Rock Shic

#284 Sons of Essex – a little hidden gem

This place (133 Essex St)… every time I see these photos it instills an instant sense of warmth and coziness within me.  We live not too far away, and decided to swing by the other day for some early brunch/late breakie.  I like the relaxed nature of the space, with its quaint little antiques tucked away at every corner.  “Do you think that they just patrol around upstate looking for random stuff to put on their shelves?” Asked hubby, wryly.  I suppose so… but the result is still very lovely… a little “Sleep no more” meets “Freeman’s alley.”  I'm a fan!

The food is great, generally characterized as comfort food (I went for healthy and had a fruit and granola combo with some tomato soup on the side, mmmm).  The best part is the live stage they have (which caters to some pretty stellar music I hear), plus the fact that they play sports on the weekends (great for say, World Cup viewing!  Much cuter than some nasty midtown pub). 

It was also refreshing to see that the space catered to a mixed crowd, not just chicks dishing on their men… but actually (and we couldn’t believe this either), large groups of guys!!!  I found this a nice indicator that there’s a little something here at Sons of Essex for everybody!

#283 Rock Shic Style on the Boogie!

Happy Wednesday everybody!  It has been a rough week, as I had anticipated it would be… what with work and well, work.  Do you ever just stare into the abyss of all of your “to-do’s” and wonder, how on earth am I going to finish all of this?!

Well, I’m sure we’ve all been there.  For me, it can get quite bad, because I err towards a shrug and a slant toward defeatism, and then I just procrastinate the heck out of myself before I hit the panic button.  (Also, my on-line shopping activities tend to spike during this period, go figure).

At any rate, no more ranting!  Let us stay upbeat, much like this unpredictable weather!  And heck, the work will get done one way or another right? 

In the meantime, I want to share something fun and exciting with you guys.  I recently started a collaboration with the Bowery Boogie, a local news and lifestyle blog that is based in the Lower East Side.  This is a both a fun and meaningful project for me, since the LES is my home, and I shoot most of my street styles and personal style portfolio down here anyhow.  In sum, it just made sense as a venture.  I’ll be doing a weekly segment, called “Rock Shic Style Persona,” below is a clip of my first segment, which debuted last Friday. 

Happy reading! And stay tuned for more goodies to come!!

Jacket: Buffalo Jeans | Boots: UGG | Bag: Marc Jacobs | Leggings: Sample Sale on Broadway and Houston | Glasses: Chanel

#282 Sunday Supper with City Grit

A girlfriend recently told me about City Grit’s supper-club events, and I couldn’t help but follow suit for a nice Sunday night dinner at 38 Prince street, home to the Earnest Sewn outpost, a shop space with the cutest little vintage/rustic touches (think Freemans cool). 

I must admit I didn’t quite know what to expect, though I always trust my girlfriend’s taste.  Boy – were we in for a real treat!  Sarah Simmons, the chef and brain-child behind City Grit (aka culinary salon), created a fantastic meal for us, replete with her signature Southern touches.  Fried chicken? Grits? Collard greens?  Really how can you go wrong!!! Oh… and did I mention the delectable banana pudding in a jar as the grand finale – yumville.

The space itself was also super cute, filled with character, and plenty of little knickknacks and home décor/antiques to engage your senses (all brought to you by the vintage home brand WRK designs).  With just three large tables (plus a smaller high-table), the experience really lends a familiar air of home-dining.  Very cozy… very intimate, very nice indeed.

There are a few more events coming up, some with guest chefs… and I highly recommend checking them out!  In fact, I’m planning on rallying my friends to do another round.  This is definitely one of those dining experiences best shared with a group of friends.  As we walked home, hubby couldn’t stop reminding me of what a great time he had.  (Which he is not always wont to do!).  In this particular instance, I couldn’t agree with him more… what a fantastic way to kick-start a brand new (and might I add manic) week!!!

Chef Sarah Simmons, recently named one of “America’s Greatest New Cooks” by Food & Wine Magazine, swings by our table to say hello.

Starting with some pimento cheese! Nom.

Loving the small accents throughout the space

Brussels sprouts salad with parmesan

The juicest, most tender chicken I've had in a loooooong time!

Banana custard pudding

The very cute shop space where Citi Grit takes place!

Pity that the actual shop was closed for the evening... I kind of have my eyes on that bright tangerine sweater to the right (even if it's menswear!).

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#281 Wintry Mix & Style Tips

Jacket: Dolce Vita | Bag: IMAGO-A c/o | Sweater: United Colors of Benetton | Top (not seen): Icebreaker | Leggings: Guess | Boots: Sigerson Morrison (last featured here) | Scarf: Rugby Ralph Lauren | Hat: Nolan (in Nolita) | Gloves: Urban Outfitter | Necklace: From Barcelona (Picasso Museum), last seen here

Winter… what a drag!  This past week has been the worst, although with so much work piling up, I’ve been spending most of my time in-doors, and minimalizing my exposure to the outside world with a combo of taxis and car-service (sounds bad but what’s a girl to do!). 

You know it’s pretty bad when your face hurts as you walk outside.

That said, there’s no need to let these frigid conditions compromise your fashion sense!  I caught up with a good friend earlier in the week, who was in town from Boston.  He also shot some of my previous office looks (see "Dress for Success" and "Beacon Hill Sophistication") while I was up there on a business trip. 

I love this get-up because it encapsulates my winter essentials:

1)      A fun, preferably patterned, and cozy winter scarf (a wardrobe must!)

2)      An amazing pair of flat boots (comfort and style are key components here! You should definitely not compromise on quality).  Just think of the cost per wear!

3)      Cozy hat – okay I may have overdone it with my Eskimo get-up, but I LOVE this hat!

4)      Colorful, statement accessories (this is as much for your own sanity and nourishment as anything else)

5)      Thick, preferably fleece-lined leggings, ideal for tucking into boots

6)      Long, chunky sweaters (extra bonus for cashmere!) – great for layering

7)      Several pairs of warm socks – my preference is either cashmere, or these ridiculously warm possum socks I get from New Zealand.

8)      Leather gloves (even better if they’re lined in cashmere or fleece!), now is a time that even I bid adieu to my favorite fingerless glovelettes.

9)      That perfect winter coat (in my case, I’ve been wearing the heck out of this Dolce Vita number, which, in spite of its traditional basic black, delights with its fine leather detailing).  It is my personal solution to the winter puffy jacket.  I’m still not ready to embrace the Michelin marshmallow look just yet…. though never say never!

10)   A fun and vibrant handbag, key for injecting some color into your overall ensemble (particularly if you’re wearing a monotone coat like I am here).

Above all – warmth is key!  I am a staunch believer that you should have some warm-weather staples in your closet, so that when the weather hits 12 degrees (Fahrenheit) again, you know that you have those ridiculously warm and fab pieces from your wardrobe to rely on.  Bonus part – NOW is the right time to raid those “end-of-season” sales, as retailers are rapidly making space for Spring (they are an optimistic bunch aren’t they).  This means that you won’t have to pay full price on any of these quality staples!  Though personally I recommend doing your shopping on-line because, well baby it's cold outside.

Hopefully with RockShic’s easy breezy winter check-list above, you can stay cozy and stylish in the nastiest of weather!!! Happy weekend everybody!

All photos by Sam Lipoff

 

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#280 Cozy Dining at Ootoya

Ever since a girlfriend had introduced me to Ootoya some time ago, (her exact words being “it’s a chain in Japan, but delicious”), I have been aching to go.  (Of course, it may also have something to do with the fact that the first time we ambled in, we were shocked to find that the wait was like 30-40 minutes long, needless to say, our initial attempt was thwarted).  That’s New York for you, always trending something.

Fast forward many weeks later, coupled with a fascinating review by Adam Platt (who knew that he had lived and studied in Japan?), I finally made it out tonight with a friend of mine.  Suffice to say, I thoroughly enjoyed my Japanese comfort food experience!  I dare say, I could have this everyday.

Mind you… in Japan Ootoya is not meant to be anything fancy, more like a fast-food chain, my friend and I even played a guessing game on Ootoya's American equivalent – Applebee’s?  Denny’s? P.F. Chang's?  We decided to be kind and settled on Shake Shack as parallel.  The lovely and reserved ambience at this Flatiron location deserved at least that. 

All quips aside, the food was wonderfully delicious.  My personal favorites were the bacon wrapped asparagus and tomato starters (though one can never go wrong with bacon!), and the Oyako Don (steamed grilled chicken, eggs, and the yummiest rice I’ve had in a long time).  Our grilled Salmon Saikyo was also cooked to perfection, leaving me panting for more.  One thing is for sure, I’ll definitely have to return and sample more of their menu!  Oh, and did I mention their generous portions (we totally pigged out!) and reasonable pricing?  A definite win in my book!   

 

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#279 Brighten up your day

Jacket: DKNY | Bag: IMAGO-A c/o | Sweater: Club Monaco | Skirt: Ellen Tracy | Boots: Chloé | Scarf: Ann Taylor Loft | Sunglasses: Vintage Bolle (made in France) | Glovelettes: Eileen Fisher | Earrings: From a boutique in Tossa de Mar, from my Barcelona trip | Necklace: Clobba Castro (San Francisco), last featured here 

Nothing makes me happier than a brilliant, sunny day (particularly as I brace myself for the imminent baltic conditions of next week).  Additionally, nothing brightens up an outfit more than bold colored statement accessories (think, scarf, bag, coat, etc).  Ever since my recently captured street style in Soho, I have vowed to try and deviate from my usual black winter coat as much as possible.  I do slip every now and again, but I am definitely making the effort to mix things up a little!  It’s important because – well think about it… during the winter, your outer layer is essentially all that people see, so you want to make it a good and lasting impression! Cue, winter accessories.  

Speaking of bright accessories, I absolutely adore this IMAGO-A geometric tote by the talented Korean-born designer Yegang Yoo! This N^o3 Prism Tote has everything I am looking for, comfort, quality, style, fine attention to details, and a vibrant color to boot.  Definitely a great companion for both office and weekend-wear!  For a busy, on-the-go gal like myself, it’s also plenty handy, as it’s got ample room for all of my supplies, and has great mini-compartments within to separate my iPhone, BB, pens, notepads, etcetera etcetera.  If it weren’t for my run in with Claudia from End of Century a few months back, I would have never been introdcued to Yegang’s awesome work! 

All photos by Logan Lee Lamson

#278 Fireworks for ScarJo

This has been quite the culture week!  Between seeing Maria Stuarda at the Met (of the unfortunate plight of Mary Queen of Scotts), and watching Scarlett Johansson on Broadway mid-week in the recent Broadway revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” I feel as though I need to hit up MoMA or something just round up the whole experience!

Recently, I feel like there’s been a trending surge of big-name celebrities on Broadway… Jessica Chastin in the “Heiress,” Paul Rudd in the just-closed “Grace,” even Katie Holmes was in some play recently no? Of course, celebrities on Broadway is nothing new, perhaps I just feel like we’re especially spoilt for choice these days.

Mind you, I’m not actually a huge ScarJo fan (though I did like “Lost in Translation”), I think hubby likes her more (for obvious reasons), and he was particularly bummed that he couldn’t make it.  Though I must say, I was quite impressed with her in the lead as the infamous, fire-driven, sex-charged Maggie in this remake.  (Makes me really want to find the original starring Elizabeth Taylor on-demand).   In fact, the last great Broadway theater I saw (also perfected by the great screen goddess Liz), was the play “Who’s afraid of Virginia Woolf,” which is still playing, and which I highly recommend.  The main characters between the two plays seem to have something in common – they’re both childless and seemingly miserable.  Interesting message for society, no?

Back to ScarJo.  First of all, she looks FANTASTIC! (Not that I’m being superficial… okay maybe a little).  I also thought that she carried the entire first act with tremendous verve and grace (Katie Holmes she is not!), which is not so easy to do, particularly given the heavy subjects dealt with throughout the play (alcoholism, sibling rivalry, scandals and infidelity, greed and treachery, cancer and homosexuality, just to name a few).  I would say that by the end of the first intermission (yes there are two!!!), she had sufficiently won me over. 

My one quip with her, which my girlfriend agreed upon, was her weird, raspy southern voice that she carried throughout the show.  It seemed quite out of place, relative to her peers and surroundings… and in my gf’s view, “as though she’s trying too hard.”  Sorry ScarJo!  But you still rock in my book!!! Kudos to you.  The show runs through March 30^th, so you better get on it before it’s too late! 

#277 Blogterview Feature – New York à la Keiko

Happy Friday!  How quickly this week has gone, and how I’ve longed to see your head pop-up!  This weekend is extra sweet, as we get Monday (MLK) day off (whoo!).  Okay, so hubby doesn’t, but I’ll take mine!  The itinerary is already starting to fill up (beginning with mom’s birthday celebration – we’re going to the opera!), and another round of wardrobe styling with a client in Brooklyn Heights (fun fun fun!).

Today’s blogterview feature is the lovely Keiko of New York à la Keiko.  I had forgotten exactly how we met (I think through a mutual blog-post on Chanel, go figure), but I feel so lucky to know this vibrant, fashionista-glam-scientist!  Whoa that’s a mouthful.  She definitely reminds me of some of the impressive multi-faceted ladies I went to school with, who manages, somehow, to juggle multiple worlds, careers, and interests, all while looking effortless and fabulous.  Just through reading her words alone, I feel as though we are kindred spirits!  Read on more about the exquisite and whimsical world of Keiko!

RockShic: How long have you been blogging?

Keiko: I started blogging back in 2005 when I moved to Taiwan away from all my friends, I wanted a place where I can share with them what I was doing, eating, seeing in Taiwan and other places I traveled in Asia. I was always emailing tons of pictures to different friends (I am sure they got tired of it) and that took a toll on my email storage space so having a blog was the next best tool for sharing pictures and stories!

My most current blog ‘New York a la Keiko’ was born when I moved to NY and wanted to create a fresh new blog to start my fresh new life.

RockShic: What inspired you to blog?  

Keiko: For nykeiko.com, it was really the city of New York that inspired me. I like to document everything I get the chance to do in this dynamic city full of arts and fashion. Like my digital scrapbook that I can share with others.

Seeing other bloggers doing similar things really inspired me to take better pictures, be more honest and detailed about my experiences.

RockShic: In a nutshell: how would you summarize the objective/purpose of your blog?  

Keiko: The first purpose of my blog was to have something to share with my friends and family on how my life is in NY but then as I started reading more blogs out there, I began shifting my focus to a wider audience targeting women who share common interests. Traveling (which I love!), restaurants, beauty, fashion and everyday silliness. I know not many people would care to know about who I am and what I do everyday but I know a lot of girls out there care about the sample sales I attend and cool New York things to do. Those get the highest viewerships!

RockShic: Who do you envision as the ideal audience for your blog?  

Keiko: Cool chatty creative smart people who have the same interests as me.

RockShic: What are some of your favorite blogs?

I have a few favorite blogs and they are mostly lifestyle blogs.  (I like pretty pictures and daily anecdotes!).  Style By Kling, Garance Dore, Gary Pepper Vintage, The Man Repeller and Fashion Toast are just a few blogs I get great inspirations from. These bloggers travel the world and do great to-die-for fashion collaborations and their photography is a major plus!

I also follow a couple of blogs from local indie shops that feature local artists so I can keep up with what’s being created in the city of New York. Ofakind.com’s blog has featurettes and interviews with artists.

 

RockShic: What do you as your "day-job?" 

 Keiko: I constantly struggle with revealing my identity because of my day job and so, I still use my nickname Keiko although I post pictures of myself all the time. I work as a scientist in a lab and I wear jeans and sneakers almost on a daily basis. I do not get the chance to dress up every day although it gives me more precious minutes of sleep each morning since I don’t need to worry about my outfits! I sometimes dream of a job where I do need to wear pretty outfits but that’s why I always look forward to going out on weekends to wear the clothes that I neglect during the work week – mostly my heels and new jewelry! I think if I had a different career, I’d have better reasons to justify many more of my purchases!

RockShic: You live in Williamsburg, can you categorize for us... in perhaps three short bullets, why you love your neighborhood and what sets it apart, style-wise, from Manhattan?   

I have never been able to describe the style in Williamsburg as it is a mash-up of everything! There’s posh, vintage, hip and weird. I used to call them all hipsters but I cannot tell who are the authentic Brooklynites to the visiting Manhattanites that try to fit in.

RockShic: Tell us about some of your favorite spots in Williamsburg!

I’ve got a lot of shops I love in Brooklyn and especially love attending Brooklyn Flea or Smorgasburg or the annual craft fairs. I love meeting artists and they love meeting their customers and explaining with great passion of their work. The upcoming 3^rd ward holiday craft fair is coming and all the artists will be there hustling their art.

I think that living in Williamsburg for the past couple of years has really made me more open to trying new styles. The street style around my neighborhood makes me rethink following “rules” of fashion.  I see people make “dorky” things like oxford shoes, big eyewear frames, plaid shirts, overalls somehow work! And then I see similar styles on Sartorialist and remind myself that there are no boundaries to looking good! Blogs like The Sartorialist and Rock Shic with street styles gives me a starting point (a photo) when I feel brave enough to venture out of my comfort zone and purchase an item I would never have done before. I see lots of plaid in Brooklyn all year round and since Garance Dore mentioned on her blog the other week that her and Scott Schuman purchased 3 plaid shirts from Uniqlo, I am thinking of giving plaid a try too!

RockShic: Which Winter Trends are you most crazy about?

I look forward to all the trends every season and like to mix it up with the oldies! For Winter, I like something nerdy like these new touch screen compatible wool gloves. My friends from Canada at Quill and Tine actually just launched their collection. I think it would be practical to have in the Winter, as I am always checking my phone on the go! As for crazy trends, I think that even if I thought it was crazy, some trendy lady with confidence is going to make it work!

Many congrats on your recent engagement Keiko!

#276 Chasing Matisse

Late last year, sometime before the New Year, I went with a dear friend of mine from out of town to check out a preview of “Matisse, in search of true painting” at the Met.  I find that each time I step foot into the Met, I am always astounded at why I don’t come here more often… it is just such a magnificent space! With so much unexplored treasures!!

The exhibit, I found, was quite interesting, as it showcased some rarely-seen pieces by Henri Matisse (who I’ve definitely come to appreciate more during my adult years… growing up, dad was not a fan).  It shows an artist in constant transition and progression, as he learns the nature of his own style, and hones his craft through painstaking and multiple iterations of work.  It also demonstrates, I found, the evolution of someone in search of himself (if a bit shaky at times), and not afraid to challenge the known and push the envelope of the unknown.  In that regard it makes Matisse admirably human in my eyes.

Of course, his vibrant usage of colors are bar none (reminiscent of the bold palette used by his peer, Vincent van Gogh).  The show runs through March 17, I highly recommend swinging by!  To quote New York magazine... Matisee is a beast. 

A portrait of Laurette (1916-17), a favorite Matisse model

Multiple iterations until we get it right!

Home decor by Matisse!

#275 Bold Construction

Jacket: Calvin Klein | White Shirt: Nasty Gal, last seen here | Glasses: Coastal Eyewear c/o | Sweater: Rugby Ralph Lauren | Bag: Linea Pelle | Earrings: Gift from Chile | Leggings: Gap Cashmere | Boots: Tommy Hilfiger | Wrap: Vince | Glovelettes: Marc Jacobs

In spite of a rainy Friday… the weekend has actually been auspiciously warm here in the Big Apple.  Word has it that tomorrow it will be in the 60’s?! Though never fear, after that the weather will turn back to sufficiently baltic.

I went for a stroll yesterday at City Hall Park with my friend Logan Lamson, who snapped some photos of me donning my new Derek Cardigan 7027 Dark Timber frames from Coastal.  The first time I debuted them (girls night dinner this Thursday at Balaboosta), I was showered with compliments about how well it framed my face, so I figured that it must be a good sign!  I endearingly call these my hipster-nerd-chic glasses… in fact I love them so much these are my second pair!  First one featured here.

It being a grey day, I always like to brighten things up with a splash of color.  I seldom leave home without my orange Vince cashmere wrap, it’s just so comfy and cozy! These Marc Jacobs glovelettes I’ve had forever (bought them on St. Patties day on Newbury Street in Boston in 2009!!!).  In fact, glovelettes are my thing, since I hate feeling constrained but am such a wuss when it comes to the cold.  Eileen Fisher also carries some killer patterned glovelettes this season, and I snatched up two pairs of those puppies back in November…

Ooooh!  One last thing, my cozy boyfriend cardigan is from Rugby, the preppy outpost of Ralph Lauren that will soon be closing.  Which means… fantastic deals on-line!  I grabbed myself two of these babies at their 99 University Place location in Union Squre – totally planning on wearing them through the winter.

Love the semicolon accents!

All photos by Logan Lee Lamson

 

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