9/27/12

Hermes- A Rendezvous with Craftsmen

By Julie

During fashion week I had the pleasure of attending the Hermes Craftsmanship Exhibit in Manhattan. It was incredible to meet the actual craftsman from France and have them share details of the company's history and explain what actually makes each and every handmade piece that great. Did you know that it takes at least two years for just one of the brand's most iconic silk scarves to be made from factory to store? Or that it takes up to 48 hours to make just one Birkin bag?? Me neither. 




















The level of detail is truly incredible and beautiful to watch. I absolutely LOVE those 14kt gold hand-painted wine glasses, don't you?

Any readers from Houston out there?? The show will be in town from October 10 through the 14th. I highly recommend checking it out.

XOX
  

9/26/12

Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce...I kid you not!

By Lauren

My cousin told me about the Epicurious app for the I-Phone and I have been hooked ever since. I found this recipe for Creamy Fettuccine with Peas and Basil that is completely dairy free! I couldn't believe I could indulge in a low-fat, high-fiber version of one of my favorite Italian dishes. And on this outstanding app, you can even get a shopping list with a checklist right to your phone.

Creamy Fettuccine with Peas and Basil
3/4 cup oat milk
1/2 cup cashew butter, at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
8 ounces whole-wheat fettuccine
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


In a bowl, whisk oat milk, cashew butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt until big lumps disappear. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring, until golden, 1 minute. 


Stir in milk mixture; reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick and fragrant, 2 minutes. Stir in peas; turn off heat. 


Cook pasta as directed on package with remaining 1 teaspoon salt until just tender. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Heat milk and pea mixture over low heat for 2 minutes. 


     Toss in pasta; add cooking water as needed to thin sauce to desired thickness; toss to thoroughly coat pasta. 


Garnish with basil and pecorino cheese; serve

9/25/12

Red with Green and It's Not XMas

By Lauren

This weekend it started to get a bit nippy outside but I still had a few dresses I wanted to wear. So I just threw a long sleeve shirt over a dress et viola! I can wear my dresses for at least another month this way!

Shoes: Celine; Dress: Kimberly Ovitz, Belt: Ralph Lauren; Shirt: J.Crew; Bracelet: Michael Kors






What are your seasonal quick-fixes? I'm hoping this takes me through at least October!

X

9/24/12

{Weekend Snaps} LA, Baby.

By Julie

This past weekend I was in Los Angeles with my family to co-host my sister's baby shower. We always try to make the most of our family's 'girls weekends' away so we made it an entire three days of celebrations-- Virgo birthday soirees, bridal dress shopping and a chic shower for the most adorable baby mama to-be. 

Here are a few of the weekend's best snaps. 


You know you're in LA when your Vera Wang bridal consultation gets bumped the morning of for a last minute celeb Emmy fitting. My guess is Julia Louis-Dreyfus! 


My sister's famous homemade Banana Cake and our favorite mint gimlets at The Ivy


Pre-baby shower blow-outs at DryBar in Manhattan Beach. So glad one is now opening in Tribeca, I'm hooked!


Anyone recognize these Bruce Springsteen lyrics? This beautiful gift and sophisticated nursery decor also served as a creative guest sign-in page (on the back) so the baby and parents-to-be will always remember the sweet sentiments of the day.



Delicious antipasti spread a la Tin Roof Bistro.


A display of the baby mama's favorite desserts including a gorgeous macaron towers from the team behind Apples & Onions; all the DIY details can be found at La Femme Epicure


One lucky little girl.


One of the most treasured party guests, my sweet baby niece Ruby! 


The hot mama and all her darling friends/ party co-hosts.

Thanks to all who made the weekend so memorable! Cannot wait to have another adorable baby niece to dote on. The countdown is on...

XOX

9/21/12

Joe Fresh

By Lauren

If you're like me you love a good bargain; Uniqlo, H&M, and Zara are some of my favorite stores. So I was intrigued when I started to see a million Joe Fresh stores pop up all around Manhattan. Who is this Joe Fresh, I wondered.



The Canadian brand was launched in 2006 and now has over 300 stores worldwide. Well, I finally went into one of the mega-stores and though I'm not quite sold on the women's line, I might have purchased the entire men's section for my husband! So this post is for the boys! 

See some of my favorite picks below...and please note the awesome prices.

Puffa Vest $39

Plaid Shirt $19

Color Block Cardigan $79

Chambray Shirt $19




Happy Friday!

9/20/12

New Do

By Lauren

I finally joined the ombre fun and colored the ends of my hair a bit lighter than the roots. Of course I couldn't trust my tresses to just anyone so I asked my bestie, who colors her own hair, and she instantly sent me to the beautiful and talented Clayton at the Bumble and Bumble salon. Together, we decided to only apply the color around my face and not all the way around. If you're looking to jump on the dip dyed ban wagon, you must call Clayton! 

The 56th Street Bumble and Bumble location and Clayton hard at work





What do you think?

9/19/12

B&B X Refinery29

By Lauren and Julie

B&B has teamed up with Refinery29 to style the quintessential fall outfits around Cole Haan's new 'street-tested' footwear and accessories. As a pair of besties, we created the perfect itinerary for a night on the town in our favorite downtown neighborhood, Nolita. Check out the entire feature and our pointers for nightlife in New York on Refinery 29.


We were beyond honored to participate in this campaign and hope you enjoy the feature as much as we did styling and shooting it!

XOX