where the style things are: November 2010

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

covet.

sources unknown

Stay Warm and Chic and Fish Smell- Free

Sometimes called an Aran sweater, these were first knit by Irish wives for their fishermen husbands who needed the natural oils in the wool to wick away the damp and cold. It’s been a lasting style for it’s function as well as fashion – now you can find them in the softest wool blends in varying patterns as an official notice that winter has arrived.

For the men, try one zipped or shawl collared over a plaid button down for the rugged Billy Reid look, worn with jeans for weekend casual.

Orvis zip up fisherman’s sweater with elbow patches, $169

L.L.Bean shawl collar fisherman’s sweater, $149

And for the ladies? My favorite trick of shopping in the kid’s department really pays off here – get a little girl’s sweater at L.L. Bean for $39.50! It fits more snug and is less bulky. I have grey and wear it with almost everything to bring a little Ireland by way of New England feel to outfits.

L.L. Bean Girls crew neck fisherman’s sweater, $39.50

See how chic Mary Kate Steinmiller looks with hers on!

(ok I know the 2nd one is just a regular cable knit but same idea! I just love this picture because MKS has the same Marni shoes I have and love. Chic point for me!)

MKS images via Sartorialist/Garance Dore

This Is What Good Editorial Looks Like

Simply beautiful!

Elle Russia Nov 2010, via dustjacketattic

Monday, November 29, 2010

Home is Where The Pancakes Are

Image and recipe from Clinton Street Baking Co. via Daily Candy

Back when I was a spry young thing of 23, a group of my super-tight friends would gather for “brunch” most Saturdays or Sundays. By brunch I mean that we’d send one of the guys over to pick up our to-go orders from Clinton St Baking Co, which was just down the street. (And thank goodness, because if any of you know what the wait is like there, I suggest just buying an apartment nearby. It’s a whole lot easier. Or be a dweeb like me and order it and then go pick it up and bring it back 20 blocks.) We’d squeal over the Spanish scrambles, eggs and cheese biscuits, and those absolutely to die for pancakes that taste like maple buttered heaven.

Two of these in this posse were recently engaged (to each other!), and in lieu of the traditional Vera Wang Weddings book I’d sent other friends, I sent a Clinton Street Baking Co cookbook. The bride-to-be squealed again over all the “secret” recipes and our delicious memories. Below, a recipe I must try from them!

Brookies
Makes eighteen to twenty

Ingredients
1 tbsp. canola oil
1 tsp. unsalted butter
2 c. semisweet chocolate chunks (52-62% cacao)
2 large eggs
¾ c. light brown sugar
½ tsp. vanilla extract
½ c. all-purpose flour
¼ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. salt

1. While the oven preheats to 350°, melt the oil, butter, and 1 cup of the chocolate together in the microwave on high heat for 2.5-3 minutes, stirring at 1-minute intervals. Or melt the mixture in the stainless-steel bowl of a double boiler. Let cool.

2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla until combined. Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.

3. Whisk together the remaining dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Combine the flour mixture with the chocolate mixture, and then fold in the remaining chocolate chunks.

4. Freeze the batter in a shallow pan (such as a pie plate) 6-8 minutes until it sets and hardens slightly.

5. Spray two cookie sheets with nonstick spray or line with parchment paper. Scoop about 10 tablespoons of batter onto each sheet. Bake 11-12 minutes, until the tops look dry and cracked (the insides will still be quite moist). Cool completely. The brookies will be perfectly soft and chewy.

Clinton Street Baking Co. & Restaurant, 4 Clinton Street, between East Houston and Stanton Streets (646-602-6263 or clintonstreetbaking.com).

Clinton Street Baking Company Cookbook is available online at amazon.com.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Le Side Chignon, In Pictures

Liked the messy bun post from ages ago? Here, in pictures, is the newest in perfectly messy hair-do’s, the side chignon. Perfect with a beautiful holiday dress or (as I like to do it) any old day.

side-chignon1
image series via {this is glamorous}