Friday's Simply Smitten - Blush & Blooms

This post may contain affiliated links, which means if you purchase an item I will earn commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

“Love is the answer to all of it”

-Dolly Parton

Happy Friday! From celebrations to sadness, this week had it all. I am heartbroken over the passing of Dolly Parton. Like the rest of the world, I love Dolly. I was a big fan not only of her music, but also of who she was as a person, her playful and sparkly fashion, her outlook on life, and of her Imagination Library. From coffee table books to t-shirts and everything in-between, I am a Dolly Parton fan and always will be. Love you Dolly!

My parents were in town for a few days to celebrate my birthday. It was really nice to have them here in town and to spend time with them. Upon their arrival they met me at Tuckernuck where I then took my mom around the store to shop. She bought a few items and I conned my dad into buying me this necklace for my birthday. Afterwards we walked over to Fumo for dinner- very good and they have a lot of gluten free options. I had the penne funghi with chicken, delicious!

The next day we went to brunch at my favorite french restaurant La Bergamote in Chelsea. Whenever they are in town we usually go there. I always get an omelette with a side of fruit. After brunch we went to the bookstore, walked around Union Square, then I took them to Bon Bon. I figured they could buy my nieces some candy to take home with them. I also got an assortment of chocolates and candy for myself.

That night for my birthday we went to one of my favorite restaurants in the city, The Waverly Inn. It’s has been an historic, and iconic, establishment in the West Village since 1920. What I love most about The Waverly Inn is the ambiance. Inside you have satirical hand-painted murals of famous figures- painted by illustrator Edward Sorel. Another section of the restaurant is the garden house. That is where we had our dinner. Usually I end up inside, and was elated when we were seated in the garden. The Waverly Inn can accommodate a few plates, but they are not a gluten free restaurant. I always get the chicken. To note: they do change their menus seasonally.

The following day we went to Wild in the West Village for brunch. It’s a gluten free restaurant, so I have been wanting to try it. I am sorry to say I did not find it to be good. My mom and I both had the blueberry pancakes, while my dad had waffles. None of us thought the food was good. Half of my pancakes were completely burnt. I was disappointed that we didn’t have a better experience, nor that the food was good. Especially since it isn’t always easy to find a restaurant that is 100% gluten free.

While our day may have started off on a charred note, the evening was wonderful. We went to the Roger Federer’s Exhibition at the US Open. Federer is being inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame, so there was a fun exhibition where he returned to the court. After the pomp and circumstance, Federer played Andy Roddick in a one set match. Roger may have won, but Andy Roddick still has a powerful serve. After that match, Andre Agassi and John McEnroe joined them for doubles. It was an incredible experience watching these legends of tennis play. I never got the chance to see Federer nor Andy play during my years attending the US Open. And I am too young to have seen Agassi and McEnroe play. It was such a fun, wonderful evening! The only complaint we had was that we wished the players were mic’d. We wish we could have heard their fun banter. Still, it was a wonderful event and I am so grateful I got to go!

Before watching the exhibition, we hopped around from court to court to catch a few matches. We ended up watching Taylor Fritz/ Jessica Pegula vs Casper Rudd/ Diana Shnaider for mixed doubles at the Louis Armstrong stadium. It was cool to see them all play and to watch my first in-real-time doubles match. My dad was like a kid in a candy store, he kept popping in and out of every single court we passed by.

On the last day my parents were in town we went to the Chelsea Square Diner. I have passed by it for years and always wanted to try it. It’s a standard diner with large portions and a large variety of foods. We all seemed to like it.

The rest of my week I was working, cleaning my apartment, and enjoying all the birthday love and wishes. I got a new dresser since my old one was broken. My new one is smaller, so I had to make executive decisions on what items to keep and which items to donate. I ended up donating 9 bags of clothes and 4 bags of books. My dad turned to me and said “I think you may be a hoarder”…. I think I may just be. I do feel lighter with so much clutter gone, and much more organized. And I love my new dresser!

What I am watching: I started watching The Shards on Prime starring Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere. I was seeing mixed reviews, but I really liked that it is set in the 80s so I gave it a shot. I do like it, however, I think every character is creepy weird. Not in a scary way, but in a bizarre way. I didn’t realize before starting it that it’s a thriller, which I think elevates the show. I now need to know WHO is the serial killer.

Outer Banks is back for its final season…and can I say something? I am glad it is the final season. It has run its course. This season I haven’t really been into it. It feels like the same repetitive storyline. But I will continue to watch and see what happens, and how they end the series.

What I bought: Since it was my birthday I received a few gifts from family members and bought a few gifts of my own.

Beaded Necklace: As mentioned I conned my dad into buying me this pretty beaded necklace. I basically waved it in front of his face, pretending to hypnotize him. It clearly worked and now this beloved necklace is mine. The multi-colors are really pretty and perfect for fall.

Minions Toy: My nieces gave me their rejected Minions toy from Wendy’s as a birthday gift. Apparently they both already have Bob, so they thought I would like one too. They were right, I love it! It’s currently on my desk.

Scarf Coat: Sézane has stepped into a new era; editing the designs, the textures, the color. While there seems to be some backlash, I found to have loved a few pieces- especially the coats. I ended up getting this scarf coat in yellow. I have been wanting a scarf coat for the fall season for a few years now, and the yellow coloring is really beautiful. Looks more of a mustard than yellow. Anyway, I haven’t received it yet but am excited to finally wear it once the weather dips.

Tapestry Print Saint Pants: The second I saw these pants I knew I had to act fast and get them. And I was right. They are completely sold out. I think these pants are going to be fun to wear this fall season. Both stylish and comfortable. The xs was completely sold out so I ordered the small. I know it’s going to be big so will have to get it tailored.

On The Blog

Sunday Shopping: Birthday Edition

LTK Spotlight: A fun embellished jacket, part our new arrivals

ShopMy Spotlight: New earrings for the fall

Top Seller: These high-rise straight jeans

I actually have this weekend off for the first time in MONTHS! I am very excited to sleep in a little, go for a run, grab a drink somewhere, and watch tennis!

Have a wonderful weekend xo

1. Dolly Parton: A life in pictures – she will be truly missed

2. A great transitional dress

3. This fall jacket is so good

4. Love the buckle of this belt

5. Quiet luxury is dead. Long life color– it’s all about visibility and personality

6. 20 trends that defined the past 20 years- a fun look back at some of the head starching, amazing fashion styles we wore

7. Dolly Parton “The Book Lady”– you can donate here

8. The best books releasing this fall- already excited for the new ACOTAR book

9. How to get ride of age spots (sun sports) according to Derms – serums and creams can really help

10. New study: social media is making us forget what we look like – your brain can register an image as the default way someone is suppose to look

Weekend Sales