Concrete Jungle Where Dreams are Made of

Packing: it is one of my biggest pet peeves.  I put it off until the very last minute, and after I somehow shove everything I possibly can into my teeny-tiny little suitcase,  I stand and stare at it for a little bit, contemplating if one of the outfits that "didn't make the cut" should be reconsiders and packed.  This happens every time, no matter where I'm going.  And it was especially bad when packing to go to New York City this week.  My inner fashionista takes over and wants to create the perfect "city outfits", but of course that's hard to do with a small, carry on suitcase!  I had to leave a few outfits behind (always breaks my heart), but I loved what I packed and rocked it in the big city!

So, even though this was a little "vacation" for me, this trip was mainly about business!  I got the chance to present at my very first Criminal Justice conference (I was very nervous), but it was a great experience, and I was able to listen in on some other great presentations.  There's so many different sides to criminal justice that a lot of people don't think of, so it was nice to get to see what everyone was doing in their research and how many advances are being made in our field!  Go CJ Peeps!

But other than spending some time at the conference, the rest I got to spend exploring the city.  Now, I've been to NYC numerous times in the past, so I've done all the 'touristy' things before: State of Liberty, Ellis Island, Empire State Building, etc.  So the past few times I've gone, I like to the hidden parts of the city, find cute little boutiques/shops, and just enjoy whatever we happen to find.  So this is basically what we did all week.  Spent some time in Chinatown, Soho, Chelsea, Hells Kitchen, Upper West Side, Central Park, Upper East Side--we kicked some serious ass walking almost everywhere (Note to anyone who's ever planning a trip that involves a lot of walking: you will see in some of my pictures that I am wearing heels.  You may "think" you've packed a comfortable pair of heels, but no matter how comfortable the shoe starts out as...after walking hours in them, they WILL turn on you and cause you're feet to scream in agony!...But damn they look cute--lol!)

So here's a summary of my New York outfits.  The weather was gorgeous for the first couple of days, then got cold, and was beautiful today (of course, the day we're leaving).  But overall, not bad for this time of year :)

Enjoying my morning coffee from my new fav place (Guy and Gallards)

Shopping in Chinatown
Jacket: American Eagle
Tank: Express
Belt: Banana Republic
Skirt: Express
Heels: Marshalls
Necklace: American Eagle
Sunglasses: RayBan
Rings: Tiffany, Hobby Lobby
Purse: Vintage (Dooney & Burke--purchased at Buffalo Exchange)

Going to see Seminar on Broadway, with my beautiful mother!
Top: Gap
Skirt: Vintage (Kate Spade--bought at Buffalo Exchange, retail: $395, Karie's price: $30!!!!)
Heels: Franco Sarto
Watch: Michael Kors

Had to include it--my encounter with Alan Rickman
I don't know what it is about him, but I've have the biggest crush on him!  He's just so smoldering and refined, and I could listen to his voice forever!!!  So, needless to say, I was just a little giddy at this moment!

Proof that I am somewhat of an academic!  Please disregard how tired I look (this was very early in the morning, and I hadn't slept all week--I get very nervous and stressed about most things!)
Top: Forever 21
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Heels: Franco Sarto
Watch: Fossil

Liz Lemon--my idol!  Anyone who watches the show 30 Rock will understand my obsession!

In front of Rockefeller Plaza (Doesn't mom look stylish in her trench coat and floral scarf!)

Made our way to Central Park
Dress: Express
Jacket: New York & Company
Scarf: Purchased in Chinatown the day before
Tights: Gap
Boots: Coach

Ate at Joanne's Trattoria, a new restaurant owned by Lady Gaga's parents).  It was an adorable little restaurant, with great food, and we had the chance to talk with her parents for a few minutes.  With me being a huge fan, I was in heaven!
Dress: Marshalls
You can't really see, but this is a maxi-dress, with lots of different animal prints and red/turquoise coloring mixed it.  It's very odd, but intriguing at the same time.  I bought this on extreme sale last summer and finally had the opportunity to wear it!

Having a few drinks before meeting a friend for dinner.  It was kind of rainy that day, so I popped into Forever 21 to buy a hat to cover up my horrible "humid/wet" hair.  Decided to wear that hat out...I love fedoras, and admire anyone who is brave enough to wear them.  They're not for everyone, but if you're even debating it, I say go for it!  It gives you a little bit of an attitude when you wear it, so you'll just radiate "kick-ass-ness"!Hat: Forever 21
Sweater: Ann Taylor
Jeans: Black, Gap
Boots: Coach
Necklaces: J Crew, American Eagle