I will admit it. I am a perfectionist. This summer’s goal: to have a perfect New York summer (inexpensively). This means I will be heading to every free concert, outdoor movie screening, parade, and street fair that time, reason, and an Unlimited MetroCard will allow. And of course sharing the perfect outfits to accompany these urban adventures.

First up was the 32nd annual Museum Mile Festival, otherwise known as “New York’s Biggest Block Party.” Chalk drawing, street vendors, musicians, and free entry to all the museums on the 23 blocks between 82nd and 105th streets on Fifth Avenue? Perfect. Plus it’s always fun to walk (and do some chalk drawing!) right in the middle of Fifth Avenue without risking death from oncoming traffic.

One of my favorite chalk drawings:

Alexandra Lotero (CC '12)

With so much of interest on the street, I could barely pull myself away to get inside the museums. But I did manage to enter the Met and the Guggenheim, despite long, long lines. “Picasso in the Metropolitan Museum of Art” was a personal favorite, and the exhibition room featuring Blue Period paintings was particularly stunning:

Alexandra Lotero (CC '12)

Although the Museum Mile Festival has come and gone, the Picasso exhibition continues until August, so put your free admission as Columbia students to good use!

And as promised, my pick for the perfect museum-going dress:

urbanoutfitters.com

P.S. Check out the annual Mermaid Parade at Coney Island this Saturday the 19th!

Alexandra Lotero

Copy Editor

Columbia’s biggest attraction is, of course, New York City. Slowly, even those who hail from around the world eventually begin to think of themselves as New Yorkers – it’s impossible not to get caught up in the bustle and energy of the city. However, now that finals are approaching, I am reminiscing wistfully about soon escaping back to a more simpler, slower pace of life in my hometown in the suburbs of Chicago. Native New Yorkers may guffaw but as much as I love the animation of Manhattan, a whole world in just a tiny island filled to the brim with everything you may need, I miss the lack of cluttered storefronts and one way streets. I find myself thinking about the trees in my backyard, the open highways, the large expanses of green unmarked by green or red flags… Seems like I’m not the only one thinking of a pastoral change of scene either – pretty pastoral looks flooded Spring 2010 runways.

Dainty Florals

Remove the black nail polish, wipe off the smudged eyeliner, put away those torn skinny jeans and pack up the black leather jackets. Don a pretty, light, summery dress and even edgy New York girls can be sweet.  Pair with a dandelion crown and you’re good to go! (Remember making those in your childhood? Or was it just me?)

Alberta Ferretti and Ralph Lauren

Style.com

Light Country Patterns

Plaid and gingham always evoke a sense of homely nostalgia like sitting on the porch eating warm cherry pie and downing cold apple cider…except my family’s Chinese so basically we were wholly lacking in the desert/sweets department and had tea or this cold green-bean soup thing that was only barely sweet instead, but one can imagine no? Also, check out that awesome Vivienne Westwood straw hat with a frog on top!

Vivienne Westwood and Christopher Kane

Style.com

The Milkmaid Look

I put this one up because my French professor (Vincent Aurora any one?) of whom I am a huge fan went on a energetic rant about milking cows and goats in Bulgaria during our last class today. I now know the French verb for “to milk an animal” is traire, “to breastfeed” is allaiter, and lacter is only used in scientific terms for “to lactate” – who knew the French were so specific about milk? So while I’m not sure how practical this look is (the braids are pretty awesome! Think Sienna Miller during the 2007 Golden Globes), it’s my small tribute to one of Vincent’s many entertaining tangents.

Bottega Veneta and Oscar de la Renta

Style.com

So now that I’ve bombarded you with everything that is not New York, is anyone interested in taking a basket-weaving class with me? Just kidding. Sort of.

Sharon Wu
Design Director