjbQ1UnXNGZqLEtYe12RmF3R1NieGKanvRixyIx_gQyTsAjX1HBM7GjPFnIR4h9LSY9WQ8_M70RX2mXudRBTxjuhX/s1600/LOBSTER+TRUCK.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VkXpRn9bbQ-ibxBTIezUqaSznbt1NcE81keL2ePHSBzrj-4uG-2WjbQ1UnXNGZqLEtYe12RmF3R1NieGKanvRixyIx_gQyTsAjX1HBM7GjPFnIR4h9LSY9WQ8_M70RX2mXudRBTxjuhX/s1600/LOBSTER+TRUCK.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Red Hook Lobster Pound}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Following trucks on twitter is the best way to instantly know their locations! What are your favorite NYC food trucks?<br />
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-28370367770648900802011-08-19T12:44:00.000-07:002011-08-20T06:46:59.119-07:00Chanel "Graphite"Right when I saw this glittery metallic silver color in one of my magazines and on the news, I knew this was going to be the next color I needed to add to my nail polish collection. The actual gold glitter specs really shimmer in the sunlight, I would almost refer to this polish as liquified glitter. Yesterday I brought <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Chanel-Vernis-Colour-Graphite-Collection/dp/B0057K7844">Chanel "graphite"</a> with me when I went to my all-time favorite nail salon, <a href="http://www.dashingdiva.com/DashingDivaStore/t-home.aspx">Dashing Diva</a>. Decked out in all pink and sparkles, this highly recommended nail salon is the perfect place to bring your girls for a real great nail salon experience. I am extremely picky when it comes to nail salons but this place never fails. Their girly warm atmosphere, highly-trained friendly staff, and wonderful massages are worth the price. With locations all across the city, this is definitely my first choice. Chanel "graphite" is a limited edition shade so definitely get it before it's gone! <a href="http://chocolateandcouture.blogspot.com/2010/08/chanel-black-satin-nailpolish.html">Here</a> is another one of my favorite Chanel limited edition nail polishes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOqaXMbgFh9YpgiOG6kG1RVPjFsGDbT21j9snhcRyprA_TeaLKYMmtwR7QHp2LjE0R6Zpzrwq9LfG787lUf0ApV3mDt5O8CUsGcwbFrP5bIZFOx68LnpuZ8_sazBmAMg35w_w3G6D_ULB/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-19+at+3.43.27+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtOqaXMbgFh9YpgiOG6kG1RVPjFsGDbT21j9snhcRyprA_TeaLKYMmtwR7QHp2LjE0R6Zpzrwq9LfG787lUf0ApV3mDt5O8CUsGcwbFrP5bIZFOx68LnpuZ8_sazBmAMg35w_w3G6D_ULB/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-08-19+at+3.43.27+PM.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-42290771993035657022011-08-18T08:54:00.000-07:002011-08-19T11:31:34.310-07:00Rachel Zoe Event @ Saks"Be honest, but be kind and loyal" - this was the advice given to me yesterday by the glamorous Rachel Zoe. At an event yesterday held at Saks, debuting Rachel Zoe's new clothing line, I had the opportunity to meet and take a picture with this legendary stylist. In a leather jacket with a complimentary blue scarf dress and rocking the beachy wavy hair look, she was definitely dressed to impress.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriiEsiOhzmAZRkPzac3NowrquZupt3MYHoNQtT116mi6ttF0RQZZGi9yagaNMp9fnG-Eo2QCGM6D49sQHXRBkq0M6iPjslG0kJqln83YIaFQpPT-vt0Rf6RQJhH5XxGQUzogpf3i7C52Q/s1600/Picture+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriiEsiOhzmAZRkPzac3NowrquZupt3MYHoNQtT116mi6ttF0RQZZGi9yagaNMp9fnG-Eo2QCGM6D49sQHXRBkq0M6iPjslG0kJqln83YIaFQpPT-vt0Rf6RQJhH5XxGQUzogpf3i7C52Q/s640/Picture+2.png" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Rachel Zoe & I}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After the event, I browsed around looking at her fall collection, falling in love with almost everything I saw. Some of her pieces are reflections of her favorite decade: the 70's and her love for vintage. Her outerwear is definitely a strong suit as well as her draping dresses and silk blouses. Her faux fur numbers were classy with an edge and could see myself wearing just about everything I touched. Without forgetting to mention her fantastic shoe collection, the studded black over the knee boots were just about to die for. Here are my "must haves":<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDLpM5QoY2QtdZBWkrucu1wqtOCIkCgNnF4DYsZ2Lo8L_mEfPUxYRHM3_9rScAVw_Ptn3SZhsjPtOnC5rrD8LuGVMdabintaNXTNhKeNKD8dd8fVBk5XAAqVDvzBJuHB9QYj7wEL4Wwyz/s1600/Picture+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDLpM5QoY2QtdZBWkrucu1wqtOCIkCgNnF4DYsZ2Lo8L_mEfPUxYRHM3_9rScAVw_Ptn3SZhsjPtOnC5rrD8LuGVMdabintaNXTNhKeNKD8dd8fVBk5XAAqVDvzBJuHB9QYj7wEL4Wwyz/s640/Picture+5.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. <a href="http://www.ae.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat4410013&productId=0575_1749&mr:trackingCode=CA55ECE4-4EC7-E011-973E-001517384908&mr:referralID=NA&cid=AEO_AFF_k147466">Style A to Zoe Book</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. <a href="http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod134670051&parentId=cat19680732&ecid=NMALRHy3bqNL2jtQ&CS_003=5630585">RZ Pamela Tote, Pebbled Leather</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">3. <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=544214&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results">RZ Wrap Collar Tie-Waist Coat</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">4. <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/ruffle-maxi-gown-rachel-zoe/vp/v=1/845524441909366.htm?folderID=2534374302183385&fm=other-shopbysize&colorId=11947">RZ Ruffle Maxi Gown</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">5. <a href="http://www.shopbop.com/flower-sequin-shift-dress-rachel/vp/v=1/845524441909341.htm?folderID=2534374302188760&fm=other-shopbysize&colorId=13162">RZ Peggy Sequin Shift Dress</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. <a href="http://holtrenfrew.com/holts/en/collections/98165/rachel-zoe-fall-2011/">RZ All Cape</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. <a href="http://holtrenfrew.com/holts/en/collections/98165/rachel-zoe-fall-2011/">RZ Bridget Leather Fringe Satchel</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">6. <a href="http://holtrenfrew.com/holts/en/collections/98165/rachel-zoe-fall-2011/">RZ Bridget Suede Over the Knee Boot</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">7. <a href="http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=557115&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results">RZ "Bella" Booties </a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial,'Lucida Sans Unicode','Lucida Grande',sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><br />
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Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-57280979377386374222011-08-16T13:41:00.000-07:002011-08-16T13:41:05.754-07:00GET STYLED. GET SWAG. Allure Event!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfI5OpixquxpqRyizjpLlsn4tY8zqq-4ByJV5YjaFhT8w2zft9GOdis9qT0MLmsLQiIc8JKm6N0BAjvBx6wKx3Px2Gwq6TtVAtvpqIMuCRuKdY80JduRXL9F5jo-nGYpSoNyDpCf2mhEm/s1600/Sebastian+Evite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfI5OpixquxpqRyizjpLlsn4tY8zqq-4ByJV5YjaFhT8w2zft9GOdis9qT0MLmsLQiIc8JKm6N0BAjvBx6wKx3Px2Gwq6TtVAtvpqIMuCRuKdY80JduRXL9F5jo-nGYpSoNyDpCf2mhEm/s1600/Sebastian+Evite.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-38265256447678033132011-08-10T08:20:00.000-07:002011-08-10T08:31:36.130-07:00Feather Me UpSeen on A-list celebrities including Blake Lively, Vanessa Hudgens, Megan Fox, Jessica Biel, and many others, Hollywood just can't seem to get enough of this trend. Feathers are showing up in hair pieces and headbands, to accessories on dresses and shoes, they can definitely be a hit or miss look. There is the good, the bad, the ugly, and the just plain extreme. Not entirely sure how I first felt about this trend when it first originated, I finally gave in and went down to a local boutique and bought a feather extension to be installed in my hair. I chose a neutral brown color that blended nicely underneath the bottom layer of my brunette hair, only noticeable occasionally and peeking out when I put my hair up in a high ponytail. When I first looked in the mirror however, I had a serious case of buying remorse. To make matters worse, when I got home, I had a boy offer to get my so-called "rattail" out of my hair for me, clearly he was not up to date on this new trend. Over time it grew on me and it lasted almost 2 months; it could easily be brushes, blow-dried, straightened, and even curled just like natural hair. Moving on from feathers in my hair, my new favorite way to wear them is for earrings. There are a plentiful amount of different options in every color/length/style you can imagine at the street fairs here in NYC!<br />
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The <b>GOOD</b> - Bright colored earrings are a perfect way to counterbalance a simple ensemble. Pairing hot pink earring with a simple jumpsuit, similar to what Gwenyth Paltrow has done in the past, is a perfect way to sport this look. A simple one feather necklace is just the right extra touch to any outfit, over a plain tee during the day or with a cocktail dress for a night out. You need to be careful when wearing clothes with feathers however, because you don't want to become a repeat of Bjork's infamous swan suit.<br />
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The <b>BAD</b> - No one wants to look like a peacock flew straight into their hair so steer clear of long feathered hats and extravagant hairbands. Unless you want your necklace to look like a feather trophy from your last hunting trip, keep it simple. As for feather clutches, you have to be careful to make sure it doesn't look like your carrying a dead bird in your hand everywhere you go. Feathers on your face and around your eyes, lets keep that for masquerade balls. For the pictured orange jacket, well there's no need to even explain that one.<br />
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What's your take on the feather trend?Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-35369397559692775072011-08-07T19:53:00.000-07:002011-08-07T19:53:38.038-07:00Meet Me at the Top of the StandardOn Friday, I went to Le Bain @ <a href="http://www.standardhotels.com/new-york-city/">The Standard</a>... easily the best rooftop I have been to since being in New York. With a gorgeous view of the Hudson River, this ultra trendy rooftop bar is a favorite among celebrities and an ideal spot to come relax for a few hours during the afternoon. Making our way up what seemed like a service elevator to the penthouse of the hotel, we were greeted by a unique ambiance consisting of AstroTurf lawn and giant pink circular waterbeds. Along with the bar, there was a creperie serving delicious looking french crepes ranging from savory to sweet. The waitresses came around attentively in mesh tennis skirts, serving us the most refreshing grapefruit cocktails, which were especially nice on a hot summer day.With the reputation of being an extremely hard place to get into, walking up around 4 o'clock was fairly easy. This scenic view is definitely not something to be missed. Next time I want to check out the pool and hot tub!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x2bvFCVoZ0ZeRlP5-dv-li1YyCZ9uevXPeJj7-fZKQHX1y2MigmtF3zsBzb3FV6wvPJlaSV9nV1fr7ZUhy-DKsGTyZu2JaZNahTC1AMcBM4hETdpMGib9DJ9iBLoyEhhsesnniFXhmV_/s1600/LEBAIN" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x2bvFCVoZ0ZeRlP5-dv-li1YyCZ9uevXPeJj7-fZKQHX1y2MigmtF3zsBzb3FV6wvPJlaSV9nV1fr7ZUhy-DKsGTyZu2JaZNahTC1AMcBM4hETdpMGib9DJ9iBLoyEhhsesnniFXhmV_/s640/LEBAIN" width="382" /></a></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-64059451971625774702011-08-05T08:50:00.000-07:002011-08-05T08:50:16.946-07:00Party @ John Varvatos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQMB8vAszGz1WpD56Q-EsZSTLAMCLHIbuZP_iqtpYIxvBxhBs8P1Mg-1Cet-17DybWIffUT6UGRcRECf6-upE1Nc17HmM-fql2XAin2gt7_E_xTvnZYI3NTysldzDtIB_MGGIDmeIdeA7/s1600/john-varvatos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqQMB8vAszGz1WpD56Q-EsZSTLAMCLHIbuZP_iqtpYIxvBxhBs8P1Mg-1Cet-17DybWIffUT6UGRcRECf6-upE1Nc17HmM-fql2XAin2gt7_E_xTvnZYI3NTysldzDtIB_MGGIDmeIdeA7/s400/john-varvatos.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Party Invitation}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Last night, I attended the lively <a href="http://www.johnvarvatos.com/">John Varvatos</a> Party on the Bowery. Upon entering this "store turned concert party" that is hosted the 1st Thursday of every month, the first thing I noticed was the plasma screen TV inviting guests to check in on Foursquare to receive gear from Moonshine (the clear corn whiskey that was being promoted at the event). I had never heard of Moonshine before that but right then and there I whipped out my phone and checked into the venue on Foursquare hoping to get some free loot. The first 20 people who checked in received a free T-shirt and I was number 15, yes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTasiPfiY_Hi0oHYJqdsUJZjAzy3fTg3sns66kvOwkLupImbxleoaGeQHwPMdjeEghlDJVscRFJlF3iau7p7Ag5xIC-ZTNJ8t0PzwmWDZc_mBNeoyEqimSMQuBgKOWs4cBWlKhCLhOBt_/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTasiPfiY_Hi0oHYJqdsUJZjAzy3fTg3sns66kvOwkLupImbxleoaGeQHwPMdjeEghlDJVscRFJlF3iau7p7Ag5xIC-ZTNJ8t0PzwmWDZc_mBNeoyEqimSMQuBgKOWs4cBWlKhCLhOBt_/s400/IMG_0890.JPG" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{My free Moonshine T-Shirt!}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNOpffGpiGU_g2U5iQYvp3WCZXIbwjP2X4sK2jG9FNOuynrE5J64XPFUz1t2gd822aUV4gv0H02lsjVVjazV_oWq0oq0lRUrBMuABnlnSRKYubJQw_Tb2ygucmpTcFVvn49GvQ8t9Oqbh/s1600/IMG_0881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNOpffGpiGU_g2U5iQYvp3WCZXIbwjP2X4sK2jG9FNOuynrE5J64XPFUz1t2gd822aUV4gv0H02lsjVVjazV_oWq0oq0lRUrBMuABnlnSRKYubJQw_Tb2ygucmpTcFVvn49GvQ8t9Oqbh/s400/IMG_0881.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Walls decorated with framed past concert posters}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We then made our way through the store and couldn't help but notice the interesting artwork on the walls. All the images on the walls were a collection of promotional posters for some of the past shows. In the Fall of 2008, John Varvatos started a Thursday Night Live Concert Series where he hosts new or rediscovered artists and bands to perform in his store on 315 Bowery which had previously been the space that hosted the seminal underground music club CBGB. According to their poster CBGB was "originally meant to be a small club to house Country, Bluegrass, and Blues music, CBGB grew into one of the most influential venues in the world, and a sanctuary for rock musicians everywhere. Most notably remembered as the birthplace of Punk Rock. CBGB opened their doors to any band that came through, offering them all they truly wanted, a chance to play. Some of the bands that called CBGB home were the Ramones, The Heartbreakers, Blondie..." After CBGB officially closed in 2006, John Varvatos took the initiative himself to pay homage to the club by hosting a monthly concert that replicated CBGB's true spirit at his own store.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhL8suoV3sJSENqnjE82nHwSIx_DtjNOsKD1vTjWPzlCyrBij6QrQEO9CLZON2Sb-dJZBgGm6HrguPqvtWhU41ppid0NdppCU5nfvFxgj5z8rbJbyxfPZo_BgHhyphenhyphenefTqTwt3S3fNh1lnU/s1600/IMG_0878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhL8suoV3sJSENqnjE82nHwSIx_DtjNOsKD1vTjWPzlCyrBij6QrQEO9CLZON2Sb-dJZBgGm6HrguPqvtWhU41ppid0NdppCU5nfvFxgj5z8rbJbyxfPZo_BgHhyphenhyphenefTqTwt3S3fNh1lnU/s640/IMG_0878.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>After about half an hour of mingling, <a href="http://www.juliahaltigan.com/">Julia Haltigan</a> took center stage. This New York native's amazing voice instantly attract attention as she sang about everything from heartache and lust to motorcycles and tattoos. Her songs have an American pop feel to them which I loved right away. After the concert ended at 10, which they were very prompt at making sure everyone would be out by 10:05, we headed over to <a href="http://www.phebesnyc.com/">Phebes</a>, another fun NYC hotspot where we spend many of our nights.Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-58045139069121998372011-08-04T08:44:00.000-07:002011-08-04T08:44:22.759-07:00StyleOwnerLast night, another intern and I went to an event at Saks for <a href="http://www.styleowner.com/">StyleOwner</a>. We had no idea what it was when we first got there, but after listening to a presentation and learning more about it I can't wait to sign up! After we entered the raffle and recieved our free ice cream sundae's complimentary of SnAKS, we were greeted by a StyleOwner representative who sat us down at a table and through an interactive presentation on her MacBook Air guided us through this ingenius new website launching in August.The idea behind StyleOwner is that anyone can create their own online boutique feauturing their favorite items from top name retailers. Combining the power of e-commerce and social networking, shoppers are able to open a customized online store, fill it with items, and earn money selling their favorite brands! Once your store is open for business, post it on your facebook, twitter, blog, and spread the word. Your friends can then shop through your hand-selected picks and order whatever they like. The benefit for you: earning 10% of whatever you sell! Also, if you shop at your own store, you automatically recieve 10% off your purchase. What a brilliant idea, counting down the days until I can open my finally open my own store!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3Wo0ZMkdF0fb2L-TQbrN0hYPa6tkiS4kCNU8L22n2c0mGovZ9Dbk4IT9JQ_JKq1Gn5WfPlHp4yQ8V99A2LWL0UsyLHwN8YUzp6WlOyZpMC5X0e3CJAB9bfZMe7tz1zvYJbQhR5rlfdor/s1600/styleowner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3Wo0ZMkdF0fb2L-TQbrN0hYPa6tkiS4kCNU8L22n2c0mGovZ9Dbk4IT9JQ_JKq1Gn5WfPlHp4yQ8V99A2LWL0UsyLHwN8YUzp6WlOyZpMC5X0e3CJAB9bfZMe7tz1zvYJbQhR5rlfdor/s400/styleowner.png" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-77881893328057204282011-08-03T11:50:00.000-07:002011-08-03T11:55:43.725-07:00Essie Hotspot<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Walking into a nail salon always makes me stressed out… I can never, and I mean NEVER chose a nail polish color. After trying on over 15 different colors on every section of all of my nails, my hands finally end up looking like a rainbow. While sitting in the massage chair and receiving what seemed to be a millisecond foot massage I was still staring at 4 different colors I was deciding between. </span></span>I was being so incredibly indecisive I chose my only last resort, “eeny, meeny, miny, moe” of course. There we go, I had finally landed my color… Essie “Bermuda Shorts”. After she applied it to my toes, it was clearly evident this was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> the color that was going to be on my hands as well. This matte neon color looked dry and cheap, not at all what I had expected. Now it was back to the drawing board, time to pick a new color. After another solid 10 minutes of going back and forth between a dark shade and a light shade, I finally chose Essie </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essie-HotSpot-511/dp/B000SIOKXC">hotspot</a>”. <span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">At first I wasn’t so thrilled with my choice, but after a few minutes the coral pink color started to grow on me. Fun and summery, this bright color would look great on the beaches in places like Miami or Malibu.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82qnsnQGPeZkLS8WTqcZ0veM_EGyMGCrB5smTqHLAU1hqvGdhycezGTztelRy7lkbI5xQbdg-aDFY-VghFcZalBXchrSS5vEmobQATyIC5Q44BPH80Q2-ubWNtSn7iOaC_9RY2tkU9wIk/s1600/Nails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj82qnsnQGPeZkLS8WTqcZ0veM_EGyMGCrB5smTqHLAU1hqvGdhycezGTztelRy7lkbI5xQbdg-aDFY-VghFcZalBXchrSS5vEmobQATyIC5Q44BPH80Q2-ubWNtSn7iOaC_9RY2tkU9wIk/s400/Nails.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that I know what Essie's Hotspot looks like, here is a list of some of <em>my</em> NY hotspots that I am still hoping to get to before my summer ends:</div><ul><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.beautyandessex.com/">Beauty & Essex</a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lexiconnyc.com/">Lexicon</a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kissandflyclub.com/">Kiss and Fly</a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tenjunenyc.com/">Tenjune</a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pdtnyc.com/">Please Don't Tell</a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lavony.com/">Lavo</a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://taorestaurant.com/">TAO</a></div></li>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lebainnewyork.com/">Le Bain</a></div></li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Along with many others..... What are you NYC hotspots?</div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-48959486143389645152011-08-02T13:17:00.000-07:002011-08-02T13:17:57.857-07:00Allure Promo Event!The Allure Promotional Department and Hanes Bali are teaming up for an event at Macy's this Thursday! Who ever is in New York should definitely make it to Herald Square at 5pm Aug. 4th :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW1a2roDAbe1lguaMimGvKiPBEGerqSTSucnkfQ26eQMlIiSrvamEwwJlxp1qx03Jd03z1AQqZStc8jpk5pGonajIS0i3uD_b94z3PWvCtNhgjI8eG8eTuMThq1EctqE-QDPrjQUQM0lT/s1600/eblst11+Bali2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW1a2roDAbe1lguaMimGvKiPBEGerqSTSucnkfQ26eQMlIiSrvamEwwJlxp1qx03Jd03z1AQqZStc8jpk5pGonajIS0i3uD_b94z3PWvCtNhgjI8eG8eTuMThq1EctqE-QDPrjQUQM0lT/s400/eblst11+Bali2.jpg" t$="true" width="400" /></a></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-49840175310805865492011-08-01T09:17:00.000-07:002011-08-02T07:26:25.425-07:00YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund Panel<div style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">On Thursday, I attended the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund Panel at NYU’s Gallatin School. Some of New York's brightest interns came together to listen to a panel discussion featuring Amy Levin (of <a href="http://www.collegefashionista.com/">College Fashionista</a>), Calvin Klein’s Malcolm Carfrae, IMG Models’ Jeni Rose, Annabel Tollman (stylist and journalist) , and Nary Manivong and Ally Hilfiger (the founders of NAHM). From Nary Manivong's brave story about growing up homeless and taking the bold leap of moving out to NY with only $200 in his pocket to Amy Levin's success story about how her own personal blog turned into her now flourishing company, every individual definitely had a unique story to share. Commenting about their interesting experiences in the fashion industry and throughout life in general, I can absolutely say that I left with some helpful advice. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ymafashionscholarshipfund.org/newsletter/spring2010/images/yma-logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" id="il_fi" src="http://ymafashionscholarshipfund.org/newsletter/spring2010/images/yma-logo.gif" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Top things I learned:</div><ul><li>Don't get too caught up in what everyone else is going, focus on your own path</li>
<li>Everyone's career peeks and different times so don't get frustrated because success is based on hard work and determination</li>
<li>It's important to stay in contact with those you meet, whether it be by sending them a quick email now and then or a phone call, don't lose touch</li>
<li>Never underestimate the power of a hand-written letter</li>
<li> Always be humble, grateful, prepared and willing to take on any challenge</li>
</ul>As the inspirational panel came to a close, I approached College Fashionista's Amy Levin and asked her for advice with my own blog. This young blonde entrepeneur wearing an adorable Chanel bag was more than overjoyed to give me tips and even volunteered to speak with me over the phone! I would also love to be a style guru for her website. Our call is set for today and I can't wait to talk to her! If anyone has questions you want me to ask her, please let me know :)Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-8028302661444321032011-07-28T04:55:00.000-07:002011-07-28T04:55:38.507-07:00Party Nails<a cmimpressionsent="1" href="http://www.essie.com/shop/product_thumb.php?img=images/loophole.png&w=600&h=600" jquery1311792819952="4" rel="prettyPhoto" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 280px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 301px;" tff_replaced="1" title=""><img alt="loophole" border="0" height="300" hspace="0" src="http://www.essie.com/shop/product_thumb.php?img=images/loophole.png&w=300&h=300" title="loophole" width="300" /></a><br />
Since 1981, <a href="http://www.essie.com/">essie</a> has been America's nail salon expert. With over 300 unique colors, it is quite apparent that there is an abundance of different color options to chose from for every occasion. At an Allure meeting the other day, <a href="http://www.spachicksonthego.com/">Spa Chicks</a>, a pop-up marketing mobile spa company, did an excellent job with bringing in top essie colors and giving mini-manicures. At first, the lady kindly suggested that I should pick the metallic gold color but after careful observation of my skin tone, she recommended that I go with the silver "loophole". I'm glad I took her advice because this molten chrome finish really shines and matches with pretty much anything. It clearly makes a statement without being too flashy for work and other proffesional occasions. <br />
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Although the silver does look nice on it's own, I have always prefered my nails with some glitter and sparkle. After a recent Sephora trip when they were testing out their new line of nail glitter by OPI, I decided to purchase the <a href="http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P291904&categoryId=B70">gunmetal glitter pot</a>. Therefore, adding this to my plain silver polish on just one nail on each hand I knew would make for some great "party nails".<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXQ-WOrTXvIn-w9v6CZpUrZXlOaypvGvyk_afIU9mseqRZaOMxI0GXIGF9OLMGXB5rjBpOfeDdPDPOmty_nYRg2zMToi9mb4XiqXshN2IlRPJJCOOh8m2RQ7f_fXA4NurSyii4eYqMSuc/s1600/IMG_0776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXQ-WOrTXvIn-w9v6CZpUrZXlOaypvGvyk_afIU9mseqRZaOMxI0GXIGF9OLMGXB5rjBpOfeDdPDPOmty_nYRg2zMToi9mb4XiqXshN2IlRPJJCOOh8m2RQ7f_fXA4NurSyii4eYqMSuc/s320/IMG_0776.jpg" width="219" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Sephora nail by OPI glitter pot; Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Base & Top Coat}</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsKRYPjoig5yjzjFN4S5es9IL6fJWmuJ2Gv606wLdy_RRPhqoZrq9uCiyoP4fvHOHcxMXULM1OYCTVWwyHUs5tBCSWORI97_sPWYtt0nBBrTEn9hEQETlC8oYlUYfg8gW4hWYaJ45gVIM/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsKRYPjoig5yjzjFN4S5es9IL6fJWmuJ2Gv606wLdy_RRPhqoZrq9uCiyoP4fvHOHcxMXULM1OYCTVWwyHUs5tBCSWORI97_sPWYtt0nBBrTEn9hEQETlC8oYlUYfg8gW4hWYaJ45gVIM/s320/IMG_0774.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{My nails before with the 2 coats of Essie's "loophole"}</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrWuWcgkbv8KvUgFEBKg2iv0yoD10Q7q9eyFdfdngdbKqVgOr2vnZPMta_AHsnPcHeDaarOE1JTSXRnp-pw7DmnrYJxPGvI1KgbjaDl63EZBQtNckHMYdbhX1nzT88POMk-8ZbKwxOi70/s1600/IMG_0777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMrWuWcgkbv8KvUgFEBKg2iv0yoD10Q7q9eyFdfdngdbKqVgOr2vnZPMta_AHsnPcHeDaarOE1JTSXRnp-pw7DmnrYJxPGvI1KgbjaDl63EZBQtNckHMYdbhX1nzT88POMk-8ZbKwxOi70/s320/IMG_0777.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{apply top coat over the whole nail}</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXKtthtUAihJ8q3f4OWhvdRpSneIJ6-o4rWmwRTdfOD3RlqnA-hUkmcuYAr0T832xuZ-R5n-0-IK6G6KGupEvCEs7Fvw-k8HKplEfOx3ZbBJDlSsGBsFFs3ZxbLMVlxcSiP1g3GjbRYOr/s1600/IMG_0778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXKtthtUAihJ8q3f4OWhvdRpSneIJ6-o4rWmwRTdfOD3RlqnA-hUkmcuYAr0T832xuZ-R5n-0-IK6G6KGupEvCEs7Fvw-k8HKplEfOx3ZbBJDlSsGBsFFs3ZxbLMVlxcSiP1g3GjbRYOr/s320/IMG_0778.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{turn over your finger dipping your whole nail into the glitter pot}</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoQ-QhfYjOi4yMB7zT1FjSF49SCaFOJt2O09R87UOOQX6SG1AE9dsS2UBZRjaFkjv6Bek4U6jqezOqVCs_KL9rK_gm6CB0yi3LUSlo0vb2NlRO7523Kcr7msswlLkA3ROQK6zPzOuaW3R/s1600/IMG_0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoQ-QhfYjOi4yMB7zT1FjSF49SCaFOJt2O09R87UOOQX6SG1AE9dsS2UBZRjaFkjv6Bek4U6jqezOqVCs_KL9rK_gm6CB0yi3LUSlo0vb2NlRO7523Kcr7msswlLkA3ROQK6zPzOuaW3R/s320/IMG_0779.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">{apply top coat one more time giving the glitter some extra hold and shine}</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WXzltxVCBPUm_MbLgjM-dI67UpfxaNLUIWDoqFolYG6sKOplJAFJstXmy7fma1I_xWLpRNMol27HZ3F5f11HqBZZWUWnwxe6Vbn_10X7pxeCpN-n8mE7Gn8ZtT3cX7k6q475eO-vO5DW/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4WXzltxVCBPUm_MbLgjM-dI67UpfxaNLUIWDoqFolYG6sKOplJAFJstXmy7fma1I_xWLpRNMol27HZ3F5f11HqBZZWUWnwxe6Vbn_10X7pxeCpN-n8mE7Gn8ZtT3cX7k6q475eO-vO5DW/s320/IMG_0782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{End result}</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3765632942017603696.post-24602959934884975832011-07-26T21:22:00.000-07:002011-07-26T21:22:18.646-07:00EatalyWalking into <a href="http://eatalyny.com/">Eataly</a> was like walking into a 50,000 Sq. Ft. little Italy, I was instantly surrounded by the aroma of rich cheeses and wine. Directly as I entered I felt as if I was in a gourmet Italian food market filled with authentic goods. Every which way I turned there was a different selection of delicious food, ranging from fresh-cut vegetables and fruit to hearty pastas.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cMPl4EiTKLHbWgiso3OVxafPSsmD86KJ2Qf0GUsY5MhbFjSNz90veZXExg_bxIQyxHhCZdq3PzBm2Y83I54DhF9zwIuPePphQETm3SJjuJ7BJybzcMejxMmX3bfBK-C7yOm9YRy_TSG4/s1600/IMG_0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2cMPl4EiTKLHbWgiso3OVxafPSsmD86KJ2Qf0GUsY5MhbFjSNz90veZXExg_bxIQyxHhCZdq3PzBm2Y83I54DhF9zwIuPePphQETm3SJjuJ7BJybzcMejxMmX3bfBK-C7yOm9YRy_TSG4/s320/IMG_0759.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{fresh fruit}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9PYpKWa1tOtN3liHyN-o2ocJmTn6AasIAbHSwQMKDpiiSTFB21LTjSYXqlI5VuYI82v7HkEtQxfRU92_adM8-dkuiDdZ8Ih0QUXucqFfUY5TZ-HaO6lpm3l9ehyphenhyphen75yd0m8_ZzH308M86/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9PYpKWa1tOtN3liHyN-o2ocJmTn6AasIAbHSwQMKDpiiSTFB21LTjSYXqlI5VuYI82v7HkEtQxfRU92_adM8-dkuiDdZ8Ih0QUXucqFfUY5TZ-HaO6lpm3l9ehyphenhyphen75yd0m8_ZzH308M86/s320/IMG_0762.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{fresh vegetables}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThBu8xos7cX53NUdPv1y7opSEuA5lpv58oS5qpSteaEfxzRTj3Oqs_3Hp2Fv-_i95UBEgAlYWnwU6YGcl64onSZavhLlxHwauC7sBw_T9o68hpm0olq3eP934jlsQyFloCn1dHvra6T64/s1600/IMG_0764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThBu8xos7cX53NUdPv1y7opSEuA5lpv58oS5qpSteaEfxzRTj3Oqs_3Hp2Fv-_i95UBEgAlYWnwU6YGcl64onSZavhLlxHwauC7sBw_T9o68hpm0olq3eP934jlsQyFloCn1dHvra6T64/s320/IMG_0764.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{fine cheeses}</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
After I ventured around a little and explored each of the grocery sections, I decided to put my name in at one of the places to dine. Between the 6 different resteraunt options, I thought it would be much easier to be seated. Manzo, Eataly's most formal dining experience was the most crowded and unfortunately the next opening wasn't until 9pm (it was 6:45 at the time). Then I walked over to La Pizza & Pasta and put my name on the 45 minute wait list while I waited for my friends. Once they arrived, we headed over to La Piazza, where we sat at the bar area and caught up over a glass of wine and an appetizing assortment of traditional Italian cheeses and salumis. Finally it came time to sit down at the resteraunt where we indulged in a calzone filled with ricotta cheese, mozerella, tomato sauce, neopolitan salumi, parmigiano reggiano, and fresh basil. This was definitely a dish worth returning for. The food in combination with the incredible sights and smells of within what seemed like a "mini Italy" was picture perfect; I can't wait to come again and try the other resteraunts (especially the gelato)!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJife6appwvGUgWENKIM7FYFgtLstWOKqIQLE5qQ3oZqKE_NGncVHx_GtBLY9MgpW801LAUgshBO2mf4TQqe2lVvEVw_sDLZybXibr6RZfAbAcgJPMeJtFhyJ80NV4ZkGGbPIcN2j-47a/s1600/eataly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJife6appwvGUgWENKIM7FYFgtLstWOKqIQLE5qQ3oZqKE_NGncVHx_GtBLY9MgpW801LAUgshBO2mf4TQqe2lVvEVw_sDLZybXibr6RZfAbAcgJPMeJtFhyJ80NV4ZkGGbPIcN2j-47a/s400/eataly.jpg" t$="true" width="321" /></a></div>Stephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09509930644539693003noreply@blogger.com0