Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

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“What a wonderful thought it is that some of the best days of our lives haven’t happen yet”

-anon

Happy Friday! It’s been a very weird and busy week. It felt like everyday there was something bizarre, out of the ordinary happening. Thank goodness it’s Friday!

Last weekend I volunteered at the Joyce Theater for the Ballet Festival. This year’s festival was curated by THE Misty Copeland. She was one of my favorite principal dancers at American Ballet Theatre before she retired last year. Truly a beautiful, strong dancer. Anyway, I was sad she wasn’t there, but was blown away by the entirety of the evening. Each performance was captivating. For a little context, Misty chooses different dancers and choreographers from around the world to dance, produce, or choreograph a piece. In this New York Times article (gift link) Misty explains that she wanted the festival to showcase how the future of ballet can hold different voices, identities, aesthetics, and experiences. How ballet is more than just the classic repertoire. And she did just that. While each piece may have been different in style, in my interpretation, what thematically tied each dance together was a tale of spirituality. A transcendent experience through movement, music, nature, sexuality, and more.

While every piece was simply breathtaking, I did leave with a few favorites. The first being Middle Length Poem performed by Taylor Stanley, principal dancer at the New York City Ballet. The way he was able to capture such contrasting movements was beautiful to see. While he contorts his body, there was a sense of serenity to the movements. While captured by the sun, it felt like some sort of metamorphosis or an awakening of some kind. Truly beautiful to watch!

The next piece I loved was Ava Maria performed by Madison Brown, corps de ballet at the American Ballet Theater, and Joe Gonzáles, Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet. What I loved so much about this piece was the tempo of their movements; quick and sharp. Contrasting to the softness of the music, it was thrilling!

The last of my favorite pieces was Melt: From The Inside, by up and coming choreographer Ilo, performed by multiple dancers. This was truly an original piece, as I haven’t seen something this new and invigorating in a while. I could watch it on a loop. Letting the music inspire you to the point you have to move. That was what it was about; a spiritual experience with music and dance. Like a trance. The movements and the music were inspired by clubbing. Yes, da club. And it was phenomenal. I almost jumped up on stage it made me want to dance so much!

The rest of my week hasn’t been as thrilling or spiritual, but I did have two days off in a row to relax, catch up on some much needed domestic attention, and work on my blog. Monday I spent the day doing all my errands, as well as cleaning my apartment. Then I took a 30min nap. I can’t remember the last time I have taken a nap, and let me tell you, it was heavenly- fresh sheets and a clean duvet, the perfect temperature in my room. It really felt peaceful.

The rest of the week I have been busy with work. Wednesday the building shut off our water for some maintenance, and let me tell you, I was not a fan of it. Not having water or ac was not ideal, but we powered through! The next day we had technical difficulties with our system and were not able to process our sales. Luckily everything is ok now! Mercury must be in retrograde or something like that.

What I am watching: The internet convinced me to watch Sterling Point on Prime and I didn’t want to be left out of the zeitgeist. The show was really good and I am glad I was influenced to watch it. It’s a coming of age story that us millennials love to watch. What made this show so good was that there were so many unexpected moments. Truths that came out which were stocking. Highly recommend!

The Cincinnati Open is currently on and while I haven’t been able to watch most of it, I am following along. I am disappointed that Fritz and Paul are out, as I feel like this was a great chance for them to win a tournament. Especially since Sinner and Alcaraz are not playing, and Djokovic was out second-round. Hopefully Tiafoe pulls through!

What I bought: If you saw my Ted Talk on IG stories or TikTok, then you would know I have a grievance with a few brands. For a quick synopsis: I take issue with some (American) brands that are not properly labeling the correct size for clothing items; and not aligning the sizes with standardize US measurements. I bought a pair of almond color satin lace shorts in a size small, and I can’t even keep them up. They immediately fall to the ground. That shouldn’t happened… at all. Anyway, I rebought them in a size XS in hopes that the small was truly just mislabeled, or the XS will at least stay up on my hips. We will see. This may be a fools errand.

I also got a new dresser that I desperately needed. My current one is over 14 years old. I think I bought it on clearance at some random furniture store in Murray Hill when I first moved to New York. Well, surprise surprise, it’s broken. A drawer doesn’t close, another one’s bottom is no longer attached. It’s way past time for a new one. I ended up getting this one from Pottery Barn. It arrives next week and I am really excited for it! It will also refresh my decor.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping

Pre-Fall Items To Wear Now

LTK Spotlight: This two-piece set to wear for the rest of the summer

ShopMy Spotlight: My new velvet ballet flats for the fall

Top Seller: This olive green cashmere tee

For most of this weekend I am working, however, I may go out Saturday night for a rink or two. Also my parents are coming into town Sunday! They will be here to not only celebrate my birthday, but we are attending the US Open! I am excited for all the celebratory occasions, and sporting events!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Enjoyed this profile on Céline Dion – she is a legend, an icon,

2. This martini color dress is a great transitional piece- the neckline really adds a nice touch

3. Eyeing these jeans in the navigate – currently on the hunt for a new pair

4. The perfect clutch for the fall – it’s really chic in person

5. A look inside J.Crew Vintage Shop – over 200 archival items here

6. Taffeta pants will be a big trend this fall- I have been eyeing these in either cream or chartreuse

7. Sarah J. Maas has revealed the ACOTAR covers for books 6 and 7- beyond excited to read them!

8. What to do around New York during the US Open– so very excited!

9. What is moneymaxxing, experts explain – don’t let the name turn you off, there are some useful tips

10. Benefits of walking after dinner– there are 5 primary health benefits

Weekend Sales