February 2010
January 2010
Man, I sure love me some plaid shirt action!
Honestly, my favorites are from Urban Outfitters. They have a great selection, decent quality and they aren’t crazy expensive.
If you are in the mood for spending a little more, both Intermix and Barneys has incredible Plaid Shirts (Loomstate, Vince or Theory).
You know what I am doing tonight?
I am jumping on an airplane and flying to New York!
Why?
To celebrate Baby Girl at Georgina’s baby shower!
I am just so excited to see my friend, fawn over her growing tummy and shower her with gifts… not to mention, I finally get to meet Jen (shower host) and a bunch of the ladies who have brightened up my dashboard over the past year!
I really really can’t wait.
(One more thing…I would be lying if I told you that I haven’t been thinking about my shower outfit since the moment I opened my invitation….because, um, I have. A party full of bloggers? Oh lord…think of all the cameras!)
They bring in a manicurist for us on Fridays!
God that is helpful…because let’s be honest, who really gets out of work early enough to make it to the salon for their pre-weekend mani/pedi?
Now I get to squeeze in a couple quick coats of “Lincoln Park After Dark” in between my 11:00 status call and 12:30 deck review!
New Job FTW.
Things have been terrible.
I have been sick and heartbroken and so so sad.
And now I don’t want to be sick or heartbroken or sad.
I am ready to be me again.
And Scene.
Aw, Julie!
If you read How We Met: Husb/Wife edition, you know that Simon and I met as kids. We then reconnected via email while living in separate corners of the country (I was in NYC living the dream).
I flew back to the Chi for our first date. He answered the door wearing a pink button-up shirt…sleeves cuffed. He was so handsome that I actually executed a behind-my-back fist pump. That was a wonderful moment…but not the moment I “knew.”
The knowing didn’t happen until our second date.
Date II happened a few weeks later. I was scheduled to come home for our annual Memorial Day family bash up at the lake. Somehow I convinced Simon that spending the weekend with 30+ of my family members was the best possible way to get to know each other. (God…he has always been a good sport).
The weekend was incredible. An extended second date for the ages.
And on that Sunday morning, my dad and I took a 13 mile run.
I spent every step of that run trying to figure out a way to tell papa how much I liked the boy waiting for me back at the house. But no matter how I phrased it in my mind, it just sounded so…cheesy. So I kept quiet. (Looking back…I am pretty sure I didn’t need to explain. Dad understood. Simon was the first and only man I ever “brought home.”)
On the final stretch of our long run, we sprinted up the driveway. I spotted Simon sitting on the terrace with a cup of coffee, chatting with mom, mimi & grandma. He was laughing. He was comfortable. He fit.
When he saw me approaching he jumped up and gave me a smile that was even bigger than his wave….
and I swear to you…
THAT is when I knew.
(Thank you to EVERYONE who asked this question! It’s a fun one to answer.)
((A Break…Not break-up!))
It’s just that I have been feeling rather quiet lately…so rather than trying to force a post, I am just going to give myself a little bit of a blogging break.
I’ll be back soon.
A few hours…
A few days…
Not sure.
Until then, xo.
Check it…
Social Miami ran a pic of mama and our smokin-hot, wicked-smaht friend Tony Japour.
(Mama you look beautiful and your arms are insane.)
Gucci Bags $99-$399.
Just thought you should know….
Sunday nights are my quiet time. The period and (two) space(s) before a new week begins.
My Sundays are typically spent at home in a well worn Northwestern tee with my husband, a plate of cookies and a basket full of laundry by my side.
Unless I am in South Beach.
Because in South Beach the celebration is ongoing and unending.
Social engagements have no regard for the day of the week, and invitations are extended without so much of a “will you come” but a “see you there” enthusiasm.
Nights out in Miami are sort of 2.0, in that friends-of-friends are embraced without question and greeted with kisses on both cheeks (Never one. Always two. )
It’s an international crowd. Real and Chic. “Style” is an interpretation…rather than a replication.
The drink of choice is Champagne and adjective of choice, Beautiful.
I suppose it is that social culture that got Grandma & Grandpa, Mom and I to strap on our party clothes at 11pm and headed to the new W on Ocean Drive to meet our friends for a night of celebration to raise money for Haitii. In a nightclub.
11pm? Charity Event? Nightclub? With the Grandparents? Really?
Of course….
And what a night it was!
Our eclectic group (composition: Magazine editors, Artists, Financiers, Fashionistas, Gallery owners, Inventors, Bloggers, Grandparents) took to the dance floor and partied into the early morning.
The event was a remarkable success….money raised and friends made.
And you know what, it WAS beautiful! So so beautiful.
Sunday nights are my quiet time. The period and (two) space(s) before a new week begins.
My Sundays are typically spent at home in a well worn Northwestern tee with my husband, a plate of cookies and a basket full of laundry by my side.
Unless I am in South Beach.
Because in South Beach the celebration is ongoing and unending.
Social engagements have no regard for the day of the week, and invitations are extended without so much of a “will you come” but a “see you there” enthusiasm.
Nights out in Miami are sort of 2.0, in that friends-of-friends are embraced without question and greeted with kisses on both cheeks (Never one. Always two. )
It’s an international crowd. Real and Chic. “Style” is an interpretation…rather than a replication.
The drink of choice is Champagne and adjective of choice, Beautiful.
I suppose it is that social culture that got Grandma & Grandpa, Mom and me to strap on our party clothes at 11pm and headed to the new W on Ocean Drive to meet our friends for a night of celebration to raise money for Haitii. In a nightclub.
11pm? Charity Event? Nightclub? With the Grandparents? Really?
Of course….
And what a night it was!
Our eclectic group (composition: Magazine editors, Artists, Financiers, Fashionistas, Gallery owners, Inventors, Bloggers, Grandparents) took to the dance floor and partied into the early morning.
The event was a remarkable success….money raised and friends made.
And you know what, it WAS beautiful! So so beautiful.
- Tommy: Can I ask you a question?
- Andera: Go ahead.
- Tommy: How long have you been going out with you boyfriend?
- Andera: Eight months.
- Tommy: And it's good?
- Andera: It's very good.
- Tommy: He makes you happy?
- Andera: Yeah. I look for that in a man you know. The ones that make me miserable don't seem to last.
- Tommy: Right.
- Andera: You know there are fours words I need to hear before I go to sleep. Four little words. "Good night sweet girl." That's all it takes. I'm easy, I know, but a guy who can muster up those four words is a guy I want to stay with.
- (-Beautiful Girls. My favorite movie)
((I heart Laney. So very much!))
Nope. I have never wanted to be an actress.
Here is the deal…I believe that God purposefully did not give me a modicum of performance talent. I fear that if I had even a cell of acting/singing skills, I would have spent every second of my life chasing the dream rather than getting to just enjoy the art.
As it is, I am acutely aware of my limitations which allows me to dedicate myself to serving my art in other ways. As a philanthropist. A dramaturg. and a very very enthusiastic audience member.
Plus, if I was ON stage…think about all the actors who would have missed out on the opportunity to perform for me… me, sitting on the edge of my chair, front row center with my eyes bigger than the Tony medallion, taking in and appreciating every aspect of their craft!
In some small way, I like to think I play an important role in every show I attend.
“4 SALE: BARELY-USED LATE NIGHT TALK SHOW – MAKE ME AN OFFER!!! (Universal Studios)”
Not THATright there is comedy gold.
London.
Oh how I love London!
The theatre, the preppiness, the omnipresent appreciation for Shakespeare, the history…and the people. Lovely folks, they are.
Tough question!
I guess I would have to start rebuilding with the basics. Classic, quality pieces that could get me around while I worked on procuring a brand new wardrobe.
- Accessory: Armand Diradorian Cashmere Scarf in Cafe. (Handmade in Nepal. Softer than air, more comforting than wine)
- Shoe: Jimmy Choo peeptoe black Snakeskin slingback.
- Top: White blouse from Prada. (both quality and fit are just divine)
- Dress: Sleeveless Black Fitted dress (I am thinking probably something like this Moschino Cheap and Chic number.)
- Coat: Armani Emporium Belted Swing Dress Coat (my very favorite piece I own. Present from my p’s when I moved to NY!)
I realize this list doesn’t necessarily leave me with a complete outfit…so let’s just pretend I was wearing my Skinny Ever jeans at the tme of this imaginary disappearing act. Ok?
Good.
There are days were I feel strong. or vibrant. or confident. or in-control. or awesome.
Today I feel none of those things.
Today I feel hurt.
That’s ok though. Tomorrow isn’t terribly far away.
Come on…being a half-pint is the bomb!
Nice people help us take groceries off high shelves, reach for books above our heads and lift luggage into airplane storage bins.
Another unavoidable reality of smallness is that if you want your clothes to fit you are going to have to develop an intimate relationship with a great tailor.
Every single thing I buy gets worked over by my life-long seamstress Connie before I attempt to introduce it to the world.
Great question Steph!
Here is my secret…
Surround yourself with people who fully understand the importance of taking taxi cabs, valeting your car or being dropped at the front door.
Oh, and invest in Foot Petals.