Stay tuned to this here blog for exciting updates about the move...trying to keep it together but admittedly slept with one eye open last night- the other one was too busy twitching from stress...XO
Hi, Monday- hope everyone had a brilliant holiday- it seems it was a frenzied weekend for shoppers as Black Friday seemed to play in to all those 2012 theories- was it the last one ever or what??? Not sure I understand using pepper spray to get into Walmart, but we've become a depraved society, especially when a deal on a flat screen is at play. Odd.
And since I've been so busy I haven't even checked out any of the cyber Monday dealios, but sure there's good stuff to be had too- I'm too busy packing and schlepping for such decadence. And because all of this moving has me slightly off kilter, I'm simply going to say that I have absolutely no idea how 7 years went by so fast- it was just yesterday that we rolled up in our old Volvo we bought on Prince Street from an aging mobster, only to be met by a major hurricane and a sense of wtf did we just do...the years went by and we did do some amazing things here- I'm kind of in denial we're going to miss Art Basel, but we will definitely come next year.
I have learned so much from being here- working at a place that challenged every notion of what it meant to do great work, pushed me beyond my expectations, and introduced me to some of the best people I have ever worked with. I learned to drive, I learned the difference between a cortadito and a con leche, and I made some friends in unexpected places- who ever thought the gym would ever become a bit of a mecca for me? (I've never been one to chat while working out...) Coming here was not easy, but I am thankful that David made me stick it out, to explore, to find out some new things about myself that I may not have found had I not done this (one of them is I can't live in hot weather year round as I get the vapors. It doesn't work for me. Another one is I don't wear bright colors on a regular enough basis to live here. And yet another is I am going to miss some palm trees, and some Miami style thunderstorms). And one other thing I learned is that you can't experience the bliss of being at peace with decisions or who you are if you don't experience some pain. That's just the way it works.
I guess the point of this post is to simply say- sometimes there are painful changes in life that happen, that break your heart, that are uncomfortable, that feel so outside of your comfort zone you can barely breathe. Miami was one of those places for me- but man, am I grateful for having been here- to push myself away from New York, only to have the privilege to go back and feel confident that it's the right place- though I am not sure of what is next for me careerwise, I'm crafting some ideas in my brain, and I'm excited, not scared. If you ever have doubts about pushing yourself or leaving something or maybe even someone who makes you feel "safe" but is not making you your best "you", get out there. Push yourself to experience new and uncharted waters- even when you feel like you can't come up for air. I am stoked to come back to an empire state of mind. Because although I've grown here and spent most of my 30s here, l'm going back to New York City, I do believe I've had enough...(thanks Bobby D. Love that lyric and have been waiting to say that forever).
So as we fly out of Miami and move on to more concrete pastures, I urge you to push yourself harder, to not be afraid, and to go on an adventure or at least give thanks for the very moment you find yourself in. Will update you soon on the move itself, and look forward to seeing loads of you back home real soon...cause that's what's up this should be packing but had to take a break kind of Monday in the MIA. All the love and go change the game. I have to pick a song to play as I see the New York skyline, welcoming me home in all of its loveliness and glory. I have no idea what I'm doing next but I am somehow good with it, as long as it involves going home. XO.
Good morning, Friday. Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving- mine was a lot of fun, with good friends and good food, without the shenanigans I have come to love when I go home for my very favorite holiday. So as I sit here comfortably with my pup, I can't help but be terrified of what's happening in the stores today- steering very clear, though online may be a different story...but happy Black Friday to you brave souls giving it a go out there...hope you score some great deals and restore some much needed consumer confidence, even though it seems vicious out there- is pepper spray the new big thing now? What is up with that? And though it is way out of control, the economy needs a big old boost, so hoping that retailers have a good season. They should have paid people extra to work on Thanksgiving, though...did they?
In other news, David is out selling my car. Perhaps you don't know this about me but I learned to drive in Miami. Yup, it's true. I grew up in Philadelphia, went for my driving test at the normal age, got super nervous in the car with the state trooper and couldn't start the damn thing, and never took the test again. My parents enabled this- I have not changed much since my teenaged years in the respect that when I say I don't want to do something, it's pretty tough to convince me otherwise. And my alpha level of commitment to never wanting to drive again had me moving to New York in a hurry after college- New York is heaven to driving phobics, because you can spend your entire life not having to get behind the wheel. And who among us does not like to be driven? I read an excellent book by Amy Fine Collins once on this subject called "The God of Driving"- she learned to drive way late in life and developed a real bond with her teacher- and if a diehard (and insanely chic) New Yorker like Ms. Collins could do it, so could I, right? Oy.
Cut to Miami- a place I moved for a great work opportunity, and the place where I was forced to confront my fears. I had a few driving teachers- one who would rather eat lunch with me than teach me to drive (strange) and one who I wanted to slap in the face for his dorked out personality. Neither of them helped me with my fear- I was a basket case when I started to drive, and it wasn't cute. I would dread driving around the block- but somehow, magically, I got over it. And now I'm wondering how I will live without my benign little V Dub, and also contemplating my post car life in New York. How will I deal with packages and such? Going to be a big change, and though you may take my car from me, you can't take my dreams- at some point in my life I will own a vintage Mercedes 280 or 450SL, because I must, like this one driven a deux by Mr. and Mrs. Hart in that classic TV show bearing their names (Hart to Hart). Classy. Have always coveted an old Mercedes convertible.
Now I'm still not one to like highway driving, and driving in crazy traffic definitely quickens my pulse. But guess what? Now I really dig driving- blasting my music and going to and fro. It's unreal to me that this has happened- and even crazier is that i actually had my own car- a sweet little 2009 Jetta that I came to adore. It was my first car, and at my age that is a bit of an oddity. As David drove away with it today, I felt all kinds of pangs and weirdness- moving back to New York is going to be great, but damn it- I am going to miss my car. Funny that. Oh and PS- we have two cars here so perhaps you're wondering why I did not follow him to Car Max today, hmm? Because even though I am now officially a driver, I'm not dealing with Black Friday traffic, not a chance. I'm not willing. Happy his friend is picking him up there...
So yea, maybe I'm not full fledged, but I get around, believe me. And now that saying goodbye to my 7 year stint in MIami, the thing I will miss most is not what you think- it ain't the weather, the ocean, or the palm trees. It's my car, which is something I never thought I would do (drive), say (my car), or learn to love. Life is funny like that, and that's what's up this carless Friday in the MIA. The clock is ticking...XO
Good morning, Wednesday, and happy,happy Thanksgiving to all of you getting an early start on your holiday travels, and many of you are shopping for gifts already as well.
It's funny that people are so pissed off that the holidays (Christmas) are coming early this year- I was just watching the Today Show and a woman was interviewed saying how pissed she was that "Christmas started during Halloween". And then there's theTarget employee who started a petition to "Save Thanksgiving", in an attempt to get the retailer to not open on one of the biggest family holidays of the year, and he made a point to mention that store employees are not as "vital" as police officers or firemen, therefore they should not have to work on the holiday. Over 200,000 people agreed with him and signed on the dotted line.
And then of course are the people who have been queued up for two weeks in front of Best Buy, occupying retail parking lots, if you will. I think it's awfully insane to do so, to get a couple hundred bucks off a TV, and my husband pointed out that it's probably more expensive to camp out than the discount itself. We also joked that we would ike to camp out in front of stores where it would be wildly inappropriate to do so- like in front of some random Hallmark card store (cards are not cheap these days) or in the parking lot of Bal Harbour, the fanciest of fancy pants malls in these parts- they would not take kindly to such behavior. I really can't imagine doing that anywhere- it seems so insane to me, but for some, it seems like part of the fun. Weird.
But bigger to me is that people are just so bloody mad at everything- are we really so temperamental nowadays that we're mad that the holidays are coming early? Or is it more the fact that we're mad at the brands that are pushing their early holiday agendas? Can you blame them, really? Unless you've been hiding under a rock, you know that the economy needs a confidence boost, and nothing boosts the self esteem of our fiscal situation than some healthy consumerism, so know that it's a necessary evil, and if the smell of pumpkin spice and cinnamon infused candles are already driving you nuts, just deal with it.
Of course I get the anger- things are super fucked right now and we all know it- but part of me gets swept up in the holiday season- and I for one am giving major thanks this year- we're finally moving home, I'm feeling lucky we get to do so and spend the holiday season in the best city in the world, I've got lovely friends and family and a new coat to wear. Personally, I'm pretty angry about stuff too- but I'm taking a day off from the hostility to watch the parade, eat some turkey, and most likely go online at midnight to see what I can find, cause you won't find me at Target (in store) at that time. That will simply piss me off.Though you do know how much I adore the Target lady, and the fact that they poke fun at the madness. I can't get enough of her.
So give thanks, despite your blood pressure rising at the thought of an extra few weeks of holiday music. And give thanks for what we all have- we've all forgotten that with all the mishegas of late. On this Thanksgiving, occupy happiness, at least for one day...all the love and wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving, in spite of everything else. And get seconds and eat dessert- live a little. XO
Good morning, Tuesday...staring at all the crap in my apartment and wondering how it will all get on a truck and go north. No idea.
Other than that, I wanted to share more thoughts from the work at home front- and talk to you about that most casual of footwear- sneakers. Sneakers and I have had a troubled past- many years ago while in college, a French boyfriend of mine told me sneakers were "only for ze gym" and that wearing them dans la rue was strictly off limits. Though my relationship with him went nowhere (he wore an ascot once and that was the end),I found myself heeding his unkind and critical words for the rest of my life, and only wore sneakers to work out. In secret, I yearned to wear them otherwise, jealous of all the fly girls that could make them look cute, knowing that I truly was not one of them. Somehow I felt like a clown wearing them to hang out- and I went the route of ballet flats in terms of comfortable and flat shoes. I never felt sexy in them either, more like a gym teacher who decided to go to clown college. But today is a different day.
As my life has taken on a more homeward bound direction, I've reconsidered. And I've bought a pair of sneakers- and I kind of live for them. And they are sexy, in that tough scrappy way I have come to adore. They're Ash, that Italian brand that makes overpriced kicks that look cool- mine are distressed and awesome and of the high top variety.
A few years back, I tried to rock a pair of Y3's and still felt weird. These new guys are fabulous and chic and just the right amount of cool to wear outside of the gym. And don't think I didn't notice on last year's trip to Paris the number of elegant French women in low top Converse, and Supergas. (MK and Ashley are now the creative directors of the latter, so should get interesting). And lately I've also been craving some old school Adidas shell toes, but still working my way up to those- thinking they could look very cute with short dresses, or skinny jeans. For those, I think you may need to be the modely type- tall and willowy and the ultimate study in streety goodness. I may fail on that front...
PS- I had kind of a crappy morning this am. You have no idea how much this blog is like therapy for me, so thanks for reading...warms my heart. Now go get some sneakers and get on with it...here is a link to the Ash site. You're welcome, most of you know them already but if you don't know, you better recognize, and they're doing that wedge thing too:
http://www.ashfootwearusa.com/
Good morning, Monday...inching ever so close to the move date...finally, you're all saying. Imagine how we feel...
So I'm a bit concerned about what this working from home thing is doing to my fashion sense and beauty habits. Though I have oft dreamed of happily working away from the privacy of my most beloved construct, it's not so easy on the chic factor. I'm not about to get fully dressed to be at home, nor am I turning out a well smoked eye, a tinted moisturizer, or a lip gloss for that matter. Yes, I suppose it's liberating to stick your hair in a ponytail and hang out in your most comfortable clothes all day, but it has me slightly vexed. I'm concerned that I've become stylistically challenged, lazy even. Help.
In the interest of full disclosure, I've worked in advertising the majority of my career, and we're not folks that dress for work. Especially working in Miami for the past 6 or so years, where dressing up for work is more a patent flip flop than it is a pump. I honestly can't recall the last time I had to really dress for work at all, unless costume parties count. (I'm guessing they don't). In any event, I still managed to put a look together, and sort of enjoyed coming up with what I would wear each day, even if it was just sort of thrown together, but be assured that I always at least had on mascara- and most of the time more than that. But lately I'm all about going au naturel, especially since I have an audience of one these days in the workplace- myself. It used to be that I would justify spendy purchases because I'd convince myself that that perfect pair of black pants or oversized leather tote would be "great for traveling", but now I find myself reaching for things that are more suited to coffee runs and quick hits to the grocery store. I actually caved and bought a pair of Lululemon leggings, warm and cozy and decidedly casual (who am I?). At least it ain't a pajama jean...
I'm going to have to pull it together in New York, I think, but I'm not planning on going super full time any time soon. I'm simply going to have to dry my hair, go out to lunch from time to time, and make a point of putting on some lipgloss when I go to get coffee during the afternoon slump. And when it comes to shopping for my move, thoughts of cute dresses and skirts give way to warm leggings and good tee shirts and sweaters- will I ever have it in me to dress again? I'm not sure, it's just one of the casualties of working from home, so somebody please invite me to lunch in the city so I can keep on my (stylish) toes. Speaking of toes, I am sure the pedicure will also go the way of work dressing- who needs pretty toes in the winter time anyway? (I'm pretty sure I do. After all these years in Miami, I get hives if I don't get a pedicure at least once a month, if not bi monthly). So yea, maybe moving New York will have me needy for friends, but not because I'm spending all of those hours alone at home- it's because I need my friends to get me into some real clothes and shoes, and a brush through my hair would be nice too. Cause that's what's up this workin' from home kind of Monday in the MIA. I'm contemplating putting on some nice ginger scented moisturizer I got from Origins last week, but that's probably as far as I'll go today. XO
Greetings, Friday...I am laying in bed with a bad cold but have every homeopathic remedy from Whole Foods available to me...so no doubt I will be on the mend soon...have a great weekend and stay well. And if you do get sick, you must get the new cool touch Kleenex, the equivalent of a cold pillow for your nose. Amazing...that's what's up this sniffly Friday in the MIA. XO
Good morning, Thursday...lots to do today- work and otherwise.
I wanted to share some thoughts on Miami with you- as I was talking to someone who lives here and loves it, I found myself ranting and railing against the city and then felt bad about it. I've been very unapologetic about why Miami is no bueno for me, but part of me is thinking I must be nuts.I mean, winter is coming and I have a whole season of radiator heat, dry skin, and cold toes to look forward to, not to mention a bevy of gray days. So what's up with leaving Miami for New York with winter about to start? Here's the deal.
I liken my dislike of this town to a complete lack of chemistry- much like a bad first date. True, the guy or girl may be gorgeous, with perfect teeth, great abs, and a great job, but it doesn't mean you have to like them, right?I have grappled with Miami in the same way- why don't I like you? You are very beautiful, very sexy, and above all, not too expensive to live in. And you are hot- literally and figuratively- all the time, so why do you leave me cold?
I'm chalking it up to a complete lack of oomph- my oxytocin just doesn't get wowed by you, and that's that. Maybe it's because I've always been the kind of girl who needs something deeper, more meaningful, and more soulful. And my soul has always been in the Northeast, and New York in particular- I love concrete, old buildings, and faces full of character. I love great food, diversity, and high style. I also like to walk. A lot. So even though Miami is perfect on the outside, it offers me not much more than a beach day. I know there's more here, I just never really got through the first date to find out (a 7 year first date ps).
I remember my dad coming down here when we first moved- we took my parents to the Biltmore in Coral Gables, an insanely lovely old hotel with a pool to die for (it is one of my favorite spots here). As we sipped mojitos, my dad, in typical my dad fashion, hit me on the back and said "WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?" Um, many things? He went on, "I DON'T UNDERSTAND YOU. YOU LIVED IN THAT FILTHY DIRTY CITY FOR YEARS AND NOW LOOK WHERE YOU ARE- HOW CAN YOU NOT LOVE THIS????" He did have a point, but I still was not buying. I left my heart in New York and for many years, New York was the one that got away, and I never really got over it. I distracted my pain with other lovers (work in particular), but nothing took the pain away. Thank G-d I had the wardrobe to mourn the loss- after years of New York living I could wear black every day, but in Miami people begin to suspect you are either high goth or a witch when you do that, yet another reason I can't live here. (Pink is not my color. Nor is anything bright). And I'm relieved to know that I'm not going through early menopause- it's just hot here all the time and I am always on the verge of a sweat. I know the winter can be a bitch in the New York, but man, I can't wait to be cold. I really can't. It suits my constitution much better, and makes me appreciate a trip to the Caribbean all the more. The heat here is simply not for me, bad for my constitution- I run hot.
On a side note, today I read a great piece on the Huffington Post about one man's love for Detroit- though I don't think he is from there he gives millions of reasons why Detroit pride is more important than ever- and having just been there I totally get it. I am a big believer in living somewhere that makes you want to stand up and shout about how much you love it.
So here I am, coming back after all these years, grateful I got to leave it to only to realize how much I need to go back to NYC. I have said here and to many that New York is a great love of my life, the only city that date after date, night after night, cab ride after cab ride, I still can't get enough of. I always felt so lucky to live there, and I'm excited to get back. And like all good lovers, New York offers many challenges, many situations to keep you on your toes, many moments where you want to tear your hair up. But it's all so worth it. So very worth it. And listen- Miami does it for many people- I have loads of friends who grew up here who will never leave- because they love the weather, the light, the sunshine, the sultriness, the Latin flavor. I wish I was one of them- my love would sure be easier and cheaper, but the heart wants what the heart wants and my heart will always be in New York, and that's just that. Now I must be going- but the big takeaway is this- home is home- I grew up in Philly but my life, as I know it and like it, really began in the 212- and it will always be home. Yay. I seriously can't wait...
And with that, I'm off. Two more weeks, kiddos. Two more weeks. Don't beat yourself up when you can't make it work with a lover/job/city that, although perfect on the outside, does not instill passion on the inside- we are all wired so differently, but our need for happiness is very much the same- it just takes different stuff to get there- it's all about chemistry...cause that's what's up this breaking up with hot and sexy Miami kind of Thursday in the 305. It's really not so hard to do. XO
I'm taking heat for the CB2 poster...I get it. Perhaps this is more at home in my closet?
Hello, Wednesday- good afternoon. Been at it in the movesphere and it's ON- November 30th is our move date and we're so not ready but luckily will have Turkey weekend to figure it all out- no trytophan comas for us. I wanted to share a funny tale and tell you why I'm one lucky girl.
So the other day, when my very own Mr. Big found our dream apartment for us, he mentioned that there is a space across the hall from us that could be rented as a home office. Naturally I loved the idea but turns out I like to work from my sofa and don't need to report to work anymore- even if it is only across the all. So we moved on without it, until I saw the apartment for myself.
I love the place- it's fabulous and cool and in a great neighborhood that has the right mix of Brooklyn soul. But here's the deal- the closet space. THE. CLOSET. SPACE.
It's not terrible, but it ain't great. I struggled to think of ways to make it work, but then began to think I may have to part with some of my wardrobe, which vexed me to no end. And then, like magic, the space across the hall seemed like the perfect solution- the answer to a fashionista's prayers. An enormous closet, complete with bathroom and ample space for all my crap. And David's too. So just like in the movie but maybe not on Park Avenue, my man gave me one of the best things a girl could ever ask for- closet space. It may not come with a view of the park, but I'm cool with that. I'm already thinking of how cute I can make it, though David has rejected the idea of pink walls. I am however, going ot make it the mack spot- and I'm purchasing this Jackie O. print from CB2 to start- Jackie can be the patron saint of my closet, even though I'm channeling Carrie more than Jackie but the cool stare of Jackie will help me choose wisely each day, I'm sure of it...
So yes, this may seem insane to you, but I honestly feel so relieved now- a gal needs a closet, whether you're more Carrie, Jackie, or anything in between. After all, it's New York. I need to dress accordingly...and that my luvs, is what's up with my Carrie Bradshaw moment in my post Sex and the City existence in my last two weeks in the MIA. Never underestimate the power of good closet space, or a man who understands your need for such things. Please come visit. XO