My New Obsession...

Ode to the Rat Race

Needless to say, living in the city has been both incredible and beyond stressful. I feel as though everything and everyone is moving at fifty miles per hour. My bills have caught up with my spending (BILLS. I'm officially a cougar). My schedule leaves me an express subway ride's moment for reflection. Work has become my life. What happened to the days of lazy summer vacations?

All this leaves me to question myself, what's the worth of living the "glam" city life? Take yesterday, for example. I went to my internship in the morning, redesigning a flyer perhaps more than seven times over. Then, I checked out and went to the bank to stand in a line of grumbling New Yorkers, deposited my check, and headed to work at the clothing store. We had a huge sale, the place was overrun with women and spending and hangers. One up, though: I used my store credit to purchase a beautiful silk and lace top, of which I immediately wore out.

Did I go home and collapse onto my bed, afterwards? Maybe, make myself a bowl chicken noodle soup? Pop a tylenol? Tucked myself into bed and read myself a bedtime stor- Okay, taking it a little too far, there.

No, I didn't go home. I met my friend, a current intern at Barneys, in Herald Square to go to a Vogue & Barney's bar party on the lower east side. Fantastic but I didn't get home until 2AM (blasted subway construction delays). Feeling unkempt and exhausted, I finally got to bed... just to wake up and do the whole day over again. I could go to a fashion show tonight for a Cornell alumna's new brand, but is it worth it? Sure, these events sound glamorous and fun, but is it worth the work? That's what I'm trying to figure out. That's what I need to figure out before I dedicate my life to the rat race.

Aimless Walks and Special Birthdays

I did one of my favorite activities, yesterday: walking around aimlessly.  Yep. I decided to use my day off from work to just relax and be alone. In retrospect, I highly recommend it. 

So, after a few hours of watching TV and lounging around, I decided to get some fresh air. I threw some books in a bag and walked up and down Amsterdam and Broadway, window-shopping. Then, it started to rain and I ran to my ultimate favorite pizzeria and got a huge slice to bring home. I ate, watched Wedding Crashers, and decided not to join the crowd at Union Square. Sounds pathetic, but this morning I felt SO refreshed. Everyone needs a day off now and then... especially in the city. 

Friday night, I threw a little birthday thing for my best friend. She came all the way down from Albany to celebrate the last year of the teens. We had cake, drinks, and hit a club afterwards - so much fun. Needless to say, I was exhausted from another night of going out and needed this mini-vacation.  

Well, vacation is over. I just finished breakfast and need to rush for work. Ciao!

Some Lovely Things from COACH

COACH is making some pretty gold pieces (see below). I usually think Coach is overrated - their craftsmanship is beautiful but the design is... eh, a little tacky sometimes (ex. their sling bags and multi-colored, printed, striped, and glittery signatures). 

However, I was looking through their collection online and I found some new pieces which I love. They remind me of the Winter Holiday season. It must be all my work on the Holiday Gift products at l'internship, putting me in the season cheer... even though it's still June. 

Anyways, I think the bracelet and bag would make gorgeous gifts for anyone (hint, hint)!

Noted Photographer | A New Week, A New Roommate

Hi, from the upper west side! It's co-interns, Lola and Lily, here. Breaking news: we are now officially roommates. Lola moved in last night after a horrible two-week experience in Brooklyn (just couldn't stand that cat smell, I guess). Now she's living with me and it's the perfect fit for both of our schedules. 

Every morning, we drag ourselves out of bed and begin the long process of "getting ready." I eat yogurt and watch the Today Show, while Lola runs out and gets her daily drug dose of Starbucks caffeine (extra large-style of course). Then, the commute. Work. Commute. And dinner... it's kind of cute actually, when we don't have real-life jobs and classes to deal with. 

Work today at the internship revolved around a photo shoot of Christmas gift products. I must have ironed about a dozen red ribbons and bows before burning my finger on the iron (no, I'm not checking my nails - I f-ing burned my finger!) I think I also met the most interesting person of my life (after my father, of course).

We took a cab to a swanky-looking apartment building on the east side for this photo shoot. I was warned that the photographer's apartment would be crowded, which quickly became a major understatement as I entered. All the walls were covered with incredible shots of well-known (no, FAMOUS) fashion models, as well as dogs, nature, and architecture. There was a bird cage hanging from the ceiling and a collection of random doo-dads in every bit of space. I felt like I had stepped into Uncle Clement's antique store. 

The photographer turned out to be an old, Chinese man, wearing socks rolled up and khaki pants. What I learned later, was that he - in his day - was the hippest, trendiest, modelizer in the fashion world, a close friend with designers like Vera Wang, spending three years in both Paris and Milan, working at French Vogue, also a pre-med dropout, a travel enthusiast. He showed me a bunch of photo albums as we worked with the shoot; they made my jaw drop.  

So, we finished up the shoot, ran through the mid-afternoon showers, and came back to the upper west. Drenched in rain and glossy stories, I felt like I had seriously seen a glimpse into a clique of high-cultured artists. Just another experience for LL. 

Picnic in the Park and other Weekend Tales

On Saturday afternoon, Lola and I decided to do an old-fashioned Picnic in the Park. This was our response to save money (restaurants really know how to clean our your wallet). So, we bought bread, crudites, yogurt, fruit, coffee, and nuts at a grocery store and camped out in Central Park. It was pretty cute. If you want to get hardcore about picnicking, you can even break out the real china and silverware. I saw a group of ladies next to us sipping white wine from plastic wine glasses. One tip, however: make sure you fill a few ziplock bags with cubes of ice (double bag the packs), and wrap them in towels. Food and drinks needs to stay fresh - especially in this hot weather! 

After-Work Eggs, Coffee, and Sex and the City

Just another day at the store yesterday, helping New York women of every age pick out outrageously-priced outfits for some graduation-engagement-birthday-dinner-benefit party - something like that. The only thing that gets me through a shift: my Israeli manager and aspiring designer, Nathalie. She makes the most hilarious comments after each rude or ridiculous (usually both) customer tries on half the store and leaves with nothing.

After work, she introduced me to an incredibly ADORABLE and artsy restaurant, named Cafe Lalo (I just found out it was featured in the movie You've Got Mail). Their brunch menu features everything from mango-nectar champagne to eggs with Brazilian feta cheese. Crazy, funky stuff... we had eggs and coffee, while discussing everything from family expectations, fashion, and traveling in India. Don't those spontaneous, colorful conversations in spontaneous and colorful places just make your senses go roller-coaster high? It's so... rich with culture. I love it love it. 

To top things off, we made the ultimate spontaneous move to watch the 11:15pm Sex and the City showing. I won't spoil it for those who haven't seen it yet... or maybe that's just my excuse for my speechlessness. It was amazing; go see it. Words of wisdom for the week...

Hardworking Interns at The Laundress, Inc.

Hi, interns Lola and Lily here! We LOVE LOVE The Laundress and all the fabulous people we work with. We are currently working hard to revamp the blog site and catalog, as well as to create those amazing gift baskets (can't get enough of). 

Here's the current bio posted on the Laundress blog site: We are both textile and apparel majors at Cornell. It's our first time living in New York City during summer break, and we are so pumped to be working with The Laundress, Inc. Keep updated with more laundry tips, green solutions, and great products on their webpage - we'll keep you connected to Laundress and our exciting, new discoveries while in New York!

-L&L

Shameless self-promotion. Pretty adorbs, n'est-ce pas?

When you leave New York, you ain't going anywhere

When I was in Paris in January, I was obsessed with finding the perfect hookah bar. I'm definitely not a big smoker, but there's something so exotic and rich in culture about hookah. It smells and tastes amazing. It was in Alice and Wonderland. And it is just an experience in itself to go to a hookah lounge. 

So I searched high and low for this perfect hookah bar in a city that is so obsessed with culture and art eccentricities... only to find out that Paris' newly established no-smoking-in-bars law made it impossible for them to exist. At least legally.

People say if Paris is a woman, and London is a man - then New York is a fashionably-dressed transvestite. It took around 2.5 seconds to get the exact address of a popular hookah bar in downtown New York. So, that is how I spent my Friday night - it was pretty epic. 

 

I am officially the living dead.

"MY FEET ARE KILLING ME. Literally. Killing me." That's all I could think about on the subway home from my first day at my internship and training/job at Montmartre. I almost growled at some old woman who took my seat on the subway.

After toddling up the stairs and taking off my heels in the elevator (I'm sure the doorman saw my state of pathetic-ness in his security cameras), I jumped in the shower, while cooking pasta, and cleaning the apartment- simultaneously. Now, I'm eating a bowl of pesto ravioli and pre-packaged salad. Andd it's almost eleven PM. A thousand things are swarming in my head. I've responded to my messages and applied moisturizer. I've cleaned and ate and now, I'm writing.

I take mental notes during the day of things I want to talk about. As soon, as I get down to writing it, they all fly out of my head and I'm left with a blank page. Or WORSE. Nonsense and jibber jabber. Oh, what writer's guilt I'm feeling now.

A note to all: I'm in the process of journaling and editing, as well as revamping this site. Inspired by Michele's amazing website and my design internship, I might even scrap everything and start fresh. Who knows... if I can find ANY TIME. I will have more details on work later, I promise. Before, I am officially the living dead.

Summer. You will feel better after the Summer.

So many times have I begun my travel writing in this very spot. I'm sitting on the Poughkeepsie-Grand Central train ride. I have taken this particular ride way too many times, whether to just stay in the city or jet off from JFK. So, here I am again, returning to start the first day of work at my very first internship: another adventure (should I dare to say 'life-changing' adventure). And like always, I have no clue what to expect. But that's part of the fun, right?

"Summer. You will feel better after the summer. I promise!!" That's a text message I received from a good friend of mine. I saved it because for some reason, reading it over makes me feel both relieved but also intensely intrigued. What am I supposed to be feeling better from? I guess we'll find out.

What happens in Spamalot, STAYS in Spamalot

Yesterday, one of my really good high school friends, Selena, came to visit me in the city. I love how everyone wants to treat you to stuff when they hear you're a poor college student living and working on your own. Her family took me to see Spamalot on Broadway. It totally exceeded my expectations. The humor was a bit controversial... but just enough. I loved it.

I met up with another Cornell friend today. She was in the city for some internship interviews and we ended up getting Pinkberry by my apartment and cooking pasta. It was delicious!

I have some tough decision to make tomorrow. I went into round two of a job interview process today and I've been biting my nails, going crazy, wondering if I'm getting this job. And, what I would do if I actually got it. After the interview today, I took a walk around the shops at Columbus Circle and somehow found myself in the basement grocery store. A woman was giving out sample of martini mixes and she saw my exhausted state: "Honey, you need a smile on your face. Try this lemon drop martini. Non-alcoholic of course." We started chatting for about ten minutes and by the end I had tasted a cosmo, a mojito, and a pomegranate martini. Funny how strangers randomly cross paths, if only for a little bit, but make all the difference in one's day.

I definitely need to relax more now... updates tomorrow. You never know what will happen...

Fleet Week | Loving a man in uniform

It's Fleet Week in the city! "Thousands of Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard ships will be in town for Fleet Week New York. Hosted nearly every year since 1984, Fleet Week New York is the City's celebration of the sea services. This annual event also provides an opportunity for the citizens of New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness first hand the latest capabilities of today's Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Team. Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships." I am undeniably excited. It's my first ever fleet week, and the marines are my favorites. Why DO women always like "men in uniform"?

I have an interview today with American Apparel and then my best friend from home is coming to visit. Ta!

Fashion photography on the rise

Good glory I finally have internet in my little apartment. So, I spent a good part of today reuniting with a bunch of friends.

Check out my friend's website. She built it with her own "html-saavy" hands. It's legit: www.micheleyong.com. GORGEOUS MODELS, too.

Other news, I got my first job offer at Montmartre! Green tea ice-cream to celebrate!

Toto, I don't think we're in Ithaca anymore

Okay, so I’m going slightly mad. I feel as though I have both MOUNTAINS of work and none whatsoever. This Internet thing is also starting to bother me—I feel so disconnected from civilization. That feeling of primitiveness just does not coincide with me being in one of the major cities of the world.

I met some interesting people today and found myself in some noteworthy situations. My friend, Kristin (remember, the girl who is supposed to be my roommate this summer) just told me that she would only be staying two weeks at the end of July. Bummer. I’m good at being independent (i.e. totally alone) but I feel pretty bummed out about having to duke out the summer by myself. At least I’m friends with the doorman… and my writing. (I just sounded so pathetic baah).

I had the strangest strangest feeling today. I reunited with my friend and sorority sister, Lauren for lunch at a restaurant called “Toast.” We had both been running around, going to job interviews for the entire day. I sat down to order and I thought, “We’re… legit living in New York City… in the real world… living and working.” I don’t think that makes any sense now but for me, this deal of being independent—making my own work schedule and earning a salary—it really hit me. I feel like one of those old thirty-something adults who meet for drinks after work and complain about their boss.

Toto, I don’t think we’re in Ithaca anymore!

Or college and the culture, which follows for that matter. I’m a working girl now… I think. A working girl in disguise. See, this is how it works. You just need to think and act like you know exactly what you’re doing. Resume? Check. Fashion sense? Check. A firm handshake? Check. I came a week earlier to Manhattan to look for some sort of job, preferably to both gain the sales experience and earn fast cash (oh, how we do depend on money). My parents tipped me off on tips—fast cash I could earn through waitressing or any sort of restaurant job. This is how I found my first conquest: a hostess position at the French restaurant down the block called, “Le Monde.” I go for training on Thursday.

But what I would really like is to get a clothing sales job—such a good experience to have for my major and resume. One problem, though, is that I tend to get extremely intimidated by “fashion passion people.” It’s the nickname I’ve given those very scary high fashion snooty artsy fartsy whatever-you-call-it kind of people. You get what I mean. They’re extremely judgmental and base everything off of first impressions. The good thing is that I’m a pretty quick learner and even though I make dreadful mistakes, I will use that to make myself better to the best I can. Today, I kept getting better and better at my method of attacking these big name stores towards the end of my exhausting job hunt.

I was quite a mess this morning, though. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WAS DOING. To recap: I sort of just rambled down Broadway and walked into whatever store I passed by with the same shy, uncertain greeting, accidentally smacking people in the face with my resume and portfolio. I made a fool of myself at American Apparel, Banana Republic, Club Monaco, and the GAP. Then, I realized that this approach of blindly walking in whatever direction I felt like really wasn’t working out. This is what I mean by learning quick—first, you need to acknowledge that what you are doing is really, really dumb. So, I hopped back on the subway and got off at Columbus Circle after recalling that the place usually attracted a lot of shoppers (or was I imagining that?).

Completely by accident, I stumbled into a mall sort of thing! Okay. My big break. I would attack all the stores with a polite but outgoing, intelligent but down-to-earth AWESOME attitude. I had nothing to lose so I did it: Bebe, J. Crew, United Colors of Bennetton, Montmartre, and finally Armani Exchange. I CONQUERED. Yes, share in the basking of my success.

What an exhausting day… I’ve decided to work myself to death this summer—excited much?

Suffering internet withdrawal in the city

So, I’ve been having a serious Internet withdrawal. I’m writing this on an MS Word document to be transferred to Curiouser once the Internet man comes in on Tuesday. I guess Internet is one of those things we “take for granted.” Anyone living in Manhattan, though, will swear that having Internet is not only convenient but also essential.

On Friday, my family helped move me into our old apartment on Riverside Drive. This week, I’ll be on the summer job hunt. Then, my internship with The Laundress begins right after Memorial Day. The week after that, my friend Kristin who also goes to Cornell will move in with me. So many new experiences—living in the city, working, interning, living with a roommate… I’m a little nervous (I lied, a LOT nervous) and definitely brimming with excitement. Wish me luck!

Along with all this, I’m also discovering how much financial responsibility I’m starting to hold. My bank account is depressingly meager… And I have the guilty conscience to explain it. I love how, despite my dwindling savings, I am purchasing a $600 sofa with matching armchairs tomorrow…

That brings me to the subject of the apartment! You know, I love it to death. My grandfather lived in it years ago and passed it on to the family when he passed away. Since then, this place has been a reminder of history. The building used to be one of those 1920s glamorous hotels. It’s in the perfect location. Columbia is right down the street so we get all the student bookstores, cafes, farmer’s markets, and restaurants of Morningside heights. Remember the restaurant from Seinfeld? Right across the street from us. And the subway station is literally right outside. The one thing… history is… in essence old. The apartment is old and dusty. The building is forever in repair. But, It’s a good thing I like antiques…

Alright, I am getting into bed now. I’ll be online very soon I hope.

Here's to the Summer of '08

Headline news: I have returned to Po-town!!

Packing and moving out of my dorm room was an unbelievably stressful process. I felt rooted into the place and unable to tear myself from it. Even after I finished cleaning the walls, moving the furniture back, and peeling off all the scotch tape, I felt too sad to leave my little home. I had no choice, though. I underestimated my check-out time and had to resort to "express check-out" which means they will probably charge me for some room damages which I cannot appeal.

I will miss: my French class, spontaneous parties, Sunday brunches at the diner, my angels, awkward moments, being FRESHMEN (and using that as an excuse for everything), library dates, my Writing sem class, my Christmas lights, alpha phi, and coffee at every hour of the day.

I look forward to: the wild urban jungle (i.e. New York city), high school soulmates, and the mystery of the Summer, long island beach trips, Riverside walks, internships and jobs, tans.

Here's to the summer of '08!

Resurrection of my cell phone - successful!

I can't believe I went a whole week without having a cell phone or an ID. Yesterday, I borrowed a friends car and spent three hours (as opposed to one) driving to the bus company's office in Ashburn, NY. Never trust mapquest...

Today, I've restarted the process of packing.

My checklist is growing longer every day:

-Call for job offers in NYC
-Hair cut/color
-Apartment refund
-Return borrowed things

Things to do this summer:

-Find a retail job in NYC
-Refurnish the apartment
-Lose the freshman weight
-Learn to sew

Curiouser and curiouser fo sho | Crazy Stuff I've Been Up To

How am I still alive? Thinking back to last week, I can barely believe that I've made it through all the deadlines, final projects, and presentations. Let's see what I've been up to. I've...

Written a FULL documentary play.

Gave a presentation on tax deductions and postsecondary tuition rates.

Scored a two-year internship with the Herbert F. Johnson Art Museum.

Cranked out my final anthropology paper.

BS-ed a French final paper.

Assisted and modeled in the Cornell Design League Fashion Show.

















Spring Formal!




















Interviewed with The Laundress|New York for a summer internship.



















Started planning a potential California trip.

Just begun my final Theater paper...

Passed out.

Bonding Over Airplane Delays

Gate 12, JFK
10:38am

Everyone is so angry! And for a reason... although I personally don't feel so bad (explain why in a bit).

So, I was sitting at the gate when a line forms at the desk. People look very annoyed. I find out that the plain has been delayed until 10:45. OK. No big deal. But soon I hear 11:25 and then 12:40? Then 2:30?! This is ridiculous... So, I wait in line to complain my part. My flight at Dulles leaves at 5:10pm. I don't care, I want them to change my flight. I'm never flying United again!

It's funny how strangers bond over troublesome ordeals like plane delays. There I was, in line with a whole bunch of people-- all different ages and ethnicities -- discussing this situation. One man obviously knew how to put pressure on the system. He stood in front of the airline official (this tall black guy) asking question after question... I felt like we were holding up a fortress. Another woman and I stormed the baggage claim. She shriked at the top of her lungs, practically bringing the other woman to tears. I met a man from Dubai who offered to share his dark chocolate and treat everyone to a New Year's drink at the airport bar. I didn't tell him I was underage heh.

Funny how close we all became in a matter of seconds. But I never even learned their names.

Luck must've been on my side though because I got a direct flight to Paris on Air France! Perfect. In a way this is a blessing. Must change a few plans and taxi bookings but I'm happy. Just have to wait around the airport for a long, long time... I'm starving - Time for some food and drink!