The City that Never Sleeps...How Could They? Rex Was There...

I am not what you would call the biggest "Big Apple" lover. I think the city and all it has to offer is fantastic, but to get there is a pain, and once there it is REALLY crowded. I live in a house with no back neighbors and whole heck of a lot of forest for a reason...I like nature and privacy (yes, I have a blog, and yes, I get how that is a disconnect).

Having said this, I ended up having a GREAT time when we went to NYC over Father's Day weekend. It was a pain to get there, and yes, it was still insanely crowded (although not in the very lovely Upper East Side), but I think because I wanted to have a good time, I approached all of the possible things that could annoy me with more humor and positive energy. I think it worked.

Worst part of the weekend? Rex was an insane, crazy, slightly demented child while we were there. I am surprised the Guggenheim doesn't have us on their hit list after the multiple fits he had in that amazing building. Sigh. And then there was the whole breaking the wineglass trick he did at the hotel (it isn't a Jewish wedding, Rex). Double sigh.

Best part? Every single stinking person fell in love with CW. I don't know if she really is that pretty, but every other person we passed was so sweet and complimentary of her.

Another part I loved? Even though Rex was a mad-man, the New Yorkers didn't even seem all that bothered by him...God bless you all!

And of course...I LOVED the Collection stores on Madison and on Prince Street. The Madison Avenue one is the smaller, more "boutique" style store (read: tee-tiny), whereas the Prince Street one is HUGE and has its own accessories section (and a fantastic sale section).

I also got to meet the gorgeous Marietta at the Collection store, and although we were only able to chill out together for about an hour, it was a lot of fun. I hope that all you New York JCAs will have lots of meetings...what a perfect place to showcase your love for all things J. Crew. I also think the DC JCAs should take the train up and spend a weekend "crewsing" around with the NYC JCAs...can you even imagine???

Onto the clothing!

NYC City Trip--June 2009! by dinagideon on Polyvore.com

My Polyvore is above.


For the drive up, I went REALLY casual. The top is from Disneyland, and I love this color. I also have a soft spot for surf tees...so when I saw this "Mickey" inspired surf tee, I knew I had to have it.

I have no idea why my hair looks this red. It must be this color and it really only shows itself in the natural lighting of the outdoors. I usually take my photos indoors and with dry hair. Hmmm...


So I got to the Guggenheim and after touring the exhibits in my surf tee and grey shorts (what better to run after Rex in?), I knew I wanted to "chic" it up for my trip to meet Marietta at the Collection store. It would have been flat out wrong for a JCA to show up there in non-J. Crew duds (although I did sneak in the Born shoes--forgive me, but J. Crew shoes are NOT made for walking). I REALLY like the way this outfit turned out. I didn't even think the matchstick jeans looked wrong rolled up. And can I express to you my LOVE for this necklace? It is divine and suits so many necklines so well.

BTW, my inspiration for this look was the beautiful Lauren Hutton in the (I believe) February catalog where she rocked this top with a similar cardi, pearls, and some capri chinos.


Ooooooh--we are so busted!!! We took this pic in the Collection store (Madison Avenue) and were promptly told that photos were not allowed to be taken. So ignore the mannequin, the sumptuous clothing and accessories, and focus instead on Marietta and myself. I loved that Marietta wore that cashmere vest cardi with a tank...I am so totally going to copy that look. I have that same cardi in orange, so I bet with a light pink tank, it would look awesome. Thanks for the idea, Marietta!

So what better to wear on a rainy Saturday night in NYC when you really have no plans to impress anyone and you have to wear a Bjorn anyway? This outfit is very pretty and practical. Once I was able to take CW out of the Bjorn I knew that people would like this top. The Caspian Blue color is so special...not navy, yet not a true blue, either. I hope J. Crew makes more in this color. I have a feeling it is one of those "universally flattering" colors.

Here is my girl rocking a black hoodie and sparkly white pants for NYC. Very chic for a baby. Just so you all know, the top survived being worn under the bjorn. The silk flowers are doing just fine!!!

I knew I was going to spend the entire day Sunday walking around so I HAD to be comfy. Yet I couldn't just slap something on. Anthropologie is very good at finding tops that can be practical but still allow you to be somewhat expressive. I was so excited to remember I had this top because...

I got to match CW!!! (Yes, I am a stupid nerd...)

This pic is from the hotel room. I really just liked it and wanted you all to see how much fun my kids were having. I hope the hotel recovered from our visit. ;)

Here we are somewhere near the Strand bookstore. Mr. Dina LOVES the Strand bookstore. I do, too, but not with kids. So guess who got to go to the store? Yep...not me. I guess I will pay more and have stroller access at our local (and very open) Borders.

So, all in all, a great time.

Have a nice day, you all!!!