Carrie On

Today, as I was walking to meet my dear friend for pre-Sex and the City 2 margs and guac, the Sex and the City movie soundtrack popped up on my iPod. "Labels or Love" by Fergie and then "All Dressed in Love" by Jennifer Hudson. It got me to thinking about seeing the first movie two years ago, and how much has happened since. Forget the fab foursome; I've changed quite a bit as well!

In May 2008, I was a little fish in a big pond. I worked for a luxury magazine that is now out of print. I dated jerks. I held onto ex-boyfriends. I was friends with lots of girls. My favorite pair of shoes were Prada platforms. I was really unsure of what I wanted to do and be and whom I wanted to fall in love with.

In May 2010, I am still a little fish in a big pond, but I'm a bit bigger and the pond is a smidge smaller. I work for a start up in a senior role. I am very single. I have let go of all men from my past. I am friends with even more girls. My favorite shoes are still Prada platforms - a new pair (though I still love and wear the former). And I know exactly what I want out of everything in life.

May was full of mini milestones. I was in the Vineyard VInes catalog, had a beautiful piece of jewelry named after me, and I've been presented with an award. I can't believe that the year is half over, and I'm so excited to see what else is in store. I have lots more time to make it the best yet.

In 2010, I vow to buy a pair of Christian Louboutins. In 2010, I vow to finish my book. If it kills me. And in 2010, I vow to fall in love.

Even if it's just with the shoes.

Provisional On The Move

Tonight, I graduated from my New York Junior League Provisional Class.

Provisional period is sort of like pledging a sorority. You have been accepted into the organization, but you're not quite a member yet. You have to go to meetings and volunteer at events and fulfill requirements before you can be considered an "Active". At the end of your Provisional period, you nominate a member of your class (about 15 girls) that you believe to be the "Provisional On The Move". This girl shows promise, she has stood out, and she deserves to be recognized. She is announced at graduation, in front of the 150+ other Provisionals, gets called up to the front of the room, is presented with a certificate/flowers, and gets her photo taken with the president of Junior League.

Tonight, I was named Provisional On The Move.

I came home and cried. I am honored and undeserving; happy and sad; surprised and unprepared; confident and nervous. I can't believe that girls voted for me, that people thought I was worthy of such an award. I feel unbelievably appreciated. The past few weeks have been trying and I have broken down more than I care to admit. This was just the pick-me-up I need and I feel very, very lucky.

The above photo was taken with my Provisional group shortly after I was given the award. I feel very fortunate to know these women and that they see something in me that perhaps I don't yet see in myself.

Must See TV

Here's the thing about me and TV. Well, actually, there are a few things. First, I've had a television set in my room since I was six. TV is very comforting to me. When I awake from a bad dream, the first thing I do is turn the TV on. I live in a studio and the only time the TV is off is when I'm asleep or not home. Second, I get really, really, REALLY invested in certain shows. Emotionally. It's also very hard for me to commit to more than one show at once. This is one reason why I'm such a huge fan of HBO sitcoms: their atypical scheduling. Honestly, most of the TV I do watch is reruns. I am a multi-tasker and like to be able to do something else while I'm watching TV. (Right now, I'm watching Glee and writing this post.) I've seen every single episode of The Golden Girls well over twenty times. I can read a magazine and paint my nails while practically reciting each line. I don't have to actually look at the television screen to see what's happening. I love it. But as much as I adore old shows in syndication, I have to keep up with the times. There are a few shows currently running that I make a point to watch regularly. Also, as a general rule, I don't watch shows like 24, Grey's Anatomy, or Lost. If it's not funny or romantic, I can't do it.

Here are the shows I cannot live without right now.



Curb Your Enthusiasm

Let's just get this out on the table. I have a creepy crush on Larry David. It is inappropriate and offensive and off-putting. It disturbs me. But I can't help it. Just look at him. Isn't he dreamy? If he asked me to run away with him tomorrow, I'd do it. I chose this particular photo because he's looking like a Mensch in Madras (minus the madras). What can I say? That slide whistle gets me every time. Oh, Larry...


Entourage

I'm fairly certain that we're all aware of the fact that I have got it BAD for Ari Gold, so I won't dwell on that. This is like the male version of Sex and the City. This show is so sexy. It's all about the bromantics. I could not and would not date a guy who didn't love both Curb and Entourage. The end.



How to Make it in America

Hot damn, that is one HUNKY Jew. I am thrilled to hear that this show has been renewed for a second season. It is so funny, so spot on, and so very New York.



One Tree Hill

Truth be told, I didn't watch One Tree Hill from the beginning. It premiered around almost the exact same time as The OC, and I just couldn't commit to both. Guess I picked the loser. I fell in love with OTH when I started to watch the reruns on SoapNet. I live for Sophia Bush. I don't do horror films, but I sat through The Hitcher for her. We are sorority sisters and kindred spirits and definitely destined to meet someday. Brooke Davis makes that show. Did you ever have a TV character you most related to? I mean, that is ME. She's the real reason I watch OTH. I am torn about another season, however. I feel like the Season Six finale should have been The End - Nathan gets into the NBA, Brooke ends up with Julian, Lucas and Peyton ride off into the sunset. Fine. Would've been the perfect bow to tie up the package. I have to say though, now that Brooke is engaged with the ring of my DREAMS, I'm happy to endure yet another season of the Hill. Because if they ended the series without a Brooke Davis wedding, I would've thrown an absolute fit.

(Psst... I'm getting into Glee now, but I haven't seen the first season yet, so I don't feel like I can include it on this list just yet.)

A few things I've picked up recently...

These gorgeous Monterey Bay studs from Kate Spade.




These summery sandals from Seychelles. (Mine are black and tan - they were in the gift bag from the InStyle party!)





This sexy dress by Phillip Lim.




This classic jacket by Burberry.




...and of course, the Teddi necklace! I just received mine in the mail and can't wait to wear it this week.

Waiting for White

About a year and a half ago, I took a class called "Breaking into Women's Magazines" about how to pitch and get published for that genre. We threw around a lot of ideas and one of mine, after meeting the editor-in-chief of a bridal magazine, was to start a bog called "Waiting for White", to showcase my love of musing about weddings, even though I was nowhere near my own. I explained that most girls wait around for Mr. Right, but the way I saw it, picking the right guy to marry (once I find him) would be easy. Choosing the wedding gown? Next to impossible. Nobody got it.

As many of my friends are pairing off, I'm left wide-eyed at the sidelines to wonder...

Hey, Mensch in Madras, are you out there? Have we met yet, Man of My Dreams?

Your guess is as good as mine.

It's no secret that I love weddings. I've gotten a number of questions about my own dream wedding via Formspring, and I think it's pretty cool that people are already so curious about a part of my life that hasn't even approached yet. I thought it may be fun to do a Waiting for White post, since I never got around to creating that blog anyway. It's the least I can do.

Here's what I am loving lately in the wide world of weddings.


Let's start with bridesmaids. My girlfriends are my everything, and it is my opinion that asking someone to be in your bridal party is a big deal. This request requires something a little extra special. I love this card from Greencard Designs.




I am a total Cookie Monster. I adore this sweet treat from Flour Pot Cookies.




Now, onto the party. I am a firm believer that bottled water should be at every event. I would like my H2O personalized, please!




My parents are known among their friends and mine for not only the parties they plan, but the party favors they give. While not terribly innovative, these Godiva Chocolate Couture favors are so timeless.





Ah, the outfit. How can I resist the Manolo Blahnik Something Blue pump that Carrie popularized in Sex and the City? However, I am much more likely to choose the classic Satin d'Orsay, also well known because of Miss Bradshaw herself.



And, what you've been waiting for... the dress!




Gotcha! No, I'm still waiting for white and rest assured that this Vera Wang beauty is available in ivory. This is the closest to my dream dress (which MUST have at least one bow) that I could find. I have to say that if I fell in love tomorrow and got married next week, I'd be thrilled to wear this. It is very, VERY Teddi.

I could go on and on, and perhaps I will at a later date. I can't wait to fall in love. In the meantime, it sure is fun to dream.

I am hot for Hot House Designs!

Long story short, I have been wanting a monogrammed ring for years but have gone back and forth on shape, size, and style. When a friend recently showed me the jewelry over at Hot House Designs, I knew I'd found the winner.



The Cole sterling silver monogrammed ring is my new favorite piece of jewelry. I chose the black and white color combo and have been wearing it almost every day since I got it in the mail last week. The best part about this is that it's adjustable, so not only will it fit you to a tee, it'll make a great gift.

The designer, MCC, and I got to talking and discovered that we're not only both Southern & Waspy but also, shock of shocks, sorority sisters! What are the odds? (Pretty good, it turns out.) I am just so happy to make her acquaintance and I guess the feeling is mutual, because MCC informed me on Sunday morning that she will be naming her newest creation after yours truly!



This is the Teddi necklace. Isn't it gorgeous? I can't wait to get my very own!

The website that brought us together, Monogram Merchant, has been so kind as to offer JGIWC readers a discount! Get 10% off your entire order with the promo code 'Teddi'! These monogramming marvels have also been kind enough to showcase the Teddi necklace on their home page! I'm honored and thrilled. Be sure to check out their Facebook page as well.

I will be using my discount to order something else I've long lusted after - a framed monogram.



Happy shopping!

Baby Perri goes to the prom!

Many of you long-timers know that I have a very special relationship with my sister. I was an only child for eight years, and honestly, it could've gone either way. Perri is the apple of my eye and the love of my life. People always ask me "Why New York?". A huge part of moving back here was to watch her grow up, to catch up on the four years I lost when I was living in Florida.

This past weekend, my itty bitty little sister attended her Junior Prom. Now, these events don't seem to take any sort of precedence over here in the Empire State, but as a girl who grew up in the South, attended high school in Dallas, and went to 11 formal dances during that time, I happen to think JP is a prettay, prettay big deal.

I gave Perri lots of advice (much of it unsolicited) about the big day. Now, I do NOT consider myself a pushy person in general but good Lord. I pity the fool who ever asks me to help them pick out a wedding dress/bridesmaid dresses/anything pertaining to a formal event. I am unbelievably opinionated about those kinds of things. A dear friend recently took me to Vera Wang to try on bridesmaid dresses for her wedding and I literally had to put my hand over my mouth. (Hey, at least I admit it, right?) Naturally, I took Perri to all of her appointments, helped her get ready, and snapped away like crazy at the photo op with about 17 other mothers. (My parents were too busy chatting with P's date's parents to be bothering with taking pictures.) I told the makeup artist what to do, the hairstylist what to do, and Perri how to pose for pictures.


Any of you who read P's blog know that she has got a style all her own. When we went dress shopping, we narrowed it down to this dress and a beautiful one shouldered Tracy Reese dress selected by yours truly. I have to say that I really didn't 'get' this dress at first, but after seeing the whole thing come together, I got it. The dress is BCBG, the scarf & necklace are J. Crew.




The baby fashionista herself after hair and makeup.




There she is! This photo was taken in our backyard and YES, those are mine, my sister's, my mother's and my father's initials nailed into the tree.




I was (am!) such a proud big sister. I can't believe I didn't cry!




My absolute favorite. The shoes are Miu Miu.



As I helped her get ready, I said, "Aren't you happy you have such a bossy big sister?"

To which she replied, "Sure, Lucy."

To those of you who aren't as Peanuts inclined as we, this is what she meant:

Next to Normal

So much of my life has been trying to sync my normal with everone else's normal. Growing up, I was told that my normal wasn't really normal at all. My family was unusually happy and my childhood was incredibly unmarred. Honestly, I was scared of EVERYTHING when I was little because I didn't really know from bad or pain. You're rolling your eyes but I'm sorry, it's true. If I can't say it here, where can I say it?

Twenty-five has been a lot of growing, learning, and realizations. Lately, I've reconnected with a number of old friends. In a word, it's been amazing. In two words, it's been eye-opening. I am still close to my three best friends from childhood and my three dearest friends from college. It's taken effort and time, but has been beyond worth it. It's made me see how much people DO change, and it's almost as though in reaquainting with them, I've seen this reflection of myself and how much I'VE changed. For the better.

It is also very interesting (and a first) to be the single girl among most of my friends. For so long I was a serial monogamist, and now I'm swinging solo. It's bizarre. So many of my friends are in healthy, wonderful relationships, and seeing them so happy makes ME happy. It also helps me feel like maybe, just maybe, I'll get lucky and it'll happen for me too. And if or when it does, I will be ready. I'm confident that I'm becoming the best version of myself.

When the little things aren't little at all

Several things have trasnpired lately that have seriously boosted my ego. (But never fear - my horse is not too high and my head is not too big. I'm still leading a life of paralyzing self-doubt. Promise.)

Nancy O'Dell responded to my tweet. I squealed when I saw this on my reply page. Yes, I squeal in real life. I am a huge fan of hers. She was recently awarded the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Achievement Award and I'm wishing that 1) she comes to Convention this summer to receive it and 2) I get to meet her if she does!

EduDemic mentioned me as, and I quote, a "well-known blogger" in their awesome article about the intertwining of college admissions and social media. I will definitely be passing this along to my parents and to my baby girl fashionista, who is beginning the admissions process. (She has Junior Prom this weekend. Boo hoo - she's growing up SO fast!)

I was invited to an InStyle party next week. Now, we all know I'm far from a red carpet darling and just about the opposite of hip, so I've been racking my brain, trying to figure out how I got on the invite list for such a cool, seemingly-exclusive soiree. My best guess is that someone at the magazine saw this post a few months back in which I professed my undying love for all that is InStyle.

Also, as of this morning, I have officially completed all of my Junior League Provisional requirements. I graduate two weeks from today. I am beyond thrilled!

All of these make me feel really good, and I think it has a lot to do with my overall state of happiness and contentment. Because, let's face it, none of these is a huge deal, yet they're all important to me and somehow, they all reaffirm everything I need reaffirmed. That I'm doing something right and that people appreciate me. And at this point, that's all I can really ask for. (Though a Mensch in Madras would be nice, too. Wink.)

Little Life Lessons

(That aren't really very little at all.)

As I grow older, my tolerance level has lowered. The amount of crap I will take from people is significantly less than it was even a year ago.

Positive thinking leads to positive results.

When people show you who you are, believe them.

I will continue to plan ahead, even if 90% of what I am anticipating will not come to fruition in the way I expected. I'm currently working on a list of things I want to do this summer which I will share soon.

Everything is better after taking a big, deep breath. I am rational when I am relaxed.

Nice guys finish first, just maybe not at first. I really do believe this.

Tonight, I sat at a bar with a girlfriend who took a Tiffany necklace out of her bag and put it around my neck. It reminded me that true friends are hard to find, and I'm going to hold tight onto mine.

I love...

...seeing many of my best friends happy in love. It gives me hope!

...when people compare me to Carrie Bradshaw and my blog to Sex and the City. While I consider this a huge compliment, I have to laugh. I will never be as cool or as hot as CB, but maybe if I work hard, my writing can be as good.

...re-connecting with people, whether running into them in the city or catching up on G-Chat.

...when Larry David sings.

...J. Crew Matchstick jeans. They make my derriere look quite nice and trust me, that is no small task.

...rooftop cocktails.

...that every day, I get a tiny bit better at doing my makeup.

...giggling with girlfriends.

...wearing sky high heels with bare legs.

...waking up in the morning, looking in the mirror, and smiling, smiling, smiling.

A Whale of a Friday Five!

Ahem. Please turn to page 46 of your Vineyard Vines catalog.



Pretty polos. Look a little closer...



Yes, that's me! Your little JGIWC front and, well, a bit to the left. I've always said that you know you've made it when you're in the Vineyard Vines catalog, and there I am! I'm absolutely honored and thrilled!

Seems appropriate to wax poetic on why I love Vineyard Vines.

1. They mix Northern preppy and Southern preppy seamlessly.
2. Their price point is fair and their quality level is superb.
3. That smiling whale.
4. The people behind the brand are absolutely wonderful. Trust me - I've met them.
5. They love me too!

There you have it, folks... There is no other company in this category that I respect more than Vineyard Vines and no brand I'd rather support. You're the tops, VV, and I take off my [foam whale] hat to you!

Wishes and WHALES for a wonderful weekend! Vineyard Vines, thank you for being such an amazing advocate of Jewish Girl in Wasp's Clothing!

These streets will make you feel brand new

You're probably wondering where I've been! This past week has been insane. I've been to DC twice and had a ton of Junior League commitments in between. This has made for a lot of stress and some pretty inconsistent blogging! Now that things have calmed down, we can return to our regularly scheduled programming.

I returned from my second DC trip yesterday evening. Last night, I attended the Inner City Scholarship Fund's Annual Friends Gala. It was held at Cipriani 42nd Street. The venue was breathtaking and the event, spectacular. We ate, danced, and drank drank drank. Waking up this morning was not pretty. But it was well worth it. You gotta love a Jew at a Catholic black tie... Party on!



We ended the evening at Dorrian's Karaoke Night singing "Lido Shuffle". Which is pretty much how every Tuesday should commence, in my opinion.

The title of this post is from "Empire State of Mind". Every time I return to New York, I feel refreshed. I am reminded how lucky I am to live in the greatest city in the world. And it was nice to sit in a room full of people last night whom I know felt the same exact way.

And finally today I was able to go back to my very own (albeit small) corner of the work world.



It's good to be home.

Rabbit Rabbit! Happy May!

I awoke on May 1 smiling. "Rabbit rabbit," I whispered as the clock struck 7:41. I have a feeling this is going to be an amazing month, as it's already off to a great start. To be honest, I forgot to do this in April but it was still pretty great for the most part! It ended on a bit of a sour note but I'm hoping that my superstitious belief will give me just the punch up I need.

I spent the first of May with my Mom at the New York Junior League House Tour. The tour included breakfast at Headquarters, lunch at the A&D building, and seven open homes. (We only toured five, as we chose to shop in between the stops!) I highly recommend this to anyone living in or visiting New York City and interested in architecture and interior design. We had a fantastic time and are already planning on doing it again next year.



I have lots to look forward to this month: I'm going back to DC for a few days; I'm seeing Promises, Promises on Broadway with my family; I get to celebrate my marvelous mom on Mothers Day; I'm attending a fabulous party hosted by InStyle (still trying to figure out how the hey I got on that guest list); I'm graduating from Junior League Provisionals (so ready) and much, much more. I always love anticipating filling up my planner. It's pretty empty right now, but not too bad for the very first day of the month!



A good friend told me at the beginning of the year that she believed that I would fall in love in May. Let's see if she's right!