I can't rave more about SUNO, the fantastic designer label that I just discovered. SUNO has such  a unique spin on design. Since this is the "Summer of Patterns," I was naturally drawn to the line's crazy stripes, colors and decorations. I have been trying to add more pattern layering into my wardrobe recently, so this designer discovery was definitely perfect timing. SUNO pushes the boundaries of pattern play and texture, leaving me drooling for the next season. I can't wait to see what they come up with next!

What is the craziest pattern combination you have worn?

INTERNSHIP: Have you ever had a near death experience? Today was my first one. Not really, but I did drown in a sea of shoes. I have never gotten to touch and hold SO many amazingly beautiful shoes. Shoes with tassles. Shoes with leather. Shoes with suede. Shoes with zippers, buttons and studs. (This sounds like a Dr. Suess book) It was a magnificent sight. I spent all day boxing and barcoding a shipment of the newest shoe collection for one of our top shoe designers. Apparel is my child, but I really am warming up to accessories after spending all day seeing them up close.

DAILY KNOWLEDGE:

1) Designer shoes aren't sized by 8, 9 or 10. They are sized by 38, 39, and 40 respectively. (38 = 8)

2) You look 'supah' cool if you are leaning against the Subway doors on the side that doesn't open at the next stop. You DON'T look cool if it is the opposite.

3) Never walk by a crowd of construction men. I guess that one can be okay at times, if you need validation that you are in fact a woman.

DINNER DATES: Last night, Reigan and I met up with two of our favorite Chi Omega 'sistahs' for a nice Japanese dinner. Both were Seniors when we were Freshman. They are now living in the city and BEING COMPLETE BADASSES. I honestly couldn't speak more about how inspiring both of them are. They are both wonderful people and have always been completely warm and inviting towards us. They are living such inspirational, crazy lives. I hope I can accomplish as much as they have. Can't wait for a summer of meeting up with those two.

Tonight, I went out to dinner in Chelsea with a good friend from home who is a fellow stylist for Impulse Magazine. She just graduated and moved here to pursue a career in styling. The Thai restaurant we went to was the most adorable thing I have ever seen. You know how I love those dimmed lights. It was great to catch up with her and can't wait to watch her evolve into a REAL PERSON WITH A REAL LIFE.

It makes me feel hopeful to watch older girls merge into the city life. It gives me faith that I will be able to live here one day and actually survive.

[H&M dress / Forever 21 shoes / vintage earrings]

LOOK AT WHAT I FOUND ON MY LUNCH BREAK!!

Let's just say that some New Yorkers are just plain insane. Especially the ones that live by me.

This dude is BY FAR my favorite. I think the pictures are 

self explanatory of what kind of day he was having. 

Guess there is no Christmas this year. 

This guy stole Blitzen.

Rockin' the studded collar and fire-like hair.

Stumbled upon this optimist.

 I love that I got this man to smile for me. I feel like I 

captured a rare glimpse into someone else's life.

Chess.

A group of people playing Hare Krishna on repeat.

Smooth flow.

MEMORIAL DAY

Today was Memorial Day. We didn't want to just celebrate it with a usual day just grilling burgers and going swimming. We decided to check off one more item off of our bucket list and bring flowers to the 9/11 Memorial. It was a beautiful Monday and the memorial was so serene. There was a peaceful calm over the area and the architectural design of the memorial was a magnificent way to remember those fallen in the attacks. We left a single rose and a letter by where one of the towers had fallen. 

Each memorial has the names of those who perished in the attacks along with cascading waterfalls. One particularly sad name read a woman's name followed by "AND HER UNBORN CHILD." It is so depressing to think of the sadness that the father must have felt when he heard the news. These attacks truly have effected so many people it is hard to comprehend. 

It was incredibly hot outside, so ice-cream was a must, but overall it was a great way to spend Memorial Day and at the end, I still managed to get a burger in.

 [Forever 21 jumper, hat, shoes, belt / Journey's sunglasses]

How was your Memorial Day?

When a member of the US Coast Guard approached us during a nighttime trip to Times Square Wednesday, we never thought we would see him again. Little did we know, we would meet up later that week for a night of debauchery and a day of touring the ship they sail on three months at a time. 

It is 'fleet week' here in New York, which means hoards and hoards of men in uniform. There is never a problem with this, so when we were approached by one to make plans later this week, arguments weren't heard.

All in all, the weekend was a huge success. We learned WAY too much about how men enlisted entertained themselves, learned how to properly salute, got V.I.P treatment from all the local joints and toured an amazing sail boat docked on a New York City pier. It was fascinating to learn about what different lives these boys live compared to a normal kid in college these days. 

Thanks for giving us such a fun couple days boys! 

ONE DIRECTION STALKAGE & A BALDWIN

[Forever 21 dress / Target sandals / vintage necklace]

THE BUCKET LIST: Back home in the Midwest, time seems to travel much slower. There doesn't seem to be as much to do or as much excitement as there is in the city. This is why Reigan, Gaby and I came up with a great bore-blasting philanthropic project to keep us occupied this summer.

SAY HELLO TO A LITTLE THING I LIKE TO CALL:

THE BUCKET LIST (FOR MAKE-A-WISH)

"Three college students with three months to complete one outrageous and completely unrealistic 

bucket list while living in Manhattan for the summer. For each item checked off our list, a 

sponsor donates money to the Make-A-Wish Foundation."

1. Be in the background of the Today Show.
2. Be a part of a flash mob.
3. Interview Katie Couric.
4. Have coffee with Tina Fey.
5. Reenact New York Times Square old fashioned sailor kiss.
6. Get a huge group of strangers to play Duck Duck Goose in Central Park.
7. Go to the top of the tallest building in New York.
8. Spend the entire day on the subway. (Think about it.. that’s a LONG time…)
9. Get backstage passes to a major live concert.
10. Go to a comedy club. And get on stage.
11. Bring flowers to the World Trade Center in memory of 9/11.
12. Cartwheel the Brooklyn Bridge.
13. Go to a Broadway production and meet a cast member.
14. Swim with a beluga whale at the Coney Island Museum.

ONE DIRECTION: Step one of our Bucket List was to try to get to the infamous 'backstage'. Since Reigan is an adamant One Direction fan, we decided to start there. The famous boy band from the UK had a series of concerts in a row this past Saturday. Amongst hoards of screaming girls 5+ years younger than ourselves, we stuck out like a sore thumb. We camped out in the back entrance of the theatre, trying to wiggle our way into the show. Spending an entire day talking to different radio celebrities, theatre managers and event planners, DIDN'T manage to get us backstage, BUT did manage to get our feet in the door. We will be making many calls on Tuesday, resulting from our 'day of networking' outside of the doors. Many people are interested in our project. It was very bitter sweet knowing we were so close to getting in, but couldn't. Reminded me of the good ol' days of stalking out Jonas Brother concerts.

I almost want to complain about my feet being sore from waiting in line, but to be honest, I am so used to pain in my feet I don't think that  I know when they are or aren't sore anymore. I must say it must be one of the worst sacrifices of the fashion industry. 

FAMOUS ENCOUNTERS: While waiting for a glimmer of hope in Saturday's 'campout' for backstage passes, I saw a man who looked quite familiar. We made unwavering eye contact for a good five minutes. I honestly thought that he was coming out to give Gaby and me free tickets from where he was standing backstage. Unfortunately, the tickets never came, but we did find out who the man was. He was THE Steven Baldwin (Alec Baldwin's brother). At the time, Reigan was standing in front of the theatre. When he decided to leave out the front door, Reigan stopped him spoke with him about our project/goals (The Bucket List) for about ten minutes. He was superman: busting back into the theatre to try to ask anyone and everyone if he could get us in. He was incredibly helpful and interested in the project. Sadly, not even Steven Baldwin could pull off the feat of the year and we were left ticketless. The try was very gallant, but the shock of actually speaking with a Baldwin was even better.