NYC Guide: Cheap & Chic Dresses

Nearly a decade of living in or near New York City has taught me a thing or two about where to find the best coffee, where to get cheap dresses that aren't from Forever 21, decent work spots, etc. So here goes the start of another series. None of these posts are paid for and are all from my own experiences. If any of that changes, I'll let you know.

First up, what all my male readers have been waiting for. Dresses!

I discovered Cora dresses about two years ago at Artists & Fleas right outside of the Williamsburg flea market. The dresses are a very simple but femininely cut, made in one size. They're less than $50 and they constantly come out with new and interesting patterns, making a collection inevitable. (I have three!) I especially love how the cut is sweet and feminine but the patterns; ranging from graphic elements to foxes, are cleverly unexpected. Wear them over jeans, leggings, stockings or go bare. Dress them up or make them look more casual. And see their website for locations. I'm a fan of their stand at Chelsea Market but I recommend eating the obligatory crepe, lobster roll or gelato after you try on their dresses.

And if you plan on wearing a Cora dress while attending an event that I'm attending, for heaven's sake - contact me first so we can coordinate!

Hello Gorgeous

I recently got back from IKEA where I can safely say that I lost an hour and a half of my life that I will never get back. Granted they have some good stuff, but my father has some weird mistrust and hatred against the Swedish giant, clouding every purchase. After many fantasies of actually organizing my tiny apartment by making use of vertical space, I walked out with a single swivel chair and 2 magenta window curtains. Reality set in that perhaps it wasn't the best idea to push my abilities to lug things up 3 flights of stairs. It's best that I wait until after my potential move. I left and instinctively headed to West Elm, a much calmer scene full of beautiful objects I could neither afford, or carry up 3 flights of stairs. Defeated once again, I decided to check out the new Fairway that just opened up in Paramus.

Conclusion. I cannot live in the suburbs of New York or at least overcrowded, over commercialized Northern, New Jersey. And on that note, here's some real decorating inspiration!