Manus x Machina (Fashion in an Age of Technology) at The Met

“The Costume Institute’s spring 2016 exhibition explores how fashion designers are reconciling the handmade and the machine-made in the creation of haute couture and avant-garde ready-to-wear. With more than 170 ensembles dating from the early 20th century to the present, the exhibition addresses the founding of the haute couture in the 19th century, when the sewing machine was invented, and the emergence of a distinction between the hand (manus) and the machine (machina) at the onset of mass production.”

— The Met

Summer isn't even here yet and I've already been to The Met! That shouldn't impress me, but it does. I usually wait until the last days of September until I finally get around to seeing that rooftop, but I'm so glad I went earlier than normal this year since I got a chance to see this exhibit.

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Look at these beauties.

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It's definitely worth seeing if you're anywhere near the Upper East Side at some point this summer. And please remember, don't be a sap - pay only a $1. And of course, don't forget to trek to the roof for this view.

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Here's some more information about the exhibit, you can visit until it closes on August 14th.

Pommes Frites Returns in NYC

I've been eating at Pommes Frites for longer than I will admit (c'mon, it's one of the only places in this city to have a proper poutine), so it came as a huge disappointment when it was one of the buildings that were involved in the East Village explosion that happened last year. Last summer, Pommes Frites's co-owners Suzanne Levinson and Omer Shorshi announced they would be opening a new space—not in the East Village, but at 128 MacDougal Street—and the time has finally come.

The new Pommes Frites is nearly twice as large as the old location—800 square-feet compared to 500—and boasts a few upgrades: more fryers in the back, a beer and wine license, more seating space, and a washroom. Other than those few differences, everything—namely the beautifully golden fries and almost overwhelming selection of accompanying sauces—is the same.

Just like the old location, the new spot will be open until 1 a.m. on weekdays, and possibly until 4 a.m. on weekends. "We're still testing that out," said co-owner Suzanne Levinson. Due to community board restrictions, they can only serve beer and wine until 1 a.m., regardless of how late they stay open.

Resobox in Long Island City

Resobox is a Japanese art gallery (that also offers cultural classes, including judo & ink-painting) and cafe. I've been thoroughly against eating/enjoying Japanese food for pretty much my entire life (I've never found anything I've ever liked before), but all that has changed now because I ate this.

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The spicy tuna roll.

I don't know how to explain how it happened, but I ordered it on a whim and I'll never not order it from here on in. And the restaurant itself is so quiet and perfect and the best place for lunch, especially, if you're anywhere near Queensboro Plaza and you're hungry. Go!

Spring in Central Park

This is what Central Park looks like right now.

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So when it looks like that, me and Baby Dog have to venture on over. And here's what happened.

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She talks to other dogs! Do you know how rare that is? I'm thinking about making our visits a more regular thing since she really seemed to love it. 

Yeah, that's it. That's the whole post. I'm sorry, but it's a big deal that she'd speak to another dog! On with your day.

The Morgan Library

I finally made it to The Morgan Library and it is ridiculously beautiful, you have to see for yourself. 

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I'm not sure if it's totally worth the $20/per person ticket, but if you go between 7pm and 9pm on Fridays, it's free.

“The onion soup at Blue Ribbon on Downing Street is the best in NYC.”

PsychoBarn at The Met

Every summer, The Met has a different rooftop exhibit - you know this, because I've mentioned it before. Here's what's up there this year...

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The project’s full name is “Transitional Object: (PsychoBarn)” and it's done by the artist Cornelia Parker. It is assembled at two-thirds of the scale of a real house and with only two finished sides, just like the film set of the 1960 Hitchcock film “Psycho” that gave Ms. Parker part of her inspiration.

The back of the project — which Ms. Parker doesn’t hide, but rather emphasizes — reveals it as fake, supported by metal scaffolding and tamped down with large black water tanks, providing ballast so it won’t blow over in a strong wind.

It'll stay up there until October 31st. Gotta go see this!

Delmonico's in NYC

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to finally eat here. I went recently for Jenn’s birthday and the food was exceptional. The only thing I’d stay away from? The baked alaska.

We only ordered it because it was invented at the restaurant and neither of us had ever tried it before - but YUCK. I can see why no one makes them anymore. Just tasted like a spongy mess. Anyway, live and learn. Our meal itself (steaks and sides) was incredible and the service was great, so I’ll definitely return. Also? The place itself has been so well-maintained and continues to be gorgeous, especially considering it’s been around forever. Go, go, go!

Journelle

Journelle is a lingerie brand (with three stores in New York and one in Chicago) featuring luxury designer lingerie, bras, underwear and loungewear and it is EONS BETTER THAN VICTORIA'S SECRET. 

At this point, you should be fully aware of the many things that make me mad. But something else that I could add to that ever-growing list? The annoyance of finding decent, affordable bras. There have been so many instances where I'll walk into a Victoria's Secret, find nothing that fits me the way I want it to, and just settle for whatever hurts me the least. Does that make any sense? Why am I willingly spending my money on crap that's never satisfied me?

Anyway, I had these thoughts the other day in a Victoria's Secret changing room. And maybe I was getting more worked up than usual, because I could take it no longer. So I Googled other bra places in the area and found a Journelle store a mere two blocks from me. I figured that it would be too expensive a place since it was in Soho, but I was desperate and thought, "I just want to see what else is out there."

Before I even get into how superior their bras were, here are just a few facts about the brand:

• They serve champagne on Fridays
• You get 20% off anything during your birthday month
• They have a program where you can return your old, used bras (purchased from anywhere) and get a discount on whatever you buy there
• They offer bottles of water and chocolates, even just for browsing the store
• They have signs like this in their dressing room:

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And the bras themselves? Fucking heaven. There's every size in the world and they look (and feel) gorgeous. Even when I was trying them on, I finally figured it out: you're supposed to find a bra that fits you and not the other way around. Doe that make sense? Every Victoria's Secret experience I've ever had has been difficult because that store bases itself around the bras themselves, not the women trying them on. Even their campaigns aren't aimed at their immediate customer base - none of the VS models resemble anyone I've ever even seen in a VS store and yet we're all so quick to think it's the only place to get a bra? I don't get it! And the fact that they insist on having "specialty bra fitters" who tell you your size really doesn't make a difference since the bras themselves lack variety and quality.

In any case, I don't love Journelle specifically because of how much I'm beginning to loathe Victoria's Secret. For the longest time, I just felt that I didn't really have any choice in the matter since it's the largest bra retailer in North America, maybe the world? But there are definitely options out there if you look. Better options. Even if you don't live in New York or Chicago, I really just want people to be aware that VS may be the easiest option, but it's definitely not the best. 

And if you DO live in New York or Chicago? Get your ass to this store. They're not even expensive! If anything, they're in the same ballpark of VS prices and the experience is a thousands times more pleasant. Love, love, love this store.

Oyster Happy Hour

Sometimes you find an app that just speaks to you. I have finally found mine.