NEW YORK FAVORITES

We're in a New York state of mind.

There's no city like New York City, and with Jess's upcoming trip and Jill's upcoming nuptials, we're all about the Big Apple. It's amazing that the city can offer so much on one island, and choosing where to shop, eat, and sleep can be overwhelming. Today, we're sharing some of our favorite spots around the city. Get your walking shoes on!

Catbird: Catbird has become an icon, the ultimate destination in Brooklyn for gifts and jewelry. Both our store and website are filled with a carefully curated selection from New York’s most exciting designers, including our in-house line of jewelry.

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The Quin: This storied beaux arts building that once hosted famed artists and musicians is now a posh hotel across the street from Carnegie Hall.

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Milk Bar: We're Milk Bar, we make cookies, cakes, pies and more!

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Century 21: Department store that offers designer women's, men's and kids clothing, accessories, shoes, home goods and gifts at up to 65% off retail store prices.

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In God We Trust: Clothes, jewelry and accessories made in NYC. Stores located in Williamsburg, Greenpoint and Soho featuring a collection of goods for men and women.

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Prune: Chef Gabrielle Hamilton's New American fare draws long lines at this tiny eatery known for brunch.

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2nd Time Around: Consignment shop with 70% off retail.

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What are your favorite New York spots?

Jess & Jill

MAD MEN NYC EXHIBIT

If you've ever read our blog, you know how much I love Mad Men. With only two more episodes until the finale, I am holding on to anything I can relating to my favorite show. I was internally screaming (since I was at work) when I read that the Museum of the Moving Image is holding an exhibition on Mad Men. The exhibition explores the creative process behind the creation of the show, and holds tons of props, images, costumes, research material, and more. On display are also large-scale sets like Don Draper's kitchen (an interior design dream!), and his office.

Who wants to take a quick trip to New York with me?

Mad Men

The exhibition is open now until June 14th.

x Jill

JILL'S NY/NJ TRIP VIA INSTAGRAM

This past weekend, I took a quick trip to the East Coast to check out some wedding venues and celebrate my cousin's wedding. From my quick time in Manhattan, to my mandatory visit to my hometown of Brooklyn, and ending things in the cutest little town in New Jersey, it was an eventful few days. I had a ton of fun and managed to snap some Instagram pics along the way, which I had to share!

St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.

Mirrored city buildings.

Heading into Brooklyn!

Nothing compares.

My favorite dessert.

In my new Jenny Yoo dress for the wedding.

You may now kiss the bride!

With a four-month-old mini horse.

Someone really wanted a beer!

The beautiful venue.

Sunday brunch.

Checking out Bordentown, New Jersey.

It always feels good to go home and spend time with family!

You can follow Jess & Jill on Instagram here and follow my personal Instagram here to check out more photos.

x Jill

NYC WEDDING VENUES

Now that I kind of have a wedding date set in stone, I've been on the hunt for the perfect venue. After googling key words like "vintage," "unique," and "under a bazillion dollars a plate," my search for the perfect NYC wedding venue has been quite the journey. And while I'm still in the process of making my list of places to visit on my next trip, I thought I'd share a few that I've come across worth noting. I think of it as a form of therapy, because jeez, this is stressful.

Prince George Ballroom - An early 20th century building, restored to its original beauty. I love all of the detail and that the proceeds go to sheltering the homeless.

via Common Ground.

The Yale Club - Something about this venue feels like old New York City. Plus having an all-in-one place without it feeling like a catering hall is a huge plus.

via Salwa Photography.

Alder Manor - I literally gasped when I saw this place. Unfortunately they don't have a website, are very hard to get a hold of, and I've seen some reviews from brides that weren't too great. They're also located 45 minutes outside of the city, and I'm not a fan of putting my guests in traffic. Still, a girl can dream about it?

via Ruffled Blog.

The Roosevelt Hotel - Don Draper lived here. Need I say more?

via The Roosevelt Hotel.

The Green Building - Chandeliers? Yes. Raw space? Yes. Beautiful photo backdrop? Oh, YES. The Green Building has become a favorite amongst newly engaged couples, and it's easy to see why.

via The Green Building.

The Carlyle - Having a wedding at a hotel is insanely tempting when you think of the hassle you can save planning transportation after the night's festivities. And although I'm not the biggest fan of most, The Carlyle stood out for me.

via The Carlyle.

Have you been to a NYC wedding?

x Jill

NEW YORK ROOTS

While Jess was grabbing some sun in her place of birth, Miami, I spent last week in one of my favorite places- Brooklyn, New York. Being born there, it's always nice to go back to visit family and friends, and eat the greatest pizza to ever be created (there really is something in the water).

My family and I never do touristy stuff while we're there (they're real New Yorkers, okay?), but this time we really wanted to make a trip to Ellis Island to track down my Italian ancestors. It's an incredible place to visit and I highly recommend it.

Doing a style post on a swaying boat was definitely a first, but I managed to snap some pictures of my laid back, almost-fall look. I wore a sweater by Cynthia Rowley, pants by H&M, purse by Donna Karan, scarf from Francesca's, Ray-Ban sunglasses, and sandals by Ralph Lauren.

Don't mind my blinded by the sun look. 

And just for fun, I had to share one of my favorite magazine spreads. Back in April I was so excited to see Bay Ridge, the part of Brooklyn I grew up in, as the backdrop for Harper's Bazaar's photo shoot with Miranda Kerr. Shot by Terry Richardson, I can identify all the locations, but this one is my favorite. Pizza Wagon has always been one of my go-to pizza places, especially growing up, and is right around the corner from some of my favorite clothing stores. You can check out the rest of the spread here!

It doesn't count as a tourist photo if it's for a blog, right?

Photo via Harper's Bazaar.

Where were you guys born?

xx Jill