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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Off to NYC for My Birthday...



I don't intend for this blog to necessarily be a diary-style production; I want it to be as much about the readers and the world outside of myself as it is about the clothes I wear or the things I do. That said, I am going to indulge today in a bit of "me, me, me" talk. My birthday is in a few days, and I suppose this is the one time during the year when I feel like I can be a bit self-centered. I've already received two lovely birthday gifts, YAY! My grandmother bought me this perfectly-classic Citizen watch with a leather strap. I hope to get many years of wear out of this beauty:

My mother, who works for Neiman Marcus, gets me cool knick-knacks that I could probably never otherwise afford, like this fancy Rosenthal paperweight (she knows I like shiny things).



My theory is the older you get, the longer and more fabulously you should be allowed to celebrate your birthday! So, I am starting a few days early (my birthday is on the 17th), leaving for NY tomorrow with my boyfriend, and will continue celebrating there with my younger sister (who lives in Brooklyn).

I am so thrilled to actually have a reason to dress-up and be a bit more creative with my clothes in NYC. Case in point, this is how I look most of the time lately:


Ok, it's comfy, but geez people...

I will be bringing along two new thrift-store purchases. These white leather gladiator-esque sandals are so comfortable -- great for the airplane or a day of H&M marathon shopping in the city:



I also found this over-sized green suede bag that should carry all my travel essentials like a scarf, umbrella, water bottle, etc:



As a house-warming present for my sister (she just got a bigger place), my parents are sending along this adorable 50's plastic table set...I am pretty jealous!



Now I have to decide what reading-material to bring along. I truthfully just want to read trashy magazines like People's style issue, but I have to keep up with a very strict reading list if I want to be ready for my PhD qualifying exam in December...



Despite my excitement, there are always a few anxieties involved in traveling. One thing that freaks me out is the limited amount of stuff I can actually bring. I am so accustomed to having options, particularly when it comes to accessories like hats. But hats just don't travel well -- you can't really wear them on the plane (the seat and the hat don't get along), and if you try to pack them, they get crushed in the suitcase. Hmmmm...I am going to have hat withdrawal:



Lastly, leaving behind my pug Olive is the hardest part of vacationing. We got her this giant stuffed monkey just to appease her until we return:



Well, thanks for listening -- now back to packing. There will be plenty of travel/shopping/eating details to come...