A Minimal Approach to Michigan Spring

Michigan weather has a tendency to be quite unpredictable. In the past, I can remember running Sparta High School Varsity Soccer's daily two miles on the cross country track during a 90 degree March day and walking from the bus to my residence hall during a blizzard-like April evening. The spontaneous nature of this great state can often make for hard fashion choices that may or may not align with the designated season. I may be ready to transition to shorts, tank tops, and sandals; however, Michigan has slightly different plans. Today, after glancing at the weather app on my phone, I opted for tan sandals, black jeans, a white button down, and a jean jacket. Thankfully, after the morning chill wore off I was able to lose the jacket. 

I really love this look and its minimalistic appearance. It's simple, yet put together, and perfect for a day spent getting coffee and learning a little bit more about the beautiful city I call home. 

What I'm Wearing: Shirt: Urban Outfitters (similar here), Jean Jacket: Levi's, Jeans: Urban Outfitters (similar here)

Photos: Emily Maltman

Summer Reads

With finals behind me and internship decisions in the hands of several different local companies, I've had a desirable amount of free time to spend reading for pleasure. Below are my top three publications perfect for lounging around wherever your summer travels may take you.

Love is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time by Rob Sheffield 

Most people that know me are familiar with my tendency to read classic literature over modern novels. However, summer is one of the times in which I branch out as I find that books like Pride and Prejudice don't exactly fit into the category of "perfect beach read." A few years ago, when Grand Rapids born indie-rock project Radiator Hospital made Rolling Stone's "25 Top Songs of 2013," I found myself researching the editor responsible for the piece, Rob Sheffield. It only took a simple press of the "enter" key after typing his name into Google to find that he had written several memoirs. Attracted to the cover and summary of Love is a Mix Tape, I drove to the nearest bookstore to buy it. Sheffield writes in a very beautiful, very raw manner that is not only heartbreaking, but also quite humorous. The topic (the beauty of a strong love and the tragedy of the loss of that love) is a bit heavy, but the reading itself is light making it the perfect beach novel. It is important to note that I have read this book several times, something that I only do when I find myself captivated by the narrative.

Kinfolk Magazine: The Entrepreneur Issue 

There are few publications that inspire me as much as Kinfolk does and I admire every aspect of the endeavor - from the unique layout to the creative features within. Although it isn't the latest edition, The Entrepreneur Issue includes a variety of highlights on small business owners: dreamers and doers  who are sure to inspire you whether your summer includes an internship at a accomplished company or days spent traveling and visiting the beach. This issue also includes a very decadent recipe for chocolate-covered espresso bean brownies. If your summer includes any free time, there is no better way to spend it. 

SHEI Magazine: The Surface Issue

In addition to locking myself up in the many libraries on the University of Michigan campus to complete the seemingly never-ending piles of homework I had over the year, I have spent a lot of time contributing to SHEI Magazine as a member of the Features Team.  SHEI is U of M's fashion, culture, and lifestyle magazine produced by a variety of business and editorial teams dedicated to the pursuit of professional creativity. A lot of work went into this issue that includes 5 photo shoots and 10 feature articles ranging in topic matter from the history of fashion and accessories to the rise and impact of lingerie. Even as a member of the organization, I still find myself amazed by what we can accomplish. 

I'm very excited for the next four months and the opportunities I will have for even more reading. Here's to hoping your summer includes the same!

Adventures in NYC

New York City has been a part of my dreams for years and, thankfully, I had the opportunity to explore it this Spring Break with a few wonderful friends. Our stay was short as we arrived Saturday morning and left Monday afternoon, but everything we did and saw made it very worthwhile. Below are some of the highlights of such a stimulating trip (disclaimer: it's mostly food and coffee).

Toby's Estate Coffee

I have a lot of favorite coffee places, but Toby's Estate's Flatiron Espresso Bar on Fifth Avenue earned a spot in my top five almost immediately after I stepped foot inside. The baristas were all extremely friendly, the black and white color scheme inviting, and the coffee delicious. Not only that, but the espresso bar was also connected to a Strand bookstore, flower shop, and Club Monaco. Unfortunately, I already had to haul back a duffel packed too full multiple blocks back to the ferry (having a love for fashion can be painful) and didn't have the room or arm strength to accommodate the many books, flowers, and shirts I really wanted to buy. For anyone planning to try it out, I highly recommend the Maple Sage Latte.

(I noticed later that I had pinned a picture of this shop to my "future travels" Pinterest board, which is even more exciting considering I wasn't aware I was checking off a destination. You can follow my inspirations here)

Penelope

Brunch is a must on any form of trip or vacation, at least from my perspective. On Sunday night, we  all gathered around Ryan's Macbook and began the search for a place that would meet all of our expectations. Penelope on Lexington Avenue was the choice and it was delicious.

I had the Punkin' Waffles on the bottom left and the Sweet Potato Fries in the middle. 

Doughnut Plant 

We walked by Doughnut Plant on our way to visit the Chelsea Hotel and immediately knew it was something we had to try. We were right and ended up making two trips. During the first trip, I had the Brooklyn Blackout Cake Donut which was, in complete honesty, the best donut I have ever had. On the second trip, directly before our return back to the ferry and the beginning of a long drive back to Michigan, I had the Pistachio Cake Donut which is pictured below. It was also pretty delicious, but not quite as good as the Brooklyn Blackout.

Other notable stops include: 

Stumptown Coffee in Ace Hotel - Which had a very cute grab-and-go atmosphere 

MoMA - Where I saw Van Gogh's "Starry Night" live and in person and took a cheesy photo in front of Warhol's "Campbell's Soup Cans"

Shake Shack - Where I tried a mushroom burger due to lack of vegetarian options and was surprisingly impressed

L'Amico - A cute Italian restaurant on Avenue of Americas

NYC is a very inspiring environment and I can't wait to return!