District L

Hello, my name is Amanda. I enjoy long walks on the beach and relaxing with a good book in the park.

Actually, no – that couldn’t be any further from the truth. I have never been able to really appreciate nature with the distraction of defecating pets, uneven grounds, and the occasional inconvenience of an enforced open container law.

Now, I’d like to introduce Park Here, the Nolita “pop-up park” in Openhouse Gallery. This indoor venue at 201 Mulberry is complete with artificial trees, Astroturf, benches, and a hammock. Being the only one of my friends to have the day off from work, I jumped at the opportunity to discover a space that collectively, we wouldn’t have survived but three minutes. So I threw a pair of denim cut-offs over my leggings, found my "most outdoorsy" pair of shoes, and headed for Mulberry and Spring.

Much like a real park, Park Here boasted all of the telltale signs: distracted PTA moms, an awkward first date picnic, a knitting hipster… except this park had Savage Night at the Opera escaping its artfully hidden speakers, a hushed BYOB policy, and promises of risotto tater tots.

Nevertheless, as soon as I'm finished writing this piece, I'll have to depart from the squealing toddlers and preoccupied mothers. It takes a certain kind of person to enjoy a park of any variation, but I am not quite ready to speak with them yet.

Post by Amanda LaMela

The weekend began with EFFEN vodka and edgy electronic beats by Savoy – and it ended with Sunday’s sidewalk visit to Hulbert Waldroup, the infamous artist on West Broadway. Toss in a few glasses of champagne, a brunch session at Freemans, one major OAK sale, and a lazy afternoon at the Tribeca Grand Hotel…

No amount of youth is being wasted on these PYTs.

And if the rumors are true, spring is right around the corner. Toss your winter coats into storage and prepare to match your wardrobe to that new abundant social calendar:

Brunch at Marc Forgione: Two-Toned Heels by Kathryn Amberleigh (219 Mott Street)

Art Shopping on West Broadway: Crescendo Dot Dress by Lois Eastlund (153 Ludlow Street)

Nighttime Rooftop Pregame: Impact Silk Crop Jacket by Stylein (EVA New York)

Post by Amanda LaMela

After passing through Condo's Mental States on Sunday afternoon, we decided to ascend to a higher altitude - the seventh floor Sky Room of The New Museum.

Because even the laziest of Sundays adhere to our 4-inch-heel minimum, we only managed to navigate through NoLiTa for 1 short hour before nestling into L'asso for champagne and light Italian fare. Stylish patrons, delicious gluten-free options, and a waiter that's easy on the eyes -- that's enough reason for an encore.

Post by Amanda LaMela

When your daily motions start becoming routine and you find yourself sitting at the same Sunday brunch locations week after week, you know it's time to step out of the box -- This is New York, after all; there are no excuses for living in monotony.

Slip out of your comfort zone and into something memorable.for a weekend of new-boozing and subconcious contemplation.

As you head over to Bowery's New Museum to check out George Condo's "Mental States" exhibition, make sure to dress the part. Nothing accurately communicates one's unrelenting mental condition quite like properly applied punctuation. When paired with a mimimalist Lois Eastlund minidress of maximum graphic proportions, a girl can still grab glances on either side of Delancey.

And as quickly as we learned to say it loudly in Helvetica, Plastique Shop creates more shiny irony for us to wear during these weekend escapades.

After an hour or two of cerebral celebration, it will be time to shift into another mental state achieved only by determined brunching. L'asso on 192 Mott Street combines Dov Charney-like decor with modernized Italian cuisine and a Shazam-worthy playlist.

Before sauntering deep into Nolita, be sure to prove your devotion to Italian design -- as it is always appreciated just north of Canal. A pair of Cesare Paciotti shooties will certainly evoke a "ciao bella" or two as you make your way down Mulberry. Just keep your balance on those uneven sidewalks.

Post by Amanda LaMela