DVF Sample Sale

It's that time again, the much anticipated Diane Von Furstenberg Sample Sale!  It starts tomorrow and promises to be amazing as always.  Rumor has it that the crowd can get a little pushy so be prepared and good luck!

Brunch and Jazz

Garage Restaurant and Cafe

Garage in the West Village is one of my go-to spots for brunch.  I've taken both friends and family to this little gem.  What I like about it is that the AYCD (all you can drink-duh) deal is cheap but the atmosphere is anything but.  You feel classy sipping on mimosas while a live jazz band performs across the room. The deal is $17 for any brunch item and add $6 for unlimited mimosas or bloody mary's for an hour. They also have some really excellent items on the menu, I highly recommend the Smoked Nova Scotia Salmon Scrambled Eggs or the Vanilla Bean French Toast.

My advice is get a seat on the opposite side of the restaurant as the band.  Although they are extremely charming they can be a little on the loud side.  In the summer months this is a wonderful place to come for a seat outside and the doors are left open so you won't miss out on the jazz. I also think this a great place for a group to get together but I do recommend a reservation for a group of more than 4.

99 Seventh Ave South at Grove Street

http://www.garagerest.com/index.html

Lululemon Gives Back

One of my absolute favorite places to pick up work out gear is Lululemon.  Anyone who's anyone would not be caught in anything else when sweating it out at the Equinox. Although the clothes are pretty pricey they are totally worth it.  I also love the feeling of the stores, scattered all over Manhattan,  it's very "granola chic."

Given all the turmoil New York City and the surrounding areas have been through recently,  now is the time to give back to our community.  Lululemon has so generously set up transportation for volunteers to take out to Gerritsen Beach, NJ to help with the clean up from the damage from Hurricane Sandy.  A bus picks you up at the Lincoln Square location at 8am and drops you back off at 4pm (leaves plenty of time for shopping!)

1928 Broadway New York, NY 10023

http://www.lululemon.com/newyork/newyork/events/event-48412-2012-12-09

Best Italian in the City

Bar Pitti

There are certain restaurants in this city that have that "Je ne sais quoi" and Bar Pitti is certainly one of them.  If you are looking for a perfect New York dining experience this adorable tiny Italian joint will never disappoint.  The majority of the menu comes to you on a chalkboard that is brought to your table at the time of ordering.  In my experience the waiter usually asks you to hold the chalkboard and usually pretty much tells you what to order.  Usually this might be seen as a negative or bad service but somehow they pull it off.  You get the feeling that the entire staff just arrived in New York City for a little village in Italy just to serve you dinner.

The food is absolutely outstanding.  It's no frills Italian that's done right. About 75% of the seating is outdoor so it's a great choice for the warmer months but if you are lucky enough to snag a table inside it can also be a perfect place to warm up during the winter.  This is also rumored to be a favorite of many NYC celebs including Jay Z and Beyonce, so keep your eyes peeled if you decide to stop by!

Cash Only

268 6th Ave New York, NY 10014

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/bar-pitti/

Nest Sample Sale

I can't resist a good sample sale and although this is a different genre than I usually frequent it did not disappoint.  Candles are a perfect Holiday Gift and Nest is a great brand. The prices are amazing! ($5-$30 for most candles).

601 West 26th Street Suite No. 1500

(Between 11th and 12th Ave)

New York, NY 

http://www.facebook.com/events/151318424915088/

Bone Lick Park

One thing that New Yorkers do better than anyone else is brunch (yes it's a verb).  It is like religion here, an activity you must partake in at least once a week.  It is completely acceptable to drink Mimosas and Bloody Mary's all day on a Saturday or Sunday when you live in NYC.  

There are plenty of options when it comes to brunch spots.  They range from outrageously over-priced to surprisingly cheap.  I must say brunch is one place where my motto is the cheaper the better. Bone Lick Park is one of those amazing places that serves up good brunch food and strong mimosa's for a low price.  For just $15 you get one hour of unlimited drinks and a brunch item.  I know most places do 2 hours but I've come to learn that they are very generous with this hour so you get more than your money's worth.

The atmosphere is perfect for a low key afternoon recapping the previous nights events.  It's a BBQ place so it has a little bit of a southern vibe and the decor is a little bit vintage which I think is cute.  In my experience the staff is always great and attentive. 

75 Greenwich Ave New York, NY 10014

http://bonelickparkbbq.com/

The Wren

I think of the Wren as the type of place to "see and be seen."  It is always busting at the seams with beautiful people having the most fabulous time.  The drinks are delicious and there always seems to be a plethora of single attractive men waiting at the bar.  There's a cozy rustic feel to the decor and the food.




I had the pleasure of attending a birthday party in the private room downstairs and I must say I highly recommend the space.  It carries over the same vibe as the bar upstairs but with a slightly more intimate feel for special events.


Near the corner of Bowery and 3rd Street it is a great centrally located spot to start the night.  This always seems to be a place that a lot of people are dying to get into so it's a good idea to get there on the early side to avoid the line.  In my opinion it's the perfect spot to grab drinks with one friend, maybe avoid a big entourage because it's always crowded.

344 Bowery New York, NY 10012

http://www.thewrennyc.com/