Seven Eleven

"Hushed Existentialist"(MD)

I wore 2 dresses in 2 days to work, more than I've worn in the past 5 years combined.... Unfortunatly without the flash on my camera, I wasn't able to capture these historic occasions.... Today I just had to report about my $2.48 gauchos from Target.

TWO DOLLARS AND FORTY EIGHT CENTS, PEOPLE!!!!

Of course, I have to give credit where credit is due: Corporate Raider picked them out for me. Thank god, I love them, they are so comfortable, and they can go anywhere.



Calvin Klein Butterfly Sleeve Top w/Wooden Bead Detail: $12.50 from Macy's
White Tank by Mossimo from Target: $3.98
Moss Green Gauchos by Mossimo from Target: $2.48
Bronze Huraches by Steve Madden from DSW: $14.99
Capiz Shell Earrings from a Mall Kiosk: $3

I am shiny b/c it was hot as balls outside.

My only complaint about today is the fact that I was ogled. By a manager. It was rather unseemly and uncomfortable. At least I wasn't wearing a dress. But still.

Mexico City

"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

This morning I woke up feeling like I was in Mexico and I figured why not look like it too? So I paired my super-city gauchos with a peasant top and huraches to create the ultimate in business casual slash fiesta-wear.

White embroidered and embellished peasant top by Sugar Tart from Macy's: $24.99 (I remember on this particular shopping experience when I asked Legal Eagle for her advice, she seemed very put off by the price but agreed that if I liked it that much I should get it. I think it's really such a cute and versatile top and that I totally got my money's worth out of it....)
Chocolate Brown pin-striped gauchos by Tahari from Filene's Basement: $23.90 (originally $218 or some such nonsense!)
Tan huraches by Steve Madden from DSW: $15 (remember my espadrille story? I was on a similar mission to get huraches one summer when no one was making them. Out of the blue these babies were on the clearance rack and I got them in 2 colors! They remind me of my childhood and that's priceless:)
Gold capiz shell earrings from a mall kiosk: $3



Still rockin the natural light... Somehow I managed to have even more to update than I did yesterday, but no time or energy to do it. Was up til 3:45am playing with Shiba, my new lappie. But it is literally too hot to think around this piece anyway.... Lataz.

Code Level Hot Pink

"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

Today was hot and humid. Like, Malaria hot. 98% humidity and 102 degrees insane crazy heat. So naturally I started off the day with ice cream for breakfast. Ice cream for breakfast? Yes. Yoplait has decided to answer my prayers and make an ice cream bar and call it breakfast. I'm okay with that.

Also, to commemorate these first days of summer I cut up some watermelon, threw together some strawberries and blueberries, grabbed some pizza from Mamma Lucia's (Pepperoni, Roasted Red Peppers and Artichokes), picked up my most favorite cookies of all time from Giant (Soft Baked Ginger) and called it lunch:



There's way too much to report, not the least of which is this new laptop I'm posting with. And this only after spending about two hours too many "breaking it in" and messing with settings. I would take a picture, but that's another story....

I kind of took myself literally and was running around and doing things set to popular music this weekend rather than posting. So much, in fact, that I managed to drop my camera one or several times and now the flash doesn't work. Today's posts are courtesy of natural light:


Hot Pink August Silk top from Filene's or Loehmann's: $15
Chocolate Brown linen gauchos from Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Tan Suede espadrilles by BP from Nordstrom: $29.99
Accessories: all the same old stuff, search for it if you're really into it

Notice Kitty lurking in the shadows. She wasn't going to miss an opportunity to be on camera.

Last Thursday my laptop officially died. While I was trying to post about the "Best Week Ever". I can't really re-create the mood at this time, but this picture - predates the camera flash fiasco and as you can see I am in quite a playful mood - may be due to the ballerina flats, may be due to hours spent playing dance dance revolution at Dave & Busty's for happy hour, may be due to the margaritas, maybe due to the happy buddha on my shirt:



Happy Buddha super-thin T from Loehmann's: $20
Long Tank from Old Navy: $1.99
See-Thru Soul jeans from Nordstrom: $22
Ballet flats from Payless: $7.50
Super cute and fun attitude: Priceless. (still talked about to this day)

I feel like I've been on a bender the past few days, quite a doozy indeed. I don't have any of the details or the outfits documented, but let me just say once again: Best Week EVER.

An 8 year old boy did compliment me on a different shirt in the Laundromat. This was way better than the time an old senile dude complimented my fashion sense in a random doctor's office elevator.... stay cool.

Far East Heat

"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

With temperatures soaring and thunderstorms looming, I want my pants and my feet to be far as from the ground as possible without being indecent. Got a little gaucho/wedge action going this week:

White tunic top w/black embroidery from Forever 21: $10.90 (circa 2003)
Black linen gauchos from Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Black strappy wedges from Ann Taylor Loft: $34.99
White capiz shell earrings from a mall kiosk (came with a necklace I never wear): $7



I made my lunch again and I must say that artichoke hearts make everything seem gourmet. Whole wheat pasta, tomatoes, orange peppers, artichoke hearts and parmesan cheese tossed w/olive oil and whatever spices felt right. Freshly cut up watermelon and strawberries. Various snacks and water. VERY GOOD. Note to self: Self, you need more protein.


Oh the humidity ;)

Africa Hot

"Laser Beams" aka "Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

101 degrees before the first official day of summer is just not right. Getting a $218 pair of gauchos for $24? So. Right.

It was too hot to do much of anything today, including accessories. I tried to keep it as simple and breezy as possible:

Cream silk Ann Taylor Loft v-neck: $9.99
Chocolate brown striped Tahari gauchos from Filenes Basement: $23.90
Tan espadrilles by BP from Nordstrom: $29.99



Butted out to lunch for my 5th year anniversary with the great friends I've met and made at work. Went to Panera for old time's sake, where we used to go once a week when we all worked in the same office. It was hotter inside the Panera than it was outside, and it was BLAZING outside. So I got a little bit of summertime in a salad form:


Strawberry Poppyseed Chicken Salad, doesn't that just look like summer?? It certainly did taste like summer. Only a little too sweet for me. Life is sweet enough as it is :)

Sugar Highs and Lows

"Hushed Existentialist"

This morning I woke up early, once again, with a smile on my face. I knew it was going to be 90 degrees outside and I was ready for it. Baby pink was my muse, as I really wanted to pair these supercute and reminiscent of my childhood ballet flats with my new brown linen gauchos. I guess I am going through a nostalgic phase for all things that remind me of my little self....

Baby Pink Super Long Tank from Old Navy: $1.99
White V-Neck Flutter Sleeved Top from Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Chocolate Brown Linen Gauchos from Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Pink Ballet Slippers by Fioni for Payless: $7.50
Same 2 Beadazzled Bracelets: $17
Same Pink Shell Earrings from The Corporate Raider: gift



"Eating through lunch" constitutes a chicken salad sub from the cafeteria next door, plus LOTS of great conversation and, of course, snacks:



My newest obsession is the cinnamon goldfish, but they only come in variety packs!! I would eat a whole lot more of these if they came in full size packages....

"Insatiable Corporate Raider"
OK today I have been in ALL DAY meetings – and I mean ALL DAY as in this is the first time I am on my computer for the day with the exception of the powerpoint presentation I had to give. You would think I would be all suited up today with clients in town but as I saw them last night for dinner and because they are rather cool I opted for “business casual.” Speaking of dinner….it was pretty amazing. We went to Uncle Jack's which while in the shady area west of Penn Station turned out to be quite lovely. It’s a bit on the noisy side as the front walls are open to the street and the dinner tables are right near the bar, but definitely delicious.
We started with a toast of yummy champagne then quickly moved to the appetizer which was a tables worth of Seafood. Shrimp cocktail, Lobster tails and claws, and a whole bed of pure lump crab meat. I LOVE SEAFOOD like this and have been CRAVING it. Nothing like cracking a shell to the wonderful splendor beneath! If only I had a lil thing of melted butter to dip into it woulda been off the chain truly.
Then for the entrée as there were 5 of us and this place is known for their Steak (specializing in Kobe Beef upwards of $100) one of us still opted to go for the Sea Bass which turned out to be delightful. The remaining 4 of us split a 48 oz. Porterhouse which was quite the treat. They pre-cut this and then can cook to your liking which surprised us since we were all sharing one piece of massive meat. The juices in the steak were mouth watering and the meat simply cooked to perfection. This was a LOT of meat even between 4 people so much so that we had 2 HUGE doggie bags to take home.
On the side (as it is a la carte) we had their signature cream of spinach, which for me was not the highlight of the evening (too cinnamony) as the garlic mashed potatoes stole the show, and the asparagus Parmigiano wasn’t bad either especially all paired with a fabulous Red Amarone wine. Now the dessert which came out decorated with some décor courtesy of my clients that specialize in such décor was also amazingly delicious. While we tasted all the desserts, Pecan Pie, Crème Brulee, Mud Pie, and the Cheesecake. The cheesecake was by far my favorite. The best cheesecake I’ve had in a LONG time, so light and fluffy. The pecan pie was a close second. All paired with a nice Mint Verbena tea in a satin satchel.
These clients are just adorable and the dinner just delicious so it made for a great evening especially with the pleasant weather last night.

Now onto the Business Casual – a topic I will discuss at length another time…for now here is what I am rocking:
Top: Black V Blousy BANANA REPUBLIC petite shirt = $21
Bottoms: Cream Tie belt gauchos from DEGREE = $15 sale from Loehman’s
Shoes: Black STERMAX open toe micro-suede and straw wedges = $25 on sale at this cute boutique shoe store in Caesar’s Palace in Atlantic City

For lunch, outside of the ordering in from Cosi (their Signature Salad is my absolute favorite) since my clients specialize in sweetness I have gorged myself on cake, cake, cupcakes, oh and more cake. Now I feel sick…bleeech……

Memories of Memorial Day Distant now at work?

"Hushed Existentialist"
Today I must have been channeling The Corporate Raider's thoughts because I broke out all the sumratimes' standards:

White Eyelet Blouse: Ann Taylor Loft, $14.99
Crisp Black Linen Gouchos: Ann Taylor Loft, $14.99
Suede Espadrilles: BP by Nordstrom, $29.99 (I got these 3 years ago when I was obsessed with espadrilles and no one was selling them, now they're everywhere and this is the first time I've ever worn them)
Swarovski Crystal Bracelet: got the ingredients at Beadazzled for $9 and made it myself
Jade-like Stone Bracelet: Beadazzled, $8
Capiz Shell Earrings (not visible): $7 (with necklace, not shown)

Toes: Ballet Pink w/Guest List Gold finish, both by Maybelline



Feeling like it's sumratimes, looking like it's sumratimes, generally happy with the world and with two fun things to consume:





(nifty gifties, eh?)


“Insatiable Corporate Raider” (NYC)
It is officially the Summer in NYC. The long Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, the sea of white that rushed into the city before the weekend has started to retreat to the large Navy ship docked on the west side, the opened toe shoes are out in full fashion and street fairs have begun. On the less glamorous side of the things, the smell of dog piss mixing with horse shit and garbage piled high on sidewalks, exacerbated by the temperature rising is always a dead ringer that the summer season has begun. While I mentioned white in reference to our nation’s finest seamen, and sea women - the rule of white until after Memorial Day no longer seems to hold true, wouldn’t you say? While researching this subject matter I came across this blog and I would have to say I disagree with their stance of strict enforcing on this rule. Perhaps NYC is the exception? White is a hot winter color here, and I would have to agree with this sites response to the question which basically is to use your best judgment - plus the history they give for the “rule” is quite interesting for you history buffs.

Anyways, I digress.
Unlike the many New Yorkers that escape the city this long weekend and opt for the Jersey shore or the Hamptons I stayed at home, and did...absolutely…nothing. It was fabulous. The amount of travel I do for work, it was refreshing to not have to pack or unpack, rush anywhere, and just simply sleep in. Friday night, after FINALLY doing my nails (I found a fabulous shiny red for $1.99 at Rite Aid) I made it out only to get food. El Jefe de Musical Money and I journeyed a long 20+ block walk down to a nicely regentrified part of 10th ave. in Chelsea where a number of trendy outdoor restaurants including the Empire Diner reside. We dined on Apple, Brie& Walnut Salad and a Lamb Burger. Now, we really wanted to enjoy the night outside so while this place has great outdoor seating, the food leaves something to be desired, although the onion rings were quite tasty. Perhaps we were just hungry and cranky but this place was no Nook (which I will get to later) although it tried. The Brie in the salad was in huge chunks and the Lamb was a bit dry. What really got us here was the fact that the drinks (1 Amstel Light & 1 Margarita) were outrageously priced at upwards of $14 for both of them! So, not the best place for drinks. I recommend this place if you have time to spare, want to sit outside, want to feel trendy, and simply people watch. It’s possibly a good place for breakfast (as the Belgian waffles someone was eating looked tasty) but I personally probably will not be going back.
Saturday night the two of us met up with Ms. Queens Inspecta Lady and an old friend from college that I haven’t seen in years. We met his fiancé and dined at the drink friendly Blockheads at Worldwide Plaza. Now this is a place for drinks (and maybe an OK tasting quesadilla). $3 for margaritas that leave you cool and can knock you on yo ass is a STEAL in Manhattan especially with the fabulous outdoor seating this place has and the unlimited chips and salsa. We stayed for hours.

For the margartia fest I went comfy with....
Dress: Hot Fuschia Deep V Knot Grecian style dress (Handmade by a local designer, I forgot the name)= $39 (orig. $59) from hot lil’ boutique store in Miami was a nice bday present from my Mom
Shoes: Gold & Cork semi-flats from DOLLHOUSE = $15 from that cheapo brand name shoe outlet Dallas in Cleveland (see i did my toes! and even my fingernails! so unheard of for me)
Sunglasses: Brown/Copper Aviators courtesy of El jefe = on sale at DAFFY’s for $15 (orig. $98)

On Ms. Queens Inspectah:
Top: White Deep V satiny ruffle buckle shirt with gold embellishments From HOTPOINT on Jamaica Ave. = $30
Bottoms: Dark Denim BUFFALO Jeans = onsale at Filene’s for $30 (orig. $150)
Shoes: Black Pumps from Filene’s = $25
Sunglasses: same as in my pic courtesy of El jefe
Earrings: Gold Drop Dangles on sale at JCPENNEY’s = $6
Necklace: From Ethiopia = Priceless
Seamen in the background? Perhaps also priceless?

Sunday we redeemed our tummies yet again by going to our faved spot The Nook. This is the best restaurant in Hells Kitchen and perhaps even NYC. I am a big fan. The food is simple, yet amazing and somehow always consistent. The staff is friendly as we know all of them and the music hot. This place is tiny so it’s a great place to chill bring a bottle of champagne (or wine as its BYOB) and play a game of Scrabble. Mushroom Cigars and the Egg Scrambles are what I would call their claim to fame!

After we walked about 3 mi around the city checking out the street fairs. I almost bought a nicely priced wallet at the one on 7th ave (pictured here) but they didn’t have the color I wanted! You also can’t beat the booths where all the accessories are $2 – they are fun and funky and serve the purpose of dressing up any summer outfit without spending loads of dough. I also want all new furniture but in a unique way so we headed down to the flea market on 39th street and while this one has the foot traffic its missing the “umpfh!” Not enough vendors with not enough nice stuff and the furniture guy who I like wasn’t there! They need to do something to this market – perhaps I should apply to be a vendor??

After a quick stop at the newly moved Gardening center in my hood to try and get my green thumb back, for the rest of the day I stayed home and organized. Similar to you my dear Hushed Existentialist, I too keep the labels of my clothes – I will grace you with a pic of that another time but I also collect matchboxes for every restaurant perhaps I will combine and post later. Here is a pic of my newly organized closet. I got the hangers at Ikea for cheap! I believe it was 8pk for $5 – not bad! These wooden hangers are great because they keep the shape of the clothes but aren’t as wide as traditional wooden hangers so they give you more room in confined spaces such as my NYC closet. I just need to get more as you can see I ran out. I also am a big fan of color coding types of clothes for quick locating.

As for the actual Memorial Day I opted for a rollerblading adventure, laundry and Thai food at Olieng – also DELICIOUS the papaya salad, Shrimp Massamun curry, and Mango with sticky rice hit the SPIZOT! Get that dessert while you can as mangoes only have one more month left in season!

Now that I am back at work...
Today I had to go a bit more corporate for an exec meeting.
Top: Josephine Chaus White textured Button down shirt = Courtesy of my Mom but I’m sure not more than $20
Dark Denim Blazer from H&M = $25
Bottoms: Navy Blue BANANA REPUBLIC PETITES (my new fave store) pencil skirt = $25 orig. $68
Shoes: Chocolate Brown ENZO ANGOLINI slingbacks from Macy’s = also courtesy of my Mom but these were on super sale around $20

Ok that was lengthy so I will stop. I will leave the discussion of Miss Universe to the Legal Eagle – but I must say I called it from the beginning, I knew Japan was gonna win – just thought it would be between her and Venezuela.

(P.S. - after re-reading this I realize that we may be borderline insane- ah well - par for the course)

Just Another Manic Monday

"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)
Working from home means working on home - notice the hammer, screwdriver and drill on the table, recently used to install the rod to hang featured drapes....

Also notice the kitty in the background, sleeping on top of files.

Working from home means casual attire, flippant attitude:

Top - Jeanstar $8 from Macy's
Jeans - Polo $22 from Macy's

And the ingredients for a perfect peanut butter n honey sandwich:





"Insatiable Corporate Raider" (NYC)
Getting over a viral infection from the weekend I had so I pulled myself together to make myself feel better - in a half ass way.

Sunglasses - Fake me out Black aviators becase i felt like it = $2 in Chinatown
Top – Banana Republic Petites deep v with fabulous rouching = $10 (orig. $48 - on crazy sale!)
Bottoms – Studio black fancy gouchos = $20(on crazy sale at Lord&Taylor)
Shoes – Nine West Black leather Peep toes with ribbon seams - $8 (my mom nabbed from a thrift shop brand new with tags still on them)

Bottoms and Shoes courtesy of my fashionista sale savvy mother!


Ate here for a 4hr client dinner this evening and this Crudo Antipasti in particular is absolutely FABULOUS if you can dig raw fish especially with their well-known Rhubarb infused Bellini...yummm

"Legal Eagle" (DC)
She is without a camera today so you will just have to wait until tomorrow...