Autumn in New York

 

Anytime I'm in Manhattan, I almost always make a beeline to Central Park the second I arrive. My most recent trip was no exception. You'd think first on the agenda would be shopping, theater, or grabbing a slice of real NY pizza! For me, all of that can wait until I've had my walk through the park.  I was especially excited to take in all of the Fall colors! Some of the locations that I visited, you'll remember from my last stroll through the park. Only this time, the trees were drenched in the golden glow of Autumn, making everything look new again.

I really wanted to play in the leaves, but since I was by myself I settled for a self portrait.

As I walked through The Mall,  I came across a cool band called The Dirty Urchins. Apparently they play in public spaces all over the city, and just happened to be in the middle of a set as I was passing by. 

 Here's a little sample.

I actually would've bought one of their cd's, except I had zero cash. They weren't exactly set up to take credit cards.

As I headed toward the fountain, I couldn't help but notice the leaves! We don't get these colors in LA!

The last time I was here, the water had been drained, and the pond was icy.  

It was nice to see the water flowing and paddle boats still in the pond. Though I'm sure it won't be long before the Boathouse closes, and the fountain, once again is drained for the Winter.

And even when the trees have just surrendered
To the harvest time
Forfeiting their leaves in late September
And sending us inside
Still I notice You when change begins
And I am braced for colder winds
I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come
You are Autumn

~N. Nordeman

Happy Birthday to Me

 

My birthday was actually last Wednesday, but I feel like the festivities started two weeks ago while I was in NY! I had planned to shop for my bday shoes while in the big city, but for the first time ever, I didn't shop! ( I know, the horror!) Between work and some serious night life (more on that later), I just ran out of time. The one day I had planned to hit the stores, it was rainy and windy. Not exactly ideal shopping weather. So, I came home with nothing but a few "I heart NY" t-shirts for my nephews. I had the most amazing trip to NYC, so no complaints here, but I DID have to make up for my lack of  shopping when I returned to LA! 

The morning of my birthday, I had one client and then it was off to the Christian Louboutin boutique to search for the perfect pair of heels.

Once inside, I was mesmerized by all of the gorgeous shoes, each with the ubiquitous red lacquered sole. Ahhhh...I imagine this it what Heaven is like! The selection was overwhelming! Thankfully, I knew exactly what I wanted, and had the sweetest SA a girl could ask for! (We're now Facebook friends!) The second I told him that I was buying a bday present for myself, he offered me a glass of champagne, some Paulette macarons, and literally brought me every black shoe in the store to try! Seriously, Heaven!

I completely took over the entire second floor, with shoe boxes and black peep toes everywhere!  After  trying several different styles, the perfect pair for me was the Hyper Prive.  While I loved the simplicity of the all black Very Prive, the extra platform of the HP made them SO much more comfortable!

(Sorry for the bad photo quality.  I was trying not to be too obnoxious in the store with my camera.)

As soon as I got home, I did a proper photo shoot with my new birthday shoes, which also happen to be my very first pair of Louboutins! 

I'm in love!

Back from Birthday Break

 

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The past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind, and I've been having the time of my life! I didn't really expect to take a break from the blog, but with SO much going on, it was the one thing that had to give. I'm on my way out the door right now to go paint some face, but I'll be back tomorrow and fill you all in. I can't wait to share with you all of the goodness that's been happening, and I'm SO looking forward to catching up on all of YOUR blogs! 

xoxo,

Bren

Ten Month Anniversary

Chasing Beauty is Ten Months old today!

I almost forgot that today was my ten month blogiversary! I know I'm suppose to be in NY on a work trip, but I'm seriously having the most amazing time! I can't think of any city I'd rather be in right now to celebrate this little milestone, and kick off my birthday month! 

Packing for NYC is never easy for me. I always want to take tons of outfits, with plenty of accessorizing options, and then I end up wearing the same four things everyday. It's ridiculous! So this trip, I decided to be honest with myself and just bring essentials. I'm proud to say that I brought everything I needed for a week, including makeup supplies for my client, in one carry on suitcase! (Well, one carry-on suitcase and an additional large tote bag) 

 

With the addition of two pairs of boots (one of which I wore on the plane), a trench coat (also worn on the plane), and a leather jacket, I managed to pack perfectly for once! The only thing I didn't need to bring, but couldn't possibly leave at home, were my new Miu Miu's! I know I had talked about them  being  in the running for the big b-day purchase, but I've decided to hunt down those Louboutin's. 

Let's call the Miu Miu's my Ten Month blogiversary shoes! ;)  (Anyway I can justify two extravagant shoe purchases!)

xoxo,

Bren 

Halloween Time

If you follow my twitter, then you already know that I didn't get to do anything Halloween-y this past weekend. Instead of costume parties and trick-or-treating with my nephews, I was doing laundry, packing and catching the red-eye. But, don't feel too sorry for me...I'm in NYC!!! As excited as I am to be in the city that I love, it was a little sad missing all of the festivities. I didn't even realize how much it bothered me, until I was sitting on the tarmac getting ready to take off. Fortunately, I had a day off last week and took full advantage by doing one of my favorite Halloween activities...Disneyland!!! With pumpkin spice lattes in tow, my friend and I hit all of the attractions that get revised just for the holiday season.

Main Street was extra special, all decked out in fall colors, with a giant Mickey shaped pumpkin.

Whenever I need a little dose of the Magic Kingdom, I can always count on my friend Tree, to roam the park with me.

I love when the Haunted Mansion turns into The Nightmare Before Christmas!

The past couple of years there's been a freaky ghost that follows you through Space Mountain! For some reason, this added element actually makes the ride seem faster!

 

Throughout the Halloween season, all of the characters dress up in costumes. So cute!

I usually instigate a few more cheesy pictures before the day is over.

Lipstick colors:  Tree wearing MAC-Girl On The Town  Me wearing Kate Spade-The Perfect Red

Hope you all had a Happy Halloween!