NYC à la mode

The scoop on design, culture, and style.

[nycalamode-blog]

Souks and Sultriness

So I've been thinking about the honeymoon for a while.

And since my parents have so generously offered to cover the costs (thank you Mom!) it's time I share my dream destination.

Marrakech, Morocco. Its old-world charm, imperial beauty, and bold exoticism promises unprecedented sensory indulgence. I've always been fascinated by its deep European-Arab influences. K and I can hardly wait to start our journey with such a magical experience.

We have decided to stay at the Maison MK - an ethereal 600 year old riad (house) in the heart of the Medina. Its design is the perfect marriage between Islamic and the 21st century - with a few stunning, decor details that I cannot wait to check out! Thanks to one of K's dear friends, for the reco of perfect boutique hotel.

The pictures are so wonderful I already have goosebumps - it excites me to share them with you! Of course K and I are getting the master suite - it is our honeymoon after all ;).

Check the hotel's beautiful website here: http://www.maisonmk.com/

xoJ

[cerjart]

#Chicago #night #view #lights #electricity

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I am tumbling around Tumblr seeing if I can find some inspiration for my upcoming move. This is a great picture of the Windy City at night don't you think? Now, what to do about K? Will he make the move? Will he embrace the Blackhawks? Will he find a job (please, let him find a job)? I am back at home now but my mind is wandering with so much to do until Saturday. There's a sense of calm about me though, as if everything is starting to make so much more sense. Wish us luck, I've at least had K agree to do some house hunting with me. Not sure what we'll find on the market in Chicago, but hopefully it will be easier than looking in NYC. xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

Sup, dawg?

Q: What's crazier than planning a wedding in 6 weeks and moving to Chicago with your new husband? 

A: Looking for the right apartment/house to build a dog nursery for our new pup, Gatsby. 

I know what you're thinking: a dog nursery?!! But I swear, it's a thing! And K and I want a 2-bedroom place anyways for the future (a.k.a. kids). I mean, just look at Denise Richards room for her french bulldogs..

G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S. We're not going that far with Gatsby's pad and if we do invest in a chandelier, it certainly wouldn't be in that room. But I would love to design a special space for the little guy, and I'm so excited to get started planning for this dog nursery! Here's what I'm thinking..

Gatsby's going to be big, so he'll definitely need his own bed. I'm leaning towards a modern one, like this one. 

Once he's potty-trained, he'll definitely need his own little door. I'd like it to be like a mini-version of our doors, whatever they end up looking like...

I love this built-in dining station, perfect for our little pup!

Those are all of the ideas I have for now, but I'm sure we'll be coming up with more as we look at potential places to live. Can't wait to start designing! 

xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

Meet Gatsby, the newest addition to K & I's little family! We've been talking about getting a pup for a while now, but it was never the 'right time'. Since we're getting hitched next week, what a better way to celebrate the union of our families than starting a little one of our own? This little guy is the sweetest and I can't wait to start apartment/house hunting with K so we can get his room set up! 

xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

In preparation for my wedding and to relieve some last minute jitters, especially after getting the news about my job interview with I., I felt like I deserved some much need R&R. So, I am treating myself to a massage and facial at Trump Spa. I am excited to get the Revitalizing Pearl Treatment! They crush up actual pearls and use volcanic ‘energy stones’. Not sure what all that means but I do know that I deserve it!

 xoJ. 

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[nycalamode-blog]

I GOT THE JOB :)

They want me to start in June! I'm full of excitement and nerves. Kevin is happy for me but I can tell he is disappointed by the prospect of relocating to Chicago. Especially so soon. 

xoJ

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Can't believe this will be me in a week!

xoJ

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The Great Gatsby inspired collection Brooks Brothers is releasing almost makes me wish that our wedding was 1920s themed, instead of 1950/60s.  K would look so great in all of these looks.  

As it is I had to leave him to selecting what he and the groomsmen are going to wear, since I had to fly to Chicago for the interview.  I'm sure he'll do a good job - the man has style.  He said they're going to have modern suits, but that he's going to buy vintage ties for all the men in the wedding party.  That would work out well.  I can't wait to see how great everyone looks.

xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

I love these socks!  I think I'm going to wear the "Bride" ones to my bachelorette party.  

xoJ

[styleselection]

Untitled #320 by celia-beatrice featuring skinny leg jeans

[nycalamode-blog]

Countdown To The Wedding & I Have An Interview

I've finally landed an interview at my dream design firm. After a year of applying, they finally have an open position as a Business Designer.

The website says: "We are looking for candidates who can generate new design opportunities by thinking creatively about risks, experiments data and who are..."

ME!

It sounds absolutely perfect. Except, the interview is in Chicago which means I need to drop all my wedding prep and fly out. Kevin is less than enthused about the location and my mother is shocked I would leave when next Saturday is fast approaching.

Wish me luck.

Posted above is my inspiration for my killer interview outfit. I'm in love with embellished collars and oxford shoes.

10 Days To Go

Let the wedding jitters begin

xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

Now that we've decided on a backyard wedding, I'm becoming slightly overwhelmed with all the little details we need to cover in just over a week! Since there is NO WAY I am letting everyone into the Mr. & Mrs.'s house to see their awful, tacky wallpaper, I know a port-a-potty is just going to have to happen. I mean, if Schmidt can find one as beautiful as that, why can't I? :) Wish me luck with this one, ha! 

xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

Mom and I took some time out today to bake a Crostata di Limone from the River Café Cookbook!

Cookbook picture on top - our masterpiece on the bottom! I have never "grated" a crust into a tart pan before, have you?

I am wondering (because I love lemons), if it's possible to just tier layers of little tiny lemon tarts for the wedding?

Buon Appetito!

xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

The Backyard Wedding.

I am so happy now that we are getting hitched in the backyard. I am picturing something like this - not too formal, a little vintage (no white plastic). It looks unfussy to me and I think that's ok. I just hope I can find chairs like this at the local rental place. I am heading there tomorrow with my mom. Anything but white plastic.

I may have to revisit the shoes - don't want to aerate the lawn all night.

Being home again is a little weird, but strangely relaxing. Mom and I can completely focus on the details this way. We've been doing a lot of planting and yard maintenance. I wanted them to re-side the house but that wasn't happening! Anyhow, we're heading into the crunch now and I have to stay focused.

Thank goodness I've got something to wear and a place to wear it. Two down -  397 more details to work out (in a week and a half). Wish me luck.

xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

The Dress!

Finally...I made up my mind about my wedding dress! After playing phone tag with this vintage shop from the area in California I used to live in, my dream dress is on it's way to me in Connecticut! YAY! I used to frequent Park Place Vintage a lot when I lived on the West Coast and loved the dainty, yet always packed little shop. After looking for the perfect little vintage dress, it finally dawned on me that I should see what Park Place had to offer! You guys, I found the perfect dress for me and I couldn't be more excited to get my hands on it and try it on! So...here is the first pic of my WEDDING DRESS! (Courtesy of the Bridal Musings blog page)

And for my 'something blue' AND 'something old': A vintage fascinator from one of my favorite sites ModCloth (I have the only one!!)

Things are finally coming together and I'm so excited!

xoJ

[nycalamode-blog]

Getting close to finding my dress! 

xoJ

source

[nycalamode-blog]

So, given the location change of the wedding from the idyllic Glass House to my parent's backyard I felt it necessary to also make some wardrobe compromises.  The first modification will be the bridesmaids' footwear. Walking though soft grass while wearing heels may not be the best idea. What do you guys think about mixing it up and having them wear the new Keds x Kate Spade collaboration? Too much? 

xoJ. 

[nycalamode-blog]

So this is the dress that I decided to go with. I know, I know, it's pretty generic and a dime a dozen dress but given the time constraints I feel that this is my best option. Given that, I do like the color--the soft pale pink is exactly what I was looking for. Also, J-Crew has similar dresses in the exact same color so the other bridesmaids can choose their own style base on their individual preferences. This will, hopefully, be a good compromise and will resolve the whole 'sister' fiasco. What do you guys think? Was this is a good choice? 

Find the dress here!

xoJ.