Let's Get Neck'd

When it comes to jewelry, there's something so beautiful about (1) simplicity and (2) versatility. In addition to total and complete sparkle, I think this is part of why women love diamonds. If you think about it, they're gorgeous (duh) but also so completely versatile (try that argument with your FBCWBF, GF, fiance, hubby, etc).

I bought this necklace from a J.Crew sample sale fully knowing it would come in handy at barbecues, beerbecues and the likes all summer long. To me, this necklace says, "look at me because I'm not completely self-centered and demanding," which (coming from a strand of jewels) is honest enough. And although these gems are no allotrope of carbon like the diamonds we so divinely adore (nerd out), it is a simple add-on to basically any outfit.

One day when I was palling around with this piece, it admitted it was getting a little bored with our one-on-one relationship and needed a little side action to keep things spicy. I figured it was time for a remix, and I decided it was time for a little zig zag session up in here. This gold-plated piece of heaven from the Young Designer's Market in Soho was the perfect add-on.

When I came across this old pic yesterday, I realized why the necklace made me so dang nostalgic. It totally looks like the lamp chandelier from my city apartment, and I'm more than totally obsessed. Who doesn't love me some (neck) lamp?!

Moving and Grooving

Ray Ban Sunglasses - J.Crew Necklace - Club Monaco Top + High Waist Crop Pants

This weekend was perfect was because it reminded me of two of the top reasons why I love New York: old friends and new presents. Between basking in office supplies and updating my closet with consignment shops and sample sales, this weekend was full of girly New York City fun.

Summer Read: Candace Bushnell's Summer in the City

Friday's schedule included catching up with my old boss over lunch and scoping out his super fab work space at Poppin, a brand spankin' new office supply company and the brainchild of VC and serial entrepreneur Chris Burch. Since I strolled over to the Flatiron District a bit early, there was plenty of time to scope out the J.Crew sample sale on 23rd Street and pick up this new necklace to wear out that evening. The night was a blast, and I saw as many friends as possible. The necklace was a total hit as well.

J.Crew Flats

On Saturday, I tore apart my closet and apartment to prepare for my new friend who's house sitting my mini palace for a few weeks in July. In the midst of the madness, I decided it might be wise to give some old threads a chance for some new lovin' at the Buffalo Exchange in Chelsea. After breezing around the store and selecting a few items I wanted to take home, my consignment virginity was finally a thing of the past. And now I have a new hobsession (that's a hobby combined with an obsession). Like I really needed another.

Vintage Louis Vuitton Clutch

How did all this fun come about in the first place? And why were these swanky photos taken in the back of a U-Haul truck? Sunday meant traveling state lines with my FBCWBF, making a temporary (I hope, I hope, I hope!) move out of NYC. Since I become attached to the things I love, I of course needed some cheering up. Between seeing the city with friends, swapping threads with strangers and swiping my card when necessary, this weekend reeked of perfection. By the way, the only exceptions for never coming back to New York would be (1) relocating to LA or (2) becoming a full-time superhero. If that's what the goddesses want, that's what they'll get.

Take a big jump or take a small jump, but either way: jump. The FBCW Diary

Tassel Me Pretty

Zara Tee Over Top Shop Tassel Tank - Vintage Necklace (Gram's) - David Yurman Watch

I've posted very few of my outfits on tumblr thus far, but I recently decided if I can get my FBCWBF to snap photos, it might be fun to frolic and document the clothes that I choose so carefully (I'm a total impulse buyer) and love so much (I want new clothes more than I want new friends). Last weekend, my family came into town to see The Book of Mormon on Broadway. Since we caught the matinée, these relaxed boyfriend jeans with the playful tassel top were a perfect pick. My mom, who rarely compliments my more adventurous picks (she's a matchy doll), even loved the layered look of the two tops.

J.Crew Boyfriend Jeans - Coach Hobo Bag - Franco Sarto Cork Wedges

Since my two brothers were along for the ride, comfort was key. The rug rats are a bit younger, and sometimes require a little chasing around. Plus they're from the 'burbs, they're the ones holding up traffic to listen to the guy beating his Tupperware drums or the girl yelping about the impending rapture on street corners.

After the show, mom surprised us by taking us bowling in Times Square. I spent about five minutes totally impressed that she surprised us and then walked in, realizing that if I ever received this as a surprise again, I would cry my eyes out (and not in a how-did-you-know-I've-always-wanted-this-exact-thing way). But honestly, as much as I despise the craziness of the hottest, most congested area of Manhattan, I have to admit we had a blast sweating our bums off and swearing at the pins.

Post-testosterone overdose (bowling is a sport, right?!), mom and I decided to pop in a few stores in Soho. Bored with her obsessing over skinny mom outfits, I snapped this photo to impress my FBCWBF with my swagg. I'm always shy about sending him pictures of myself, but when he caught me instagraming it on my phone, he asked me to send it to him. Of course, I'm concerned about those MTV commercials that talk about viral sexting, but hey, a little midriff never hurt anyone. And to put it bluntly, there's no Weiner in belly button!

You're the one who's irreplaceable, baby. The FBCW Diary

Let Me Live and Learn

Tree Graffiti in England

Dear dirty duchesses: These past few months have been insane. I'm in a new role at a new company. I'm working on my blog, a business and a book. And I'm working on my new boyfriend too. How come no one ever told us we have to turn them into Prince Charming?! Call me a fool, but I thought they came that way.

You see, I want big things, kittens. I want to live my fairytale and inspire others to live theirs too! The trouble with scatter-brained (or rather well-rounded) people like myself is they’re constantly trying to master the 10,000 hour rule in too many areas. I discussed this with one of my guy friends last night. According to the insight guru Malcolm Gladwell, the key to success in any field is practicing a specific task for approximately 10,000 hours.

Victoria Memorial Angel in London

According to this rule, if I did nothing but sleep (8 hours) and write (16 hours) every day for 625 days, I would then be an excellent writer. Sure, that’s less than two years, but how boring! No hour-long hair straightening sessions for kicks and giggles. No trips to Paris, Bergdorf’s or even the Bronx Zoo. And forget about palling around with the boy next door! What if I dedicate myself to 5 tasks for 2,000 hours each? Could I then pass as a generalist and call it a day? Or maybe I’ll become a sexpert!

My point, kittens, is forgiveness. With all of these new ventures, I’m challenging myself and learning so much. I can glare at the girl who practically gets promoted every week or who’s business just received VC funding. I can envy the woman who’s blog has turned into a book or whose book has been made into a movie. Tonight, I can wish for more happiness, more money or more love. But tomorrow I’m still me.

Street Art in New York City

Taking a step back, I look in the mirror: Let yourself be. Let yourself learn. I repeat these mantras because they’re necessary. I've already lived in so many places, and if I'm open, life can take me to so many more. I’m casting a wide net, figuring out what I like and seeing what sticks. As an FBCW, my prayer is that dreams really do come true. Mine and yours, baby!

What is brave? Being yourself. The FBCW Diary