magical

you know those cool, clear summer nights that you just can't make yourself go inside?  the breeze is perfect, the grass is plush, and the clouds have unveiled a stunning navy-blue sheet, speckled with tiny, yet brilliant diamonds, more perfect than any prize from Tiffany's.  it's a moment that surpasses serenity, fuels existentialist thinking, and arouses childlike wonder.  it's the most magical of moments, (at least for me), only recently rivaled by christmastime in the city.

after 5 months in new york, i feel qualified to finally offer an opinion.  it's filthy.  mind you, i have a slight preference (HAH!) for cleanliness, but even the messiest of human beings would agree with this observation.  the streets are infested by pigeons, while subways are crawling with rats.  sidewalks are plastered with gum, irresponsibly discarded fliers + wrappers, and spilled-now-congealed frappuccinos.  bed bug infestations require laundering/cleaning of ANY new purchases.  smog and human traffic make breathing fresh, virgin air nearly impossible.  However, even with week-old blackened snow piles and the bustle of holiday tourism in the city, the christmas spirit miraculously masks it all.  

my best friend came for a much-needed visit that not only made my little heart happy, but allowed me to be a tourist in my new home.  my eyes were wide with each department store window, oversized christmas tree, and sparkling garland.  i swear i even saw sugar plum fairies weave through the horrendous line of anxious ice-skaters outside bryant park.  it was nothing short of magical, and as i said, i don't use that adjective lightly.

our week together, though it occurred 12.29-1.3, included all the important holiday activities--most importantly: ice skating in central park (the BEST EVER!!).  Also, while we missed the actual blizzard that hit december 27th, we witnessed it's destruction (or beautification--glass half-full, right?) of the city.  but here are a few of the more 'magical' shots from the week (and one of the blizzard's trail).  i won't bore with further detail.  enjoy my almost starry-summer-night-feeling experience.

 rockefeller center

 greenwich village/washington square

 macy's/herald square

 bryant park/view from lincoln center

so i wanted to add some old-hollywood glamour photos with this to make it more tied to fashion, but who said fashion can't relate to the magic of the holiday spirit? i feel a sparkly, high-contrast, ostentatious collection coming on....

hope everyone has a very happy 2011.  make a resolution to keep this cheer we are all so obviously starved for come each december.