Fun in the Sun

"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

Today we had a work picnic: a little sun, a little time out of the office, early day, life is good. Such a fun time playing frisbee and winning $50 for staying the whole time (hello, more shopping!!)

White w/Turquoise Embroidered Tank from Ann Taylor Loft: $9.99 (end of last season)
Polo Jeans/Shorts from Macy's: $22
Pewter Flip Flops from Conway in NYC: $1.99
Silver Hoops - a gift from my mama
Turquoise ball stud earrings from Urban Outfitters: $5 (2 for $10)
Silver Star Ring w/Sparkles - a gift from a friend

Chasing the Clouds Away

"Hushed Existentialist" (MD)

After much ado about nothing late into last night.... I finally was able to pull myself together this morning, with a little help from my favorite stores:

Black Eyelet-Yoked Calvin Klein Tee from Macy's - $12.50
Shout-out to my White i.e. Tank from Macy's underneath - $0.88 (yes, cents)
White Khaki Finely Corded Pants from Ann Taylor Loft - $9.99
Black Sparkly Flip Flops by American Eagle from Payless - $3.50
White Capiz Shell Earrings from a mall kiosk - maybe $7 (came with a necklace)
Skull & Crossbones Bandaid to cover a catscratch and tie it all together? priceless.



Toes are polished with L'Oreal Jet-Set in Lightening Perle (102).

Oh yeah, and for the record? Today turned out to be AWESOME.

Sunny Days

"Hushed Existentialist"

Today I woke up all hot and bothered. It was already well into the 70's and I was not feeling any of my work clothes. Keeping in the theme of Pink = Happiness,

Heathered Pink V-neck T by Calvin Klein - $7 from Lord & Taylor
Khaki Pants by American Eagle - $14.99
Pewter Flip Flops by Kaleidoscope - $1.99 from Conway in NYC



I had my favorite pizza from Mamma Lucia's for lunch: A slice of artichoke w/roasted red peppers and a slice of plain cheese. It really is the best pizza in the area.... and I would consider myself an expert.

Rainy Days

"Insatiable Corporate Raider" (NYC)
Ok lots of stuff goin on in the city this weekend – I will leave it to the Hushed Existentialist to recap the majority of our journey but here is where I will begin. Its rainy today so my mood is reflective of the dark wetness outside…this is the first time I’m wearing jeans and kicks in a minute but I couldn’t pull off much of anything else with this weather so I am rocking the Black KSwiss and a black button down. No picture needed...
Anyhow the weekend began with margarita’s at BBQ’s ($6 TEXAS size Margarita’s) then BINGO on National Bingo Night (we won nothing although came close) and my niece’s bday on Friday (she’s 18!).

(BBQ Frozen Margarita overlooking Times Square)

On Saturday, Hushed came into town and we began the day at Nook (amazing as always!). Then we stopped at a block long garage sale in my neighborhood on West 44th St. btwen 9th/10th ave in Hell’s Kitchen. This is where I will pause and elaborate. I have desperately wanted new furniture.

You see, in college we had the dorm raided furniture and free sidewalk finds that Hushed and I furnished our off campus apt with (midnight moving at its best!) then we graduated and therefore we semi-graduated from the dorm look of furnishings. After a brief 8 month stint on my brothers couch when I first moved to NYC, my bro and I then moved into a 2 br. in the city where we decided for a uniform modern look but still within reason and so we turned where most budget furnishers in the city turn, Ikea. Pictured below is the coffee table I still have that my bro found in the trash and then became the inspiration for all other Ikea purchased furniture. This worked for a few years until my brother moved on and I moved into my own place. I’ve used the Ikea furnishings for the last year now well because frankly NYC ain’t cheap and that broker’s fee and renting costs to get into my new crib set me back a bit.

But, now since I can not afford to move into a luxury apartment I want to at least feel luxurious with what I bring in to my place. I want real wood! I want unique pieces! I want pieces I would want to carry with me through life! And so it begins, craiglistin, online shopping, and garage sale-ing it up (cause we are still on a budget) looking for just what I want. Problem is I want all types of different things and different looks!

I digress….Now, I really wanted to participate in the garage sale but that didn’t happen so I shopped it instead. Hushed bought some oils, El Jefe accompanied us and then I got sideswiped by what were my favorite toys growing up – boxes! We met “The Box Man” from Allentown, PA who makes a sh*tload of money by buying up old factory soda crates and liquor crates, refinishing them and then selling the new piece of work at flea markets and sales. Some may call it crap I call it a piece of our industrial history and I will even go there and call it art. He truly makes a living out of what he loves. And I couldn’t resist. After a long moratorium of indecision I went for it with the encouragement of my 2 cohorts. I started with a large coffee table type trunk that was complete with nail indentations and a brushed red coat of paint. I got that for $50 (even those it was priced at $65 and at an antique shop woulda ran upwards of $100). Then El Jefe said, well a nice compliment would be a little box – and I had my eye on this Dewar’s White Label Whiskey liquor crate with a guy in a kilt and red writing that was from 1961 I believe (the actual ship date was still imprinted). This, as Hushed exclaimed at the time, would make a great box for hanging files. So I contemplated this purchase a while testing out the box next to the red one, with other little ones etc. Pondering so long in fact that we got into a great conversation with the box man and before I knew it he gave me all 3 boxes for $80!!!! The best thing about all these boxes is the storage component! In NYC space in itself is a luxury so extra storage is always a great find! I fit my guest comforter and sheets int the new coffee table already!
So here are some pics:

the array of boxes...


Red Trunkish Box = $50 (orig. $65)
Dewars Liqour crate turned Box = $20 (orig. $45)
Small Dark Brown Box = $10 (orig. $25)


Getting to work!

Upon returning home, after many compliments from passers by as we toted the boxes home, Hushed helped me then stain the 2 shelves I bought recently to match my new wooden boxes. Satisfied with my purchases, the journey a la Lord of the Rings began as we trekked out to Brooklyn to chill at Media Masta Killah’s (there are some great pics of this that I hope Hushed uploads). Nevertheless we made it back to the city late night and just before the rain began but not after much travail. I will let Hushed elaborate…this is enough from me for now.

"Hushed Existentialist"

The Odyssey: Beginning from midtown Manhattan and ending in Prospect Park Brooklyn, starving all the way, in search of food, drink and dessert.... Shot down by one restauranteur, taken the long way by a "cabbie", making a plan to egg the first place, ordering everything on the menu from the second place..... Baking cookies, drinking half-assed margaritas with full-on Patron, listening to loud tunes in an echo-y apartment.... Trying on Dresses:



.... laughing hysterically to the point of muscle strain... inhaling food and drink and cookies..... watching a crazy documentary about Tragedy aka Tracy Chapman.... Trekking for miles in every direction and finally home.

NYC WAS A BLAST (oh, but I'm allergic to BK)



I'm a little loopy after a 5 hour busride. Whew, what a trip.... Me and my Umberella.... ella.... ella.... eh, eh, eh....

Feelin the Fridays

"Insatiable Corporate Raider"
Today I really wanted to wear sweats or something comfortable of the sort considering our Summer Fridays policy is in full effect. I love Summer Fridays, I get 9 Fridays off this summer and the rest of the ones I have to spend in the office usually consist of loud music playing, the wearing of whatever I like, goofing around, cleaning up, long lunches, surprisingly lots of work getting done (actually more than I would on any other day due to the lack of meetings and distraction), and the ability to tell all my direct reports to leave when I leave which can be any where between 3-5pm depending on the day. It’s like a ghost town and I love it.
Anyhow a client called at 8am this morning to let me know he’s in town and ask if I wanted to join them for dinner – so I dressed slightly more presentable than I would any other hot Friday in the event I decide to take up his offer of dinner at Dock’s supposedly a yummy seafood restaurant on the east side. Although, as I am tempted by the free meal, after entertaining clients all week I’m not really feelin it at the moment. As much as I love these guys, I don’t really want to have to talk to anyone if I don’t have to - I am in a veg out mood. We shall see how I feel in a couple of hours…

For lunch Media Masta Killah and I met up for a $16.95 Lunch buffet at Utsav a really fancy looking spot in midtown cause I was craving some Indian especially some Sweet Lassi! Man, this buffet is BANGIN – they have everything I need and love even my favorite carrot dessert – I haven’t had Indian elsewhere in the city quite like it.
So I threw on something reminiscent of a country girl in the city or something (who knows what I am saying I think I am in food delirium.)

Top: White Crinkly button down JUST FOR GIRLS = this is old so I don’t remember but I got it from Loehmans and it was dfinitely under $20
Bottoms: Light Blue Jean Skirt from H&M = $8 on super sale I guess no one wanted this color
Bag: Tan Leather ESPRIT handle/shoulder bag = I don’t remember this is old too from the ESPRIT outlet store at Potomac Mills back in the day
Headband: Red graphic scarf headband from NORDSTROMS = $12? I love these things they are so cute
Bracelet: Ivory Snake Bangle = my Mom rocked this back in the day ‘70s style and I LOVE it so she lets me wear it hehe
Shoes: Tan Leather Strappy Sandals from ALDO = $25
My other shoes are my $2 Electric Turqoise flipflops from CONWAY – I don’t mess around with heels in this city unless I am walking short distances so I pack my flips!!

Fresh from Miami, Killah got a nice tan and is rockin some new threads!

Top: Tan Sweatery Scoopneck tee FOREVER 21 = $15
Bottom: Choco Brown corduroy EXPRESS skirt from back in the day = $40
Shoes: Fabric Gold Ring peep Toes = $75
Sunglasses: Purple tinted MARC JACOBS = $200
Bag: Blue and white pinstripe shoulder bag from URBAN OUTFITTERS = $50

Damnit, I just spilled sh*t on my shirt!!!!!!!!! ah, well - par for the course.

"Hushed Existentialist"

The only thing that got me out the door this morning was knowing that it was Fun Jeans Friday, something about the heat and lack of sleep was making it hard to motivate. But today? Turned out to be. The. Best. Day. EVER!!!! I honestly don't know what I did to deserve it....

Sheer Cream V-Neck by Tangerine (from Macy's): $5
Cream Cami with Lace Trim from Express: $3
Cute Guess Jeans (with g's on the pockets!) from Loehmann's: $22
Gold Sparkly Flip Flops from Filene's Basement: $6.99
Gold Hoop Earrings w/CZ by Carolee (from Lord & Taylor): $7.50



"Eating through lunch" again (today I got the bok choy and brussel sprout stir fry, which was sauteed in garlic, sesame oil and soy sauce -DELICIOUS) - still didn't get to finish half the stuff we started, nor did we anticipate the plethora of new editions [sic] to the myriad of things we are currently working on. All I can say is I'm very happy with the way things are going and excited to see what the future holds.

For dinner I am currently obsessed with this unlikely combination:



Looks strange, but is totes awesome. Tawesome.

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……

Temperatures Rising

"Insatiable Corporate Raider"
Since the temperature is rising and the UV index is so high that you can get burned in just 15min. I opted for a psuedo safari look - call this Concrete Jungle - notice my "Oh, what's that out there - keep the sun out my eyes" pose - unfortunately it came out looking like a Salute of sorts - ha!

Dress: Cream linen with braided rope belt and wooden beads from H&M = $25
Shoes: Choco Brown peep toe cut out GUESS pumps = $35
Bracelets: Close-up of the Green&Brown Beads my mommy got me on SUPER sale in NYC
Sunglasses: My cheapo psuedo Tortoise Shell $2 find from Chinatown
For the Hair I opted for the Braids to keep the neck cool - oh and on the nails is another $1.99 find at Rite Aid a shimmery pink with glitter on top - cause i am cheesy

For lunch I am all about the Water and the left-over 'Maria burrito' from last nights dinner at La Paloma pretty amazing Mexican food.

For dinner I have a client in town so this should be interesting. They always like to pick the restaurant since they come in from the Mid-West so its always an adventure. Tonight we are going to Uncle Jacks Steakhouse - I'll give you the lowdown tomorrow.

"Hushed Existentialist"

Today I woke up at 5am with a smile on my face, feeling so rested and refreshed and generally loving life. So naturally, I chose the color Pink to express myself through fashion:

Pink Shell Earrings: Gift from The Corporate Raider
Black V-Neck with Tie, Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Hot Pink Linen Flutter Skirt, Ann Taylor Loft: $14.99
Hot Pink Sparkly Flowered Flip Flops from Steinmart: $3.50 (another great end of season deal a couple of years ago)
Same Two Beadazzled Bracelets: $17 total



I felt really flirty and summery in this outfit, my first time wearing a skirt to work in probably 2 years....

It's too hot to cook. I made some hummus roll-ups for dinner:
Hummus, Chives, Tomato, Sweet Peppers



I had to eat them fast because I have yoga in a few minutes. Let's hope this doesn't adversely affect my downward facing dog pose....