back in the new york groove

I'm sure you've all been wondering what my long hiatus from my beloved blog has been about. Well, as some of you already know, I moved to New York City a few weeks ago!

I started work at one of my dream advertising agencies and have been trying to settle in to my new Brooklyn Heights abode so things have been pretty insane (hence such little time to blog). It's been a long process setting everything up in the new place (my first ever, actually) but here's a sneak peek at what's been taking up most of my time.

I'll warn you, it's small but this is New York after all so what do you expect? To me it's perfect and more importantly, it's finally starting to feel like home. Now for some decorating to really cozy this place up. More pictures to come soon!

Happy September!

 {the brooklyn bridge, less than a 10 minute walk from our new place}

{the entry way, currently missing a much-needed decorative mirror above the console table} 

 {half of the living room, no our place isn't THIS small}

 {chalk board, perfect for grocery lists or cute little notes}

 {my adorable handy man}

Like I said, the apartment is pretty bare-bones right now as far as decor but here are some of my inspirations for what's to come next...

 {the annual "Big Style in Small Spaces" issue of House Beautiful with great ideas for extra storage and how to integrate bold patterns}

{aside from our black and white basics, I love the idea of adding a smokey grey-blue as an accent color}

cupcake tour {week five} eleni's

This past weekend, I took a little trip over to the Chelsea Market for brunch. Aside from the fact that I absolutely fell in love with everything about this unique space, which was full of amazing foods and adorable shops, I knew I had to pick up some cupcakes when I walked by the window at Eleni's New York.

Their shop was full of precious little confections, especially in the cookie department. I'm on a cupcake mission though, so I skipped out on the cookies and went for a few of the minis they had on display instead.

Not the best cupcake I've had in New York, I will admit, but they definitely hit the spot after stuffing myself with an amazing omelet over at Friedman's Lunch.

I was obsessed with their adorable cookies though, which seem to be their specialty. From New York themed treats to thank you cookies in different languages, the cookies just looked too pretty to eat.

working girl

As relaxed as a work environment can be in the advertising industry, I still like to step it up from time to time. Dark jeans and flowy silk blouses typically make up my work-week wardrobe, but pieces like this make me want to go the extra mile. I scored this beautiful olive dress at Macy's right before I came to New York and love how easily it transitions from a work look into a happy hour look.

{Dress: Rachel Roy; Bag: BCBG MaxAzria; Shoes: Michael Kors, Watch: Kate Spade; Ring: David Yurman; Earrings: Sole Mate}
For every day, I'm usually toting an enormous bag to work to fit all of my essentials, but just swapping it for a clutch takes the look from day to night.

cupcake tour {week three} butter lane

When I arrived at Butter Lane in the East Village, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it isn't your typical cupcake shop. In fact, they only feature 3 cupcake flavors, but they hook you with the frostings. With over a dozen varieties to choose from, it's all about the toppers on these fabulous cupcakes. So much so that you can even buy a frosting shot, sans cupcake!

Seeing as I'm a total sucker for the sweet and savory combo, I went for a chocolate cupcake with a sea salt chocolate frosting on top and WOAH was it good!

I also had a taste of the Cinnamon Honey frosting shot that Christina got, which honestly tasted exactly like a Cinnabon. Yet again, just too good.

Butter Lane is a bit out of the way but it was well worth the walk. Trust me.

wanted: in the trenches

If there's one wardrobe staple every New Yorker seems to own, it's a trench coat. Since bikinis are more of a necessity back home though, I never felt the need to get one. Cue my arrival in the city a few weeks ago to a slew of New Yorkers, including all of the men, wearing fabulous coats.

The classic shape and timeless style definitely make this an investment piece I'm not skimping on. To narrow my search, I decided that whatever trench I was going to buy had to fit the following criteria:

1. Beige or Tan in Color

2. Double-Breasted Buttons

3. A Belt to Cinch it at the Waist

 After some searching and falling in love with one too many Burberry coats, I narrowed my choices down to these three.

Thoughts?

 {Club Monaco $230}

{Brooks Brothers $178}

{Laundry by Shelli Segal $137}

And just for fun, here are a few of the gorgeous Burberry's I stumbled on. With price tags well over $1,000 they're way out of my price range but they're still so nice to look at.
Someday, though. Someday.

blue on the bridge

No matter how many times I've done it, I never get sick of walking the Brooklyn Bridge. I've worn out the majority of New York's tourist attractions but for some odd reason, this never feels touristy to me (no matter how crowded it is).
I walked it this past Sunday with a few friends. It was hotter out than it has been these last few weeks so I opted for white jeans and a breezy navy top. After the bridge, we walked around downtown for a bit before heading back. It was the perfect way to end a hectic first week in the city.

 {Top: The Dressing Room; Jeans: BDG; Sandals: Pelle Moda; Bag: Michael Kors; Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (similar pair here)}

view from the top

This first weekend back in New York has been a complete whirlwind. Between events to attend, meeting new people and general settling in, I haven't really had much of a chance to breathe. As if I wasn't already lacking some oxygen, I arrive to my first day of work on Madison Avenue today and see this breathtaking view from my office. Yes, that is the Empire State Building. No, I can't believe it either.

Greetings from the Big Apple! More soon :)