{things i wore} sheer overlay shirtdress
Have you ever sifted through sales racks and found something marked down so much that you grab it without really thinking? Sometimes you score the perfect piece; other times you realize there was a reason why what you've just found was priced so cheaply. This dress was a super lucky find of the first sort–it was a fraction of its original retail price (read: less than $20) but was something I would have bought even if it had cost me much more. With some chunky gold jewelry it created a perfectly summery but dressy day-time look.
What do you think? What was your best sales-rack find?
P.S. I can't wait until Monday….I'll be posting a giveaway for a fabulous Lodis handbag! Check out their site to try to find the fabulous purse that I'll be featuring (and that you might win). Hint: like this dress, it sports a very reptilian print.
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Dress: Sheer Overlay Shirtdress in Taupe, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Bag: Envelope Clutch in Taupe Embossed Python, c/o GiGi New York [$180, available here]
Jewelry: Assorted gold bangles [old]; Gold Plated Erilo Bangle, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]; 'Brainy Bimbo' Gold Chain Necklace c/o Astrid & Miyu [$50, available here]
{things i learned} the other side of a street i knew
{police signs for some on-location filming}
{a multilingual 'welcome' on the steps by the metropolitan opera house}
{a brightly-painted traffic control box}
{a colorfully labeled garbage can in noho/north of houston}
{barricades near lincoln center}
Whenever I see sets of colorful paper affixed to street signs for a few blocks, I immediately assume they herald filming and try to investigate. I'm one of the few New Yorkers that actually likes to see on-location movie or television work. I never did figure out the purpose of this set-up and I didn't spot any celebrities (in the past I've seen everyone from Sarah Jessica Parker, Robert Pattinson, and Jeff Goldblum to Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Ed Westwick hard at work). The permits got me thinking about the amount of signs scattered throughout the city that contain some sort of writing on them– New York seems to have a lot to say.
{things i covet} metal detail sandal by giuseppe zanotti
[Photos from Barneys New York - $695, available here]
In the summer less is more–but only when it comes to shoes. I normally don't like to show a lot of skin, which means I get a lot of use out of my spring/fall clothes during the hotter months (plus air conditioning often demands that this be the case). I am however all about the sandals as soon as I know I can expose my toes without getting frostbite. Oh how I'd love to have these shoes by the phenomenal Giuseppe Zanotti in my closet. Thin ankle straps? Skinny heel? Edgy metal detailing? Perfect nude leather? All of the above please–and happy summer.
{things i made} zucchini patties
I like to think of these baked zucchini, carrot and onion patties as vegetarian crab cakes. It might be the Old Bay Seasoning or the fact that they pair so well with a creamy dip (I usually stir together some seasoned dill and yogurt), but they're definitely a lighter version of one of my favorite fried treats. While they stand up well on their own as an appetizer, they also make a great accompaniment for a meat or fish dish.
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Ingredients
2-1/2 cups shredded zucchini
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs, plus an additional 1/2 cup
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (Old Bay)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for coating
1 large carrot, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
Directions
1. Place shredded zucchini in a colander to drain for at least 30 minutes; squeeze to remove excess liquid. Pat dry and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of bread crumbs and seasonings. Stir in egg and oil until blended. Add the carrot, onion and zucchini.
3. Place 1/2 cup of bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Shape zucchini mixture into about 24 small patties; coat with bread crumbs, place on coated tray, and brush lightly with more oil.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until brown and crispy.
{things i wore} stamped ring
I went to two barbecues within the past week and while I love entertaining outdoors, I don't love the mosquito bites that come with it (unfortunately I'm a magnet for them). Since covering up is a must, I always choose a maxi dress or skirt if I plan on dining al fresco. This bright orange maxi didn't need much help becoming more summery but I still love to pile on gold jewelry to make a seasonal statement. I'm in love with this stamped ring Nashelle sent me with my initial. It's so unique, and strikes an ideal balance between roughly handcrafted and painstakingly polished (in fact none of the brand's designs are mass produced or outsourced and everything is handmade to order). The piece is also the perfect size–not too big but large enough to make a statement.
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Shirt: Ruffle Tank Top in White, Banana Republic [no longer available]
Skirt: Rope-Tie Maxi Skirt in Tangerine, Sofia by Sofia Vergara [was $30, available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Jewelry: Assorted gold bangles [old]; Initial ‘Identity’ Ring in Gold, c/o Nashelle [$55, available here]
{things i learned} chasing the sun
{bike path through the park}
{a stunning bloom of a 'jubilee' day lilly}
{one of my favorite buidlings on fifth avenue}
{watercress pizza margarita}
{an adorable 'twinkle' charm necklace sent from london by nadia minkoff}
Although I admittedly spend most heat-waves indoors (that is, in air-conditioning), there is something about their preternaturally high temperatures that feels invigorating when enjoyed in small doses. The city changes too: the air gets hazier, the streets more congested, and the fashion a whole lot more revealing. The swampy afternoon I spent outdoors ended with a pizza dinner and a package waiting for me at home. Nadia MInkoff, a fabulous British designer, was sweet enough to send some goodies stateside–I can't wait to feature her gorgeous 'Liverpool' bag sometime soon.
What do you think? Do you have any weekend plans? I'll be looking for ways to beat the heat!
p.s. Congrats to Dianne K …she's won the ‘ethel’ sideways cross necklace from robyn rhodes …. look out for an email about your prize soon! x Since I never heard back from Dianne, the new winner is Jennifer B.! Congrats! x
{things i wore} crochet skirt
While I'll almost always choose a maxi length over a mini, I've wanted a white crochet skirt for so long that I didn't care about the hemline when I spotted this version in Banana Republic. I loved the delicate scallops on this piece but crochet can be tricky: if the pattern is even slightly imperfect, its entire look can seem tacky. My pairing of this skirt with a denim shirt came a few days before the current heat wave: any time it's 95+ degrees in NYC, sleeveless tops are a must.
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Shirt: Chambray Button-Down in "Moon Shine Wash," Mossimo Supply Co. for Target [no longer available]
Skirt: Crochet Mini in White, Banana Republic
Sunglasses: Original Wayfarer RB2140 – 824/51, Frame: brown faded grey transparent, Lens: faded brown, Ray-Ban [$149, similar style available here]
Bag: 12.5" Satchel in 'Pillarbox Red' Standard Leather, The Leather Satchel Co. [$124, available here]
Shoes: Leather sandals, Nine West [no longer available]
Jewelry: Assorted Sterling Silver Bangles [bought in Mexico]; Expandable Wire Bangle in 'Silver,' Alex and Ani; Paloma Picasso Loving Heart Ring in Sterling Silver, Tiffany & Co. [no longer available, similar style here]
{things i covet} tonda printed sequins clutch by diane von furstenberg
[Photos from Lyst - $445, available here]
Diane Von Furstenberg is of course famous for her iconic wrap dresses, but ever since Kate Middleton paired a green DVF shift with a DVF clutch (in leopard no less), I've kept an admiring eye on her handbag designs as well. While the shapes and colors used in the line are all fabulous, I particularly like this summery blue and white sequin confection–its print and material make it perfect for both day and night wear. I love structured hard-bodied clutches (although I have yet to own one) and after Bottega Veneta's woven designs I have to say Diane Von Furstenberg's versions are my favorite.
What do you think? Do you own any structured clutches? And do you like DVF's handbags or should she have stuck to designing dresses?
{things i made} mojitos
Mojitos are my favorite summer cocktail (I can remember watching many baseball games where this hypnotic Bacardi commercial played on loop). Light, refreshing, and not especially sweet, the flavors are as interesting as they are simple. There are only five ingredients–lime, mint, sugar, water, and white rum–and each are relatively pure considering most mixed drinks come laden with artificial dyes and flavors. While the mojito is famously Cuban (and the favorite cocktail of writer Ernest Hemmingway), its exact origin is debated: some say it was created for the 16th century explorer Francis Drake while others pin its invention to African slaves on 19th century sugar cane plantations.
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Ingredients:
1 cup sugar
1 cup still water
1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/2 cup loosely packed mint leaves
2 cups white rum
2 cup sparkling water (or more to taste)
Directions:
1. Combine sugar and still water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until mixture becomes clear. Remove from heat and cool completely.
2. In a large pitcher combine lime juice and mint leaves. Gently muddle the mint with a long spoon to release natural oils.
3. Pour in sugar mixture and add rum and sparkling water. Stir. (Do not add ice to the pitcher as this will water down to mixture.)
4. To serve, add a few mint leaves to a highball glass, fill with crushed ice and pour cocktail over the ice. Garnish with a lime wedge and/or more mint.
This recipe yields one large pitcher.
{things i wore} slashed-back shirt
It's silly, but I just love it when I craft an outfit that can transition from day to night just through the swapping of some accessories. This weekend I started out by wearing this look with flats and one of my favorite shoppers–Hayden Harnett's Welles Hobo in 'Dusk' (last seen here)–and then switched to a pair of heeled sandals and a clutch for the rest of the evening. With its spectacular neon color, this shirt is so much fun to wear–plus from the front it is hard to suspect its slashed-back detailing.
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Shirt: Chiffon-Overlay Top in 'Dragonfruit," Sofia by Sofia Vergara [was $25, available here]
Pants: Artist Crop Jean in "Bright Indigo Destroy," American Eagle Outfitters [$49.50, available here]
Bag: Crocodile Embossed Leather Mini Portfolio Clutch in Brown, c/o Camille Zarsky [$360, available here; similar styles available here]
Shoes: Plambeck Heeled d'Orsay Sandal in 'Ice,' Aldo [were $60, available here]
Jewelry: Stella & Dot, c/o Katie Cramer, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot [$59, available here]; Green and Pink Beaded Expandable Wire Bracelets, Alex and Ani; Evil Eye Bracelet in Teal [no longer available]; Leather Bangle Bracelet in 'Minty Green,' c/o Amy Fine Design [$30, available here]; Gold Plated Erilo Bangle, Amrita Singh [was $40, available here]
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