How is it already August?!

By Julie 

Summer is definitely my favorite time of year. Can you believe it's the end of July already?! Time really does fly when you're having fun, I guess. Here are a few things I'm loving this summer...

Sand between my toes.

via

Trying all the different flavors at the Odeon ice cream cart

via

Strolling with the girls outside 

via

Plenty of margs : )

via

Freshly shucked seafood with loads of squeezed lemon

via

Sunsets on the beach

via

I'm getting ready for a trip to LA! What are you guys up to this weekend?

XOX

Yumi Kim on the Upper East Side

By Lauren

While Julie is super cool and living in Tribeca, I still reside exactly where I grew up...on the Upper East Side. It has its perks, but it rarely has the cool outposts that downtown living provides around every corner. So it was to my delightful surprise when one of my favorite Lower East Side designers, Yumi Kim, opened its second boutique on 76th street and 3rd Avenue this summer! 'Whoohooo' were my exact words when I first noticed it from a cab window to be precise.

If you haven't heard of this line you def need to make yourself acquainted asap! These are some of the images from their Spring '11 Lookbook. Designer, Kim Phan, named the line after her Yorkie puppy, Yumi, and has been designing amazing pieces in gorgeous silk prints for years. (We share a love of fashion, Yorkies and now the UES...this line has my heart!)

Lookbook Images Via Yumi Kim Online

Yumi Kim is actually having a friends and family sale that ends this week so get on it because these pieces are too good to pass up!

Here are a few of my favorite pieces...every cut comes in a myriad of different prints so there is something for everyone.

Yumi Kim

1331 Third Avenue

(212) 249-0998

www.yumikim.com

What to Wear Where- Tiny's Tribeca

By Julie and Lauren

Tiny's Tribeca: 135 W. Broadway
212.374.1135

I was tempted to keep this new restaurant a little neighborhood secret, but figured when I saw Josh Hartnett and his posse there last week, the cat was out of the bag! (And yes, he's just as edible as the food. Beyond handsome!!!) Anyway, Tiny's in Tribeca is really, exactly that-- super small and cozy. The restaurant boasts a rustic, small town feel right in the center of the big city. Original tin ceilings, vintage wallpaper and salvaged wood paneling line the walls while the bar upstairs and clientele make it a modern day, hot spot.

Images via GrandLifeNYC.com

I loved my watermelon salad with feta, olives, mint and dill... Mmm. I would also recommend the beet salad, meatballs and lamb. Delish!

Julie Would Wear:

"Summer is dwindling so I definitely want to break out all my whites before it's too late. The feminine white dress paired with some edgier jewelry and boots ties it all together. Could you die for that Marni tote?! Too fun."

1. Day Birger et Mikkelsen Ruffled Cotton Dress, $120

2. Isabel Marant Brass & Feather Bracelet, $150

3. Marni Printed Gloss Tote, $295

4. Asos Chelsea Boot, $77.40

5. Kenneth Jay Lane Oversized Necklace, $150

6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Last Dance Corsage Earrings, $42

7. Michael Michael Kors Oversized Watch, $195

Lauren Would Wear:

"I'm constantly on the go so popping over to one of our favorite neighborhood spots makes the day that much better. I'm always laid back and casual in the summer so a no-fuss restaurant where I can just cozy up and be myself day to night sounds like perfection!"

1. J.Crew Marquis Striped Jersey Top, $45

2. J Brand Denim Mako Shorts, $64

3. Nixon The Private Canvas and Steel Watch, $120

4. Venessa Arizaga Heroes and Villians Charm Bracelet, $175

5. TOMS Women's Canvas Cordones, $62

6. Scoop Raffia Tote, $125

7. Day Birger et Mikkelsen Day Tribe Set of 3 Bangles, $120

Drew McGukin Interiors

By Lauren

My parents recently re-decorated their Upper East Side apartment with fabulous designer Drew McGukin who completely modernized the space. Check out these before and after pictures to see for yourself how magical the results are. I love design because it follows some of the same principles of fashion, not to mention style permeates every aspect of life, why not your home too?! In our ceiling you can see that a pop of color is just as important in your living space as it is in your outfit...duh!

Before/After: Main Room

Photo by Brett Beyer

Before/After: Living Room

Photo by Brett Beyer

Before/After: Den

Photo by Brett Beyer

Drew McGukin graduated from The New York School of Interior Design in May 2010 and kicked off as lead designer in his own NY-based firm, after a year-stint with Matthew Yee Interiors. As a designer, Drew is known for a touch of the ‘unexpected,’ combined with beautifully distressed textures and bold patterns that vibrate with the perfect amount of sophistication, warmth, innovation, style and approachability. Drew was recently selected by The New York Design Center as one of 30 designers set to launch Access to Design™—a concierge service providing accessibility for consumers to the industry’s top design talents and product offerings through NYDC.

Born & Bread: What was your inspiration for the Abuaf's apartment?

Drew McGukin: The space is so architectural on its own, I really wanted to focus on clean lines and interesting shapes.

B&B: What is your favorite piece that they bought:

DMc: Actually, we re-purposed two existing sofas into one long sofa. The finished product is sexy and sleek and by far my favorite!

B&B: The mirror in the living room is awesome, where did you find it?

DMc: I designed it myself and have a great guy in Alabama who produces my designs. This one is antiqued mirror in 3 pieces with a really simple industrial frame. Love the way it continues the windows onto the one blank wall in the space.

B&B: Do you watch Million Dollar Decorator:

DMc: Of course...

B&B: What's your favorite design resource in the city?

DMc: 1stdibs @NYDC is pretty fantastic. I also just bought a great pair of chairs for a client at Duane in Tribeca.

B&B: What New York City restaurant feels most like "home" to you in terms of design?

DMc: If they'd let me I'd move into Bobo in the West Village. The upstairs dining room is perfect...bohemian, chic, elegant.

B&B: What item of clothing can you not live without?

DMc: I designed a fun pair of pink boat shoes on Timberland.com that are easy and inexpensive for the summer. Of course I monogrammed them too!

B&B: Give us one quick design tip

DMc: The most important thing is to have fun with design and not be afraid to let your space reflect who you really are!

Drew in his own apartment

What do you guys think?

B&B Summer Soiree Photo Diary

By Lauren and Julie

All photos courtesy of our amazing Guest of a Guest photographer, Josh Wong 

A big thanks to all who came out on Wednesday night to support B&B and CO-OP Food & Drink. Truth be told, it was an absolutely sweltering evening in NYC, but that didn't stop any of the fun. The night far exceeded our expectations... delicious pink bazooka martinis, signature sushi and chicken lollipops were only the beginning. It was such an amazing turnout and great to see so many happy faces- old friends, new friends, family and fellow bloggers!

Thanks for sharing it with us!

XOXO

A very special thanks to Alan Philips for making the night so wonderful and our gift sponsors: Mott50, Les Halles Jeans, Left of Trend, April Reno Jewelry and Mario Badescu! 

Sneak Peek

By Lauren and Julie

As you might know, we had our B&B summertime soiree at Co-Op Food and Drink this past Wednesday. Here is a little sneak peek of some of the pictures from the party...stay tuned for a full photo diary on Monday. Have a great weekend!

Photos courtesy of our Guest of a Guest photographer, Josh Wong

Say, What?!

By Julie

I know, I know-- so not cool to be talking about fall right now-- but I can't help it! My favorite cool weather trend keeps popping up everywhere I look. While the name definitely throws me off a bit, the pussybow blouse is something everyone needs in their wardrobe. Worn under a blazer or fitted sweater, with wide leg jeans or skinnys, the pussybow blouse might just be this season's ultra chic must-have!

From the highs to the lows, here are some of our favorites:

Listed Left to Right

Are you feeling this trend as much as I am?

1. Alberta Ferretti Silk Chiffon, $790.

2. Rochas Silk Twill Blouse, $725.

3. Alexander McQueen Silk Blouse, $232.

4. See by Chloe Silk Crepe de Chine, $337.

5. DVF Whitman Blouse, $222.

6. Sonia by Sonial Rykiel Bow Blouse, $179.

7. Tinley Road Ditsy Floral Bow Blouse, $44.

8. DVF Silk Pussy-bow Blouse, $222.

9. Wes Gordon Blush Chiffon Top, $321.

10. ASOS Floral Silk Blouse, $51.60.

11. Chlo? Silk Crepe Pussybow Blouse, $695.

12. Miss Selfridge Drop Back Pussybow, $27.

See You Tonight!

Hope you all can join us!

Jump-In

By Lauren

This weekend I finally found the right occasion to wear one of my most favorite items of clothing. My shimmery jumpsuit found its way out of the closet (literally and figuratively since Im pretty positive that if my fabulous lavender 70's-esque pant-jumper were a real person, it would most definitely be a gay man!) 

I got the pleasure of attending a beautiful party in the Hamptons that was outdoors over-looking the beach so I thought this light and airy little number would be perfect. In the summer months I think it's always best to wear something that isn't too fussy or doesn't have too many components. Makes for a care-free night under the stars if you ask me!

I would like to apologize for the grainy pictures, we were running out the door and I didn't have my usual camera, but had to share this amazing find with you guys anyway!  My mother's best friend got it for me at a shop in Miami where they use beautiful silk fabrics and turn them into true fashion statements.