Friday Files: 50's

JACKET: Milly, $450

TOP: Dorothy Perkins, $49

GLASSES: Selima for J.Crew, $128

FLATS: Topshop, $36

DRESS: L'inde Le Palais, appx $1000

NECKLACE: Oasis, $32

Milk Bar & I Finally Make Contact

And as usual, I went about it wrong. But we'll get to that.

Momofuku Milk Bar, located on 13th st and 2nd avenue, dangerously close to my apartment, has, for one reason or another, not been too high on my list of priorities which is shocking given what they sell. Their wares include soft-serve in flavors like cereal milk and fried apple pie, cake truffles in birthday cake and chocolate malt, candy bar pie, crack pie, and a great range of interesting cookies. Um, yum! 

Faced with too many options, I got a trio of cookies and the infamous "Crack Pie" and made it as far as the bench outside before ripping open all four of the containers. I made the grave error of taking down the crack pie in exactly one half of a block. That thing was damn good. Butter, brown sugar, egg, and just a few more ingredients all swirled into a slice of ooey gooey goodness. 

{my crack pie}

Corn cookie: sugar, butter, flour, corn powder, corn flour

Compost cookie: brown sugar, butter, flour, butterscotch chips, chocolate chips, graham crumbs, pretzels, potato chips, cream milk powder, coffee grounds

Cornflake chocolate chip marshmallow cookie: butter, flour, cornflakes, brown sugar, sugar, chocolate chips, marshmallows

I then, being the democratic and experimental type, proceeded to open each and every cookie I got and nibble bits of each off of them as I walked. However, my palate was so stimulated by the Crack Pie that I couldn't even begin to comprehend the flavor profiles exploding on my tongue. I reassessed when I got home and deduced that 

the corn cookie was quite good, albeit very corny

the compost was a home run with the pretzels and coffee grounds and graham crumbs

the cornflake chocolate chip marshmallow was dense adn not my favorite 

Have you had Milk Bar? What do you like? I'm dying to try the cereal milk soft serve next! 

Beautiful & Inexpensive Art: PaperMojo

How chic is this? Paper Mojo, based in North Carolina, has a beautiful bevy of designer paper in stock, which can be custom-cut to fit any sort of project you might have. They would make beautiful wrapping papers, but how cool would they be as artwork? I've zoomed in on some of the great prints - classic, almost chinois-like and ikat and modern - there's a print for everyone!

Prices are reasonable, ranging from $3-$8 for these particular papers. You can visit Paper Mojo here. 

Prom Spending Reaches A High

Ah, prom...Prom 2k0, Prom 2k1, Prom 2k2....what a disaster, all of them. 

Nowadays, apparently kids are dropping anywhere from $500 to $1000 on prom - geez! Thinking back, I started to do the math....dress, $350...makeup + hair, $50...shoes $100.....bag $50.....and that's just for me, not counting the tickets, limo, tux rental, and dinner.

Well, not dinner for me my senior prom because I refused - REFUSED - to eat at a Benihana's. Gross, right? Smell lingered, y'all, regardless but I was on a hunger strike.  Sophomore prom - I can't even talk about the tackiness of the orange thai silk disaster I wore. My junior prom dress looked like it belonged on an Oscar golden girl (fully beaded gold, simple style with backless) and my senior prom dress looked like this, but with one shoulder and more beads:

Gotta love the South. My hair was sleek and simple, which set me apart immediately from the buckets of curls surrounding me. Always been a trend-setter, even in the category of tacky. 

We all got our dresses at a true pageant shop, where each dress and girl and school was carefully logged, lest there be any repeats. That is customer service!

If I was going to prom today and had about the same budget, I'd go with another pageant-style dress, because truthfully, when are you going to get to wear something like that again unless you're Miss USA? So my "dream" 2K12 prom dress would be:

{Vionnet, $5040, @ Net-a-porter}

And, on a limited budget for anyone in high school reading this, take a cue from my cute little cousin who "secretly" orders her dresses online from Asos, which is still foreign to her classmates. I'd (and she'd) probably go with something like this:

{BCBG, $288 @ Lord & Taylor}

{Jessica Simpson Collection, $209, @ Lord & Taylor}

Ah, Lord & Taylor, still the preferred place to get "special occasion dresses"!

Got any great prom stories or photos? I want to see!

What Kind of Shopper Are You?

Quick - look at the below and think about which you'd rather have for $1000 -

This:

A flight to Paris

Or This:

A Reed Krakoff Boxer Bag

According to this NYT article, if you picked the flight to Paris, chances are that you are:

a) more sociable and charismatic 

b) a risk taker (because you can't return it)

c) happier

If you picked the Reed Krakoff bag, you might be materialistic and shallow.

A recent study claimed that shoppers making experiential purchases are basically, better people. This brings up an interesting internal question - I do love something that will last "forever," but every time you put an experience in front of me (barring skydiving and other extreme sports) I'll pick it. 

 Brandon Holley, editor in chief of Lucky, feels the same way. She says, "“There’s an $1,800 Prada dress I want right now,” she said. “Do I spend it or take three weekends in Montauk? When I think back on my life of things that stand out, I think of my trip to Alaska with my parents, or to Costa Rica with a boyfriend.” She later added, “But the immediate rush of getting that YSL bootie is also pretty great.”

Me too, Brandon! 

Get Real (Good Stuff) with The Real Real's Consignment

I couldn't keep this secret for long (although I wanted to - more product for me!). I want to share with you an amazing new source for consignment - The Real Real. Consignment generally is usually a pain on both ends - selling, you aren't sure you're getting the best cut of the deal, payment isn't always immediate, they don't take certain things. And on the buying side, if it's online you can't try it on and while you hope the item is authentic, you can't always be sure.

Now you can go to The Real Real, where the prices are insane (in a good way!) and the product well-edited.  Flip through my book to see their current contemporary offerings.

And, a sample of their luxury sales, set up in a flash-sale type structure:

Alessandro Dell'Acqua, $125

Alex Wang, $225

Chanel, $325

I'm going to do a part II to this - how to consign, and how to consign with The Real Real - which seems fairly simple and might be my new personal method of consigning!

L!fe Happens But It's Better with Tarte

Last Monday I was invited by the Tarte team to see a screening of Krysten Ritter's new movie, "L!ife Happens." The premise is that three girls live together in LA and one gets pregnant unexpectedly. Krysten

Ritter plays Kim, the "fallen" one, Kate Bosworth plays Deena, the aggressive one, and Rachel Bilson plays Laura, the scantily-clad token virgin. Having a baby is "wrecking Kim's life" as she knows it, and the three girls try to work through their issues on the big screen. It's a super girly movie and in my opinion, a little wayward in some scenes, but overall it's a great best girlfriends kind of movie, especially since Krysten made it with her best friend and had all her friends act in it.  Check out the trailer:

Prior to the screening, Amy Nadine, Krysten's make-up artist and Head of Make-Up on the "L!fe Happens" set (and star in the Proactive commercials), sat down with Krysten to answer some beauty questions and talk about the Tarte products used in the movie. Amy exclusively used Tarte on the girls' lips - the Tarte high-performance naturals LipSurgence Lip Tints which come in three styles - lip tint, matte lip tint, and lip luster. I have six sticks - my favorite is "pouty," a hot pink with a hint of shine.

Now I'm not normally a lip girl at all but these go on so smoothly and I don't need to moisturize my lips separately. After Amy pointed out that they had used Tarte in all the scenes, I couldn't help but begin to notice just how great the girls' pouts really did look! So I totally recommend getting these puppies to primp up your lips.

In the same boat, I am addicted to Tarte's high performance naturals SmolderEyes eyeliner as well. This all-natural thing is great for a gal like me! 

 

"L!ife Happens" is in theaters May 3.

Beautiful day !

What a gorgeous day, New York.

Friday Files: Sportif

1. BAG - Marc by Marc Jacobs, $68

2. TOP - DVF, $265

3. DRESS - Alexander Wang, $680

4. WATCH - Free Look, $150

5. TANK - Full Tilt, $23

6. ANORAK - Vivvi, $60

I Heart: Unusual Office Supplies

Go for it, kids - make your office space snazzy! Can you imagine if Peggy Olson had these things on her desk? Don would have fired her immediately. Luckily, you worry about no such things so go nuts!

Charming Charlie: Budget Baubles

Two things I love: cheap jewelry and flipbooks. Click through to see some great cheap and unique jewelry from Charming Charlie, a great new online source I found for inexpensive jewelry. For a flat $5 shipping, you can load up to your heart's content with all sorts of bargain baubles. Sure, you can't try them on, but at $1.97 for some pieces, does it really matter? 

Happy Easter, Bunnies!

Bunny ears for bunnies, Maison Michel, $505

Friday Files: Global Prints

1. SCARF- Mango, $29

2. DRESS - Zero + Maria Cornejo, $260

3. BAG -Asos, $72

4. SWIM -Mara Hoffman, $78

5. DRESS - Lala Berlin, $264

6. SKIRT- Gabriella Rocha, $59

The Laws of the Tuxedo

Boyfriend and I fight constantly over tuxedos; we attend enough formal events a year to make this a real discussion. We have fought over color (no), vests (Lawdy, no), cummerbunds (yes). To put the issue to rest for us and for you and the other name on your invite, I found this reprint of a tuxedo guide from Bill of Rites for the American Man, via Social Primer.

oh haaaay.

Black Tie – A Proper Dinner Suit (Tuxedo)

BLACK JACKET WITH PEAK LAPELS 

– Shawl collar is an acceptable alternative but avoid the notch collar.

- A white dinner jacket is appropriate from Memorial Day through Labor Day or in a resort climate any time.

BLACK PANTS

- Black pants with black satin stripe.

DRESS SHIRT

- White Tennis collar shirt is my preference but Wing collar is certainly acceptable. Pleats versus placket front. 

Placket front reads more formal, but I do like both. I find placket stands up better to sweaty dance moves.

BOW TIE . Black tie means black tie. White tie is only ever worn with tails. Ever!

- Braces (suspenders) are black or white and make this suit so much more comfortable. You’re already strapped in like a baby seat, braces let you breathe.

CUMMERBUND

-non-negotiable. No to the vest, not the best look in spite of the current trend.

SHOES

-patent lace-ups (or highly-shined leather) or opera pumps (patent slippers). Or velvet slippers, if you’re daring.

CUFF LINKS

- Gold knots and studs or black and silver or silver-plate.  Try to avoid whimsy.

POCHETTE

- Pochette (pocket square) should be white silk, but I do like red sometimes.

SOCKS

- silk socks that go to the knee.  Never show a naked ankle in a Tuxedo. If you want to feel extra old school, go with the garters.

WATCH

- Never wear a writst watch with a Dinner Suit.

The Dark Suit Alternative 

You can get away with wearing a dark suit, preferably Navy, if you don’t want to spring for a Tuxedo.

SUIT

Black or Navy, trim cut, 2-button or 3-button, but if it’s a 3 button, DO NOT button the top button. If 2-button, leave the bottom button undone.

SHIRT

Crisp white Point collar shirt, NOT a button down. And by crisp, we mean starched and ironed. It can or cannot be French Cuff, depending on your style and if you own a pair of cuff links. 

CUFF LINKS

Do not make up cuff links. No paper clips, or binder clips (yes, I’ve seen both) or any other cute-sy to be clever contraption.

TIE

 If you’re going with a suit and not a Tuxedo, do not wear a bow tie. You should wear a long dark tie, preferably black if the suit is black, navy if the suit is navy.

POCHETTE

Here’s where you can have a little fun. Go crazy with color.

SOCKS

 should match the pant color.

SHOES

Should be black, preferably lace-ups, Never loafers.

BELT

 should match the shoes.

The Charleston Tuxedo - This should be your default uniform, day or night when not in a suit.

BLAZER

Navy, can be 2-button, 3-button or double-breasted. Gold or Brass buttons, coat of arms or insignia,  dark plastic or horn but avoid white or color here. It should fit you in the waist and at your shoulders. The sleeve should be tailored to the hinge of your wrist. There should be no hunchback lumps in the middle of your shoulder blades.

SHIRT
 should be white or pink point collar, (avoid Banker Blue as you sweat through blue). The shirt should be starched, ironed and clean. It should fit snug at the neck with no more than two-fingers space gap. The sleeve should show ½ inch beneath your jacket sleeve.

-TIE

 Bow tie or four in hand (long tie) – can be any color you want. Make it lively!

PANTS
 khaki’s or gray flannels (in colder temps) or crazy britches in mad color or embroidered icons (in warmer weather).

BELT

 Ribbon belt, needlepoint belt, or embroidered belt, even brown leather belt but definitely not black.

SHOES

 loafers or saddle shoes or bucks, no socks.

One Final Note

A man’s jacket is ALWAYS buttoned when he stands.

The Reluctant Debutante: Sandra Lee

Sandra Lee,  (not Sandra Dee in The Reluctant Debutante), girlfriend to Gov. Andrea Cuomo, queen of the infamous Kwanza cake, and co-committee member with me (!) has been rumored to be getting friendly with the fashion world. Thank goodness, I say, for this:

{Sandy in her finest costume, courtesy of Food Network}

Rumor has it she’ll be at the Met Ball, sayeth our old friend Page Six. Wonder what she’ll be wearing? She’s favored Reem Acra and Carolina Herrera in the past and is also a fan of Talbot’s and Ann Taylor and the color white in general. It’s anyone’s guess!

If Kim Kardashian can still get endorsements, people might be able to forget about “cocktail time,” hmmm? Who knows, I bet the Governor’s mansion is bumpin’ with her influence.

Check out my predictions for what stylists might bring Sandy’s way come May.

Elie Saab Couture

Elie Saab Couture

Jenny Packham

Oscar de la Renta

Michael Kors

Marchesa

Alberta Ferretti

Colette Dinnigan

Ralph Lauren

{images via Style.com}

Love This? Try That! Skulls Edition

My friend had on the greatest skull necklace tonight at dinner - I was dying to know where it was from! I for sure thought it was Ileana Makri or Alexander McQueen, but the secret's out - it was Jennifer Miller! And at an affordable $125, every gal should own one.

Jennifer Miller Skull Necklace, $125

I Heart: A Good Cap Toe

Adding to the stable of new and cool here at WTSTA is flipbooks...enjoy my favorite cap toes inspired by, of course, Louis Vuitton.

Click through to see cap toes at all price points!

xo

Join me at the SLE Lupus Foundation Bag Ladies Luncheon

 Join me, won't you?? I am so proud to be on such a great committee for the SLE Lupus Foundation:

Bag Ladies Luncheon 

Honoring 

Matilda Cuomo, Former First Lady of New York, 

&

Mary E. Belle, President of Licensing at The Jones Group

APRIL 25th

583 Park Avenue

at 63rd Street

Doors open for silent auction at 11:30am

{hey, there I am!}

Tickets for the under $30 set are only $125 and you get to bid on great designer bags donated from fashion houses, celebrities, and some of the best closets in New York. I've seen Celine bags go for around $400 (!) so keep that in mind while you peruse some of the great bags we've secured so far. 

Gucci 

Rebecca Minkoff

Bottega Veneta

Valentino

Prada

Email me for tickets or purchase them here. 

Mmm...Donuts. Yay....Baked!

I love sugar. I love donuts. I love things that can be baked instead of fried. Hence, the below from The Frugal Girl:

{photo via The Frugal Girl}

BAKED CINNAMON DONUT HOLES

makes approximately 36

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons oil or melted butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

2/3 cup milk

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

3-4 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

MIXING NOTES

Preheat oven to 350.  Mix oil and sugar; beat in egg.  Add vanilla and milk, and stir until combined. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together.  Add to wet ingredients and stir gently, just until combined. (a few lumps should remain).

Fill mini muffin tins 2/3 full with batter.  Bake for 10-12 minutes. Combine sugar and cinnamon.  Dip each muffin/doughnut into the melted butter and then roll in the cinnamon sugar.