It has almost been six months....

It has been six months since I last cut or did anything with my hair. That is almost a record for me in my adult life. I let my hair grow out because I kind of liked the remnant curls from my digital perm I did back in September. I didn't want to cut my curls out and since I also dropped a lot of money to do it, I was going to take my curls as far as they can go. But my hair has now fallen flat and heavy and I tie it up on most days. I'm thinking curls again ....

Our after-wedding photoshoot.

My Diptyque sample sale 2014 haul [NYC February 2014 sample sale]

Diptyque sample sale 2014

Sooo maybe I did go a little bit crazy again but not as crazy as last year. In fact, I got so much stuff last year, we're still burning through it. To be fair, I bought a shit load of candles thinking I'd be giving them out as gifts for friends who travelled far to come to our wedding last summer. That didn't happen so I kept everything all for myself (to the husband's dismay) and maybe gave some away as gifts (maybe only one).

The prices of the standard candles went up by $5 this year but that didn't stop the crowd from shopping the sale. By the time I got there, there were no more standard candles in popular scents. There was also no more soaps which made nice gifts. This year, despite buying less, I paid a lot more. I grabbed some colored candles which are much bigger than the standard candles at 300 g each. I also got a Baies candle and oval set which would make a super nice gift .. for myself. I also got a 'Do Son' eau de toilette and body lotion as as well as a bottle of 'Eau Rose' natural spray. I love everything I got and it will last me well until next year's sale I am sure!

Thanks for stopping by!

x

nykeiko shops: @Shinola Flagship store in Tribeca [NYC]

New linen-bound Shinola journals. One for me, one for a friend. Perfect gift!

I am the type of person who prefers to write things down instead of typing it (well, depends on the size of the task). That is why I always carry my pocket size notebook from Leutchtturm1917 around and have been doing so for the past year and a half.

I jot down my appointments, events, drawings, lists (I love making lists!) and my ideas! If I lost my journal, I would be devastated. One bad thing about my journal is that it is white. Well, was white. After living in my purse/bag for over a year, my book has pretty much become off-white (pretty much disgusting). Oh, and the spillage of a thermos full of green tea in my purse with my journal in it catalyzed the degradation of my pristine white journal. I still kept it though. "The stains gives my journal character"-I thought.

Last week, a Racked editor posted about this linen-bound journal from Shinola which caught my eye! This will definitely be my next journal. Just a couple dollars more than the one I have but this one is made in Michigan, had more pages and the paper is sourced from sustainable forests. It was a no-brainer.

To save on shipping fees, I decided I would check out one of their stockists in NY and Steven Alan was one of them. We were wandering around Nolita last weekend and I dropped in a Steven Alan store on Elizabeth Street. They didn't carry the line but the salesperson told me that maybe their store in Tribeca would. I don't know why I didn't just call to ask but I am glad I didn't because then I got to visit their awesome Tribeca store. They didn't carry it neither but to my delight, they mentioned that there was a Shinola store just half a block away! Oooohhh...and grabbed Dave's hands and merrily hopped over. As we entered, we walked pass a small make-shift coffee shop and straight into a bright open space adorned with bikes, watches, backpacks, journals, leather accessories, men's clothing and all types of artisanal knick knacks. My eyes brightened and jaws dropped when I walked in. It was just an amazing space buzzing with customers.

Shinola Flagship store

nykeiko wears: Oliver Peoples Blondell

I got these Oliver Peoples Blondell aviators at an OP warehouse sale in Soho for only $125. They retail for over $400 USD! The lenses are polarized and protect my eyes 100% from UVA/UVB rays. They are super light too. These are probably the best actually-functional designer sunglasses I have ever bought and possibly the cheapest! They definitely saved my eyes from snow blindness while we were in the Berkshires. I barely squinted.

nykeiko wears: The not-so-glamourous me during Fashion Week [NYFW 2014]

New York Fashion Week has come and gone and I have bombarded my blog with maybe one too many pictures from the shows. I hope you enjoyed them nonetheless as I did try to not to put every single picture I took and bore y'all. Behind the scenes, I tried to dress up for most of the shows but having to attend shows before or after work proved difficult for me to go all out. The cold weather didn't help neither. No hair blow-outs, no mani-pedis, no full makeup but there was definitely some sweating and wrinkly clothes. 

Here are just a few snapshots of a couple of outfits I wore. I did not take a picture of myself on day one because I really looked like crap and I also just didn't have the time. I attended 6 shows in total this season (click to view posts: Nicholas K, BCBG, Nicole Miller, Rebecca Taylor, Pamella Roland and ICB) thanks to someone who really went to great lengths to help me get some tickets. Not sure if I should share her name in case she gets bombarded with requests but thank you (you know who you are :) I would have loved to attend more if it wasn't for my work but maybe next time I should take a day or two off to be able to enjoy the shows without having to rush too much.

For Nicole Miller

Wilfred blazer/Isabel Marant pour H&M lace top/Rag & Bone jeans/Rodarte x Opening Ceremony shoes (bought here for $10)/Fallon necklace (bought here)

Frozen Richmond Pond [The Berkshires, MA]

The lake was so fun we visited it twice, even in subzero temperatures...

Having an Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind moment with my hubby

The boys!

nykeiko eats: What a yummy weekend...[No. six Depot, W. Stockbridge, MA]

I spent the long weekend with the husband and close friends up in a cabin in The Berkshires. I miss it already especially during this morning's commute where a piss stink-infused subway cart shoveled the rush hour crowd into the neighboring carts. Anyway....

Here is one of the cool roastery/art gallery/café we came across in little town of West Stockbridge Mass. No. Six Depot. We had brunch and coffee and were so happy to have stumbled upon this place (and grateful everything else around it was closed that Sunday). The farm-to-table food was so fresh and the pour-over coffee made me give compliments after every sip. Our friends left with bags of freshly roasted coffee beans and a chemex so they could enjoy the delicious coffee back in the comfort of their own home. No. Six Depot also sold tea, olive oils, international sea salts and various commodities from different parts of the country and world!

Fashion in Conversation: Designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler

Apple's Fashion in Conversation series with Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough & Lazaro Hernandez

Last Friday, I attended one of Apple's Fashion in Conversation series in Soho featuring Proenza Schouler's Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez. I have heard before that these two designers are genuinely nice people but it was good to see their down-to-earthness for myself. During the interview, Lady Kinvara Balfour did a good job engaging conversation and asked the questions I was also curious about. The creative process and how the two designers' ideas come together were most interesting to me. All these sessions are recorded and will be available on itunes for you to enjoy! I hope my question during the Q&A session didn't make it because I didn't really ask an interesting question. I just wanted to say something! haha.

NYFW: Meeting Pamella Roland and runway pictures [New York Fashion Week Fall Winter 2014]

nykeiko: Pamella DeVos of Pamella Roland

Pamella DeVos started her career as a business woman and founded Pamella Roland back in 2002 when she felt a need to design comfortable gowns to wear for many of the events she needed to attend. Pamella takes pride in her dresses that are all made in the city of New York which undeniable needs more support as it is not only important for the city's economy but as well as the country's; not to outsource. Recently, she has been working on a more budget friendly line called Pamella by Pamella Roland although we are uncertain if the production of her dresses will remain in the garment district or to be outsourced.

I had the chance to briefly speak with the amicable Pamella right before her Fall Winter fashion show held at the Salon in the Lincoln Center. So here it is...

H: What was your inspiration for your Fall/Winter collection?

P: My inspiration started out here with my friend T.J. Wilcox who just closed his show ("In the Air") at the Whitney on Sunday. And when I went up to his studio, we saw all of New York and looked at some these buildings like the Chrysler building and Empire State building which were built in the early 30s. This is when we really got excited and were inspired from New York and the 30s and the art deco.

H: As you know, Alexander Wang moved his show into Brooklyn and created a big buzz. How would you feel if the entirety of NYFW was moved to Brooklyn? How would you feel about it?

P:(grimace) I don't mind it here. I was one that didn't not mind the move from Bryant Park to Lincoln Center but moving to Brooklyn would be really tough. I would say probably not.

H: I read that you have lived in Japan, Montreal, Chicago and Michigan. I have also lived in Montreal. What do you miss most about the city?
P: Well, I didn't live there but my business was there. I started with some Canadians and one was french canadian. I love Montreal. It is just Europe. It is a beautiful city. I miss going there all the time.

H: What is the first thing you do when you go there? 
P: We usually sit and have cocktails. It is just a beautiful city and I love walking around there.

H: What would you wear on your off day? Flats or heels?
P: Always heels.

H: What is one of your most expensive indulgences?
P: I love jewelry.

H: What would you do if you won the lotttery?
P: Mmm...I would go on a looong vacation.

H: Speaking of vacation, will you be going on vacation after the show?
P: Yea, I'm actually going to Aspen with my family after this is over.

That's it! Big thanks to the great PR team who helped make this happen for me. And below are some pictures from the show where we can easily see how Pamella drew inspiration from the city. Her collection was also very much about the 30s and glamour which were reflected through the model's hair and makeup. If you haven't seen them yet, here are some of the backstage pics I took.

Which dress do you think is reminiscent of the Chrysler building?

More pics ahead...

NYFW: Backstage at the Pamella Roland show [New York Fashion Week Fall Winter 2014]

It was so much fun being backstage before the Pamella Roland fashion show. The excitement mixed with pre-show adrenaline, the buzzing press and photographers and of course, slight hint of exhaustion from endless hours of work invested into one single show. I arrived more than an hour before the show and there was little chaos (no running, no shouting, no tears) which means the team was well-prepared. The collection was ready and hanging on the racks guarded by the dressers. Hair and makeup was already done and Nigel Barker gave the models a pep talk before a runway walk-through.

Here are just some of the candid backstage shots I captured...

Zendaya Coleman, Lydia Hearst, Pamella Roland, Nigel Barker, Laura Vandervoort

Nigel Barker, the back of his wife's head (Cristen Chin) and Lydia Hearst

NYFW: International Concept Brand (ICB) by Prabal Gurung [New York Fashion Week Fall Winter 2014]

I have heard of the Japanese label ICB back when I lived in Asia but no buzz here in the States. ICB has not been sold in the US since 2002 but US sales had been resurrected back in 2012 under the helm of its new creative director, Prabal Gurung. The Fall/Winter 2014 collection would be Prabal's eight collection for the brand.

I was excited to see what Prabal would bring to this contemporary label and was immediately taken aback by the coolness exuberating from the collection. All these pieces I could never pull off but if worn, would catch the eye of any street photographer. Oversized feathered coats, asymmetrical skirts, shimmery coats, two-toned low waisted trousers, shimmery textured jackets and rubber printed sweaters, tops and bottoms...all not so boring but not too eccentric.

Here are some pictures...

nykeiko eats: Fitzcarraldo..Rustic Italian farm to table experience [Williamsburg, Brooklyn]

New yorkers are busy, busy people and it is always hard to meet up and catch up with friends during the week so we all look forward to the weekend where we can sleep in and then get together for brunch offered at many of New York's restaurants. 

We rarely do brunch but amidst the chaos of juggling work and attending fashion shows, having a relaxing Sunday brunch was welcomed for me. We checked out Fitzcarraldo in Williamsburg recommended by Dave's cousin who has been there for late night drinks. At first, I was skeptical of the 5-item brunch menu as we are so used to having an array of choices at most restaurants. Well, it turns out, it is not about the quantity but the quality. The food was great. The crunchy artisanal bread with Italian salumi,  the spicy potatoes and the sweet caramelized French toast were all so delicious. We would highly recommend this cozy rustic place in the heart of industrial Williamsburg, located right next to the now closed 3rd Ward building. Next time, I want to try the brunch cocktails. The Kir Royale which had crème de cassis and Prosecco sounded tentalizing. We were also interested in coming back for the $35 tasting menu for dinner. We hope this place never closes. 

Fitzcarraldo's french toast with maple syrup and roasted apples

Country breakfast with toast and salumi, eggs and  spicy potatoes

Spicy potatoes

Fitzcarraldo in Brooklyn

Thanks for stopping by! xx

NYFW: Spotted at Rebecca Taylor FW 2014 [New York Fashion Week February 2014]

Zosia Mamet from Girls at Rebecca Taylor FW 2014 Fashion show

Blogger Kimberly Pesch [Eat, Sleep, Wear]

Robert Verdi, Stacy London and J. Alexander at Rebecca Taylor FW 2014

Dani and blogger Aimee Song (Song of Style)

Pictures by me

NYFW: The yummy jackets at Rebecca Taylor Fall Winter 2014 fashion show [New York Fashion Week February 2014]

I don't own any pastel or light-colored jackets but after seeing Rebecca Taylor's new Fall Winter collection, I'm thinking I should really think about it! I loved all the jackets and could see myself strutting around in Manhattan wearing them. Of course, I would be obsessed about not getting it dirty so no sitting on subways, no sitting on public benches, basically not going anywhere with it to keep it as clean as possible :)

Click here to see the full show in HD. You can spot me too!

NYFW: Nicole Miller Fall Winter 2014- Feeling grungy...[New York Fashion Week February 2014]

NYFW: Spotted After-BCBG Fall Winter 2014 [New York Fashion Week February 2014]

BCBG FW 2014 finale

Post- show paparazzi shots

Bloggers spotted: Aimee (Song of Style) and sister Dani, Rumi (Fashion Toast), Chiara Ferragni (The Blonde Salad), Bryan Boy

Spotted: Taylor Tomasi Hill and Wendy (Wendy's Lookbook)

NYFW In pictures: Nicholas K Fall Winter 2014 collection

Nicholas K FW 2014

NYCB art series presenting French artist JR "Inside Out" -Feb 2-9

JR "Inside Out" Project collab with NYCB

"Exhibiting freely in the streets of the world, JR catches the attention of people who are not typical museum visitors. His largest project to date, INSIDE OUT, was born in 2011 when JR won the TED prize and called for the creation of a global art project with the potential to change the world. Transforming messages of personal identity into public works of art, more than 172,000 people have taken part in nearly 8,600 locations around the world."
via NYCB

Posing with the dancers

NYCB Art series featuring JR

Child at heart

I attended the ballet this weekend with a girl friend which we were both looking forward to for weeks. Both of us left our husband at home while we enjoyed an afternoon of ballet and good food. We scored some orchestra seats for $29 (but moved to the $135 seats right beside us) and it was the best purchase ever! We watched 3 of George Balanchine's pieces including 'Concerto Barocco', 'Kammermusik 2' and both our favorite, 'Who Cares?' with music by George Gershwin. What a treat! After the show, we went up to the first ring to check out french artist JR's project "Inside Out" featuring the 80 members of the NYCB. It was fun to see people interacting with the images on the floor. I was reluctant to jump in at first until my friend started lying on the floor and posing while I took some pictures.

Our treat didn't stop there when we went over to k-town to grab some korean dumplings at Mandoo Bar and coffee with fresh Korean fried doughnuts (Ho-dduks) with a side of vanilla ice cream at Grace Street.

Ho-dduks at Grace Street NY 

Oh, if all Saturdays could be this yummy...

x

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