vintage finds.

There's something special about buying something that's come from a different time or even just a different place. The beauty of a homemade product or the intricacies that you don't always experience here in the homeland, or back when they didn't have the same machines we do. The sheer detail or the footprints made in the craft. The idea that those things have made it this far in their lives without being tossed away, and have often gone up in value.

It's just cool, man.

Planter

Morocco

Cup

India

Box

Morocco

keep floating.

CHOCOLATE STOUT FLOAT

I don't drink often these days, but when I do, I like to make sure my drinks are as delicious as possible. Since root beer is one of my favorite liquids, i've made a habit of making root beer floats on a regular basis. It's probably the most childish drink you can think of, but I love em.

I'm always in favor of the heavy beers, Guinness of course, porters, and for this recipe, Brooklyn Brewery Chocolate Stout. It's a strong brew but with the chocolate taste, it's already halfway to being a dessert. Just combine with two scoops of vanilla ice cream and enjoy on a lazy sunday. Do be careful and leave some free space at the top of your glass because this creation has a tendency to foam over.

the OG

FRIENDS ENCOURAGE FRIENDS TO MODEL ON A CHEETAH PRINT CHAIR IN THE MIDDLE OF A BILLIARDS BAR

I've met a lot of incredible friends over the years, but this lady right here is the OG of BFFs.

We met when I was in third grade and still a shortie, and she asked me if she could physically pick me up, it was love.

I made a trip home this weekend, because it was mothers day and and I wanted to see the many strong women in my life, and when your best friend who is living in AZ tells you she's coming to the east coast for about 72 hours, you make a point to see her.

Over the years since we've graduated high school, our paths have diverged so much- she went to school in the 'burbs while I opted for the city lights, she moved to the west coast while I stayed local, and while she chose to improve the health of others while I chose to improve their Style and Substance. (TM More mag) But still, six years later, I have never lost sight of why were are the perfect fit for one another, and why we have each others backs. I feel completely like myself and comfortable doing whatever I want to, even if that something is starting a dance party in a crowded room or finding the perfect place to do a quick photo shoot. She makes me laugh without even trying, matches my crazy, is the ying to my yang personality-wise and is always on my side. 

K, i'll stop obsessing now. But seriously, you all need one of these in your life.

Throwing it back to sunday.

VINTAGE OVERALLS

FP MOTA BOOTS

JOHN GALT BLACK TEE

FP GALLOON HALTER BRALETTE

Last Sunday, I had an ideal day with an ideal gal. We ventured out for brunch in Lower East Side and stumbled into this amazing vintage store that's closing (gasp) Fortunately, it's just moving to another location but it's having a closing sale right now and you should check it out if you get a chance!

It's called Sheherazade Home, it's on Orchard and Delancy and it overwhelmed me with its treasures. I walked out of there with two vintage finds from Morocco, which was just about the best way to start my day. 

After we went to Dudleys NYC for brunch, who's decor and food was on point. Burger with beets, pineapple and spicy mayo? Yes please. Here's my girl Sars killin' it while we waited outside for a table. I believe her jacket is from Pookie & Sebastian which is her favorite boutique around.

rain, rain

The other night I woke up to one of the most rattling noises followed by the most beautiful. It was a giant clap of thunder that shook me awake and then it was as if the impact had broken a sky made of glass and all of the shards fell to the ground at once. The sound of rain is so incredibly soothing, which I always find curious since most of the time we are hiding from it, running from it, trying to avoid it's touch to our skin. Anyways, I digress.

I spent all winter looking for the perfect weather boots, and here in the midst of springtime, is where i've been getting the most use out of the ones I found. A beautiful pair of textured combat boots with a platform heel, which keeps me dry and cozy, which is incredibly hard to find. Here are my top picks for weather boots this year- now is the perfect time to buy since it's the end of the season and thus, you can find versions on sale, and also there is probably still some rain headed our way so that you can break them in till next year!

1. Defender Combat Boots

These guys are my new obsession, I bought them for my time in the swiss alps, and talk about them here too. It might be the texture or the platform or the laces or the combination of it all, but they're number one in my book, ahem i mean post.

2. Hunters

The original rain boot, and I still swear by them. Even though they're bulky and rubber isn't my favorite material, they work incredibly well. My favorite way to dress them up is with high stockings underneath, and especially in the spring when it's warm, shorts.

3. Chelsea Wellies

If you want something that is waterproof meets chic, these are perfect. Jeffery Campbell can do no wrong, and with these they pair the staple 'chelsea' boot design with some waterproof shiny materials and make this masterpiece, which also comes in a print if you're feeling daring.

Inspired.

FP BALI KOMANG PANT

My initial reaction to these pants was spectacular, so bright and colorful, big and comfortable, which is always a must in my book, and then I realized they were made in Bali, and I had to make a post about them. My local Bali expert is a friend of mine who lived there for a month learning about the culture first-hand and came back to America fully revitalized, and full of unforgettable experiences that I had the pleasure hearing all about. She's the reason why Bali has been moved to the top ten places I want to visit, and since I know nearly nothing about it in comparison, I thought i'd let her take over the rest of this thing, Miss Sara Pressman everyone-

If you could choose to travel to one city anywhere in the world, your first choice should be Bali, Indonesia. It is an island full of beauty, mysticism and culture that is bound to change your perspective as well as your inner being. My time in Bali had a very profound effect on me as I traveled from the southern city of Denpasar through central Ubud and finally to the northern rural area of Singaraja - all by motorcycle. Each city had its own charm and enchantment that is hard to capture in words and photos - its a once in a lifetime experience that everyone deserves. I met some of the most caring and considerate people while traveling through Bali and had some of the most incredible experiences I will never forget. I hiked a ravine to a waterfall with the freshest water in the world... I witnessed extreme poverty first-hand in cities with no infrastructure or electricity... I met the Prince of Ubud and dined as a guest at his palace... I stayed a 5 star resort in a beach front bungalow sleeping in a hammock for $2/night... I had my soul read by an ancient healer - and all of these experiences together changed my perception of what was happening around me as well as my effect on my own world. After leaving Bali I found my path and saw my future laying before me and realized all I had to do was reach out and take it. 

"That is why I think it is so important to travel. You meet people, enhance yourself and learn about a new culture." 

- Agung Rai

Bring it back.

I didn't have much down time while staying in Chamonix village, but I got one afternoon in on the town. I tried to collect some things that I could use around my room and that had significance, and this is what I ended up with. Some knick knacks if you will.

1 . Euro coins

This one might be a given, but as most people trade in their coins at the end of a trip, I like to keep the casual one to ten dollars of foreign currency. Something about the fact that there almost two hundred different types of currency specific to each area around the world reminds me of languages, which I think are fascinating, but these are tangible which is what makes them so special.

2 . Amours by Leonor De Recondo

Admittedly, I have no idea what this book says or is about. I know that Amours means loves though, and I loved the simple design on the cover. Ironically, I ended up scratching the cover and then marking it up again during the photo. Still a beautiful idea though.

3 . Stones

I love my geostones, and these were sold all over the place in the village, so I couldn't pass them up. Hopefully they're from some sacred french ground or something, either way though, I love 'em.

4 . Les Amis de Bois

Grappa is one of those european liquors that you drink after dinner and it stings on the way down. This container is used to mix that, weak coffee, lemon and orange rind and sugar. It is a drink that is served as a symbol of great friendship.

5 . Memories

Well, tons and tons of pictures, but you get the idea

6 . Cow Bell

In ski racing, when you complete a run your friends and family who are waiting for you at the bottom of the course ring a cow bell to congratulate you on making it down basically in one piece. After skiing on the most treacherous terrain i've ever encountered, on the last day I had to buy one of these, a little personal congratulations to myself for skiing six days straight and managing not to fall in a glacier crack.

You know you're a New Yorker when...

Sup kiddies. I just got done with a weekend back in my roots with the loves of my life and now I'm currently bus trippin'. I've been so busy, It's cray. With my promotion and the spring bringing my social life into orbit by coming out of hermit status, I've been seriously neglecting this spot which I love so much. So you get this treat just cause- five things that only New Yorkers understand. Leggo.

1) Look one way before crossing the street. 

Cause who has time to look both ways down a one way street?

2) Wearing shorts under dresses. 

Unless you want that Marilyn Monroe moment...every time you're even remotely around a subway

3) Not to go into the empty subway cars. 

There is a reason why they're empty, and it's the one person who's still riding in it. 

4) Abbrevs. and a.c.r.o.n.y.m.s. 

saying the whole thing? ain't nobody got time for that.

5) Leaving an hour before anything if you're taking the subway, even though Google maps says it will take 30 mins.

Three words- train traffic ahead.