PLACES | gagosian gallery

Jumper - American Apparel // Scarf - Weekday

Had a lot of fun goofing around/taking pictures inside the { Gagosian Gallery } in Chelsea. Their current exhibition features an artist by the name of Richard Serra, whose known for working with large-scale assemblies of sheet metal. I know that there has been some { controversy } in the past with Serra's work--and a little part of me agrees his installations do look rather odd/in the way in outdoor settings (to each their own, I guess), but I think they look magnificent in the minimalist spaces of galleries.

photo_004+_005 by Kelly

PERSONAL | colorblock strut

OUTFIT | navy coat

Coat - COS // Hat - Topshop // Bag - Baggu

This coat has been such a lifesaver from the freezing temperatures of New York (not to mention in London, Paris, Berlin, Cesky, Vienna, and Munich as well). I've been missing it so much since leaving Europe as the weather in Southern California never calls for anything more than a light cardigan. 

On this particular day Kelly and I braved the winds and crossed the Brooklyn Bridge to well..Brooklyn. That called for heavy layering since the winds get piercing cold. I've got about 3 layers packed under that coat so my outfit was rather bulky and uncomfortable. But as long as it keeps the cold out and the heat in, I really can't complain.

photos by { Kelly }

TRAVEL | the one where j + k tackles the brooklyn bridge

F.RI.E.N.D.S reference, anyone? I can't help it. I don't think there's any stopping the references whenever I'm in NYC. I'm pretty sure Kelly's determined to create her own version of the Friends opening credits sometime during the course of our stay--only time will tell if it falls through.

This afternoon, I spent a couple of hours roaming around Brooklyn with Kelly. I, for one, have never really seen Brooklyn. I've been once, about two years ago, and only to stop for a quick dinner late at night in Williamsburg while half-concious from lack of sleep. As a result, my initial impression of Brooklyn is rather fuzzy. But this visit changed it all, Brooklyn looks amazing in the sunlight and frost--all bathed in yellow and blue. It didn't matter that I was freezing my phalanges off, the view from the bridge was completely worth the possible nerve damage.

 

For now, it's all about getting a full night's rest before another day of sightseeing and food hunting. Speaking of, my stomachs been getting a major workout since I landed in this wonderful city--I practically dove headfirst in that first bowl of chicken and rice.

I am so ready for Day two.

TRAVEL | florence photo diary

I arrived in Florence in the early afternoon. The hostel I had originally planned to stay in was all booked on the first night so I had to lug my bags to a smaller hostel a few blocks down. The room small and more intimate that I have been used to in the past, but I had a larger shower space than I've had in weeks-- a definite bonus. The hostel was built in this run down old building in the heart of Florence's historic center--which makes it quite the ideal neighborhood if you're looking to visit David in the Academy Gallery or looking for a quick trip to the { Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo } (San Lorenzo market).

Leather stores galore in Firenze. If I wasn't so tight on money I probably would've walked away with a new bag or something of the sort. I had my eye on this beautiful ipad case made with supple, buttery leather, but I spent that money on pasta instead.

Famous Ponte vecchio, home to silversmiths and artisan jewelers of Firenze. I had to shuffle around amid crowds of people trying to get through to the other side. Surprising, considering it was off season for tourism. Needless to say, I avoided that bridge for the rest of the week.