Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“To create one’s own world takes courage”

-Georgia O’Keefe

Happy Friday! The Knicks are heading to the finals!!!! I have been waiting for this ever since I became a fan two weeks ago! In all honesty I started off rooting mostly for the merriment of the city, then ended up actually becoming a fan. I love Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson! I may even watch next season, or perhaps go to a game… it is on my NYC bucket list now.

I am currently in Ohio for a quick weekend trip home to attend my nieces’ dance recital. I am so excited to see them perform on stage. My oldest niece is in four pieces, while my youngest is only in one. I am also eager to see my old dance teachers and to catch up with them. I flew in yesterday afternoon and so far have been spending time with my parents and my youngest niece. I immediately was put to chalk duty, helping her create designs on my parents porch through different stencils. We had a great time!

Before my trip to Ohio, my week was mostly tedious. I did have a meeting in the Upper East Side with a brand; something I hopefully can talk about soon. Prior to the meeting I stopped into the new Dôen store that just opened. I loved the interior; antique decor, floral carpeting (photo above) that I absolutely adore and want to have in my apartment. I also met a cute Old English Sheepdog named Casey that let me pet him. It was the happiest part of my day!

Memorial Day weekend was a quiet one. I know I said I was going to get out more, but the rain really put a damper on my plans and my motivation. While it was a much more relaxing weekend than intended, I did, however, finally manage to stop by my friend Krista’s new needlepoint store in Chelsea called Penny Linn. She already has a store in Connecticut and was finally able to open one up here in New York. The store is absolutely darling! Very Krista with the white and blue color scheme, rattan furniture, and little gold baskets to carry. One particular item she had, which I found to be genius, was recreating a playbill for her store. Replicating a theater’s playbill but making it about the store; what they offer, who they collaborate with, etc. A great homage to the city. Anyway, I really want to needlepoint this blue heron, but it is currently out of stock.

After stopping by Penny Linn I decided to walk around the Chelsea Art Galleries. A few of the galleries were closed for the holiday, but luckily a few were still opened. The exhibitions I did see were wonderful; great use of color, texture, and shapes. The first exhibition was a paintings from Ribana Szutor. Using contrasting colors, her work is both figurative and abstract. Her figurative paintings captured me the most. As art is subjective, I viewed her work as movement of the female body. Almost like a dance. The other exhibit featured works from Carbell Molina; a painter who emphasizes women’s empowerment. With using mixed media technique, her paintings are filled with color and hidden designs. I found it very fascinating. One of those paintings where you discover something new each time you look at it. The work titled Don’t Fuck With Us was my favorite.

What I am watching: Last night my parents and I watched Marty, Life is Short documentary on Netflix about Martin Short. It was as lovely, endearing, and hilarious as he is! We all really enjoyed learning more about his life beyond his movies and television shows. Martin Short is an absolute gem of a man. My favorite parts were the home videos of not only his family, but time spent with Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Steve Martin, and more. I would have loved to have attended one of his famous Christmas parties; people getting up to sing, play the piano, etc. It’s the nostalgia of gatherings that no longer exists.

I started watching Rooster on HBO starring Steve Carell, Phil Dunster, and Charly Clive. It’s about a novelist, Greg Russo (Steve Carell), navigating a complicated relationship with his daughter. Set on a college campus, Greg is trying to help his daughter get through martial troubles. Filled with humor, heartwarming moments, and emotional grief, Rooster has been enjoyable to watch thus far.

Roland Garros – French Open- has started! It is so beyond hot and humid that many of the players are losing steam very fast. Even the best of the best are having a hard time mustering through. With Sinner and Djokovic out, this tournament is any man’s game. This will be the first time in years that someone will win who hasn’t won a Grand Slam before. Personally I am rooting for either Casper Ruud or Frances Tiafo. Whatever happens, it’s going to be a fun tournament that is for sure! For the women’s I am rooting for the usuals: Osaka, Gauff, and Keys.

What I bought: After my shopping spree last week, I forced myself not to buy anything new. However, I was given a few PR boxes and have my eye on some lovely items.

White halter dress: I’ve noticed halters tops are slowly making a comeback, or perhaps I have personally been drawn to them lately. From tops to dresses, I have seen the classic neckline style everywhere. I currently have my eye on this white halter dress from J.Crew. It’s one that you can dress up or down. Wear it during the day with sandals while you run errands, switch to heels and statement earrings for a night out.

Books: I was sent a few books from publishers. The first being The Burning Side by Sarah Damoff. A literary fiction about a married couple on the brink of collapse. House goes up in flames, family secrets revealed, and martial woes are told within dueling prospectives. The next book is Liberty Island by Virginia Hume. This historical fiction follows an aunt and her niece, whom she watches on an island off the coast of main. In the early 1900s, Anna is an independent 28-year old who writes a novel under a pen name. Hiding from societal norms, her work is successful amongst the youths but shunned from high society. In 1922, bohemiam ideologies are growing among the young, and Julia, Anna’s niece, is breaking away from expectations while finding herself alienated from her family.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

What to Wear to the Ballet

LTK Spotlight: How I styled a monochromatic look

ShopMy Spotlight: How I styled this maxi dress

Best Seller: My new 90’s throwback kitten heels have been a big hit– under $50

This weekend, as mentioned, I am here in Ohio until Sunday. Tonight we are going to my favorite Mexican restaurant that is always a must for me whenever I am in town. Tomorrow we will be spending the entire day at my nieces’ dance recital. They are in 3 or 4 different shows throughout the day. I am so excited to see them perform!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

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