On Dreaming

Would you like me to work for you?

 Oh hello. Have I mentioned lately that I am a freelance writer? And that I would love to work for you?

I can help you with:

• Blog posting
• Writing test questions for a book you're publishing
• Writing chapter summaries for a book you're publishing
• Pitches
• Marketing materials
• Proofreading documents
• Responses to RFPs

What's that now? You have a job for me? Email me at janice.rodden@gmail.com.

Tory Burch Selma Boots

This morning as I was exiting the subway, already thinking about my second cup of coffee at my desk, I stopped in my tracks. The most perfect riding boots. Swoon. The gentle swoop at the top that cups into your leg. The buttery leather. The classic toe shape with just a teensy bit of heel to give it some structure. The flash of gold.

I normally make it a point not to talk to people I don't know before 10am. But for these I had to make an exception. I tapped the girl on the shoulder (even though she was clearly rushing to work) because I had to know what they were and where they were from. I had my suspicions of Tory Burch from the signature gold circle emblem adorning flats around the city all summer long. After I gushed about how amazing her boots were, the girl in question gave up the goods. They were Tory Burch Selma riding boots. I think I'm in love.

To Tweet or Not to Tweet

I recently purchased an iPhone, and am totally obsessed with its brilliant technology. As such, I commonly strike up conversations with people about what apps they have on their iPhone or Droid in my constant quest to find the next cool thing to make my life a little more fun or easier. I’ve found that I get one of two reactions to this line of questioning.

1.      I meet a common spirit who eagerly whips out his or her own device and starts chattering away about favorite games, or subway navigation tools, or music

2.      I am on the receiving end of a rant about how technology is ruining our lives

The latter usually includes remarks about how Facebook puts too much personal information out there for the world to see, and they are sick of being bombarded by stupid updates about what people they don’t even like are eating for dinner. They do not need to broadcast their lives to the world. Or they rant about how useless Twitter is, and how society is disintegrating into 140 character blurbs (this is always accompanied by misuses of the word tweet: especially tweeted, twit, twittered, etc.).  Then the whole thing is summed up by making fun of people’s statuses posted on Facebook, or questioning the legitimacy of news stations who post headlines to twitter before running them on TV.

My response is usually two fold. Facebook implemented privacy settings and the unfriend button for a reason. If you’re not using them, it’s only because you are A. too technologically unsavvy to be on Facebook in the first place, or B. Covering up your secret fascination with the lives of those you claim to hate with a thin veil of disdain. As for Twitter, it’s called creating a tweet when you post and it is a valuable way to harness news sources with up to the minute coverage that you choose to follow. No one is going to twist your arm into reading what the Kardashians are posting. You can even sign up to follow others, and don't even have to post anything yourself. These are vehicles of social media that allow wonderful feats of keeping in touch that were quite simply not possible even as recently as when I started college.

Where’s your sense of wonder? I mean, lets be real here. The internet was invented (invented!!) during our life times, and now things are advanced enough that I can get my phone to “listen” to a song, identify it’s singer and title, and let me download it on the spot in seconds. I can take a picture of an unfinished Sudoku, and receive a result key. I can play scrabble against friends in real time on different continents. What is so wrong with that?

Things change. The world becomes more globalized. You can choose to jump on board and keep up with the times, or be left behind with all those people who were too stubborn to learn how to use a computer because it was just a passing fad.  Look at how well that turned out for them.

And for the record, my favorite apps are: Facebook, Fruit Ninja, Shazaam, Pandora, Words with Friends, DerManDar, Twitter, and Istaverse.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It's October, which means breast cancer awareness month. Do you part to Save the Tatas this year. Make a promise to the lady in your life if she gets screened. Bribes for a good cause are totally acceptable.

Or, if you'd like to make a monetary donation, my alumni committee is walking in the Making Strides Against Cancer walk this year. Our goal is to raise $20,000 towards a cure. To date, we're up to $4,351. Help Fordham reach our total here. 

Whether to Feather

So you've seen it on everyone this summer, little glints of feather popping out here and there. I've noticed the trend sprouting out everywhere from Bonnaroo all the way to NYC. I love it, but naturally, I had a few questions. Over the summer they were pops of bright pink and green. Now that fall is here? Creamy cafe au lait tones, and deep browns that blend with hair.

My first thought, was where are all the feathers coming from? They're rooster, ostrich, turkey or pheasant. Any it turns out they're the same variety used in deep sea fishing lures. The fishermen? They're a little peeved that tackle shops are running out of hackles because the fashion industry has been snatching them all up.

If you're itching to get some feathers in your tresses, here's a few things you should know. You can style as usual. Wash. Dry. Curl. Repeat. Most salons offer their services. For a feather fling, pick you a snap in set for happy hour at $25 a pop from companies like Sutra Hair Accents. Remove for your board meeting the next day.

If you have 3 minutes and 12 seconds

Listen to Green Lights by Aloe Blacc. It's off of his new album Good Things, and for me it was love at first listen. I've been an Aloe Blacc fan since I heard his catchy theme song to HBO's How to Make it in America, "I Need a Dollar." But his last album, Shine Through, wasn't worth listening to straight through. You can read my opinions about it in this post. But Good Things? I listened to the preview of all the songs on iTunes, and before I knew it I had the whole album downloading to my iPhone. There are notes of Jackson Five motown, and straight soul. This one's my favorite.

But this one is great too! Have a listen (if you have 4 more minutes and 14 seconds to spare).

Root Touch Up Spray

This post goes out to all of the natural dirty blondes. You know who you are. You were born with blonde hair that started out close to white, transformed to golden, and as you got a little older gradually darkened to a dull shade of meh. You’re adult life has been comprised of dropping a couple hundred a few times a year to restore its former luminance with highlights weaving glorious light streaks into the boring dark blonde. Yet, as someone who is already blonde, you tend to stretch out the time in between salon visits because, well, roots just take a while to be noticeable. No? Is that just me?

I happen to also have been gifted with naturally extremely fine (read: extremely prone to snarling) hair that seems to get a little more susceptible to rat’s nests each time I color it. In the interest of cutting down my combing time, and giving my strands a chance to revive in between dye treatments, I tend to stretch the time between root touch ups as much as possible. In this particular month, I’m holding out to get the cut closer to one of my best friend’s weddings. I’m a bridesmaid, and I want my hair to look fab in the pictures.

I know. 2-toned hair is in style right now, giving you more freedom to leave ends not matching the crown. And yet, despite my stellar motivations, I look in the mirror and my roots are crying out to be colored.

Enter the miracle of John Frieda. For $10 a bottle you can blend your color for a couple weeks until you can get an appointment with your favorite stylist. It’s called Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Controlled Lightening Spray. You apply to damp hair only on the sections needing a little touch up, blow dry as normal, and your roots disappear. Genius.

About Getting What You Want

Autumn Fashion Gets Patriotic

This fall’s fashions are all about prints. They’ve been popping up everywhere, from polka dots to the Navajo blanket revival that goes along with all things fringed and leather. The most surprising pattern I noticed was the very patriotic star motif seen all over Dolce and Gabbana’s ready to wear collection, and the latest Sonia by Sonia Rykiel line.

 D&G

  D&G

  D&G

Typically I reserve my stars and stripes for the fourth of July with a healthy dose of red white and blue. But these patterns are whimsical, yet grown up see in feminine colors, upscale fabrics and structured shapes. I think I will be adding some stars to my fall wardrobe.

 Sonia Rykiel

Would you wear this trend?

GenArt Fresh Faces in Fashion

Like Fashion, but suck at slipping past security at the shows? You’re not a magazine editor either? Don’t be resigned to oogling fashion shows on your teensy TV screen. You could try to win tickets (like I did last year). OR just bit the bullet and purchase them to see Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion New York show. 

The event goes down on September 9^th from 7pm-midnight at the Grand Ballroom of Manhattan Center. The show is designed to showcase up-and-comers in the ready to wear and accessories realms. It’s kicking off fashion week on its first night, and has been the launch pad for designers including Zac Posen, Phillip Lim, Rebecca Taylor, Eugenia Kim, Twinkle, and Lulu Frost.

It’s the real way to be on the cutting edge of what’s hot before its in every store window. The event will show collections from  

Womenswear designers:

• Ann Yee
• William Okpo
• Sunghee Bang
• ace & jig
• Eighteenth
• Jennifer Chun

Menswear designer:

• Baron Wells

Accessory Designers:

• Osborn
• Falconiere
• Wool and the gang
• Collina Strada

You can stand and watch the show for a reasonable $50. With your ticket you get access to a pre-reception at 7pm, the runway show at 8pm, and the After-party at 404 starting at 10pm. The After-After-Party is up to you. Get the details here.

Summer, Don't Go!

Yesterday I wore boots to work, actual shoes, with socks and closed toes and a long sleeved dress. It filled me with a sense of sadness and dread very fitting for the cloudy, rainy day. Lately there has been a nip of cool air at night, and the distinct feeling that summer’s heat is over. My friends are excited. They hated the heat wave, and welcome long pants and fall’s crisp air.

But to me? Summer is a time to be carefree, the months of vacation and swimming that we itch for all year long, the season we look forward to like giddy little kids getting out of school. I’m just not ready for it to end quite yet. I don’t even have a tan! I want endless sunshine filled days stretching before me to yawn away on park blankets in sundresses. It is my favorite season to dress for, where a fluttery top, or flowing skirt will do for any occasion. I want to be in the ocean more. I want to wear shorts and eat ice cream cones. I am not ready for falling leaves, and getting out of work in the dark.

So here’s a little ode to summer and its relaxation for you. Don’t go quite yet!

------------------------------------ 

Sweet Summer

by Wayne Jarus

The boats adrift in the harbour
As thoughts in a calm mind
A liquid sun beaming today and forever
We hoard happiness a smile at a time

As thoughts in a calm mind
Finding respite in cool shade
A liquid sun beaming today and forever
Butterflies flutter in a golden haze

Finding respite in cool shade
In this pastel world of light and shadows
Butterflies flutter in a golden haze
And crickets sing in motionless meadows

Oh sweet summer stay and sleep
A liquid sun beaming today and forever
Lingering dreams and afternoons of heat
The boats adrift in the harbour.

Disco Nap

I have a new favorite term: disco nap. I came across it for the first time when reading an article in W magazine about the idyllic island retreat of the wealthy upper crust that still values privacy and class over reality tv and flash. After days of sunning and swimming off the backs of yachts, the elite would take "disco naps" before nights of dancing until dawn. I did a little googling to find the definition of this foreign expression. Turns out it was an art I had mastered long ago, but just didn't know the name.

The BFFL and I have been disco napping since freshman year of college. Every evening around 6pm, exhausted from the day of laying around and sitting in class, we would close (but not lock) our always open door, turn off the lights, and task a friend with waking us up when they started to get ready to go out. We needed a solid two hours of sleep before the night's events, and would always greet the unlucky soul by yelling at them to get out of our room when it was time to awake. We were napping pros.

When you're rich and glamourous, and the days of leisure wear upon your stamina, you need to sleep to prepare for your fabulous plans later on, you squeeze in a disco nap too.

The rich and famous. They're just like us!

Words of Wisdom

Bug Repelling Clothing

With the perfectly warm summer nights we’ve been having lately, I’ve been finding myself spending a lot of time outdoors after dark: watching movies, drinking on verandas, and eating food on lawns. The single downside of enjoying glorious evenings al fresco? Those pesky insects that insist on biting me anywhere my skin is exposed. Legs covered in red bumps just don’t look cute in warm weather mini’s.

I hate the smell of bug spray. It has gotten better over the years, and is usually worth it when camping or hiking in the woods. But in Manhattan? Not going to fly. When I was in Hawaii earlier this year, a friend revealed a handy trick. Rub drier sheets on your skin, and the bugs will leave you alone. And who doesn’t enjoy smelling downy fresh?

Or you can try out these hoodies that are laced with the natural bug-fighting powers of the chrysanthemum. They repel bugs without the stink or sticky spray of the aerosol stuff. They’re made by white sierra, and called Swamp Hoodies. Available in pants too!

Fashion Luxuries

Sometimes a designer creates something so exquisite, that it inspires utter longing in the people who see it. They yearn for it. They must make it their own, and wear it every day. Once and a while a few pieces come around like this that make me ponder my need to consume fashion magazine after magazine.

Do I enjoy knowing of the trends? Seeing a glimpse of the luxuries in life I likely will never be able to afford? Or for the sheer pleasure of understanding and taking in the fine craftsmanship of fashion?

Luxury house after luxury house, their goal is the same, make a product that a woman can wear for ages. Timeless. Heirloom. The intent is to beautify, and to last for ages. In the era of microwaves that last a month or two, and disposable electronics, what other industry can name pure longevity as its goal? And then I remember. Even if I cannot always have it for my own, I can certainly enjoy the view.

Hermes Cape Cod watch, even a little time piece exudes simple quality. At Hermes, leather craftsmen study for three and a half years before working. They take 6 to 10 years to become experts. Each finely made leather bag takes approximately 20 hours of work.

Dior Fine Jewelry by Victoire de Castellane. The entire collection takes.my.breath.away. It is quite possible these lush bejeweled flowers may even be more beautiful than a growing bloom freshly kissed by morning dew.

Dior wool tweed coat with fox fur collar. Sigh. What could be more romantic that a fur collar, red lipstick, and big hair on the streets of Paris?

What motivates you to keep up on the fashion trends?

Louis Vuitton Wellies

In the past two days, I've been caught in two serious rain storms. I'm talking about BUCKETS of water pouring from the sky. How do I stay dry? A white vinyl rain coat, and knee high rubber boots of course. It's the New York uniform in the rain, and every rainy season, there's a pair of wellies that make the "must have list." One minute you see them on a fashion blog, and the next every other person has a pair. Last year it was Hunter. This year? A spread of Karen Elson in W magazine predicts that Louis Vuitton's heeled  galoshes will be the trend of the street.

 They're a must have for the Upper East Side set, and are best worn with Chanel, pearls, a small dog, and over the knee socks to counteract the blatant stripper platform heel.

Would you wear this trend?

Lulu's Lace

Have you checked out Lulu's? Every time I see something adorable and lace in a magazine that doesn't cost 1 million dollars it's from the site. I've got my eye on these pretty girl rock taupe shorts.

 And this Van Lear Rose Dress. Nothing like lace for warm, romantic summer nights.

A note from my favorite author

Blissful Buzz

 In the constant heat wave that’s swept NYC lately, everyone has been seeking relief from the oppressive temperatures. Every weekend half the population flees to Long Island or New Jersey, and lines at Pinkberry have been out of control. Every. Single. Time. I try to get an Icee, the machine at 7-11 is empty. You’d think I was trying to get a taquito at 4am. Whether it’s swimming, or a frosty treat you crave you just want to stay cool.

Reunion Surf bar on 44th Street between 8th and 9th has the answer in the form of happy hour. Stay cool and get drunk? They have Sno-Cone Cocktails on the menu. One cone for $4, or 3 for $10 in flavors that scream summer (or Italian ice) like cherry with Tahitian Vanilla bean, Lime with lime vodka, and Raspberry. And get this: each cone has the same amount of alcohol as a regular mixed drink.

Beat the heat, and get buzzed all in one.

Sales on a Schedule

I love a bargain shopping more than the average girl. When I walk out of a store with an item I want, bought for a discounted price, it is such a sense of euphoria. That feeling? It’s what most refer to as a shopper’s high. Stores capitalize on the positive vibes you get when purchasing sale items, and slash price tags to encourage people to buy on impulse-read: buying things just because they’re a good deal, rather than because it’s something you want. Don’t fall prey to this little trick. That’s how you fill your closet with things you’ll never wear.

I’m a seasoned sales shopper. But did you know that sales depend on the day of the week?

Retailers are known to cut prices on bags on Monday, swimsuits on Tuesday, shoes on Wednesday, and dresses on Sunday. At the end of a month, or a financial quarter, deals get even better.

This day of the week sale schedule extends past the department stores to travel and electronics. Score cheap flights on Tuesdays at 3pm 2-14 weeks before you want to fly. Laptops tend to cut their price tags on Sundays.

Happy Shopping!

In my Headphones

I've been on a country kick lately. Thank Pandora. I've been listening to a LOT of Chris Young (love) and his sexy deep voice.

Aaand quite a bit of Sugarland. Enjoy!

Veggie Surprise! Veggies Disguised

So I’ve heard quite a bit about pureeing veggies and mixing them into regular food as a way to “sneak” them into children’s diets without them knowing. The technique first came to my knowledge when I heard about Jessica Seinfeld’s (Yes, Jerry’s wife) cookbook Deceptively Delicious (remember that whole lawsuit scandal?). The July/August issue of Women’s Health magazine was the first time I’ve heard it applied to real adult eating. They report that a study at Penn State University uncovered a hidden benefit to hidden veggies. When study subjects unknowingly ate pureed vegetables in three meals a day, they ate almost 360 less calories a day. They came up with some sneaky substitutions to cut back on the calories of some of your favorite summer dishes.

• Swap ½ cup pureed roasted red peppers for ½ cup mayo in your pasta salad
• Save 435 calories

• Swap ½ cup cooked, pureed spinach for ¼ cup sour cream in veggie dip
• Save 79 calories

• Swap ½ cup pureed beets and 1 can pureed black beans for oil in brownie mix
• Save 469 calories

• Swap 2 cups pureed sweet corn for 1 cup cream in chowder
• Save 556 calories

A way to chow down on summer treats and still cut calories? Sold.

What I Wore Book Party

Last Wednesday I attended the What I Wore Book Party. I have to say, it was a lovely affair. It took place at the DKNY Soho store. I shopped. I drank free champagne handed to me in fancy glasses from handsome men.

And most importantly, I had the opportunity to meet the lovely Jessica Quirk. That's me on the left! Jessica's husband took the photo, and she posted it on her blog today.

I purchased her book, and had a chat about blogging with her.

She wrote me a darling message, and even complimented me on my outfit. What a delight.

Naturally I have already finished the book. It's chock full of handy tips for picking outfits for each season, and the drawings are gorgeous. Things I've learned:

• A pattern is woven into fabric
• A print is a design printed on top of the fabric
• Accessory organization is an art
• Those velvet covered hangers I have to keep clothes from slipping? They're called flocked
• There's another person in the world who uses wine bottles to keep their boots upright

My recommendation, if you're looking to reinvent your wardrobe, pick up the book! And check out her review of the book party here.

Ricky's Magic Combs

Last summer, Ricky's invented an ingenious set of combs designed to impart shine directly into your hair while you comb, no product required. So how'd they do it? Olive oil baked right into the plastic.

This year, they're upping the ante to not only attack dull, listless locks, but to battle frizz and dried out beach hair. The No Frizz comb slides olive oil and keratin onto your locks.

The Sun comb directly deposits sunscreen and nutritional oils including extracts of jojoba, macadamia, avocado, carrot seed, and sea buckthorn to help hair reflect UV light.

Just comb your hear. It's just that easy, and you'd be doing it anyways. Might as well make it count.

Natural Watersliding

Over 4th of July weekend, I had the opportunity to go natural water sliding. Have you been wondering what the heck that is since I posted it? Well, it's basically what it sounds like. You sit at the top of a creek bed, positioned in the current of the water flow, and wait to be sucked down the "slide" a smooth rock path the water has worn. You go through a couple deep pools and end in a little natural whirlpool. That's me at the top of the first slide!

In other words, its every little girl's dream. Or mine at least, I have always thought about how cool it would be to water slide in nature, or to float down a small, gentle waterfall, but until last year I didn't think it was possible. Then last Autumn I visited Ohiopyle State Park with my sister for a hike, and we came across a sign for natural water slides. I have been imagining what it would be like ever since. This summer when I went for a visit, it was at the top of my list of things to do.

In reality, natural water sliding wasn't exactly what I had imagined. Call me spoiled from years of riding down perfectly smooth plastic tubes, but sliding over smooth rock surfaces can do a number on your toes and knees if you don't have the proper attire. I recommend water shoes and some spandex pants to avoid scrapes. And, it was slightly terrifying (in a good, exhilarating kind of way) to be totally under the control of the current. Water is strong, and the pull of the current was more forceful than anything I could have swam against. All in all, it was a great adrenaline rush. Will I hurry to do it next time I'm in Pittsburgh? Probably not. Have I checked it off my bucket list? Certainly.

Words of Wisdom

In Oddball Beauty Advice

Self magazine recommends eating a serving of orange veggies a day to get a healthy summer glow, think carrots and red peppers. Why? These veggies are so high in carotenoids that they can give skin a subtle orange tint when eaten in large quantities. Not only are they low in calories and filling, they’ll give you the same hue as a spray tan in no time flat.

Chelsea Art Walk 2011

Today is the annual Chelsea art walk where galleries fling open their doors to the public and provide live music, refreshments, and more. It runs from 5-8pm tonight, and includes over 125 galleries. There will be live music, film screenings, and artist/curator talks. For those of you who are mostly in it for the free food and booze with a little blast of culture on the side, there are a variety of activities and cocktail receptions going on.

• A new ice cream sandwich is unveiled by the Coolhaus truck at Meulensteen
• An artist will cut up dollah dollah bills yo for souveniers at Pavel Zoubok
• You can have a Polaroid portrait made at Porter/Contemporary
• Drink tequila at Vogt
• Drink Bellinis and listen to music at Sudarem Tagore
• Have a shave ice at Jenkins Johnson

Download your map here . And as a cool bonus, they are having everyone who attends upload photos to Flikr with the tag “Chelsea Art Walk 2011” so that the public can view pictures of the events. Check-check it out!

Rolling into Summer

Get out your neon hot pants, and get ready to pretend it’s the early 90’s. No, I’m not promoting becoming a hipster, I actually have a good reason! Uniqlo is making my dreams come true and bringing a roller rink to NYC (albeit temporarily). The 8,000 square foot oval is opening today under the High Line and has moved to the top of my to-do list for the weekend. The first 500 skaters today through Saturday get in free. After that it’s $12 for admission including skate rental. Enter at West 30^th street and 10^th Avenue. $12 for a flashback to roller skating parties of my youth, and pretending to be a roller disco diva for a few hours? A bargain if you ask me. If only they handed out little gummy bracelets and stickers as prizes to the best skaters. Sigh. And when you’re too sweaty to skate any more, pop up to the high line and lounge in one of their reclining chairs with a refreshing beverage.

Hello Friends!

 As promised, I’m back in action before August is here (just barely). And boy! Have I been busy! While I’ve been away (missing blogging of course!), I’ve been running around doing all these glorious things:

• Natural Watersliding 
• Visiting Rooftop bars
• Touring Pittsburgh by Bus/Boat 
• Attending bachelorette parties of good friends
• Attending weddings of good friends and family
• Listening to Music in Frick Park
• Going to the beach 
• Being part of a Conde Nast Style Society video shoot
• Attending the What I Wore book party
• Finding a new roomy to move into my apartment
• Writing a freelance project
• Learning how to use my new iPhone (hello mobile updates!)
• Picking berries in Pennsylvania

While June and July have been packed with wonderful events, and gobs of fun, I must say that I am looking forward to an August where most of my free time will be spent drinking and eating outdoors, or laying on a blanket in my bathing suit, with a picnic basket nearby. More to come on all my goings on in the next few days.

What have you been up to this summer?

Summer Hiatus

Hi Friends! As you all have noticed, I haven't posted in a long long time. Due to wedding season in full swing, and other summer things, I've been fresh out of time for you. But don't worry, I'm missing for a minute, but I haven't forgotten all of you. I'll be back and posting again by the time August rolls around! Get out there and enjoy some sunshine!

Because her name is Janis and my name is Janice

Color Dipped Hair

Let’s face it guys, there are some days when having a job in corporate America, well, it just really cramps my style. While I do enjoy the steady paycheck, and the lack of manual labor from my job, the Monday through Friday, 9-6 professionalism can get to be too much.

First there’s the lack of being able to get outside and do stuff during the day, and not just for fun purposes. Going to the bank and the doctor’s office gets to be a real pain in the butt. Then there’s the whole formal attire part of it forcing my toes into pumps when they’d really rather be wiggling free in flip flops. I’m pretty lucky where I work, and they let me wear my nose ring. But can I get a witness on all you out there with tatts and piercings you have to cover up in the office?

I miss the days when I could color my hair any way I want without the fear of being judged “unprofessional.” Pink highlights during the summertime: I miss you. Let’s spend some time looking at the lovely ombre hair trend that’s going on right now, and sigh about having jewel toned tips.

What trend do you wish was office acceptable?

Talib Kweli in Red Hook Park

You know summer is official when NYC starts providing awesome concerts in parks scattered around the 5 boroughs for free. Tonight SummerStage presents Talib Kweli in Red Hook Park at 7pm. I’ve seen him perform before, and he is out of control good. He’s collaborated with Mos Def, Kanye, and Mary J. Blige. Both Jay-Z, and 50 Cent count themselves among his fans. His talent is immense, and you can witness it live for only the $2.25 it takes to get you there on the subway. I know I’ll be in the audience. Will you?

Summer Fashions

Today is officially the first day of summer. What could make a more perfect summer outfit than a straw tote, sheer lace top, and some canvas espadrilles?

These items are on my summer MUST list.

Mar Y Sol's "Nantucket" tote in Ocean and Apple

Bebe's "Lucia" Sheer Lace Top

Life: Curated's "Dawn" Cork Wedges

What's on your list of have-to-have items for this season?