Somethings Coming, Something Good...

This photo from the new Broadway revival of West Side Story exemplifies everything I love about music theatre. This is what makes my student loans worth it.

(photo: Joan Marcus; courtesy of NY Magazine)

By the way, have you seen this West Side Story tribute spread over at Vanity Fair?

(Photos: Mark Seliger; courtesy of Vanity Fair)

We get Jennifer Lopez as Anita, Rodrigo Santoro as Bernardo, and tons of great tongue in cheek current stars including; Robert Pattinson, Camilla Belle, Ashley Tisdale, Chris Evans, and Ben Barnes. There's a 10 photo slideshow, so definitely go check it out here.

If I only get to see one show this year, this will definitely be my pick. Incidentally, it also features Cody Green (the season 1 winner of Bravo's Step It Up and Dance), as leader of the Jets, Riff. He's the one in the Red.

(photo: Joan Marcus)

My NYC/Kansas Dichotomy

I've always had trouble explaining to people why I love living in New York so much. I miss Kansas, and love the relatively simple life I had there, but there is just something about this city that lets me know I'll never leave. At least not unless there is a major change in my life sometime soon.

I just read this poem by one of my all time favorite poets Anna Ahkmatova. To me, this says it all.



Somewhere there is a simple life and a world
Transparent, warm, joyful ...
There at evening a neighbour talks with a girl
Across the fence, and only the bees can hear
This most tender murmuring of all.

But we live ceremoniously and with difficulty
And we observe the rites of our bitter meetings,
When suddenly the reckless wind
Breaks off a sentence just begun —

But not for anything would we exchange this splendid
Granite city of fame and calamity,
The wide rivers of glistening ice,
The sunless, gloomy gardens,
And, barely audible, the muse's voice.


-Anna Ahkmatova

I could sqeeze right?

Today I pose a simple question...

Why are these shoes not in my size?

via Dear Golden Vintage on Etsy

My sadness...

I've known about this for days now, and still have no idea what to say. Domino Magazine, my favorite shelter mag, is officially dead. In the past year we've lost House and Garden, Cottage Living, and Blueprint. They just keep falling one by one. I must try to not get attached to any other magazines in the near future. I must say it's like losing a friend. I know when my final issue of Domino arrives in the mail it will be an evening that I will savor. A cup of chai and a comfy chair, a final hour or two with my friends the editors. Ugh, now it sounds like a wake.

This is depressing now, so I will stop. Thank goodness I saved all my back issues. Sniff.

Cheese Thievery...

I don't really appreciate when notes get put up in my apartment because I, like this website, find it to be terribly passive aggressive.

That being said... this blog (Passive Aggressive Notes) is my new favorite thing.

Ahhh, cheese thievery, the roomies of 2C know you all too well.

New Weekliness!

I'm not sure if that's even a word, but nonetheless! I am announcing the first weekly installment here at Le Hot Tomato of Perfect Photo Friday*.

Because it's the first Friday of Fall, and we all know that makes me happy... I give you this photo, which makes me happy in the exact same fashion.

* I reserve the right to change the name of this weekly entry at any point when I'm feeling more creative.

Vote for Chuck!

Fall is my favorite season for many reasons, but mainly it's my favorite season for clothes. Colder weather means more layers. More layers mean more opportunity to play with different looks. Fall is perfect for this because you don't have to ruin your look with an enormous coat.

My inspiration this fall? One word. CHUCK!

Above is Charlotte "Chuck" Charles, the charming heroine from the show Pushing Daisies.

Below is Anna Friel, the actress who plays above mentioned character.

Basically I am of the opinion that who ever is costuming this show is a genius. Or at the very least is someone I want to be really good friends with. The clothes and show are totally kitschy and right up my alley, and the character of Chuck is so spunky and caring and adventurous.

I want to be Chuck.

Also, I would really like Lee Pace for christmas this year.

Here are some real world ideas on where to nab some of Chucks modern vintage style.

Silhouette's from the 1940's-1960's are essential. Play with texture and detailing in the construction of the garments. Chuck also often rocks a monochromatic palette, with matching shoes, hat and bag. As long as you are working with peices that are bright and detailed it won't look too dyed to match. Keep it creative.

Nanette Lepore

Also keep in mind prints, and keep them large and girly, nothing too modern.

Michael Kors

Finally, this show is nothing if not whimsical, so just remember to have fun. Wear things that are a little bit fairy tale. As long as you wear it with confidence you will pull it off. Chuck also has a bit of a tomboy streak, so always include a nod to that sensibility. It will keep the look grounded.

Tracy Reese

In the end just remember to enjoy yourself when dressing no matter what your personal style. Don't wear something unless you love it and feel good in it, and let your internal compass (not the current trend) be your guide.

Happy Dressing, and Happy Fall!