Every girl's crazy 'bout a sharp dressed Prof..

My apologies, as always, for being lax in updates. Lucky for all of you, Evan Schwartz, Founding Partner at Quadrino Schwartz, Touro Law Professor, and member of the Board of Directors wore boots that shook me to the core and caused me to put off doing homework, in favor of a clearly more important purpose. Voila.

Fall is my favorite season.. Nothing is better than tossing on a nice long-sleeved tee, some boots and a blazer, and looking effortlessly put together without even trying. Key word in that sentence: boots. I was utterly and completely distracted for an entire Monday evening class, thanks to my professor's fantastic taste in shoes. It wasn't until after class that I decided to ask for a closer look, even though most people know that I'm prone to outbursts in class regardless. Note, that this class started with my announcement that Hulk Hogan died, which, unbeknownst to me at the time, was (thankfully) false. He was my first crush, after all.


So I know you're all asking yourselves, "If I was the founding partner of a sick Long Island law firm, and I was gracious enough to spend my Monday nights teaching students how to be as successful as me (yes, you all need to take Law Practice Management), what would I wear to class?" The answer, pictured below for your viewing pleasure, says it all. Streamlined flat-front khakis perfectly transition from warmer weather into Fall, paired with a great two-toned blue button-down. The pattern is divine, and what really gets me going is how perfectly the diamond detail on the shirt coordinates with the detail on the toe of the coolest pair of men's ankle boots I've ever laid eyes on. Attention men: there's more to life than standard dress shoes.. and when you sit down with ankle boots on, your socks don't show.. (If you're not wearing dress socks with dress shoes, let me know and I'll blog about it, but I'm pretty sure they covered that in Touro Law's continuing orientation program. Correct me if I'm wrong). These shoes happen to be Louis Vuitton.. the design is masculine, yet elegant, and totally timeless. They will last longer than the tall tale told by a client whose retainer would pay for these bad boys.


It's good to know that a Touro alum is out there spreading the fashion love, and setting the bar high for those who desire to look fresh while practicing law. Effortless, yet totally put together. Strive for it every day. At least in Autumn. And check out Professor Schwartz' LinkedIn profile, accolades included. It's equally as stellar as his fashion sense. http://www.linkedin.com/in/evansschwartz

like the desert misses the rain..

This post is an inevitable one. It's a love story. And it's about heartbreak.

It's been exactly 36 days since I tore my meniscus, MCL, and LCL. As if the physical pain wasn't enough to deal with, I'm banished to flats (and a horrible black and grey knee brace) until further notice. Note, I've broken this rule only on two occasions. Special ones. We all know mini skirts and flats are not friends.

One would think this would be a blessing, bestowed upon my pocketbook. But I'm too loyal for that.

They (Vincent VanGogh, actually) say "to know life is to love many things." So the purpose of this post is to share with you my newest love. Her name is Pavan.


Actually she has a twin. She is a pair. She is a pair of delicious nude (my favorite color) pumps that blend tradition with fashion-forward subtlety. Lined in gold, featuring classic lines, Pavan stands firm on a perfect little platform, with a center-seam perfectly rounded toe, that hangs over the platform for a touch of modern. And while pointed toes will never be out, changing it up with a round toe might be just the thing to give your toes a little wiggle room.

A thicker-than-average stiletto provides enough support for a day at the office, or a night full of city strides, without the fear of a heel break. That happened to me once. Blew my mind. Don't let it happen to you.

When it comes to shoes, taupe is the new black. They literally go with everything. And I hate to try to say I invented the flesh-toned pump, but I would be remiss to fail to give credit where credit is due. This trend, likely here to stay, is in your face thanks to your neighborhood pageant girls. We have been treating our feet to nude pumps for years and years.. Since we got the memo that they create a visual effect of longer legs. As if I need longer legs.

So for now, I will just admire these perfect heels from afar. I literally will be throwing a heels only party when my doctor gives me the stiletto go-ahead.

Want a pair of Pavans of your own? Good luck. They were my monthly Shoedazzle pick. But if the stars are aligned for you, too, maybe a pair will show up in your showroom. Da!

Click www.shoedazzle.com/invite/15111y0zcx to get in on the action.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Park Pl,Mastic Beach,United States

Professor Klyne and Rapper Shein..

Note: Names intentionally misspelled.. give me a little credit.
The setting is Jerusalem, Israel. Mea Shearim, to be exact. It's one of the oldest Jewish neighborhoods in Jerusalem, Israel populated mainly by Haredi Jews, according to Wikipedia. We all expected to sweat our tushies off, in our ultra-conservative garb, covered from collarbone to floor. What we did not expect was to run into Orthodox Jewish Rapper, Shyne, on the streets.

Note, if you're a woman, you're not allowed to actually run into him.. he can't touch girls. More surprising is that our very own Professor Richard Klein was Shyne's footwear twin, homey. Note, this is nearly all that they have in common, aside from both individual's time spent in jail.. Professor Klein, due to his respectable and highly respected work as a public defender, and Shyne, due to his work as an, er, public defendee. Well, actually, I assume his attorneys were retained.. that's beside the point.

In any case, a shareworthy post.. Professor Klein always dresses well. And Shyne, well, dresses. I never knew that proper conservative, Orthodox Jewish attire included metallic robes. You learn something every day.

Emergency post.. Order in the court: No polos!

I have many, many posts to catch up on, after being out of the country for most of my Summer. However, today I felt the need to interrupt the planned "flow" of my catch-up blog updates due to an emergency.

Ladies.. polo shirts are never acceptable under suit jackets. Never. Under any circumstances, whatsoever. Except maybe if it's a nice, fitted polo with a popped collar, under a nice, casual khaki or seersucker blazer at a charity golf outing. But certainly, never in the court room.

Furthermore, when you know you are appearing before a female judge you know is dressed to the nines under the fancy black robe, make an effort. A shabby blue polo with a limp collar under a nice navy suit is not making an effort. It's making a fashion mistake. Consider the vast selection of blouses available on the Ann Taylor clearance rack. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

putting the pro in project.. the RiverheadProject.

Last Friday was a ball. Not just due to the fabulous and free drinks (love that price) and stunningly savory appetizers, but because of some first-class networking.

One of the perks of clerking for Judge Efman in Riverhead came by surprise last week.. a personal invite to a pre-opening event at the Riverhead Project, a spanking new restaurant opening May 18th (don't quote me on that) in Riverhead. Its 300 East Main Street address is not only GPS and short-term memory friendly, but familiar. This address has undergone a complete transformation from plain-ol-bank to a hot new restaurant full of swank. Yup. That rhymed. That just happened.


The team at the Riverhead Project invited members of the court community to a VIP-style sneak peak, complete with refreshments, good company, full tours, and ego-boosting photos on their celebrity-style logo wall. If a red carpet were cool enough for this place, they would have one. But it's not. See exhibit #1. James Vlahadamis, Touro alum, and I, along with a staffer, whose name I will surely learn after visiting this place weekly after opening. Photo credit: the lovely and talented Charmaine, in charge of Marketing, who wore a stunning vintage navy and white graphic print dress. I over-complimented on this one.

The Riverhead Project is completely out of character, yet absolutely necessary in Riverhead. The original floors of the bank are intact, interrupted by a fabulous gas fireplace wall separating a lounge area and the main seating area, adjacent to the bar. Mod and creative prints hug the walls, in chic brown and ivory, with bold pops of accent color. You really will have to see this for yourself. The outdoor [s]eating area is in process, and the lower level boasts a VIP private bar and space for a party of 30-35.. all at one big, fabulous table. Where else? It's true.. bigger is better. The attached private bar (aforementioned) becomes cooler yet, due to the original bank vault door separating the men from the boys.. or those waiting for a drink from, well, the others. It goes without saying, that even two-weeks prior to opening day, the bathrooms are fabulous. A must.

The appetizers were totally tasty, and hot. I can't remember the last time I had a passed hors d'oeuvre (yes, I typed that without spell check) that was actually warmer than room temp. It's impossible to pick a favorite, but one was a felafel-ish-shaped ball of deliciousness with edamame and other lovely things.. Oysters that were not followed by a cringe fit.. Steak tartare to die for (or at least to come back for).. Some stylish pulled-pork (yes, there is such a thing), and more. I'm typing fast because I'm eager to get to the drinks.. As eager as I was when I walked in the place. Very eager.

The Ha Ha Fraiche.. a signature drink, that I may be spelling in a fancier way than intended (it's how Chanel spells it, in their "eau Fraiche" parfum.. perfect for Summer; a lesser-worn fragrance every gal should test). The Ha Ha Fraiche was the perfect balance of blood orange juice (all one ingredient, no comma), lime, vodka, and... cucumber water. Woah. Garnished with orange peel. It was wonderful.. fresh to death and the quickest fast-forward into Summer. And for all you men, and beer drinking women out there, they serve Pabst Blue Ribbon. Yep. Go. Now. Well.. wait until they open.

Big things are in the works for the old bank drive-up atm apparatus. This restaurant instantly makes Riverhead a destination for professionals, foodies, and socialites alike. This is surely a place to see and be seen.. even better when you have an iPhone, and the RedLaser app.. this place is peppered with goodies and a wall-graphic QR Code (short for "quick response").. those cool square bar-code things.. the ones at the Riverhead Project lead you to a variety of links.. location, random trendy YouTube music videos, etc. They will be rotated and changed frequently.. as if you need a reason to come again.

I certainly can't forget to mention some of the fabulous elbows I rubbed at the party. Exhibit #2 for your review. If ever you are wondering what to wear to a swanky restaurant sneak peek, look no further.. Most of us worked until 5:30 and went right to the event. On days like that, ladies, just remember to slip on stilettos if you didn't in the am, and grab a fabulous handbag. Men are lucky enough that a standard suit is never out of style. And for those who are lucky enough to make their own hours, and change out of the work attire on a Friday post-work, you have more leeway. Apparently the garb of choice included blue gingham or striped button-downs and khakis or jeans. Men, you just can't go wrong. So thank your local criminal defense attorneys, Dan Russo (left), and James Vlahadamis (right), for the tip. And although both would be competent to defend you if you needed them, always remember, drunk driving, or even drunk-ish driving is never in style.


www.TheRiverheadProject.com

..lather. wait thirty minutes. rinse.

My first haircare post. I've obviously been slacking. I have been somewhat stressing about my hair with the Israel trip just around the corner. I have been dying my hair almost-black for some time now, and decided to try letting my natural hair color grow back in.. which is a boring-ish light ash brown. I have allowed about two inches of roots through so far but finally lost patience. My biggest worry is my roots becoming naturally sun bleached from the beaches of Tel Aviv.. oy vey! Nothing could look worse than blondish roots with black hair.


Meanwhile, I have been observing the new frenzy over mousse hair dye. It claims to be no-drip, which is super important to me because I rent, and my landlord is fabulous enough to have built me a gorgeous bathroom with upscale fixtures that just wouldn't look as nice adorned in dark stains.

To keep it short and simple, the dye worked wonderfully.. it is by far the easiest hair dye I've ever used.. completely fool-proof, and the usual stains on the forehead and ears washed easily off in the shower. Traditionally I'm left without the ability to wear a ponytail for days. My only qualm is that the included conditioner actually made my hair feel dry.. skip it. Use whatever you have left from the last one, or a regular conditioner, liberally. When rinsing, pre-conditioner, my hair felt healthier than it ever has, and absolutely lacked the straw feeling, which is always a familiar one after dying.


The color I used was #41, "Iced Dark Brown," a steal at just $7.97 at Wal-Mart. The color is a great deep brown, almost black, with a hint of burgundy. The photo doesn't do it justice.. the red you see appears to be uneven, but that's actually from the light, reflecting on the color. Although my hair was light brown on top and black on the bottom, the color came out completely even. Effortless.

Next, I thought I should share a great bargain find.. at Kmart of all places. Yes. Kmart. Before my recent Serbia-Croatia-Austria trip, I purchased a Paul Mitchell hair care travel kit, which had four slightly-larger-than-travel-size bottles of goodies; shampoo, conditioner, something else I can't quite remember, and hair spray. At $15.00 it was a splurge, but I talked myself into it. By the time I got home, I was feeling a heap of buyer's remorse, so I returned it, and ended up spending the money on a ton of jelly beans. Anyways. I ended up using the cheap shampoo from the hotels, which, for some reason, was "shampoo, conditioner, body wash" in one. Strange. And it didn't work well for any one of those three purposes. I won't be making that mistake again.

Because.. today, I was at Kmart, and they had a similar kit by Bumble & Bumble. I faintly remember glancing at this on the shelf, and immediately looking away due to the $33.00 price tag. No, not a scrivener's error. The kit was much smaller than its Paul Mitchell counter-part, so it was not happening. Until today.. There it was on the shelf, on sale for $9.00. Woooo! This great little kit comes with two-ounce bottles of Bumble & Bumble's "cult faves," including Creme de Coco Shampoo and Conditioner, Styling Creme (similar to a leave-in conditioner), and Styling Lotion, which is recommended for use on dry hair, pre-heat styling. All essentials for the heat-ridden Israel weather. Love.

Better head there to grab your kit, but stay away from the Riverhead location.. I plan on cleaning out their supply as soon as I get paid again.

Stay tuned for a future post about hairdos in the courtroom. That will take some serious reflection.

Shoes I Wear to JFK..

Welcome to a very special edition of the blog.. My sincere apologies for my absentee-ness lately. This and future posts will explain.  My entire Fall semester was spent helplessly devoted to a four credit class called "International Sales Law and Arbitration."  Taught by the fabulous Professor Graves, it is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding courses offered at Touro. It culminated, for four of us, in a spot on the "Vis Moot Team" (hereinafter, "Vis".. Couldn't help but throw in a little brief-ese).  

The Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot is a mock trial-ish competition that draws literally hundreds of teams from around the world to the final competition in Vienna, Austria.  Our team was selected post-finals week last semester, and spent all of Spring semester practicing, researching and preparing. The team practiced about 10-12 hours per week on average, and spent much additional time refining and researching some more.. Needless to say, it's been a long, arduous process. We have met and practiced with (against) many of the teams we will see in Vienna, at numerous "pre-moots" in the City, most recently at the gorgeous and stately New York City Bar Association. 

As I type, I am on [my iPhone, on] a plane to Belgrade, Serbia for one of the best and biggest pre-moots.. Swiss Air is absolutely fabulous by the way.. Note the telling photo.. Free red wine, Mad Men, and yes, that's my iPhone charging in the seat. 

Not to mention a surprisingly delicious and balanced dinner, (pictured) and a delightful breakfast featuring warm croissants.

So it's obviously necessary to get to the fashion part of this entry. I've bored you long enough I'm sure.

I'll note a few travel-friendly fashion tips, and if you don't mind, get back to my Mad Men (best style decade ever).

So I've attached a photo, taken outside the departure terminal at JFK. I am certainly not "well-traveled," as I've only been to Mexico (on a mission trip at that!) and never overseas. However, I have been all over the country and I'm not quite new to air travel.
Note the garb.. It's all on purpose. We'll start with a basic white tee ($2 Kmart sale..) and a cozy cardigan. Mine was a recent J Crew sale rack purchase. Mustard is in, and although it's a bit seasonal, Fall clothing like this can easily be transitioned with some Spring accessories. Hence, the melon pashmina scarf.. Believe it or not, a $3 find at Belk. It's all topped off with an essential black pantsuit from Michael Kors (outlet, of course). The details of this suit mean everything.. It's a poly-rayon-spandex blend. This means it looks like a suit but feels like sweats. The pants are a size too big which translates to comfy, and are adorned with a stylish zipper at the ankle. The jacket tops off the outfit, and layering is essential to air-travel comfort. Boarding planes and flying away always results in sweat and chills all at once.


Note a complete lack of jewelry (aside from some Stella & Dot clover post earrings.. Gold and silver and diamonds all at once to match anything).. This makes the uncomfortable security strip-down much easier.

Finally, the ensemble is completed with some two-tone Gap City Flats.. Yes, a $22 sale buy, in varying hues that come pretty close to the mustard-melon combination. They slip on and off with ease, and are super comfortable.

And I would be lying if I told you I didn't purposely coordinate my outfit to my beige and orange Calvin Klein luggage.

Ciao for now..