A New York State of Mind.

December 23, 2013

New York City, New York.

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It was below freezing outside the morning we headed to New York City.  We quickly packed our bags, grabbed an egg sandwich at Darwin’s (our favorite local sandwich shop) and prepared to make the trek from Eric’s house to the Harvard Square subway stop.  The night before, almost a foot of snow had dropped in on the city and while it had temporarily turned things into a beautiful winter wonderland of sorts, it made it a bit tough to get around the next day.  We allowed ourselves what would have usually been plenty of time to walk over, but carrying all of our luggage through the snowy streets (packing light is not a skill of mine) in our puffy winter clothes slowed us down a bit.  Soon realizing that the subway approach was no longer an option, we went for plan b and hopped in a cab.  Crawling along the traffic-lined roads, we began to worry as the clock ticked down closer and closer to our bus departure time.  Finally, with only five minutes until departure time and still a couple blocks away from South Station (where all the buses leave from Boston), we decided to get out of the cab in the middle of the street and make a run for it.  Basically, it consisted of Eric sprinting across traffic with both of our huge bags on his back (what a guy!), as I trotted at a much slower pace a few feet behind (oh hey New Year’s resolution #1: I need to insert more cardio into my workouts!)  After we sprinted up the escalators, we were relieved to find that weeee made it! We were even able to sit next to each other (and some other people) in the very last row of the bus, where we cozied up for the next SIX AND A HALF HOURS until alas they dropped us off on some busy street in the middle of NEW YORK CITY.

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While I have to admit, it certainly wasn’t the easiest ordeal getting there, as soon as we got off the bus, stepped out into busy streets and took in a big whiff of that cold, bustling, city air, I knew it was all worth it.  And because it takes quite a bit of time and energy for us to get there, we really try to make all of our time count while in the big city.  So vastly different than Los Angeles, it’s a ton of fun to go around and explore a new city as tourists.  We made the same trip last year around the holidays, and if you’re not in the spirit, I can almost bet, with full certainty, that a day in central park or Rockefeller Center will have you singing “falalala’s" in no time.  This year, we took some time to try out some new amazing restaurants, caught a beautiful view from the “Top of the Rock” and saw Once on Broadway! Certainly one of the best shows I can remember seeing in years, I just didn't want it to end.  

While the constant overflow of human traffic, noisy streets, and chaotic cab drivers can all be a bit much, I really find New York to be a breath of fresh air.  Everything is changing, everyone seems to be so alive and ready to seize the day- I guess it's official, I love New York. 

 

 

Highlights from NYC:

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  • SALA: Some of the most amazing tapas food I’ve ever had. Now I’ve never been to Spain, but I imagine this was what it should taste like. They have a dish with fried goat cheese, honey, and candied onions that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about. YUM!

  • ONCE: The beautiful songs that I grew to love from the movie are transformed in a breathtaking way, as this unconventional musical was able to affect me so profoundly, I found myself moved to tears.  The songs were brilliant. Each cast member was uniquely talented and the choreography, direction, and style were all remarkably unlike any performance I have ever seen.  I truly did not want it to end.  If you get the chance- you really should go check it out.
  • ROCKEFELLER CENTER: It’s always been exciting for me to see places that I grew up only knowing through images on T.V. I loved checking out this little hub of news and knowledge while getting my dose of holiday cheer watching the ice skaters and enjoy a hot chocolate in the cold. Isn’t it funny how we always imagine that things are going to be much larger in real life than they actually are? Maybe that’s just me.  Regardless- it was still an impressive place to check out!
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I wore this holiday dress to our date night out to the theater.  The weather warmed up a bit more and after the blistering temps earlier in the week- it felt great to be able to wear a dress and tights at night!  I like to call this look “Fifty Shades of Red”.  I paired my new red Forever21 purse with this adorably festive red and black polka-dot Qmack dress from Macy’s and topped it off with my new red Sephora lipstick.  Too much red? I’ll let you be the judge.  Around the holidays, and on a romantic night out to the theater, I figured it was the best time, if ever, to layer on the red.  I was also finally able to wear this gorgeous white stone cluster ring from Loopsway! I’ve been waiting for the perfect night to wear this glamerous piece and I am so excited to share it with you guys.  It’s classic and bold with a bit of a vintage flair and yet again, I love the affordability of the unique pieces from this collection.  If you haven’t checked out Loopsway yet- you must! 

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Ring c/o: Loopsway

Dress: Qmack/Macy's 

Booties: ALDO

Tights: Forever21

Lipstick: Sephora/Valentine 

Purse: Forever21

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Photos by: Eric Bromberg

Wedding Hangover

October 3, 2013

Cambridge, MA

Greeted after an exceptionally long and delusional redeye, with pumpkin-flavored scones, and hugs, I am truly baffled each time I arrive at Eric’s spacious Boston apartment.  How is it that it is four GUYS inhabit this miraculously clean and inviting space? I’m baffled.  But after a long trip, it’s been great to have such a welcoming space to look forward to.  Now anyone that knows Eric, even just a little bit, knows that he is clearly not responsible for the Martha Stuart living that is going on here, but nonetheless, I am loving it!

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That being said, I spent very little time at the Boston Man-escape and most all of it with a group of just plain fantastic women.   This past weekend was a whirlwind wedding extravaganza!  Yes, that’s really the only way I can describe it.  One of my dearest friends from childhood got married on one of the most glorious days of the year, in one of the most beautiful gowns I have ever seen, right in the heart of Boston, and I was able to celebrate with my entire family and close friends.  It was truly beautiful.  Cori, the stunning bride, thought of every detail:  from treating us all to a day at the spa, to teaching us how to learn a traditional Greek dance (her husband was Greek so there was lots of Greek dancing at this wedding) and I personally loved the tradition of the Greek crowns at the ceremony- might be stealing that!  It was jam-packed with fun.  The bridesmaids were hysterical.  We spent most of our downtime sipping mini- champagne bottles in between photos, attempting to do our best Jimmy Fallon #hashtag rants, and stealing one liners from Kristin Wiig in Bridesmaids.  What the heck could be better? Oh yeah, singing Miley Cyrus songs at the top of our lungs in the limo… that girl is all the rage right now!  All jokes aside, we had an absolute blast and I feel so lucky to have been able to share in such a beautiful day with Cori. It is not often that you hold on to friends as long as we’ve held on to each other.  When you find those friends- keep them close and hold on tight! Here’s to you Cori and many years of wedded bliss! #IwishIwasinHawaiiwithyou!

 

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This green pantsuit today is comfy, fun, and may I say a bit of a risk for me.  I felt like after days of partying- it was only appropriate to try something new and bold.  Perhaps it was all the champagne, perhaps it was the Greek dancing- either way… I love this color for fall.  In fact, I’ll go ahead and say it’s one of my favorite colors this season.  Pantsuits are certainly not easy to pull off, but I must say, they give you a sense of sassiness and confidence we all need from time to time.  Best part about this outfit?  The whole thing is under $100 so get inspired!

 

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Kelly’s Under $100 Look!

Jumpsuit: FOREVER21  $27.80

Booties: FOREVER21 $27.80

Belt: H&M  $12.95

Pink Kate Spade Ring: Nordstrom Rack $19.99

Alex & Ani Bracelets: Gifted from the Bride at the wedding!

Total cost: $88.54

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A Birthday in Beantown

September 12, 2013

Cambridge, MA

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I returned yesterday from a whirlwind visit to Boston and though the flights are a bit long, the jetlag a bit exhausting (especially when taking the redeye), and the New England weather a bit unpredictable, this short little getaway was well worth all of it.  I discovered that it’s possible to pack more into a weekend than I can pack into my purse-quite an amazing feat!  Not only was I able to enjoy the city I call home in its finest time of year, but I was also able to explore new restaurants, catch up with family at the beach, celebrate the first Patriots victory of the season with some locals, and spend the day with my boyfriend for his birthday.  It was truly a great time.  Now if only someone over there at MIT would hurry up and invent teleporting (I’m looking at you Eric), I could do it every weekend!

Most people who know me are aware that I associate Boston with being my home, but, truthfully, I grew up almost an hour outside of the prideful city, in a small town in New Hampshire.  Close enough, right?  That being said, while I’ve explored a great deal of Boston over the years, there are oh so many places that I still have yet to discover and this weekend was a perfect example of that.  In year two of Eric living in Cambridge, we’re finding incredible restaurants, coffee shops, and local taverns that while new to us, have all been sitting right under our noses this whole time. 

While he was in class, I spent some time walking through Harvard Square, admiring the large brick buildings and neighboring homes, while window shopping and spending some time in the Harvard Book Store.  When the weather is as lovely as it is in September, I could walk around for hours and so I did just that.  It’s a fascinating place, Boston, and though I’m sure I’m biased, I could visit a thousand times and still find it to be more thrilling than the last.

For Eric’s birthday, we had dinner at this delicious little spot called Bondir.  With a fresh menu that changes daily, a cozy ambiance, exquisite service, and delicious wine, it was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while.  It is one of those places where each ingredient is deeply appreciated and carefully selected by the chef and if you are in the mood to really enjoy every morsel, this restaurant is a must.  

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I chose to wear this black floral jumper, that looks like a dress, from Topshop for our cozy date night in the city.  It’s a perfect fall little number for a night out on the town.  I must admit, it was a bit outside of my usual budget, but for special occasions, you have to splurge a little.

 

New Finds in Cambridge:

  • Bondir- A quaint restaurant with a daily changing menu, and personalized service!
  • Casa B- Tapas at it’s finest! The cocktails are amazing and the incredible dishes are prepared in an open kitchen.
  • Sweet- Discovered some of the tastiest cupcakes in town here in Harvard Square.
  • Thirsty Scholar- Watched the Patriots game here and enjoyed great beer on tap and game-time appetizers- YUM!

I’ll definitely be frequenting all of these spots over the coming months!

Jumper: TOPSHOP

Black Booties: ALDO (Similar) 

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Photos by: Eric Bromberg