April showers... BRING PREPPY PICKS!

As we inch ever closer to my favorite season, (first day of May tomorrow!) I thought I'd share a few fun things I've picked up lately.



Marc by Marc Jacobs tote
I have been a big fan of MJ's for years. I'm lucky to own several pairs of shoes and a beautiful bag from his collection. I've also been fortunate enough to get my hands on some of his apparel. While not always my style, his whimsical items are innovative and kitschy. Plus, he is Baby Fashionista's FAVORITE designer!

My dad bought me this bag last weekend. He said that I need to 'step out'. We decided that the sailor hat she's wearing gives it a preppy edge. It's lightweight with key interior pockets. It will make a great everyday bag this summer.



Rachel Perry Lip Lover
Speaking of Marc Jacobs, I am carrying another MBMJ bag today and found my Rachel Perry Lip Lover in there. What a relief! I love the girl on the sticker and this has SPF 15. My flavor of choice is Grape Juice.



J. Crew Pietra jeweled capri sandals
You've likely discovered via blog and Twitter updates that I am a huge fan of the Crew footwear. I received my quarterly gift card this week and decided to treat myself while my 25% off everything card was still valid. Combine those two with 25% off all full-priced sandals, and these babies were practically free.


I'm off to begin my impossibly busy weekend, but at least I have all of the above to help get me through it. Have a preppy Thursday!

Spring Fling

Though you wouldn't know it here in New York (90 degrees yesterday, 60 degrees today) the flowers have bloomed and the season of renewal and rejuvenation has arrived. I've made some positive changes in my life in the past few weeks and wanted to take a moment to share them with all of you!

1. Wear sunscreen. EVERY DAY.
It sounds simple enough and this shouldn't be a recent change but alas, I'm trying! Some of you longtime readers will remember that I had sunpoisoning last summer. That was by far the most awful thing I have ever done to myself. I can still see the scars on my legs and they are a constant reminder to be sun-safe. My choice is the Clinique Sun SPF 25 Body Spray. I also use Clinique Sun SPF 45 Targeted Protection Stick for ears, face, etc. Perfect to throw in an everyday bag.

2. Keep a food diary.
It really does help to write down everything you intake. Did it stop me from having both a vanilla latte and a pecan butterscotch bar yesterday? No, but seeing those both written down is sure to make me think twice today.

3. Fill a piggy bank!
A good friend complained to me yesterday that it's tough to save money (especially in this economy, ESPECIALLY while living in this city). True. I've had a large ceramic piggy bank since I moved here almost two years ago, but I didn't truly start usuing it until recently. I now make sure to put money in my piggy at least once a week. Whether it's $50 or some coins that I found in the bottom of my closet during my wardrobe switch, it is far more visually satisfying to see my money being contained somewhere rather than move a bunch of numbers around on an online account. (Also, my bank has an opening wide enough for me to take money out if necessary. No need to 'break the bank!' Wah-wah.)

4. Buy fresh flowers.

I recently read a study that says if you wake up to fresh flowers, you tend to be happier. Since I'm a terrible sleeper, I'll try anything once. My boyfriend bought me the above tulips for our 3 month anniversary. He put them on my nighttable before tucking me into bed and heading home. I woke up the next morning feeling incredibly calm and decided that this needs to become a permanent 'arrangement' (wah-wah! I'm just full of them today). I have always admired women who consistently have fresh flowers in their home, so why not become one of them?

(P.S. Do you see that dead, wilted thing leaning on the bouquet? That's the rose he gave me for Valentines Day. I know it's disgusting, but I can't bare to throw it away. What can I say? I'm a sentimental gal.)

And in the years after...

I was waiting in line at Starbucks to get my vanilla latte (tall, iced, decaf, skim, extra shots of vanilla) this morning when I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Something reminded me of sorority rush all over again. I'm not sure whether it was the heat in the air that felt reminiscent of August in Florida, people huddled in a coffee shop trying to stay cool, calm, and collected, or my desire to have a cold beverage in hand when I entered my next destination.

Nevertheless, it was nice to remember for a moment. Because I know I'll never forget the way I felt when we all rushed from the main room to the foyer, got into position for the potential new members to enter, and were prompted to be absolutely silent until the doors opened. I took those few precious seconds of quiet to breathe a sigh of relief. That door was so symbolic, it separated us from them in every which way and I was just grateful to be on the inside of it.

I think the biggest and best lesson I have learned in this past year has to be that you can only be a true friend to someone if you know how to be happy for them. I have seen this in both myself and others. I have recognized that I feel disappointed when good things happen to bad people. I can never truly be their friend because I see them in a new light and I am unable to feel happiness for their successes, even if accidental. On the contrary, I have seen people scoff at my good fortunes, and I realize that they were probably never really my friend in the first place.

I'm far wiser now than I was then. And I'm still ever thankful to be on the inside of the door.

Say "I do" to J. Crew

I attended a wedding trunk show at J. Crew this past Saturday. A near and dear friend of mine is planning on tying the knot soon and asked me to accompany her to see the collection. I gladly accepted the invitation.

Prior to this event, I've only seen these dresses online and in store windows. Here are photos of me in our two favorite bridesmaid dresses out of the selection they provided.


Terrible photo of me (next time I attend one of these things, someone please remind me to wear makeup) but the dress is absolutely striking. I wasn't used to how fitted the bodice was throughout and felt a bit self-conscious in it.



We loved this dress, and we knew we would. It's simple but makes a statement. I noticed that their formal dresses are not as high cut on the sides as most are. This made for a very comfortable and more flattering try-on experience.



We had a third, and perhaps most, favorite dress. Unfortunately, I was unable to try it on. It's the silver one on the right. We imagined it in this color...



And you're probably wondering the origin of this post title...

(Hard to read, but it's across the top of the pad.)


I'm so glad I was able to attend this fabulous event. It was classy, elegant, and inventive. And I would expect nothing less from J. Crew.

AND THE WINNER IS...

(Courtesy of Random.org)

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1
Max: 50
Result: 8

CONGRATULATIONS TO LULA MAE OF MOON RIVER AND ME!

Please email me your address so that I can mail these to you! Thanks for playing everyone!

Wishes for a wonderful weekend!

Thursday wouldn't be Thursday...

...WITHOUT PREPPY PICKS!


I have happy feet today. They are nestled inside of my brand new J. Crew Marjorie metallic-leather ballet flats. J. Crew says, "As far as we're concerned, it's always ballet season," and I couldn't agree more. These are priced perfectly at $98, and I only paid $73.50 because of my 25% off card through the month of April.




My boyfriend picked me up in a cab last night and as I climbed in, a look of disbelief quickly spread across my face. His head had been shaven almost to the scalp. I should preface this by saying that I LOVE his hair. Or, I did when he actually HAD SOME.

"What did you do?" I asked in horror.
He looked down. "I know. I'm sorry."

It was like the Dionne and Murray scene straight out of Clueless. I couldn't stop staring at him and shaking my head. He kept arguing 'But I asked for a number 4' which prompted me to scream 'WHERE'D YOU GET YOUR HAIR CUT?! MCDONALDS?!'

Oh well. Perhaps I will purchase him this cute Brooks Brothers Country Club Seersucker Baseball Hat in the meantime.




Speaking of baseball... As the season gets underway, I find myself wishing for the Vineyard Vines New York Mets tie. Or rather, that they used this fantastic fabric to make something suitable for women. Maybe boyfriend can wear the hat to the next game we attend...


Have a Preppy Thursday!

Yom Chuledet Sameach, Earth!

I am a firm believer that every little bit helps. We can all reduce our carbon footprint while still being perfectly preppy. So, in honor of Earth Day, a selection of products to keep our consciences clear and our clothing coordinated:


Vera Bradley made a "Green Piece" shopper tote in honor of Earth Day. I may just have to get my hands on this. I'm loving the infusion of several prints, including my personal favorite, Night Owl.



I bought this Tory Burch Nylon Foldable Tote last summer in the Hamptons. I find it a bit too small for groceries, but is great when shopping for small items or foldable clothing. It folds up into a patent-leather square the size of a wallet with the emblem on it. Best of all, it's on sale!


(I carry a large tote with me nearly every day and will not take paper or plastic bags for anything that will easily fit inside like breakfast, lunch, and small items.)




I'm a big fan of Mrs. Meyers Clean Day products. They are all Earth-friendly and biodegradable. I recently switched from Tide to their Baby Blossom laundry detergent. Call me a convert, 'cause I ain't goin' back. This is usually reserved for infants but is a welcome change to my ultra-sensitive skin. The website has free shipping on all orders today in honor of Earth Day.


Happy Earth Day, readers! Don't forget to turn off the water while you're brushing your teeth and to open the blinds for natural light.

What's in JGIWC's medicine cabinet?

Several of you suggested I write about beauty products. It's almost as though you have ESP because I plan on doing a product review within the next week or so, but this gives me the perfect excuse to write about products in general, which I've been wanting to do for quite some time now. I thought a fun way to start would be to answer the age old question... what's in your medicine cabinet?



TOP ROW, L TO R:

Fresh Sugar Lemon Body Lotion. Lemon is my favorite scent. I think Fresh makes the best products. I also use the coordinating perfume.

Mario Badescu Summer Shine Body Lotion. Great over a tan.

Certain Dri antipersperants. Keeps me fresh!

Cutex nail polish remover. Normally I would purchase a more specific brand, but this is from a nail emergency in crunch time.

Burt's Bees Mama Bee baby oil. I shave my legs with oil in the summer. I bought this one by accident - I really wanted the apricot.


MIDDLE ROW, L TO R:

Bliss Fabulous Foaming face wash. I go to Bliss Spa and trust their products. I wash my face only at night as my skin is very dry. This has a light exfoliant in it and smells like blueberries. I love it.

Bliss Best of Skintentions moisturizer. Sweetly scented and lightweight with an SPF. I apply this before my makeup.

Victoria's Secret Love Spell body mist. I know, it's so high school, but I just can't help it. I still love this scent.

Almay moisturizing eye makeup remover pads. Old faithful. I've been using this for years and I can't imagine ever using another product in place of this. It's great for my sensitive eyes and the oil is nice on my skin.

Lather Spa Honey Moisture Mask. I use this at night in the hashest of winter conditions. I apply a light layer and sleep in it. No need to rinse off in the morning.

Later Spa Sweet Almond Exfoliating Creme. I use this right before an airbrush tan.

Frederic Fekkai Shea Butter hair mask. I don't use this nearly as often as I should. It's kind of a pain. It's applied post shower and needs to be washed out 20 minutes later. The results are worth it though. I use a number of FF products and love them all.


BOTTOM ROW, L TO R:

Lather Spa Cucumber & Ginseng Facial Mist. I usually use this after I wash my face at night, but it can be used intermittenly during the day. My dad does a lot of traveling and collects the small Lather products that are distributed on overseas flights. I have several of this product in a miniature size and like to stash it in my makeup bag. Very refreshing.

Radius toothbrushes. These remind me of my childhood. My parents always used to use Radius toothbrushes and I had the children-sized one. They used to be a bit pricey and hard to find, but recently I've found that they have become much more accessible.

Supersmile toothpaste. I received this in a Super Saturday gift bag a few years ago and have been using it ever since. It's a bit pricier than most conventional toothpastes, but well worth it.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. Works wonders on blemishes.

Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm. I apply this in lieu of foundation (with a foundation brush). It's cooling and smells like salty sunscreen.


This was fun! If you all enjoyed this, perhaps my next segment will be, "What's inside of JGIWC's Kate Spade Makeup bag"?

A weekend in clothing

Because Spring has sprung. Finally!

Friday was the first day, to me, that really felt like Spring. And I mean everything: my attitude, my outfit, the weather. I pulled on a light pink Vineyard Vines short-sleeved sweeter, straight leg Gap jeans, gold J. Crew ballet flats, a VV Classic Tote, and my Lilly Paley sunglasses. That night I wore a pretty indigo Theory dress with my washed ruffle-collar J. Crew jacket. I'm fairly certain this was the first time my boyfriend has ever seen my legs. In the words of CJM, "LOOK MA, NO TIGHTS!"

Saturday was again lovely and warm, and I celebrated it by wearing my favorite color: YELLOW! I wore a flowy J. Crew sleeveless dress and an architectural-esque necklace also from the Crew. Saturday night, I wore yet another J. Crew necklace (this time long and all gold) with a swingy black Theory dress and an oldie-but-goodie: my lightweight black biker-style Marc Jacobs jacket. I met Miss PITC for dinner at Sweetiepie, which was an absolute delight.

CJM and I and our beaus had a lovely double date later on in the evening (or shall I say morning?) for Midnight Brunch at Bubby's.


Isn't she looking lovely in her Calypso dress? I hardly needed more food, but who can resist something so New York?

Also. As we were taking that photo, LUDACRIS was sitting a mere few feet away from our table. Who says I don't see celebs?


Our dish of mac 'n cheese, waffles, and jalapeno fries.

Sunday, I walked into my macho man's room to see a gift bag waiting for me on his desk. MY VERY OWN DWYANE WADE JERSEY! I recently discovered that I need computer/reading glasses, so I received those today as well. Here's a photo encompassing both things:


Dorky, no?

The weather outside was a bit cooler yesterday than one would like after the two previous days. I donned J. Crew from my head to my toes, including my new silk tie-neck tank. I shopped at Lilly and picked up a few things, including this beautiful Hillview halter that my mom picked out for me. Afterward, we stopped in the J. Crew Collection store. A friend of mine works there and it was lovely to see her. On my way out, she handed me a small silver box and said, "This is a gift for you." Inside was this...


A beautiful bracelet!

What a kind and thoughtful gesture! I look forward to pairing this with my Kate Spade Sea Island earrings.

We wrapped up the weekend with a decadent dinner at Blue Smoke. I do believe they make my favorite mac n' cheese in NYC. A bold statement indeed!

The weather is a bit icky today compared to the past few days, but I'm hopeful. My widget tells me that warmer days are ahead. I look forward to greeting them with new clothes and a big smile.

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

A promise is a promise... GIVEAWAY!

It wasn't difficult to choose what the next JGIWC giveaway would be. If you've been around for awhile, you likely know that I am snail mail's biggest fan. I truly believe that written correspondence is a lost art and that the the world becomes a bit more beautiful with every penned letter.

I am giving away a Lilly Pulitzer Address and Phone Book and Lilly Pulitzer Note Cards. The winner will get receive both products in the Patchtastic print. (Not to mention the ability to become an organized and well-stocked pen pal!)

To enter, leave a comment on this post about what you would like to see more of on JGIWC. Do you want to hear about my life in general, events, NYC, fashion, food? More Preppy Picks? Bring back the ABCs? Whatever it is, tell me about it. Comments will be accepted until 12:01 AM on Friday, April 24 EST. I will draw a winner on Friday morning. Suggest away and GOOD LUCK!

P.S. This one's on me, but if you own a company and would like to host a giveaway or request a product write-up, EMAIL ME! :)

Star Sighting!

Although I live in NYC, I don't often spot celebs. I saw Owen Wilson hide behind a potted plant at Butter once. That was awkward.

I met a gal pal last night for drinks at the W Court Hotel. We reunited in the lobby and decided to sit in Icon, the hotel's restaurant, as Wetbar, the hotel's lounge, was hustling and bustling with people. (Now we know why.)

After hours of gabbing (with a bit of wine thrown in there) we exited to the street. I saw that a bevy of girls had just exited from Wetbar. I noticed a pretty blonde wearing a Chanel bag, stilettos, and a braid in her hair. She was being escorted to a black SUV. I stopped in my tracks. "That's Lauren Conrad," I said to my friend.

After checking with the escort, we confirmed that this was indeed the famous LC. Damnit! It's likely a good thing that the other bar was so crowded because I for sure would have sashayed up to her and told her that I'm a big fan. I think she is real and funny and cool. So sue me.

Wishes for a wonderful weekend - and that you see stars too, whether they be celebrities or otherwise. :)

GUESS WHOSE BACK?

It's your (and my) Thursday favorite... THE PREPPY PICKS! My, how I missed this weekly indulgence.



ADVENTURELAND

A sweet and weird 80's movie that BF and I took in yesterday. (I just realized that now that I'm no longer single, BF could be confused with Boyfriend. But rest assured, I'm referring to my sister.) With a Dorrian's worthy soundtrack and awesome eighties plaid, this was a guilty, yet fun, pleasure. Especially because two of the actors, Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig, star in my next Preppy Pick...



GILLY!!!!!

"Her name is Gilly and she's at it again, causin' lots of ruckus like a barnyard hen..." Was ever there a greater theme song (and little jig to go with it)? I saw this days ago and am still laughing about it. Never has 'sorry' been so funny. A naughty little prep! I love her outfit - ESPECIALLY that haphazardly placed hair bow.



KATE SPADE IDIOM BANGLES

I couldn't call myself a true Kappa if I didn't LOVE all things Kate Spade. I very much enjoy these new Idiom Bangles; they are reminiscent of her calendars and price tags (Have you ever closely looked at a KS price tag? They each have a different idiom on them. My favorite was, "Call your mom".) Look closely to see a few words etched on the inside of the bracelet. I find myself wondering, however, why they didn't do the words on the outside. Perhaps that was too JKC for them?



EXPRESSIONERY

Last but not least, a generous offer from the folks at Expressionery. I have my return address stamp from there and love it to bits.

Have a preppy Thursday!

Dinner dishes and birthday wishes!

I had the pleasure of dining at The Smith last night with two of my favorite gals.

The raven-haired beauty on the right is one of my very best friends, CJM. And you probably know that cutie on the left as Baby Fashionista. (AKA, little sister, who was very happy to read my words in Real Simple.)

The three of us shared a lovely meal and headed over to Momofuku Milk for Old Fashioned Donut Ice Cream and Compost Cookies. YUM!

Speaking of CJM, she is celebrating the twenty-fourth anniversary of her birth today! Please stop on over by her site and wish her well.

I was absolutely elated and overwhelmed by all of the kind comments about my magazine snippet. I thought to myself that I have the most wonderful readers and I need to find a way to thank them.

What's the best way to reward readers? A giveaway, of course!

Stay tuned...

JGIWC in Real Simple!

Props for the wasps

Special thanks to CJM, AEG and JDS for sending me Passover cards. Our seder was lovely. Now I just have to get through the next week without bread. With a fabulous dinner party and an Easter brunch in my future, it won't be easy. Chag Sameach to all.

"Why He Didn't Call You Back" & The Last Supper

Last night, I attended a fabulous book launch party at Tory Burch in the Meat Packing district. It was for the new dating book, "Why He Didn't Call you Back" by Rachel Greenwald.



(TOTAL style faux pas! I didn't wear ANY TB to a party at the TB store. Tsk, tsk JGIWC. Dress and boots by J. Crew; bag by Marc Jacobs.)

This is NOT just another dating book (think "He's Just Not That Into You", a book I refused to read - and thought the movie was a complete letdown). The author was fresh, smart, and incredibly well-versed in the subject of dating. She said some extremely insightful things, my personal favorite being, "I've been to over 700 weddings and one the thing that every bride has in common is that the man is everything they wanted but wrapped in a completely different package than they were expecting."

Single gals, RUN don't walk to your nearest bookstore. I think Cousin Patti would agree that this woman knows what she's talking about.

After the party, we headed to Pastis for The Last Supper. This is traditionally my last dinner before Passover begins. I have to carb it up in preparation for the longest 8 days of the year. I had their mushroom ravioli and the warm chocolate cake. I rarely order something that decadent for myself, but what the hey.



Chag Sameach, everyone!

TWEET!

You can now follow me on Twitter! I am under the alias of JGIWC.

EDIT: Does this help? http://twitter.com/JGIWC

The Little Blog That Could - Happy 1st Birthday, JGIWC!

Approximately one year ago (the first official post was March 31, the first REAL post was April 2; therefore I have chosen today, the day in between, as the day to celebrate) I had an idea. What if I were to create a blog about my life as a Jewish Girl in Wasp's Clothing? I'm a walking dichotomy! May as well write about it, since I'm a writer anyway.

I'm sitting here one year later and absolutely amazed. I started this blog on a whim figuring that my mom and close friends would read it. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the following or response that I have today. JGIWC has opened countless doors for me. I've met incredible people and been invited to fabulous events. I've made new friends. I've reconnected with old ones. I've laughed and cried as I furiously type out my thoughts and push 'Publish Post'. I have found myself. This blog has changed my life.

A great big thank you to all of you. Whether you've stuck with me from the beginning (extra thanks) or stumbled upon this recently, JGIWC wouldn't be anything without readers. You have made me believe as though my writing is worth reading, and that is the highest compliment anyone could ever pay me.

Happy 1st Birthday, JGIWC! You truly are The Little Blog That Could.