Mr. Cunningham

I had the great pleasure to work with Bill Cunningham when I was a PR girl almost 10 years back. I was in my 20’s, working and living in NYC and doing public relations for many of the glitzy charity galas around town – think socialites and celebs at the Plaza, Pierre, Waldorf, etc.

The one man anyone ever wanted to attend their event was Bill Cunningham of the New York Times Evening Hours and On the Street sections. Because if there was one thing everyone knew, it was if Mr. Cunningham photographed you, then you were in! I remember waiting in the office with bated breath for a phone call from the man himself assuring us he would stop by our event – surely on his way to one of countless others held each night.

Once he did show, people frantically moved this way and that in hopes that he would take their picture. It was best to leave him alone and let him do his thing – he always knew exactly what he was doing and what shots he wanted to get, on his own terms. I remember him referring to me endearingly as “child” and speaking to him the next day to confirm a name spelling or chair title.

I was sad to hear of his passing in 2016 but was very happy to find that he left behind a memoir to be published after his death. I just started reading Fashion Climbing and not only is it an interesting insight into the man himself, but also very timely in some of its themes. Unfortunately some of the issues he speaks about are still prevalent today, even though he wrote this more than 40 years ago. Hopefully you’ll have a chance to read the book – I’ll leave you with a very timely quote from this one-of-a-kind man.

“It’s a crime families don’t understand how their children are oriented, and point them along their natural way. American society has a lot to understand about the natural creative desires of children. Parents should stop feeling ashamed of the arts, and this trend of thinking men who are interested in ballet, opera and fields of design are just a lot of sissies has caused more unhappy family breakups. The country would not have half the trouble with mentally disturbed people it has if parents would accept each child’s God-given personality and stop trying to force what they feel is more suitable for their offspring.”

 

Images via Pinterest

 

Ah, September…

I always love when September rolls around. Since it’s the start of the school year, I also look at it as a month to make fresh beginnings – where everything seems new and full of promise.

This September I’m looking forward to a variety of special outings with my family as well as taking some time for myself to clear my head and get myself in gear to begin the year. With both kids in school now (Kindergarten and preschool 2’s), I’ll have the extra time to do just that.

One of the things I’m most excited about is getting back into yoga. I used to do it on a fairly regular basis when I was single and living in NYC. And then? Well times change – you get married, move to the suburbs and have kids and the hours of the day seems to slip through your fingers.

But now is the time to make myself more of a priority and do the things I enjoy. It’s certainly a sanity-saver and that can only make me better for my family, right?

So here’s to September, fresh beginnings and to doing the things we love!

 

 

Images via Pinterest

Spring Musings

After five days without power, I am more than ready for the arrival of Spring! Fortunately, we were able to stay with family, but when we returned home, the interior of our house was 47 degrees!

Since we “sprang ahead” this weekend, I’m thinking of Spring home decor. I am really loving pastels right now like mint green, pale pink and robin’s egg blue. I’d like to make some small “springy” updates to my home to brighten and freshen things up just a bit, welcoming the warmer weather. Here are just a few types of items I’m coveting this season.

What’s on your must-have list for Spring?

 

Images via Pinterest, Target and Christmas Tree Shops

I Heart NY

Although I call suburbia home, I am a city girl at heart. I lived in NYC for 11 years (including 4 during college) and I always welcome spending a free day there.

And yesterday I did just that. I hopped on a train and met a friend for brunch in SoHo,  visiting a few old and new favorite spots along the way.

First stop – Dean and Deluca. This shop holds a special place in my heart. When I had my first internship, I stopped here every morning for a coffee and treat. The space also has great people-watching potential with its large windows facing out to Broadway. May I recommend their coffee and a Doughnut Plant donut if you’re ever in the neighborhood.

Dean and Deluca, on the corner of Broadway and Prince St. 

I strolled over to the Little Prince for a nice meal and catch-up with a friend and then we did some shopping. We popped into Artists and Fleas, a makers market selling everything from jewelry and vintage coats to home decor and baby items. We also hit up the new it-bakery everyone is talking about – Flour Shop. It’s a cute, rainbow-filled space brimming with unicorn cakes and gold-dusted cake pops. But yesterday’s visit was strictly for browsing. 😉

Little Prince is a cozy spot to relax

The interior of Flour Shop

Finally, Harney and Sons . I love this little tea shop and cafe. Not only does it have some of my favorite teas around, but if you’re looking for a quirky mug or interesting candle, this is your place. I needed to pick up some more Valentine’s Tea – it’s a blend of chocolate and rose that’s seriously tasty.

Harney and Sons, located on Broome Street

 

Then it was time to head to Grand Central and take the train back to the ‘burbs. But getting in a few hours of city time always seems to revive and inspire me, getting my creativity flowing and raising my spirits. Even on a gloomy, rainy day.

 

Images via Pinterest

Gucci Gucci

If I had to pinpoint it, I’d say my love of vintage things started with a bag. Oh, not just any bag but a vintage Gucci doctor bag with blue and red striping.

To be honest, I probably first saw this bag worn by Carrie Bradshaw and teenage me thought, “I must have this.” But I thought about and researched it for a long time before finally making my purchase.

I loved wearing this bag around town. But then as time went on, for some reason, it got banished to the back of my closet. And I kind of forgot about it for a while (two kids will do that to ya!)

But then I rediscovered it last summer and I’m so happy I did. It brings back a lot of memories of my early years in NYC – college, first job, first apartment, etc. It was also my first foray into buying vintage items, and I haven’t looked back! Maybe one day my daughter will take an interest and want to borrow my bag, and then I can tell her of its past (and in turn, mine). That’s the beauty of vintage – what goes around, comes back around – and then some.