another one of those infamous manic mondayz

After a stressful week of studying for those god damn midterms, I've returned to one of my favorite aspects of living in New York: fashion scouting.  On this gloomy but oddly humid morning, it seemed that almost everyone was in an especially big rush to reach their destination (possibly to receive the least-frizz damage).  The woman that I chose refused to look at the camera, because "like duh, it's a Monday..."

Love the hat. It's actual fur.

Hey, it's a cute dog-walking outfit.

oh by the way betch...

Hahaha.  This website had me laughing the entire time (because every post is sadly, actually true).  I don't know if I should be more embarrassed than lighthearted that I agreed with basically all then rules/standards of being a "betch," but hey, the more distractions from schoolwork the better right (?).  I definitely recommend replacing facebook with "betches love this site"for a few...minutes anyway.  

Betches Love This Site

everything was beautiful at the ballet: swan lake

Ah, the New York City Ballet.  For years, Lincoln Center has been home to this magical event--"graceful men lift lovely girls in white."  Tonight's showing of Swan Lake was none the less spectacular.  I was actually somewhat surprised by the modern-ness of the dance numbers though.  Of course, the ballet is a must-see event for every New Yorker; the feeling class and sophistication in the air is irreplaceable.  

Fountain outside of Lincoln Center.

Show time.

Small amount, but so versatile. 

Principal dancers.

manic mondays are baaack

Even though it's President's Day, katerina is not on a holiday.  Today's manic monday guest stars one of my best friends and fellow bloggers, Lindsay Kelbe!  Visit her blog at http://lindsayannrose.blogspot.com/

Adorable combination.

I love lace (and so does Lindsay!).

weekend excursion: if your a fly gyal get your nails done

Vada Spa. End of story.

I think that every college student should have a mandatory "spa" day.  Today, I went with a few of my classmates to Vada Spa on Waverly and 6th Avenue, for some relaxation treatment--sponsored by the cohort program at Stern (I only paid 7 dollars!).  No matter what, Vada Spa an inexpensive way to rejuvenate after a stressful week of work, whether it be with a manicure&pedicure, or an "out to lunch" facial.  

Waverly&6th

Cute little beauty salon.

Manicure Stations (they have an upstairs too!).

C/o Vadaspa.com

**Calling all you chic shoppers out there on a budget:  Urban is holding a 30% off sale price markdown until tomorrow, the 21st...be there!

weekend expose: east coast to west coast don't matter

Below is an article that I've written for NYU's own fashion magazine, NYChic.  I would love to hear some feedback!

New York:
It’s 5 o’clock. Between 42nd Street and Broadway, throngs of people are squishing and banging, elbowing and pushing, all for different reasons. Some are trying to get the best view of the towering buildings and flashing lights, while others are just attempting to make it to the subway station. Yet, the one facet that all of these people share, is their investment in color.
Color, colour, colouer—any way that you say it, this “shade of meaning” is, in simplest terms, a mode of expression. Our cheeks become saturated with a deep red hue as anger overcomes us. They also flush to a pale white when panic prevails. But, as you step into your closet where an everlasting palette surrounds you—it is you who chooses your expression for that day, that hour, that moment.
Interestingly enough, New Yorkers tend to choose similar color collections in the everyday. The New York motto, “Work Hard Play Hard,” literally translates into the fashion styles that evade the streets. Rarely does one see a burst of color so similar to the bright lights of Times Square in an average city walker’s wardrobe. More commonly, layers of black and gray (with a few tinges in between) cover the eternally rushing bodies of New Yorkers. That is why it is so captivating when pop! —A flash of color seeps into the crowded sidewalks.


Los Angeles:
White. Relaxed. Free. Seemingly, this city is the antithesis of the Type-A personalities that make up New York City. With the amount of palm trees that line the streets, some may wonder if they outnumber the buildings. Year round, Los Angeles residents stroll down the sidewalk unapologetically in their spring attire. Whereas in New York, high heels are the obvious shoe choice, here only gladiator sandals and low-cut boots are commonplace. Layers of airy, cream-colored skirts and floral printed dresses embellish those who saunter down Main Street—most likely with a bathing suit stashed in their oversized tote. Color? It isn’t even a question that crosses an LA-er’s mind—it’s a way of life.


Maybe it’s because of the clear azure that is unobstructed by the gray clouds flitting over the New York City skyline, or maybe it’s because of the mindset. But the contrasts in wardrobe selections are as widespread as the distance between the two cities. This doesn’t go to say that New York isn’t as vibrant or dynamic as it’s counterpart across the country, only more serious. Just remember, no matter what city your heart, or your body lies in, color allows you to choose.

the meteor men beg to differ judging by the hole in the satellite picture

Dresses? Jeans? Winter boots? Shorts? 

Everyone seems to be confused by the global warming effect.  Only last week, I was wearing two scarves, and walking through a snow flurry.  But today, I'm staring out into a sun-glinted sky, with my windows wide open.  What should we make of this? More importantly though, what to wear?

Walking down the street, everyday people seem just as confused as I am.  There are a variety of outfits that range from full-on winter gear, to an August sundress.  See for yourself:

Confusion.

They must think it's hot.

They're still stuck in winter.

In-between.

i wear my sunglasses at night (and when the sky is gray)

As I walked to class this morning, I couldn't help but notice that there were a large amount of people wearing sunglasses--even though the sun is no where in sight.  And it's still February, by the way.  So why do so many people put on their shades in such shady weather?

  Sunglasses actually play a major role in eye health, and they're useful especially when you don't realize that damage is being done (like in the winter, or cloudy days). Over time, UV rays can deteriorate the cornea, and even lead to cancers--now, that's serious stuff.  So before walking out the door, no matter what the weather, put those $200 glasses to use!

Looking official.

With boots, and a jacket.

Creepy stalker material.

just close my eyes and listen to marvin gaye

"you've got nowhere to go

nothing to do

so, let the weight slip off of your shoulders

and

let

go."

-matt blank, yoga vida instructor

m-m-m-manic mondays

First day of spring in February? Or are we New Yorkers just being taunted?  Maybe, St. Valentine worked some magic in the sky, allowing us to "feel the love" for just one day--free of scarves and gloves.  For some, even jackets.  I never realized though how much the weather actually plays into your mood, but with the sun shining and the birds chirping, Valentines day seems to be extra special.

Is this really February attire?!

Floral dress adds a spring-like element.

Love, as well as heat is in the air.

weekend expose/excursion: take me home, to the place i belong

Sometimes, we all need a break.  And New York City definitely doesn't help to lower stress levels.  So this weekend, I spent in relaxation mode back where I call home: Long Island, New York.  A completely opposite aura surrounds my "small town," one where all is quiet on a Saturday night, and on an afternoon jog, one can actually hear bird chirping.  Most importantly, it felt good to escape from the throngs of people that evade NYC sidewalks at all hours of the day--and unwind in my home, sweet home.

Home.  Still snow on the ground.

The quiet streets.

Ducks.

Puppy, Lily.

This couldn't be found anywhere in NYC.

The best journey always leads us home.

cause i got music and it makes me feel alright

Various forms of free entertainment are bountiful in New York City.  Different, yes, but the key words in this phrase are "entertainment" (and "free" of course).  Just keep your eyes, and ears open.

Piano in Washington Square.

Subway dancer.

these shoes rule. these shoes suck. shoes. shoes.

Boots. Oxfords. Even Nike 6.0s.  Everyone wears them--and in the winter they are especially diverse.  So today, I documented the different kinds of shoes I saw on my daily commute. 

scuffed, but they have character.

they could be riding boots, but they're too short.

neon nikes.

One of my favorite pairs of oxfords. ever. 

I rarely see a pair of boots that allow you to wear boot-cut jeans. perfect.

classic.

bright lights big city gone to my baby's head

Today might as well have been titled: Errand Day at Allure.  So, I decided to have a little "fun" while trekking throughout the boondocks of New York.  I slipped my camera into my jacket pocket before leaving the Closet, and took some pretty sweet Midtown style photos.  While walking/taking pictures I just wanted to post a sign on my head that read I AM NOT A TOURIST. I wasn't too embarrassed though, because the majority of Times Square venturers aren't New York City natives anyway. The real sign I should have posted was WALK PEOPLE.  Anyway, here are the pictures and timeline I compiled throughout my day.

1:22pm first errand of the day. only two blocks away, so I keep myself occupied by snapping photos.

1:45pm second errand in a row. What. The. Hell.

2pm sitting in Christian Louboutin.  smells really nice.  Foin Coupe.  surprised it was in the location that it was: next to $1.00 pizza and $3.00 lunch "restaurants."

2:12pm while waiting for the shoes, my phone rings for yet--another errand. this time, picking up fashion week invites at J. Mendel

2:24pm J.Mendel. a lot of pushing green buttons, signing in and out of rooms--all for one tiny invitation.

2:46pm finally arrive back at 4 times square.  last time I'll be outside until 8...I hope.

Hustle and bustle of New York.

They look super tall.

One of my favorite areas in New York.

As they say, the city that never sleeps.

mani(a)c mondays

J'aime les ensembles beaucoup. 

Today, my choice of chic New Yorkers were actually not from New York--originally.  I heard the girls speaking French as I approached them, but I figured we all need some European inspiration on this cloudy Monday afternoon.

The vivid colors stand out to any passer-by.

Her furry hood ads a New York touch.

weekend excursion: east coast to west coast don't matter

On just about every block in New York City, it seems that there is a place to get a decent meal of Pad Thai.  Last night, I took a friend to Galanga--a thai restaurant in the village.  It's dark, cool, mysterious vibe definitely enhanced their amazing food (and drinks).  My sweet&savory meal of pineapple vegetable fried rice took me back to the tastes of summer, and our pitcher of sangria definitely did not do its best to keep me grounded.  But for your next Saturday night dinner and drinks, book a reservation at Galanga: you might even be lucky enough to have Pookie Sexbomb as your server.  

149 W. 4th Street (212.228.4267)

Hip set-up.

The amazing sangria (order a pitcher!)

Enough said.

weekend expose: sometimes i feel like i live in grand central station

Every New Yorker has ventured onto the subway (who can beat $2.50 travel fare?).  And I'm sure that while waiting underground, your sexual attraction is not buried. I came across a brilliant article written by Refinery29's bloggers Kristian Laliberte and Peter Gelardi in which they unearth "NYC's Hottest Subway Routes."  So hurry up and read the rest of the article--maybe your morning commute will reveal your Valentines Day sweetheart.

And he stands out in a crowd.

Even wears his sunglasses underground.

Hipster.

There's an empty seat.

Photo Credit: Angela Pham of Refinery29

Read the entire article at: http://www.refinery29.com/nyc-hottest-subway-stops-missed-connections.php

i never lived the dreams of prom kings and drama queens

This afternoon was the first day of WYSE in the second semester.  During the Welcome Week, my suite-mates and I joined a club called Women and Youth Supporting Each other.  It is composed of about fifteen NYU attendees (all girls, of course) who travel to Park Slope, Brooklyn each Thursday to mentor middle school girls.  It has actually been an outlet for me to meet friends, as well as providing a source of knowledge and trust to some of those who need it most.  These girls are a bundle of spunk, let me tell you.  And by the way--today our session was about sex.

Park Slope, Brooklyn.

On our way to the middle school.

Four of our mentees.

Candid, or rather caught off-guard.

Angelique, Jeanette, Asia, Alicia.