BORN AND BREAD: November 2011

11/30/11

Wedding Wednesdays - Get That Booty In Shape!

By Lauren

So Thanksgiving has come and gone but that doesn't mean the eating is over... I love to indulge in delicious meals in cozy restaurants when it's cold outside. But this winter, I'm getting married, and my old routine is just not going to cut it.

Thank goodness I found Real Pilates in Tribeca to whip my booty into shape. You don't have to be engaged to appreciate the amazing pilates group classes on the reformer machines or mats. Alycea Ungaro is the founder of this little gem and has trained the likes of Madonna and Gwen! Ugh, makes you want to put down that bagel right now and get on over!

Class schedules vary, but are available often or you can take a private lesson on the machines. My favorite class is the SpringTone one so look for it on the schedule. Great for an afternoon with the girls or just for some quality "me" time.

All Images from and Schecules available on via RealPilatesnyc.com

11/29/11

Holiday Outfit Ideas from TJMaxx and Marshall's

By Lauren and Julie

Last week we showed you all the awesome gifts you can get for your family and friends at TJMaxx and Marshall's...but let's be honest, we had to pick up a few stylish finds for ourselves, too! TJMaxx has a Runway department where you can get amazing contemporary and designer pieces for less!

We also polled our fabulous readers a.k.a YOU, to see what trends you were shopping for this holiday season. The consensus was that you can't live through the endless cocktail parties without metallics and velvets. Armed with your suggestions, we hit the aisles of TJMaxx and Marshall's to create looks that would please both you and your wallets!

On Julie: Sweater-LaRok from TJ Maxx, Tank-Splendid, Shorts-B Dakota, Clutch-Tasha from TJMaxx, Bracelets-Club Monaco, Booties-Aldo

Will you be rocking a similar look this holiday season? Tis the season, we say go bold!

Check back this week to see how Lauren styled her luxe velvet look.

XOX

11/28/11

Draped Coats

By Lauren

I must introduce you to my new favorite coat by Kimberly Ovitz. Grey and cream are two neutrals that work perfectly for outerwear since they can be paired with any color. The open front draping makes even my weekend wardrobe look instantly pulled together.

Boots and Bag: Michael by Michael Kors, Jeans: Current Elliot, Sweater: 3.1 Phillip Lim

What are you wearing to keep warm this season?

11/23/11

Making a List, Checking it Twice...

By Lauren and Julie

It's officially that time of year! The tree at Rockefeller is glistening, all our favorite shops are adorned with lights and our social calendars are filled with parties not to mention all our travel plans to celebrate with family and friends. Such an exciting time!

But let's be honest, the holiday season can be pretty overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the perfect gifts for all our loved ones. With brothers, sisters, beaus, parents, nieces, nephews, best friends, co-workers and bosses (ahh, say that 5 times!) all 'topping' the list this year, it's hard to find the time (let alone the money) to make it all happen. That's why we're super excited to have teamed up with Marshall's and TJ Maxx to break it down for you and find that perfect something for everyone on your list...

To find all the best goods, we combed the racks and fought the crowds at the brand new TJ Maxx-Wall St. location until our cart was literally overflowing!! Check out all our favorite finds...

Be sure to check back next week to see how we styled some of our favorite holiday trends with amazing designer and runway pieces that we found on our trip to TJ Maxx!

Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

XOX

11/22/11

Home for the Holidays-- Our NYC Favorites!

By Julie and Lauren

There's nothing more exciting than the holidays in Manhattan... glistening lights, streets filled with shoppers and the smell of roasting chestnuts on every corner! The wintry chill in the air means we soon get to take time away from our busy schedules to go "home" for the holidays. Here's a look into our favorite family traditions!

11/21/11

My Take on Tweed

By Julie

It was a beautiful, unseasonably warm weekend in NYC! Beyond perfect... hard to believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner. I'm afraid it might be the last weekend that I'll be able to get away with open-toed shoes so I took advantage and wore this look while out and about in Tribeca.

Blazer: Zara, Jeans: Rugby, Shoes: C/O B Brian Atwood,
Sunglasses: Chanel C/O Sunglass Hut, Gloves: Bottega Veneta (similar here)

I'm so happy that I finally figured out what to pair my little leather driving gloves with... what do you guys think about that look? Yay or nay?

It's a short week!

XOX

11/18/11

VOGUE and Absolut Night-In!

By Julie and Lauren

Happy Friday, loves!

If you follow us on Twitter or Facebook this may be old news, but we're super excited to officially unveil a project we've worked on with Absolut Vodka for VOGUE's December issue! Yes, we pretty much had to pinch ourselves when that came through the inbox.

This project was especially fun because though we may consider ourselves to be 'ladies around town', neither of us would pass up the opportunity to celebrate and gather friends and family in the comforts of our own home...

Exceptional holiday parties may start with the perfect cocktail, but they certainly don't end there. We've provided you with our most sophisticated and spontaneous tips on how to host the ultimate holiday fete at home for an 'Absolut Night In'. Let us know what you think!

It's pretty amazing to see what can happen in a year. We're so grateful.

The December issue hit news stands this week so be sure to check it out for yourself.

Happy Hosting!

11/17/11

Paris Bound!

By Julie

I'll be heading to Paris with my man's fam next week for Thanksgiving and now that the official countdown is on, I can hardly hold in my excitement!

Here are the things I'm dying to do and see.

http://weheartit.com/

We're staying in the 7th arrondissement right near the gorgeous Le Tour Eiffel.
One of my favorite family memories is being in Paris for the Millenium and watching it light up and glisten at midnight. Beyond.

http://bferry.wordpress.com/
I will treat myself to at least 1 of these everyday... hey, as the French do!

http://prettystuff.tumblr.com/

Dying to frequent my favorite Parisienne cafe- Les Deux Magots- as it's the most perfect place
for fabulous people watching. Here, I will treat myself again, but this time to a
Camembert baguette and a glass of Sancerre. Mm.

http://styleessentials.tumblr.com/
I will be praying the entire time that by some miracle I bump into Carine Roitfield.
You should know, I feel like I have secret celeb-spotting powers so it's not that far off!

http://maje.placedestendances.com/
Without question, I will have to stop in Maje- my favorite boutique in Paris- and hunt for another
fabulous peacoat to replace the one that I bought over 10 years ago.
Trust me- it's seen better days, but I just can't part with it so hopefully
I'll find an adequate replacement to treasure for another ten...

http://weheartit.com/
And of course, I'll be sure to bring all my loved ones home a box of these!
How could I not?

Do you guys have any other suggestions?! Do share.

We have some exciting news and a few amazing collaborations coming up so stayed tuned!

Bisou Bisou!

11/16/11

Wedding Wednesdays - Cake Time

By Lauren

The cutting of the cake has been an age-old tradition at weddings dating back to the Roman Empire when a man would crumble a piece of cake over his brides head to symbolize the ending of her virginity and the start of her belonging to him as a fertile woman.

That tradition is long gone...thank goodness. Now the cutting of the cake is just a time for the bride and groom to feed each other for a cute photo-op. Though I'm not completely sold on the whole concept, who doesn't love delicious tiers of baked goods?!

What is your cake style?

11/15/11

Viktor & Spoils

By Lauren

Image via Urbandaddy.com

Last week I got invited to preview New York City's latest hot spot, Viktor and Spoils. This new addition to the Rivington Hotel complements it's next-door neighbor, CO-OP Food and Drink, perfectly. The restaurant's distressed wood paneled walls and South of the boarder flair make it great for an after-work cocktail, a fun dinner with friends or a late night bite.

Shoes: Miu Miu; Jeans: Les Halles; Tank: from high school with no tag!; Vest: Theory

Head Chef, John Keller, cooks up a modern Mexican storm with a huge variety of delicious tacos from braised short ribs to fried cactus with everything in between. The drinks are also worth bragging about, with an impressive tequila selection and inventive cocktails this place is a must try for all foodies.

Even the waitresses are chic and in-theme!

11/14/11

Bundled Up and Ready to Go!

By Julie

The temperatures have officially dropped in NYC and I've been enjoying adding on all the layers to stay warm! There's nothing better than an easy dinner out, some vino and lots of laughs with your childhood girlfriends when you're in all your favorite cozy garb. My kind of night for sure!

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Blue Label (similar here), Shearling Vest: Rugby (similar here), Booties: TopShop (similar here), Jeans: JBrand

I haven't wanted to take off this layered and frilly Ralph Lauren sweater since I got it. I love when I find a piece like that-- the best kind of buy. I know it will live on in my closet for season's to come.

What item do you keep going back to again and again this fall?

XOX

Ps. How J.Lo are my shoes?! Love 'em. Can't help it. Xx

11/11/11

In Her Shoes

By Lauren

Darby Calf hair Loafers from J.Crew $275

Being a fashionista didn't come out of nowhere...my mother is pretty cool herself. This month she bought these amazing calf hair flats from J.Crew and has been wearing them with everything from skinny jeans to her army green cargo's. So take a cue from your mothers this weekend and walk a mile in their shoes, literally!

11/10/11

Juicy Fruit

By Julie and Lauren

Last week we were invited to preview Juicy Couture's Spring 2012 line and no, there was not a matching velour track suit from your middle-school years anywhere in sight! With a nod to the preppy girl and a dose of LA-inspired color, Juicy showed a great collection of fabulous separates. This active wear will def be added to our wardrobes making us giddy with school-girl delight!

11/9/11

Wedding Wednesdays - Bridal Shoes!

By Lauren

I'm a bargain shopper by nature, but for some reason when it comes to shoes I like to go big or go home!

But now it's time for me to buy a pair for my wedding and for some reason I'm not so quick to draw the good ol' credit card. Perhaps it's because I will have to buy a fancy white pair, which will definitely not get used as often as it's black counterparts.

That was until my mother-in-law-to-be had the brilliant idea to just dye them black after the big day! They are going to be scuffed anyway and I am going to have a million other keepsakes from the evening, why not get the bang for my buck with the shoes?!

Now that my head is back in the game, check out some of the most covet-worthy pairs I've come across.

These days women are adding color to their monochromatic ensembles with their shoes. Or using them to qualify as their "something blue." Others go for the glitz with sparkles while others stay true to the classics with a dainty bow.

Which do you think I should choose?

11/8/11

Tory Burch Holiday Picks!

By Julie and Lauren

Can you believe it's already that time of year again? This season, we've teamed up with Tory Burch to kick-start holiday shopping and pick two of our fav gifts from her most recent collection. How fun?!

Are you feeling naughty or nice? Either way, we have the perfect pick just for you!

Lauren's Pick- Kyle High Heel Sandal:

"We adore these Kyle High Heel Sandals! The laces are edgy, but the gold metallic toes keep it perfectly spirited for the holiday season. Worn with skinny jeans or a cocktail dress, these shoes are a must have for any woman's closet!"

Julie's Pick- Luella Pajama Set:

"There's nothing more glam or indulgent than lounging in luxe silk pajamas over the holidays! This poppy Luella print set is sure to make your celebrations cheery and bright."

You can't go wrong with these two, but be sure to check out all of the top picks and our favorites on the Tory Burch website. Happy holiday shopping!

XOX

11/7/11

Carmelized Pear Tart

By Julie

This past weekend I was home in Chicago and we had a plethora of pears in the kitchen! What to do? Bake a pear tart, of course. The perfect fall confection!

Ingredients:

6 large firm-ripe Bosc pears (2 pounds total)

1/2 stick unsalted butter

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Pastry dough

Peel and halve the pears. Heat butter in a 9- to 10-inch well-seasoned cast iron skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides, then stir in sugar (sugar will not be dissolved). Arrange pears, cut sides up, in skillet with wide parts at rim of skillet.

Sprinkle pears with cinnamon and cook, undisturbed, until sugar turns a deep golden caramel. This can take as little as 10 minutes or as much as 25, depending on pears, skillets and stove.

Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin into a 12-inch round and trim to a 9 1/2 inch round.

Bake tart until until pastry is golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool on rack 5 minutes and serve tart warm or at room temperature.

Pastry Dough Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3.4 stick (6 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

2 tablespoons cold vegetable shortening

1/4 teaspoon salt

2 to 4 tablespoon ice water

Glad we didn't let any of that fall fruit go to waste. It's was perfectly sweet and savory.

Enjoy!

11/4/11

Kenneth Cole and AIDS Awareness

By Lauren and Julie

Fashion designer and Chairman of amFAR, Kenneth Cole has reinterpreted the iconic AIDS ribbon designed to commemorate the discovery of the virus 30 years ago. To ignite a new wave of awareness about the pandemic with the next generation we are proud to have been asked to participate in spreading the word.

We love the pins and what they signify.

We're wearing the new version of the AIDS ribbon, which now features a double loop symbolizing coming together of individuals and the re-doubling of efforts in the fight against HIV and Aids. To learn more about the campaign or see how you can get involved visit MTVComeTogether.com.

The ribbons will be on sale beginning today through December 31 with 100% of net profits being donated to AWEARNESS, the Kenneth Cole Foundation, in support of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation and amFAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. The ribbons will be available for purchase at Kenneth Cole online, retail and outlet stores in the U.S as well as Bloomingdales.com and Gilt Groupe.

Please join us in the fight.

XOX

**Julie's Outfit Details: Pants: C/O Gap 1969 Legging Jeans, Cape: H&M, Booties: Ralph Lauren, Bag: Phillip Lim, Sunglasses: C/O Tiffany's
** Lauren's Outfit Details: Dress: DVF, Vest: Theory, Boots: Michael Michael Kors

11/3/11

Guest Post: The Now Stylebook

By Julie and Lauren

We were super excited to be asked over to The Now Stylebook because like us, Annie and Elizabeth are a team. The two-some is certainly dynamic and the girls have a passion for all things fun and glamorous. Be sure to check out their blog for all the fun updates!

Today, we're taking part in their Celebrity Styling Series! Very fun. Since you can't go far without seeing the Kardashian's in the headlines (especially this week!) we thought it was time they make some news in other ways. Both Kourtney and Kim have rocked classic houndstooth looks lately and have inspired us to do the same! It's definitely a print that you can't wear often and is traditionally a fall or winter trend, but it's fun to play with small or over-sized prints (or both!) to spice up some of your everyday looks. Be sure to add a red hot lip for a bit of drama ; )

This look can go from polished and refined...