Mexican & Magnolia

(image courtesy of nycgo.com)

Best friend A thought that Dos Caminos at 825 3rd Avenue was the M friendly restaurant for our Saturday night dinner out. She's not my best friend for nothing. Upon walking in, I not only was completely impressed by the decor (wraparound booths! ambiance lighting!) but eyed the huge cast-iron pots at the center of each table. Guacamole bowls, I soon learned. And not just any guacamole, but the best guacamole I have ever consumed in my twenty-something years. Freshly mixed for each customer, it comes mild, medium or hot - and whichever way, delicious.

In true M form, I ordered a traditional margarita (appropriately called, "El Camino"). Strong but tasty. No complaints. No complaints about my three-cheese fondue either. Fabulous, delicious and filling - and not expensive! $30 for an NYC meal is nothing to scoff at. Our waiter was amazing and fun. He let us eat and didn't constantly ask us if we needed anything else, but came back with refills and new chips without request. Big thumbs up. Dos Caminos, plan on my return on my next NYC adventure.

Lastly, no NYC trip is complete without a few Magnolia cupcakes. I ventured away from my normal vanilla only choice onto their fabulously delicious caramel offering. If only Amtrak allowed more room, I would have brought at least 20 back to Boston with me.

-M

My Closet = Filled By Diane von Furstenberg

(image courtesy of http://blogs.glam.com)

I am a true city girl. From the designer wardrobe to the inner core that loves taxi rides, skyscrapers and nighttime skyline, I scream city life. It's no surprise that my original post-college plan included a move to NYC (not just a city, but the city), working for a media consulting firm and going to sample sales every weekend. But alas, priorities got rearranged, and while I see that everything worked out for my benefit, when I'm in NYC, I take to it like a fish to water. So, my first NYC sample sale excursion was no different.

The twice-a-year Diane von Furstenberg sample sale occurred this week on 5th avenue. Best friend A attended the past two sales, and always found tons of goodies, even on the last day. This summer's was no exception. $250 spent (yes, only about 2/3rds or so of the price of a wrap dress at Saks) and I'm bringing three tops, two dressy tanks, two skirts, two sweaters and an Andy Warhol collection bikini. My favorite buy, hands down, were the $50 spent on a Vezzano sweater in black. All cashmere, it screams Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffanys. I can hardly wait for chilly fall days when I can pair it with a black trouser and heels on Newbury Street.

Inspired to go to the next DVF sample sale in NYC? Here are a few tips.

The next one is in December.

Want wrap dresses? Go there before the last day, as they're the first items to sell out.

Get there early. A and I showed up a hour early, were the second and third people in line, and were able to have a smooth shopping adventure.

As always, wear comfortable shoes. Don't bring a bag, as checking bags is mandatory. No one needs a detour before being able to rummage through.

Dressing rooms are communal, and normally a crazy circus of women tearing on and off dresses and tops. Don't be shy because, yes, you do need to try everything on.

Don't feel as though you must buy something. A weeded through everything in her size, found a dress and a skirt that are perfect, spent under $100 and has not a drop of buyers remorse.

Happy shopping!

-M

NYC Goes Crazy For Topshop!

(photo courtesy of: http://www.nitrolicious.com)

My BFF, A, located in NYC (Don't get me started on the distance. Five hours on the Mass Pike might as well be an ocean between us!), reported to me (along with the NY Mag) last night via phone that the line for Topshop is, "around the corner." She stated that the Kate Moss for Topshop line wasn't worth the wait, and who are we kidding, our bank accounts can't cushion more than a few items anyway. Apparently, everyone else in NYC can afford to though. Is there a money tree somewhere and is keeping it a secret?!

As I've said before, I love the Kate Moss for Topshop line. P with her non-US roots, always had envy-worthy clothing and accessories from Topshop. I think of it as what my mother always tells me. I want what I can't have (Apparently I run into the same situation with clothes as I do with men). Regardless, Kate Moss her royal modelness was present in NYC herself to do the honors of opening Topshop in a goregous emerald green dress and (what looks to be) a royally gorgeous tan. While she normally looks robotic (no offense Ms. Moss) or too out of it from her questionable activities, the Topshop opening was a reason for celebration for even the stiffest of models! Look at her, she even dances with shopping joy (around the 1:08 mark)!!!

-M

SPOTTED

(photo courtesy of: http://xoxogossipgirlblog.files.wordpress.com)

SPOTTED: Penn Badgley and Blake Lively right now at the Waverly in NYC by dearest friend A. I love when there's celebrity sightings by my friends - it reminds me that they are real people, and no, not Serena and Dan. Hope they tuned into tonight's episode (like I did!) to help GG's ratings!

-M