Take a moment. Step back and think. How does a city the size of New York City function? Only through the hard work of those that fix the streets, collect the trash, clean the streets, work on the tugboats and barges on the river. Through the dedication of those that work the midnight shift so that when we wake up in the morning our city is all the more perfect. Without out any filters or fancy photography tricks this is the first of many journals I plan to post in their honor.
U.S.
Citibike: The Bike Share of NYC
If you live in the New York chances are you probably use the subway or bus fairly often, unless you can afford to take a cab everywhere or you just don’t leave your house. Sometimes it can seem like half the time you spend traveling on the subway or bus system is spent waiting, and then when you finally get on it’s crowded and/or smells and the longer your commute is the more annoyed you get that you’re spending $112/month for this crap! The MTA surely knows how to provide excellent transportation service… especially on weekends, right?
The answer to this problem has been to keep your monthly coins and just get a bike and avoid the MTA altogether, but now there’s an alternative to that alternative— Citibike. Citibike is New York’s bike share program similar to that of DC, Boston, Paris, Tel Aviv, Milan, and the list goes on. For $95 +Tax you can use Citibike for a year, which is a damn good deal compared to the $1,344 per year people will be spending riding the subway/bus!! The deal is you sign up and pay online and you will get a key mailed to you approximately 2-3 weeks before the official launch of Citibike in May. When you receive the key you just log in at citibikenyc.com to activate and you’re ready to ride! Of course there are other options if you’re not down to commit to a yearly membership. There’s a 24 hour access pass priced at $9.95+Tax or a 7 day pass which costs $24.05+Tax. Financially, it seems like a better choice to get the yearly pass over the other options which seem to be geared to tourists and non-NYC dwellers.
With the 24 hour and 7 day passes riders get 30 minutes of time to ride to your destination, although if you ride longer you don’t get charged extra until you’re 30 minutes late returning a Citibike. Yearly membership holders get 45 minutes of riding and don’t get charged extra until you’re 45 minutes late returning a Citibike. You can use Citibike 24 hours a day all year long. Late fees are also different between the passes, but all that is sufficiently explained at citibikenyc.com.
Installment of Citibike stations around the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn began on April 6th and will continue to be installed between the Downtown Brooklyn area and pretty much all of Manhattan below 59th Street until the official launch in May. Stations all over the city will be installed in phases afterwards. Check out the screen shot from nyc.gov/bikeshare below to see where the Citibike stations will be.
Chatty Talk with Elise – Boston & Texas Edition
Heyyy ya’ll!
I know you usually come to me for the who’s dating who in the celebrity world but today I want to take some time & just express my love for Boston! I know that it may be difficult for so many of you to believe in humanity after all that has been happening recently but please try to remember that good always wins, always. They will find those responsible, you have to believe & trust that. Just keep everyone in your hearts & send kind thought their way in this time of need. Keep your head held high & know… This won’t stop that city, nothing can stop that city.
While touching on recent events, it’s only appropriate to also mention the devastating explosion that took place in the early hours of today, in West, Texas. A fertilizer plant exploded, killing as many as 15 people & injuring more than 160 others plus destroying at least 75 houses & multiple businesses. In such a small town, this will certainly hit most, if not all the people of West in some shape or form. Coming from a small town myself, I also know that the community will pull together & have each others backs & they will be better & stronger because that’s what communities do, they pull together.
The Tribeca Film Festival 2013 is Here!
The Tribeca Film Festival is back to grace us with some awesome movie selections for everyone to check out from April 17th – 28th. This is the 12th year the film festival will return to lower Manhattan and if you can snag some tickets to any films make sure you do so ASAP because screenings are selling out as we speak. Some of the highly anticipated films this year are Julie Delpy’s Before Midnight (The sequeal to her films Before Sunrise and Before Sunset), Adult World (starring Emma Roberts and directed by Scott Coffey), Flex is Kings (a doc focusing on Brooklyn’s “Flex” dance movement directed by Diedre Schoo and Michael Beach Nichols), and Big Bad Wolves (an Israeli serial killer flick where the killer may be the one killed directed by Navot Papushado and Aharon Keshales). The festival opens on Wednesday, April 17th, with the screening of Mistaken for Strangers which focuses on an indie band, The National, from Brooklyn.
If your cash is tight, or if you’d rather just chill out at home and avoid the crowds the Tribeca Film Festival has options for you to still take advantage of this New York tradition. People across the country will be allowed to access the Tribeca Online Festival and Tribeca Film’s on-demand offerings throughout the festival’s run this year. The Tribeca Online Festival will provide free streaming of the following seven films: Alias Ruby Blade: A Story of Love and Revolution, Lil Bug & Friendz ( For the cat lover in you!), Farah Goes Bang, and short films like RPG OKC, Delicacy, The Exit Room, and A Short Film About Guns. These films will all be accessible via tribecaonlinefestival.com and audiences can vote for their favorites with the winners receiving $16K in prize money. So all is not lost if you prefer to chill in the house and you’re sick of Netflix! You can easily check out the Tribeca Online Festival.
If you happen to be in the New York area, but are suffering from a lack of funds (aka ain’t nothing going on but the rent!) and want to get out and enjoy the recently arrived spring weather, the Tribeca Film Festival will be screening the following films for FREE for your enjoyment:
Beetlejuice
Friday | 4/19 | 8:00 PM | Tribeca Drive-In (World Financial CenterPlaza) | FREE |
And The Band Played OnSaturday | 4/27 | 3:30 PM | SVA Theater 1 Silas | FREE W/ TICKET |
Alberi (Short Film)
Saturday | 4/20 | 5:00 PM | MoMa PS1’s VW Dome | FREE |
The Birds
Thursday | 4/18 | 8:00 PM | Tribeca Drive-In (World Financial CenterPlaza) | FREE |
Stand Clear of the Closing Doors
Saturday | 4/27 | 7:00 PM | MoMA PS1 Rockaway | FREE |
Lil Bub & Friendz
Saturday | 4/20 | 8:00 PM | Tribeca Drive-In (World Financial CenterPlaza) | FREE |
Hey, even if you do have cash why not save it for drinks at the bar after watching any of these free screenings! To check out the synopses for any of the films, buy tickets, and find directions to theaters or box offices please hit up Tribecafilm.com/festival.
The 2013 MTV Movie Awards Red Carpet
The 2013 MTV Movie Awards were last night at the fashion never fails to intrigue me. The MTV Movie Awards bring out all walks of the celebrity life. From movie stars to musicians to your favorite reality stars. There were a few great ensembles on the red carpet last night and, true to Movie Awards tradition, there were some outlandish fashion train wrecks!
Actress Crystal Reed looked classy and trendy in her coral and nude lace overlay dress. The bottom was pumped up with a tulle and looked like a beautiful tutu. And the nude pumps made her legs looking miles long!
Bridesmaids’ Melissa McCarthy rocked all black with gold accessories. I think the was a great pick for Melissa the funny girl looks slim and glowing!
Model Karlie Kloss’ all white skirt and crop top was sexy! The shoes were by far my favorite part of the outfit! I am obsessed with ankle straps right now! So chic.
My best dressed male goes to my secret crush … The legendary Taylor Hanson! He is so handsome and well dressed. This MMMbop boy surely grew into one handsome man.
And now for the worst of the worst … drum roll please !
Ke$ha…
What is this chick thinking? I think she is so talented and beautiful and yet she insists on looking like a hobo.
You would never believe this girl had hit songs almost every other month. Apparently hippies have gone goth, which is not a good look! I don’t know what the worst part of this look is … the hat … no the fringe vest … nope definitely the pants … This outfit is just all wrong!
This next one is really hard for me to do … I am absolutely head over heels with musician Macklemore. I think his style and look are perfection, most of the time. I love his swag and his ginger features! But his outfit last night was really disappointing. The royal blue did look cool but the cape was such a let down. I would have rathered a big fur jacket and a onesie.
Don’t worry though I still love you!
There’s always one who has to be a statement maker, and expecting it to be Lady Gaga again, I was surprised to see a burnt cigarette butt hat on Pitch Perfect’s Hana Mae Lee. Lee was one of my favorite characters in Pitch Perfect and her one liners were the most laughable moments in the movie. My favorite line “I ate my twin in the womb.” Befitting to her character’s, shall we say, uniqueness, Mae Lee rocks a interesting hat at the Movie Awards.
Last night’s MTV Movie Award fashion definitely had some note worthy looks. But the overall trend for the awards had to be the pointy toe pump. I have to say I was a little worried about this trend coming back but the new style of pointed toe pumps has a shorter point and is something I am actually excited to try out.
Kim Kardashian really was the first celebrity to rock this look when she stepped out in her neon green Loubitan’s. Last night she showed off her baby bump in a sleek black dress and black satin pointed toe stiletto’s.
Carrie actress Chloe Moretz kept it casual in a denim romper by Louis Vuitton and stunning t-strap pointed toe pumps. The shoes were the focal point in this outfit, beautiful!
Kim K in training younger sister Kylie Jenner looked fabulous in her nude pencil skirt and white crop top. The nude pointed toe heels were to die for! I am absolutely passionate about these pumps. I must go buy a pair now!!
I have to say, I am totally into trying out this re imagined trend. The only issue I have is after I take my shoes off at the end of the night they usually get thrown in a pile of my collection of shoes and then they get all smushed. After they are flattened enough you can never get your toe in right and if someone steps on it, forget it, a little heel dent can ruin a pair of pointed toe heels. Luckily in my never ending online shopping habit, I found the answer! http://www.tiptopshoesaver.com/ sells all different tools to keep your hoes in new condition. Their product, conveniently titled, The Tip Toe Shoe Saver, is a triangular piece that you insert into the toe area of a pointed toe shoe to keep the shape. I ordered a pair and can’t wait to use them in my new heels.
So all in all, I think the fashion at the MTV Movie Awards last night was interesting, but slightly disappointing. The one’s that got it right last night definitely brought in the Spring 2013 trends. White was big and nudes, as well. For accessories, I was happy to see the ankle stap and pointed toe heels were back and modern.
*Just on a side-note, I’d like to send my prayers out to the families involved in the tragic terrorist bombing at the 2013 Boston Marathon today. This is a sad and frightening event and if there is anyway I can help I will and hope my fellow Americans will do the same.
New York City Neighborhood Photography
I love the variety of neighborhoods in New York City. Walk a few blocks and you can go from Little Italy to Chinatown. From Koreatown to the Garment District. In the upcoming weeks I will be spotlighting in photographs the mosaic of communities that make up New York. They will not be advertisements or real estate agent walking tours. Rather they will be what the communities look like from the street level. As if you took a stroll and simply looked around. The point is to draw the flavor out from what that neighborhood has to offer from the average point of view in every day life.
The first in this series is Sutton Place. A very small neighborhood on the east side of Manhattan. Sutton Place and Sutton Place South run from 53rd Street to 59th Street. It’s as far east as you can go on the island of Manhattan at that point. The numerous cul de sac parks offer sweeping views of the East River and Roosevelt Island, as well as the Queensboro Bridge.
Sutton Place is considered one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in all of New York City. The wealth is evident from the attentive doormen of the high rise apartments and the clothes of the women walking around on a sunny day.
It is a beautiful yet exclusive part of the city that certainly adds to the character of all New York.
Summer Music Festivals 2013- When and Where
For all you music nuts out there, Summer seems to be the one season each year that brings out the best music festivals and the best artists at that. If you are local to New York, you are in for a treat. Some of the biggest music festivals are here or making their way through here. So if you want to find which ones are the best to go to, take a look at the following festivals and see for yourself why music and summer go uber well together like a yummy Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich-
GOVERNOR’S BALL- JUNE 7TH-9TH, RANDALL’S ISLAND
This is one that yours truly is beyond excited for. The event takes place in early June, and this year is featuring the creme de la creme of awesome alternative artists and some of the biggest global superstars in the world. Going on over at the beautiful Randall’s Island, the festival highlights artists that have been popular since the early 1980’s. Which one in particular? That would be Guns N Roses, who are set to perform on the 8th along with other superstars from Kendrick Lamar to Nas. Opening day highlights Grammy winners Kings Of Leon as well as Feist and Erykah Badu. Closing day brings in Kanye West as well as The Lumineers, Cold War Kids and Twin Shadown to name a few. Looks like an amazing three day lineup that I for sure won’t miss. Tickets are still available via The Governor’s Ball official website.
VANS WARPED TOUR: JULY 13TH, NASSAU COLISEUM
The Vans Warped Tour is ultimately a celebration for all things alternative. The tour, going on for over a decade now, highlights some of the best alternative talent on a national level and a local level. Famed for its “Battle Of The Bands” with founder Kevin Lyman putting out a content for bands to perform at their local venue, it is really the one festival where dreams can come true for said band. This year’s highlights include Denver’s very own 3OH3, The Used, Reel Big Fish and more. Log onto The Vans Warped Tour website for more info.
ELECTRIC ZOO: AUGUST 30TH-SEPTEMBER 1ST, RANDALLS ISLAND
Being one of the few festivals that I know of where the only real transportation there is by ferry, the Electric Zoo celebrates all things EDM. Held at the beautiful Randalls Island right outside of Manhattan, this three day festival plans to host some of the biggest acts in EDM today. Ones ranging from international superstars like David Guetta, Skrillex and Diplo come to mind for all you big EDM fans that seem to populate a lot of what is popular in music right now. Go the the Made Event homepage to get tickets!
Let’s not forget that the MTV Video Music Awards is finally coming back to New York this summer. About damn time, I have no idea why it landed in LA in the first place as that show is designed to be here. Hope everyone goes to at least one of these and has a damn good time!
Time to Suit Up; Summer 2013 Swimwear
One of my most feared and yet favorite times of year is Summer. From October to May I long for the heat and sunshine and beach days! I start purchasing my swimwear well before the Summer season begins and by the time Memorial Day hits my bathing suit drawer is over flowing! Growing up on Long Island, the beach is not just a place to soak up a tan and cool off in the Atlantic, it is an endless, sandy, runway where every girl wants to have the most eye catching bikini or one-piece. And, thanks to Facebook and Instagram, the pose off continues off the beach.
I have to say I am really excited to write about the swimwear trends for the 2013 Summer Season. They are fresh and bold. I will also give you some affordable options so you can rock these looks on any budget.
Retro is huge this year! Not only in clothing but in swimwear as well. If you read my last article you know all about my affinity for high waist! And thankfully this trend is showing up for beach wear too.
These Retro vintage-feel bathing suits are my favorite for this season. The high waist bottoms look great with a variety of tops; bandeau, halter, string… Mixing and matching only make this look feel more vintage and I especially love the idea of mixing prints.
Speaking of prints, bold pattern and prints are another trend this year. Aztec, houndstooth, floral, etc… Pretty much any pattern you can imagine is showing up on Runways for Summer. So feel free to stand out and make a statement. Mix and match patterns and colors! Also, a look resurfacing this year is graphic prints. The prints I have seen so far are animals, people, and landscapes. These prints work best on a one-piece otherwise the effect is lost.
Now something for the sexy women out there. Boudoir bathing suits are another hot trend this year. The lingerie look is not something everyone would feel comfortable in but as long as you are confident you can pull this off. Black, chic, and sexy are just a few of the details in this look.
Lastly, I’d like to quickly mention some bold looks that are trending this Summer. The Rocker look is hard and accessorized and textures are also a fun look to try out this year.
Now obviously we can’t all afford Vivienne Westwood or Versaci bathing suits (myself included), luckily many affordable retail company’s offer a variety of these popular looks for reasonable prices. Take a look below and hopefully you’ll find something that suits you!
www.forver21.com has some cute options as well as www.target.com.
Another site I’d like to mention is something you’ve heard me talk about before www.wanelo.com. Just search your favorite look and browse from hundreds of retailers. Also, www.etsy.com is a great place to find vintage and handmade swimwear.
Also, for you bling lovers out there, a friend of mine, Danielle, has created a business where she customizes beautifully decorated bathing suits. Her one of a kind designs are stunning and the best part is you can request a look that is just for you.
Check out the Facebook page www.facebook.com/pages/Bikini-Crush-Swimwear
Crunch Fitness’ in Chelsea- Why it’s the best
We are all looking for ways to stay in shape, especially with bathing suit season coming up in a few short weeks (although mother nature seems to think differently). There are a bevy of different gyms you can go to in the New York City area, but which one is the best to go to? In my opinion, that one is Crunch Gym. They recently opened a brand new location in Chelsea, it’s third location in the big apple. The location is at 220 West 19th Street between 7th and 8th avenue, wedged in the heart of the Chelsea district. [Read more…] about Crunch Fitness’ in Chelsea- Why it’s the best
New York City Street Photography- New York at Night
As the sun goes down over New York you can feel a change coming over the city. It’s not that the city awakens because as we all know, it never truly sleeps. It’s more like a mood change. If you put a soundtrack to it, it wouldn’t be a full symphony orchestra or an operatic aria. It would a lone whining saxophone filling the gray night air (think an abstraction from The Love Supreme); much different than the frantic piano piece of the hectic work day. (think Flight of the Bumble Bee) It’s the sound of the endless possibility of victory, defeat, or both. When the night falls over New York City anything can happen and usually does.