This past weekend, I celebrated my birthday here in NYC. I felt beyond loved by everyone in my life, and received so many special wishes. Each and every one meant so much. It’s not about material gifts in life that mean so much to me; it’s the people in my life that I cherish the most. They are truly my greatest gift.
This past weekend was an absolute dream in the very best way possible. For my upcoming birthday, my only wish was to celebrate with my sister. She lives in Florida and we rarely see each other, but she is my everything. We booked a flight and flew to Saint Pete a week early, which was exactly what I wanted.
This past spring marked my eleventh year in New York. My life and journey in fashion here has been one wild ride. There are always the days that I crave more, and others where I kick my feet up and reflect upon what I’ve accomplished here. Blogging allows me to attend special events and collaborate with brands that continuously inspire me.
Palm trees are popping up everywhere, and I mean everywhere in NYC! (Wouldn’t that be a dream come true?)! But I truly mean it. This concrete jungle of ours has embraced palm trees in a big way. Unfortunately, I don’t mean in a realistic, towering way, that would make it easy to lounge while sipping a pina colada in tropical paradise. This is NYC, so let’s be real. This city is a mecca for fashionistas, as well as the fashion industry, so of course the palm tree print is trending this summer.
Fun fact about me. I dress up for everything, and I mean EVERYTHING! I love playing dress up, changing my look, and accessorizing every chance I get. Grant sounds like a broken record everyday, asking the same questions. “Babe, do you really need ten pounds of jewelry today? Why are you wearing a dress? Can’t you just wear sneakers? You know we’re just going to the grocery store right?” Over, and over I listen to the same nagging comments. My response is always the same. “Yes. I get it. This is me, and you married me this way. I promise I will never ever change.” I need makeup for the grocery store, the laundry room, and the gym (although it drips down my face). My reason being, I feel ready to attack my day, when I know I’ve put myself together. I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember.
For years I feared “matchy matchy” outfits. In no way, shape, or form did I want to flash back to the 90’s remembering the purple, multicolored flannel shirt I wore to school when I was young. The outfit had perfectly matching purple jeans, an identical plaid mini backpack, matching accessories, purple socks, and even glasses to coordinate. At the time, I had braces, and I’m fairly sure I chose the rubber bands around my braces to color coordinate as well. Head to toe, I was a vision in purple plaid. It makes me cringe just thinking about it, and I’m positive that photo evidence exists somewhere. Don’t get me wrong, a few years later, I did have some winners once the movie, Clueless rolled around. Pleated plaid skirts, and knee highs for the win! I have much fonder memories of those outfits.
I’m not a casual girl. I never have been. You’ll rarely see me in a t-shirt and jeans, and I barely own anything basic, with the exception of gym clothing. I’ve always been this way. I have an unlimited amount of sequined dresses, but hardly any casual weekend outfits and I never shop for them.
Waking up in Vegas, I always feel a bit of a thrill. We were on a quick vaca for a few days, and stayed at The Signature Suites at MGM Grand hotel. In Vegas, you never know what to expect. I guess that’s what makes it fun. Everything seems so spontaneous to me. The restaurants, pools, and hotels are beyond extravagant and life is full of overindulgence. The whole Vegas strip feels like a giant adult playground. Go big, or go home, right?
Summer weekends in the city are a complete treat. The city empties out, as people leave for their planned vacations. There are some days when the emptiness bothers me, and other days when New York City feels like my own giant playground. That being said, I am beyond excited for several months full of sunshine. Having an August birthday makes me a summer baby, and it’s 100% when I’m my happiest.
What’s better than a traditional little black dress? A little navy dress! While I’ve fallen in love with prints and bright colors this season, there’s something so simple, sleek, and sexy about a clean, form fitting silhouette. The lines are flattering, and it showcases the woman’s figure much more than the dress itself.