March 30, 2015
Living La Dolce Vita with WILDFOX
On a warm Thursday night I made my way from Brooklyn to Little Italy for the Wildfox Fall 2015 presentation. Little Italy is the last place I would expect any type of fashion event to happen, outside of a dinner. Once inside the rather large Italian restaurant, Il Cortile, it came apparent why this was taken place in Little Italy. Wildfox's Fall 2015 collection is named La Dolce Vita (roughly translated to "the sweet life" or "the good life"), which is inspired by the idea of escaping winter to take a vacation along Italy's Amalfi coast. Wildfox transformed the back room of the restaurant into a Little Italy of their own, with models dressed in Italian themed tops sitting at restaurant tables while the female group Tre Bella sang classic Italian songs. In Wildfox style there were plenty of fun and cheeky tops; "Kiss Me I'm Italian," "Italians Do It Better," "Talk Italian to Me"...
all photos taken by me. see more photos here.
I adore Wildfox Couture. It's just a fun brand that knows how to be cheeky in a classy way. There were a couple of tops I will be pricing once they release like the "I'll be napping" and "Pizza" sweater. I love the overall playfulness of the collection. It has a young feeling to it, some pieces paired together might be to young for a woman like me in her late 20s, like I love the bloomer shorts but paired with the pizza sweater it screams YOUTH. So switching out the Pizza sweater for a oversized knit sweater would work best for me, as I just love those gingham shorts.
What do you think of this collection?
What do you think of this collection?
March 27, 2015
Foodie Friday: French Toast S'mores
Ingredients:
- Graham Crackers (we used Honey Maid original)
- Brioche Bread (sliced thick)
- 2 Eggs
- 3 quarters a cup of Milk
- Nutella
- small Marshmallows
- dash of Vanilla extract
- tablespoon of butter
- a tablespoon of water
Steps:
1. Crush graham crackers, leaving some bigger pieces, on a cookie sheet. Spread out.
2. Slice your Brioche Bread into thick slices.
3. To make your egg wash use: 2 eggs, 3 quarters a cup of milk, a dash of vanilla, and a tablespoon of water. Whisk together.
4. Lightly dip your Brioche Bread into your egg wash, then into your graham crackers. Coat both sides of your brioche bread with the graham crackers.
5. Over medium heat, place a tablespoon of butter into a big pan. Let it grease the bottom of the pan.
6. Place your coated Brioche Bread into the pan. You want your graham crackers to get nice and toasty on each side.
7. Once toasted place onto a baking sheet. Spread your Nutella on top then place marshmallows. Add as much or as little as you like.
8. Take your marshmallow covered toast and place into the broiler. You want to get your marshmallows nice and brown. KEEP AN EYE ON THEM!
9. Once the marshmallows are toasted, plate and ENJOY!
These were SUGAR OVERLOAD...but in a good way. We made two slices each for ourselves and could not finish them. This dish is dense so bring your A game to brunch. This meal is really fun especially if you have kids, great for the morning after a sleep over party!
Would you serve these up for brunch?
Would you serve these up for brunch?
March 25, 2015
Fitness 101: Workout Clothes
Sweater: c/o Lysse | Shirt: Project X | Pants: Lululemon | Sneakers: Nike
photo taken by Brian Cavanaugh
Though you might not even think about it, your fitness gear is pretty crucial for a good workout. You can get fit and look great while doing so! There's no shame in wanting to feel your best while trying to be the best.
Set the Tone. I find that clothes that are motivating or make me feel good sets the tone for my workouts. If I feel like I can tackle a workout in these clothes then I know I will. This means finding clothes that you feel comfortable working out in and motivates you to get moving. Whether it's a motivational top (love the ones from Project X and Abundant Heart) or a pair of great compression pants. You want to be able to move in whatever you workout in. If you can't properly move or sweat in your clothes then you won't have the best workout.
Know What to Invest In. You don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money on workout clothes but do know what to invest in. When I first started working out I didn't spend a lot on my workout clothes, most of it came from Forever21 and Old Navy. These worked out for me for awhile until I got more active. I found that compression pants from stores like Lululemon, Nike, and Under Armour were worth every penny. They are comfortable to move in, flattering, and breathable. But the real investment is in sneakers. Whatever you do, invest in a good pair of sneakers. Know what types of workouts you'll be doing and get sneakers that match that. As I do more weight and bootcamp style training the lighter the sneakers the better for me. If you have cheap sneakers that hurt your feet I can guarantee you you'll end up only quitting half way through your session.
The Sports Bra. Even if you have itty bittys don't under estimate the power of a good sports bra. Know your athletic bras as well as the support you need for the different levels of workouts. Trust me you don't want the girls feeling suffocated or vise-versa.
The Sports Bra. Even if you have itty bittys don't under estimate the power of a good sports bra. Know your athletic bras as well as the support you need for the different levels of workouts. Trust me you don't want the girls feeling suffocated or vise-versa.
- Low Impact: Usually stretchy soft material. Made for yoga, stretching, and light endurance workouts.
- Mid-Impact: Running, Training, and everything else in between. More sturdy, look for breathable material.
- High-Impact: High intensity training. Look for breathable material, something cupped to keep the girls in place.
Turn to stores like Forever21 and Old Navy for fun workout basics; shirts, sweaters, etc. They are great place to start to building your workout collection. Checkout Free People and Urban Outfitters for funky workout clothes. Free People has a great collection for all the yogies out there! Just remember to have fun with your workout gear. No rules apply here, just be excited to put them on!
What are your favorite workout pieces?
March 23, 2015
Inspirational Monday: Untucked Jeans & Boots
According to WhoWhatWear tucking your jeans into your boots is a thing of the past. Which I find slightly amusing as I have never really been big on tucking my jeans into my boots unless they were to the knee or over the knee boots...or unless they were my cowboy boots. I just never felt comfortable with ankle boots tucked in. There are just some jeans that aren't meant to be tucked in like boyfriend style jeans, cut off hems, or pants with zippers.
I love untucked jeans with boots as it gives a look a more undone feel. Saturday the husband and I had to run some errands aka make a Target trip, so I wore my favorite sweater shirt from Aritzia and Loft boyfriend jeans. Super casual look for a super casual day.
Coat: Willam Rast c/o Lord & Taylors | Sweater: Aritzia | Jeans: Loft | Boots: Zara | Bag: Coach |
Sunglasses: Feather Boutique Vintage (in Austin, TX)
photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh
How do you wear your boots with jeans?
March 19, 2015
Outfit Post: Spring in My Step
Coat: William Rast c/o Lord & Taylors | Jacket: American Eagle | Dress: Aritzia | Boots: Call It Sping |
Necklace: c/o Capewell + Co | Bracelet: BCBGeneration | Bag: Coach | Sunglasses: Feathers Boutique Vintage (in Austin! Shop their instagram @feathersboutiquevintage)
pictures taken by Brian Cavanaugh
I always get antsy around this time of year. I yearn to wear Spring clothes, I start to under dress way to early and start my Spring shopping at the brink of the season...I'm tired of the layers, the heavy jackets, hat, scarves, gloves, the whole winter thing. Though the weather may say 50s my body is saying SPRING SPRING SPRING. I can't help but incorporate my favorite Spring pieces and shop for lighter articles of clothing. I've noticed that so far I have been leaning towards the easy breezy minimalist look for Spring: slouchy tops, looser leg jeans, more stripped tops, t-shirt dresses....
What are you leaning towards this Spring?
March 16, 2015
Outfit Post: The Blues
Coat: H&M (super old) | Top: Old Navy | Jeans: H&M (old) | Boots: Call It Spring | Hat: Urban Outfitters | Bag: Coach | Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters
photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh
This winter was a long cold one. It was probably the most brutal winter we had a in along time. Thankfully New York didn't get nearly as much snow as Boston and some other areas but we had our share of winter storms and below freezing days. I wore this look a couple of weeks ago when snow was still on the ground, but the sun shinning had me feeling Springy. I have been hoping incorporating more Spring like colors into my looks would make Spring arrive faster. Just thinking about how the first day of Spring is this Friday washes away my winter blues.
March 13, 2015
Austin Travel Guide
As SXSW kicked off this week and people are starting to prep for the music festival, I thought I'd help y'all out with a little guide to Austin as my husband and I got the chance to eat, drink, and shop our way through the City without having to fight the crowds. Here's my list of must go places:
Casino El Camino
517 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78701
This place puts the FUN in funky. A horror movie/monster themed bar that are flipping burgers out the back of the kitchen. I'm typically skeptical about places that have been featured on shows on Food Network Channel like Diner, Drive-In and Dives, as sometimes they aren't what they hype it up to be. Walking into this place I had my reservations as this is more like a themed dive bar then a place that would be serving up grade A burgers, but hot damn I'm glad I tried them. Their burgers are easily the BEST burgers I ever had. I ordered The Amarillo Burger (roasted serrano chiles, jalapeno jack cheese and cilantro mayonnaise) well done, and what I got was love on a bun. This was the juciest burger EVER. They even seared where they cut the burger open. This is a MUST while in between shows on 6th Street.
Gus's Fried Chicken
117 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78701
The first order of business when I landed was to get fried chicken. How can you go south and not have fried chicken? It's basically against the law.We headed to Gus's with hungry tummy's and left with over stuffed bellies. Gus's friend chicken was fried goodness. You can tell it was freshly fried as it came piping hot. The meat itself was juicy and the breading had a nice surprise kick to it.
South Congress Cafe
1600 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
There is a reason why South Congress Cafe is known for their brunch...and I believe it's not just because of their Bloody Mary's, but more possibly for their Carrot Cake French Toast. Yes you can have cake for breakfast...and it's delicious! This place is bright, inviting, and bustling, so make sure you get there early to get a seat or call ahead to make a reservation!
Gourdough's
Gourdough's
- 1503 1st St. Austin, TX 78704
If you know me, I love a good doughnut. Gourdough's is pumping out Big Fat Donuts out of three locations in Austin. One of course is a food truck over on 1st street. After spending a day shopping on South Congress, hit up the local food trucks to get your grub on just save enough room for Gourdough's donuts. These aren't like your typical little donuts. OOO No. These are unique big old donuts. They have flavors such as the Mother Clucker (fried chicken strip with honey butter) to PB&J (grape jelly filling with peanut butter icing and peanut butter morsels). Of course the one that I gravitated towards was Sara's Joy (coconut flavored filling with fresh coconut and fudge icing), I mean you can never go wrong with chocolate and coconut. Gourdough's are unlike any donut I have ever had, and I've had plenty. These are more like a dessert experience then a breakfast item. If you are feeling adventurous head on our to Gourdough's Public House where they are serving up donut burgers and donut entrees.
Torchy's Tacos
Just like fried chicken, you can't head down south and not have Mexican food. Stop by Torchy's Tacos' truck on 1st Street to get your taco fix. They have everything from breakfast tacos to ahi tuna tacos. Two tacos and a side of their queso & chips (share-able portion) should fill you up!
Torchy's Tacos
Just like fried chicken, you can't head down south and not have Mexican food. Stop by Torchy's Tacos' truck on 1st Street to get your taco fix. They have everything from breakfast tacos to ahi tuna tacos. Two tacos and a side of their queso & chips (share-able portion) should fill you up!
DRINKS:
Craft Pride.
61 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
You won't find any SXSW shows or parties here...but you will find 54 local Texas beer on tap! This is a beer lover's mecca. Especially a craft beer lover who loves trying out local flavors. If you get hungry, head on to the back patio where you'll find the pizza truck Via 313.
Container Bar
90 Rainey St, Austin, TX 78701
Okay truth be told...we spent a lot of our drinking time on Rainey St. We loved the modern and inviting feel of the houses. Then there was Container Bar...it's a bar that is made with old shipping containers. Yes, you can go inside these shipping containers...and yes you can sit down and drink inside of them...and yes the whole idea is pretty Williamsburg hipster meets Austin TX. What can I say, you take the girl out of Brooklyn but you can't take the Brooklyn out of the girl. While you are there, try one of their house cocktails!
SHOPPING:
South Congress
Make sure to make a day trip out to South Congress for not only the South Congress Cafe and food trucks over on 1st Street but to do some shopping as well. This street is full of vintage shops, odds and ends stores, and local goodies. Check out Feathers Boutique (1700 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704) for amazing vintage finds. I'm sure you'll leave there with at least a pair of vintage Levis! I got lucky and scored an amazing pair of Dolce & Gabbana pants. Need some boho apparel? Check out The Gypsy Wagon (1204 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704) for all of your music festival needs. This shop has a UO feel to it but more compact. You'll find brands like Spell, Show Me Your Mumu, and Wildfox Couture here. My husband had to drag me out of this store.
2nd Street District
2nd Street District is in the heart of Downtown Austin, this is where you'll find a small strip of boutique shops, restaurants and if you're looking to get your fitness on you can find a cycling studio called Ride over here. Luxe Apothetique (2ND Street District, 201 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701) was one of my favorite shops on the strip. It had everything from high end designers (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff) to local designers. You can find your souvenirs here as well, as they have cute little unique Austin gifts. If you need any make-up or beauty supplies they also have you covered. Head down the block to Austin Rocks for some quirky music apparel and accessories. Great place to pick up any jewels that you need for your festival looks. You'll also find Urban Outfitters on this end.
Waterloo Records
600A N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Feeling nostalgic for the good old days of record stores? Head into Waterloo Records for a throwback. Waterloo is wall to wall of CDs, records, and little knick-knacks. I haven't been in a record store in years and this threw me back to the days when I was in High School buying CDs at Virgin Mega Store and Tower Records. (pssst Anthropology is across the street.)
2nd Street District
2nd Street District is in the heart of Downtown Austin, this is where you'll find a small strip of boutique shops, restaurants and if you're looking to get your fitness on you can find a cycling studio called Ride over here. Luxe Apothetique (2ND Street District, 201 W 2nd St, Austin, TX 78701) was one of my favorite shops on the strip. It had everything from high end designers (Marc by Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff) to local designers. You can find your souvenirs here as well, as they have cute little unique Austin gifts. If you need any make-up or beauty supplies they also have you covered. Head down the block to Austin Rocks for some quirky music apparel and accessories. Great place to pick up any jewels that you need for your festival looks. You'll also find Urban Outfitters on this end.
Waterloo Records
600A N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
Feeling nostalgic for the good old days of record stores? Head into Waterloo Records for a throwback. Waterloo is wall to wall of CDs, records, and little knick-knacks. I haven't been in a record store in years and this threw me back to the days when I was in High School buying CDs at Virgin Mega Store and Tower Records. (pssst Anthropology is across the street.)
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