The Best Thing I Ever Bought

I love the Food Network show The Best Thing I Ever Ate.  It's exactly what it sounds like; Food Network chefs talk about the best thing they ever ate.  If I were on the show, I'd definitely talk about the Elotes Callejeros at La Esquina, but I digress.  So, I thought it would be fun to ask some very stylish Professionelles to talk about the best thing they ever bought (limited to office appropriate items).  Here's what they had to say:

Erika loves her large, black Longchamp bag.  It can fit file folders, shoes, and her entire life, but is still technically a purse (so she can take it into museums, restaurants, etc. and not feel like she's dragging a tote bag or briefcase).

Monster iClarity bluetooth speakers were Sonia's pick.  They connect via bluetooth to your iPhone (no extra cables to deal with) and also via a chord to your laptop. Another bonuses is that they take up hardly any desk space and are chargeable via USB.  Sonia has no problem sitting for 12+ hours a day, but her ears can't deal with headphones clamped over them for that long, so once her officemate leaves for the day she listens to music over these babies.  They are clutch for late-night and weekend doc review sessions. They're also versatile: easy to travel with and sound good at low or loud volumes - great for blasting Ke$ha in your hotel room with your friends (if you get a free weekend).

Shuli claims her pick is very pedestrian, but those are often the items you wear all of the time.  Shuli's pick was a black pencil skirt from Uniqlo that she wears at least twice a week.  It fits comfortably but professionally and somehow looks good with every top.  It's also one of the few skirts Shuli has found that's the perfect length for work - right above the knee, so it's flattering but still appropriate.

Phyllis's picks were very unique.  First, this gorgeous potted orchid.  I also have a large potted orchid along with two other plants in my office, and they bring me more joy than anything else at work.  Second, Phyllis suggested this beautiful desk lamp.  Sure, the firm gives out free desk lamps for those who want extra light or share an office with vampire-esque associates who work with the lights off (yes, this really happens), but why not spruce up your space with something pretty?

Marissa loves her diamond solitaire stud earrings set in white gold.  Her mom got her a pair for college graduation.  This style of earring is truly appropriate for every occasion - subtle enough for work but sparkly enough for going out after!

This was tough for Sarah, which doesn't surprise me at all since she has about the chic-est wardrobe I've ever encountered  Sarah was tempted to say her new nude prada pumps that she bought a few weeks ago - work appropriate, but sexy and very comfortable.  She also love her Brooks Brothers non-iron shirts for work that fit perfectly (she suggests to get the fitted ones and go down a size), look crisp and can be thrown in the laundry.  She can see why all of her guy friends love them.

My personal pick is a silk knit black cardigan that I got at Cour Carre at Harbour City in Hong Kong.  Unfortunately, I don't have a picture of it and it's not available online, but it's warm yet thin so I can toss it into my purse and pull it out whenever I get cold.

Hopefully, these items provide some inspiration and guidance.  What's the best thing you've ever bought?

Deal Brief: Copy Cat Chic

I recently discovered Copy Cat Chic blog. Reichel B., the author, finds inexpensive alternatives to chic, but pricey, home decor items. The concept is nothing new, but I'm utterly amazed at the deals she's been able to find. Her readers help her scour the web for deals, sometimes finding the same exact item at 1/10th of the price. If you're thinking about buying a new piece of furniture or accessory for your home, be sure to check out Copy Cat Chic before putting down your credit card.

Here's just one example post, for more visit Copy Cat Chic!

Twiggy Floor Lamp

>> Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The perfect way to add a splash of color to your room: The iconic Twiggy Floor Lamp. So simple, so gorgeous and sooo expensive! ;)

via

Hive Modern's Twiggy Floor Lamp in Red = $2,338

CB2's Lantern Arc Floor Lamp = $199

Lonny Magazine

Sorry for the long absence! I've been working...and working...and working. Despite that, I managed to find some time to do a bit of apartment hunting and have finally found my dream apartment. I will be moving next month (provided I pass the coop board process...but that's a post for another day). The upcoming move has reignited my interest in home decor. Christina, my partner in crime at work, came across this web-a-zine devoted to bringing accessible design to the masses. Lonnymag.com came in the wake of the recession which put many home decor magazines out of business. It has dozens of click-able pages of furniture, art and other design ideas and products. If you see something you like, you can click on the image and it will link you directly to a site where you can purchase the product. No more trying to match the tiny numbers next to pictures with the product descriptions. Clicking through the items is half the fun because it introduces you to other awesome websites such as Poketo!. I also appreciate that unlike most conventional magazines, Lonnymag.com features Esty.com items.

Below are a few items I discovered in this month's issue of Lonnymag.com:

Lisa Congdon Print (40.00)


Exeter Cross Dip Bowls (40.00)


Savannah Story Bust, Rhino (68.00)

Art Online

First of all, congrats to all of my friends who recently found out that they passed the [New York], [Massachusetts], [insert state] bar! My life these days is filled with work, fixing up my apartment, more work, more fixing up my apartment, some food, some sleep, and repeat. This schedule probably sounds familiar to many of you who recently moved to start a new job. I've pretty much taken care of the necessities (couch delivery next week!) so have turned my efforts towards the aesthetic. Read: my walls are totally blank.

Last week, my office mate introduced me to this great website, 20x200. The site offers high quality prints from emerging artists for as little as $20. Each week 2 new pieces are introduced (one photograph and one work on paper). 200 limited edition pieces are printed and sold for $20 (hence the name!). You can buy bigger prints for $50 - $2000. Here are a few of my favorites.

Trash Mountain by Megan Whitmarsh

West Nineteenth Street (Yellow Dress) by Joseph O. Holmes

Saint-Pierre by Ian Carpenter

Gosling Lake by Kurt Tong