{things i covet} short sequinned jacket by zara
[Photo from Zara - was $129, available here]
To me, New Year's Eve is always a bit depressing as it marks the official end of the holiday season's seemingly endless parade of parties. The old year takes with it all the excuses for dressing up, overeating, and guiltless relaxing that mark the days leading up to and following Christmas. Forgive me as I indulge my festive fantasies for a bit longer with this gorgeous shimmering jacket. If there is one night of the year that practically mandates the use of glitter it's December 31st. Sure, this jacket might make you look slightly too much like the ball that drops in Times Square, but in my opinion you can never be too fabulous on New Year's Eve.
So here's to 2012..what are you most looking forward to in the new year?
{things i liked} kate beckingsale & a yellow sweater
[Photos from VPQV.com]
If you're going to wear a bright yellow sweater, you could do a lot worse than choose one by Alexander Wang. Kate Beckinsale–snapped shopping in LA the day before Christmas Eve–could have stopped traffic in hers, plus she managed not to look like a bumblebee despite the fact that she paired the top with all black accessories. I'm loving cropped heavy knit sweaters these days (I just picked up a neutral one from American Eagle that's oh-so-comfortable) and Kate's look left me feeling inspired to go a bit bolder with color choices.
What do you think? Would you wear a neon sweater in December (or ever)?
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SHOP THE LOOK:
[Photo from Farfetch - Boxy Pullover, T by ALEXANDER WANG - $155, available here]
[Photo from Farfetch - 'Pandora' bag, Givenchy, $1298, available here]
{things i learned} pandoro
It's an Italian tradition to serve the deliciously decadent sweet yeast breads panettone and pandoro around the holidays. As panettone is studded with citron and raisins and therefore of the two is less receptive to spreads of jam or chocolate (think the wonderfully hazelnut-ty Nutella), I've always loved pandoro more. Literally "bread of gold" (pan d'oro) for its once-costly ingredients of eggs, honey, sugar, and butter, the dessert originated in Verona and is shaped like an eight-pointed star. I was thrilled to serve a platter full of soft pandoro chunks dusted with powdered sugar this year– the perfect ending to our Christmas Eve feast.
{things i wore} studded spiked bag
When Lady Gaga stepped out carrying an Hermès Birkin bag with spikes pushed through its costly leather, the fashion world cringed. I did for a moment–after all black with silver hardware is my choice for that particular dream bag–but I soon after recognized the appeal of its edgy luxury-look. I couldn't resist this bag inspired by her modifications. I love the addition of so much metal to such a structured form (not to worry, its proportions are off just far enough to ensure that no one would mistakenly think it was the real thing). The tote is a real conversation starter too: so many people have asked me where I bought it, if I've ever used it as a weapon, and whether I feel safe riding the subway when I have it on my arm.
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Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer RB2140 – 824/51, Frame: brown faded grey transparent, Lens: faded brown, Ray-Ban [$149, similar style available here]
Shirt: Tee in "Heather," Levi's
Blazer: Boyfriend Blazer in "Black," J. Crew [no longer available, similar style available here]
Jeans: "The Rocker" Lean Flare in "Aniston Wash," Joe's Jeans [$167, available here]
Shoes: Wendall Boot in "Black," DV by Dolce Vita [$169, available here]
Bag: H World Studded Bag in Black, Bag Inc. [$170, available here]
Jewelry: DKNY Unisex Stainless Steel Watch [$195, available here], Micropave Diamond Band in White Gold, Channel-Set Diamond Band in Yellow Gold, gifts, Tiara Diamond Band in White Gold, Ice [$395, available here]
{things i made} italian wedding cookies
I feel like I'm still digesting my Christmas feast but I must say I'm not yet sick of my holiday cookies. I made twelve different types this year (!) and if I had to pick a favorite, this would probably be one of them. Most commonly called "Italian wedding cookies" but sometimes "butter-balls," "Mexican wedding cakes," or "Russian tea cakes," recipes for these sweet treats vary. Not only is mine easy to mix and practically foolproof to bake, the secret to its perfect taste is in the vanilla extract–the four-and-a-half teaspoons almost seems like a typo–and the hint of salt that balances their sweet, nutty flavor.
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Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups finely ground almonds, pulsed in a food processor
4 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/3 cup confectioners' sugar for rolling
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Cream butter in a bowl, gradually add 3/4 cup of confectioners' sugar and salt. Beat until light and fluffy. Add almonds and vanilla. Blend in flour gradually and mix well.
3. Shape into crescents by hand about a teaspoon of dough for each cookie. Place on un-greased cookie sheets, and bake for 15-20 minutes. Cookies should remain pale on their tops and slightly golden on their bottom. Do not brown.
4. Cool slightly (cookies will crumble if handled when too hot), then carefully roll in extra confectioners' sugar. Place coated cookies on racks and let cool completely before storage.
{things i wore} holiday dress
Some moments are made to be photographed. On the night I took these pictures it was unseasonably warm for New York standards, twilight was fast approaching, and the lights on this tree-stand were positively twinkling. I've never been more exited to be dressed for a holiday party. The first shot we snapped was the most perfect, as it faced down a decorated avenue in the city moments before the sky turned shades of purple and black with the setting sun. I felt happy and blessed, just as I hope all of you will this holiday season.
p.s. I've submitted the first photograph of this post to Saks Fifth Avenue holiday style contest…I'd really appreciate it if you could visit their Facebook page and show your support with a vote. Thanks for being so wonderful and Happy Holidays xx
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Dress: Homecoming Dress in Cognac [was $195, available here]
Tights: Solid Opaque Tights in "Black," J. Crew [were $24.50, available here]
Shoes: Heat High Heel Shoe in "Black Kid Suede," Pelle Moda [$140, available here]
Bag: Grosgrain Clutch [vintage]
Jewlery: Gold bangle [vintage]
Nails: "Bowery Black," N.Y.C. New York Color
{things i learned} mulled apple cider
I spent a long time thinking about what would be the perfect drink to serve at any upcoming holiday parties. Turns out my best bet was back to basics. This hot mulled apple cider couldn't be easier to make–plus you can call it "wassail" (the traditional name for any hot mulled punch associated with Christmas) and impress all your friends.
In a large pot, heat four cups of apple cider, one orange peeled and cut in half, a 2-inch piece of ginger root cut into six pieces, 1/2 cup of sugar, one whole cinnamon stick, and ten whole cloves. Simmer 25 minutes and serve in the, most rustic-looking cups you can find.
p.s. A splah of brandy or rum certainly doens't hurt this drink. In fact, it really brings out the flavors!
{things i liked} kate middleton & a velvet gown
[Photos from The Daily Mail]
Kate Middleton has worn quite a few stunning dresses since last year's announcement of her engagement to Prince William. If you pay attention you'll notice they're almost always in shades of red, blue, and white, which is one reason why she absolutely wowed in black at the Sun Military Awards in London this week. Sure, the glittering princess-y jewels she wore should have stolen the show (her spokesperson has said the ruby and diamond set were a wedding gift), but I was truly captivated by the dramatic and mature flared flair of the velvet gown. With all its alterations–the bottom was originally sheer, the top ruffle has been added, and the bodice no doubt has been taken in to hug her long torso–the piece fit and flattered her perfectly. As I overheard on Twitter, Kate's introduced us to the new LBD – the long black dress.
Special thanks to one of my favorite sites What Kate Wore for helping identify all of these items (next time Kate makes an appearance, head over to the WKW's Facebook page and watch in real time as everyone tries to identify what she's wearing– it's addictive.)
p.s. don't forget to enter my giveaway.
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SHOP THE LOOK:
[Photo from Jimmy Choo - Cosmic Suede Pumps in Black, Jimmy Choo, $695, available here]
[Photo from Large Size Designer Shoes - Pretty Ballerina Black Velvet Clutch Bag, was $245, available here]
[Photo from Net-A-Porter - Strapless Velvet Gown in Black, Alexander McQueen, was $6850, available here
{things i covet} soft patent satchel by 3.1 phillip lim
[Photo from Net-a-Porter - $895, availlable here]
The official color of this bag is "vermilion," but this week I'm thinking of it as holly-berry red. I love the structure–a 3.1 Phillip Lim trademark– and the way the shape's lines are interrupted by the vertical zippers at the sides. The dark hardware provides great contrast to the patent, plus it makes the small studs across the front look something like the black buttons of Santa's coat…okay this last bit may just be the Christmas countdown in me talking.
p.s. don't forget to enter my giveaway.
{things i made} double chocolate chip cookies
I tore the recipe for these cookies from a magazine a very long time ago back when I was first discovering how much I loved to bake. They’ve become a favorite and always make an appearance at least once a year, usually during the holidays (I’m going to make a batch by the end of the week just in time for Christmas). The cookies are rich and chewy, with a brownie-like consistency when perfectly baked. Be sure to use baker’s chocolate to melt into the batter and semi-sweet chocolate chips to get the taste just right.
p.s. don’t forget to enter my giveaway.
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Ingredients:
1 package (8 ounces) semisweet-chocolate squares, coarsely chopped
4 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 package (6 ounces) semisweet-chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In 3-quart saucepan, melt chocolate with butter over low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and, with wire whisk, stir in sugar and vanilla until blended. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. With spoon, stir in flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Add chocolate chips and stir until evenly mixed.
2. Drop dough by rounded tablespoons, 1 1/2 inches apart, onto ungreased large cookie sheet, Bake 13 to 15 minutes, until tops of cookies are set. Let cookies remain on cookie sheet on top of a wire rack one minute to cool slightly. With wide metal spatula transfer cookies to wire rack to cool completely.
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