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{things i wore} white blazer

Published May 18, 2012 | By Vittoria

 

When people ask me what my favorite area in New York is, I usually name the Upper West Side. Lincoln Center, with its dining, shopping, and gorgeous public spaces, is a particularly perfect spot. While there always seems to be something happening in the opera house's front plaza, on this rainy afternoon most people were avoiding the open space. I took the cloudy weather as an excuse to wear my favorite new white blazer. I love the way its brightness pairs with the colors mint green and luggage brown–almost as much I love spring showers.

 

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Shirt Silk Tank in White, Banana Republic [old]

Blazer: Tuxedo Blazer in White, H&M [$49.50, not available online]

Skirt: Maxi Skirt in 'Sea Green,' Forever21 [similar style available here] 

Shoes: Chantal Sandals in 'Cuoio,' Luxury Rebel [$130, available here]

Bag: Canvas and Leather Tillary Tote in 'Flax', J.Crew [$228, available here]

Jewelry: Gold Plated Erilo Bangle, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard Necklace in Yellow Gold, Tiffany & Co. [from $795, available here]

Nails: "Park Avenue," N.Y.C. Color

 

 
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{things i covet} muse two python and leather tote by yves saint laurent

Published May 17, 2012 | By Vittoria

 

[Photos from Net-A-Porter - $2395, available here]

 

I never really loved YSL's original muse bag: its shape always seemed nonfunctional (too shallow in the smaller sizes or too deep in the larger ones) and the hardware inelegant (the pair of frontal gold rings are flashy). On the other hand, the Muse Two is a purse that I can understand. Top handles hold the key to my handbag-heart. More importantly, the bag strikes the perfect balance between structure and slouch for a silhouette that's modern but sophisticated. The Muse Two comes in so many wonderful colors–'sand,' 'plum,' 'iris,' 'prune,' 'black cherry,' 'pacific blue,' 'khaki,' and 'dark magenta'–but I love this one becaue I adore anything two-tone (so versatile) and python is still a summer favorite of mine.

 

What do you think? Are there any 'It-Bags" you reject? I'd love to hear your reasoning!

 

 

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{things i liked} lauren conrad + a nude maxi skirt

Published May 16, 2012 | By Vittoria

[Photo from The Fashion Patrol]

 

Lauren Conrad's style is completely formulaic–and that's what I love about it. Sure the way she dresses is predictable, but I can't fault her for knowing what works. I thought Lauren looked stunning at the reopening of David Yurman's boutique in Beverly Hills. I adore the variety of nude tones that run throughout the look, from the skirt to the clutch to the makeup palette. Nothing matches exactly but it all works well. I have to admit I'm a bit biased: with my love of column-esque maxi skirts, this is an outfit I'd totally wear.

 

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 [Photo from Nordstrom - Ruched Bow Back Silk Tank in 'Primrose', Paper Crown by Lauren Conrad - was $169, available here]

 


[Photo from Revolve Clothing - Willow Maxi Skirt in 'Nude', Paper Crown by Lauren Conrad - $312, available here]

 

[Moonlight Ice Bracelet in Moonquartz, David Yurman - $2,900, available here]

 
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{things i wore} high-rise trouser jeans

Published May 15, 2012 | By Vittoria

 

I love finding variations on traditional denim. My sister dug this pair of jeans out of a sales rack at the Gap–luckily in my size–and when I realized they'd ring up for less than $20, I knew I'd be leaving the store with them. The color is a unique blue, the fabric holds its shape, and the fit is surprisingly comfortable for a high-waisted cut. Warmer weather means that all I need is a light scarf  and tank to finish a look and I'm ready to enjoy a day in the sunshine. 

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Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in Black, Banana Republic [old]

Jeans: 1969 Mid-Weight High-Rise Trouser Jeans in 'Hermosa,' Gap [were $79.95, available here]

Scarf: Leopard Print Scarf, Gap [old]

Shoes: Balnit Peep-Toe Slingbacks in Black, Aldo [were $110, available here]

Bag: Freeport Medium Satchel in 'Taupette,' Banana Republic [old]

Jewelry: Leather Bangle Bracelet in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangles, Alex and Ani; Decanario bracelet, Sea Glass bracelet [street vendors]

Nails: "Park Avenue," N.Y.C. Color

 

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{things i made} ricotta gnocchi

Published May 14, 2012 | By Vittoria

 

Gnocchi are one of my favorite pasta shapes–I just love how they puff up like tiny pillows after a short stay in boiling water. Surprisingly light thanks to airy ricotta cheese in the dough, they're also wonderfully filling. Usually I toss the dumplings with a smooth basil-tomato sauce, but they'd also taste decadently good in a simple browned butter. 

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Ingredients: 

2 cups ricotta (whole-milk or part skim, 1 pound)

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (3 ounces), divided

1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (more as needed)

2-3 cups of preferred tomato sauce (store-bought or homemade)

salt and pepper

 

Directions: 

1. Stir together ricotta, eggs, 1 cup cheese, nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

2. Add flour, stirring to form a soft, wet dough.

3. Shape dough on a well-floured surface with floured hands into two 1-inch-thick ropes. Cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces with a floured knife and let rest on a floured board, counter top, or baking sheet.

4. Cook gnocchi in 2 batches in a pot of boiling water, adding slowly to pot and stirring occasionally until cooked through (about 4 minutes per batch). Lift out with a slotted spoon and drain in colander.

5. Meanwhile, heat sauce until warm. Toss cooked gnocchi with sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and fresh basil to serve.
 

 

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{things i learned} layered urban art

Published May 11, 2012 | By Vittoria

 

While there is a lot about New York that I take for granted, some things never fail to capture my attention (or that of my camera's lens).  I am fascinated by the urban art affixed to just about every public–and sometimes private–surface in the city. I love how ephemeral each piece is: seemingly permanent, they eventually will fade, rip, or simply be replaced. Although their sentiment usually appears illogical–see the above "Car Sex" or "Faust"–or incredibly topical–the sobering "So Much Noise" or "Occupy"—they are always a perfectly quick and interesting read.

 

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{things i wore} chambray button-down shirt

Published May 10, 2012 | By Vittoria

 

 

I can still remember when I saw this Chambray shirt in Target a few years ago. I was so hesitant to buy it. Were people really wearing jean-colored shirts again? How exactly would I style it to avoid a matchy denim suit-type look? In the end I told myself there was no better place to get a trendy piece than Target because my wallet wouldn't take too much of a hit if I eventually regretted the purchase. Of course now it's one of my favorite button-downs–it always seems to add a bit of relaxed contrast to dressier skirts or pants.

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Skirt: Chiffon Maxi Skirt in Taupe, h.i.p. [was $42, available here]

Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]

Bag: Fringe Leather Wander Tote, Spool No. 72 [$158.00, available here]

Shoes: Chantal Sandals in 'Cuoio,' Luxury Rebel [$130, available here]

Jewelry: Renegade Cluster Bracelet, Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Leather Bangle Bracelet in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Silver Expandable Wire Bangle, Alex and Ani; Studded Leather Bracelet, Banana Republic [old]

Nails: "Park Avenue," N.Y.C. Color

 

 

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{things i made} cream-cheese danish

Published May 9, 2012 | By Vittoria

 

I have quite the sweet tooth. Most of the time it's not highly selective, but I can say that cheese danishes have been on my 'favorites' list since I was younger. They're not hard to come by in New York but since most have a greasy croissant-type crust, I haven't enjoyed one in ages. This recipe doesn't use butter and is surprisingly light on sugar, yet the effect is still the sweet, creamy treat I remember.

 

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Ingredients:

1/4 c. warm water

1 T. yeast

1/2 t. sugar

1/2 c. reduced-fat sour cream

4 T. canola oil

1/4 c. sugar

1/2 t. salt

1 egg

2 c. flour

1 8-oz. package of reduced-fat cream cheese, softened

1/4 c. confectioner's sugar

1 t. vanilla extract

Confectioner's sugar and milk, as needed for glaze

 
Directions:

1. Mix together the warm water, 1/2 t. sugar, and yeast. Let rest for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. In a saucepan, mix together the sour cream and the oil. Stir until melted.

3. Add the sugar and the salt into the sour cream mixture. Stir on a low heat until the sugar melts. Remove from heat and let cool.

4. Add the egg to the mixture and then the yeast. Add the flour and mix well. Cover dough and chill for at least 2 hours.

5. Roll the dough into a 18-inch rectangle. Cut slits on either side of the dough about 2 inches long. 

6. Mix together 1/4 c. confectioner's sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract. Spread the cheese mixture in the center of the dough. Fold the flaps of dough over the center like a braid.

7. Bake on a lightly greased cookie sheet at 350 F for 18-20 minutes or until brown. Cool. Mix milk with additional powdered sugar for a glaze, if desired. 

 

 

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{things i covet} isla palm leaf suede and leather sandals by charlotte olympia

Published May 8, 2012 | By Vittoria

[Photo from Net-A-Porter - $1075, available here]

 

I adore Charlotte Olympia shoes. There is something fun about the British designer's gorgeous collections (case in point:  starting in 2012, each shoe box comes with an adhesive Polaroird of the pair you've purchased to make storage easier). These six-inch (swoon) "Isla" pumps are tropically inspired: plam leaf-shapes and rope soles mesh well with the pale coral and mint  green of the shoe itself.  A Charlotte Olympia signature, the floating "island" platform is my favorite alternative to a hidden one–it makes such a statement on its own even before you see the rest of the shoe.

 

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{things i wore} cargo jeans

Published May 7, 2012 | By Vittoria

 

 

I may or may not have mentioned my season-long search for a white blazer, but needless to say it has been a bit all-consuming whenever I've stepped into a store lately. That's why I swear I must have heard cheering, whistles, and a heavenly choir when I saw this jacket last weekend at H&M. I let the celebration last only a spilt-second before I dashed to secure the last one in my size. While I can't take full credit for spotting the blazer since my boyfriend saw it first–yes, things had gotten so bad that I enlisted his help–now that the hunt has finally ended I can move onto styling it. I've been looking for ways to wear an old pair of cargo skinnies for ages, so I threw it on with my favorite sling-backs and silk tee, wore my red satchel as a clutch, and was set for a perfect night out.

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Shirt: Silk Pocket Tank in Black, Banana Republic [old]

Blazer: Tuxedo Blazer in White, H&M [$49.50, not available online]

Jeans: Angelina Skinny Cargo in '5 Years Wash,' H.A-67 [$145, similar style available here]

Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]

Shoes: Novato Platform Sling-backs in Black, Sam Edelman [were $99, available here]

Jewelry:  Yellow Cuff, Power Beads, Evil Eye Bracelet in Black [Street vendors, NYC]; Black and White Enamel Bangle, J.Crew; Sting Ray Leather Cuff Bangle 1" in Red, D'Haute Collection [was $600, available here]

 

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