TRICK OR TREAT!

Because in my mind, no holiday is complete without a Snoopy card!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN READERS!

Here's hoping NYC warms up a bit as my costume is very, very small!

Have a fun, safe evening and a wonderful weekend.

Preppy Picks - The Lilly Pulitzer Jubilee Collection

In case you're living under a pink and green rock and don't already know, Lilly Pulitzer is celebrating her 50th anniversary next year! Some time ago, one of my favorite bloggers, The Preppy Princess, wrote about some of the special things Lilly is doing to celebrate. So as to not repeat what's already been said, I present you with the first of three limited edition Jubilee collections.




This Jubilee collection is comprised mostly of intricately designed dresses, with several tops and pairs of pants in the mix. While most Lilly prints tend to have her namesake hidden, these printed pieces have "Lilly's 50th" clearly scribbled about them. I pre-ordered the yellow dress on the right. I have the most amazing Stuart Weitzman crystal stilettos that will be absolute perfection with it.

This collection is set to arrive in stores mid-November. The prices range from about $200-$700.


(The above photo has absolutely nothing to do with Jubilee. I just love the outfit. If only there was a MIM underneath.)

What I want, you've got and it might be hard to handle...

My two favorite New York City activities are as follows, in no particular order:

1) Making new friends
2) Trying new things

Notice the common word. This is NEW York after all. I may be an old soul, but I did come to this city for a reason.

Number one is, more often than not, achieved through my sorority alumnae association. I am the VP of Membership and, let's face it, a total nerd. Few things in life make me happier than bringing sisters together. The dynamic we have in New York is quite unique. This is a huge metropolis, but it's not exactly the South. While mentioning what house I was in is sure to win people over down there, I don't usually get any sort of pull when I name drop here. One of my favorite responses so far has been, "But, you're not blonde!" I can't write my other favorite response. It's horribly un-Panhellenic.

I digress. The point is, we have an incredibly limitless network that I'm so thrilled to be a part of. It often connects these two favorite activities of mine. This past weekend was no exception. Earlier in the week, I had heard through the grapevine that a cool new lounge was opening and a fellow sister's PR firm was in charge. Seeing a great opportunity for my coveted combination, I RSVPed immediately. AEG and I made our way there around 11 on Friday evening. We were greeted at the door by said sister and let right in.

Citrine is located at 21st Street and 6th Avenue. While the entrance is on the ground floor, the actual venue is on an elevated level. The space is flanked with a beautiful bar and a bounty of banquettes surrounding the space. We purchased drinks while appreciating the club's tasteful tunes - almost all 80's! A JGIWC favorite.

I've mentioned before that I'm a big believer in signs. Well, not moments after we'd sipped the last drop of Ketel One, our favorite song, You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates, seeped out of the speakers. Seconds later, our sister came over to us and led us to the VIP section, where we were served gratis for the next hour or so.

Coincidence? I think not.

I can't say this enough: Only in New York. I love living here.

After Citrine, we headed to The Bar for what we thought would be a TYPICAL (check the glossary) Friday night. It was anything but. We somehow fell into a private party and the no-charge cocktails were flowing. You know what that means.

3 Pratesi sheets to the wind.

Three years ago...

...my parents were celebrating their twenty fifth wedding anniversary, my sister had her Bat Mitzvah, and I was gearing up to turn 21.

I keep thinking about how much things are changing. I suppose it's the writer in me, always so analytical, pensive, and oh, what's the female version of brooding? That's me. All the time. Is there even such a term? If not, I shall coin one and add it to the JGIWC Glossary. (Now featured on the right sidebar.)

I needed a good laugh last night so I sat on the couch and watched my sister's Bat Mitzvah DVD. I had managed to snag a copy just hours earlier at my family's standard Sunday dinner. It got me to thinking about all of the things that have happened in the past three years. I can't believe that my baby sister will turn 16 in ten days.

And then I looked down at my sorority t-shirt and argyle socks and realized that the more things change, the more they stay the same. I'm still me.

Three years ago, life was good. I thought I had it all figured out. I was wrong. I'm so glad.

Three months from now, I will be another year older and hopefully another year wiser. I have to wonder what life will be like then. I'm young, single, and fabulous. I can't help but smile. It's all happening.

I also can't help but look at the above photo and wonder about when I'll be in that chair again.

God willing.

Preppy Picks - Think Pink

I would be remiss if I let October pass us by without mentioning that it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is something that I have always been passionate about. I volunteer for Susan G. Komen whenever I can. It is a foundation I hope to become more involved with as time goes on.

It's easy to support Breast Cancer Research. First and foremost, you can make donations by going to websites such as the National Breast Cancer Research Foundation or Susan G. Komen for the Cure. However, there are many precious products out there that you can purchase knowing that a proceed of the profits will go to one of these worthy causes.

I found this through my dear friend, Preppy in the City. What preppy girl doesn't adore Tory Burch?

Purchase here. 10% of this limited edition product will benefit the BCRF.


I love this Carolee Circle of Hope BCA freshwater pearl bracelet with charms. A heartwarming twist on a classic.

Purchase here. 10% of sales go to BCRF.


My favorite make-up maven, Bobbi Brown, did a limited edition lipstick & gloss duo.

Purchase here. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the Pink Ribbon Collection will be donated to the BCRF.


Being the Florida girl I am, I sure do love a good Tervis Tumbler.

Purchase here. The website is run by a survivor and a portion of all proceeds is donated to breast cancer organizations.



Also, be sure to enter the Lacoste/BCRF Pink Croc contest. 10% of proceeds from Pink Collection sales will benefit BCRF through the month of October.


"Wear pink and make the boys wink." - Lilly Pulitzer

Hey there Upper East Siders...

From what I've gathered, most Gossip Girl fans haven't read all twelve books that the show is 'based' on like I have. When I watch the show with others, I constantly find myself saying, "This never happened!" or, much less often, "I remember this scene". Clearly, to translate a book series into a television series takes a lot of re-writing, especially for a series like this, that in writing is laced with four-letter words and excessive sex scenes. I know Rovzar and Pressler have the 'Reality Factor" under control over at NYMag, but to my knowledge, they've never compared the show to the books. Years ago, there was a rumor for a hot moment that Gossip Girl was going to be a movie. I knew I had to find a way play Blair. I mean, who could do her better than me? Leighton Meester, you've done me good. But no one else has. Here's why.

In the book, Blair is cutting, conniving, and classic. She underestimates her beauty and is misunderstood. She is a hopeless romantic and always pays attention to the small details, like hair bows and the perfect lingerie. I see a lot of myself in her, with the exception of the whole bitch thing.

In the show, Blair is all of these things and even preppier than this gal ever could have dreamed. Cheers, LM! It looks as though you are the only one who actually might have read the book.

As for the rest of them...

In the show, Serena is wildly beautiful. She's in love with Dan. I can't say much more. I find her boring.

In the book, Serena is etherial. She doesn't actually walk on ground; she floats. Her beauty causes men to faint. She's free-spirited. She's in love with everyone. Her and Dan date casually for about a week. She's anything but boring. (It should also be noted that I recently read that they are bringing a character on named Aaron Rose as her new love interest. In the book, Aaron is Blair's stepbrother whom she herself shared several incestuous moments with. This should be interesting.)

In the show, Nate is pretty. He's never happy and always pensive.

In the book, Nate is pretty. He's never happy or pensive. He is too baked out of his mind to feel any emotions at all. He lost his virginity to Serena in his parents' bed, not on a bar at some wedding. LAME-O. Now THAT would have been a scene.

In the show, Chuck is creepy, cunning, and sexy. He is, in my opinion, the best character on the show aside from Blair. I'm doubting he read any of the books but he has made the character all his own. And that wardrobe? HOT.

In the book, Chuck is creepy, cunning, and repulsive. He hits on every girl until none of them will have him. Blair Waldorf would not have given him the time of day. He then gets a monkey, carries it around Ross Geller style, and becomes either asexual or gay. It remains unclear.

In the show, Dan is adorable, intelligent, and funny. He is like Josh Schwartz's new Seth Cohen, minus the whole Waspy Jew thing. God, I miss The O.C.

In the book, Dan is anorexic, intellegent, and dry. He doesn't believe in washing machines. He subsists solely on coffee, cigarettes, and bad poetry.

In the show, Jenny is blonde, pretty, and a brat. She's a fifteen year old fashion designer who just dropped out of prep-school. RIGHT.

In the book, Jenny is brunette, unattractive, and shy. She's an abstract artist with one lesbian pal.

In the show, Vanessa is thin and frizzy. Likes to capture things on film.

In the book, Vanessa is fat and bald. Likes to capture things on film. Dear lord, those chapters were downright painful to get through.

In the show, Rufus is a hunky dad who used to be in a cool band.

In the book, Rufus is a washed up beatnik poet who doesn't believe in showering. Damn, they were one dirty family. And I mean dirty as in the opposite of clean.

In the show, Lily van der Woodsen is an ex-groupie who likes to get married. Still holds a flame for Rufus.

In the book, Lily van der Woodsen is actually married to Serena's biological father. Uppety as all get-out. Doesn't know what Brooklyn is or that people like Rufus even exist.

In the book, Erik van der Woodsen is Serena's hunky older brother who goes to Brown. Had a short affair with Blair.

In the show, Erik van der Woodsen was in the movie Spy Kids like ten years ago and has decided to forego a new hairstyle since. Younger and gay.

In the show, Eleanor Waldorf is a bitch.

In the book, Eleanor Waldorf is an idiot. Couldn't design anything to save her life.

Despite this, I am a fan of the show. It's fun, fashion, and follies. In my humble opinion, however, it can't compare to the written version. If you're searching for a fast, laugh out loud read, look no further.

I actually thought that this week's episodes was one of the better ones. Did you all catch Chuck Bass using one of favorite glossary words, Bromance? And Blair's reference to J. Sisters was dead on. Coolest place in NYC to get your wax on. I used to go there... until I discovered Bliss. And realized that I'm not that cool. And her ensemble in the last scene? Perfection.

I must admit that while I loved reading the books, being able to skip around the city in which it's all happening is pretty amazing.

Sound the trumpets, strumpets

I'll bet some of you long-time JGIWC readers are wondering how the Sass-a-Frass and I met?



Not surprisingly, it's a great tale. What is surprising is that we live to tell it.

Sassy pledged for our sorority a whole year after I did, so contrary to popular belief, we weren't instant friends. From a distance, she was the yappy blonde who always stood up at chapter meetings to voice her opinions. At first glance, we didn't appear to have much in common. If you would have told me five years ago that my best friend would end up being a conservative yellow-haired Catholic, I would have laughed in your face. Oh, irony! You get me every time. One fateful day, we were cast as two preppy, snobby sorority girls (essentially, ourselves) named Betty and Veronica in our sorority's production of "Revenge of the Nerds".



The rest is history.

Speaking of dressing up, Halloween is upon us. This is the one day of the year that girls are, by law, allowed to be scantily clad without being judged or snubbed. I have never taken advantage of this. Until now.

That's right, dear readers. Veronica and I are going to Hulaween, a charity costume ball that requires us to attend in costume.
$64,000 question... what will the dynamic duo be?

You'll just have to wait and see.

“It’s been a torrid love affair. I think it’s getting serious.”

I wish that I could take credit for the above statement, because I think it’s brilliant, but it was actually uttered by my best friend while we were sitting in The Volstead sipping Ketel One and soda this past Friday evening.

This weekend marked the one year anniversary of her coming to stay with me in New York City after I was all moved into my precious little Carrie Bradshaw-esque studio (which I am still happily residing in today). It was also the one year anniversary of her first time at Dorrian’s and the one year anniversary of first time she fell in love with this city. (The two just may be intertwined.) It’s a year later and she’s been living here for two months, yet it still doesn’t feel real. DCT.

It was also a celebration of sorts because it got me to thinking about how much can happen in a year. I had drinks with the lovely Preppy in the City on Friday and we got to talk about her wonderful boyfriend. It’s such a rare delight to talk to someone in a genuinely good relationship. Afterwards, I attended an engagement party for a darling girl I know through my father. The three of us sat in his office a few days ago and she told all about the proposal. I thanked her for reminding me that there are still great guys out there. When I greeted the groom-to-be, I congratulated him and asked him how he was. His response? “I’m thrilled! I’m ENGAGED!” It lit up my heart to see the two of them so happy.

To hear about one blissful couple and then to spend time with another just moments later… it was really good for me. I needed that. The reminder that it’s out there. It happens.

As for me... here's what I've learned. My experiences have caused me to grow up and gain new perspective, but no date or relationship can truly change me. I will always buy pretty lingerie for no reason. I will always write love letters. I will always believe that I can have the fairy tale. No guy can ever alter any of that because it is the very core of me, and I'm not willing to give up that hopelessly romantic part of my heart.

Have I met the MOMD yet? Maybe. Is he somewhere reading this very blog? Perhaps. I really don’t know. And that’s the beauty of it.

Indeed, it’s been a torrid love affair. Absolutely thrilling. And I do believe it just might be getting serious. I’ll keep you posted.

"I never repeat gossip, so listen carefully."

Before I run off for my Friday, I wanted to mention some exciting news...



(No, not that. That's not news!)

THE LILLY PULITZER RESORT COLLECTION IS IN!

To browse online, visit In the Pink Online.

To shop in store, stop by your local signature or retail store.

(Pssst... If you're in NYC, it's at 1020 Madison and I'll be there.) :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

XX
TAG

Dear NYC Nightlife, Step up the prep.

This isn't so much a Preppy Pick as it is a problem and a proposition.

Last January, a few girlfriends and I had drinks at a place called East Village Yacht Club. It was exactly how it sounds, sans water. Sailing trophies, striped banquettes, ship wheels... perfection. We were absolutely delighted with the experience and decided that we should celebrate my birthday (January 25, write it down) there a few weeks later. I called to try and make a reservation, but no one answered. That should have been my first clue.

Yet, when I tumbled out of a cab on the eve of my big day, I was rather stunned to see that EVYC was no more. The lights were off and the doors locked. The golden anchor that used to sit outside was nowhere to be seen. I stood in the middle of the street and cried until my wonderful friends dragged me to a nearby bar, fed me lots of vodka, and ensured that the DJ played Thriller (the TAG classic).

Come to find out that EVYC moved to Bowery. I walked by the so-called new address a few months ago. The lack of nautical flags gave me the impression that it didn't quite make it in that location either.

Fast-forward to last night. Had plans to meet my friend CJM at Country Club. The menu and ambiance sounded reminiscent of EVYC. There was hope.

I arrived at 248 W. 14 Street a bit early. There was no sign, so I peeked into the dim foyer. It certainly gave the impression of what I had imagined; the small room contained leather chairs, a secretary's desk and another set of double doors. I found it odd that no one seemed to be entering or exiting. A homeless man sat on the ground drinking out of a Subway plastic cup.

Hmmm. Not very preppy.

After a few more minutes of waiting for my pal and pondering the situation, I decided to go inside and check it out. As I pulled on the doors, my fears were confirmed. They were locked.

My first thought? NOT AGAIN!

First EVYC, now this? Apparently I have rotten luck with venues that end in the word "Club".

NYC readers, I need help. I love Dorrian's late night as much as the next cableknit clad broad, but a gal has to change it up every once in awhile. Is EVYC still in business? If so, where is it? (Their website says that they are located at 1st and 1st, which obviously hasn't been so for quite some time.) Has anyone actually been to this Country Club? And more importantly, where's a JGIWC to go when she's seeking a classic cocktail and some stimulating conversation?

Email me at jgiwc.tag@gmail.com if you have any suggestions and save this girl from an impending rut. :)

Glossary

(No doubt this will be changed and updated over time. Example sentences have been provided where necessary.)

Abbreve: The appropriate version of “abbreviating”. It’s who we are. It’s what we do.

AEG: The Woodstock to my Snoopy. My best friend.

BAH: This actually doesn’t stand for anything. When something is funny, most people say ‘Ha’. We say ‘BAH’. It just feels more natural. Should be used in either lowercase or caps depending on the level of hilarity. A continuation of ‘haha’ can be used as a suffix.

Basic: Abbreve version of Basically. Stating the obvious.

Bromance: Describes the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males. A non-sexual relationship between two men who are unusually close.

Chardo: Abbreve version of chardonnay… my favorite wine!
AEG: “All of my weekends seem to run together. It’s kind of sad. And they all have a common theme – chardo…”
TAG: “BAHAHA”

Cousins: Used as a term not to refer to relatives, but to identify two GLGs (see below) who bare a striking resemblance. Are they really related? Have they even met? We don’t know, but we sure hope to find out.
AEG: I saw you-know-who’s cousin today. He’s so dreamy!
TAG: Their similarities are uncanny. We should really introduce the two of them!

The Dipper: Typical guy at a bar who dips you while dancing, therefore leaving you under the impression that he is smooth. You soon realize that he is no such thing after rejecting his request for a last minute date and receiving dirty looks the next time you're both at The Bar.

DCT: Dream Come True.

GLG: Good Looking Guy OR Good Looking Group.

IEC: Intense Eye Contact.

JGIWC: Jewish Girl in Wasp's Clothing. Jewish by birth, Waspy by choice.

MIM: Mensch in Madras. A male version of me.

MOMD: Man Of My Dreams. Doesn’t have to be someone specific. Pertains to a GLG who has qualities you look for in a lad.
AEG: “Did you see that boy in critter shorts and Stubbs?”
TAG, fanning herself off: “MOMD.”

MOT: Member of the Tribe.

NJB: Nice Jewish Boy. Doesn’t necessarily have to be a MIM, but dear lord, we hope he is.

Obvi: Abbreve version of “Obviously”. Obvi!

Runaround Lou: My take on the Del Shannon song “Runaround Sue”. Refers to a guy who gets around.

TAG: My initials.

TCFC: Too Close for Comfort. Usually used while standing near someone at a bar whom you are apprehensive about interacting with.
TAG: Ugh. The Dipper just walked in.
AEG: TCFC.

THTH: Too Hot To Handle. Usually said while fanning oneself off in the presence of a GLG.

TS: True Story.

TYPICAL: The Webster definition of this stands true, but it is always said with vigor and must always be capitalized. The abbreve version is “typ” and can be written in lowercase.

VS: Vodka Soda.

WAH: It's kind of like BAH. Doesn't stand for anything and is used often. Marks adoration.

Keep away from Runaround Lou...

Here's my story, it's sad but true
It's about a guy that I once knew
He took my love and ran around
With every single girl in town...*

*Please don't google the above lyrics. I changed them slightly for post purposes. The original version is called Runaround Sue and is about a huss. The TAG version is about fighting the admittedly losing battle against the double standard.

This blog would be a hell of a lot funnier if I wrote explicitly about my dating experiences in New York City. I could yammer on about an Awkward Award-Winning date I went on, but I'm fairly sure the perpetrator is still a reader. I'm not looking to hurt any feelings or ruffle any feathers, so I keep most of these hilarities to myself and a few close friends. But, oh dear readers. The laughs we could share.

I digress and move on to the two points I present to you this week.


Exhibit A:


The above photo is of a board I keep over my desk, on which I post things that inspire me. (Please note the Peanuts comic strip of Snoopy writing the Great American Novel. Obvi.) These quotes are usually written the moment I hear them, which means lots of scrap paper and chicken scratch. My best friend said this last night. In case you can't read:

"...because you, not I, have decided to extend this interaction beyond the confines of these four walls of Dorrian's."

Brilliant, no?

GUYS: why ask for girls' numbers if you have no realistic intention of contact?

Is it that you believe that it is good manners? Because, actually, I feel it is quite the contrary. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having a lovely conversation and ending it with, "Nice to meet you". When you do the opposite, you're simply a Runaround Lou.


Exhibit B:

I have recently noticed a pattern in my dating life. In accordance with my above statement, I'll be general.

Several guys from my past have either: a) dated a girl shortly before meeting me and then promptly ending things with said girl to date me; or, b) unbeknownst to me until after our relationship ended, cheated on me with a girl and then realized that he really wanted to be with me, and sent said girl away.

It should be noted that to my knowledge, excluding yours truly, all of the above couples are back together today.

GIRLS: why are you taking back guys who were once so quick to dump you for another girl?

And when I felt suspicious and questioned my accusations, I was answered with, "I have no idea what you're talking about!" OR "I would never REALLY date her. She's so unattractive!"

How do you like that, gals? Runaround Lou and he's ALL yours.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I don't believe in third chances.

And that's why I'm single.

I'm down on my knees; I wanna take you there...

Apparently the atonement period lasted longer than I anticipated. I feel refreshed and ready to live '69 to the fullest... I have a feeling it's going to be a good year.

Shortly before our "Yom Kippur Dinner" on Wednesday dinner (the last meal before the fast, chock full of rich carbohydrates) my dad surprised my little sister and I with tickets to the Madonna concert. This was beyond thrilling for me. I am a Miami baby. Madonna used to own a house directly across the street from my great godparents in Vizcaya. I ran a lemonade stand mere yards away from her humble abode. I grew up idolizing the Immaculate Collection. Basically, I have waited my entire twenty three and half years of life for this.


I've never been big into concerts, because most of the people I would really want to see live - Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Simon & Garfunkel, and Michael Jackson, to name a few - aren't exactly touring anymore. While I was interning at Vogue magazine in the summer of 2004, Madonna did a show in NYC. Someone in my department came in the morning after wearing a souvenir tee. He said she opened with "Vogue". I remember being so sad that I missed out on such a metaphor - hearing the namesake being sung by the woman who immortalized the word.

Well, I finally got to hear Vogue live. It was worth the wait.


A few other favorite moments... "You Must Love Me" from Evita while playing the guitar. "4 Minutes" with a video version of JT. "I Love New York" with the audience.

Hands down, the best show I've ever seen. You can say what you want about the woman, but there is truly no one like her. The props, the graphics, the set-up... it was wild. I've never sat through anything like it. I felt transcended.

I must admit, I'm a bit heartbroken that she didn't sing my all-time favorite song. Oh well. I suppose "Material Girl" may have been considered inappropriate given the current state of our economy.

"Either I'm not a practicing Jew or else I've got to practice a little bit more." - Kinky Friedman

Dearest Readers,

I'm off atoning for my sins. Be back Friday.

With love,

TAG

P.S. Wishing an easy fast to all of my JGIWCs and MIMs.

P.P.S. I'm working on the glossary.

Hopeless bromantics

Among our revolutionizing lexicon and being the word glutton I am, my vocabulary is constantly changing and expanding. With phrases like "guyatus" (a hiatus from guys), "locationship" (a relationship based solely on proximity), and "lady business casual" (overdue for a wax)... (For more, buy this book...)

And as someone who is always abbreviating: GLG (Good Looking Guy OR Good Looking Group), DCT (Dream Come True), and THTH (Too Hot To Handle), just to name a few...

I think it's about time for a JGIWC glossary, don't you?

My current favorite? Bromance.

Urban Dictionary defines Bromance as the following:

Bromance: Noun. Describes the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males. A non-sexual relationship between two men that are unusually close.

It's no coincidence that Entourage is my favorite show and that I love spending time at bars like Dorrian's ("If the walls could talk, they'd probably slur their words...") where the Bromance is always in full swing. Bromance in action is far more fun then getting hit on by sleezeballs who don't know the value of a deep same-gender heterosexual relationship!



I can think of few things sexier than men who would choose dancing goofily with their pals over chatting up the local strumpets. I've done my research. I've hung around fools who spend their time with the same group of male friends and the Bromance was not flowing. Bromantics are easy to spot. They're often upper crust and very confident. They're comfortable enough to display public affection within these bonds.

If you're not on a guyatus, these are the only lads that are worth considering. Take it from someone who has spent her entire life hoping for a fairy tale. This might just be the next best thing. You may have to stick around longer because he'll likely be too busy with Heinekens and hugs to notice you at first, but it will be worth the wait. Bromance is the new romance. And if he's good at the former, chances are he'll drop the 'B' and get around to the latter.

It's up to you, New York, New York

I spoke to a friend today about living in New York City. I told her that I believe only you know what's best for you, and that moving to New York is the best thing I've ever done for myself. And then I paused and struck a pensive pose.

Really?

Don't get me wrong; I do plenty of nice things for myself. Usually these acts of kindness come in the form of Bliss Spa appointments and purple Bergdorf Goodman shopping bags. In the words of Coco Chanel, "Luxury must be comfortable. Otherwise, it is not luxury." I grew up with the notion that I should treat myself as often as possible. And that I do.

Sixteen months ago, I was living in Florida and I had no reason to stay. Graduation was upon me and I had to get out. It had been a long four years and I couldn't bare the thought of being away from my mother, father, and sister for another day. I put on my cap and gown, hugged my friends and my dog goodbye, and I got on a plane to New York. We decided as a family that I would come back up North. I never once viewed it as selfish or beneficial. I didn't think I was doing it for myself. I thought I was doing it for them or maybe for us but never just for ME. Most people I know in this city came here because they wanted change and opportunity even if it was irrational and life-altering. I came because it made sense. I didn't know what else to do.

Who knew that a mindless choice that didn't come along with an aesthetician or a Gucci bag would be the nicest thing I ever did for myself? I sure didn't.

Living in New York City can be tough. The pressures are never ending. It's big and easy to get lost in. I woke up on Friday morning and something inside of me FINALLY clicked. I stayed in bed for hours, just rolling around in my underpinnings and laughing incessantly. There were minutes in a row where I didn't even come up for air. I felt like me again. I found a little bit of myself in the infinite abyss.

I did this for me. I've gotten a lot of great presents in my day, but this is by far the best one I've ever given myself. Living in New York is better than any pair of Prada shoes. It's priceless. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it.

I'll figure it out. Every day is a challenge and I never quite know what's ahead of me. I'm starting to realize that I wouldn't have it any other way.

Besides, if I hadn't stopped to question my life, I might be tooling around Boca in a Lexus right now. Can you imagine?

I'm giving in...

...to the seven randoms tag.

Number One... I eat sushi with a fork and knife. I believe that this stems from bizarre eating patterns and body image issues I had in high school when I strived to be skinny. I have to be able to eat food in very small bites. Sadly, this need for consumption control has stayed with me. The only time I ever use chopsticks is on a first date. Now we all know that I'm a freak show, but I try to hide this from the guy for as long as possible.

Number Two... Most people know within moments of meeting me how my parents met. In case I haven't already mentioned it 72 times, it happened under a tree at the University of Miami. I grew up in a house in Coral Gables just minutes away from this very sprout. My parents came from two different worlds: my mother from a wealthy, Waspy New York family and my father, a Miami boy, from humble beginnings and a kosher home. When Louis Vuitton came out with the Speedy bag, Palm Beach was the only place in Florida that you could purchase one. My mom made my dad drive her there to get a monogrammed one. I now carry it around. In turn, mom bought my dad a Louis Vuitton tennis racket cover. They were married at the Pierre Hotel in New York City. I realize that this was like 17 random things, but I can't help it. My parents' marriage is everything to me. It gives me faith.

Number Three... I say, do, and experience a lot of things that I don't deem blog-appropriate. I like to keep this forum prim and proper. Unfortunately for most of you, this means you're missing out on a large chunk of my brilliance. If you ever need a good laugh, email me. I'll email you back a quote or a story that's fall-off-your-chair worthy. Promise.

Number Four... I was lavaliered my sophomore year of college. For those of you who aren't aware of this tradition, it is when a boy gives his girlfriend a charm that is a monogram of his fraternity letters. The charm is put on a chain and worn around your neck. It is said to be a promise to engagement. I had a candlelight ceremony at a sorority meeting to mark this milestone. The lights are dim and electric candles are passed around while the girls sing. No one except for the president knows who they are celebrating until the lavaliered (or engaged) girl gets ahold of the candle and turns it off. It was one of my favorite moments in college. The necklace itself was hideously boring. I wore it for about two weeks. As for the boy, we broke up two years ago. I have loved him from the moment I laid eyes on him and always will.

Number Five... I never, ever envisioned myself living here. I grew up visiting the city, staying at the Waldorf and taking ice skating lessons at Rock Center but I've never been die hard about New York the way so many people are. I moved here after graduating college to be geographically closer to my family, who currently live on Long Island. I didn't imagine myself falling in love with this place as I so have. I'm glad I was wrong.

Number Six... I grew up collecting teddy bears, hand bells, and Pez dispensers. My mother has a number of different collections and tried to instill this in me. My greatest collection is now my wardrobe. Each piece tells a story. My first job here had fantastic sample sales that were employee only. Every time we had one I'd leap from my desk and eagerly wait in line with my wallet. I could never convince any of pals to accompany me to the sales because they are a hot mess with clothes everywhere and lots of mandatory digging. Have I mentioned that I am a very patient person? Among my many finds were an Alberta Ferretti top, a Cynthia Vincent dress, and a sheer Tracy Reese number, all brand new with tags. I paid four dollars a piece.

Number Seven... I'm considering doing a question and answer segment, in which my lovely readers get to ask me questions to which I will provide candid yet thoughful answers. However, I think I probably already say too much and people probably don't want to know any more. What do you think?

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Preppy Picks - Boy Oh Boy

Preppy Picks used to be dedicated to featuring fun, new preppy products I found that I thought my readers might be interested in as well. However, due to the state of our economy, this is no longer as fun as it once was. Never one to ban a tradition, and being someone who believes that the words 'preppy' and 'classic' are synonymous, I discovered that there are lots of other things to discuss in this forum. Without further ado, my favorite male preppy Jewish TV characters.


I'm not going to lie. The sight of any good looking guy (GLG) in an ascot is almost too hot to handle. I could wax poetic on AG for days on end but I'll spare you all and instead let the next photo do the talking for me.




Not my favorite photo of him, but I love the outfit. I've been crushing on this boy since long before the O.C., but that sure sealed the deal. Did you hear that Josh Schwartz got married a few weeks ago? Another one bites the dust...



A boy who is both blonde and Jewish? Talk about a surefire way to get me to fall in love. He wore the most fantastically preppy outfits early on in 90210, but I couldn't find any good photo proof.



The classic. Re-runs of The Wonder Years got me through my family's move from Miami to Dallas when I was 13. I thought Kevin Arnold was the perfect guy.

I still do.

Karma. Pass it on.

Today is not only a new month; it's a new year. (I feel like I should be hungover.)

I always like to mark a fresh start and a clean state with an etiquette refresher. A lot has happened in my life lately that has left me both baffled and boggled. I sure hope you all won't mind if I beseech some basic niceties that have become increasingly important to me lately. (Reminder: These are merely suggestions!)

If you want to be friends with someone, make an effort. If they don't respond, make another effort. Sometimes the third time is NOT the charm.

If someone in your life has a big day coming up, make sure to contact them either the day before, on the actual day, or the day after. Let them know you care. Contacting them a few days afterward because you forgot is just plain hurtful.

If you know someone in your life is stressed, go out of your way to surprise them with something nice. Whether it be a card or cupcakes, show them that you're there and that you care.

If someone you know is having a 'make or break' moment, event or test, either wish them luck or let them know that you're thinking about them. For God's sake , DO NOT ask them about it. DO NOT bother them with phone calls and text messages asking how it went with excessive question marks. It shows that you care, but it's also insensitive. Let them come to you.

If someone gives you a present, write them a thank you note. If someone does something nice for you, write them a thank you note. If someone makes you smile, write a thank you note. Try to write at least one thank you note every day. (I prefer old-fashioned stationery, but I believe that anything involving the phrase works.)

Think twice before commenting on someone's blog. Put yourself in their shoes and try to read it through their eyes.

Don't do something kind solely for the purpose of hoping it will come back around to you. Do it because you want to.

Not a suggestion, just a thought... Proper protocol NEVER goes out of style.