Photo of the week

Like this little guy? He's for sale, along with Rebecca Taylor, Mint by Jodi Arnold, Lilly, J. Crew, and more over at Jewish Girl Sells Wasp's Clothing! Check it out - nothing over $30.

Friday Five

fivethings by jgiwc on Polyvore.com

The five beauty products I cannot live without right now:

Benefit Smokin' Eyes Palette. When doing my makeup, my eyes are ALWAYS the focal point. It's ALL here. Even though the products are small, they are great quality and even the biggest makeup goofs (ME) can great a great, effortless smoky eye with this set.

Trish McEvoy eyeshadow brushes. In my mind, there are no better brushes out there. (Bobbi Brown also makes good brushes and I use a number of them, but Trish will always be at the top of my list.) I use the one pictured as well as brush 29 (tapered blending) for the aforementioned smoky eye.

Laura Mercier lip balm. If I had to use only one lip product for the rest of my life, this would be it. It gives me everything I want - moisture, SPF, and a subtle sheen. It smells incredible and makes my lips super soft.

Bobbi Brown cream shadow stick. Does your eyeshadow crease? Not anymore it doesn't. You must go out and buy this NOW NOW NOW. (At the time I wrote this post last night, my eyeshadow had been on for 15+ hours and was still perfectly in place.) Use this as an eye base. If anyone asked me what my makeup trick is, this would be it. You can thank me later.

Chanel Le Vernis nail color in Vamp. First of all, I think Chanel makes the best quality polish. It's worth the high price tag. It's the bees knees. I own many other colors (and bought the YSL Grey Tuxedo last weekend) but will always, always come back to this. There is not a more classic polish out there, and I like to think that I'm nothing if not classic.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

Nookie nookie

Many of you have asked me to talk (write) about my Nook. Today seems appropriate to blog about it, as "iPad" is the current buzzword.

Let me immediately clarify that I decided I wanted an e-Reader when the Nook debuted. This was also when the Kindle had already become extremely popular and talk of an Apple e-Reader surfaced. I chose the Nook for two very important reasons:

1. I am a fiercely loyal Barnes & Noble customer. I am a member and am in there at least once a week. I know the layout of the store and can easily navigate my way around and find exactly what I'm looking for. I feel comfortable there, and comfort is very important to me. I'm not a fan of Amazon, and while I have been an Apple customer for 15+ years (I got my very first Mac for my 10th birthday) I just don't see the appeal of buying an e-Reader from a purveyor that's not even in the book business. Getting the Nook made the most sense for me.

2. The Kate Spade cover. Come on. This is me we're talking about, after all.

Thus far, I have read four books on my Nook and am very pleased with it. It's lightweight, super user-friendly, and, despite the fact that it looks like I'm clawing it in that photo, is easy and comfortable to hold, thanks to good ole Kate. (And in case you're wondering, the front of the cover says, "She kept her nose in a book" and the back says, "and her head in the clouds".)

It's not perfect and I've had a few small issues with it, but for the most part, I'm absolutely in love. But no matter what e-Reader you decide on - I will say this. I love having a little mystery to me as there's no cover being exposed. Because if anyone found out what I'm reading right now, I would be absolutely humiliated.

25 lessons I learned upon turning 25

Many of you mentioned that you enjoyed the 25 lists last week, so I decided to do one more, post-25. I decided to write about the lessons I've learned and I also decided to do this post by hand. Click on the photo below to enlarge & read!

Gently used Lilly Pulitzer, J. Crew, Marc Jacobs, & Vineyard Vines

Check it out!

SURPRISE!

My parents planned a surprise party for me at one of my favorite NYC spots, Alice's Tea Cup. It's an Alice in Wonderland themed restaurant that specializes in brunch, lunch, and of course, tea.

My parents told me weeks ago that they had planned a surprise for me that would take place the day before my birthday. I thought perhaps a few friends would be there and that we would have lunch or see a Broadway show. My dad and sister picked me up at 12:45 and my dad zig-zagged through the city. I was in the backseat and almost vomited because I really had no idea what to expect and I don't like not being in the know.

We arrived at Alice's, and my sister and I hopped out. She held my hand and led me to the back of the restaurant, where there was a room filled with my friends and family. I saw my mom and immediately began crying. The first thing I thought was, "I can't believe all these people are here for ME." I still can't. I've never felt so loved in my entire life.


This was the best photo I could take of the room in its entirety. I know - not so good!



My sister had taken me to brunch at Alice's the day before to throw me off, so I was pretty surprised to end up back there the next day!



Everything was pink and green - the candy, the flowers, the Lilly party favor bags. Each girl got a pair of pearl earrings as a token of thanks for celebrating my special day!



My dad put together a game for everyone to play. It was a word scramble entitled, "How well do you know Teddi?" Here are some of my party guests hard at work. It was timed and the winners got prizes!



This was the best party I've ever had and I am so grateful for the wonderful women (plus my dad!) in my life. After all was said and done, 25 was the best birthday yet and I just KNOW that 2010 is going to be my year.

Birthday Giveaway

Today, I am 25. I can't believe it. And I can't stop smiling.

In what is partially fueled by my love for the best readers in the world and partially fueled by my vanity (to see how many people I can get to wish me a happy birthday), I am hosting a birthday giveaway!



To enter to win this Chanel makeup palette (I own one and use it often) simply leave a comment on this post.

(I will draw a winner tomorrow!)

UPDATE!

The winner is.. #85 - Sally! Thanks to everyone for the well wishes. Stay tuned because I have more goodies to give away...

Photo(s) of the Week - My Golden Birthday

It's not even my birthday yet and I've already celebrated 3 times!


Five of my favorite bloggers (Landlocked Mermaid, Sunshine in the City, NYC Recessionista, Saving the Best for Last, and B is for Brown) took me out for my birthday to the delicious Emporio. We had a grand time and I feel so blessed to have met so many wonderful girls through my blog.



Last night, 8 of my closest girlfriends and myself had dinner at Tao. That place is the worst cliche, but the food and drink are bar none. It was exactly what I wanted. My dress is BCBG.



This deserves its own post (and will be getting one later this week). This photo was taken today at my SURPRISE PARTY! It was held at one of my favorite New York City spots, Alice's Tea Cup.


Thank you to EVERYONE who has made my birthday amazing thus far. You know, it's funny. I've dreaded this for so long, but it's turning out to be the best birthday I've ever had.

Friday (Twenty-)Five

25 things that I am love, love, LOVING right now.

1. Hello Kitty hard candies. I need to get myself back to the Sanrio store and fill my candy dish with these.

2. Applegate Farms Chicken Nuggets with Annie's Naturals Organic Honey Mustard.

3. "Dear John". I'm reading it now and can't wait to see the movie.

4. Designer nail polish. I just finished my bottle of Chanel Vamp. Next up: YSL Tuxedo Grey.

5. My new Tocca Stella candle - it's lit right now and smells like blood orange! (This was a birthday present from the fabulous NY Recessionista - thanks!)

6. New York Junior League.

7. Formspring.

8. My amazing new Topshop shoes.

9. Clothingline sample sales. God, I hate to admit that but I've been doing well there lately.

10. My JKC "I want to be the girl with the most cake" bangle. SO me, and perfect for my birthday.

11. The fact that all three of my sorority symbols - owls, keys, and fleur de lis, are EVERYWHERE right now.

12. Martinelli's Apple Juice in plastic containers. Easier to carry everywhere.

13. Tall, decaf, non-fat Cinnamon Dolce Lattes. It's been too cold for my signature, always-in-hand iced Vanilla Lattes lately.

14. My Benefit Smokin' Eyes kit. Finally, there is hope for a makeup goof like me!

15. Essie To Dry For topcoat.

16. My J. Crew lightweight scarf.

17. My new "Keep Calm and Carry On" mini-tote.

18. "Evacute The Dance Floor" by Cascada feat Calprit. So catchy.

19. My Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom Bubble Bath.

20. My Lilly Pulitzer 2010 mini agenda.

21. My New York Times Coffee & Crosswords Mocha Monday book.

22. Adorned headbands.

23. My fleece Ralph Lauren blanket with a bear on it.

24. Smiling.

25. THIS WEEKEND! It's going to be amazing! I'll catch you all on the other side of 25.

25 things that bother me

Most of the time I try hard not to complain, but today I'm giving myself a break.

1. I am not memorable. People never seem to remember meeting me. You would think that my name would help me combat this, but it doesn't seem to. If anyone has tips on how to make a lasting impression, I'm all ears.

2. My eyelashes are longer on my left eye than they are on my right eye.

3. When people think it's weird that I'm very verbally affectionate. I live a wonderful life and love a lot of people. Why not tell them?

4. Passive aggressiveness.

5. People who say they're going to do something when we both know they're not going to do it.

6. Arguing with know-it-alls. You just can't win!

7. Jersey Shore.

8. When men wear a shirt tucked into slacks with no belt.

9. People who don't really have much to say, so they tell stories about other people that you've never met and really have nothing to do with anything.

10. When non-busy people won't shut up about how "busy" they are.

11. When Jews brag about being "cheap" and give us all a bad name.

12. When girls treat nice guys like crap and give us all a bad name.

13. When people get ridiculously rude and offensive over religion, politics, and football.

14. The way my hair dries naturally. It's been almost 25 years and I still don't know what the hell is wrong with it.

15. My ugly forehead.

16. Texts From Last Night. Funny, yes. Classy, no.

17. When people make awkward jokes that they assumed I was a boy before meeting me because of my name. Ha, ha.

18. When people ask me if I'm "allowed to have a Christmas tree".

19. NEGATIVE BLOG COMMENTS.

20. OPI ChipSkip. Someone recommended it to me and I'm NOT a fan. It actually picks up the polish off of my nails rather than protecting it!

21. When my mail comes destroyed. We all know there are few people who love the USPS more than yours truly, but I literally received HALF of a birthday card last week and I'm fairly certain that's not what the sender intended. No "Sorry" post-it?

22. Fake Southerners. I know most people probably consider me one, but at least I own the fact that I'm from MIAMI.

23. Pretenders.

24. Pushy people.

25. My lagging metabolism!

25 things you probably don't know about me

Inspired from last year's post.

1. I sleep with my remote control. I've had a TV in my room since I was six years old. It's a comfort to me. If I wake up from a bad dream, the first thing I do is turn on the TV.

2. I'm boy crazy. I fall in like quite often.

3. But... I don't talk to guys. Or flirt. I'm way too self-conscious.

4. I really, really, REALLY want to swim with dolphins. It's been a dream of mine for years and I can't wait to make it happen (and make sure someone takes LOTS of photos).

5. I got my belly button pierced! When I was 18, as a surprise for my then boyfriend. I took it out 7 months later and let it close. I know, I can't believe it either.

6. My hands turn purple when I'm cold.

7. I'm blunt and an open book, but I have trouble telling someone when I'm angry with them.

8. I am terrified of anything that flies. Birds, bugs, and Superman.

9. Buffets freak me out with the exception of brunch at luxury hotels.

10. I want a solitaire emerald cut engagement ring. No baguettes, side stones, or diamond band. If you happen to meet my future husband, please pass this message along.

11. I lived with a boyfriend once. We broke up halfway into the lease that we were stuck in. True story!

12. I adore pop art. It's what I grew up around.

13. Poor grammar and incorrect spelling make me shudder.

14. I had a stalker in high school. He was harmless.

15. He went to a very prestigious high school in Dallas, so I let him take me to his Homecoming.

16. I went to ten formals in high school and went through a phase where I bought a lot of gowns. Too many. I started to hide them in my Mini Cooper, but my parents know me too well and peeked in the windows.

17. I've broken my right pinky toe at least five times. It's finally starting to look normal again, but I think that's because I started wearing slippers and haven't walked into a wall corner (four toes go one way, pinky goes the other) in a while.

18. I don't really sleep. I'm constantly running on empty.

19. But, I do sleep better when my apartment is clean.

20. Much of my shoe inspiration comes from The OC (the television show, not the place). I loved that Marissa Cooper wore flats with everything - even cocktail dresses.

21. I HATE doing my makeup. It never looks right and I always feel like a clown.

22. I like to sit next to a window when I write, which is why I often write in bed. (My desk is next to the front door.)

23. I love trashy carnivals and water parks.

24. I wish I still knew how to tap dance and owned the shoes.

25. After all of the doom and gloom is said and done, I'm actually really looking forward to turning 25.

List of 25 - Simple Pleasures

This week I've decided to devote all of my posts to the big number on my mind and the age I'm about to turn - 25! I thought it might be fun to write lists of 25. Today's list is about my favorite simple pleasures. I think sometimes the best things in life are the littlest.

1. Lighting my Slatkin & Co. Vanilla Shortbread candle. I've tried many different candle brands and scents, and I recently picked this up at a B&BW sale and have been using it every single day.
2. Putting on my purple J. Crew pajamas right after I take them out of the drier.
3. Opening my mailbox and seeing what's inside. At least once a week (usually more), I get fun mail. Today, I received a coupon for free oatmeal at Starbucks. That will make waking up tomorrow just a bit sweeter!
4. Handing someone a present and watching the expression on their face change.
5. Dancing on the elliptical when a good song comes on.
6. Milk and cookies.
7. Bubble baths with the lights off. (Side note: I hate how TV shows make it seem like couples in NYC take romantic baths together. My tub is barely big enough for just me!)
8. Laughing really, really loudly.
9. Waiting in line at Starbucks. Yes, I actually find this pleasurable! Today, I noticed this artwork on the wall and felt totally inspired.

10. Holding my little sister's hand.
11. Seeing the red light flash on my BlackBerry and knowing that someone is thinking of me (even if it is J. Crew).
12. Looking at old photos.

13. Making things from the box. Whether it's Funfetti or Kraft Mac & Cheese, it's one of the rare instances that I can put in a little effort and get a really great result.
14. Reading in bed.
15. Finding a great bargain and buying it.
16. Being the black (yellow?) sheep of my family.

17. Beautiful underpinnings. I once read that wearing nice lingerie/undergarments/what have you can improve your mood. SO true!
18. The moments after I wake up but before I get up. I roll around in bed and take in the the sunshine and the coolness of my sheets.
19. Answering questions. Sharing little innocuous parts of myself with others.
20. Discovering a new song that I love or hearing an old favorite that I haven't thought about in years.
21. Sipping a great glass of sangria.
22. Putting together an outfit. Pairing skirts with shoes. Belting dresses. Picking out earrings.
23. Giving myself manicures. Clipping, filing, cuticle softener, nail base, nail polish, top coat, dry.
24. Making fun of myself.
25. When the clock strikes 11:11. I get to make a wish. It's my favorite time of day.

Photo(s) of the Week - Snapshots of Miami

It occurred to me this morning that I never shared any of my Miami photos with you... for shame!



This is shortly after we arrived in Miami. I was jumping for joy! I'm wearing a dress from H&M.



This, dear readers, is the house I grew up in. Isn't it charming? It was white when we lived in it, and that balcony above the garage was attached to my bedroom, which was fit for a princess. It had a walk in closet, a dressing area, and it was big enough that I could do a running-start cartwheel across the room without knocking anything over. It was my own little palace.



Here I am outside of Merrick Park, after a very satisfying trip to Neiman Marcus.



As many of you know, my parents met and fell in love at the University of Miami. We were driving around campus and they were showing us the spots they spent time in, when all of the sudden I saw this and screamed my head off. The car screeched to a halt and my sister captured the excitement on camera.



I love this outfit. I paired this Diane von Furstenberg dress with my favorite Prada wedges.



Per and I on our way to Lincoln Road. My top is Lilly Pulitzer and my wrap skirt is Vineyard Vines.

Jewish Girl Sells Wasp's Clothing

Please check out my gently-used clothing sale - 100% of proceeds go to Haiti relief via the American Red Cross.

Friday Five

For this week's FF, I'm going to post five questions I've answered over at Formspring. (Keep 'em coming!)


I'm dying to know...What is a life size Prada Robot. Can you show us a picture?

I will absolutely post a photo! You know, your guess is as good as mine. A few years back, Prada debuted a key chain collection that was kicked off with a robot. (They're actually not meant to hold keys - they're meant to be hung on Prada bags.) My parents are very loyal Prada customers and my mother collected about ten of these key chains. My father was soon after gifted a Prada robot that stands about three feet tall. It sits in our formal living room. It doesn't actually do robotic things, but it's neat to look at. (We also have a "life size" Fendi bear in our house... can you tell that we're in the fashion industry?)




What was the best compliment you've ever received?

A boss once told me that I "radiate goodness" and that was pretty fantastic to hear. But honestly, the best and highest compliment anyone could ever pay me is to tell me they enjoy my writing.


What are your favorite hair/skin products right now?

Wow - great question! For hair, I've been pretty loyal to Bumble & bumble, which is also where I get my hair cut here in NYC. I am loving their Gentle shampoo and Super Rich conditioner. I also like Organix Coconut Milk Split Ends Mender. Honestly, I am a product junkie and ALWAYS on the lookout for new things. For skin, I have been using Bliss Fabulous Foaming face wash, Bliss Best of Skintentions daily moisturizer (for day) and Dermalogica Skin Smoothing creme (for night).


What are your go-to outfits for dates?

Well, like I said, I'm hopelessly single. But on the rare occasion that a guy is interested and I do actually go on a date, I always reach for a little black dress. Whenever I see a great LBD on sale, I buy it. You can never have enough!


What does living a life of luxury mean to you? What about people who cannot afford expensive things?

Coco Chanel once said, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise is it not luxury." Living a life of luxury isn't about expensive things. It's about being comfortable, happy, and making the most of what you've got.


Wishes for a wonderful weekend!

JGIWC - Under Construction

I don't mean my blog, I mean ME! This has been a busy, crazy, and exciting week for me both personally and professionally. I've made some major changes and I hope to be able to share them with you all very soon! Thank you for the continued support and for being such loyal readers and friends.

Conversation I recently had with a three year old

ME, pointing to a photo: "Which one's your girlfriend?"
C, pointing to a girl with a big hair bow: "Lucy."
ME: "I like her. She's Waspy."
C, angry: "She's not Woppy!"
ME: "Ugh. It's a compliment."

I can't wait to have kids. "Waspy" will be a very positive adjective in my house.

"If I could, I'd marry preppy & have grosgrain babies with it."

I read a lot of great books in 2009, but the best, funniest, and most eye-opening was without a doubt Straight Up and Dirty by Stephanie Klein.



My dear friend and fellow writer Diana Spechler recommended Straight Up and Dirty to me. I was in desperate need of inspiration and picked it up the following day. I read the book that weekend when my singleness came into question and became the brunt of jokes at an out-of-town family function. I was miserable and huddled under the hotel comforter with my copy of this book. It was the sole thing that brought me solace. I cried thinking about my solo status and Stephanie's failed marriage. I laughed out loud as I read about her bad dates in the wittiest of banter. The title of this post is my absolute favorite line in the book. Though we've never met, I think of her as a friend. We follow each other on Twitter and I hope one day she'll be reading and laughing at my book!

If you are a hopeless single girl, a happily married girl, a Jewish girl, a Wasp, a Jewish Girl in Wasp's Clothing, or any combination thereof, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. You can thank me later.

In my words, she's the bee's knees. In other words, she's pretty effing cool.

P.S. Don't forget to check out her blog.

Ask away!

Rather than doing a post dedicated to Qs & As, I have created a Formspring account. Go to my page and leave your question(s) for me!

If you have an account, leave your info here and I'll ask you a question as well!

Photo(s) of the Week - Sexy Weekend

Some of you looong-timers may remember my first post, where I talked about being dressed in Sonia Rykiel as a tot. This weekend, I reconnected with my roots!


I purchased some underpinnings from the Sonia Rykiel for H&M collection. Did you know that I live for lingerie? I won't say what I bought but I will say it is very JGIWC :)


Last night, I attended a Sex and the City trivia night with two of my girlfriends. We got third place and won Pinkberry gift cards!


Myself, MMM, and JDS.


All of which made for a sexy weekend indeed!

Early Bird Special at Blue Water Grill

Last night, I met Preppy in the City for an early dinner at Blue Water Grill, in Union Square. We have a tradition of always dining around 5 or 6. I made our reservation for 5:30, but later in the day I told her to meet me there at 5:15.

Good thing.

We were led to a quiet table in the back. The restaurant was mostly empty, but there was a table of 3 next to us. My chair faced them and I noticed the pretty blonde with porcelain skin.

"Sammy," I hissed, "Doesn't that girl look like Blake Lively?"

We agreed that it did, but that it wasn't her.

Yet, I could stop staring. And luckily, because she was seated just so that I could look without being obvious, I did just this. The girl was sitting with what I assumed to be and older couple - a woman with brown hair (her back was to me) and a guy, who was being blocked by the woman.

I remembered seeing Taylor Momsen (she plays Jenny on Gossip Girl) at the SoHo Grand two years ago. She was with some older folks and they definitely thought I was spying on them because I kept walking back and forth in front of their couch. (COME ON, it was open bar and my bladder is the size of a walnut... and then I left my Burberry jacket and had to go back for it. Uh, yea.)

Recalling this instance, I decided to lean over and see who this Serena look-a-like was dining with.

It was Penn Badgely.

We then decided it was most definitely Blake Lively.

I couldn't take a picture. It was just too obvious. (I was unable to find out who their other dining partner was, but rest assured that it was NOT Leighton Meester.)

So, what's the gossip? Blake calls Penn "Baby" and she "loves it when [he] sleep[s] at [her] apartment".

You're welcome.

Labor of Love

I need money, honey.

Up until now, JGIWC has been a labor of love. This blog has given me more than I ever hoped for, but I haven't made a dime.

I need help and ideas about how to make this blog lucrative. For good advice, you will be rewarded! Trust me.

Please leave a comment or email me.

Thank you! I appreciate it more than you know.

Forget-me-not

Every year, I have the same nightmare right before my birthday strikes. Everybody forgets about my big day and nobody comes to my party.

My anxiety used to be through the roof. I had dizzy spells in the shower. I can't drink caffeinated coffee or energy drinks. Ironcially and surprisingly, living in New York has somewhat mitigated this. I've become a much calmer person in the two and a half years (EXACTLY today!) that I've lived here.

But this damn dream. I don't normally have it until closer to my birthday, but the last two days have brought sleepless nights and I'm exhausted. I just want to get it over with.

In real life, I do still worry that people will forget. I always get very excited about the birthdays of my family and friends and I hope that they will do the same for me. At press time I have no party planned so at least that part can't come true!

I'm not asking for birthday gifts this year...

But if I were...



The Hunter Original boot in red.




Molton Brown Warming Eucalyptus Bath & Shower Therapy.




J. Crew's Soleil paisley silk tunic.




Expressionery Antique Cipher Embosser.




A book deal.



I'd request all of the above.

Also, many thanks to Preppy in the City who has endlessly offered to plan me a party. It's nice to know that someone wants to step up. :)

Golden Birthday Countdown: 21 days...

Photo(s) of the Week - The last few holiday snapshots

HAPPY NEW YEAR, DEAR READERS!

It's hard to believe that this March will mark the two year anniversary of JGIWC. There have been ups and downs, but onward I go, with a big project in the works that I hope I can tell you about soon.


Here's round III of my holiday cards. I doubt I'll even get a quarter as many birthday cards (it's three weeks from tomorrow, folks), so I'm going to keep these up through January.




Here I am spending New Years Eve with three of my best friends. I may not have had Prince Charming to kiss at midnight, but believe me when I say there is nowhere I would have rather been with than these girls.




BEH and I in our matching scarves - very festive at our gift exchange brunch!



Here's to an amazing 2010. I hope it's the best year yet, and I look forward to spending it with all of you.