The VogueGasm

Everyday for the past month, my eyes light up when I take my steps by all of the newsstands on the streets of New York. Even when I pass by the bodega tucked in the bottom of the Queens Plaza station, my head turns in hopes that the new September issue of Vogue is sitting in the window...

I settled for "Lucky" or "In Style" but nothing says fall fashion like the enormously thick and yummy issue of Vogue.

As a young girl, my mother subscribed to Vogue. She got it in the mail every month for as long as I can remember.  The issue stocked full  of glamorous fashion stories from the makers of this fabulous industry sat on her sleek black desk until she took in with her to bed. She sat in bed with her black-framed Burberry glasses on and turned each page, folding down the pages with pictures of quilted lamb leather handbags, or chic, tailored tweed skirt suits. The air in her bedroom filled with the essence of fashion and perfume ads; these are images as a young girl I will never forget. My mother engraved a distinctly strong passion for this industry that lies within my heart forever. When I see the September issue of Vogue, it not only inspires my own sense of fashion, but also brings me back to that nostalgic, simple time in my life.

Well, today as I was going to the Duane Read on my way home from work to pick up some toothpaste, my eyes lit up with the same joy that lit in my mothers when she laid in her bed folding over those pages...

I like to call this look/feeling "The VogueGasm"... It happens every September and gives us hope for a whole next year.

As each leaf slowly starts to fall from the trees, and the weather gets a bit more chilly, I hope you have a VogueGasm of your own. Be inspired. And snuggle up in your bed and fold the pages....

A Night Full of Kristalls

Tucked away in the back of the Swarovski Crystallized specialty store in Soho, is a cafe that will leave you breathless (as if the thousands of crystals in the store don't do that on their own)...

I had the pleasure of being able to experience this cafe with the invitation to a private event last week. The cafe truly was amazing and something I think anyone who is hungry or thirsty in the middle of their shopping extravaganza downtown, must come across for themselves.

Cafe Krystall has only been open for two short months, but within that short amount of time, they have got a space that is extravagant down to the very tiniest detail. The cafe has everything from happy hour to Sunday brunch, all which offer a guest something extra special. At happy hour, you are delivered an array of specialty tea sandwiches prepared by the renowned chefs in the kitchen, and if tea sandwiches aren't really your fancy, there are plenty of small plates dishes that do anything but break the bank. Brunch will begin in about two weeks and will feature sparkling specialty cocktails and plenty of traditional savory favorites; making yet another chic place to visit with girlfriends on a Sunday afternoon and I couldn't think of a more fabulous place to do such a task.

The ambiance speaks for itself, detailed to the very last drop. As the crystals that are shining on the wallpaper surrounding the space entice you, and the giant chandeliers make you feel as though you are living a life of someone who makes a seven-digit salary; you will feel special and sophisticated here without having to spend as much as a celeb.

Not to mention the staff here was extraordinary as well. I have never been at an event and felt so much excitement and positive energy from the people who work at an establishment. All of the employees were eager to show us a tour and bring us down to their private space downstairs (available for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, etc.).

I highly recommend trying out Cafe Krystall during your next trip downtown to Soho. The cafe will leave your breathless, and feeling sophisticated all the way till your last sip of your sparkling champagne.






For more information about the amazing menu and location visit:

http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/cafe-kristall/

Cafe Kristall

70 Mercer St. (At Broome St.)

New York, NY 10012

(212) 274-1500

The Blackbird vs. the Bluebird

We all have style. I find that there is no such thing is not having style at all. Granted, the mom in the grocery store in your neighborhood is wearing sweatpants and Crocs; it's still her style. My style has always been a bit on the black side. Growing up in a la la land in southern California, I had an inner urge to rebel and embrace my naturally jet-black hair by wearing dark jeans with a black top, or even an LBD with black tights and black shoes. It wasn't long before I was known as "Wednesday Adams" amongst my friends. But that was the real me, and even if all my friends looked like they popped straight out of a Matel Barbie box, I guess I didn't mind flying solo in my own style sky...

Here in New York, I blend in quite a bit better. There are plenty of us with dark hair, wearing LBDs in the middle of the scorching summer. We seem to beat to the same style drum out here. It got me thinking this week, "Women are blackbirds or bluebirds flying in their own style skies"...

Blackbirds look forward to fall. When it is more socially acceptable to wear violet vintage lipstick paired with textured tights and an oversized lux knit sweater dress. Blackbirds (no matter how hard they try) incorporate black into almost every ensemble all year long. They long for colder days, and at the first sight of a leaf falling to ground, smirk slightly knowing its almost time to break out their black leather booties. Blackbirds fly in a fashion world that is utterly Coco Chanel; "Breakfast at Tiffany's; and simply chic.

Bluebirds on the other hand, love pink; love yellow; love all the colors of the rainbow. They have taken the neon trend to another dimension and are obsessed with anything that shines as bright as the sun. They fly in a style sky that is bright, spontaneous, and full of adventure. From top to bottom, they dress to brighten up their reflection in the mirror and just about anyone they see.


I would like to break this medium. I would like mutate these birds together and create a new breed of fashion. This past summer I have packed away the textured tights, packed away (most of) my LBDs and embraced the bluebird deep within. This does not mean I have shut everything black out of the wardrobe. Black is one of the most flattering and sophisticated colors in fashion. For example, for the office this week, I paired a hot pink knee-length skirt with a black peplum top and leopard belt. Finished the look with a pair of black booties and "vuah lah!" black/blue-mutation at its finest! I look forward to continuing the mutation into the fall. Where I would normally stick to all dark hues, I can't wait to incorporate my brights into next season's wardrobe.

I recommend you to embrace your inner bird. Whether its blue, black, or a bit of both. It's all about what your true style is; and making it YOU. Don't forget who you really are and always try and have fun. Whether its summer, spring, winter or fall. Endulge in a Rebecca Minkoff  hot pink MAC Crossbody and wear it into the next season. It's ok to fall off the norm of what you are totally bound to, and try to fly with a whole new flock.