New York Don't Leave Me

New Online Boutique

2011-06-16T15:56:00.000-04:00

I just recently discovered a great online boutique at www.lonnys.com. This is a great site featuring some of my favorite designers including Alice and Olivia, Elizabeth and James, Free People, Halston Heritage, J Brand, Rebecca Minkoff and more!

Here are some looks I'm manically throwing in my imaginary shopping cart!!!

Alice and Olivia Georgina Fitted Dress, buy here

Elizabeth and James Jacques Shorts, buy here

Elizabeth and James Conrad Blazer, buy here

Olivia Harris Round Sack, buy here

J Brand Agnes Twill Pants, buy here

Green Envy Leather Bangles with Gold Detail, buy here

And what makes this boutique even better? They are now offering my readers 20% off their purchase if you use the code NYDONTLEAVEME at check out!!! I think some of these items will make it from my imaginary cart into my actual shopping cart!! And it looks like free shipping on your first order. Check it out!

Big Apple BBQ

2011-06-15T16:43:00.000-04:00

When it's mid-June, there's smoke and lines of people in Madison Square Park, it can only be one thing: The Big Apple BBQ Block Party! This is by far my favorite event in New York. I had been feeling really low lately, so what better way to eat my emotions than with ribs, pulled pork, sausage, brisket, fried pies and root beer floats from the best BBQ joints in the country.

There isn't a more welcoming sign than this!

With my friend Minksy. All Saints Top, Abercrombie Belt, DIY Seven For All Mankind Shorts, H&M Bag, Seychelles Boots

Brisket and Sausage from Salt Lick

Lines run down the block for some of these BBQ Greats

Our first over-eaters anonymous meeting

All Saints Top
DIY Seven For All Mankind Jean Shorts - Similar pair here
H&M Bag
Abercrombie and Fitch Belt
Seychelles Flat boots - Similar boots here

They will do anything to make sure we stay in Manhattan. We don't even need to travel for world-class Barbecue! I will be eating more feelings, likely in carb form, but I'm well on my way.

Sorry

2011-06-14T09:50:00.001-04:00

American Apparel Dress, Urban Outfitter Vest, Sportmax Belt, H&M Bag, Dolce Vita Wedges

American Apparel Dress
Urban Outfitter Vest
Sportmax Belt
H&M Bag,
Dolce Vita Wedges available here

This was an outfit from last week. No jokes, no puns, no creative titles. I want to take a moment to apologize for not posting as much as I usually do or as creatively. I've been going through a lot of personal issues and it's been just been hard to find my focus again. But I appreciate all of my readers and I promise to be back into it soon.

LWD - Little White Dress

2011-06-12T20:14:00.000-04:00

Every girl has a LBD, little black dress, but I love all the Little White Dresses we're seeing this summer. This LWD from Black Halo is so simple, classic and you gotta love a dress with pockets. I love offsetting the white with a couple of bold accessories.

Black Halo Dress, Vintage YSL Scarf, Esprit belt worn as cuff bracelet, Ash Wedges

White Dress + Wind + Possible Marilyn Monroe situation!

I love this vintage YSL scarf. I love the blooming flowers on the print, it's so perfect for spring!

Close up of Vintage YSL silk scarf

Close up of Esprit Skinny Belt worn as a cuff bracelet

I thought about wearing this belt instead of the black skinny belt with the dress, but I thought it was much more fun and unexpected as a cuff.

My Day Job

2011-06-10T11:49:00.000-04:00

So those of you who don't know, I have a day job as a graphic designer. I work on everything from logos, brochures, packaging, books, to web stuff. Some of my work actually gets made into t-shirts and I was so excited to see someone walking down the street wearing one of my designs the other day. Here are some graphics I've designed:

This is a Transformer shirt I designed. You can get it here or here. I was so excited when I saw someone wearing it, I had to stop them on the street!

And in the rare occasion where Star Trek and fashion collide, here are some Star Trek Tees, you can always wear it ironically LOL.

Love Boat Tee

CSI Tee

The rest of these Tees are available at teenormous.com. I get that these aren't exactly haute couture! But still fun to see some of my work in action! Plus they make fun gifts for nerdy boyfriends or brothers LOL. Nerd is so in! Just ask Michael Cera!

I thought it'd be fun to share some of my work and I suppose it's rewarding to know that the hours I spent in front of a computer has paid off in unnecessary merchandise! Also, I think it's nice to point out that the graphics you see are designed by real people! This is as close as I'll get to fashion design.

Having A Romp!

2011-06-09T11:01:00.000-04:00

Is it even possible to say "having a romp" without sounding like a British person? I have loved the whole romper trend since last year. It's such a girly, playful look that's easy and perfect for Summer. I love that rompers can be dressy or casual. Here are some great looks:

Lover Origami Romper available at Shopbop.com

Pins and Needles Voile Romper on sale at Urban Outfitters for $19.99

Silence & Noise Pleat Detail Romper available at Urban Outfitter

Lover Arabesque Romper available at shopbop.com

Blu Moon Strapless Ruffle Romper available at shopbop.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Button Front Romper available at shopbop.com

These pieces are so fun it's totally worth having to get semi-undressed just to use the restroom! I usually just try to control my beverage intake. So my tip: stay away from lite beers girls!

Sexy Sweaty

2011-06-08T10:38:00.000-04:00

If you've seen a Britney Spears music video, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I guess with the right lighting, wardrobe, and backup dance crew, sweaty can look super sexy. So I will pretend that this shoot was artificially created to simulate "sexy sweaty."

Or another explanation could just be that it got HOT here in a hurry and some times, I "glisten." (that's the lady-like way to say sweat). I guess a fan just wasn't in this blogger's budget.

All Saints Top, Pleasure Doing Business Skirt, Susan Farber Cross Body Bag, Free People Jewelry, Poetic License Heels

Where's my Albino Boa Constrictor?

Close up of Susan Farber Cross Body Bag and Free People Bracele

Open Casting call for Sexy Back up dancers! Call me!

Summer Whites

2011-06-06T10:23:00.000-04:00

Living in Manhattan, I often find myself defaulting to wearing all black so it's nice to take a break in the summers. I thought this look was a nice alternative to just throwing on a white dress. Rather than looking like I'm on my way to the country club, I paired a graphic tee with white shorts and a studded belt for a edgier look. The moccasins top this look off for a very Coachella/Boho vibe.

Talula Top, SportMax Belt, Abercrombie Shorts, DV Mocassins

Although I generally try to avoid music festivals mostly due to the fact that I'm not Port-O-Potty compatible, why not indulge in a little Coachella styling?

Let's get Nautical...Nautical

2011-06-04T11:59:00.000-04:00

I suppose Spring/Summer fashion is never complete without a nod to the Nautical. My theory is that we all wish we could be whisked away on a sailboat, cruising the French Riviera with someone named Jean-Luc. But since we can't, we might as well look the part.

AF Tee, Timo Weiland Skirt, F21 Necklace, H&M Bag, Dolce Vita Wedges, Vintage Sunglasses

Ahoy Matey!

Having a Haut Flash

2011-06-02T10:33:00.000-04:00

Steps at the Met...so Gossip Girl xoxo

Since I learned of the Alexander McQueen retrospective at the Met months ago, I had been dying to see it. Finally after opening for a few weeks, I was finally able to make the trip. After a 45 min wait, we were finally able to walk through the works of Alexander...the Great.

The exhibit was raw, haunting, severe and just beautiful. Perfectly titled, Savage Beauty captures the essence of the exhibit. I was moved by the beauty but furthermore impressed to learn that each collection represented something important to the artist. McQueen delivers his point of view about politics, heritage, life and beauty through his work and he makes you feel the emotions behind it. It's difficult not to be moved by his work, his passion for his work can be seen in every detail of every garment.

The entrance to the exhibit

The Met is one of my favorite places in NY

On the steps of the Met:

Custom Fedora, Costa Blanca Strapless Lace Dress, H&M Bag, Dolce Vita Sandals

Back Button Detail on Dress

Spending a day at the Met was the perfect summer day!

Bridge and Tunnel

2011-06-01T10:25:00.000-04:00

It's easy to go a long time without ever having to leave Manhattan. You can find anything you need at any time of day. This past weekend was the exception when I found myself heading to Staten Island on the bus with my friend Bex. We were attending our friend Danielle's surprise baby shower so over the river and through the tunnel, to Staten Island we go...

Found my motha-land in Staten Island

H&M Dress, H&M Bag, Armani Exchange Belt, Street Jewelry

Can you guess the gender of the baby?

Just some of the gifts

Pink Exploded

The party was a fairy tale theme so each table top has a pop up book as a center piece.

Alice in Wonderland Pop Up Book as our center piece

Bex, Ash, and BM (Baby Mama)

Bex and Dana

Me, Bex and BM!

So after the subway, a cab, and the bus, we found our way. No Snooki sighting but we had a great time celebrating with champagne and chinese food(perfect pairing).

Congrats to Danielle and Andrew. Can't wait to meet the little one who'd due to come on my birthday in August! I suppose I can share the day ;)

Civil Duty

2011-05-31T10:05:00.000-04:00

When you're taking time off work to head to city hall, it's generally bad news. Fortunately for me, I wasn't trying to take care of a mess of parking tickets. I was headed downtown to see my friends in a civil ceremony. And let me tell you my surprise to see a government building that was actually pleasant! And I was expecting the DMV.

Anthropologie Dress, H&M Scarf, American Apparel Bag, Dolce Vita Heels

So a group of us gathered in Tribeca to witness the civil union of Spanish Tool and her Fiance...and he's taking her name. I now pronounce you Mr. And Mrs. Tool.

Bride waiting patiently for a tardy Groom

Mr. and Mrs. Tool

I think they're having second thoughts...

The groom was late, the bride forgot her ID, and we had a blast. A mimosa brunch followed the ceremony and we headed to McSorley's for the after party all before 1pm. He may have taken her name, but she took on his Irish disposition for a pint...well, maybe we all did.

Feeling GRAPE

2011-05-29T09:18:00.000-04:00

I find that I still have a lot of associations from childhood and a huge one is associating color to flavor. When you see a green candy wrapper, you know it's going to be apple or lime. I put on this purple monochromatic outfit today and immediately felt Grape-y!

Patterson J. Kincaid Tank, Topshop Skirt, AF Blazer, Poetic License Heels, London Fog Bag

MMmmm now I'm in the mood for some candy.

Featured...

2011-05-29T09:12:00.002-04:00

So happy to be featured by Independent Fashion Bloggers agiain!

For the Love of Clothes

Edited by Fajr Muhammad at Stylish Thought
If fashion is one thing; it's fun! Whether fashion bloggers are chronicling their ensembles, spring cleaning their wardrobes or finding the perfect colored jean they are loving their clothes. In IFB we discuss fashion from so many angles we often forget the fancy of style and what keeps us blogging: our passion for fashion. This week's Links A La Mode features advice for the perfect poolside ensemble, a comprehensive Q & A on San Fran style and a walk down fashion's memory lane. At the heart of each post are the lovely clothes we wear and adore.

Links à la Mode: May 26th

Britt & Whit: San Francisco Fashion Bloggers Respond to Danielle Steel
By Anika: The art of not feeling threatened by the beauty of others
Fashion Limbo: The Rant- Slutty Fashion
Fashioned By Love: Weekend Sign-Off
For Those About to Shop: How YSL’s recycled bag reminded me of fashion irony
Girl Loves Color: Color My Denim
Give Me Bows: Friday Frocks
Independent Fashion Bloggers: Tips on Creating Beautiful Images
Made to Travel: Afia-The Perfect Pieces for Spring & Summer, Ethically Made
Mission Closet: The Perfect Fit
Mordrian: Start Shopping Wisely
New York Don't Leave Me: Going Native
Style Confessions: The Safari Jacket and The Sartorialist
Style Delights: 6 Ways To Spring-Clean Your Closet!
Style Sizzle: 5 essentials for poolside glamour
Stylish Thought: Closet Love: 6 Things I Love about my Wardrobe
The 1989 Soiree: Urinal or Campbell Soup
The Best of Bklyn: Bright Lights
The Citizen Rosebud: Outfit post: Momento Mori
The Escape Artiste: Picasso, Modernism, and Oscar de la renta
Those Graces: Women, Fear and Makeup

SPONSOR: Bags at Shopbop: CC Skye, Ash , Whiting & Davis, Halston Heritage, M Missoni, Tory Burch bags, Marc Jacobs, LAMB handbags, Wang, Malene Birger & Gryson

Fashionably Late

2011-05-27T13:39:00.000-04:00

Happy Friday! After rain, rain and more rain, spring finally decides to show up! I guess everything in NY shows up fashionably late. The city just wakes up when the weather warms up. I'm excited to charge up my solar panels with outdoor Happy Hours and Dining Al Fresco! Even walking to the store feels eventful when the weather is nice.

Patterson J. Kincaid Sophia Silk Tank Top, Banana Republic Skirt, Dolce Vita Shoes, Street Jewelry, Kenneth Cole Bag

I love wearing just a flowy tank and skirt. It's comfortable and feels so carefree! It's been a crazy week so I'm relieved it's finally Friday. What do you all have planned for Memorial Day Weekend?

StyleFixx Shopping Event

2011-05-26T10:07:00.000-04:00

The StyleFixx event was such a hit! Great shopping, cocktails and hanging out with some of my readers! We all had such a good time! Here are some pics from the event:

Walking the red carpet with some of my readers! Urban Oufitters Romper, H&M Blazer, Vintage necklace, Poetic License heels, Coach bag

Great selection of clothes from emerging designers

That's right! Dina Lohan was there!

Really cool pieces from emerging designers!

Complimentary hair and makeup sessions

Beautiful jewelry from KT Collection

BBC rummaging thru the Swag Bag

There were awesome beauty products as well

Me and my SWAG!

Kara Janx and daughter from Project Runway

Thank you StyleFixx for sponsoring NYDLM!! We had a blast!

April Showers Bring...

2011-05-25T09:38:00.000-04:00

So the old saying goes, "April showers bring May flowers." What they don't tell you is that's actually the abbreviated version. The original saying goes something like "April showers bring more showers in May until you're so depressed, you'll throw on floral prints just to see flowers at all." I'm sure I read that on Wikipedia or something.

Sigh, I'm pretty sure Spring is just an Urban Myth retailers invented so they can start selling Summer clothes in January. Here's my desperate cry for spring:

BB Dakota Cardigan, Taylor and Hyde Dress, AF Woven Belt, H&M Bag, Seychelles Boots

What you don't see is an umbrella that's become a permanent prosthetic piece attached to my right hand. Inspector Gadget wishes he thought of that, instead he's stuck with that phone that still use an antenna.

But I'll quit complaining. We have a lovely day off from rain today. Maybe spring has finally sprung! And for my readers who live in NY, I have 2 more slots for the Shopping and Cocktails Event. Shopping, Free Cocktails, and Swag bag?? Put your name and email address in the comments area. The first 2 people will get the spot! Happy Hump Day!

Giveaway: Shopping and Cocktails

2011-05-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

With Memorial Day and Summer right around the corner, I can't think of a better way to pre-party than a shopping party with cocktails. The lovely people at StyleFixx are sponsoring a Giveaway to 10 of my awesome readers to attend their huge Shopping Party this week!

The nightlife and shopping event is:
Wednesday and Thursday, May 25-26, 5-10pm

Over 55 cutting-edge designers and brands will feature the latest in Fashion, Beauty, and Accessories.

At this event, you can expect to:

• Meet Project Runway designer Kara Janx® and shop her Spring 2011 line!
• Sip complimentary DonQ Rum Cocktails, Stella Artois®.
• Enjoy complimentary hair treatments by Jose Eber®.
• Indulge in FREE makeovers by Award Winning Celebrity Makeup artist Eve Pearl!
• SCORE a famous StyleFixx Swag Bag, stuffed with goodies!

Since this event is in New York, this contest will only be available to my NY readers (I'll have other giveaways in the future! promise!)

Follow me on either Google Friend Finder, Facebook, or Bloglovin to be eligible.

The first 10 NY readers to leave a comment below with your email address will win a ticket! I can only give out 10 tickets so if you still want to go, or have friends who want to go, you can buy tickets for $30 at the StyleFixx website here. The swag bag alone is worth it!

Also! I plan on being there on Wednesday and will be tweeting from the event! Follow me on twitter and come say hello!

A Twist on a Classic

2011-05-23T10:07:00.000-04:00

Friday night I headed out for the classic date of dinner and a movie. The entire night was a twist on classics. We had a wonderful dinner at Yoba Sushi, which is a modern take on Sushi. The food was all made with an unexpected but delicious mix of ingredients. After a sushi dinner, we picked up Chocolate Bread Pudding (that has an option of Bacon Creme Sauce, if you're feeling adventurous) and a Goat Cheese Cheesecake from the infamous Dessert Truck and headed home for a movie. I see it as our version of the drive-in movie.

Alternative Top, Seneca Rising Tank, Diesel Skirt, Vintage YSL Scarf worn as wrist cuff, Poetic License Heels, Coach Bag

Similarly, I made a few twists on my outfit. Knotting the Alternative tee made it a more fitted silhouette. I also love wearing my vintage YSL silk scarf as a wrist cuff. It's another way to wear a silk scarf and add some color to my outfit.

The classics are great but sometimes it's more fun to incorporate your own touch!

Collect One in Every Color!

2011-05-21T13:32:00.000-04:00

I just came across these bags and they're so fun!! I love the colors! These La Pochette by Clare Vivier bags are perfect for going out! They remind of of children's toys, collect one in every color! I wish!

You can get them here!

Fashion Road-KILLING IT!

2011-05-20T08:28:00.000-04:00

My friend Manila Luzon from Rupaul's Drag Race had been invited to model in the Tulips & Pansies show this past Thursday that raises funds for Village Care of New York, a non-profit organization providing vital healthcare programs to people living with HIV/AIDS. He represented DKNY and had invited me along for his fitting. We met the wonderful stylists and PR representatives of DKNY and just had a really fun time. Here are pictures from the fitting at the DKNY Madison Avenue store:

Striking the classic "NYDLM" Pose!

Browsing through the spring collection

First look

Ms. Diva getting styled!

Having a little fun in the store!

Tada!!! Working the Final Look!

And the final Runway Look:

Very proud of my friend who KILLED IT!

Going Native

2011-05-19T08:21:00.000-04:00

Aside from all the colors and floral/fruit prints this season, we're also seeing a ton of tribal inspired prints. This global trend is bold and makes such a strong statement. I wanted to pair my tribal inspired heels with a batik dyed dress. Instead of color and print blocking...I'm tribal blocking!

Topshop Dress, AF Woven Belt, Urban Outfitter Vest, Banana Republic Trench, Dolce Vita heels

Detail shot

Close up of Dolce Vita heels...I ADORE THESE!

OD on Lace!

2011-05-18T08:27:00.000-04:00

Since this season seems to be about a lot of overdosing on decadence with color blocking and mixing prints, I thought I'd double the dosage on lace with this look. Side effects include: raised pinky whilst sipping tea, checking dust with white gloves, and covering my mouth when giggling.

Patricia Field Blazer, Sustainable Collective, Free People Shorts, Dolce Vita Booties, Coach Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses

The back detail on this top is gorgeous!

Close up of lace detail

Winner of Fashion Price is Right!

2011-05-17T08:15:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in my Fashion Price is Right Giveaway! Those of you who suspected this was a trick, you were right! This dress is from H&M. The price of the dress was $35!!! Isn't this an incredible deal??

H&M Dress, AF Belt, Ash Boots, Tarnish Bag

And the winner is: Alexa at www.alifeinthefashionlane.blogspot.com. Congrats Alexa! I will be emailing you shortly!!

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and thanks for reading! It realy means a lot to get feedback of all my readers.

Setting Sail

2011-05-16T08:30:00.000-04:00

Hope you all had a good weekend! This weekend I celebrated Swamp Thing's birthday with a surprise private sailing lesson on the Hudson River. Here are some pics:

NY Skyline

Me in a very chic vest!

Headed straight for the Statue of Liberty!

Keeping in theme, here are some cute Nautical inspired pieces I've found:

Topshop Nautical Stripe 50s Sun Dress

Aqua Long Sleeve Stripe Sweater

Madewell Linen Deck Shorts

Madewell Dip-dyed Tee

Ella Moss Stripe Drawstring Dress

And I want to wish Swamp Thing a happy birthday! Thanks for being an awesome BF and part-time photographer. Here's a pic of us, heading to his birthday dinner:

My boobs look fantastic in this dress!

Haha...Happy Monday!

And if you haven't checked out my giveaway, today is this last day! Enter here!