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The List Volume XXIV

By |October 22nd, 2010|The List|

This week I had the pleasure of heading back to my favorite city, New York City. Being here has made me realize there is certainly a reason (or at least ten) it trumps anywhere else (ahem- talking to you Los Angeles). Here’s a shortened list of all the reasons I love NY (and you should too):

  1. A pair of fake boobs won’t get you too far.
  2. When you ask people a question here, they actually know what they’re talking about. If they don’t know the answer, they’ll tell you as opposed to blowing smoke up you’re a**.
  3. A mass transit system that is efficient and people actually use it.
  4. You can get anything you want. Anytime. Anywhere.
  5. No need for a car. Consider taxi drivers your personal chauffeurs.
  6. Women here are naturally beautiful… and smart.
  7. The fashion. The clothes. The shopping. People don’t look like rejects from Millionaire Matchmaker.
  8. There is a sense of camaraderie. They may hate those from the “bridge and tunnel”  set, but they sure do love each other.
  9. Culture. There’s art, museums, theater, and history. 
  10. People in NY know what they want. There’s no changing your mind when you get the front of the line at Starbucks.

All hail the Big Apple.

xx,

WhyDid

A Piece to the Ugly Puzzle

By |February 27th, 2009|Uncategorized|

Sometimes I wonder where people bought such heinous things to wear.  I can’t imagine what kind of store would actually carry some of these atrocities.  Well, folks, I may have stumbled on something that brings us a little closer to the answer.  (Brace yourselves- may not be suitable for those with weak stomachs).

deb22

This is a store called “Deb” located in the Ohio Valley Mall in St. Clairsville, Ohio.  I took this picture myself (don’t ask…).  My skin is starting to itch just looking at all of that synthetic fabric.  Honestly, this picture doesn’t even do the store justice (I kid you not, this is only half of the store).  It’s gotta be 3200 square feet of pure tackiness (or my worst nightmare).  I’m not sure who, A) designed this stuff, B) bought this stuff for their store, C) bought this stuff to put on their body.  I also wonder if this is some sort of  health hazard.

deb1

This is the mannequin in the window.  Typically,  someone from the visual merchandising department is responsible for dressing the mannequins.  These outfits are to be specific to the overall “theme” or general feeling of the store.  Um, what does this outfit say to you?  I actually can’t look at this picture anymore because it is hurting my eyes.  For once it isn’t the fluorescent lighting above my desk.

When I see things like this, it makes me feel sad for the less fashion fortunate parts of the country.  I feel so grateful that I live in New York City (one of the best cities in the world and fashion capital).  I almost feel compelled to form so sort of charity for those who are fashion deprived.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Eat That: Best Sushi ^3

By |February 20th, 2009|New York, Why Did You Eat That?|

cube

Forget Nobu, forget Bond St. I have found the best sushi in the city.

I  heard about this place a couple of years ago, back when I was way too cool to venture down to the LES (Lower East Side), but last weekend, I made the trip and let me tell you, totally worth the cab fare.

I’m talking about Cube63.  Yes, this is probably old news to some of you, but for those of you who have yet to step out of their trendy comfort zone, I suggest you try it.  It is tiny and unassuming and most people couldn’t figure out how to open the door.  You must make a reservation and they take their reservations very seriously.  Stroll in fifteen minutes late and they probably gave your table away.  I have no idea what we actually did order, I let the man of the table take care of that, but everything I put in my mouth was absolutely delicious.  Typically, I like to know what I’m eating, but I didn’t care.  It was that good.

*Added bonus- it’s BYOB!  Gotta love that 🙂

Cube 63

63 Clinton Street

(b/t Rivington and Stanton)

212-228-6751

xx,

WhyDid

WhyDid Wisdom: What “City” Are YOU Living In??

By |February 4th, 2009|WhyDid Wisdom|

thecity1

Okay, so I just finished watching this Monday’s DVR’ed episode of The City (yes, lame, I know) and I have a few things to get off my chest.

Other than the fact that The City is basically just very well packaged air, I am a little disheartened by their depiction of what it is like to live in New York City.

First of all, the girls’ apartments in this show are ridiculous.  I believe that Olivia lives where she does (except they keep calling her an “Upper East Sider” and her apartment is actually in Tribeca) because she is clearly living on daddy’s dime.  Now, as most people who actually live in Manhattan know, there is no way on Earth, Whitney is able to afford her “Gramercy” apartment on her DVF fashion salary without either the help of her parental units or a sugar daddy.  I have friends who have worked at DVF and trust me, they do not live in massive luxury buildings in Gramercy.  Try more like a 5th floor walk up in the East Village.

And Erin?  I’m not sure what exactly she does (except that she now has some title-less job at One Management), but again… girls with entry level jobs in New York City are NOT living in apartments like hers without financial assistance.

So to people in Manhattan, we are very well aware that this show is basically B.S., but for little girls in Iowa who dream of moving to the “Big City” and pursuing a career  in fashion I feel sad.  They are getting an idea of something that is just not even close to accurate.  I get it, who the heck wants to watch Whitney squash cockroaches or ride the subway?  But that’s reality.  And isn’t The City supposed to be a “reality show”?

**Note: There was one highlight in Monday’s episode.  When model Allie asked Kelly Cutrone if she liked her outfit, Kelly replied that she hated the leggings.  Thank you, Kelly.  Your support in the “leggings are not pants” campaign is invaluable.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: See Ya Later, 2008!

By |December 6th, 2008|Why Did You Wear That?|

So, it is now December. I can hardly believe it. This year has flown by!

Anyway, this means that you are starting (or if you’re an overachiever, have already started/finished) planning for your New Year’s Eve soiree. Obviously, my favorite part of any holiday, or party, or basically any occassion to dress up, is getting totally decked out. So whether you’ll be in NYC, South Beach, or jet-setting off to St. Bart’s, I’ve come up with some festive dress ideas for your very special evening. Careful with the champagne…

NEW YORK CITY

Oh, New York. I have spent a few New Year’s here, myself.  While New Yorkers tend to be elegantly understated, it is still fun to sparkle and stand out. (Trust me, I was once the only one in the room in a cocktail dress, loved it). Go with a little bit of subtle glam and comfortable (but still cute) shoes because after all, this is the city that never sleeps!

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, $324. Available at www.shopbop.com

Insight, Field of Diamonds dress, $90. Available at www.urbanoutfitters.com

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