This Is STORY in NYC

When I went to New York last week, there was one place that I made sure to see. Surprisingly, it was not the Statue of Liberty or Times Square, it was actually a little boutique I heard about earlier in the year. It's called This Is STORY, and it's one of the most innovative ideas out there right now. Originally dreamed up and executed by marketing genius Rachel Shechtman, STORY it is a retailer space that takes the point of view of a magazine, changes like a gallery, and sells like a store. Basically, every month the store changes what they carry (the "story" it tells for the month, if you will), and also holds events and talks about the interesting things they are showcasing at the time. When I visited, it was Design Story, but if you were there in February, it would have been Love Story. Pretty neat, right?

STORY's beautiful, versatile brandmark in action (I have to say, the brandmark concept is definitely one of the things that got me in the door, but that's the design nerd talking).

It was an awesome experience, and also a chance to learn about some really neat designers that are out there right now. I also bought the dress you see below! Fits like a dream and I love the unique pattern, by KamaliKulture (similar here).

Here's a few more things I learned about when I went there. Definitely something not to miss if you're ever in the Chelsea neighborhood of NYC!!

Martone Cycling - designer bikes!
Designs by Katrina Reifeiss - beautiful hand-dyed silk garments
Rock Paper Robot - nerd-alert: FLOATING magnetic furniture! whaaaat.

ttfn. Happy Discovering!

Destroyed Boyfriend Jeans

OK, so I have a slight obsession with Boyfriend-fit jeans. I just love them for their versatility and comfort, and how summery and fun they are.. I could go on. Naturally, one of the first items on my summer shopping list is a pair of distressed boyfriend-fit jeans. Imagine my dismay upon finding my dream pair that I've been searching for all this time, only for the price tag to be a little under $300. My student loans are about to kick in! No way! Never fear, Express is here.

The original dismay-inducing pair by GOLDSIGN - $278

(I have to admit, if you've got the funds, these might be worth the splurge.)

Frugal Doodler version! From Express - $69.90

AND there's a buy one, get one half off sale going on at Express right now, too! Jump on it!

New York trip

Ahhh, it's been a while, but I'm back! Finally graduated and whoo has it been a ride! I recently took a trip to New York City for a very exciting interview, so I thought I'd share a few pictures and some neat findings. My wonderful mom decided to come along on this trip, so we started our short visit with a little sight-seeing and of course, a lot of good food.

The third picture was taken at a bar/restaurant called Dinner on Ludlow.. I had two of the most fabulous cocktails I've ever had and then topped it off with some truffle oil risotto. TO. DIE. FOR. The bar seemed to specialize in cocktails with house-made syrups (I had "By the Bayou", a tequila and jalapeno-infused drink.. awesooome.) and super cool hipster get-togethers, as we seemed to have been crashing some kind of DJ-ed art opening at the time. Anyway, I'd highly recommend it. Check out their website for more info!

Next.. The big interview! Here's what I wore.

blouse: TJ Maxx
Necklace: DKNY, TJ Maxx
Blazer: Express
Skirt: Ann Taylor Loft
Purse: Nine West
Belt & Shoes: Target

The only stuff you may still find in stores are the belt and shoes, as I bought everything else at least a season ago. BUT none of this outfit cost over $100! Actually, most of it was under $50 when I bought it... thus proving you don't have to spend an arm and a leg to look fab (if I do say so myself). I am standing in an amazing store called This Is STORY.. but more on that in my next post!

Now that the interview is over, all I am doing is...

Hopefully I'll hear soon! That's all for now, folks.