In Withdrawal

Monday, August 27, 2012

Over the weekend, I went up to NYC with a few girlfriends. It was a spur-of-the-moment trip because we realized this is the last weekend for the next few months where we're all free. So what better way to spend it than shopping and eating our hearts out together? Sadly I didn't take any photos worth sharing, so I'll write about the jumbled thoughts still circulating around in my head as I deal with post-vacation blues.

- Ippudo still serves the best ramen. I downed my bowl in less time than it took for us to be seated. Their pork buns are more delicious than I remember, while the chicken version was only so-so. Can any DC people share their experience with Toki Underground? I'd love to find an alternative closer to home.

- I satisfied my curiosity for C. Wonder. The store itself is so bright and colorful. I considered a few home decor items, but decided to wait until my local store opens instead of lugging around a potentially heavy shopping bag in the city. Clothing sizes seem to run similar to J.Crew (ie: XS fits a bit big on me from both stores).

- I wish I hadn't set high expectations for the W Hotel (in Midtown East). I was underwhelmed. At first glance, the decor looked nice and modern, but a closer look revealed imperfections. Our bathroom sink was partially cracked in half, the bathtub could use resealing, no free WiFi and fridge (I know, I'm spoiled), and one of the rooms was freezing (broken thermostat). Geez I sound so nitpicky, but there were positives! Rain shower head in the bathroom (I could get used to this), complimentary car service (didn't use, but reservations are booked quickly), and friendly housekeeping.

- Laduree or not, macarons are wasted on me. I just don't appreciate them like others do.

- Uniqlo legging pants are the comfiest bottoms ever. They are currently on sale for $20 in a variety of colors. I would've bought a pair in olive if XS hadn't sold out. Details include an elastic waist, back pockets, and are made of stretchy fabric that is easy to pull on and off (usually my biggest issue with jeggings) and aren't too tight.

- Gotta love Chinatown. So many cheap eats! Prosperity Dumplings are always a favorite ($1 for 5. Unreal). I also ate Xi'an noodles for the first time. Chewy wide noodles served hot or cold, dry or in soup. I had a plate with non-spicy chicken for $6. Good stuff.

- You'd think after a weekend of sensory overload, I'd be inspired to dress in more colors. Perhaps a longer stay next time is needed ;) For now, here's a simple outfit from today.

sunglasses: Walmart aviator (similar)
lips: Revlon Colorburst Lipcolor in soft nude 070 (sold here)
necklace: gift from aunt (similar)
ring: Forever 21 textured horse shoe (similar)
belt: J.Crew leather denim (similar)
shoes: Jones New York Harlem (sold here)

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34 comments

  1. You listed many great spots to check out in NYC! I actually just had Ippudo for the first time 2 weekends ago, and it was the same for me, ate too fast! I've been eyeing the Uniqlo jeggings, so thanks for sharing about the current sale. Glad you had a great trip!

    xoxo,
    Suzie Q
    www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com

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    Replies
    1. I think ramen portions aren't large to begin with, but man, you'd have thought I hadn't eaten for days, lol! Now I'm hungry again :(

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  2. I adore this look. It's so simple and chic. Perfection.

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  3. Ippudo is on my must-try list next time I am in NY. Sounds like you had fun!

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    Replies
    1. I'd love to hear your must-eats, Ms. NYC native ;)

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  4. Thanks for the insight on NY food :) I'm going there next year and need heaps of info on where to stay and where to go :)

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

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    Replies
    1. I also wrote another NYC post awhile back, but be warned that there are overlapping places I tend to go over and over again, haha. Please do share after your trip!

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  5. Love the look, so simple, yet sophisticated!


    http://www.mythriftychic.com/

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  6. Your trip sounds like fun!! Glad you had a good time! And why did you have to go and mention C. Wonder, again?1 I will stay away from that site, because last time I visited there were so many cute home items I wanted to get!!

    Love the basics with these pumps!!

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha because I made the effort to seek out the store, I figured I'd share my thoughts :) Stay strong and keep on resisting!

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  7. Aww sounds like a fun trip!! Love the simplicity of this outfit esp the Chanel. ;)

    xo- Sheila

    http://sheislovely1.blogspot.com

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  8. I love the simplicity of your outfits, yet sophisticated!
    http://fiftyfabulous-fiftyfashionable.blogspot.com/

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  9. sounds like fun! i hate post-vacation blues, tho. i'm also guilty of pre-vacation blues. just dont wanna work, haha! love the outfit's simplicity. it always works :)

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    Replies
    1. Oh believe me, there were plenty of pre-vacation blues as well ;)

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  10. I haven't tried Toki Underground yet (the last time I went the wait was like an hour and a half) but Sakuramen in Adams Morgan wasn't bad. It's small but traditional feeling and you have a choice between curly and wavy noodles. Oh and their pork Chasu buns are delicious!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Dana! I don't venture out to Adams Morgan often, but there's a couple places out there I've been meaning to try (Shake Shack, ShopHouse). I wonder if my stomach is large enough to squeeze in all three, lol.

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  11. Thanks for the recommendations, Cee! I sure will save this list for future reference. I have never been to NY but am planning to do a weekend trip with my gfs soon. I love the simplicity of this outfit. Have a great week!

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  12. so fun!! i love this outfit! i am also going to keep this list when i go to NYC. :) xox P

    phiphisblog.com

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  13. I absolutely love this look. It's the classic white on jeans with a bit of flair from the leopard heels. Gorgeous!
    http://livefreeandfashionable.wordpress.com

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  14. Sigh. I wish I lived close enough to NYC to just pop in for the weekend - AND I wish we had a Uniqlo near the OC! I picked up a few items when we were in the city a few months ago and loved it. Hopefully we'll be back soon. :) Lovely outfit by the way - love the crisp white shirt with relaxed jeans. So chic!

    xo,
    Mo
    seemomogo.blogspot.com

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    1. I wish Uniqlo would open up an online store already! Crossing my fingers that they're next... after H&M :)

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  15. Love your outfit and its effortlessness!!!! Would love to just be able to pop over to NYC for the weekend.

    Agi:)

    vodkainfusedlemonade.wordpress.com

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  16. Ooh, Ippudo is my favorite ramen place in NY! Sounds like you had a great trip! Love how simple and chic you look in your outfit. :)


    Love, S

    http://shamelesslyoverdressed.blogspot.com

    I'm hosting a giveaway at my blog in case you'd like to enter. :)

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  17. I took my cousin out and about in the soho. Our paths could have crossed!

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    Replies
    1. Did you see a group with multiple cell phones in hand looking up directions?? Because that would've been us, haha.

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    2. lol no I think we were too preoccupied using our ghetto paper version of google maps!

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    3. Haha there's no shame in that! If I was traveling alone, I'd have a stack of printouts with me.

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  18. Thanks for sharing NY info. Great you enjoyed it.

    I've never been to Toki, but some Japanese said good. The one I'm going for ramen is Weaton so not sure it's close enough for you or not...Japanese owns it and that place is really good.

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    1. When I go to MD I tend to eat Chinese over other types of food. I wouldn't mind making an exception though! Can you share the name of the place in Wheaton?

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    2. It's Ren's Ramen. Cash only and Street Parking - but it is good. Miso or Tonkotsu(?) are good.

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  19. I love this look! One of my favorite denim looks ever. I like how the jeans are a tiny bit loose, very casual and chic.

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  20. I seriously hate W midtown. They suck and the hotel is not worth the money. Only good thing is location lol
    Love your blog!!!
    Want to follow each other?
    www.fashion-a-holic.com

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  21. I love going to NYC, it's always lots of fun that usually revolve around shopping. I can't wait until C. Wonder opens in Tysons this fall. I get so tempted to buy when I visit the website.

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    1. Hehehe, you and me both! I usually stay towards the B&N end of Tysons, but find myself going towards the middle to see if C. Wonder has opened yet. Wish there is more of a concrete date instead of "coming this fall."

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