NYC is supposed to be one of the fashion capitals of the world, so will someone please explain these outfits to me?

Drunk and snoozing on the train, this guy’s rocker style, bandana and all, is straight out of the ’80’s.

I would totally wear these sandals. Except they were men’s sandals, a.k.a. “mandals.”

Spotted on my commute to work one morning in January. Not sure what I liked best, the floral shirt unbuttoned down to his pot belly, revealing his chest rug, or the pretty purple purse and color-coordinated scarf.

This guys stumbled, completely drunk, onto my train as I was heading out to meet a friend for dinner a couple weeks ago. I would normally cover the unsuspecting model’s face, but then you’d be missing out on the full effect of his outfit. The back of his fringed coat had an animal head, like you’d see on an animal skin rug. And yes, that is a flask in his hand.

Tight white jeans, pegged at the ankles. Worn by a man. Fashion don’t, for sure.

San nin fai lok! Gung Hay Fat Choi! This year, Chinese New Year fell on Valentine’s Day. The parade is typically held a week or so later, but on the first day of the new year, Chinatown is packed with revelers. On this gorgeous sunny day, my friend Paige and I ventured downtown to find colorful confetti, children throwing down poppers (traditional firecrackers are illegal in most cities now, due to fire hazard), shops decorated with tigers and lanterns, and lion dancers and drummers scaring off evil spirits in front of every shop to ensure a prosperous new year. It was quite festive! 

Lion dancing in front of the police precinct on Elizabeth St.

Many streets were absolutely packed with people.

Some of the confetti poppers contained little pink parachutes with red banners. I’m guessing the banners said something about good luck. Everyone was trying to catch them as they floated down from the sky.

Year of the Tiger

The streets were so colorful!

These used to scare me when I was a little kid.

We followed these lions down the street for a while and felt like we were part of a parade!

I’m fortunate to have many amazing girlfriends, not just here in NYC, or in CA, but even around the world. When it comes to celebrating just about anything, my friends are always ready. I wasn’t too keen on celebrating another birthday this year, but celebrating me? Sure, why not! Paige, Nicki, Heather and I started with a fantastic dinner at Double Crown before joining some other friends at the adjoining bar, Madam Geneva. After that, we moved on to Pravda.  Good food, good friends and good times, the perfect way to celebrate anything!

Dinner at Double Crown was awesome! (me, Nicki and Paige)

Me, Einat, Nicki and Heather (the downstairs restroom hallway was, oddly enough, a lovely spot for photos)

Hell, Yes!

Einat, me, Heather, Michelle and Bay at Pravda

Who needs “Jersey Shore” when you have these guys?

The last day of 2009 was a brisk one, and I was happy to celebrate the new year (and new decade) with a few good friends, some tasty bites and beverages, and the comforts of a cozy, warm apartment. Heather’s friend Greg has the perfect place, complete with working fireplace and a toasty fire. It was the perfect way to say hello to 2010!

Me, Heather and Lori, long before midnight

Our lovely hosts, Greg and Heather

Just before midnight, we donned the appropriate hats, masks and noisemakers.

Me and Lori in our festive attire

Megan was one of the founders of our Restaurant Club. After a year of globe-trotting all over the world, she’s decided to move back to CA. She came back to NY for a few weeks, and lucky for us her visit coincided with November’s dinner. We went to Otto for yummy pizzas and pasta, and a bonus surprise: a celeb sighting! Not 10 feet away from us sat Ivanka Trump and her new husband. It was a great way to send off our dear friend. We’ll miss you Megan!