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Midtown Girl Lifestyle & Fashion Editorial: Dating 2.0, Fashion & Style, NYC Living!
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In this Wednesday’s SIMC epi, we have the Always Candid:
Ice Queen from The Constant Chill,
on location in New Jersey!
How would you describe the ‘dating scene’ in your city?

In my specific city the dating scene is limited. If you didn’t fall in love while you were in high school then good luck to you! Seriously, I’m pretty much a spinster compared to the rest of my graduating class. Sure, I was in love in high school. Who wasn’t? I would have to say that New Jersey as a whole is also limited. Don’t like the beach? Sorry. Don’t like the club scene? Good luck.

Have you in the past or are you currently, online-dating?

I haven’t, but my friends have and I’ve heard many mixed reviews. Some have said that it’s great and they’ve met a lot of interesting people. Others have told me about old, creepy men pretending to be 20 years younger and wanting them to come over to their “bachelor pad” and go for “a midnight dip”. I’m just not willing to take that risk.

If yes, in your opinion, do you think online-dating is a better way to meet new people rather than the traditional meet at a bar/club/restaurant/bookstore/where-ever, scene? Why?

Personally, I think there’s something more romantic about meeting someone in person. It’s exciting to think about how you just happened to be in the same place at the same time like it was meant to be. Maybe I’m just old fashioned.

What sort of guys do you try to avoid like the plague?

Frat boys. Don’t laugh…I’m serious. You know that guy who names his red Honda Civic, blasts his club remix playlist, and has the backwards baseball hat on with the polo? Yeah…he’s from Jersey.

What are some of your favorite date spots to go to for dinner/cocktails or both (yay!)?

Lucky for me, I love going down the shore. I’m the type of person who enjoys group dates every now and then (as long as I’m not forced to party with his friends constantly). D’Jais in Belmar seems to be popular among my age group (early-mid 20′s) but I’m more into the beach itself.

What is your staple go-to date outfit? Pics please!

I’ve always been casual so I think I would wear something like this:

Okay….so this girl is like what? 15? Give me a break…I teach first grade. I’m very familiar with Disney celebrities. I also can’t afford to know anything about fashion. It would just make me sad. (I think I need help. Please????)

What would you consider to be the most romantic attribute of your city?

The most romantic attribute of Jersey is the shore. For me, there’s nothing better than the ocean. If your not into that then there are some great mountain sites up north and of course Manhattan is right across the river. There really is something for everyone. One of my favorite local places is Laico’s in Jersey City. It’s small, semi casual, and you can never go wrong with Italian.

Thank you tons Ice Queen! Loved your inside view of the NJ dating scene!!

I definitely have past experience dating NJ Guys – not sure if that’s a good or bad thing – LOL…I kid of course;-)

AND – Make sure to check back every Wednesday for another blogisode of my “Single in My City” Series!

Please feel free to email me if you are interested in participating in SIMC!!!

kissies,

p.s. I just got a look-see at the illustration done of the Midtown Girl & Olive Hue Designs Giveway winner, Ali from The Way I See It!!

It looks GORGEOUS!! Go check out the amazing work HERE AND

p.p.s. Done with the stalking dammit – changing my number ASAP… XOXO!

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In this Wednesday’s SIMC epi, we have the sassy:
Lauren from The Offbeat Report,
on location in San Francisco!


A little about me…
I just moved to San Francisco three months ago from Colorado. Got a great job in an incredible city! I love it out here, everything about the city is magical. It’s been a huge change for me, coming from Colorado to California. But every step of the ride has been totally worth it! Best decision I ever made!

How would you describe the ‘dating scene’ in your city?

San Francisco is young – that’s what I love about it. There are young people everywhere. There is always something to do, somewhere to go. The energy is wild. There are so many restaurants and bars in the city (and the outskirts), the question is always, “Ah! Where should we go tonight!” I’m also a firm believer in creating your own opportunities.

Have you in the past or are you currently, online-dating?

I moved to San Francisco a little over three months ago. When I moved, I knew no one. Like, not a single soul. So, I joined this site to try and meet people. I left it open so girls could contact me, too, if they were in the same situation I was. Low and behold, I met some great guys who wanted to show me around! There’s no better way to see a new city than to go on dates.

If yes, in your opinion, do you think online-dating is a better way to meet new people rather than the traditional meet at a bar/club/restaurant/bookstore/where-ever, scene? Why?

Holy cow, yes. I have dated my fair share of “frogs” and I can tell you this right now… online dating is great. Look at it like this – when you apply for a job, you send an email with your resume attached. Then, you hope that they like your resume enough to call you in for an interview. Now, you have the opportunity to rock the interview and subsequently get the position you applied for. Well, being my boyfriend is a position to be earned in the company of “Lauren.” And I don’t just hire anyone. Dating online allows these guys to “submit their resume” to me and then I can decide if I want to meet them in person. I, personally, think it narrows down the scope and allows you to make more of an educated decision on who you want to spend your time with. After all, your time is precious!

Would you recommend online-dating to your friends/family, etc.?

Absolutely. I would, of course, remind them to be safe and only meet people in public places for the first time. But, it’s a great way to get to know someone before physically meeting them. Then, the first time you meet, it’s not nearly as awkward.. The only weird part is the question, “How did you guys meet?” While online dating is definitely becoming more and more accepted, it still comes with some stereotypes. Meh, I say embrace it!

What sort of guys do you try to avoid like the plague?

I’m fairly picky with guys I choose to invest serious time and effort into. However, I’m an equal opportunity dater. I’m at an age now where I want someone who has a job, has their head on straight, and treats me right. Doesn’t seem like much, does it? You’d be surprised.

Is there a specific “type” that runs rampant in your city?

San Francisco is divided into little districts. Depending on where you are in the city, you could be surrounded by hipsters, Latinos, grunge, 25-year-old frat boys, punks, or normal average-joes. Totally depends. But, you can find every type of guy out here – that’s the beauty of living in the city!

What are some of your favorite date spots to go to for dinner/cocktails or both (yay!)?

Oooh, there are lots to choose from. I really just like going somewhere that I haven’t been before. I’m all about the fun, energetic ambiance. I love Le Colonial downtown, Betelnut in the Marina, Martuni’s in the Mission, but I am always up for trying new things. I don’t like going to loud clubs on a first date, however… kinda sends the message that you don’t care what I have to say…

What is your staple go-to date outfit? Pics please!

Deciding what to wear is a tough! It all depends on the guy and the plans. For casual dates, I usually just wear a cute sweater or top and boots. Boots are HUGE in San Francisco and I LOVE them. Like, L-O-V-E. I think tucking pants into boots is a really easy way to add a little sass to the outfit. So even when dressing casual, you can dress it up a bit with some boots. And don’t forget the accessories!

When the date is a bit dressier, I LOVE wearing bright colors with contrasting black. There is nothing sexier than black skinny jeans and killer heels. I have so many heels it’s hard to choose. San Francisco also gets cold at night, so this outfit is great paired with a little leather jacket.

What would you consider to be the most romantic attribute of your city?

Between the city lights and the beautiful bay, I don’t think there is anything that’s not romantic about this city.

Thank you so much Lauren! Loved reading about the San Fran dating scene & the uber helpful online-dating advice – I agree, just go for it!!

Happy mid-week kissies,

p.s. – make sure to check back every Wednesday for another blogisode of my “Single in My City” Series!

p.p.s. – Please feel free to email me if you are interested in participating in SIMC!!!
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In this Wednesday’s SIMC blogisode, we have the wonderful:
Alianna from The Almost Journal,
on location in Toronto, Canada!
How would you describe the ‘dating scene’ in your city?

Diverse. There are so many people with a wide array of backgrounds. Plus, there are so many different types of activities to do on a date in Toronto: you could go traditional with dinner, a movie or drinks, or you could try one of the many museums or festivals the occur throughout the year; for example, Saturday past was Nuit Blanche which runs all night and is a city-wide art exhibit.

Have you in the past or are you currently, online-dating?

Yes, I am currently on a dating website. I haven’t really met anyone online and I’m becoming very disenchanted with it. I think I would prefer to meet someone out and about in the city.

If yes, in your opinion, do you think online-dating is a better way to meet new people rather than the traditional meet at a bar/club/restaurant/bookstore/where-ever, scene? Why?

I think it depends on the person. Online dating worked for me before, but it’s not working for me now. It’s a great way to meet people, but I’m not sure it’s a great way to meet potential boyfriends (or girlfriends, as the case may be). I find a lot of people are trying to put their best foot forward and are consequently, not necessarily putting their most honest foot forward. Even when it’s unintentional, some people seem to be too stringent in their qualifications and others are too forgiving of things they would like in a potential date; whereas, when meeting someone out in the world, there are less connotations and more unknowns. I would never recommend meeting someone at a bar or club in Toronto; the scene seems to be too much of a scene. I would prefer to meet someone at a bookstore or a restaurant and developing the basics of a friendship over something we have in common, or even something we differ on, instead of online where I am wondering if they look like their picture and their profile is accurate. Not everyone is good at describing themselves in a 500 word box. I feel like I miss a lot of people because their writing is not catchy enough.

Would you recommend online-dating to your friends/family, etc.?

Despite the above paragraph, I would recommend online dating to anyone looking to meet new people. It’s difficult to meet people post-university and it’s a fun experience even if it leads nowhere.

What sort of guys do you try to avoid like the plague?

I don’t really have a type, but I really dislike club kids and greasy dudes. I try to avoid anyone without maturity; guys that want to go get drunk every weekend are too immature for me. I like going out, dancing and drinking, but I also have things I want to do with my time.

Is there a specific “type” that runs rampant in your city?

Toronto is very multicultural, but I see a lot of greasy, meterosexual dudes that are so unattractive.

What are some of your favorite date spots to go to for dinner/cocktails or both (yay!)?

In the summer, I’m a huge fan of the harbourfront. It’s cliché, but it’s very close, there’s always something going on and you can always just grab ice cream and talk. I also like the Rivoli or Eat My Martini. If it’s a very special occasion, there is a terrific restaurant on Ward’s Island: The Rectory Café.

In the winter, I prefer cozy spots. Some of my favourites are Kalendar on College or Harbord House for dinner on Harbord St. I love sushi and I think it’s one of the sexiest things to try on a date; there are tons of great sushi places in the city! Bloor west of Spadina has tons of sushi places, New Generation is one of the best known. There are also a couple on Queen St. W. A smaller, but very awesome lounge for drinks is Touche, on College. Almost no one knows about it, but it still manages to be busy on a Saturday night. I’ll never forget one date where we went to the Park Hyatt lounge: The Roof Lounge. I had the best martini in the city and the patio is usable even in the winter because of the heaters and high balcony. It’s very expensive though.

What is your staple go-to date outfit? Pics please!

I’m a dress kind of girl, so I usually go with a light dress and some heels in the summer. I add a cardigan and boots in the winter. I don’t want to go for something too casual or too fancy. I usually try for an upscale casual look that works for museums to drinks to billiards to dinner. I don’t have pics of myself but I looked online and found some:

What would you consider to be the most romantic attribute of your city?

Toronto is such a diverse city. Depending on what you want, you can find it in one of the areas. We have everything and every kind of cuisine. It’s like Europe-light; it’s colder, but so full of life. There are always people out and around during the evening or on the weekend. We also have the added bonus of the waterfront and the Island.

How hilariously honest is Alianna!!
YAY to another Online-Dater and thank you so much for your insight love, I forgot how amazing Toronto is – makes me reminisce of my i-banking days back at Royal Bank of Canada! (btw, their golf courses are stunning too)

Happy mid-week kissies,

p.s. – make sure to check back every Wednesday for another blogisode of my “Single in My City” Series!

p.p.s. – Please feel free to email me if you are interested in participating in SIMC!!!
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In this Wednesday’s SIMC blogisode, we have the beautiful:
Alix from AlixRose, on location in Seattle!

How would you describe the ‘dating scene’ in your city?

It’s really hard to describe because I don’t really feel like there is an actual scene. I love Seattle, the bars, the clubs, the restaurants – they all have an amazing vibe and feel. I definitely can’t wait for Friday night. The most attractive thing about “the scene” is that its very relaxed.

But that can also be the problem. Seattle is social, but people are social within their groups. Its not a bad thing, its just that we like to hang out with our friends. So the dating scene is usually restricted to who you know or to who your friends hang out with.

Have you in the past or are you currently, online-dating?

I’ve never done online dating, but I know people who have or currently are, I get mixed reviews. I am still giving it serious consideration.

If yes, in your opinion, do you think online-dating is a better way to meet new people rather than the traditional meet at a bar/club/restaurant/bookstore/where-ever, scene? Why?

Even though I’ve never done it, am still going to answer this question. I am considering it because I have done the whole meet someone in a bar or party thing before, obviously it never worked out or I wouldn’t be single.. ;)

But at least online you have a chance to get to know the person better before there is any number exchanging. I know people think its a little scary, but not as scary as meeting someone in a bar and giving them your number.

What sort of guys do you try to avoid like the plague?

I don’t really want to put anyone down so it might be easier for me to answer what I do like. A guy who takes pride in what he looks like, who has manners and can keep me interested in a conversation. I have to say even though am a social person I can be shy.

Is there a specific “type” that runs rampant in your city?

I don’t think there’s a type, but it really depends on which part of Seattle you are in.. but then that can be said for any city. I know when people think Seattle, they think Microsoft, grunge and hooded fleeces – Yes we have that, but I wouldn’t define Seattle by those types.

What are some of your favorite date spots to go to for dinner/cocktails or both (yay!)?

I think I go against the norm. I am not all for the quiet intimate setting. I like it where its a little lively, maybe even live music. A few weeks ago I headed with a few friends to a show at the new redone Crocodile. We watched a show and then headed over to the adjacent Tribulani and enjoyed some pizzas and wine. I couldn’t help thinking about how fun of a date that would be.

What is your staple go-to date outfit? Pics please!

The most important thing is to feel good in your outfit. As a petite lady I know that usually a dress or some fancy shorts will make my petite legs look long. I also like to go for royal colors because it bring out my skin tone. I can not leave the house with out some jewelry and a pair of heels. That’s my go to outfit for any night I want to feel good. What would you consider to be the most romantic attribute of your city?

Its hard to just name one. We are blessed to have the mountains, the water and brilliant blue skies all within eyes view. Seattle is romance.

I can’t wait to visit Seattle one day!!! AND – I sure as heck can’t wait to see one of my uber-fav bloggy-bud turned IRL great friends, Alix Rose.
Thank you & love you tons dahling!!!

Mid-week kissies,

p.s. – make sure to check back every Wednesday for another blogisode of my “Single in My City” Series!

p.p.s. – Please feel free to email me if you are interested in participating in SIMC!!!
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In this Wednesday’s SIMC blogisode, we have the wonderful:
K from Blog Goggles,on location in Hong Kong!

Hello ladies!

As some of you know, I’ve been living in Hong Kong for over a year now (though I’m an American through and through). During this time, I’ve not only been diligently following Midtown Girl’s “Single in my City” series, but I’ve also been exploring the HK social scene [full disclosure: I do have a boyfriend, but all my friends are single and I'm a flirt]. I just had to share my experiences in international dating, and am so happy she allowed me to join in!

Hong Kong harbor at Chinese New Year


Is there a specific “type” that runs rampant in your city? How would you describe the ‘dating scene’ in your city?

I wanted to combine these questions because they address the main issue with Hong Kong’s dating scene – it’s awful reputation (at least for the ladies). HK is an extremely bipolar city, teeming with well-salaried expats and a much larger local population. Most of the expats are men, sent over for work. Though you’d think the gender imbalance would favor the ladies (much as NY’s huge female population favors the lads), the overwhelming stereotype is that foreign men come to Hong Kong and only date local women or their domestic helpers. Or they avoid the hassle of dating and simply visit the many, many professionals.

After a year in Hong Kong, it’s clear that this stereotype is some what rooted in truth (especially amongst the older men). However, in the past few months, my friends and I have discovered a dating goldmine and have been fighting off men with a stick (no, this is not an infomercial). The goldmine is a result of a single discovery: that going to the right places makes all the difference.

Until recently, we didn’t realize that each bar/event attracted a specific crowd of men (e.g. men looking for locals vs. men looking for foreigners). We just went wherever the drinks were tastiest or the music the danciest. By simply targeting the bars known for being foreigner-friendly, our luck has increased 10x. And once you find the right crowd of men, it’s clear that there’s a huge dearth of single, foreign women in Hong Kong, because we could literally line up dates every night of the week. Bonus: many of them have really hot accents.

Once you find the available and willing men, it’s merely a process of finding the right one. On the plus side, most guys are pretty friendly and social, with busy schedules and friends of their own that tend to enhance your social life. In addition, many make pretty good salaries (it costs a lot for a company to move someone here, so most tend to be high-ranking/important). However, one significant minus is that commitment-phobia runs high in this town. Why else would you move to a new continent by yourself if you weren’t content being alone and not interested in settling down? And, like LA for Liz, there’s the constant problem of having too many options!

What sort of guys do you try to avoid like the plague?

Too many: men that only date locals, anyone whose English isn’t up to par (mostly French guys), anyone whose pants are too tight.

Hong Kong party culture

Have you in the past or are you currently, online-dating?

I haven’t! Unfortunately, I’ve been in relationships ever since online dating became popular. I would love to try it, but doubt my boyfriend would be too keen.

What are some of your favorite date spots to go to for dinner/cocktails or both (yay!)?

Hong Kong is full of great date spots. Because it’s a small, mountainous island surrounded by water, the views are gorgeous, especially at night! In particular, I’m crazy for rooftop bars like Sevva and Azure. There’s also a huge boat culture, which I wholeheartedly endorse. And then there’s the beach, mere minutes away on the south side of the island. Of course, if none of this appeals, you can always jet off for a weekend trip to Bali!

What is your staple go-to date outfit? Pics please!

Always skirts or dresses (though this is partially because it’s too hot for pants in Hong Kong). Comfy heels or flats. And generally a cardigan, because restaurants are freezing and I’d rather not have to whine about the temperature.

This is a pic from a recent date. We couldn’t find a taxi home, so I sat on one until we did. Yes, taxis are red here.

What would you consider to be the most romantic attribute of your city?

Almost everyone in Hong Kong is very far away from home, so anything that happens here seems both unreal and exciting. Living here is sort of like an extended vacation.

Thanks again for having me, Midtown Girl! I highly recommend HK for any young single gals who aren’t afraid of a challenge.
xoxo,
K

Wow, I hope to one day visit the ‘Far East Coast’ Hong Kong (and Bali) too. And…how insightful & detailed (not to mention gorgeous) is K?!?!
Thank you so much for giving us the inside view of the Hong Kong dating scene!!!

Mid-week kissies,

p.s. – make sure to check back every Wednesday for another blogisode of my “Single in My City” Series!

p.p.s. – Reminder, please feel free to email me if you are interested in participating in SIMC, only 2 requirements: 1) Be Single & 2) Live in a City (Worldwide)! XOXO

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“Single in My City” is my new Bloggy Series that is dedicated to all the single chicks (and guys!) across the World.
Each week, I will try to have one blogger from a different city, post their answers to a series of questions that relate to the dating scene in their fabulous location! That way we can get an inside view of what dating-life is like…all over the world! HOW FUN right?

This week (and the 1st of the SIMC Series) we have the absolutely fabulush & stunning:

Elizabeth Marie from It’s Unbeweavable,on location in Los Angeles!

How would you describe the ‘dating scene’ in your city?

I write a lot about my frustration with the Los Angeles/Orange County dating scene. I think on both the male and female side, we fundamentally always feel we can find someone better…smarter, hotter, more successful. I’m not saying this is right at all…I can honestly say that we in OC/LA are generally pretty spoiled and that attitude can be tricky when dating. I find that a lot of men here run from the boyfriend label…because there might be someone “better” just around the corner. Us girls do it too, I gotta admit to being guilty. It’s a lot of show and not a lot of substance. But when you do come across someone of substance and more than just a nice car or a hot body, it’s a reminder that some of the most talented, amazing, kind people do live here too…it’s such a melting pot and we have a lot of bad, but a lot of good too! So I’m not totally hating in my turf! :)

Have you in the past or are you currently, online-dating?

Yes I have and I am going to give it another try with a different attitude. The first time I received a lot of pervs and weirdos’ who gave me blog post material for days, as well as a lot of guys just looking for a one night kind of thing. This time I’m going to be a lot more clear about what I want, and way more picky about who I respond to. I didn’t want to come off like a bitch, but let’s be real, I’m not going to like everyone, and vice versa!
If yes, in your opinion, do you think online-dating is a better way to meet new people rather than the traditional meet at a bar/club/restaurant/bookstore/where-ever, scene? Why?


I think both have their pro’s and cons, of course. In LA, if you’re looking for Mr. Right, vs Mr. RightNOW, I’d say stay home in your pj’s and online date it up! The club/bar scene is GROSS out here. If you’re looking for a fun time and no pressure, sure the guys will be all over you at a club/bar, but it’s important to be realistic.

You never know where you will meet someone special though. I don’t want to be so deep in my online dating that I don’t notice the cute guy at Barnes and Noble or worse, shrug him off because “he’s probably a douchebag.”
Would you recommend online-dating to your friends/family, etc.?


I would…just for the “why the heck not?” aspect of it. I know so many people who have met and married someone they met online! I do so much online, I’ve made so many new friendships with girls, girls I consider my best friends…so why not give love a try too?
What sort of guys do you try to avoid like the plague?


Ha. Well, if you read my blog you know I use the lovely term “Douchebag” a lot…but one girls douchebag might be another girls dreamboat. Dreamboat?

I avoid guys who aren’t doing anything with their lives, whatever it might be. I need someone to push me and make me want to be better. I don’t like meatheads. I also avoid guys who don’t have manners! This is a biggie for me! If we hang out and he doesn’t say “please, thank you” etc to our server, or is rude and treats them like they are somehow below…peace out, yo. Respect and kindness are sexy!

Is there a specific “type” that runs rampant in your city?

Ha again. Yes. I’m lucky to live by the beach, so there are a lot of surfer beach bums…easy on the eyes but generally not a lot going on upstairs. But for those times when I just want to say “shhh just sit there and look pretty”, they work like a charm! Also, because it’s L.A, there are tons of struggling actors/writers/models/musicians…”artists”, if you will. I have fallen prey to a musician more times than I’d like to admit. It’s always the musicians with this girl.
What are some of your favorite date spots to go to for dinner/cocktails or both (yay!)?

I think sushi is a fun date…there are a couple small places in Laguna Beach I love. Also Ketchup, Bella and Katsuya in LA…standard LA places, but I like the energy and the people watching. I don’t like going to loud clubs or packed scenester bars on dates…having to repeat “what” over and over isn’t cute….

What is your staple go-to date outfit? Pics please!

Day or night, Southern Cali is pretty casual. My go to date outfit is Jeans, Heels, a motorcycle jacket and some kind of girly top…flowy hair and smoky eyes. I attached pictures of some of The Hills girls…because they do personify L.A casual chic, and the photo of Lauren in the plaid is something I would totally wear on a date. I love getting dressed up, but more often than not, the boys are in flip flops-it’s sunny most of the time here…

What would you consider to be the most romantic attribute of your city?

Ohhh…this is hard. I hate to use such an easy answer, but the beach is so romantic to me. If I had a dollar for everytime a guy took me to the beach after a date. Nothing better than good conversation with waves crashing in the background.

And there you have it! Miss Lizzy makes city dwellers like me yearn for a beautiful beach right about now ;-) Love her & her awesome inside view of the dating scene in L.A – thank you for participating darling!!

Hope you lovelies are having a wonderful week!

kissies,

p.s. – lookout next week for another blogisode of “Single in My City”!

p.p.s. – Please feel free to email me if you are interested in participating in SIMC - only 2 requirements: 1) Be Single & 2) Live in a City (Worldwide)! How easy is that?! XOXO

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