Wise Words

Random Things to Buy Right Now

Love Obsessed

Love. And obsessed. Hand-painted vintage baubles at very reasonable prices! Visit the etsy shop here.

J Hill Design - Monogram Prints

How cute for a wedding present! The bottom says "a golden girl hearts a peachy boy" - get it? Click here to buy - starting at $65.00.

Markus Lupfer

Cool dress. Get it while it's hot. $248

Eating My Way Through The East Village: Cook Kid Mexican Edition

Empellon Cocina

Even more coolness in the East Village! I have been waiting for Empellon Cocina to open because:
1) I love Empellon

2) I saw they had a lobster queso on the menu

In true food creep style, I cruised by the place so many times looking for them to be officially open. Finally, we got a reservation (late, naturally) and tried out Alex Stupak's second hand at Mexican. It's delicious. If you've been lucky to go to WD-50 (shout out to Nicko and Joshie for taking me there!), the meal starts with the same sort of coral-reef inspired flat bread, only this one is like a really delicious corn tortilla flat bread thingy. It was exceptionally greasy, but that means it was really good, right? Dip it into the pistachio guac. There were a ton of nuts on the menu which made it difficult for me, but lobster queso did NOT disappoint. I consider the fact that I haven't been ordering it to go nightly a real coup in my life. They have an extensive and expensive tequila and  mezcal menu, and your margarita comes with a choice of tequila or mezcal. Viva le mezcal! And for those that have it coming to them, a serrano tincture (fancy word for spicy syrup) can be added as well. 

{image via Empellon}

Empellon

105 First Avenue 

New York, NY 10003

212.780.0999

Pulqueria

Shocker! Another case of me jumping the gun on an opening, but I get so excited reading all my food blogs and seeing what's new in our fair city.  Plus, I'm no fool - it's only a matter of time before everyone goes there, then B&T goes there, then the place is g-o-n-e. Pulqueria was definitely cool kid territory - by default, as it's located waaaaay the hell down in Chinatown! But, with Le Baron around the corner now and Apotheke next door (they're allegedly connected underground) this little corner of Chinatown is bumpin'. 

{image via the NYT}

Pulque is an old Mexican elixir and is milky with a little bit of fermented bubbling - kind of like a milky Kombucha, two things that should never mix. However, it somehow works in the decent cocktails. I wouldn't say they're outstanding because by nature I'm not going to like pulque, but the atmosphere was so cool I didn't care. Reasons for its hype:

1) It's underground. as in under yet another Chinese store front, but unlike it's sister bar, Apotheke, this one you have to actually go down steep steps to get to the landing.

2) There is an awesome bar scene, all Mexican-tiled and thatch-roofed with plenty of room to dance. In fact they have Monday night parties and a DJ quite often. I would definitely bust a move here, decked out in my downtown finest. 

3) It has sikil pak, this pumpkin seed spread stuff, which is actually quite good, had we gotten ours anytime close to when we ordered it.

4) Service is less than par, but this is almost a prerequiste at a "cool kid" spot and I feel like a grandma complaining about it, but that's why when a cool spot has good food and good service, everyone goes nuts.

{image via New York Social Diary}

Pulqueria

11 Doyers St

New York, NY 10013

212.227.3099

Elle.com Brillz: When Kate Met Blake

-Britt Aboutaleb, Elle.com

{image via, words via Britt, layover via moi}

How great is that poem alteration thanks to Elle's Britt Aboutaleb? Kate Moss and Jaime Hince just bought Samuel Taylor Coleridge's house in London which was originally built by William Blake. Congrats to Kate and Jaime!

Hope you're enjoying playing with graphics as much as I am! 

Look At Me, Mama!

Check me out  - I've been selected as part of the "Best of the Web" series on Be In Style. Thanks, guys!

Friday Files: Tangerine

Noticing some new changes around here? I’m brushing up on my mad Photoshop and InDesign skillz! Here’s what having too much time gets you: really pretty graphics. Enjoy from this Friday on!

1. EARRINGS, Max&Chloe, $43

2. TOP, Buckle, $37

3. NECKLACE, Kate Spade, $107

4. CUFF, Tory Burch, $135

5. DRESS, Stella McCartney, $1245

6. BAG, Michael Michael Kors, $348

Eating My Way Through The East Village: Where The Cool Kids go

Here's two more places to try out in the East Village!

Acme

Yay, where all the really cool kids hang, although my hipster friend calls it "too 9-5er." I refuse to think it's hit the saturation point because to me it's a neighborhood joint. A neighborhood joint that now has an extra cool subterranean date spot with nightly jazz. Boyfriend and I ate upstairs one night shortly after they opened because I assumed it would probably be the only time we'd be able to go there before everyone was trying to go there. It's in the old Acme space (remember the cajun dive?) with the same storefront. But once inside, it's a completely transported world. The decor is by the same people who did my precious Indochine and its special breed of downtown cool shows. The long beautiful bar and dining room are a little Keith McNally, but the food is all Mads Refslund, a Danish import from one of the world's best restaurants. The food is unexpected and a little weird - the dessert porridge required some convincing and when have I ever had to be convinced of dessert? - but it's really top notch. A fun, scene-y and neighborhood place with an excellent menu? Quelle surprise! For a full food rundown, check out my buddies at Immaculate Infatuation.

{image via Eater}

Acme

9 Great Jones Street
New York
(212) 203-2121

The Wren

Moving on down to The Bowery is the newest incarnation of the team from Wilfie & Nell: The Wren. I love this spot. It' s becoming a catch-all for my friends and I who have graduated past Spring Lounge (most nights) but still want a fun bar to hang out at and see everyone, only this time with $13 cocktails and real seating. Take that for what you will, but I think it's a great mix of neighborhood people with neighborhood yuppies. The theme is loosely British pub, and there's plenty of room at the front of the place for casual bar-standing-around. There's good date space in the back. Try to snag a booth in the front the window, though, for maximum people watching and maximum exposure to everyone entering and leaving. The food menu isn't much, just like at Wilfie & Nell, and also just like at Wilfie  & Nell I'd be lying if I said I'd eaten there. Drinks - I like the 7th (st.germain, vodka, lime, grapefruit), boyfriend likes the Great Jones (scotch, maple syrup, walnut bitters) - a little something for everyone. This place was made for dates, y'all.

{images of the Wren via Girl Meets Whirl}

The Wren

344 bowery 

new york, ny 10012

212 388 0148

Easy Breezy Dresses from American Eagle: Variations on a Theme

So as I was passing American Eagle the other day, something compelled me to run inside, and I'm glad I did - they have the cutest little runaround dresses for the weekend! Someone's figured out how flattering the sweetheart neckline is and has run with it. At $50 and below, they're quite the steal. Which one(s) should I get? 

How a Chanel Jacket Gets Made

Thanks for fashionista for this one! 

Wise Words

 

image by Arthur Belebeau

A Beautiful Day for Banana Bread with Greek Yogurt

I found this recipe on Lemon Drop Foodie and cannot say enough good things. By nature I’m not really a banana/zucchini/pumpkin bread type of gal but this is so light and fluffy and HEALTHY that even I couldn’t resist. I used Greek Yogurt instead of sour cream.

Enjoy!

WHAT YOU NEED
4 ounces butter at room temperature (1/2 cup)
7 ounces granulated sugar (1 cup)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
6 1/2 ounces plain flour (1 1/2 cups)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 medium bananas, peeled and mashed
125ml of greek yogurt (or full fat sour cream) (1/2 cup)

MAKE IT
PREHEAT oven to 350F
SPRAY 9x5" loaf pan with cooking spray
IN BOWL OF STAND MIXER, fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar MED speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy
ADD in vanilla and 1 egg.
BLEND until combined and add remaining egg
IN SEPARATE BOWL, whisk together remaining dry ingredient
FOLD into wet ingredients until just combined
STIR IN bananas and yogurt
SPOON batter into prepared loaf pan and level the top
BAKE 55-60 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean

Best Street Style This Go Round

I love these pants!

Lauren makes preppy look chic with her colors and collars. 

MOD chic at its best

This is so fresh and great - love the layering.

Let your colored fur make the statement.

This might be the most perfect outfit ever - Chloe scallops and cropped with dots!

High low, night day - a plain crewneck gives life to a disco skirt. 

Normally I despise knee high boots without tights, but this looks so euro (in a good way). Make sure your skirt is LONG should you want to try this.

The daytime tuxedo. 

Fur and white denim - only in Paris. 

images via Harper's Bazaar

Keds x Madewell

Ugh, first Milly x Topsider and now this? 

I am ashamed (sort of) by my Keds obsession - 11 pairs and counting, last I checked. I think I need to make room in closet for at least one more pair, don't you? 

$50, Madewell and Keds

Polka dots. for sure. I would make the nude part white, however...maybe I'll swap out the laces for something wacky. 

Do You Watch The Bachelor?

Or, as I refer to it:

The Greatest Show of Our Time

The Greatest Social Experiment Ever

The Single Reason Aliens Will Think We Are an Insane Tribe

Or, as this dude refers to it:

The Hunger Games

Do you watch it? Do you love it? I think that the only reason to watch the Bachelor/ Bachelorette is in order to prepare yourself for the actual Greatest Show of Our Time, Bachelor Pad. It's rare on this blog I try to be a) actually funny or b) discuss something that has in-time relevancy (as opposed to salad forks and letter press), but Courtney Robertson on this season is just way, way, way too good to be true. Home girl has it going on - and I mean "Pretty Girl Syndrome." She thinks things will work out because she's pretty - and Ben has proven her right at every. single. turn. Did anyone catch that creepy faux wedding ceremony? That would have made any other girl look Angelina Jolie in Girl, Interrupted crazy, but it seemed to only solidify his interest in her. 

My other gripe with this show is that they need to HIRE HAIR, MAKE UP, & WARDROBE. Even Courtney gets it wrong. See below. 

It's Alice + Olivia, and I don't care. Fail. 

Here's what I envision the final three girls wearing for their next rose ceremony, regardless of it being in Switzerland.

LINDZI or LINZI or LINDZEIEYE, what have you:

Girl could use a little differentiation in her skin color and what better way to accomplish that then by putting her in blush. White would make it look too Magda-ish and color seems to not be her thing. 

Tibi, $396, Revolve Clothing

NIKKI or NICCKAY or NICKII, whatever

She's got some hips to hide, so why not do it in my favorite dress? I am wearing this in navy (duh) this weekend to a wedding but lavender like below would be great on Nikki. Hides everything. Except these terrible shoes. Shame on you, Singer22! 

Contrarian, $381, Singer22

And my girl Courtney, alas, she should go for it since she's a model/actress or whatever - do it up right in Oscar.

                 

Oscar de la Renta, really expensive, Neiman Marcus

Lust: Milly x Topsider

Me loves. You loves?

I need another pair of Top-siders like I need a hole in my head, but these are too cute to pass up! They're the bright fashion spot in an otherwise grey winter. 

{Milly x Top-sider, $125}

Look What I Scored!

I am SO excited for this Banana Republic trench that's been sold out online for weeks - can you believe it's my first real trench? The tan version has always washed me out and the black it too harsh, so (of course, like all things in life) navy is the winner. The cute polka dots add a little bit of fashion to an otherwise timeless silhouette. So excited to wear it when it's finally warmer out. However - it looks startingly similar to a Sonia by Sonia trench...can you tell which is which? Scroll down for the answer. 

Left is BR, Right is SSR!

Let's Talk About Food Poisoning.

Or, let's not. I won't be talking about food for a while, unfortunately, while this works its way out of me, but check out these really cool websites in the meantime!

Beachtomato:

All things style and taste, but beach-centric. Great ideas for honeymoon spots, fashion, and beach beauty. My favorite part? A "beach of the week" and "beach house of the week" features. I could look at these pictures all day, especially when it's snowing (finally!) outside. 

{I want to go to there}

Cocodot:

It's like someone took my brain and put it into a website. This is all entertaining, all the time, broken down by gifts to give (and get), decor to shop, table to shop, and then great editorial content in the inspiration section. I could stare at this page for a long while for sure.  And of course they have your paper needs covered as well. 

{Social stationary needs, too, like the above - chic, darling, chic}

Sir Jack's: 

While most of the stuff on this site is for dudes, there are lots of fun things on there for the ladies, like great sunglasses cases and scarves. But if you need to get your guy a gift, peruse away. I especially am keen on the estate & office section.

{A reproduction bartending guide for the turn of the 20th century}

What Should I Read Next:

Wandering through The Strand bookstore is one way I find new things to read and another is by Amazon's suggestions. However, when I've exhausted both of these ways - and believe me, this happens all the time - there is a great new place to mess around. What Should I Read Next  gives you a long list of alternative books based on one you input into its search field. While it doesn't tell you why it's chosen something that it has, there is an immediate link to Amazon so you can find out for yourself. I had over 50 new titles to look up by the time I was done with playing around. 

Enjoy! x

Table Makeover, And How to Get Spray Paint off Your Face

I'm on a quest to keep myself busy during the day and thought yesterday would be a great day to paint my old table. My best and I found this literally outside our old apartment down in Chinatown - just hanging out in front of our door! It was fate. Originally it was a gross, dirty white-ish color and we painted it turquoise to go in our color explosion of a living room.

In an effort to make a more cohesive bedroom space, I decided to paint it. It was 50 degrees out and calm....on the street. On the 5th floor balcony at the back of the building, it was like hurricane winds. I didn't let that discourage me, though. Nor did I let the spray paint that ended up in my hair. Or on my face. And under my nails. Fun fact: makeup remover or any other oil based remover gets spray paint off your body and good old shampoo gets it out of your hair. Although maybe I should have left the gold in - it looked cool with the black of my hair.

Et voila, my new table! It's a little too bright gold, but I like it with my Sea Island prints over my bed. I'm doing the best I can with a New York apartment. Say hi to Augusta who's chilling right there in the pillows!

Ignore my medicine cabinet beneath the table and the cord to my humidifier. I'm pretty pleased! 

Healthy & Delicious: Broccoli Slaw Adapted

So a new addition to my DVR (this is what happens when you're at home during the day) has been Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger. While some of her recipes are kind of boring, I do like a lot of them for their substitutions. One such recipe was on the other day - Creamy Broccoli Slaw. I got really excited because it seemed easy, until I realized I don't have a food processor with a shred blade. But I do have a food processor I love! So anyway, I did the next best thing and adapted her adapted recipe. Enjoy!

{not the prettiest picture, but instagram makes things a little cuter!}

1 bunch broccoli (with long stalks if possible)

1-2 large carrots (optional - I didn't have any on hand so I didn't use any)

Handful of roasted unsalted sunflower seeds

1/3 cup non-fat greek yogurt

1 tablespoon mayonnaise (I used Smart Balance - it tasted fine, but you can use real mayo here since it's so little)

2 tablespoons brown mustard

salt and pepper to taste

shred, peel, or julienne the broccoli stalks, trimming off any excess hard parts on the outside of the stalk. do the carrots the same way if you're using them.

cut the florets close to the top so that the bits fall into tiny pieces. chop finely.

mix mustard, mayo, and greek yogurt together. stir into the vegetables. add sunflower seeds. 

chill and store up to 2 days.