Style Savvy Weekend Rewind {NYC}

This weekend was jam packed with love and celebration, as it was both the kid’s and my mom’s birthday weekend. For T’s big 13, I surprised him with a day trip to NYC to eat, shop and just take in the city. Even Mother Nature cooperated, as the weather couldn’t have been nicer! And on Sunday, we celebrated Mom’s birthday with brunch at Baltimore restaurant institution, Miss Shirley’s.

Ate

BBQs

Dallas BBQ is known for its yummy barbecue, huge beverages and massive portions. I had a southwestern black bean veggie burger--of which I could only manage to eat half—and fries, which were especially divine since I hadn’t had starches in about two weeks. I think this hilarious Yelp review says it best:

“Dallas BBQ is insane for so many reasons. All very good, very filling reasons. The restaurant is huge. Huge. Huge. Huge. Three floors huge. Escalators huge. The drinks are huge. Get some food. Don't order apps unless you haven't eaten in 3 years or are going to split them with 12 other people. Any way you slice it, you're going to get a plate piled high - and it’s going to be delivered to you fast. Like lightning. Nothing is overpriced - this place is actually one of the cheapest NYC dinners with drinks we've ever had. If you must have a side - get more cornbread. Immerse yourself in the carbs, fat, sugar, that, when combined, makes for one hell of a tasty meal. Walk out (or escalator out) for under $60 (with tip) for two and then walk a lot of blocks to make yourself feel better about what you just ate.”

Dallas BBQ
241 W 42nd St
(between 7th Ave & 8th Ave)
New York, NY 10036
Neighborhoods: Midtown West, Theater District

Pinkberry

I’m a huge fan of frozen yogurt, and Pinkberry is probably my favorite, so I’m always excited to stop in for that frozen deliciousness anytime I’m near one (which is generally when I’m in NYC, even though DC was recently graced with one and it’s a much shorter trip). I tried their new Mango yogurt, and added chopped mango, strawberry, yogurt chips and caramel sauce—and I devoured every last delightful drop. DJM.

Pinkberry
7 W 32nd St
(between 5th Ave & Broadway)
New York, NY 10001
Neighborhoods: Midtown West, Koreatown

Nuchas

No trip to the city is complete without sampling a street snack and Nuchas’ Portobello and spinach empanadas definitely hit the spot!

Nuchas
Broadway Plaza
New York, NY 10036
Neighborhoods: Midtown West, Theater District
Latin American/Food stands

Miss Shirley’s

I am obsessed with this place, and though everything I’ve ever had here tastes amazing, I have a tendency to stick with a few key dishes. This time it was the fried green tomatoes with aioli drizzle and white chocolate raspberry waffles. Of course, no brunch would be complete without a mimosa!

Miss Shirley’s
513 W Cold Spring Ln
Baltimore, MD 21210
Neighborhoods: Hampden, North Baltimore

Saw

We spent most of our time in NYC between Midtown and Times Square, and as usual Times Square was packed with a host of characters and street performers. Naked Cowboy was in the house in all his glory (pun intended), and apparently his idea to play guitar on the street naked (except for underwear and a cowboy hat) caught on because Naked Cowgirl is now making the rounds as well. I also spotted two of my favorite animals: the cat and the mouse. My besties already know I’m talking about Hello Kitty and Minnie Mouse—both with whom I’m still obsessed in the most adolescent chic way possible. I don’t generally give in to tourist traps, but since Hello Kitty practically accosted me, I went ahead and had T snap this photo with her (for a small tip, of course).

Snagged

The day was all about the young man, so I didn’t snag anything for myself, but he did rack up some nice additions to his wardrobe. He scored several shirts, some jeans and a hoodie from Aeropostale (this and Hollister are his favorite stores now), as well as a pair of classic Nikes and a Yankee fitted that would make any New Yorker proud.

Wore

Dress: Asos / cardigan: consigned / flats and sunnies: Nordstrom / bag: Lettie Gooch Boutique /
jewelry: gifted, St. Thomas and Francesca's / nails: ButterLONDON teal and Ginger + Liz 'boy toy'

The weather was warm and amazing this weekend, and that called for the donning of dresses with bare legs! On Saturday, I played around with color blocking, layering a pleated orange Asos dress with a yellow cardigan—and my navy trench coat in the morning and evening when it was chilly. I finished the outfit with my leopard print flats (also seen here) and a raspberry sorbet colored crossbody bag (mentioned here) for a look that was comfortable but still cute. For Sunday brunch with my parents and T, I wore my favorite hot pink dress with the exposed zipper in back from Asos, with a basic black flat sandal (because my feet were killing me after 9 hours of walking on Saturday and needed a break!).

Overall it was an absolutely amazing weekend filled with lots of family time, a few hours of quality time with the honey—who met us in the city on Saturday and hung out for awhile—and lots of love! But most of all, T was extremely pleased with his birthday surprise, and kept thanking me—even on Sunday. Nothing pleases a mama more than to make her baby smile, right?!