Topshop Haul Review

I just received my Topshop order today. I discovered Topshop by Googling clothes with peplum, which I LOVE because it covers up my less than perfect belly and makes me feel more feminine. Thank goodness it is the hottest trend now, instead of, say, the poncho trend a few years ago, which I refused to partake.

I decided to give Topshop a try after deciding not to place my order of a peplum dress by Alice and Olivia, which is around $300. Yes, Alice and Olivia is a great designer, but $300 is a bit high. I would rather spend money on high end accessories such as a bag or shoes. Plus, after trying on the Alice and Olivia Victoria peplum dress, which did not cover the imperfection of my poochy belly because the peplum is too short, I am glad I discovered Topshop. The Topshop peplum is way more effective for covering up the effects of childbirth, fibroids, late night
snacks, etc., etc.

I am sooooo pleased with my Topshop order. Even though it took about two weeks to arrive, which is a bit longer than Asos or Banana Republic, I am in love with my new peplum pieces. There is a Topshop in Soho in New York, but it has been a busy few weeks, so I could not make it to the store. However, I am happy that I have the option of going to the Soho Topshop to try things on. I also don't think that the tall sizes are available in store.

My favorites are:

The scuba black peplum skirt in the tall size. I am not particularly tall, 5'5", but I like a longer skirt for the office. The tall skirt falls to my knee, professional yet slightly sexy. The scuba is so comfy and stretchy, which I can report from a few months of wear of another Topshop scuba skirt. I love the scuba skirt so much I also ordered it in pink. I have seen a similar Jason Wu "pretty in pink" dress with a pink peplum skirt but I surmise it cost a lot more than my entire Topshop order.  I was right: The Jason Wu Pretty in Pink dress has a price tag of $3165 and it is all sold out at Nordstrom!
Take a look at this link on the Fashion Spot.

Topshop Scuba Skirt in Tall

OMG is what I have to say about the peplum jacket with the zipper. Very Lady Gaga but a bit more toned down.

Topshop Jacket

The red peplum short sleeve top is made with a rib material that feels kinds of stiff. I have a similar top from ASOS that is made with stretchy ponti that I love.

The red skirt is the only item in my order I am not too sure about. It is a nice color and a pretty chiffon-like fabric, but it did not look as good on me as the other pieces. If I change my mind, I will post it here.  I am happy with the way the items came with nice hangers, especially for the skirts, and plastic protective covers.  For someone as addicted to shopping as I am, I am glad I don't have to worry about buying more hangers for my new outfits.  Way to go, Topshop!

 

 

 

 

 

9/11 Memorial

Today marks the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that killed over 3,000 people on that day. People are also dying from cancer and other diseases due to the toxic dust from 9/11. Let's take a moment to honor the memory of those who died. These pictures show that we are not defeated. We will never forget.

Wall Street

Today I walked on Wall Street to get to Luke's Lobster at 26 S. Williams Street, which I saw on How I Made My Millions on CNBC.  Supposedly, Luke's lobster roll is less watery than other lobster rolls.  You know I love my lobster, so I had to try it.  There were many tourists taking photos on Wall Street, so I joined in on the fun.  Take a look at the photos below. 

As for the Luke's Lobster, I splurged and had the Taste of Maine, with half a shrimp roll, half lobster roll, half crab roll with pickle, chips and soda.  I picked the Maine ginger ale, which was spicy and good.  They were out of Jonah crab claws, so I also got a clam chowder.  Yes, it was a big lunch, but I skipped breakfast (I swear).  The rolls were really delicious.  I think the shrimp roll is the best, then lobster second, and crab third.  I did see hardend pieces of butter on top of the seafood, which was kind of weird.  They put a sprinkling of Old Bay-like seasoning, which added to the flavor.  The pickle was only a quarter of a pickle, so not enough for the Taste of Maine feast.  The verdict?  I would go back to Luke's Lobster again. 

 

 

Victorian Gardens at Wollman Rink in Central Park

Victorian Gardens at Wollman Rink in Central Park is an amusement park in Central Park during the warmer months.  What makes this amusement park worth a visit is the fabulous views of the buildings in Manhattan when you go on the rides.

Battery Park in the Springtime

Battery Park is especially beautiful in the springtime, with all the pretty flowers and river views. Here are some photos of the flowers at Battery Park.


“Ulysses” by Ugo Attradi, Battery Park City, New York

Purple Tulips in Rockefeller Park, Battery Park City, New York

Statue of Liberty

What is the easiest and cheapest way to see the Statue of Liberty?  The Staten Island Ferry, of course!  The Staten Island Ferry runs often, especially during rush hour, and it is FREE!

Statue of Liberty

 

Battery Park

In my opinion, Battery Park (aka Hudson River Park) is the most beautiful park in New York City.   It is home to Stuyvesant High School, Candy's alma mater, and Candy often reminisces about her high school days while walking along the Hudson River and breathing in the fresh salt water air (a form of peaceful meditation).  From Pier 25, you get a great view of Stuyvesant High School and the World Trade Center.

Stuyvesant High School at Battery Park with World Trade Center in the background

Lounge chairs at Pier 25 with a view of the Statue of Liberty

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Lobster Deals

Unfortunately for New Yorkers, there are not as many lobster deals in New York, than, let's say, Boston.  Recently, I had the twin lobster deal for $28.95 at Tia's in Boston, which came with French fries and cole slaw.  I have not found a similar deal in New York, but I am still looking, and will report back here.

Twin Lobster deal for $28.95 at Tia's in Boston

In Chinatown in New York, I found this great lobster deal at ABC Restaurant at 34 Pell Street: $20.95 for a fresh live lobster cooked anyway you like (ginger and scallion, black bean sauce, salt and pepper, etc.) over crispy pan fried noodles and vegetables.

Lobster with Black Bean Sauce over Pan Fried Noodles at ABC Chinese Restaurant in Chinatown, NY

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At Del Posto, I found a three course lunch special that comes with a choice of the Lobster Fra Diavolo appetizer for an additional $10 supplement ($49 total for a three course lunch). The Lobster Fra Diavolo is absolutely delicious with a spicy tomato sauce and seaweed and is well worth the extra $10.



Lobster Fra Diavolo at Del Posto

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