Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“It is mean to bloom slowly. The flower. The heart”

-Kavya Dixit

Happy Friday! The Knicks are NBA Champions! The city is still buzzing from the epic win. In my 14 years of living in New York, I have never seen the city so alive and together. Yes there are a few bad apples that caused harm and chaos, but everything I saw and have seen has been nothing but jubilance. I am so happy and grateful to be a part of, and to witness it all.

My friends and I went to 230 Fifth in Flatiron to watch game 5 of the NBA finals. We purchased a ticket a few days prior, guaranteeing us an entry into the watch party. At first I wasn’t too keen on it. I mean we could watch it from anywhere, any street in New York. However, the more we talked about it, the more I (and others) thought it was a good idea. It gave us a guarantee entry into a place where we could grab a table. Plus there is an amazing close view of the Empire State Building- I got to capture it in its blue and orange glory.

While I was walking to 230 Fifth I saw lines and lines of people trying to get into bars. Friends texting us last minute trying to find something to do. People staking out their spot on the street early in the morning. We arrived at 230 Fifth around 7pm, waited around the bar until the FIFA game was over, then snagged a table. I wish we could have stayed on the rooftop but the screens were so small and we couldn’t see over men’s heads. The first floor had TVs everywhere, so no matter where you sat you were able to watch the game.

The game was incredible! When we won everyone was cheering, jumping up and down! I was jumping on the cushioned booth screaming. Unfortunately, and annoyingly, not even 5 minutes after the win 230 Fifth kicked us all out….. so they can bring in the “night crowd”. I do not understand why they did that, people would have stayed and bought more drinks. However, once we got outside I was so happy to see all the merriment. What I saw was people coming together; strangers dancing, hugging, high-fiving in a cheerful glee. I did see a few people climb the crossing lights but that is minor chaos. Everyone, I mean, everyone was heading towards MSG. While I am sure the celebration near the stadium was unlike any other, we had no desire to do it. Instead we walked to District Local in Chelsea to grab a few drinks and celebrate with fellow New Yorkers. I can’t explain how wonderful the evening was, how euphoric the city has been all month. I feel truly grateful to live here!

The rest of my week was trying to recover from the celebration; I can’t hang like I used to. I was suppose to go to a IMG event with my friend Sarah Tuesday evening. It was held as a penthouse apartment in the Upper West Side. It would have been a fun event, and amazing to see the incredible apartment, however, I had to cancel on her. I had way too much stuff to do that evening; getting ready for my first day of work the following day, as well as trying to make sure I have mostly everything done for my blog for the week. I felt bad for canceling on her, but she was actually relieved as she too had a lot of work to get done.

My first two days as a stylist at Tuckernuck have been great! I really like everyone I have worked with, who I have met. I love selling such beautiful clothes, accessories, and home decor. Already I have two clients in my book to hopefully become their personal shopper. If you would like a private styling session with me, email me at mtate@tnuck.com.

Wednesday evening after work I went to the American Ballet Theatre’s opening night of their summer season. They kicked off the season with the classic, and very much beloved, ballet Swan Lake. Principle dancer Hee Seo was incredible as Odette/Odille. The way she was able to portray the contrast of the characters was really something. Her Odette was very graceful and fluid. Her Odille was powerful and sharp. And she nailed the 32 fouetté turns in Act III. As Prince Siegfried, James Whiteside was also amazing to watch!

One particular incident happened during the performance that still makes me chuckle. In Act III, during the Spanish Dance, one of the male soloist’s shoe came off. When he did a grand battement à la seconde (kicked his leg to the side), his slipper went flying across the stage and out into the curtains. Everyone gasps, but as the professional he is he didn’t react. He kept going, kept dancing. For me, it was a treat to witness the rare incident!

What I am watching: Sweet Magnolias is back for season 4!! I love how wholesome this show is. It’s nice. I am halfway into the season and am enjoying everything that has happened thus far. I will say some of the men are irking me this season; you will understand when you see it.

The next show that I started watching is the new Carley Fortune book to tv adaptation Every Summer After. I read the book years ago, however, I sorta forget some of the things that have happened. I had to go back and look at the summary of the book to refresh my memory. I do remember really liking the book, and so far I am really enjoying the series. I do not remember Percy’s friend Chantal, nor Sam’s friend Jordie Lin. They may be new characters added to the show to make the scenes and the storyline seem fuller. Either way I am enjoying their addition. And other than that, I think the show is following the book pretty closely!

What I bought: Since I started working at Tuckernuck I have been able to snag a few pieces. I also bought an accessory from Amazon that is a big trend right now.

Light Blue Shirtdress: The Chloe dress has been a signature piece for Tuckernuck’s in-house label. It has been around for a year or two now, but they change the colors seasonally. Although each color is pretty, I thought the light blue was gorgeous. It’s a timeless dress to wear to work or to a work event. Size down as it runs a little big. I bought an XS.

Pink Crochet Polo: I wanted something in-season that would still keep me warm when the AC in the store is blasting. However, the crochet is breathable which will be much appreciated as I walk to and from work. The pink really makes an outfit pop; you can wear it with jeans, shorts, and skirts. I am planning on wearing it with my white maxi skirt (similar). I bought my usual size small.

Red and Pink Drop Waist Dress: As I will be heading to the ballet every week for the next month, I need something elegant and dressy to wear. The red drop waist fitted bodice creates a nice visual and it cascades into the pink shirred light skirt. The coloring is perfect for the season. I haven’t tried it on yet, but I did get a small.

Green Feather Brooch: This style brooch has been in-vogue for a few months now. It’s playful, trendy, and adds a new element of color and design to your outfit. Since this is a trend, I didn’t want to spend too much on it. I found some affordable ones on Amazon for only $10. It comes in other colors. I was between the green and the apricot, however, ended up getting just the green as it will pop more.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

What to wear on the 4th of July

LTK Spotlight: What to wear poolside

ShopMy Spotlight: What to wear on date night this summer

Top Seller: This white linen mini dress for the 4th- under $100

I will be working all weekend, which I do not mind. I may go out for a drink on Saturday, but am sure I will end up staying home. I want to be sharp and ready to sell on Sunday. Plus my body is still acclimating to standing all day. I am sure I will be tired this weekend. If we do go out, it may just be to a local bar or restaurant.

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Gisele Forever! A look back at her life in W Covers- enjoyed this interview

2. This rouge colored dress is perfect for the 4th- has been a top seller at Tuckernuck

3. The lotus pendant of this layered necklace is pretty- layering necklaces are a big trend right now

4. Eyeing this one shoulder top in white- perfect for a summer (date) night out

5. Key summer trends to add to your wardrobe- my favorites are lady of leisure and jazz age

6. Max Mara celebrates 75 years in fashion – a fascinating historical look at their design evolution

7. Adult summer camps are having a moment- people are craving connection

8. An interesting read: why has the pointe shoe been so resistant to change

9. The best sunscreens for your face- always wear your SPF!

10. Advice on how to maintain your frizzy hair this season- the heat ruins our hair do

Weekend Sales