5 Random Monday Thoughts

Let me just start by saying that I've been an absolutely terrible blogger recently! I apologize for my lack of posts and visiting. This semester has and will be the busiest I think I've ever been in my life so I have to make some cuts somewhere. With that said, I definitely won't be able to make daily posts. I'll try to as much as I can though!

• Fall weather is definitely ushering its way into NYC. I can't wait to get out all my sweaters :)
• My internship is underway....I think it's going to be a great fit!
• I'd like to look at life as my social calendar doesn't allow time for work or school even though we all know it's the other way around
• Housewarming parties may be my new favorite activity 
• Many if you followed NY fashion week, unfortunately this time around I didnt attend any shows to update you on. 

Fashion's Night Out New York

This past Thursday evening, crowds hit to the streets in New York and other major cities around the world in celebration of the 4th Fashion's Night Out (FNO).

Being my 3rd FNO in the city, I felt like a veteran this time around. It is important that you pick one area of town, and just stay in that area.....you cant see everything and everyone in one night! Sacrifices must be made.

Myself and a small group of friends decided to stick to the Meatpacking district once again. We also went there last year. We had an invitation to an Alexander McQueen party, so that was first one our list.

We sipped cocktails and mingled with a very good looking crowd. Drinks, music, and McQueen...what could be better?

The rest of the evening was unplanned. We just mingled around Meatpacking, making stops at DVF and SCOOP. We did, however, end our evening appropriately:

Champagne at the new Christian Louboutin Men's store. :)

Id say it was a good night!

Guest Post: Chic Fashion in the Hamptons

As summer came to a close for many of us this past weekend, weeks at the beach are no longer an option. Now, we look forward to the weekend and those 3 day getaways from the craziness of work and class. 

Alex of Alex's Jounreys put the following piece together on Hamptons fashion year round:

While summer comes to a close on the coastal summer getaways, the time to put away swim suits and sandals and trade them for the warm layered fashions we’ve been dreading at every BBQ event this season has arrived. Here in the Hamptons, the best spring and summer fashions remain casual but chic for fall. Unlike uptown styles, fashion here has a more relaxed feel. Nautical inspiration drives fashion in the Hamptons, even through the early fall, continuing to reflect the importance of the water in our lives and excursions here.

For those who enjoy Hamptons real estate during the summer and fall, daytime fashions for the season offer luxurious simplicity with natural fibers and straight-forward designs. Daytime styles include nautical-striped tops in short or long sleeves, perhaps paired with skinny jeans or modern cut chinos. For a step up in style, add a blazer and the combo works for a beachside luncheon or an evening out.

While enjoying your time in the Hamptons in the spring and summer, high-heeled sandals are an absolute must. Even the most casual outfits step up their formality when paired with the right shoes. Add a stack of nautical-themed bracelets to the right pair of heels, and suddenly cuffed chinos and a polo shirt evolve into evening dress.

Those wishing to mirror the floral colors and shapes of spring and summer in the Hamptons will also find plenty of vogue options. Fluid skirts in earthy or jewel tones paired with a matching knit top are perfect for breezy afternoons. Addition of a matching floppy hat and lightweight scarf, provides the perfect finishing touch to a beachy fall look.

Day or night, these fall fashions provide the ideal answer to what to wear this season in the Hamptons. Whether enjoying a beachside bash or a day on deck, these versatile fashions are sure to keep the wearer looking chic.

Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about fashion, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world.  She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere.  If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys.

Gramercy Tavern

Nestled just off of Park Avenue in the flatiron district is the Gramercy Tavern, a well known New York eatery. 

A friend and I recently caught up after 8 months of not seeing each other over lunch here. It was my first time dinning here as well as hers. The decor was very nice- a modern twist on American rustic. There were baskets of flowers and herbs all around, and large wrought iron chandeliers light the main dining area. We were lucky enough to score a table right in the front by the large windows overlooking the street.

We started off the meal with an orange champagne cocktail (pictured to the right). The restaurant has an "American" menu. I opted for the baked zitti with mushrooms and fresh tomatoes. It was only natural of us to finish the meal by sharing the raspberry ricotta cheesecake.

After reading reviews of the Gramercy Tavern, I now know why everyone was giving it 4.5/5 stars. The service was great, the food was delicious, and the atmosphere is quite nice. I will definitely be going back!