Good eats.

One of the things I loved about NYC, was the quality of design when it came to restaurants, and bars. Whether it was the "speak-easy" bar we went to one night where you literally had to have someone know the bartender to get down there, or the fun breakfast spot we wandered in on, it was all fun, and delicious. I loved how thought out the design of the collateral and the spaces were as well, but maybe they were just my style... browns, oranges, simple type.... and nice industrial spaces. Can't wait to take the boyfriend back fro a few of these!

The Mercer kitchen was a beautiful space under the sidewalks in SoHo... As you can see in the pic below you can see the shoppers walking above. Very cool vibe.

Even the presentation of their shrimp cocktail was beautiful!

Delicatessen was a great breakfast spot. We found it on a side street after getting of the train, and it ended up being a greta place for people watching and a light, surprisingly inexpensive breakfast. Another cool vibe, they even had a giant room downstairs to hang out & work/study. Very hip.

Public School Visit

And no, not the kind where you talk about your profession ;)

I was in NYC for work this past week, and a coworker had to run an errand before heading out to dinner. It was his friends' studio, so I figured why not? Turns out it was a clothing line I have followed for a bit after discovering online. They work in a collaborative studio that is a shared space with a few other designers, an ad firm, etc. Needless to say I was excited to see how designers that I aspire to function in the city (and how fun it looked!).... someday... ;)

A sneak peek at their studio...

I love the details they use. As you can see here. Check them out at their site. They also have a great blog.

With subtle military influence, I like that it is more about the craft on the garments. Very cool pieces. It's so hard to find men's clothing that is well considered anymore. They were a brand I was watching for this reason, and to have the chance to see behind the scenes...? Made me want to move to New York that much more...

NYC is the place to be!

Whether it was street art, the guy selling bubble-guns on the street, or the people I met, NYC was a great experience. Next time I hope to hit those things I had on my to do list, yet missed, but until next time, I'm still exhausted!

NYC!

I'm headed to NYC for the first time on Tuesday morning. A little sad not to be taking along my New York buddy... but maybe he'll surprise me & get to come through work as well! I'll keep my fingers crossed :) He sent me this link with a slew of gorgeous old photos earlier (including this one)... I can't wait!

"An anti-functional accumulation of atavistic monuments engaged in a process of continuous poetic reproduction."

Habit

So apparently I have a habit of taking pictures of shoes... well my feet i guess. It's a weird habit I've had since I was little, and can't explain why. Maybe I like the fact that it's a physical representation of where I've been, maybe it's because I think in color palettes (and I swear some of these shots are my favorite palettes), or maybe because I love shoes... who knows! 

I stumbled across a few of these while sorting photos awhile back, and started a folder... wow how many it turned out I had when all was said & done! And that's just the photos in roughly the last year!

Some were accidents & I just thought they were kind of fun...

Others reflections in dressing rooms...

Even Darrin makes appearances!

Sometimes my shoes add to the environment I think.

Sometimes I think I was just bored waiting for someone.

There's something about reflections...

I even like to mix it up sometimes ;)

Love Graffiti

Most people know that I am obsessed with Love Graffiti. While perusing the interwebs this morning I found this great artist on HypeBeast. I hate re-posting other people's stuff, but this was too good to pass up. Check out the stuff Steve Powers has been doing. I wish I had the time to get out & do this stuff! This is part of his "Love Letters" Project. 

[Images via HypeBeast]

The day I accidentally became a dog-sitter.

So anyone who knows anything about me knows I LOVE dogs. Beyond love... and I want one so bad, but have been holding off until our situation to bring a little pup into our lives (as painful as that has been). I grew up with dogs at all times, and have been missing that companionship for a long time now.

So when we were at Barista last weekend we were sitting at the outside table right by the door, which happened to be near the pole that apparently is frequented by dog owners as a tie-up place. As one girl was struggle to tie up her dog, I offered to hold him if she was just going inside & coming right back out... Meet Kodiak the Bernese Mountain Dog/Newfoundland Mix... 10 month old "puppy" too ;)

Shortly after Kodiak & his owner left, up walks another dog owner with the same dilemma. So after talking to him he decided to tie his poodle Astro up next to us. We quickly bonded as well.

He looked and felt like a sheep, it was awesome! Super tight curls for fur... 

He looks like cookies & cream, I loved it!

Needless to say, it was a fun afternoon and I got some good doggie-time which is always nice... only problem is now I want a Kodiak of my own! At least my birthday is coming up soon ;)