District L

Brunching is a lifestyle choice, a necessary weekend institution that provides vital post-party nourishment and recollection. Each Sunday (and sometimes Saturday,) New Yorkers flock to their favorite eateries for a social outing full of bottomless mimosas and warm comfort food.

Let’s not ignore the obvious: Waking up on Sunday is not always the painless, graceful task we make it out to be. Luckily, we are willing to divulge some of our helpful tips to brunching fabulously.

“I usually go for a dress because it’s only one decision,” Madisen explained this past Sunday. “And typically, there’s one laying on my floor, so I’m multi-tasking… getting dressed and cleaning up.” This weekend, she traipsed into LEVANTeast on Rivington wearing a dress by Sans Souci, a feather earring by BOX 185’s Sarah Keiser, and a slouchy hat to “cover up last night’s hair.”

Nick, arriving fashionably late as usual, donned his new porkpie hat (a’la Hermes Spring Summer 2011.) While our color palette was muted and neutral, the Sunday morning banter was not. Needless to say, Nick found the bottom of his bottomless mimosa… all in order to get his daily intake of Vitamin C, of course. Luckily, his ensemble provided the streamlined and minimalistic style that our attitudes had lacked.

In step with Madisen’s Brunch-Dress Theory, I wore an animal-print dress by Lois Eastlund. Combined with a black knit vest and multi-key necklace by Mint Julep, I was ready to take on an entire Sunday afternoon of brunching in the LES.

But don’t be fooled – Brunching isn’t all about effortless dressing and even more effortless daydrinking. A lot of thought goes into choosing our locations too. First, it has to be local – easy to get to by subway, but even easier to grab a taxi home. Second, the acoustics and crowd need to be right – quiet enough to hear what your friends are saying, and more importantly, loud enough so no one else can.

Last weekend, LEVANTeast (THOR) filled all of the aforementioned requirements. No one batted a lash at our brunch-time photography, as Rachel captured some of the most animated facial expressions witnessed east of Allen Street.

Finally, no Sunday is complete without some post-Brunch shopping. Before heading to our own corners of town, Rachel and the three DL monkeys bought a slew of goodies from Lois Eastlund, BOX 185, and Attitude by Jeanne.

Photography © Copyright 2010 Rachel A. Cuyler 2010 All rights reserved

After a long and excessive Thanksgiving holiday, I took to the streets for some retail-induced cardio. Even in this crisp autumn weather, I find it’s easier to maintain my energy level when fashion is on the agenda, and isn’t it always?

Yesterday began with some velvet appreciation at Lois Eastlund, as I snapped some photos in her newest arrivals, met her new mascots, and browsed her dress archives. Mini Lois was sitting pretty among the freshly-placed Christmas decorations, enjoying her new plastic man-friend... But that story is to be continued.

After another blissful visit to 153 Ludlow, I made my way over to Mint Julep to peruse their array of unique accessories. Trend right and playful, this Ludlow Street boutique tapped into the sailor theme we enjoyed this past NYFW.

While my DL counterparts often take successful trips to Beacon's Closet, I rarely try my hand at second-hand. Keeping this in mind, I took baby steps right into Foley + Corinna. They tastefully mix top-quality vintage accessories with their own partygirl collection, so I wasn’t immediately compelled to scrub my hands after leaving. Although I didn’t score any merchandise, I did overhear the sales associate gushing about how lucky they’ve been with acquiring luxe furs. ::Hint::Hint::

Post F + C, I had worked up quite an appetite. I decided to visit my friends at BisousCiao Macrons. (Don’t worry, their delicious treats are gluten-free.) As I picked a few of my favorite flavors, the smiling French man behind the counter warned that my beloved fall recipes would soon be so-last-season. So if you have not yet tasted their pumpkin spice macron, you’d better hurry.

Last but not least, I headed down to The Young Designers Market on 268 Mulberry Street to visit Sarah from Box 185 and check out her fun assortment of accessories. With liberal use of feathers, leather, and fringe, Box 185 offered an exciting collection that’s just too cool to miss.

Unfortunately, my fun took a brief intermission when Chase AutoAlerts reminded me that I have rent to pay. Luckily, there is a place on the Lower East Side to relieve oneself of such pain. Aptly named Painkiller, the “60s-punk-tiki-bar” on Essex Street serves creative drinks beneath flames and inside seashells, meant to be shared among friends.

Who says there’s no cure for the Sunday blues?

Post by Amanda LaMela