Shana Tovah, Shalom, and L'Chaim!

First and foremost, I want to wish a VERY SWEET NEW YEAR to all of my fellow Members of the Tribe. May 5772 be the best yet!





I also want to wish a very happy anniversary to my parents, who are celebrating thirty one-derful years together today!






After I celebrate the new year, I'm heading to Florida for this gorgeous gal's wedding!





Wishes to all for a wonderful holiday and/or weekend! See you next week.

What would you do with an extra $100?

There used to be a feature in a magazine I read called "What would you do with an extra $100?" and whomever submitted the best answer actually won the $100. I can't remember what magazine, though... I think it was in Real Simple... or perhaps it still runs in a magazine I no longer read... Does anyone else remember this?




Anyway. I was thinking about what I would do with an extra $100. The easy answer is that I'd finally buy that pair of Lululemon Astro Pants. I swear, I'm in that store several times a month but cannot bring myself to buy anything longer than the Biker Groove Short. I tend to exercise in as little clothing as possible, but I keep thinking I might like a pair of the longer pants for yoga in the winter. Right now, I wear Yogabela crops (which I LOVE).



However, if I were going to be a bit more creative, I'd use an extra $100 to buy a bunch of little fun things.




Candles always seem expensive to me - maybe because I have to buy them so often. I burn a candle in my apartment pretty much every day. Lately I've been switching between Yankee Candle Farmer's Market and Yankee Candle Maple Pancakes. I smelled this Illume Boulangerie Jar in Sweet Vanilla Cinnamon at Anthropologie and fell in love, but I'm trying to wait until I reeeally need it. $16.




I couldn't not purchase a Soul Cycle series with an extra $100. These classes are pretty pricey but SO amazing and I wish I were able to go more than a few times a month. It is far and away the most rewarding workout I get all week. $32 + $3 for shoe rental.




I live in these Victoria's Secret One Size Sexy Shorts at home and would love another pair. Beyond comfortable. Perfect for lounging and sleeping. $20.




I am in desperate need of a cute new notepad... I threw all mine away when I moved and as a result have nothing to jot down reminders on. I love this 'Get It Done' Notepad from Rifle Paper Co. How darling is that zebra? Bonus: the company is based out of Winter Park, FL... My old stomping grounds. $8.




I take snacks everywhere I go, and it sure would be nice to have something cute to store 'em in. I have granola bars and fruit snacks floating around in the bottom of every handbag I own. I'm loving this Lilly Pulitzer Reusable Sandwich and Snack Sack. The bright colors would make my treats easy to spot. $9.95.



...and with the rest of the money, I'd treat my mom, my dad and myself to Pumpkin Spice Lattes.

I want to know... what would you do with an extra $100?

A Hairy Situation

Awhile back, someone left a kind comment about my hair and suggested I do a post about regimen. My hair has long been my best friend and my worst enemy - I love the color and how healthy it is but it's also it's thick and unruly and very high maintenance. It's been almost 27 years, but I think I've finally figured it out. I love to talk beauty, so I thought I'd share my favorite products with you.




I love traditional headbands, but it's nearly impossible for me to find one that fits comfortably. I improvise!




I don't use Ojon Full Detox Shampoo every time I wash, but my hair always feels incredible after I do. This is especially great for ridding buildup. (I use a LOT of hair spray. I did live in Texas, after all.) I follow this with Ojon Dry Recovery Hydrating Conditioner.




My mom has been going to the Fekkai salon in New York City as far back as I remember (even before we moved here), and in turn I've been using Fekkai products just as long. I've tried much of the line but the Essential Shea Conditioner is definitely my favorite. It's a super quencher to my rather dry tresses. I use it with the Essential Shea Shampoo.




I used to only wear my hair straight. Though that's no longer the case, I still need a great flat iron. Though expensive, the ghd Gold Professional 1" Styler has been my favorite of all the different brands I've tried. The box claims that it can also create curls and waves, but I honestly have no idea how to do that. It gets my hair pin straight and that's all I need.




I love that what I used to pay stylists at the Bumble & bumble Hair Bar at Bloomingdales 37 bucks to do, I can now do (for free!) at home. I have always had serious trouble with with traditional clip curling irons but I absolutely live for curling iron curls, so Sultra The Bombshell 1" was the ultimate solution and an awesome investment. Admittedly, it took me a while to get the hang of it and I still have a burn mark on my left wrist from a flub in February (WEAR LONG SLEEVES!!!), but I've gotten a whole lot better at this. I still work slowly to ensure perfection, but even so it takes a whole lot less time now that I'm used to it. Bonus: it's a great workout for your arms!




I saved the best for last, because none of the above would even matter if not for Bumble and bumble Does It All Spray. I use this every time I do my hair. When I straighten my hair, I separate it into very small sections and I spray this on right before using the flat iron. The difference it makes is huge. When I curl my hair, I also work in very small sections and spray this on right after each curl. It keeps everything in place without weighing down or hardening my hair. I used to use a Victoria's Secret hairspray but after trying it with this, I've made the permanent switch. Honestly, a bottle of this is more than twice the price of the VS but it's well worth the cost. I go to the Bumble & bumble salon here in New York and was taught about this by a stylist several years back. It's often hard to find but now that Sephora recently started carrying the line it should be much easier to locate now! If you take away anything from this blog post, trust me on this - Does It All is a game changer. Plain and simple.


Now, maybe you can help me... I'm always looking for a great heat protectant and/or hair cream to soften, defrizz, etc. Any suggestions?

And the winner is...

Comment #48 - heather elizabeth! Congratulations!

Please contact me to get your prize!

To everyone else, thanks for playing! A special thanks to my friends at vineyard vines for generously hosting this giveaway! If you have a product you'd like to donate to a JGIWC giveaway, please email me!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

A Very Bendel Bash!

Last night, my Junior League committee hosted our first event of the season, A Very Bendel Bash at none other than Henri Bendel!




My committee plans charity shopping events. This collaboration with Henri Bendel has become annual. In addition to cocktails and passed hors d'ouevres, guests received 15% off all purchases - cosmetics included - and 10% of all proceeds go back to the NYJL. Naturally, I had to treat myself to a few things! It's all in the name of a good cause...




I got Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Peridot. I've had my eye on the greenish gold for months.




I also got this Trish McEvoy Portable Beauty Collection in Romance. I love the colors in this palette (I immediately tossed it in my new makeup bag) and the brushes are perfect for travel.




It was tough to restrain myself! There were so many adorable accessories but I held back. I just completed my closet switch (more on that later) and I'm trying to be incredibly picky about what I'm buying these days.




Thank you to my beautiful friends (and marvelous Mommy) for coming out to support my committee and I!

A whale of a giveaway!

I'm so thrilled to announce that I've partnered up with one of my favorites, vineyard vines, to bring you a fabulous giveaway to start the season off right!

Up for grabs is one Argyle Sweater Tote from their new collection! Preppy perfection for both work and play.



To enter, please leave a comment about how you would style an outfit around this tote. (Hint: use vineyardvines.com for inspiration!)

I will draw a winner on Friday, September 23. GOOD LUCK!

Merchant's House Garden Party

Last night, some girlfriends and I attended a garden party to benefit the Merchant's House Museum. Built in 1832, the Merchant's House is New York City's only 19th-century home preserved virtually intact, with the family's original furnishes and personal belongings.




As you can imagine, it costs quite a bit of money to maintain a building in Manhattan between restoration and conservation research projects. Though the soiree was held outside, we got to pass through the house and see all of the beautiful finishes and intricate details. For a mere moment it was like walking through history.




We enjoyed the combination of white wine and a nice breeze as we partook in what I imagine will be one of if not the last evening of outdoor cocktails this year. It was dark out and the party was packed! Sadly, this is the only photo we took. I wish I had taken a better picture of my hairdo... I did it myself and I gotta say, I was pretty proud.



Living in New York affords one to pick from endless charities and causes to support. I'm so glad this was among mine! Thanks to BGC, JGE and MEC for joining me!

My Birthright

I just signed up for a Birthright trip.

Birthright, for anyone who's unfamiliar, is a FREE trip to Israel available to all Jews 18-26. Because I was born a Jew, it is my 'birthright' to visit Israel. And since I turn 27 in January, I'm about to 'expire'.

When I was 16, I was registered to go on an Israeli Teen Tour out of Dallas with all of my friends. The program allowed Jewish teens entering their junior year in high school to live in Israel for 6 weeks. Looking back, I'm almost surprised I agreed to it - I never went to sleep away camp (and no, I don't regret it). This was in 2001, when things in the Middle East took a turn for the worse and the trip was cancelled at the last minute. I was crushed, but I knew I'd find a way to get there someday.

Birthright has been in the back of my mind since I turned 18. There always seemed to be a reason not to go... I didn't want to leave my boyfriend, I had prior commitments, it was too hot in the summer, I wanted to go with my family instead of a bunch of strangers. But a winter trip is looming and I'm finally fresh out of excuses. That combined with my age combined with my family's urging meant I just couldn't avoid it anymore.

During the online registration portion this morning, I started to feel really nauseated. At one point I had to literally get up and walk away (and we all know I live in a shoebox, so I couldn't go very far). I managed to get through all the steps and pay my deposit (which is fully refunded once you're back on US soil, by the way), but I can't help wondering why it all made me feel sick to my stomach.

And then I remembered. I don't have many Jewish friends. I've changed a lot since the last time I was all set to go on a Israel trip. First of all, I knew everyone going (I will know NO one should I get in and go) and second, I was really good at the Jewish thing back then. Ever since I've moved to New York, I haven't felt all that connected. I actually walked out of the last Jewish happy hour I went to. I felt like fish out of water. It feels weird to blame the city, because I always thought it was supposed to be the mecca. But I never dated a non-Jew until I moved here. And I am absolutely, positively sure that I will never meet the right guy here. I've long left the comfort zone that I knew for most of my life and now I'm not sure how to get back in.

And then I called Nana to tell her that I registered... and she became so animated and said things like, "The bible opens up and comes to life" (to which I smiled) and "no one cares if you're wearing designer or if your clothes match" (to which I rolled my eyes). She kept saying how proud she is of me. To which I groaned.

Oh, well. Let's see if I 'get in' before I waste any more time being dramatic.

Cheap Thrills

A penny saved is a penny earned and lately, with the excessive expenses that seem to come along with being 26, I'm pinching all of mine. Though I haven't been shopping much lately, I've noticed a pattern when I do. Much of what I'm buying is under $20!




My dad and I ventured out to the suburbs on Saturday and stumbled upon a Yankee candle store. I can't remember the last time, if ever, I've been in one. I was immediately drawn to the Fall scents - it's always been my favorite part about the season because they can be enjoyed in any weather (ahem, Florida). It's damn near impossible to choose - they're all so delicious. I decided to get two, which didn't make it that much easier. Finally, with some help from Pops, I settled on Farmer's Market and Maple Pancakes. I got the small jars, which are $10.99 each. In thinking about it, I can't believe I haven't ever given these as gifts. Who wouldn't love to receive this?




Did anyone else know that Yankee Candle makes lip balm? I sure didn't, and it was a sweet surprise upon taking my candles to checkout. Cinnamon & Sugar is one of my favorite combinations on earth, right up there with Pink & Green, Snoopy & Woodstock. I'm now regretting not grabbing an armful because this flavor isn't available on their website and I worry it's discontinued. For $3.99, my lips are in heaven.




I love green and have been wanting a dressy dress in this hue for quite some time. I did extensive research online and at various department stores, but ultimately decided that I'm not in a place to spend hundreds of dollars on a colored frock that doesn't serve a specific purpose (IE, bridesmaid dress). I ordered this one from Forever 21 for the fair price of $19.80. I figure it'll look great with nude or gold pumps and if it's too small or unflattering on me, I can pass it along to a pal or my little sis without feeling like I invested too much.




Though I think the one thing that's kept my spirits high for a small price is a good ol' Pumpkin Spice Latte. Tall, decaf, nonfat, no whip.

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2012

I attended Diane von Furstenberg's show over the weekend. It was my first time sitting in the audience during fashion week. From seeing mere rows behind Susan Sarandon to being directly across from Anna Wintour (who, less than five minutes after arriving, disappeared) it was quite the star studded event. Here are some of the best photos I took.




Logo over the runway.




Final model walk. There were so many amazing looks but it's a very difficult venue to photograph (unless you're a professional near the back!) so unfortunately, I don't have close ups of the clothes.




Models looping around the end of the runway.




The models looked so mad. If I got to walk the runway for anyone, let alone DVF, you couldn't pull the smile off my face!




Diane makes her entrance, handing out American flags to audience members. Very appropriate.





Diane hugging Valentino. Very cute.




Diane with her head designer, Yvan Mispelaere.




It was an amazing experience and I was honored to be among the crowd. God bless America and New York City!

FNO

This is the first year that I've gone out for Fashion's Night Out. The past few years I've always had prior commitments and quite honestly, the thought of it makes me shudder. I'm incredibly claustrophobic and it's such a crazy night in the city. I decided it was about time to see what all the commotion was about. My dad and I went together - he's in the industry and wanted to stop by a few of the designers he works with. Plus, he's a power shopper - doesn't like to look or dilly dally. We get what we want, we pay, and we get the hell out of there. Perfect for this particular evening.




We attempted to stop by the Missoni for Target pop up shop... But this was the line. It kept going. And so did we.




Store-wise, the highlight of the night was probably Tory Burch. In part because I got the awesome gift with purchase with my new pair of Revas and in part because Tory was there! She's so stunning. My dad asked me if I wanted to talk to her and I said no. We passed her on our way out. She wasn't crowded by people, wasn't really talking to anyone, and looked right at me. And I just smiled, like an idiot. I regretted it the moment we got outside. I don't know what I would've said to her, but I should've said something. Hopefully I'll have another chance down the road. (Another regret - not getting anything from the Milk Truck, parked right outside TB!)

After a few more stops, we headed uptown. I looked a whole lot but didn't buy much else. I got rid of so much clothing when I moved and don't really have anything appropriate for this in between weather. I'll have to pick up a few things this weekend. I attempted to meet Bryan Greenberg (whom I've LONG had a crush on) at Bloomingdales but wouldn't you know I missed him. He was in the Men's denim section to promote his show, How to Make it in America, in which he plays an aspiring denim designer. (It's back October 2! Watch the Season 2 trailer here.)

All in all, a fun night, but I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was relieved to come home!

Edit: I just found out via Twitter that I also missed Sophia Bush at DVF! She was there after I was! WAH!

We'll always remember our dear Kappa days

I've been feeling very nostalgic for my sorority lately. I think it's a combination of my removal from it and the time of year. No matter how old I am or what I'm doing, September always marks the start of a new school year. I see bid day photos of my little sister's friends on Facebook and think, "8 years ago, that was me!". And then I can't believe it's been the better part of a decade since I tore open my bid card and ran down Greek Row.

Last year I put aside my Kappa commitments shortly after becoming very active in the New York Junior League. I knew I couldn't do both wholeheartedly and it was not a decision I arrived at lightly but was absolutely the right choice for me. I owe who I am today to two factors: my parents and my sorority. That is not something I will soon forget.

Before I put down my blue and blue gavel, I fought hard for the resurrection of the NYC alumnae association. When I moved to the city, I made my first few friends though events organized by Kappa for recent college grads who'd made the big move to the Big Apple. My best friend, who got engaged in May, recently asked me to be her Maid of Honor. She wrote me a beautiful note, among which she said that she's thankful every day that Kappa brought us together. Couldn't have put it better myself. This organization continues to be a huge part of me, regardless of my level of involvement.



I'm happy to say that my efforts paid off and after years of neglect the alumnae association here is again up and running and better than ever. Though I haven't been able to make it to the last couple of events, I do hope to make it to a few in the fall. These two things I know to be true: it's not 4 years, it's FOR LIFE; and from the outside looking in, you could never understand it but from the inside looking out you could never explain it.



In the meantime, perhaps I'll pacify my yearning for the Wise Old Owl with this fabulous kate spade bag?

Happy Labor Day!

I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday weekend! I escaped to Florida for a few days. I didn't take many pictures but here are a few Kodak moments...




With my beautiful Aunt at her birthday dinner.




Publix birthday cake! This was like my childhood on a plate and left me infinitely happy.




My dad and I with my cousin's pup.



I'm so sad that summer has come to a close, but I'm ready to take on fall. I have a really good feeling about it.

Taking on the world in Tory, from flip flops to boots

I really enjoyed the day to day aspect of this summer, more so than I have of any I've spent here. I love that I had one trip planned out east, but found myself there four times. I love that I didn't have to travel further than Florida. I love that New York didn't see endless sweltering heat or excessive rain. I love that I worked out a lot and slept a lot. It was the most relaxed summer I can remember having in a long, long time.

But... I'm ready for fall. A new beginning. A clean slate. I really need the big picture to fall into place.

Wishing you a wonderful final weekend of summer... I'll be in Florida with family, soaking up the sunshine.

Happy Labor Day!

P.S. I bought the boots yesterday. Bring it on, September.

When is enough enough?

This scene from Will & Grace always makes me howl with laughter. It crossed my mind last night when I was lying in bed wondering when enough is enough. When is it?

New York has a knack for making me feel insufficient. It is a rat race and at times an unbelievably difficult place to live. Though as much as I blame this city, I know there are other contributing factors. What's to say there aren't the same pressures in Dallas, Denver or Dover?

I'm Spirit Chair of my Junior League committee and volunteer whenever I can, but I wonder if I should do more. Yesterday I went to yoga in the morning, took a long walk in the afternoon, went to the gym in the evening, and I still didn't feel completely satisfied. And no matter how many people I meet, it never quite feels like I know enough.

Is it self-inflicted or do you have these silly worries too?