My New Ad(d)ress(e)

I am currently being serenaded by the lyrical and sweet burst of sports-induced screams of my father and brother as they watch Philadelphia's NHL team, the Flyers, take a stab at winning the Stanley Cup. I'll just say that everything is quite tense in the apartment right now and I probably shouldn't make any sudden movements because we are losing by 2. (Update: my brother left after we were down by 3 in the third period...all is safe now)

While they bite their nails down to the cuticle, I will attempt to update y'alls on my life. Things have definitely changed around here, which is the source of my blogging hiatus. In the past month I have moved out of the house I grew up in on the Main Line to a fantastic apartment in Center City where the view into the Kimmel Center couldn't be better. I have also started to work full-time at a seriously amazing boutique chock-full of the designer clothes I drool over come fashion week on style.com (think Lanvin, Derek Lam, Nina Ricci...you get the idea). Here are some of the pieces in the store that I've had trouble parting with upon their sale:

photo: www.dluxelist.com/

This unreal Lanvin/Acne confection. It's the perfect collaborative piece. Not only does it beautifully display the super-feminine details and flattering cut Alber has down to a science, but the fabric is a fantastic light-weight denim which Acne rules at creating. Sigh.

Photo: Jerome C. Rousseau

My mouth begins to water when I walk in the store each morning to great the day...and these insane Jerome C. Rousseau pumps. They are surreal. People are quite terrified and confused when they pick these up, mainly because there are no ankle straps and there is a large metal toe barrier. You would thing these could qualify as the worlds most uncomfortable shoes, but that would be false. They are quite comfortable considering the front bit contains your toes and adds balance. So the fact that these are equally practical and gorgeous has me sold.

photo: www.style.com

I get it. Tie-dye is big for S/S '10, but after seeing so many of those Proenza long-sleeved tops on every celebrity and editor, I needed some refreshing. This Lela Rose frock may display the trendy technique, but I find it completely timeless. Lela's shapes are classic and made for the everyday woman. I'm bitter because this dress is now on sale, and....we just sold my size. Tear.
 
Within my first week of work, the store was ranked as one of the top ten places to shop for designer  apparel in the WORLD by USA Today. I'm surrounded by the creations I adore and able to work with really special clients, along with the greatest bosses (they are not aware that I write this blog, so I ain't no brown-noser). The store is the manifestation of all my shopping philosophies aka the focus is superb customer service and attention.

We (me, my co-worker, bosses) are completely aware of the prices in our store, but also completely aware of the talent and genius of the designers we carry. It is our job to make sure the customers can appreciate these clothes as much as we do, so educating them about the labels is key for their shopping experience. Supplying anything (drinks, ordering food, alterations, shipping, special orders) is standard along with making shopping fun and personal.

I could probably go on forever raving about my workplace, but I need to talk about food. With moving into a new place comes tons of take-out. Luckily, Philadelphia has awesome food. I'm completely overwhelmed at this point because I want to try everything, but also keep eating the fantastic dishes I've discovered over the past weeks. I'll start with my current obsession: Pumpkin.

My first taste of the South Street gem was a beet salad my mom brought home after a tired day at work. It was a no-frill salad, just the basic spring mix, beets, goat cheese, and onions, but oh my lord was it fresh and delicious.

Pumpkin prides itself in using locally grown and organic ingredients which truly transforms a basic dish a superb plate. I went to pick up a bite for dinner and decided I should check this place out for myself. This is not a one stop shop. There are 3 Pumpkins. Yes, that's right, there are 3 places to enjoy the flavors of Chef Ian Maroney within a block of each other. There is Pumpkin Market where you can pick up cottage cheese fresh from the farm or their house cured pickles. Pumpkin Cafe is where you will find (me drooling over) affordable and awesome plates ready to eat in the small seating area or grab them to take back to your table.

The other night I had a complete Spongebob moment with their Vegan Bean Burger at the Cafe.

You get the idea.

I haven't had the pleasure (yet!) to go to Pumpkin Restaurant, the trifecta's fancy cousin. This one changes its menu daily and can feature items such as Bluefin Tuna Crudo with avocado, pine nuts, and baby beets. The menu is more expensive, but I am sure it's completely worth it considering the amazing quality of the less expensive digs.

The staff is incredibly friendly and they trust their customers. For example, I ordered an iced coffee at the Cafe, but they didn't have any. I paid for it there and they suggested I run across the street to the Market and they would make it for me. I crossed 16th to the other side, and without asking any questions the guy behind the counter made me the beverage and didn't doubt for a moment that I was pulling some trick to get a free drink.

Before I pass out (long week of work + full day at the Roots Picnic= endless exhaustion), if you are in the Center City area on Wednesday, June 9th stop by 1706 Locust from 4-8 to check out the store (it's called Adresse) for our "What to Wear with White" event featuring jewelery from Egan Day Jewelery!

In the words of Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff: Summer Summer Summertime, Time to Sit Back and Unwind

After selling my college textbooks and getting back a measly $63, I am home and so ready to get this summer started.

I kicked off vacation with a weekend trip up to NYC with my mom. She was being taken by a furniture design company who put us up in a gorgeous room at the Bryant Park Hotel. We met up with my friend Chris for a fantastic lunch at Via Quadronno on the UES. If your stomach is in the market for delicious a panini and wonderful espresso go here. The space is cozy (if you have issues with basically sitting on a strangers lap in a booth, I guess this isn't your place). The flying pigs painted on the walls and the tiny tables with Pellagrino make you feel like you are anywhere but 73rd and Madison. 

Photo: ontheinside.info

I ordered "La Madunina" which was a panini with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, black olive paté, and fresh tomatoes. The prosciutto was the closest thing to the pure bliss I've tasted in Italy, along with the incredibly fresh melted mozzarella. I was worried that the paté might out-flavor everything, but it was perfectly distributed and was a wonderful complement to the other flavors. I wish I took a picture to show you the greatness of this panini, but here is a photo of another sandwich that captures what you are getting yourself into when you eat at Via. 

 photo: Via Quadronno

Before heading to the Met, we finished our meal with a Cappuccino. Unreal. My friend Charlotte can attest to my adoration for foam, let me just say this was the Pièce de résistance of foam.  

Later that day, I met up with my friend and fellow Art History major, Morgan, at the Park Avenue Armory for Christian Boltanski's No Man's Land exhibition. Prior to its New York arrival, the show was at the Grand Palais in Paris. Of course the connection I made was that Chanel has its shows at the Grand Palais and Marc Jacobs has his at the Armory. Boltanski's work deals with death, mortality, and memories. Some of his work displays massive collections of items. At the installation, there was a pile of 30 tons worth of clothing surrounded by a graveyard-like grid of clothing lit by sterile halogen tubes and a massive crane. In intervals of about 40 seconds, the crane would lower, pick up a claw-full of clothing, and let it drop back on the top.

In such a grand scale, the clothing could not be treated through single articles, but as one large unit. This brings up questions of why do we keep things and what importance or utility do items have after they are used or their owner is gone? The sheer volume of clothes effectively displayed the notion that the purpose of collecting and saving things can lose meaning or be forgotten. Why do we need material reminders of anything? Why can't we trust our ability to remember? 

As I pack up my house to move, I've been faced with many of these questions. I've come across too many math worksheets from 5th grade and untouched Beanie Babies. I forgot why I kept some projects from middle school, which obviously were important to me at the time. There is a struggle when deciding what to toss and what to keep. I might come across an item had meaning to me in youth, but now I wrack my brain trying to figure out why I need a brochure from Sesame Place. 

To distract myself from the insane amount of papers, toys, books, clothes, furniture, art projects--you get the idea--I've realized my beloved Rich & Skinny dark-wash skinny jeans are way past their expiration date. I have officially worn multiple holes into the pockets, the once ink wash appears more like a pair of faded Levi's, and they are paper thin. Mind you, I have worn them basically every single day since I purchased them in November 2008. Luckily, I didn't need to break out into a full blown quest for a great pair of skinny jeans. I'm ready to buy me some J Brand Petite Low-Rise Pencil Leg jeans. 

 photo: J Brand

I've always loved J Brand. I wore out my gray skinnies years ago and have rediscovered my Love Story flares. I love the way their jeans fit, definitely true to size and the perfect amount of stretch. The details are simple, no fancy pockets or stitching. These skinnies are great for me because I don't have to worry about a trip to the tailor or excessively rolling them up. I know these jeans aren't cheap, but to find a great pair of jeans that I know will last a long time and are well made is worth it. 

Many empty boxes await to be packed and a huge carton of strawberries in kitchen has my name on it. I'm out. 

The Opposite of Sun

Right now, and for the past 48 hours, it has been a monsoon. New England weather has a serious personality disorder. Within minutes it can be sunny and gorgeous and then a complete downpour. This does not accommodate my sartorial choices in any way.

Thank goodness my mom sent me my Barbour jacket, it has been a better investment than I originally thought. If you are contemplating buying a raincoat, I would highly suggest shelling out the dough for one of their jackets. Completely worth it.

To remind myself that good weather does exist, here are some pictures of the most perfect day I had over Spring Break. My friend Sophy and I spent the day walking around Center City, Philadelphia doing our best people watching and making friends with every sales associate we met. We had an incredible lunch at Parc, the French Steven Starr dig on Rittenhouse Square, and used it as an opportunity to speak as much french as possible aka confuse our waiter a lot.

It's hard to tell with the bare trees, but it was about 65 degrees and not a cloud in sight.

Sophy's Shrimp Salad with Lemon Beurre Blanc and Avacado.

I sort of have a thing for beets. Maybe it was my upbringing and exposure to Doug, but my friends can attest to my adoration for the root. My incredible Beet Salad with a generous piece of Roquefort, Arugula, and a light Citrus Vinagrette.

I can't wait to get my new Ferragamos! They are basically Ferragamo's answer to Keds. Here is a little preview:

Excuse me, but I have to go inhale some of my mother's famous chocolate chip Passover cookies.

Springz Breakz wuz phun, but so much werk now.

There is this little itch of guilt that starts to manifest itself in my stomach when a week goes by and I have no posted. Blogger somehow managed to recreate the feeling I get when I don't listen to my grandmother via the internet...congratulations internet.

There is SO much I want to write about, but the tidal wave of work that has amounted in the past week is not only nauseating but really freaking time consuming. I'm in the process of reading an article about Eva Hesse and Minimalism, which is interesting, but a little dry and hard for me to concentrate on when the following things are happening:

1. Summer concerts are being posted...goodbye paycheck. Snagged a ticket to the Roots Picnic (June 5 in Philly) and I think my friend got me one for Passion Pit(!).

2. I am watching 8 pairs of Ferragamos on ebay...already won a pair last night. It's usually around this time of year when I go on a Ferragmo binge and have zero regrets.

3. Carbs need to be eaten. Only 2 days until Passover!!!

 Here are some things you can do when you are waiting for my next post:
Listen to Danger Mouse and James Mercer's collab, Broken Bells (I actually just wrote 'Broken Bellz.' It has been a very long week.). If the O.C. was still on this would totally have been played in a beach montage scene (I promise you I have friends). Go listen to two of my faves "The Ghost Inside" and "Trap Doors"

Eat Trader Joes Vanilla Greek Yogurt. My friend Chris introduced me to this magical food. Fage always has a special place in my heart, but this yogurt I can eat without pouring gallons of honey into it. SO GOOD.

Also, Check out my friend Sam's awesome Tumblr: http://sameatsfood.tumblr.com/ He is probably the most enthusiastic eater I have ever met. If you use the word "succulent" on an everyday basis, you and Sam should probably be best friends.

When in the Empire State (of mind)

I really really don't want to do work...

My friend and fellow blogger, Megan, asked me to compile a list of stores for her to visit during her spring break trip to NYC. I figured that I wouldn't keep this list to myself and should share some of my favorites. I should probably preface this with the fact when I am in NYC I go for the vintage and small stores and stray from designer flagships, but there are definitely some worth visiting for design purposes. Here it goes:

So I sort of collect business cards...

For rare concert tees, suede vests, cutoffs and basically anything else you need to look like a complete rock-star head over to Star Struck. I got my favorite pair of Levi's cutoffs here, and for only $12 (I warn you that not everything is that cheap there). (Vintage)

Star Struck Vintage Clothing

47 Greenwich Ave

New York, Ny 10014

Small and fairly inexpensive, but be prepared to scour the racks. Don't overlook their $1.00 rack, I found a great blazer among the icky turtlenecks and oversized shirts. (Vintage)

Monk

175 MacDougal St.

New York, NY 10010

One of the best organized vintage stores I have been to. Fantastic assortment of Levi's in every color of the rainbow and any other item you could ever think of. My scores: 2 plaid flannels that fit like a dream. (Vintage)

Andy's Chee-Pees

16 W. 8th St (Also have a store @ 691 Broadway)

New York, NY 10010

Go here for the owner. She is wonderfully entertaining and has a huge wall of amazing shoes. (Vintage)

CobblesTones

314 East 9th Street

New York, NY

Screaming Mimi's was my introduction to the world of vintage in NYC, I got two of my favorite pieces from there in 8th grade and wear them to this day, so I might be a little biased, but definitely check it out. (Vintage)

Screaming Mimi's

382 Lafayette Street

New York, NY 10003

I warn you, the prices here are inflated, but its worth taking a peek for their line of clothes that incorporate vintage textiles. The staff has always been friendly and they generally have things on sale. (Vintage/New)

Zachary's Smile

9 Greenwich Avenue

New York, NY

For a small store with a concise selection of independent labels head to Duo. They also have some vintage, but I liked their modern clothes more. (Vintage/New)

Duo

337 East 9th Street

New York, NY 10003

Amazing selection of designer clothes on the cheap(er). Tokio 7 has a ton of last seasons must haves, I remember seeing a Proenza vest from S/S 08 I coveted, unfortunately I didn't have the funds.(Designer Consignment)

Tokio 7

64 East 7th Street

New York, NY 10003

Smaller than Tokio 7, but another fantastic designer consignment shop. Last time I was there I was thisclose to buying a shearling Miu Miu bomber jacket because the price was so damn good, but realized it had no place in my closet. (Designer Consignment)

INA

101 Thompson St

New York, NY

If you want cute and comfortable shoes at fairly affordable prices, it's worth the trip to the UWS to Tani. My friend Gabby introduced me, and I am forever in debt to her. I always find it hard to find sandals that wont make my arches fall yet don't look like orthopedic sneakers, but with brands like Corso Como, Jeffery Campbell, and F Troupe I always find myself drooling and without foot pain. (Shoes)

Tani

131 W. 73 Street or 2020 Broadway

New York, NY

When in NYC I want to shop at places where I can't get the clothes anywhere else, but I make an exception with A.P.C. I love the simplicity of these clothes and the layout of the store, the prices...not so much.(Designer)


A.P.C.

131 Mercer Street

New York, NY 10012

Go to Miu Miu. Shoes. Pink. Sequins. Pink. Dresses. Pink. Bags. I don't think I can really say much more. Its for the girly girl you might have forgotten. (Designer)

Miu Miu

100 Prince Street

New York, NY 10012

  
Don't bother looking for the prices, the clothes don't have tags, but to relive the SATC episode where Carrie buys Burger the shirt go here, oh and its architecturally amazing. (Designer)


Prada
575 Broadway
New York, NY

When you need to wind down and eat something, get a really good lunch at Westville. I love their mac & cheese. They also make a mean turkey burger. (Food)

Westville 

210 West 10th Street
New York, NY 10014

Awesome omlettes. (Food)

Elephant & Castle

68 Greenwich Avenue
New York, NY 10011

So New York is the land of cupcakes, but until this January I felt like Goldilocks. No matter where I went I couldn't find the perfect cupcake, but then there was Sweet Revenge. Perfect. Vanilla. Cupcake. (Food)

Sweet Revenge

62 Carmine Street
NYC, NY 10014

I love carbs. So usually after I've stuffed my face at Sweet Revenge, I head over to Amy's Breads for the best scones and muffins, or just get an entire loaf for myself. (Food)

Amy's Breads

250 Bleecker Street OR 75 9th Avenue
New York, NY





 

Please sir, may I have some more?

It's Sunday.
I have not been outside yet thanks to Leo Steinberg and John Cage.
I have not been outside yet AND it's 40 degrees, which is basically summer in Massachusetts.
To cope with this, I am doing a purely food related post.
Let the food porn commence.

Vegan Red Velvet Cupcakes

 Sesame Seed Encrusted Ahi Tuna Over Thai Noodle Salad

 Grilled Chicken with Homemade Rub 

 Panko and Pesto Encrusted Salmon (Uncooked)

Cooked.

Mushroom Risotto

Here are some awful cell-phone pictures of an absolutely incredible meal at Otto in NYC.

My friend Shauna and I thought we may have ordered too much, well we were wrong...we ate it all.

Shrimp and Chickpea Salad, Beets, and the best Black Olives I have ever encountered.

Shallot and Balsamic Pizza with Goat Cheese

Olive Oil, Salted Caramel, and Chocolate Gelato

All food featured in these photographs were captured and consumed by me.