Category: New York City

Celebrating 10 with Vapiano

Last night I was privileged to attend a birthday party for Vapiano, a restaurant I actually came across for the first time while in Charlotte, NC for the DNC. My colleague and I used to dip into Vapiano Charlotte (on South Tryon Street) to escape the heat (and our coworkers) for delicious food, wine, and comfortable seats. So, when I received a note from Katie over at The Blaq Group suggested I swing by, it was a no brainer.

Larissa, Allie, and I hunkered down at the bar where we enjoyed delicious sangria and took in the after-work crowd in Union Square. Located on University and 13th, we enjoyed girl talk and cute bartenders.

We each took home dinner, Allie received a chef’s recommendation of pasta bolonese (and a quick Italian lesson), Larissa the pesto, and I brought home the ravioli. The concept of the place is adorable – upon entering, you receive a credit card that you present at each station (the bar, salad, dessert, and pasta). Those attending to you are multi-talented in my opinion: the ability to carry on a full conversation with 3 ridiculous girls while cooking multiple dishes is quite the skill. We vowed to come back, and to enjoy it all again.

Vapiano NYC - 13 University Pl, New York, NY 10003
Vapiano Charlotte – 201 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Disclaimer: to celebrate the 10th anniversary, beverages and our meals were comped.
 

Three Small Things That Make A Big Difference

There are a number of small things that can make a huge difference in a day. With a work schedule that’s becoming increasingly more and more intense as I get closer to the big day, I’ve learned to take a minute for these small things. Sometimes, it’s those little things that can raise you above the worst and into a better light.

A delicious cup of coffee
My favorite coffee (the one I don’t brew at home) comes from the coffee cart vendor who sits outside of the Prada store on the corner of Broadway and Prince. He knows my face, always asks me how I’m doing, and gets my order right every time. When I don’t visit him for a while, he always asks where I’ve been. “Fashion Week again?” he’ll say with a smile as he makes my hot coffee with the perfect splash of skim milk (no sugar, never sugar). “Oh, sure” I’ll always answer, even those it’s March and everyone knows Fashion Week is in February and September.

Getting a manicure & pedicure
No joke, there is nothing better than sitting in a pedicure chair, reading a trashy magazine, and having someone rub on your feet. It is worth every penny, and every minute of a lazy Saturday afternoon.

Enjoying a beautiful spring day with a real lunch
The New York City mind set is one that never tires. You work through your lunch, eat hurriedly at your computer, and by the time you leave your desk, the sun has gone down and you’ve missed the day. With the weather getting nicer (especially because everyone knows that Summer in NYC is the absolute best). To enjoy the weather I’ve been “forgetting lunch at home” and popping out to grab something, even if it’s only a block away. Worth every missed call and urgent email unanswered, even if only for 5 minutes.

What are the little things that make your day just a little bit brighter?

Explore NYC: 4/2/12

I guess you could say I’ve been busy. Between marching for Trayvon, previewing spring trends, and working, I can’t catch my breath. Don’t worry, still exploring and enjoying the city. Here’s proof:

1. I finally spent a Saturday morning spent at the Brooklyn Flea hosted in the gorgeous venue One Hanson. I’ve been getting so green with envy at the sight of a photo or tweet about someone enjoying the Flea that I had to do it myself. Can’t wait to go back in the summertime to explore when it’s moved outside.

2. I’m an east coast girl who is extremely elitist when it comes to lobster rolls thanks to being completely spoiled by them on Martha’s Vineyard. I’ve been exploring lobster rolls in the city, only to be disappointed. That is, until I found Red Hook Lobster Pound at the Brooklyn Flea. Two words: life changing.

3. A late night walk after 2-for-1 martinis with the girls left me on the corner of 57th & Lexington. I’ve always been obsessed with the building on this corner, thanks to episodes of Lipstick Jungle (I still don’t understand why everyone didn’t love this show as much as I did). When I first moved to NYC, I saw that building and nearly passed out. To this day, it still takes my breath away.

4. An old receipt from brunch with a friend at Spring Street Naturals. I just loved the message at the bottom: Peace Love Unity Respect.

Girl About Town: Ideeli’s Spring Fling Press Preview

On Wednesday, March 28th, I was lucky enough to attend the ideeli Spring Fling Press Preview with my girl Lauren of Everyday to Runway. We escaped work at a normal hour (shocking), and made our way from our office’s SoHo digs to the ideeli offices near Canal Street.

I’ve always loved ideeli – I’ve been shopping the site for ages, but loved them even more when I would have the chance to meet some of their team members at fashion week over the years. As we stepped off the elevators, we were greeted by the most adorable spring decor. Gorgeous floral, adorable cake pops, lots of green, and a selection of beverages. It was like walking back into the springtime that we somehow seem to have lost (bring it back, please). We were greeted the very sweet ideeli PR team and given a tour of a number of items on deck for spring time. Check out a few of my favorites below:

1. Adore this nOir Enamel Chain Link Necklace in purple. Part of a Neon sale, the piece is such a wonderful statement necklace. Such a simple way to add a great pop to an outfit. The necklace retains on ideeli for $89.99. Available mid-may.

2. Oh hey, new obsession: La Mer Collections Wrap Watches. I adore these, especially the green on the right in my photo (Odyssey Triple Wrap Watch). The watch face is a completely new design being launched during the upcoming Neon sale (ideeli price: $49.99). I’ll be waiting by my computer come April 16th!

3. I’ll admit it, I’m behind on the Desigual train. That said, these Desigual Lucina Wedges are helping me catch up quickly! Such a fun and exciting pattern for summer – I’m already having visions of these in my closet. And by in my closet I mean on my feet as I run through NYC streets this summer. Apologies in advance for not taking them off. ideeli price: $169.

4. My personal season challenge for spring/summer 2012 is to wear less black. Unfortunately, today I was dressed in nearly all black, but ideeli’s answer to my dilemma is all kinds of lace! The photo shows a small offering of the neon lace that W118 by Walter Baker has to offer, hitting ideeli on April 10th. Part of a fun series called Celeb Style, this curated collection features items coveted by our favorite stars (no joke: when ideeli did a celeb style featuring Kate Middleton I nearly exploded).

5. So impressed by the variety of colored denim being released from Reuse Denim, which features recycled materials in their skinnies. Not only did I die over the teal, but I’ve got my eye on a pair of colorful shorts for the beach! On sale April 19th.

6. If you knew me at all when I was a kid, you know that I LIVED in jellies. LIVED. As in, set up camp with a fire, a tent, and s’mores. So when I was shown the Mel by Melissa Vanilla Jellies, I nearly passed away. Retails on ideeli at $16.99 and goes on sale April 10th.

Finally – thanks to ideeli, one of my lucky Twitter followers will win the nOir Enamel Necklace in Purple! Check out this tweet for instructions on how to enter. Winner announced by 2pm today!

Thanks for a great time, ideeli!

Xx,
Maiah

Untitled: The Story of How I Marched For Trayvon Martin

If I knew where to begin, then this post wouldn’t be called “Untitled: The Story of How I Marched For Trayvon Martin”.

On Wednesday, March 21st, I found myself running out of my office and to Union Square, the scene of a rally for the murdered boy, Trayvon Martin.

For some history, Trayvon was shot by George Zimmerman, 28, who appointed himself as “neighborhood watch” in Sanford, Fl. He saw Trayvon exit a store, where be purchased Skittles, and deemed the 17 year old “suspicious” (author’s note: suspicious = black) and took to following him down the street. The release of the (difficult to hear) 911 calls show Zimmerman calling Trayvon a “fucking coon” and one from a neighbor communicates the sounds of Trayvon screaming for his life before a the ringing out of a gunshot. From reports, it’s clear the police hardly did their job, not following usual protocol for a crime of this nature. Zimmerman was only taken in for questioning and released. He has been freely living for almost a month since he killed a child on February 26th, 2012.

When I heard there was a rally for the spirit of Trayvon, for justice and for peace, I had to join. I was that kid in college taking over the student center and performing pieces from For Colored Girls at open mics. And I admit I was briefly jaded (but my Father set me straight after telling me that “no, #OccupyWallStreet is not a waste of your tax dollars, don’t be so shortsighted.”

I met the protest in Union Square alone. I missed Trayvon’s parents, and Rev. Al Sharpton, but the action was no where near done when I arrived at 8. Initially, I thought it was over: it was quiet as I approached from Broadway but the moment I hit the park, the peaceful rage was apparent. Women, men, children, White, Black, Hispanic, students, professionals, crackheads (yup), the elite: everyone was coming together for an uprising against injustice. We were all out chanting the same words:

“We are… Trayvon Martin”
“No justice! No peace! No racist ass police!”

I suppose I was just there to observe, maybe follow, definitely support. For fodder for the blog… But I found myself shouting “Get up! Get down! Revolutionize this town!” while making eye contact with Bill, the man I named an old political rebel from the 70′s. Or so I gathered from his Che Guevera hoodie and jade rings. Yelling “Zimmerman! You liar! We will set your ass on fire!” with Jenny, an NYU student who’s been protesting since the #Occupy movements began. And cheering with the crowd when a cabbies honked approval at our mission. I was in deep.

It ended for many in the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge, where the police blocked in a massive crowd with police busses on either end. For me, it ended on the Manhattan side with a slew of young fighters.

“Why did we go downtown?” I asked, wondering why we weren’t on our way to midtown.

“We were on the way to the UN,” one kid explained. He wore 5 buttons on his baseball cap, all with a fist for justice.

“But the UN is closed. What’s the point of protesting to an empty building?” another said.

“Either way, it always ends in handcuffs if you’re blocking traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge” Jenny sighed through cigarette smoke.

“But at least they saw us,” said baseball cap. “They saw us,” and then with mention of another march not too far off, the three of them ran to join it, shouting about how no one should get arrested tonight, not after such a peaceful march. #MillionHoodieMarch

In memory of Trayvon Martin.

Explore NYC: 3/19/12

Explore NYC efforts were originally thought to be perfect for a brisk weekend day (to be spent with a latte). However, this past week I found myself visiting new places and having a generally amazing time:

1. I finally had the joy of dining at Red Rooster, a Harlem based soul food joint by the dreamy Marcus Samuelson. My colleague and I split savory corn bread while I went to town on Fried Yard Bird and her on the Rotisserie Chicken. As we ate, a band played bossa nova and the bar was bustling through our entire Tuesday evening meal. If you haven’t dined at Red Rooster, I highly suggest you make your way uptown fast.

2. Wednesday night brought me to newly opened sushi spot, Neta, in the West Village. We ended up enjoying a 12-course meal selected by the chef, and by course 6, my colleagues and I were wondering if we’d be able to make it to the end. The spot was cozy, the staff was kind (though still working out a few new restaurant kinks) and the reception seemed positive – the place was packed!

3. Friday night I found myself dressed in my 80′s best at midtown Drag Bar, Lips for a birthday party. The venue was small, but perfect for the birthday boy’s 300 person guest list. With highlights like a rubik’s cube birthday cake to the open bar, to the drag performances, I spent the night dancing until my knees hurt. I also may or may not have had a dance off with the DJ in exchange for a Beyonce song.

4. St. Patrick’s Day is a fascinating day to me. I was shocked to learn there is an annual parade and am never prepared for the sea of green on the trains bar hopping. That said, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. And that’s just what I did at Studio Square Beer Garden in Astoria.

Explore NYC: 3/10/12

Testing out a new series on the blog called Explore NYC. If you haven’t already gathered, I am not from this city, but instead from a tiny suburb just outside of Boston. So, four years into my stint in NYC, I’m finally exploring the places I’ve been dying to see. Prompted by news that Carrie Bradshaw’s on-screen home is for sale, I started with the West Village.

1) Carrie Bradshaw’s home on Perry Street & W. 4th. The brownstone, which is gorgeous, features a sign that says “for those taking pictures, remember someone lives here”… no wonder they are moving.

2) A delicious latte from Magnolia Bakery on Bleeker, which I am finally visiting for the first time. I’ve always passed by but have found the lines too daunting. Luckily, I beat the crowd and left with a delicious warm beverage.

3) Bookmarc, a store I’ve been dying to visit, happens to be across the street from Magnolia. It’s the most adorable little space curated by Marc Jacobs. By little I mean honestly tiny – I had to fight for a compact while the woman next to me purchased at least 25 lipstick pens (creep).

4) Of course, no weekend is complete with a little treat. I tried to select the most “Carrie Bradshaw-looking” cupcake I could find while at Magnolia. The perfect end to a perfect day.

My Abusive Relationship with New York

Today was one of those absolutely impossible days.

You know the ones? The shower water isn’t quite warm enough, your breakfast didn’t come out the way you love it, you’re running late for no reason, and you’re in a funk but not sure why. Yeah, one of those days.

The sky was a little overcast, a fog held in the air, mercury was in retrograde, and the forecast called for rain. Yeah, one of those days.

I’d lost my expensive umbrella (a desperate purchase made in an attempt to stay dry when it rains in NYC, which is nearly impossible because the rain is almost always sideways) and had to dash into an ATM in order to spend $4 on a budget umbrella just a few inches too long to fit comfortably in my purse. Yeah, one of those days.

Yup. I felt like Pig Pen. Struggling for no reason.

I spent every moment at work either in a meeting, on a conference call, or typing away. I left my desk once for the 2 minutes it took to heat up my lunch. Then, I ate it as I worked. And then I worked some more. Yeah, one of those days.

But when the day finally came to a close, and when I thought I’d been granted a minute to retire, to take a deep breath, to close my eyes and let out the sigh I’ve been holding in all day… something happens. A homeless man drops his pants to the ground and begins to pee in the street right in front of you while asking for spare change. Yeah, one of those days.

You’ve gotta admit, NYC has a great sense of humor.

Bitch.

Ten Years Later

Ten years ago, I turned 16. I put on my favorite skirt, did the worst make up I could do (also known as the best make up a high schooler could do), and went to school proud that today was my birthday.

Ten years ago, my best friend met me in the cafeteria with something called “Sex Cake” even though none of us has experienced the title. She wished me a happy birthday and we indulged in our fat kid ways, eating chocolate before first period.

Ten years ago, my history teacher was called outside the classroom by our principal (the perks of small schools). He came back in with a somber expression and turned on the television. He told us there was something tragic was happening in New York City. As a classroom, we all watched the news.

Ten years ago, sitting in my history class, I watched the second plane fly into The World Trade Center. I blinked, not quite sure what had happened. And then watched Channel 5 replay the footage over, and over, and over again. It never began to feel real.

Ten years ago.

Ten years later, I turned 26. I put on my most comfortable leggings, threw on some boots and a tank, and went to brunch with my roommate. I celebrated the night before with good friends, and resolved to go home early.

Ten years later, I decided not to plan anything, or do anything over the top for this birthday. Partly because I work in a job where I plan every last detail of other people’s lives. Partly because it felt right not to.

Ten years later, I cringed at the idea of friends on the train to celebrate me, should anything occur at the hands of the folks who vowed to come back into our lives as abrasively as they did the first time. I stayed in my borough, traveled only within walking distance of my apartment, and hoped others did the same.

Ten years later, I silently celebrated life and my loved ones. I welcomed their well wishes, and sent along my own as a thank you. I prayed for serenity, patience, and longevity. I prayed for you. I prayed for them.

Ten years later.

Dear Girls: Carrie Bradshaw’s NYC doesn’t actually exist

This is an open letter to all the young women. You know, the ones watching old episodes of Sex and the City, dreaming of the day they can move to New York and live in Carrie Bradshaw’s world.

I just want to be clear – that world does not exist.

[via]

At one point, I was you. Living in my sleepy little suburban town just outside of Boston, watching Sex and the City episodes all day long when I wasn’t at work or shopping. And I slowly became obsessed with the idea of switching cities. I thought I was in the wrong one – I thought NYC was for me the way it was for Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha because of the way they lived.

Then I moved here. I moved into the most disgusting 3-bedroom apartment in Queens with two random girls who couldn’t speak English. At night, the bugs and rodents came out and I was convinced that this could’t be real life. Certainly not Carrie’s.

When I moved into a new apartment with a very nice (and gluten free) roommate, I started trying to find Carrie’s NYC. Almost every experience pointed to the fact that it wasn’t real. At first, I discovered small reasons, like the fact that Bed is closed… apparently for a tragic reason. Coffee Shop is not nearly as cozy and fun as it looks thanks to the rude hosts and hostesses who think they’re models (as someone in the industry, I can safely say most are not). Bungalo 8 was actually a good time (before it closed), despite Carrie running out. And Magnolia cupcakes are completely worth the wait if you skip the tourist attraction in The Village.

More importantly, no one has the funds to enjoy night after night out on the town with your girlfriends. Especially not aspiring writers who also have bills to pay (I speak from experience). And sure, there are happy hours to make a girl’s night out more affordable, but they’re so crowded that sometimes it’s just not fun.

And finally, sometimes New York is just not fun – mainly because it forces you to really examine the relationships in your life. You’ll go through the ups and downs of boyfriends, fauxlationships, situationships, and just plain bad dates. You’ll separate from good friends and then reunite. You’ll love your job and then hate it, and maybe love it again. You’ll realize you’re going through a quarter-life crisis and question everything you’ve ever done. And you’ll resent Carrie for the amazing times she portrayed on the small screen… And then you’ll reach a plateau where you’ll fall in love with everything again.

As I sit in my bedroom post #HurricaneIrene and watch a rerun of the season finale, I’m thankful. It shows my favorite protagonist walking down the street with You’ve Got the Love blasting in the background. I can’t help but smile knowing that Carrie Bradshaw’s New York City doesn’t exist, but mine does. And that’s pretty great.