Bottomless Brunch in the West Village

I went to NYU last Sunday to see one of my best friends from college present a policy framework proposal for the 2016 Policy Case Competition.

Before Steph and her teammates arrived, I walked around NYU, Washington Square Park and found a place to grab Sunday brunch at a great bar called The Half Pint. I was happily enjoying my delicious farmer's market omelet and mimosa when one of the bartenders told me that bottomless brunch was only $18—if a mimosa was $9 each, it only makes sense to do it up.

I thought I was done after two, but then Steph and her teammates met me at the bar. So I had another while I waited for them. Then another when they got there...

Several things happen when you find the bottom of bottomless brunch.

First, the denial that you found the bottom—isn't it supposed to be bottomless?

You look up from your #? mimosa and notice the bartenders kind of judge you.

And then you wonder if you're being irresponsible.

But then you realize that it's Sunday. And it's your day off.

And then you don't really care that the bartenders are kind of judging you.

Actually, you feel great.

You dispel any thought that you're being irresponsible—it's not like you're driving or you're at a networking event—so you tell yourself that you're simply trying to live and make your white everygirl dreams come true.

#noregrets

Fashionista.com to Host Garance Dore in NYC

I've kept my eyes peeled for Fashionista's next event since I attended their How to Make it in Fashion conference last fall.

On April 27, Garance Doré—blogger, illustrator, photographer and author—will be Fashionista's guest speaker for their upcoming NYC meet-up.

Doré is a part of the "first wave" of successful fashion bloggers to truly run with blogs. An established style icon and digital media maven, Doré continues to bring glamour, charm and humor to loyal her audience with the help of a full-time staff and guest contributors.

At the Fashionista meet-up, Doré will discuss how to develop an authentic voice and how to build a following of engaged readers, as well as her own career journey. Seating is very limited, so be sure to grab your tickets here ASAP!

First wave bloggers like Doré have shaped the fashion industry and the greater digital landscape as we know it today—a global platform that values beautiful content, audience engagement and authenticity. Other bloggers including Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist (2005), Leandra Medine of Man Repeller (2009) and Nicole Warne of Gary Pepper Girl (2009) also fall into this category. 

Behind the Lens at NYFW [PART 2]

After street style hunting outside of Moynihan Station, my friend Cara and I went backstage at The Dock to dress models for BAJA EAST's runway show.

I had never heard of BAJA EAST before Cara told me, but it looked like a cool up-and-coming brand to work with. Being able to witness how the runway show came together—check-in, makeup, models, styling, lighting, everything— was beyond eye-opening.

While we were waiting for runway show to start, the designers walked a woman by the line of models and pointed out several outfits and their special details. I turned to Cara and asked her if she knew who the "reporter" was—I didn't see the woman's face, but she stood right in front of me and so closely to the point where I held my breath and prayed that she wouldn't accidentally elbow me in the ribcage.

It wasn't until I saw a picture on Man Repeller's Instagram account and showed it to Cara that she said that's who was standing in front of me backstage.

Open nipple turtleneck over knit jumpsuit sounds like the right idea of a negative degree evening. @bajaeast

A photo posted by Man Repeller (@manrepeller) on Feb 13, 2016 at 3:53pm PST

Naturally, I had classic fashion girl reaction and expressed my feels at the time by commenting on the picture...

Leandra, if I see you in SoHo or Midtown or wherever, I will have to ask you for a shameless fan girl selfie. Sorry not sorry, in advance.

Bassanova Ramen

In the middle of Chinatown—between the traditional Chinese restaurants, shops and market stands—lies a hidden treasure on Mott Street.

If you're looking for something that's beyond vegetable fried rice and General Tso's, hit up Bassanova, a favorite ramen noodle bar in New York City recognized by The New York Times, Business Insider and Daily Candy.

Ramen noodle bars have been trending everywhere for the past few years. When I went to Paris last January, there was even a designated Ramen Week. 

My first ramen experience was at Boru Noodle Bar, Newport's local ramen joint on Broadway, with their House bowl. I always crave the Spicy Miso on a cold and rainy day–or just about any day, really. Boru recently expanded to accommodate its cult following among locals.

It's hard to even begin to compare Bassanova and Boru, but there's no need to since they're amazing in their own way—Bassanova's SoCal, minimalist feel is completely different than Boru's edgier, street inspired mood.

I feel like it's the difference between Venice, California and Seattle, Washington. But that's just me.

Also, considering my favorite dish at Boru is a bit heavier than the Lemon & Black Pepper Tondaku I had at Bassanova, it further proves their differences...

For date nights, I'd choose Bassanova. For the nights that are dark and stormy and lazy, I'd choose Boru.