Simple Sweets

This March marks the third anniversary of my life in NYC and thus the blog, RexrodeAndTheCity. Readership this month was at a new high, at an average of about 18 views per day from not only the US, but around the world. Nothing motivates me to write more than knowing people are curious. So thank you fans! I believe the traditional third anniversary gift is something leather. I do appreciate fine leather goods so please contact me for a mailing address if you'd like to send a gift. :)

Maybe I'll have a piece of cake to celebrate the anniversary. I could easily bake one. Our kitchen is currently well stocked with baking supplies as Jen is perfecting a "simple sweet" worthy of the National Pillsbury bake-off. If she qualifies she goes to Vegas and first prize is a million dollars. Her top-secret creation is a serious contender so hey, you never know. Every baker needs a taste tester, a job I'm more than qualified for given my insatiable sweet tooth. This tooth should not be confused with the one that suffered a traumatic root canal last year. My sweet tooth was spared and is thriving.

In other news, my national board exam is one week from this Monday (Ahhhh!). I got an 80% on my most recent practice exam which did boost my confidence a bit. Passing the boards requires a 75% and people who have taken it do say that it's a little more straight forward than practice tests. I hope they're right. I don't think you can ever feel prepared enough for such a difficult, broad topic exam. I have taken and reviewed 8 practice tests (almost 1,500 questions) at this point and study everyday. What more can I do? My exam is April 8th at 9am so say a prayer!

Speed Walking

Why does it seem to rain or snow when you most need it not to? For me it’s almost every time I have to trek to school across LIC, get groceries, or do laundry. There’s nothing quite like having your warm, dry laundry re-wet on your walk home after spending a few bucks and waiting half an hour for the dryer to do its thing. To be fair though, this is a very wet place to live and running those pesky errands is a weekly occurrence. I shouldn’t complain.

Through a few winters here, I have learned that even in mid March it’s not uncommon to get a late winter snow storm and the arctic temperatures that follow. This was the case on Friday. Friday began as a typical cold, late winter day of average gloominess. But after racking my brain with my study group for a few hours in the afternoon, I exited the college doors to find a different world awaiting me. The snow and sleet were coming down heavy and sideways. Of course I had no boots, umbrella, or even a hood to throw over me. It was me versus Mother Nature for the 20 minute walk home.

If you think I walk fast as it is, you should see me in inclement weather. On my way I hurried past people walking leisurely down the sidewalk and through crowds waiting in line at food trucks along the curb. What is wrong with these people? Aren’t they getting cold and wet? The snow and freezing rain didn’t seem to register with a certain production company either, because with just a couple more blocks to go, I sped right through some film set. “Hey, um, sir, can you please cross the street,” they requested. But it was too late, I was too fast. I also got a text from my brother at this moment asking how things were. For whatever reason I could only think to respond with, "I feel like I live in Russia." This got him on a rant about the Russian mob, fallen USSR, and singing their national anthem, not surprisingly if you know him. 

Making it home and walking into a warm, cozy apartment after a walk like that is priceless… until I realize Pup needs to go out. I guess there’s quite a bit of Florida blood left in me. I hate to be cold.

The next day they were still filming, and this time I did cross the street and go around. Taped to a lamp post, the location permit stated the filming was for a TV pilot of a show called The Tomorrow People. So keep your eyes peeled during that one, I might be in it. 

Fusion Fashion Show 2013 Video

Without further adieu, I give you my highlights video of the 2013 Fusion Fashion Show. And yes, that is me hidden under that black shirt. It's a shame to cover such a face, I know. lol.

The video seems to stick in two places, once towards the beginning and once at the end. Vimeo says that the HD version is still being converted which I hope will resolve this issue.

Anyway, thank you all for your continued interest and support. As more photos and videos of Fusion are released online, I will make sure to post them here. Enjoy!


FUSION FASHION SHOW 2013 from Matt Rexrode on Vimeo.

Fusion, Past and Present

Ironically, we’re missing a sermon on vanity tomorrow to attend a fashion show in which I’m modeling. True story. Featured below are Youtube videos of the whole show (in 2 parts) from last year. I’ll post this year's show video after I do some editing next week, but in the mean time you can watch these to get your Fusion Fashion Show fix. If I wasn't exhausted and it after midnight, I would include all the times that I was in the video so you could drag right to it. I just couldn't do it. I'm in a few collections, so have fun hunting.

Finally, below are Jen and her cousins work'n it on the Maybelline NY red carpet. It was pretty small. More like a red throw rug. Nonetheless, the girls went home with free makeup and Elle magazines. Nice.

Fusion Fashion Show, Part Deux

I owe a big thank you to my friend, Designer and Stylist Blair Moore for talking me into attending the Fusion model casting two years ago. Being chosen to model in the Parson’s/ FIT Fusion Fashion Show is a great opportunity, but when asked if I’m excited to be in it again I may respond with an indifferent, “I guess.” This is not because I’m trying to be cool (or am cool for that matter). Especially in the month leading up to the show, I do prepare, but the reality and excitement doesn’t hit me until a day or two before.

So here we are just days before; with rehearsals tomorrow evening and the shows this weekend, I feel it’s here and it’s getting exciting. Adding to it is the news that there will be some pretty impressive judges this year, including Fashion News Director at Elle Magazine, Anne Slowey, Fashion Editor at Teen Vogue, Mary Kate Steinmiller, Designer Todd Thomas, and Editor In Chief of SCENE Magazine, Peter Davis. These people will be looking at me this weekend, what!?

I don’t know as much about the designers I’m working with or their designs this year, but from what I did see I should be looking ok. Unlike last year’s fashion shows, I’m fully covered (No backless knit sweaters, clear plastic tops, or fur shorts) and I’m ok with that. I’m most looking forward to walking for an Asian designer that is doing really classic, tailored menswear.

Because March snuck up on us and the shows seemed to sell out quickly this year, Jen could only get tickets to two shows. I’ll see what I can do to get her into more, especially the last show with the judges. Of course, Jen will be taking pictures and we’ll post those here by early next week. 

Wish me luck. Say a prayer. I hope not to break a leg, or even stumble!

Dry Spell, Over

Jen says she thinks I'd be a good face recognition specialist for the FBI. I may not remember your name, even after you've just introduced yourself, but I'll know exactly where I met you when I run into again in three years. The person may be a server or cashier from a place we've only visited once, one of our previous mail-people (we've oddly had four or five while in this apartment), and D-list (or even E-list) celebrities.  

Seeing one of these aforementioned D-list celebrities today will hopefully mark the end of our star-spotting dry spell. On the way to The Journey church this morning, which currently meets at The Hotel Pennsylvania, we passed Michelle Beadle. I was like, "Hey, look who it is!" If she looks familiar but you can't place her, she has hosted several sports, entertainment, and reality-based shows. We recognized her from Access Hollywood, and Entertainment Tonight. I also read she's a big dog lover and advocate. Good for her.

I know, I know, it's not the most impressive sighting. We had lunch and spent the rest of our day doing some shopping in SOHO. I was a little surprised we didn't see anyone famous there, as the area is usually crawling with them. Next time.