Friday's Simply Smitten

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“The best way to know life is to love many things”

-Vincent Van Gogh

Happy Friday! Well it’s raining again. It’s the 7th weekend in a row that it has rained. While I do not mind a rainy weekend here and there, 7 weekends is a little excessive. All I want to do is to stroll around the city looking at Halloween decorations.

Last weekend I went to see the Eras Tour Movie! It did NOT disappoint! My theater was pretty tamed. No one stood up to dance; no joining hands and skipping in a circle. Everyone was enjoying the movie, singing and dancing in their seats– myself included. I will say it was a little weird watching the concert in a movie theater. You didn’t know what to do or how to act; do I get up and dance like I would at a concert? Do I sit back and relax like I would during a movie? It’s really something you have to gage with those around you. For me personally, I am glad my theater collectively decided to sit the entire time.

What I loved about watching the movie was that I got to see things I had yet to see on the internet. I thought I had seen the entire concert via social media and a little live streaming here and there. Turns out that wasn’t the case. I was delighted to see new parts of the show. Taylor was amazing and I loved every costume, every set design, and every dance. My friend Natalie is a backup dancer for Taylor and I was so proud and happy to see her perform– and up close! Even though I was ecstatic to see the concert for only $19.89, it made me even more sad that I haven’t seen it in person. Ticketmaster needs to pay for their sins.

Monday evening I went to my new monthly book club with Guest of a Guest. This is my second time participating in the book club and surely not my last. As a typical book club we have a specific book of the month to read. This month we read Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo. Unlike most book clubs we do not discuss it as a group, although sometime the author does stop by for a quick Q&A session. Instead we mingle; chatting about the book or life in general. The book club is more of a cocktail party moonlighting as a book club. Everyone dresses up in cocktail attire; sipping champagne and enjoying delicious hor d’oeuvres. It’s a great way to meet people! Usually the book club is located at Guest of a Guest townhouse in West Village, but this one was held at The Whitby Hotel in Midtown. I enjoyed the change of scenery. The event space we were in was the perfect setting; books covering the walls. It was right on the nose. The evening was amazing and I love talking to fellow book lovers.

The rest of my week was pretty calm. I was suppose to go to another event Wednesday evening but my friend ended up catching a nasty cold. I was her plus one so couldn’t go without her. It would have been fun to attend, but I was also ok with not going.

We learned another new dance at DanceBody for their Q4. This time it was the “ballet” dance. They always have a dance that has balletic movements. I always find the ballet dance to be the most physically demanding. As someone who has been dancing since they were 3yrs old I am comfortable with the movements but it’s at a faster paced. It’s also the dance that has the most burpees. The burpees plus the fast-paced ballet movements always tire me out. This particular ballet dance I do like because we get to leap. And I love doing leaps!

Thursday afternoon I was feeling antsy, a little cabin fever. I decided to take a quick walk around West Village/ Meatpacking area. I wanted to check out some of the Halloween decorations. West Village does a pretty good job in decorating for holidays. I saw some creative ideas; my favorite being the pink pumpkins with pink skeletons. Walking around the city this time of year, and throughout the rest of the holiday season, is truly the best.

What I am watching: I started the new AppleTV+ series Lessons in Chemistry starring Brie Larson. The series is a book adaptation. They have only released the first 2 episodes but I am really enjoying the series so far. It’s set in the early 1960’s, Brie Larson’s character, Elizabeth, is an associate chemist for a well renowned company. She may be the smartest person there, but unfortunately with sexism at the time she will never be taken seriously as a chemist. Somehow she gets her own cooking show– where she teaches women chemistry through recipes. We don’t know how she lands her own show, but we are leading up to it.

What I bought: Since I finished Family Lore for my book club it was time for a new book. I wanted something light and fun to read. I am now reading You, Again by Kate Goldbeck. It’s about two people who despise each other, but keep meeting by happenstance throughout the years. It sorta reminds me of When Harry Met Sally. So far I am enjoying the book.

The next item I bought was a pair of penny loafers. I realized I do not own a pair of black loafers, so I bought these– currently on sale. I love the trend of wearing loafers with socks paired with a skirt. It feels retro and preppy at the same time. Now I need to find white socks because I only have wool socks for winter and ankle socks to workout in. Not really a sock person.

I bought this fringe ottoman. It is currently out of stock but it keeps going in and out of stock–so keep your eyes out for it. I luckily got it on sale and the last one (sorry!). I wanted two, but they only had one left in stock. I am waiting for another to be returned so I can buy it. If not I do not mind having just one. I plan on putting it next my tv console. Not sure what I will display on top of it– probably coffee table books and a little vase with faux flowers.

Last but not least H&M is having a flash sale today and I bought this matching lounge set– cardigan and pants both under $30. For the past few years I have been wanting to purchase an elevated matching loungewear set to wear while I work from home or while I am relaxing on the weekends. Feels more upscale than wearing sweats.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

What I Wore To My Book Club

What Books I Read This Past Summer Part 2

LTK Spotlight: My top J.Crew new arrivals picks

Top Seller: This mohair-blend sweater– on sale and under $60

This weekend is, of course, going to be another rainy one. I will most likely take it easy; read my book, do a little yoga, work, and watch movies. I am hoping to get out and about to look at even more decorations. Fingers cross this is the last weekend of rain!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Enjoyed watching this unique Celine video for summer24 collection

2. A pretty fall dress

3. Burgundy shoes for the fall and the holidays

4. Eyeing this ruffleneck cardigan

5. The best trends from New York Bridal Fashion Week

6. Loved this tour of Savvy Shields Wolfe NYC apartment

7. Halloween with a high fashion twist

8. A drama series about JFK is in the works

9. Best books for read for Halloween

10. Unique ways to carve your pumpkin

Weekend Sales