Monday Memos // 16

[Apologies for the hiatus---BUT I JUST FINISHED MY LAST SEMESTER OF COLLEGE (literally today/beyond excited)!!!] 

Listening:

"Unstyled" A podcast by Refinery29/Christene Barberich. 

The latest of many superb creations by the people of Refinery29, I've already listened to all 6 episodes. The interviews are so inspiring as a woman, as a lover of fashion, and as someone who has big dreams. I hope they put out a thousand more!

I want to be Christene's best friend. (via twitter)

Reading:

"Sweetbitter" by Stephanie Danler. 

"Tess moves to New York and lands a job at a barely fictionalized Union Square Cafe, where Danler herself once worked. As sure as she discovers her palate with her first oyster, as reliably as a junior somm learns to say, without wincing, “Champagne is the fulcrum of the terroir debate,” Tess develops a self-destructive appetite for too much sex and drugs and rock ’n’ roll." (NYTimes)

As someone who works in a restaurant full of emotions and human folly, sometimes the scenes are too real. But it's beautifully written and I'm excited to have more time to read it. 

Craving:

Today I was gifted some of the best cookies I've ever eaten. This is a bold statement coming from someone who has eaten the weight of the world in cookies. They were from Gideon's Bakehouse in Orlando, Florida (highest praises to my professor for the outstanding gift and not bringing grocery store cupcakes, etc.).

So, currently I want to eat all the Gideon's cookies.

I sampled "the classic chocolate chip" and the "cookies & cream" cookies. They were huge, practically the size of a biscuit, with an extremely doughy, almost-raw interior. So many chips and Oreo chunks. I wanted to try the "chocolate chip toffee pistachio" and the "candied walnut chocolate chip," but I tried to be rational. I'll be dreaming about these for some time. 

Is that not beautiful? I almost have no words, but really I have all the words. (via gideonsbakehouse.com)

Wearing:

Sven clogs. 

I bought a pair on Instagram and have loved them for work and play. They are sturdy, but comfortable to wear all day. Plus, I love the slightly different Mary Jane-style of the strap with that little pointed shape. 

Mild scuffing, but well worth the major discount--70 percent off!! (via zoë)

Watching:

"Westworld" on HBO.

Whoa, man, whoa! I can be complete in my assessment since the season finale was last night and that show is so good. It's like a mini movie each week (though that last episode was pretty much a feature-length film). I appreciate the twists and turns and especially love Evan Rachel Wood and Thandie Newton. Future Halloween inspirations?

I'm already waiting for season 2.

I kind of want to try this look. (via blackfilm.com)

Wanting:

This month of December has some extra special moments: my graduation from college and my birthday. In feeling really excited and sparkly, I've been wanting an outfit to mark the occasions. I've been drawn to gold skirts and metallic dresses.

This Zara dress is really fun. (via Zara)

That fur is a nice touch. (via Zara)

Metallic + floral = yes. (via Zara)

With a Wes Anderson H&M commercial accompaniment. (via H&M)

Monday Memos // 15

Listening:

"Monocycle With Leandra Medine" A podcast by Man Repeller. 

These episodes are very short, usually about 10 minutes long, but hit you with some truth, some reality and most often some humor. I pretty much love everything Medine (and Man Repeller) does, so this comes as no surprise. 

Laugh, cry, think... listen to it. 

The "Oh Boy" podcast is superb, too! (Logo illustration by Kelly Shami and image via manrepeller.com)

Reading:

I finished "Modern Lovers" on Saturday, so I am ready for my next book. I've got two sitting on my bedside table but cannot decide which one to begin first. 

"All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr - "the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II."

"When Breath Becomes Air" by Paul Kalanithi - "this inspiring, exquisitely observed memoir finds hope and beauty in the face of insurmountable odds as an idealistic young neurosurgeon attempts to answer the question What makes a life worth living?"

Both sound like emotional investments. (image via npr.org)

Craving:

Oatmeal cookies. Specifically "Alyssa's Healthy Vegan Bites." 

I bought this pack of cookies on a whim from Publix. A week later I went back for two more packages. Full of oats, cranberries, nuts, cinnamon, coconut and more, they aren't too sweet and have been a perfect after-lunch snack they doesn't make me feel horrible. 

They pair perfectly with an iced coffee with almond milk, too. I want to try the other flavors--dark chocolate almond sounds like something I would love.

So chewy. (via alyssascookies.com)

Wearing:

Adidas SUPERNOVA SEQUENCE BOOST 8 SHOES.

A mouthful of a title. 

About every six months I get a new pair of running shoes. This is not a shoe addiction thing, but due to the fact that I wear them out quickly. I have read that one should replace their shoes after 400 to 500 miles. I easily log 1,500 miles a year. Sorry, is this humblebragging? 

Anyways, I got a new pair of Adidas recently, and though I have no brand loyalty, these are the most comfortable pair I have worn in years. I feel a definite renewed spring in my step, or jog. Plus, Adidas always look chic. I've always pined after the Stella McCartney x Adidas collaboration pieces. 

Supportive heaven and of course I bought them at a significant discount. (via adidas.com)

Watching:

On Saturday I saw the new Todd Solondz movie "Weiner-Dog."

It was funny, strange, disturbing, sweet and absurd. The story of various characters linked together by an adorable dachshund, the cast was superb: Ellen Burstyn, Kieran Culkin, Julie Delpy, Danny DeVito, Greta Gerwig, Tracy Letts and Zosia Mamet. 

We saw it in a small, local theatre with a dozen or so other viewers, and the laughter from a particular group up front made me like it even more. The colors, typography and score were just right, too. 

"Filmmaker Todd Solondz has been packing the art houses and subsequently bumming out his audience since the release of his 1995 dark comedy Welcome to the Dollhouse." Read more here. (interview and image via phillymag.com)

Wanting:

I am in perpetual want of more beautiful shoes. The Loeffler Randall newsletters have been taunting me lately. These creations are works of art. I'll let the images do the talking. 

CLARA ANKLE-TIE PUMP (via loefflerrandall.com)

ISLA SLIM ANKLE BOOTIE (via loefflerrandall.com)

GREER BOOTIE (via loefflerrandall.com)

JASPER TASSEL OXFORD (via loefflerrandall.com)

Monday Memos // 14

Listening:

"Dreams." The Cranberries.

I heard this song last week and it struck a serious nostalgia chord. No shame, I can always appreciate The Cranberries. 

Turns out their timeline is following me, because 1989 to present: we're the same age. 

Reading:

I have a growing want-to-read list. Top contenders:

"You'll Grow Out of It" by Jessi Klein - "hilariously, and candidly, explores the journey of the twenty-first century woman"

"Sweetbitter: A novel" by Stephanie Danler - "A thrilling novel of the senses and a coming-of-age tale, following a small-town girl into the electrifying world of New York City and the education of a lifetime at one of the most exclusive restaurants in Manhattan."

"Eleven Hours" by Pamela Erens - "an intimate exploration of the physical and mental challenges of childbirth, told with unremitting suspense and astonishing beauty."

Jessi Klein is a comedy writer and probably best known for her work on "Inside Amy Schumer." (image via nprfreshair.tumblr.com)

Craving:

Brownies. What is not to love about a fabulous brownie?

My favorite variety has a gooey, chewy inside and a slight crunch and texture on top. Nuts and/or chips, I'll take it.

I could not definitively tell you if I prefer an edge or an inside piece, because it really depends on the particular brownie. For example, I've made a few trips to my favorite bodega this week, where they have an incredible brownie (dark chocolate chips on top). For this brownie, I want a middle piece; the edgy ones often get a staleness in the crust, and they often have fewer chips. 

Clearly, I can talk about brownies for any length of time. 

I cannot stop salivating looking at Broma Bakery's Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies. Best of both worlds? (image via bromabakery.com)

Wearing:

Sportswear. Athleisure. Whatever you call it, I have been wearing a lot of "elevated gym clothes" in my everyday life. Particularly sports bras. They work well in the heat when I only want to wear the thinnest tees or the slinkiest tanks. It feels like they mix up the outfit without being that girl with her bra straps hanging out. Trust me, it's respectable. 

My favorite: the Outdoor Voices Athena Crop. I have been lusting after this brand for quite some time, but never bit the bullet because of the price. However, I found someone on Instagram selling this crop in my ideal color and size AND at a discount! So I bought it and I love it.

It'd make a great bikini top. It's made some of my dresses take on a whole new look. I am pleased. 

The Man Repeller x Outdoor Voices Kit really makes me swoon. Sigh. (image via manrepeller.com)

Watching:

Another one of those tv shows I like to watch when everything feels too heavy: "Odd Mom Out." 

It's a comedy series on Bravo created by and starring Jill Kargman. It is essentially a fictionalized version of Kargman's life--a wealthy mom on the Upper East Side. It's goofy and has a lot of great actors. Plus, I am a sucker for a female-centric NYC series with fashion and laughs. 

The show is based on based on Kargman’s 2007 book "Momzillas." (image via Bravo TV)

Wanting:

A new bike. My current set of two-wheels is rusty, heavy and often rips my pants when I brush against it. It would be nice to have a proper road or commuter bike. I've really only ever had beach cruisers and hand-me-downs. 

Whenever I start researching and Craiglist stalking I get overwhelmed. Still, I peruse and pine.  

I really like the look of PUBLIC bikes. This is the M7 Mixte. (image via publicbikes.com)

The R16 Flat Bar Road Bike looks great, too. (image via publicbikes.com)

Monday Memos // 13

Listening:

"El Manisero (The Peanut Vendor)" - Don Azpiazú & His Havana Casino Orchestra. 

I saw Woody Allen's latest movie this weekend, "Café Society," and this song was in it. A big hit in the 1930s, I was digging it. 

Reading:

Tidbits of good reading from recent days:

Summer So-Whats (Manrepeller)

Words With (I Wish We Were More Than) Friends (New York Times)

Stranger Things’ Eleven on the Show's Behind-the-Scenes Food Secrets (Bon Appetit)

The Sad Ballad of Salad (The Atlantic)

It's all so right. (Illustrations by Emily Zirimis via manrepeller.com)

Craving:

Seafood.

I've had raw oysters, shrimp fajitas, wood-oven grilled salmon, seared snapper and crab cakes in the last few days. I could eat delicious fish at any meal.  I should probably get some sushi soon to round out the array of culinary delights. 

Or maybe I want a sushi doughnut? (via sobeautifullyraw/Instagram)

Wearing:

I brought some old clothes to a local consignment store and walked out with an armful of new beauties. The theme was dark dresses with pops of fun. 

Corduroy in summer may seem crazy, but I loved it. (via topshop.com)

More Topshop. This top has great little details. (Image via Pinterest)

Watching:

"The Night Of" on HBO. 

I loved the first episode, was underwhelmed with the second, reinvigorated with the third and pumped with the fourth. So, primarily it is on an upward slope. 

As with much of my tv viewing pleasure, it was great to see actors from some old favorite shows reappear. For example, Omar (Michael Kenneth Williams) from "The Wire" is becoming a large fixture on "The Night Of." Plus, there has been some "Sopranos" crossover: Aida Turturro (Janice Soprano) and James Gandolfini (posthumously). 

I heard someone mention that this show has some familiar echoes with the whole "Serial" controversy/mystery. I wonder...

Poor Naz. (Image via hbo.com)

Wanting:

With my own "summer break" winding down (three weeks until school!), I'd love to squeeze in a springs trip or two. So, what would be better than an old yellow rental tube to float in that cold, fresh water? A super snazzy floatie! 

Are these not perfect? (via bando.com)

This pool toy is making me thirsty! (via aliexpress.com)

I would probably sit on these in my house if my cats would not immediately pop them. (via uniquehunters.com)