New York Stationed...

1 down, 9 to go. I've been on an eternal search for a military style jacket in my price range (that's right, I'm sticking to this budget thing and there's nothing you can do to stop me. I love you J.Crew, I really do, but $170 is too much for a jacket...I live in FL for goodness sake). Surprisingly enough I was able to score a Base Jacket from the GAP for $30; originally priced at $90! The above set pretty much sums up my inspiration for my new acquired piece.

Heading out to New York tomorrow around 2 and the excitement is building. Decided not to stay the weekend (my savings will thank me later) but I have some fab eateries lined up for this week. The weather is also pretty awful I hear which is perfect for me and my new addition. I love items that you Buy Now, Wear Now, and Love FOREVER! Below is my first vlog* and a feature on the jacket.

*NOTE: Visual and audio are a little off; half to figure this out. Made the vid on my MAC Photo Booth.

Rainy and Cold? I'll Take It... from Ernest Bee on Vimeo.

Many thanks to Patrick and all our peeps at the classic navy and white.

Oh New York, how I've missed thee so...

Cruel Summer...

T-Shirt: Forever 21; Necklace: Chico's; Pants: GAP; Shoes: Nikes; Watch: Michael Kors

It's officially summer here in FL, and to say I'm a little pissed is an understatement! Ugh!!!! I really hate when the sun rises say 2 or 3 and begins to cook us poor defenseless humans in our fav garments. It's not fair, it's just not fair. This summer I've decided that my work and personal wear will reflect my well curated style in a new way.

Before, I was very rebellious against rising temperatures, I'm talking cardigans, long sleeve V-neck sweaters, it was hot, sweaty mess. Logically speaking, I believed that I was going from the AC'd house, to the AC'd car, to the AC'd office...not having to worry about the elements around me. WRONG! I do so much walking at work that I need to seriously stop playing and get it together.

After reading Harper's Bazaar's May issue and Anne Monokey's article depicting her time at Ana Maria Pimental's summer wedding, she touched on while temperatures may be rising, one should not allow style to plummet. Taking her advice of incorporating light weight fabrics, cotton, cotton, and more cotton blended garments and tops. With the use bold accessories and jewelry to boost credibility of everyday basic ensembles, I definitely think now the summer won't be so cruel to my stylish ways...

Here's hoping!

Pnk Elephant Launch Party

Designer's Handbag fit for a true accessories addict


Creating art takes many tools...


Models for the night..pure art form from the make-up brush


1/2 of Pnk Elephant design team, Blair


2/2 of Pnk Elephant design team, Dana


Pnk Elephant meets the press


Closeup of Pnk Elephant Spike Bracelet and Studded Cuff


Blair doing touch ups before showtime

Following your dreams is the most rewarding thing one can ever do in life. It can sometimes be downright scary and absolutely wear on one's spirit and mind frame of which direction/step to take first. Fear is truly not a factor for 2 of my friends in New York, who a few years ago decided to launch their online boutique, PnkElephant.com.

I've known one of the partners, Blair, for going on 6 years now and she is truly the epitome of a "go-getter". Never settling for anything less than perfection, she has and continues to push herself to make a name in an industry since the housing bubble bust, has seen many big retailers shaken in their galoshes. With her business partner, Dana, who I've only met this year, the dynamic duo set out to push past industry and expert fears and offer the entire world affordable accessories via the world wide web.

By opening an online boutique first, they are able to reach across many oceans and bridges to some places many brick and mortar stores may only dream of being. With international acclaim, they have seen excitement for their brand in Sweden and London. And what more validation can you get than from across the pond? On April 29th in New York, I was able to attend the launch party of Pnk Elephant and it was truly a momentous occasion.

Hosted at HK Lounge in midtown Manhattan, models in designs by Marco Hall (also a friend of mine) parlayed with party goers donning the latest accessories from the all female design and buying team. Amongst family and friends, Blair and Dana introduced their labor of love to a crowd of movers and shakers that were ready for something new and fresh. The above photos were a few I was able to grab that night before putting the camera away and partaking in the festivities. Definitely be sure to check these ladies out as they continue to bring amazing and trend-setting accessories to the forefront.

Bravo ladies, bravo!

When In...New York

Organization is key to success in any realm of life. Even this here blog is going to become more organized in it's post and content...even though one's thoughts can rarely be organized because they come as random as ever, what little control I can have over them and the content that I provide here will be the greatest reward.

When In posts will focus on certain cities and towns I am in and the best things to do, see, or eat. Note: I'm not a trained professional in the critiques of life's many joys, just a partaker in the game of LIFE and someone who loves discovering hidden gems by word of mouth and referrals from other people with the same interests.

Fig and Olive Restaurant - 13th Between 9th & Washington

So, for our first When In...New York City, the best of the best for nightclubs, plays, parks, neighborhoods, shopping, museums, and a lot of other stuff that makes it the tourist mecca for all those looking to stand in Times Square and take in the lights, sounds, and sirens. But something that I think we can all appreciate about New York, is it's endless supply of good eats! Tonight, I was able to partake in one of the Meat Packing District's finest restaurants, Fig and Olive.

Under the executive leadership of Chef Pascal Lorange, Fig and Olive is the epitome of Mediterranean dining. Mostly everything on the menu is made from the finest olive oils and spices. The entire space, at least at night, is lit up with thousands upon thousands of candles, and the music is a mix of remixed Top 40 tracks!

I enjoyed the Penne Mediterraneo with my best friend who will be wedding the love of her life this summer in Greece...sadly I won't be there! A sample of the menu is below and the contents of my entree are described. If this was one of those children's books that made animal sounds when you pressed the image of the corresponding animal, my entree sound would be..AAAAhhhhh!

This was by far the best pasta I've ever had, and the best part about it, there was no sauce. I've only recently discovered that eating pasta without sauce is absolutely amazing with the right amount of oil and spices, and tonight's dinner reaffirmed that love for simplistic meals without a lot of fuss.

And any place with amazing Merlot, music, and ambiance...to me, that's fine dining.

Just Another Day...

Pretty much how I start my work days. Just decided to document it this time. Here's to another hump day...where do the weeks go???

Here's Hoping...

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

We all believe in magic potions and the fountain of youth. That's the beauty of the "lipstick effect". Down in a rut, nothing a little rouge on the lip, or new bag can't fix. I've been reading crazy reviews regarding Clinique's Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, with 12 weeks of continued use (and sunscreen, MUY IMPORTANTE) clients have seen dramatic, up to 53%, improvement in their skin tone.

I've battled acne most of my teenage and college years, whew, getting a little personal on this here blog...hey, that's what it's for right...stay with me. And to say the lasting effects, both physical and mental can way on one's self-esteem is putting it mild. I sympathize with those teens and adults who continue to battle acne everyday...like the famous poster, hang in there baby.

If bumps are one worry to keep you up all night obsessing whether your new guy noticed your bacterial buildup on your cheeks, then the dark spots they leave behind are horrible relatives who always seem overstay their welcome. Being blessed to be over my breakout phase, I'm now taking charge of the little history of a time not worth revisiting...I promise I won't tear up :(

Anywho, here's hoping that Clinique's talented team found the fountain of even tone youth. And only 12 weeks for serious results...with the amount of time I spent battling acne..this'll be a cake walk!

A Well Balanced Meal...

Deciding to live off Cherrios and strawberries until I've saved enough money for my PS1. End of story. Happy Sunday.

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