Pookie & Sebastian's 3rd Avenue Store on Upper East

Temperatures are rising, and the city of New York is quickly becoming a concrete incinerator, so head indoors and escape the heat with a little self-indulgence.

Pookie & Sebastian will be hosting two fabulous little events this Thursday, July 16, from 6 to 8 p.m. at their Upper East Side locations.  At their 3rd Avenue store between 63rd and 64th, browse their collection and imbibe a bit, courtesy of Crush Wine.  Further north on 2nd Avenue between 77th and 78th, peruse their pretty products and beautify yourself thanks to a guest makeup artist, courtesy of Fresh.

But, it doesn’t cease there.  Get a little more giddy, as a 20% discount will be offered on all full price merchandise with the purchase of two or more items.  And if you spend $250 or more, receive a free pair of earrings.

For those who can’t jet to Manhattan at a moment’s notice, shop Pookie’s collection online. Selection is a bit limited, but you can still snag alluring options.  A few of their pieces I recently purchased and love: Classic Cotton Silk Ruffle Dress ($88), Silk Claudia Top (Sale @ $68.99), Stripe on Stripe Philosophy Dress ($68).

If you’re unfamiliar with Pookie, I fell in love with this darling boutique chain back in the spring of 2006 on the Upper West Side.  They have four locations in Manhattan, all offering delectable dresses, skirts and tops as well as designer denim and adorable accessories.  At least one of their locations is always on my list of shops to hit when entertaining my girlfriends.  Even my mom loves to shop their stores.  Note: Their jewelry makes the perfect birthday present.  Just ask my friend Amanda.

Me, my brother and mom by the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.

Ciao, mondo!  Well, it’s official — I’m getting older, and I’m not happy about it.  My mom and I just celebrated our 56th and 24th birthdays, along with my dad and brother Matthew, in the Eternal City.  Rome, that is.  What a breathtakingly gorgeous city rich in art and history.  With such a sobriquet, though, I’m wondering why I had to acknowledge my leap from 23 to 24.

My mom and I celebrate our birthdays together when we can.  After all, I was born on hers.  Terribly cute, I know.  Although, we tend to celebrate only mine, as my mom likes to say she will be 32 forever.  She apparently quit acknowledging her birthday, and therefore aging, the day I was born.  Rome’s certainly working for her, eh?  Ahh, eternal youth.

Three birthdays ago, I asked her, “Mom, was I the best birthday present you ever received?”  My dad chimed in, “Ha, you were certainly the most expensive.”  Yes, well, that brings me to this blog.  It’s no secret that I love to shop.  I’ve definitely been a rather expensive daughter.  Although, I like to think my brother has been a pretty expensive son.  My dad initially wanted to have three children — I always tell him that he couldn’t have afforded another one of us.  I’m certainly not a cutting edge fashionista, but I adore beautiful and fun products from clothes, shoes and fashion accessories to home furnishings to tasty treats, and I hope to dig up new ones weekly and share them with you here.  Let’s just say that I’m attempting to parlay my addiction into a productive venture.

Please feel free to leave comments or contact me via the form on the right.  And if there is ever an item in particular that you’re looking for, do let me know, and I’ll see what I can find.  Even if what you want is something as specific as a “silk nightgown with rosebuds.”  Yes, a Roman Holiday reference.  If you have yet to see the movie, then I insist you do, as Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck are sweep-you-off-your-feet sensational together.  So, let’s say the first dollars I encourage you to spend are to either rent or purchase this charming classic.