Hump Day Crush

Fall in NYC. There is a definite chill in the air and I love it. Forget about the fact that the streets finally don't smell, and the subways don't feel like disgusting tuna cans (well, maybe they still do). Pumpkin flavors, apple cider, a hot lunch. That hair is now brown instead of blonde. And if that weren't good enough, people are busting out their fall fashions, kinda like the adult version of 'going back to school clothes'. Scarves, layers, outerwear, boots. It is the most playful time of transition clothing, and I can't wait to sort out my Fall wardrobe. Shopping my closet for most of it, but definitely want to find a way to work over the knee boots, the dressed up sweats, and a cape to name a few. It is the start of the season and it makes me feel so optimistic for some reason, even if winter is right around the corner. Fall in the city, you are my hump day crush. xx

Hump Day Crush

He's everywhere I turn. Bombarding me with commercials for his new movie 'Couples Retreat', on the movie poster for 'Extract' at the theater by my house, on late night re-runs of the brilliant 'Arrested Development' - Jason Bateman and his cute mug. He started working it during the 'Hogan Family' era. The only memorable thing from the show besides the fact that it had the lady with a glass eye. He seems to be cute and sarcastic, smart but idiotic, nice but totally creepy, not sure how he pulls it off but somehow he does. Can't wait to see the new flick, since what's not to love? Jason Bateman is this week's hump day crush. xx

Hump Day Crush

It has been well documented that Grace Coddington is the real star of 'The September Issue' - and with good reason. Her passion, her unique eye for capturing style on camera, and her edge are all cutting and captivating. She has the balls to stand up to Anna Wintour (bold v. conservative, in both work ethic and personal style) and had a perfect foil in a man whom she worked with who was a total weasel.

I absolutely love that she is still so into what she does, and believes in it so strongly, when she has been working at the same institution for 20+ years. I don't know whether it was her former model days, her brush with adversity via her car accident or her flaming red hair that fuels it, but she is amazing both as a person and in the styling she executes. And she knows the careful balance of how to work the system. I admire all she's accomplished - I know I have definitely flipped through many of her stories and just drooled and dreamed of fantasy. I hope that I can be that cool and passionate about what I do at her age. Grace Coddington, you are my hump day crush.

Hump Day Crush

NYC. Portrayed by Colson Whitehead is so scarily true to life, it blew my mind. His collection of short vignettes all tell the story of specific parts intrinsic to the city - all rudimentary ideas of what I have thought about at some point, only way more beautifully articulated. I really discovered that it is best enjoyed when reading the chapters while simultaneously experiencing them (ie: reading 'Subway', while on the subway, about 'Broadway', while riding down Broadway). It captures the amazing and grungy, the sometimes dysfunctional love/hate relationship with the city and its inhabitants - and the nuances of the constant battle of 'me' v. the city. But in Colson Whitehead's NYC it seems to be about an even score.

"It's the little taste that makes them go, and keeps them here year after year for these key afternoons. It gives this. Broadway is generous and knows that if it did not dollop out, it would be dried up. These occasional gifts cost nothing. Terrible and generous. Broadway knows that every footfall is its heart beating, that we keep its blood flowing. Broadway knows that if this secret ever got out it would be empty, so periodically it offers a glimpse. It costs nothing, this harmless jousting."

Colson Whitehead's version of NYC is this week's hump day crush. xx.

Hump Day Crush

Mark Ronson. Producer of the Year. Celebrity DJ. GQ Best Dressed. Designer of Gucci shoes. Can this dude be any more? I always thought he was cute, and definitely noticed he can work a look, but wasn't super impressed with him until I saw him in live last weekend. He had these great kind of uptight dance moves that he somehow made look cool and had girls swooning. He is obviously talented and driven, but I think the appeal is that he doesn't seem to take himself too seriously. Amongst other things.I mean somehow he pulls off a bronze foil suit. With a goldish tie. And not look like a jerk.
And glasses (You know how I feel about glasses). With a houndstooth coat! Not easy.

Mark Ronson, you are this week's hump day crush. xx

Hump Day Crush

So the much hyped up 3rd season of Mad Men kicked off two weeks ago and the cast has been making the rounds promoting the show.

There is the dreamy Don Draper that every lady focuses on for his smoldering looks, position of power and terrible decision making while drinking during work. Played by Jon Hamm, he is dreamy out of character and pretty funny too. Also, there is the voluptuous Joan Holloway, who is adored by men and women for knowing how to use her curves, making sure everyone knows she is the queen bee, but complex enough to have a sensitive side. Played by Christina Hendricks, she gets praised for her curves in real life. And then there Pete Campbell. Who is hated by almost everyone for being a weasel who is not above blackmailing his boss, impregnating a co-worker while married, and overall just being a jerk.

But this weeks crush is on Vincent Kartheiser, the guy who plays Pete Campbell. There is something about the fact that he seems pretty cute in real life, but plays a huge weasel for his day job that is really appealing. Vincent Kartheiser, not Pete Campbell, you are this week's hump day crush. xx

Hump Day Crush

The Barneys Warehouse Sale. A twice a year phenomenon, there is something so exciting to look forward to about the two week sale held in a Chelsea warehouse. I can feel my pulse quicken when I think about the racks of possibilities - Barneys - at great prices!

There is a lot of strategizing involved, everyone has a different tactic. I know other people who like to go at the start and scope out what they like and hope that they can hunt for it later. I am not that disciplined. In the beginning, a lot of the prices are what they were when the clothes were still in the store. It isn't easy to resist a deal at Barneys in the store, but it's a lot harder when you see the clothes racked up on plastic hangers and shoved tight on racks in a warehouse. Your mind plays tricks on you!

My strategy includes waiting until the last half of the sale, usually until the last several days when the prices are discounted on top of discounting. I usually like the two days before the last day, you get discounts but not the last minute crazy crowd. Also key is wearing something that is easy to change in and out of, and underwear you are comfortable standing around in front of strangers in since there are no changing rooms. Wear slip on shoes for easy trying. And I really like going by myself, with my ipod and a small bag so I don't have to check it at the door - zoning out and hunting the field at my own pace. This also prevents friends talking you into buying things and limits the amount of crap you can try on and carry around.

I have usually scored at the sales, especially the Spring/Summer sale that happens to start tomorrow in NYC (8/20). Spring/Summer weight clothing in neutral colors are the easiest to wear year round, so you can get the most bang for your buck.

Here is a snippet of what I have racked up over the past several years, specifically at the Spring/Summer sales:

-Marni platform knee high camel boots. You can't see in the pic but the heel is awesome. Regular price $915, I paid $180

-Chanel peep toe lace up wedge booties. Regular price $1285, I paid $400.
-Ksubi jeans. Regular price $290, I paid $45. (picked up a bunch of washes!)

-Balenciaga pants. Regular price $285, I paid $50 (black and the best shade of army green)

-Men's Earnest Sewn x Canada Goose waxed canvas jacket. Regular price $1000ish, I paid $300 (3 jackets in 1)

-Dries Van Noten shantung vest with metal sequins, Regular price $680, I paid $160.

So now you know where I will be in about two weeks. But for now, I will be giddy with anticipation over this week's hump day crush - the Barneys Warehouse Sale. xx

Hump Day Crush

Dudes with Glasses. Maybe I am just a sucker for accessories, but there is something fantastic about a dude who can rock a pair of glasses! When they are really working, both functional and fashion-wise, there is something about four eyes that makes a dude more attractive. This week's crush was inspired by a dude I have seen on my subway car twice this week. One day he was wearing these ridiculous checked sunglasses (I think they may have been a ladies' pair) and was cute but nothing to write home over. Today he was rocking thick frame black glasses with working lenses, and dude was totally cute. Don't know what it is about the frames, but I am loving it this week. Men who rock glasses, you are my hump day crush. xx

Hump Day Crush

Most of us have seen Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the little boy on that alien comedy 3rd Rock from the Sun back in the day. Or on the F train in the beginning of the summer in NYC. Or in his latest movie 500 days of Summer this past weekend like I did. A spectacular relatable non-love love story, Joseph Gordon-Levitt was so smoking in one scene - coming up the escalator in a suit you could hear every girl in the audience turn and whisper 'oh my god. he's so hot' to their friends. And yes, seeing him in person, he is just as cute as you would think, even wearing glasses in a tee all scruffy in the hot disgusting F train. A little on the wee side for me, but hey with that face, the smile, and seemingly interesting personality I would be willing to leave my heels on the shelves. Oh, and did I mention the boy can sing? If you haven't seen 500 days of Summer yet, do it. And develop a crush too. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, you are my hump day crush. xx

Hump Day Crush

So I have been known to say that I love anything with a beat and am an equal opportunity employer, but have no love for country music ever. A friend recently introduced me to Lyle Lovett and his big band and I can't say that I am a country convert, but I can say that I enjoy Lyle throughly.

Previous to receiving 'Live From Texas' from a friend in the mail, all I knew about Lyle was that he was the strange, cartoon looking random guy who was once engaged to Julia Roberts. I sometimes wonder whether this song pictured below is about her.

Once I listened I realized that he was a man with an amazing voice, catchy tunes, introspective lyrics and capable of witty banter. His caricature like features seem to turn into rugged features, with each line and curve having a story to tell. Oh, and I think that he would also be a great ventriloquist if this singing thing doesn't work out for him. I kinda want a mini-version of him to hang out in my pocket. Totally never thought I would say this but Lyle Lovett, you are my hump day crush of the week. xx

Hump Day Crush

Chester French. I had heard about them a while back (Harvard grads who Pharrell and Kanye both wanted on their respective labels), heard some songs, saw them perform on some late night shows, but wasn't 100% convinced on them until I saw them live at Summerstage this past weekend. They rocked the crowd with their performance, were hilarious and DA, the red-headed lead singer somehow managed to pull off powder pink jeans. Also awesome was the fact that he seemed genuinely into their fans, taking the time to chat, hug and mug for pics.

Their debut album is a great listen, but mostly, what won me over was their free mix tape entitled 'Jacques Jams vol. 1'. (so clever!) As if stirring up a bidding war between Kanye and Pharrell to sign them wasn't enough, Chester French busted out collaborations with both of them, plus, Bun B, Diddy, Jadakiss, Talib Kweli, Common and Lady Gaga, etc. The beats are pretty sick, the songs are catchy, and the duo is charismatic and cheeky enough to pull off lyrics like:

-'but those eyes in your head, well they butter all my bread, and I'm looking for a girl who feeds me well'

-'bow tie is straight, ascot looks great, ready to lay some pipe'

-'she craves attention, so I use protection'

-'you're my Puerto Rican Pamela Lee'...

without seeming douche-y. Don't even get me started on the skits re: endurance or swimming in Ciroc filled pools.

I thoroughly enjoy when one of their songs/skits comes on the shuffle mix, so much so that I get myself into trouble when walking down the street and I giggle to myself. Doesn't hurt that the dudes are cute too! Chester French you are my hump day crush. xx.

Hump Day Crush

With fashion throwing back to the strong shouldered 80s and early 90s for Fall 09 and beyond, there is something that I am enjoying about the 2009 re-vamp. And it isn't the Balmain shoulder pads, the sequins overload or the resurgence of bike shorts. I am enjoying the re-emergence of the Supermodels. Known by their first names, dominating shows, adds and even MTV (think George Michael's 'Freedom' video and Cindy Crawford hosting 'The House of Style'), these women epitomized the look of the times - curves, power and beauty.

These models still look great today and hold their own in current ad campaigns (like YSL). However, I am glad to see the new guard, the 2009 versions wearing the 2009 versions of the 90s. And Lara Stone leading the way. Hitting the scene with an exclusive at Givenchy in 2006, Lara Stone became a fast favorite of designers and editors. (One of these pics below was a tear sheet I passed to my hairstylist to go blonde...) Recently a lot has been made of the fact that she has curves (she is a size 4), the gap in her tooth, her mouth. But, I don't think it's fair that she's broken down into parts - all I know is that she captures the feeling this moment, and that she looks damn good doing it. Lara Stone you are this week's hump day crush. xx

Hump Day Crush

I apologize in advance for not having a picture of this week's hump day crush. I will try to explain this week's crush as best as I possibly can, but please know it was near impossible for me to snag a picture without making a scene.

While riding the subway this morning, I noticed a woman wearing a cute summer dress, and also noticed a colorful tattoo on her arm. As I looked closer, I couldn't believe my eyes. The tattoo was of a short stack of pancakes, three high on a blue plate with a pat of butter on top. And coming up from the short stack was - wait for it - squiggles of steam. This isn't even the best part. There was a half moon of fruits encircling the steamy pancakes. 5 fruits in total, all with stick legs and arms, and googly eyes. I spotted a banana and two strawberries, but I couldn't make out the other two.

This has provided endless entertainment for me today. What was the motivation? And the story behind it? And why this for the rest of your life? I also loved the attention to detail (think steam squiggles!) And how did she manage to have a cute boyfriend? I also was telling a friend about it while walking down the street exclaiming 'you have to live with that for the rest of your life!' And in some witty NYC pick-up fashion, a random man on the street chimed in 'I'll live with you for the rest of your life!'

So thank you, to the short stack pancake tattoo for endless entertainment and smiles. You are my hump day crush and will put in an order at brunch this weekend in your honor. xx

Hump Day Crush

RIP MJ. xx

Hump Day Crush

Bryan Greenberg. I haven't thought about him since I developed a major crush from watching 'Prime' when it played on HBO every other minute. He was so cute in it - there was something about him that was kinda fly but not too cheesy to have a sweet side to him. A strange balance that was definitely visible in the film, but hard to describe.

So I was wandering the internets this week, and turns out the boy sings. Well, he can sing. Actually, his voice is really smooth and there would be no complaints from mee if I was listening to it from one end of the phone, but boy needs to work on some of his lyrics. The hook is pretty good, but some of the rhyming is suspect (cheezeeeeeey), and it is definitely helped out by Kid Cudi.

However, coming from a girl who watched the terrible show 'October Road' (with a blonde version of Donna from 'That 70's show' since he was in it), who am I kidding, I totally would have paid $15 to see him in the flesh at Highline Ballroom. The jury is out on whether I would pick it up on itunes. xx

Hump Day Crush

After seeing 'The Hangover' two weekends ago, all I hear anyone talking about is a) how hilarious it was b) how Zach Gblahblahblah killed it and c) how smoking hot Bradley Cooper was in it. There was a long discussion between my girlfriends and I about how he normally doesn't do it for us, but how somehow the scruff and the fat lip just made it.

This somehow led to us talking about who we would crush on if given a chance - the battle royale came down to three names:

1) Bradley Cooper (in 'The Hangover', not in Wedding Crashers)

2) Ryan Gosling (The Notebook, or really anytime)

3) Ryan Reynolds (Two Guys a Girl and a Pizza Place back in the day, 'Just Friends', amazing body, but also dated Alanis and married to Scarlett Johannsen who bothers me a lot for some reason)

So of course this led to my Hump Day Crush of the week. I know who my choice was. Who's yours? xx

Hump Day Crush

Zack Morris/Mark Paul Gosselar.  The stud of the 90s.  I know I spent countless hours on the couch watching Zack and the Bayside crew's shenanigans, probably while wearing a Hypercolor tee and Z Cavaricci shorts and drinking Capri Suns.  Although my favorite episode didn't center around him (sidebar: it was when Jessie Spano took too many No Doze and she was so excited, so excited...so scared!), he was cute enough to make it worthwhile to consistently tune in.  I mean, how could you resist the bleached blonde hair and the teen dream with a megawatt smile?  See above.

And dude grew up to be no slouch either.  (I am purposely choosing to ignore the college years) He is still dreamy, still working and you have to love a dude who is funny and is willingly in on the joke!  See below. xx

Hump Day Crush

I went to Highline Ballroom to go and see The Roots work their weekly jam session last night. The music was awesome and the guests were phenomenal, especially considering the tickets are a recession friendly $10.  Totally satisfied with the performances, and crazy solo jams, there was a last crazy surprise guest - Q-Tip - who has earned top honors this week.  

Whether during his Tribe Called Quest days (below) or last night (above) dude looks good and sounds even better.  Okay, so he may have been a little cheese-y during 'Vivrant Thing' and 'Breathe and Stop' days, but I dare you to listen to either and not get the hook stuck in your head for days.  His smooth flow and clever vocals tell a story, where his floating higher pitched voice is somehow charismatic and allows him to get away rapping things that other people would just sound vulgar or banal saying.  Q-Tip can kick it, yes, he can. xx

Hump Day Crush

Okay.  So I have gotten a bit of 'playoff' fever.  Both series are crazy and I had a toss up this week between the Lebron puppet and the dude I finally decided on.  But it was no contest after thinking about it.  My crush of the week is Chris "the Birdman" Anderson.  Yes, he has ridiculous hair, terrible chin fuzz, an absurd amount of wings tattooed on his body...but he has crazy attitude, plays with heart and is a spark plug for his team.  He is also an interesting story of getting his life together and back in the NBA after being suspended for violating their substance abuse policy.  And to be honest, he actually looks better with the gelled mohawk - dude off the court was pulling his best Backstreet Boy comb-forward do which I am not down with.  I am rooting for the Nuggets, and not just because Kobe bugs me - but to see what the Nuggets and the Birdman can do. xx

Hump Day Crush

I am over everyone and everything this week and am not inspired to deem anyone crush-worthy. It has been a rough week... xx