the otheroom

Currently, my favorite bar in NYC is the otheroom on Perry Street in the West Village.

(image courtesy ny on tap)

The second in entrepreneur Craig Weiss's "room" bars (preceeded by the original room in Soho and followed closely by anotheroom in Tribeca), this relaxed, intimate space is the ideal spot to catch up with girlfriends or to grab a romantic after dinner drink.




This small, cozy space features brick walls covered with local artists' work. There is a steel bar surrounded by plush stools and slouchy couches.

This nook is exceptionally low-lit with most of its lighting coming from the subtly scented candles placed all over both of the otheroom's, well, rooms.



You can always count on the bar's music selection to be spot on, focusing mostly on alt rock favorites past and present.

Know before you go? The otheroom only serves beer and wine, and it's cash only.

Not sure what to order? Browse the interesting drink menu listed on a chalkboard to the left of the bar.

(images courtesy new york mag and yelp)

I highly recommend the Kir Royale.

(image courtesy videojug)

what a dish!

I've noted my John Derian crush here before. While I love all of their merchandise, I can rarely afford it. To my rescue? Target's (how is Target always so consistently awesome?!) new John Derian collection.

The wonderfully budget friendly line stays true to the brand's original aesthetic.

Here are a few highlights.

There are pretty plates covered in foliage and


this silhouetted tabletop set.


These tiny appetizer plates are the bee's knees.



I've added these wonderfully versatile platters to my wish list.

Also added? These pretty petal stands.

(images courtesy Target via Refinery 29)

lip service

Chapped lips are the absolute worst. Not only are they terribly uncomfortable, but they can be really unsightly under your favorite lip color.

Just in time for cooler weather, here are two wonderfully hydrating lip products guaranteed to keep the "ick" out of your lipstick. Go ahead, toss them in that bag!

Smith's Rosebud Salve

(image courtesy c.o. bigelow)

C.O. Bigelow's Rosebud Salve has been providing relief since 1895. Not only does this product heal, but it also doubles as a prettty, natural looking gloss. Isn't this old fashioned branding neat?

Kiehl's Lip Balm #1

(image courtesy timeout)

This classic lip saver has it's critics. "It's just glorified Vaseline!" they say. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Kiehl's simple balm soaks into the lips leaving them mosturized and soft (even Gwyneth agrees). I love smearing a little on right before bedtime.

Now, pucker up!

wallpapered kitchens

In my dreams, I've always pictured my ideal kitchen to be fairly simple...mostly white with a few carefully placed rustic details and shiny new appliances. It is also, naturally, gigantic (while we're dreaming okay!?). See sample here.

As of late, however, wallpapered kitchens have been turning my head.

Aren't these charming? They make me want to host a dinner party ASAP.

(image courtesy Lonny)

(image courtesy Lonny via apartment therapy)

(image courtesy Domino via la maison boheme)

(image courtesy Domino via attic mag)

cozy camels

Camel is, indisputably, one of the hippest shades this fall. I couldn't be more pleased.

This classic, neutral shade is almost universally flattering even if can be categorized as an "earth tone" (sorry, Mom).

How beautifully comfy does this cowl neck Alexander Wang sweater look?

I'd pop the above over a pair of snug, black ankle pants with these Elizabeth and James calf hair flats for a fool proof fall look.

(images courtesy shopbop)

Check out my dream collection of cozy, camel fall pieces below.

The Social Network

Isn't it hard to imagine a world without Facebook (or as a clever friend of mine refers to it "the great book of faces")? It's only been a few short years, but the social networking site has completely revolutionized online communication.

A film detailing the site's founding ,The Social Network, hits the big screen today, and I'm excited to see it.

Jesse Eisenberg plays Facebook founder (and world's youngest billionaire) Mark Zuckerberg. You might remember him from the 2005 Noah Bambauch movie The Squid and the Whale.

(images courtesy wikipedia and crazy bobbles)

Check out the trailer below. I love the choral version of Radiohead's "Creep."

surprises

(image courtesy the bad moms club)

Aren't surprises the best? They are almost as much fun to give as they are to receive.

Following the longest, most stressful day at work yesterday, I received a surprise so unexpected and thoughtful that it truly made my week.

I know this post is a bit heavy for a blustery, grey-skied Friday, but surprises (especially when recevied over a yummy sushi dinner) really are wonderful.

(image courtesy oh joy!)

On that note, happy, happy weekend to all!

P.S. Thanks again for the tickets, Bobo.