Are you a restaurant regular?

I read this great article in the New York Times last week about the comfort (and perks) of being a restaurant regular. Long-time critic Frank Bruni says, "What you have with a restaurant that you visit once or twice is a transaction. What you have with a restaurant that you visit over and over is a relationship." It's so true. Since moving to New York—as crazy as this sounds—I find that I rarely go to the same restaurant twice. It's mainly because there is always so much new and interesting food to experience and try, but in the back of my mind, I miss having a regular haunt.

In Boston, Eastern Standard was my go-to spot. They knew my name, my drink order (an Au Provence), and somehow always managed to squeeze me in when no reservations were left. So far, Brooklyn has become my best shot at reclaiming this kind of intimacy when dining out. I've been testing the waters with both Van Horn & Company (love their B.L.A.T.) and Ted and Honey (their veggie burger is to die for). I go frequently, and the ease of familiarity between myself and the waitstaff is slowly starting to sink in. Bruni is right—it's about the relationship, not the transaction, and I look forward to stopping by.

Do you have a regular restaurant? Where is it? I'd love to hear!

P.S. Colonie, pictured above, is another place I'm courting as a new, long-term spot. :)

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Instagram calendar

For my birthday this year, I got the sweetest gift ever: An Instagram one-a-day calendar from Matt. It's made by a genius company called Printstagram that, in just a few simple steps, takes 365 of your Instagram photos, and turns them into a tear-sheet chronicle of the year. The best part? The paper stock is thick enough and the image quality is so crisp that instead of discarding each page after the day has passed, you can turn them into little notecards to share with coworkers or friends. Or you can just pin them up. :)

My jaw dropped at Matt's creativity—but also at the realization that I've taken more than 365 Instagram photos. I had no idea!

What do you think? What other interesting ways have you found to display your Instagram pics?

French cinema

Are you a fan of French cinema? When I was in college, I took a course entirely devoted to the topic, and I loved it. Recently, I've been brushing up, courtesy of the Film Forum in New York and all the terrific films they play. As I mentioned, I finally saw Contempt, starring Brigitte Bardot, and directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Next up, I'm watching The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, this time starring Catherine Deneuve, and directed by Jacques Demy. Both movies are distinct—one a drama, one a musical—but both deliver loads of French charm, humor, and, of course, fashion. :)

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The weekend is here!

Cheers to the weekend! I'm off to Montauk to see my former roomie say 'I doooo!' So excited to skip town and get out of the city for a couple of days. :) What do you have planned for your Saturday and Sunday off? Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

A wedding timeline. 

Cinema type board.

Weekend sailing. 

Gorgeous look at 40 weeks.

The chicest garden party ever.

Pretty coats for a rainy day.

Ribboned veggies.

Lady in red.

Dog surfing.

(Image via The Fresh Exchange)

Wedding season!

Remember last year when I had seven weddings? This fall, I only have two, but I'm so excited for both! The first one is in Montauk, the second one is in Maine—I can't wait to get away, toast the brides and grooms, and relax. :)

Do you have any weddings this fall? What are you planning to wear?

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Kate steps out

Princess Kate! In sequins! Did you see these pics of Kate Middleton at the Tusk Gala last week? I love her Jenny Packham dress. Hard to believe it's only been about eight weeks since she gave birth to Prince George. She looks stunning.

Did you see her in skinny jeans, too?

More Kate here, here, here, and here.

(Images via Pop Sugar)

Happy birthday, Mom!

Sending happy birthday wishes to my beautiful mom today! :) Doesn't she look so cute with Leroy, our dog? Such a great pic!

Any other September babies out there? As you already know, it's my favorite month. :)