London Meets Boston

When I studied abroad in London during my Bentley College days, I literally had to buy an extra suit case for all the clothing I brought back. Growing up in NY I really didn't expect that the U.K.'s fashion scene would knock my socks off but boy was I wrong. Everyone there was so much more fashion forward then I had seen anywhere else and the shopping was amazing. So many unique places to drop some cash on stylish goodies. So while I have blogged about British designers before, I am happy to announce that Boston has a new contribution to the fashion scene - L.K. Bennett that just opened in the Copley Place shopping center. This retailer is known for it's luxury and quality womenswear that oozes with elegant style, something I am always drawn to. Welcome to the neighborhood!

a few of my favorites

all items can also be found online

Sip & Snack - Red Velvet

We are a big fan of milkshakes in this house. The last shake recipe I featured was a huge hit with my husband so when I was brainstorming for a Valentines Day themed recipe I thought I would turn to the beloved whipped drink one more time. This time I drew inspiration from a Toronto restaurant called The Lakeview that features an apple pie milkshake which has an entire slice of pie in it. So I thought I would do the same but with a giant red velvet cupcake from our favorite bakery. It's a sip & snack all in one!

Here's how it all went down...

I started with this adorable cupcake that really was so pretty by itself that I almost backed down on destroying it, but it eventually it met its demise.

Two straws in case you feel like sharing with your sweetie - my husband opted to enjoy his solo - it must be an only child thing :)

Ingredients

3 cups vanilla ice cream {I use this low fat brand & love}

3/4 cup milk

1 red velvet cupcake

drop of red food coloring {optional}

Directions

Mix three scoops vanilla ice cream, milk & drop of food coloring in blender till creamy. Once at desired texture add in crumbled cupcake {with frosting if you have a serious sweet tooth}. Blend till evenly distributed, top with your favorite decorations or some whip cream & enjoy!

{want to make this a boozy shake - add in some cake flavored vodka & use red velvet ice cream}

milkshake maker & fountain glass // sprinkles // straws 

Feeling Blue

Ok, so I'm not literally feeling "blue", but feeling rather obsessed with the bright color.  After I wore some new affordable gym clothes in the bold oceanic color, I was paid several compliments by my husband and some gym friends {mostly because they were shocked to see me in something other then black}. So of course when I had to look up other ways to incorporate this color into my life. I was pleasantly surprised to see my research results had this pop of color available in a plethora of stylish ways from your closet to home decor.

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine {also love this one} // ten // eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen 

Lovely Layers - Part Two

The last time I did a little layering action here on the blog I chose all pieces from J.Crew always stunning costume jewelry line. While I am still loving what they are doing, I thought I would select another designers pretty baubles that are so amazing when worn together. Loren Hope is known for her bold beautiful pieces of statement jewelry, yet I have yet to add some of her work to my collection. I think that will all have to change after a visit to her page to see some new arrivals. It's all so perfectly pretty and totally rocking the new color of the year. What I really adore about her site are the photos of customers sharing how they wear her jewels along with her stunning styled photos. Lots of inspiration for creating your custom look, just feast your eyes on the below for a serious dose of pretty.



all of the necklaces above can be found here

 

Cold Weather Wear

After a very fun but very cold girls weekend in Maine I am truly understanding how unprepared I am in the winter elements. While my friends were all appropriately dressed for the single digit temps, I opted for my favorite booties and not only destroyed them with the massive amounts of salt on the streets, my poor little piggies were frozen solid. So as Boston prepares for more snow I am on the hunt for some stylish snow boots that provide function as well as good looks to get me through the way too long winters of New England...Which is your favorite stylish winter footwear???


one // two // three // four // five // six 

Weekend Wear - Classy Lady

While trapped inside during the snow storm this week, I rented the movie Blue Jasmine. While I found the entire movie's storyline totally depressing,  I couldn't help taking notice on the chic style of the the main character played by the stunning Cate Blanchett. I even found an interesting article that the movie had super low budget for the wardrobe of the cast so many of the luxury items used were all borrowed from high end designers. Inspired by her elegant style, I put together a chic little look that would surely be suitable for work or play. Hope you all have a great weekend!

J.Crew Blazer // Saint Laurent Sac Du Jour Tote // Stella & Dot Pearl Necklace {last seen here} // Bravur Watch // Alice & Olivia Pants // TopShop Kitten Heels // Tibi Cami // Chanel Polish & Powder 

Monogram Me

I love me a monogram, especially when I got my husbands last name, I was quick to change everything over to my new initials. It can make a gift feel more special when it's personalized and these days what was normally reserved for the preppy types, there are a lot of chic ways to have your initials in home decor and accessories. One of my favorite designers for leather goods Clare Vivier is killing it with incorporating personalization along with her stylish accessories. Some other favorites are also listed below.

soap  {love these too} // throw blanket // iphone case // necklace // cheese board & spreader // glass plate // acrylic tray // monogram mugs // pillow

Wine To Go

I love good packaging. I pretty much have purchased rocks simply because of the cute little wrapping they came in. So when I saw these Stack Wines, my curiosity was peaked. These four little glasses to go are the most genius way to pack wine for camping, tailgating, picnics or simply perfect when you want a glass of wine without opening an entire bottle {usually not the case for me but some people have more self control then moi}. They are priced around $12 "a bottle" and come in four flavors. Now if they could just make a sauvignon blanc they would have a new customer on their hands.

Sip & Snack - Knotted

Whenever I am home visiting my folks there is a little old fashioned Italian restaurant in Sag Harbor, NY that we go to  strictly for the garlic knots. Growing up my having bread before the meal was not usually allowed, my dad used to tell me "if you still want it, you can have it after dinner" {booooo} but even he can't resist the bread before the meal with this heaping bowl of warm garlicky bread. So since we unfortunately aren't home as much in the winter as we are in the warmer month, I thought I would try to recreate this indulgent treat for my husband after his long week of travel.

Recipe

pre-made pizza dough or you can follow this recipe
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 olive oil
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 chopped Italian parsley
salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Mix garlic, butter, olive oil, parsley salt & pepper in a sauce pan on low heat till melted & the garlic is evenly cooked blended. Roll out pizza dough and cut into strips. Tie each strip into a knot & bake in oven for 15-20 minutes {or till golden brown} at 375 degrees. Once out of oven, brush with garlic butter topping & enjoy!

A glass of wine would have been easy peasy to just serve with this old fashioned snack. But instead I went with a Italian style cocktail with some ingredients of my favorite ingredients.

A glass of wine would have been easy peasy to just serve with this old fashioned snack. But instead I went with a Italian style cocktail with some ingredients of my favorite ingredients.

Recipe
{makes two cocktails}

2 cups ice
4 oz St. Germain Liquor
2 cups chilled prosecco
2 oz lemon simple syrup
basil for garnish

Directions

Mix all the ingredients in a cocktail mixer and shake till evenly mixed, pour over ice & garnish with basil. Cheers!

Travel Essentials

I clearly have travel on the brain this week and can only think about summer rentals or our quick desert getaway. Perhaps its the snow that is falling outside my window along with some single digit frigid temps that is making me want to get out of dodge or perhaps it's just that time of year where your coming down from the busy holiday season and you simply just need plans so you have something to look forward too. So I thought I would refresh my travel essentials with a few of my favorites for in flight comfort as well as refreshing upon landing in your final destination. What are your travel musts?


Beach Bag Set // Canary Scarf // Kate Spade Ear Buds // Kate Spade Tech Cover // Target Make Up Cases // Brush Set // Luggage Tag // Frette Travel Set // Manicure Kit // Tory Burch Weekender

more fab travel goodies below

Desert Getaway

It's probably not a big surprise that my husband and I are a fan of the weekend getaway, almost all of our trips are a long weekend and that's just how we like it. A quick trip is good for a reboot during stressful times or a celebration for a special occasion. So when my husband surprised me with a trip to Arizona for my birthday next month I was first thrilled that my busy guy would be taking some time off from his demanding work schedule and second that we both would be checking something off of our bucket lists - seeing the Grand Canyon! Of course I instantly looked up the weather of our destination and started thinking of what I would need to pack. While I could easily be inspired by the colors of the incredible red rock of Sedona, I decided my desert attire would require a very neutral color palette and after looking through my closet, that included everything that is tan and white. Two looks I will definitely be packing are be below as I have a few of those items already. However  some other stylish Southwest inspired attire is below. Would love to hear any travel tips for the area if you know them!

Day - Melissa Odabash Cover Up Maxi Dress // Joie A La Plage Sandals // Tory Burch Tote // Ray Ban Sunglasses // Eugenia Kim Fedora // Stella & Dot Necklace

Night - American Eagle Tank // J Brand Denim // Chinese Laundry Sandals // Calvin Klein Cardigan // Danielle Nicole Clutch

Style & Real Estate - Martha's Vineyard

Every summer my husband and I enjoy spending a week on the enchanted island of Nantucket. We love it there so much that we have never thought to venture off to it's neighboring island Martha's Vineyard. That all however may change thanks to some very chic real estate that is available for rent as well as the inside scoop of local hot spots thanks to some girlfriends who grew up there. I mean does it get cooler then a converted church to open concept modern living space with access to the beach??? The interior decor alone sells this space with it's positively drop dead gorgeous design. All that natural light surely would be heavenly to wake up to and there isn't a corner of the converted space that hasn't had details seriously addressed. I adore that the designer and architect put forth every effort to restore as much as possible to the original structure, truly incorporating history and luxury seamlessly. I mean, take a look at the impressive photos below to see what I am talking about and tell me you don't want to vacation {or live} here???

images via

Weekend Wear - Black & Blue

I am having a major moment with the color combination of blue and black. I find myself drawn to items that boast the color combo together, like this moto jacket and this amazing dress. So I thought I would take my obsession as inspiration for this weekends weekend wear. That little dress below is perfect for a date night or evening out with friends in the city.
Have a great weekend everyone!

Elizabeth & James Dress // Lanvin Belt // J. Crew Etta Pumps // Zara Coat {on sale} // One Clutch {on sale} // Wolford Tights // Elizabeth & James Earrings {on sale}

Rebecca Taylor Sale

One of my favorite designers is having a major sale right now on some fabulous styles that are worthy of their own post. I am a HUGE fan of blazers and a blouse, it always feels put together and looks chic without a whole lot of effort. Now if that blazer is by the fabulous Rebecca Taylor and is combined with a killer sale on items that will easily carry you past the winter season, you really have won over my heart. While I couldn't resist to add a cute little dress and blazer combo in the mix, a few of my other favorites are below. Just add promo code 40OFFSALE at check out for the big savings. Total fist pump for your closet and your bank account. Happy Friday friends!

one // two // three // four // five // six 

Sip & Snack - Soup & Sandwich

I have taken a serious vacation from the sip & snack series but I am back with an easy recipe where the sip is a soup and the snack is it's best friend. Come winter I pretty much crave soup morning, noon & night. I drive a half hour to Newton, MA at least once a week just to go to my favorite soup factory just to stock up on their matzo ball soup that literally rocks my world. So while I have already shared a delicious soup recipe in this series before I thought I would recreate a nostalgic favorite - tomato soup with its perfect counterpart the grilled cheese sandwich. I however amped up the recipe with some more modern ingredients that really makes this one tasty treat. I used this recipe for the soup While I don't usually mess with Ina's recipes this time around I left out the orzo and used an emulsion blender and the end to give the it a creamy texture. The grilled cheese details are below.

Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

Butter

Fontina Cheese

White Bread

Directions

Butter two slices of bread, place butter side down in a buttered skillet. add sliced fontina and top with second piece of bread with butter side up. Keep on medium heat and flip as the bottom bread starts to toast and get crispy {about 2 minutes on my stove} repeat for the other side until desired color then set aside and slice. Pair with your soup & enjoy!

Boston

My friend Amelia had a great idea to start a group Pinterest board with some other fab bloggers and friends to help map out our favorite spots in and around the Boston area. I personally loved this idea as she is always filling me in on the newest hot spot in our little city. The best part is that the list is literally mapped out thanks to foursquare and is a great mix of high end dining and cheap eats as well as some fabulous little boutiques. I know I love trying somewhere new and look forward to visiting some local eateries and stores that maybe I would have otherwise tried. Where is your favorite place to dine and shop in this little urban paradise???

For The Love Of Etsy

It's been awhile since I did a for the love of Etsy {other editions can be found here, here & here}. So I thought I would share a few of my favorite Etsy shops to help promote those makers of the unique goodies that help us host parties, write letters, gift and live with style.

Thanks to VMac & Cheese I quickly saved the gorgeous stamp store Besotted. The lovely fonts and styling of every photo is enough to make you want one of everything. 

     

 Pencil Shavings Studio is your one stop shop for all your modern preppy needs.  

Flower Decoration makes the prettiest paper flowers I have ever seen, perfect for peonies year round.

I have never camped before but I think I could "rough" it for the night in a beauty like this glamping tent by Lotus Belle Tents.

Sucre Shop is the ultimate shop for cheery party goods. Perfect for a summer festivities.

Adore these photos on wood by Patrick Lajoie Photography.