all time favorite spots

There are few things that excite me more than stumbling upon a great little boutique with unique inventory or a delicious, off-beat restaurant. Whenever I'm exploring, especially in Boston and New York, I love to take the business cards of my finds for future reference. I keep a few of my favorites posted up on my bulletin board at my desk.



POOR LITTLE RICH GIRL is a small vintage shop whose second location is on on Newbury St. in Boston. (The original one is in Somerville.) The selection is limited, but what the store does have is wonderful dresses, feather headbands, and great vintage heels. The girl who works there is so sweet too! I bought the black romper there last Saturday!! *[See past two posts. Do I seem a bit obsessed with this romper? I think so.]

AKIMBO is this little tchotchke shop in Copenhagen that carries all sorts of cute toys and gifts, including jewelry handmade by the owner. I could have spent all day there admiring all of the pretty nick-nacks and doo-dads.



I couldn't resist this neon pink string bracelet (obv):


I never take this bracelet off- I've been wearing it since I was in Copen in August. Unfortunately, the pink paint has worn off the little bell.

SUGAR SWEET SUNSHINE is a fun little bakery in New York's Lower East Side. A couple years ago, my friend Jessie dragged me across lower Manhattan to try it out, and it was well worth the walk. In addition to a large variety of creative cupcakes (everyone's favorite) they also have amazing old-fashioned banana pudding (the kind with Nilla Wafers-- so yum!).

OAK is a boutique also located on Newbury St. that carries handcrafted items by all different artists. I love the Lego rings and the plastic candy sprinkle heart necklace. It's an awesome store if you're looking to get a gift for someone special- and the prices are very reasonable. My friend Allison and I picked up copies of Boston's Motion Affair Planner here to give each other as birthday gifts. The MAP is a daily planner + guide of cool things to do around Boston. Flip through one if you ever see it! (Or better yet, buy one for yourself!) I decorated mine, obviously.


BARLOLA is, as the card says, a Tapas Lounge in Back Bay in Boston. Though the card isn't as whimsical as the others on my bulletin board, it is equally as deserving of its spot there. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the food is delicious (I suggest the tuna canapés) and they are known for their sangria and other fruity mixed drinks. Allison and I had our birthday party here last month and everybody loved it! Really, one of the best nights ever.

OVANDO on Bleeker Street in New York is the most gorgeous florist I've ever encountered. Every time I walk past, which is often, I always tell whomever I'm with that this florist will be doing my wedding flowers. The first time I saw this shop, the window display was covered entirely with bright blue peacock feathers- love at first sight! They always have the pinkest orchids and the most creative window displays. If The Neon Tea Party lasts long enough to see my wedding (and if Ovando is still in business, of course) I promise to upload pictures of my floral arrangements. I actually dream about what they're going to look like. No joke.

Peace, Love and Neon,
Marisa