Lunch Dates

I like having lunch dates with myself from time to time. I pack lunch as often as I can and, since it's too depressing to eat alone at my desk, I wander over to Bryant Park to sit in the shade. Sometimes, when it's crowded and I don't get a table in the shade, I melt. The sun radiates heat and the ground radiates heat and I think I'm in hell. Other times, I people-watch and eavesdrop (one lawyer had to take the bar exam four times before he passed it). Most of the time, I read a book.

Whenever I get bored of Beyond Paycheck to Paycheck (which is surprisingly amusing, complete with imaginary conversations), I take advantage of the Bryant Park Reading Room. There are books + it's free = no reason not to go. The best part? If you show up at about 5:30 PM, you'll get a good view of corporate men in suits playing ping pong. It is delightful, mostly because they seem so out of place. And because I like men in suits.


[photo cred to Vanessa Jackmen for Grazia IT and Jenna]

Holiday Chic

The Bryant Park Corp kindly, and very generously, invited me to attend a holiday soirée earlier this week at the Empire State Building's new Empire Lounge. When I first received the email, I blushed for ten minutes. Even though I wasn't able to make it due to the terrifyingly overpriced entity that is MetroNorth, I did find the time to hunt down the perfect dresses for the occasion. 

This Anna Sui dress, on the left, is wrought with sequins and tulle and somehow, remains elegant and sophisticated. I saw it and immediately wanted to take it out for a steak dinner and drinks, maybe a movie. Unfortunately, the love of my life is not only light years out of my price range, but sold out. Bad for me, but very good for my wallet. Plus, the fact that I couldn't have it even if I did have the money helps the loss to sting a little bit less.

The French Connection frock, on the right, would be a happy replacement, particularly for my budget. It sparkles. It offers a lusciously draped hemline that would be perfect for twirling and a feminine neckline with tasteful embellishment. The only thing that kills me are the thin straps — something more substantial would add a solid dose of sophistication. I would've fixed that by pairing it with a shrunken, grey-sequined jacket that I just bought, as well as simple grey suede heels.

As I imagine this ensemble and subsequently begin to kick myself, please remind me to never pass up a holiday party at the Empire State Building. Tell me to buck up, down two shots of espresso, and stop worrying about going by myself and being awkward and drinking free Ketel cocktails in the corner all night. Because when I think about it, that's really not a bad scenario in which to find myself.