My Mother, Myself
It’s easy to look to Hollywood for style inspiration–Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Sophia Loren are two of my favorites, but we can all probably get a little more inspired by the amazing outfits our mothers, grandmothers, or aunts rocked way back when.
- Hollywood Icons (Images via Google/Images)
This past weekend I went home to Jersey to spend some time with the fam (both on my side and my husbands). At my parents house, I asked my mom to get out some old photo albums (remember those?) so we could look for photos of her wearing some super fashionable outfits. This walk down memory lane was inspired by one of the coolest and most original fashion blogs: My Mom, The Style Icon (http://momstyleicons.blogspot.com/) which features old photographs of ”moms” wearing some of the most amazing, retro and stylish outfits. Check it out–I know you’ll love it! This site is so genius that LUCKY magazine now runs a monthly page featuring a stylish mom—all inspired by this blog.
I could count almost 10 outfits that I wanted from my “mom’s archive” (and let’s not EVEN talk about the bags and jewelry). Needless to say, my mom and I had a lot of fun looking through old photographs. (Even my husband really got a kick of some of my old photos–HEY! We all had awkward years!) But most importantly, I learned a couple of things by looking through these old albums this past weekend:
1) Mom was a little hottie
2) I have a very similar style to my mom’s in her early and late 20′s.
3) Take lots of pictures and PRINT THEM! A hard drive can crash or just stop working and you never know what the future will hold in terms of technology in photography. Back up your digital images by printing them so you can share these same memories with your kids.
4) You don’t always need to look to Hollywood icons and current starlets for fashion inspiration. The pages of the photo albums in your attic, living room, or basement will probably inspire you more than you could ever imagine.
Friday Crush
Sometimes, just having some added texture really makes a fabric, material, or design pop. I love “crushed/crinkled” textures (especially on jewelry and leather). It always gives off this really vintage feeling of high-level, quality craftsmanship. Here are some recent finds that I’m totally “crushing” on:
- “Crushing” on these textures and designs
1) Crushed Bowl from the Bentbottle shop via Etsy.com. This beautiful bowl, made by glass artist Bryan Northup, uses shards of Cointreau bottles to create an edgy, one of a kind piece. – $58
2) This amazing crinkled-glossed parka by Danish brand, Day Birger Et Mikkelsen, is available via Net-a-Porter.com. I covet everything from their collection. -$355
3) This to-die-for crushed cuff bracelet is handmade in silver and then gold plated by Chic Jewel Couture by Melanie Falvey. It’s sold exclusively on Boticca.com - $413
4) You can use this Robert Brandt ceramic tumbler to drink from or just as a really cool desk accessory. Designed to resemble a dented plastic cup, these funky tumblers are available at The Conran Shop.- $8
5) New uses for old things. This ingenious and edgy Maison Martin Margiela’s red leather clutch is embellished with crushed red reflectors. It was previously available via Net-A-Porter.combut is no longer available. Call Maison Martin Margiela for further details. -Was $1275 reduced to $637.50
6) This sheer crushed silk chiffon blouse by Donna Karan is super romantic in Spring’s go-to color. $695 via Net-a-Porter.com
Aalsmeer Rose
As I wrote about in an earlier post, I love to have fresh flowers in my apartment–I’m a sucker for them really. Here’s a new rose arrangement that I made using Aalsmeer Roses (or so the sticker said) that has lasted me about 1 1/2 weeks now. This bouquet has bloomed exquisitely. I don’t know if this is entirely due to the variety or if my constant talking to them is doing the trick – “Hello gorgeous girls.” I think their listening…
- My Recent Rose Arrangement
- Closeup of Blooms
Reading up on this variety, I learned that the Aalsmeer Gold is the #1 selling yellow rose variety in the WORLD. It’s known for it’s full star shaped bloom and full petal count. I can only assume that there are different hues of this so-called “Gold” variety color because my bouquet leans more towards cream. They look a little lighter in these pics due to the lighting, but Gold they are definitely not.
I did a simple arrangement on these in one of my favorite standby round vases. Round vases are great if your going to have your bouquet as the major focal point of your coffee table, counter, nightstand, etc. If I know the roses are going to have big blooms like this one, I tend to put them in a round vase to compliment the bloom and keep a consistent round shape. I removed all the petals for this design, but feel free to leave some for some more drama (above the water line of course).
Here is the final product on my coffee table.
- My Rose Bouquet adorning my coffee table
Ring-spiration
I love jewelry. Detailing yourself with amazing jewelry really can really add glamour and sophistication to any outfit. While I love all jewelry, I have an obsession with rings. The bigger, the more unique, the better. A beautiful ring on a manicured hand speaks volumes. While my favorite rings of all time are my wedding and engagement rings, I have amassed a pretty good collection of other funky finds. I’m always complimented on the different styles of rings I wear, so I want to start sharing some of my favorites with you through my posts. Some I own, and some I hope to own, but I hope that some of them can give you some ringspiration.
- H.Stern Ring from the Grupo Corpo collection
This beautiful 18k Yellow and Noble gold ring (Ref. A2OE30) is from H.Stern’s Grupo Corpo collection. This collection’s jewelry is interpreted and inspired by the choreography and costumes of the Brazilian dance troupe, Grupo Corpo. I just love the way the two different types of gold are intertwined in this ring as if they really are performing a dance. Every piece from this collection is truly remarkable. This ring is a true statement piece.
Soulful Sounds
Don’t you love it when you hear a new song and just want to play it over and over again? That’s how I feel about every single song from Adele’s sophomore album, 21. The hubster got the album for me last week and this album is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I must warn you–you should really have a shot of Tequila waiting for you after listening to this album. It’s so intense your left feeling like you fell in love, had your heart broken, and will eventually be better for it. It’s deep.
- Adele 21 Photography by Lauren Dukoff for Columbia Records
Adele stays true to the soulful sounds that made her first album 19 such a success and made all of us on this side of the pond love her so much. In a time when autotune can make anyone a singer (Exhibit A: Kim Kardashian’s just released single) it’s refreshing to listen to a true musical talent. Adele is soulful to the core. The power of her voice, the instruments, and the lyrics all beautifully come together to exude a range of emotions that anyone can connect to. While every song is captivating, my favorites are Rumour Has It, Turning Tables, Set Fire to the Rain, One and Only, and Someone Like You. (Yikes, that’s practically all of them. So hard to choose!) She also does a brilliant cover of The Cure’s “LoveSong”. When I first heard LoveSong I thought it was a beautiful original song and the husband was quick to point out that it was a cover. I’ve since listened to the The Cure’s version and in true Adele fashion she pays beautiful homage to the original while bringing her own mesmerizing touch.
Kudos should also be given to photographer Lauren Dukoff for her amazing album photography–especially the cover. In its gorgeous simplicity, it’s just as impactful and soulful as Adele’s voice–it speaks for itself without any additional bells and whistles. Check out Dukoff’s other work (www.laurendukoff.com) as well as Adele’s website for additional info, videos, tour dates, photography, etc. www.adele.tv
This album will definitely be a favorite of mine for years to come and I anticipate Adele will also be a musical powerhouse for years to come as well.
Coffee Break
Nothing wakes me up like a good cup of coffee. I know that sentiment is shared by many. Although I love coffee, I usually limit myself to only one cup a day. Considering my family is from Colombia, this shows a lot of restraint on my part–I mean our coffee is pretty darn stellar. Here is the most adorable set of espresso cups that one of my Aunt’s brought me from Colombia a few years back. The cups feature the works of one of Colombia’s most famous modern artists-Fernando Botero. Botero is referred by many as “the fat people” painter, and his work is exhibited around the world. She purchased these at “The Museo de Antioquia”located in Medellin, Colombia, Botero’s birthplace.
- Colombian Espresso Cups
It’s pretty hard to resist a good ‘ol cup of Joe in one of these charming cups. Another way I get my caffeine fix throughout the day is with the delicious chocolated covered coffee beans featured here in the red tin. This particular brand is by Cafe Oma and the bitterness of the bean combined with the sweetness of the chocolate makes for a great pick-me-up throughout the day.
Just follow the Recipe
I did a very bad thing on New Years Day. No, it had nothing to do with the copious amounts of Champagne I drank the night before…I did something that probably was not the most prudent thing to do for someone who is trying to manage her day more productively. You see on New Year’s Day, I turned on the OWN channel. That’s right, I clicked the remote to channel 115 here in NYC and for hours upon hours, watched the new Oprah Winfrey Network. I guess it’s not the worst thing since this network is devoted to mindful programming, but I need more TV to watch like I need a hole in the head.
The shows are really entertaining and inspiring however, and while I don’t think I will be watching each and every one, there are a few that have already made it onto my DVR list.
One such show is Anna and Kristina’s Grocery Bag. As you may or may not have learned about me, I am quite the foodie. I am often gifted with wonderful cookbooks by friends and family. I love trying new foods, restaurants, and cooking on my own as well,so I was highly intrigued by this show.
Credit: Anna and Kristina's Grocery Bag/Oprah.com/Own
This is not your traditional “come into my kitchen and I’ll show you how to cook.” As much as I appreciate and enjoy those shows, there is already a whole network devoted to that. This show takes a creative approach to something we have all done at some point in our lives…prepared something from a cookbook. Each episode focuses on the hosts, Anna Wallner and Kristina Matisic (average home cooks), preparing various dishes from one professional cookbook. But it doesn’t stop there. After they prepare their meal they serve it to a professional chef or food expert who rates their meal and determines how successfully they followed the cookbook’s instructions. They in turn also rate the ease of the cookbook’s instructions. GENIUS!
I have to admit, at first I had my doubts about the show. In the first episode where they cook out of Julia Child’s wonderful “Mastering the Art of French Cooking”, Kristina seemed a little too goofy for my tastes and it seemed like Anna was doing all the main work. But then I found myself laughing out loud at their attempt to make pâtés en croûte and the subsequent taste test of said dish by French chef, Alain Raye. His laughter at the first bite was infectious and it was at this point that I became a fan. I have often times found myself in their position: What does it mean when the recipe calls for a scant of something–how big is a scant? How much is a pinch? Is my pinch less then Julia Child’s pinch? And on and on go the questions and perhaps insecurity of whether my dish will come out resembling the books version. I would love the chance to get honest feedback from a professional chef without having to go to culinary school and this show provides a glimpse into what that would feel like. Although if Eric Ripert, Mario Batali, or Lidia Bastianich would like to come to my apartment for dinner any time soon, the invitiation is open.
A Room with a Bloom
Hope everyone had a great holiday! Christmas wore me out, as it usually does every year, but it was great to be surrounded by family and friends. The husband and I got back to our NYC apartment just about an hour before the massive snowstorm that hit the East coast. Upon walking into our apartment, the smell of our Christmas tree permeated throughout the room and much to my surprise, my lovely holiday rose flower arrangement had dried to a beautiful scarlet red that gave the apartment even more Christmas charm.
For me, there is nothing greater than a room with a bloom. I’m a huge flower addict and can think of no greater accent piece than a beautiful floral arrangement. Here in NYC there are floral design stores, studios, ateliers (whatever you wish to call them) everywhere, showcasing some of the most beautiful arrangements you could ever imagine. But they don’t come cheap, and since I would go flat broke getting an arrangement every week due to my obsession, I make my own. Much to my husbands chagrin, I have a wonderful assortment of vases that I have bought over the course of a few years at a wonderful flower supply shop, Jamali Garden, on 28th street right in the NYC Flower district. They have everything you could ever want or need to make beautiful floral designs. If you wake up and get to the flower district really early (we’re talking 6am people) you can get some amazing blooms at discounted prices. I can never manage to get out of the apartment that early, so I usually settle for the leftovers in that district, or opt for the flowers at the corner deli which are actually really nice.
The darling husband bought me 2 dozen gorgeous red roses from the corner deli (for the low, low price of $10) and since I prefer a modern, minimalist design, I chose a simple cylinder metal vase to really let the flowers shine. Luckily, the red roses fit the Christmas theme and were a nice change from the Poinsetta or Amaryllis that is typical this time of year. I gathered them nicely in the vase and voila! for about $15, I had a beautiful arrangement that lasted me about a month. (Please forgive the finger smudges on the vase.)
Your home should be your sanctuary and flowers are an inexpensive way of bringing a touch of nature and beauty indoors. I’ll be posting some more flower arrangements in the coming months to help give you tips and ideas to brighten your room without spending a fortune! Happy New Year Everyone!
Chick Lit
I just finished reading Jill Kargman’s “The Ex-Mrs. Hedgefund”, a delightful read about, you guessed it, a divorcee who is no longer a hedgefund wife. The title says it all but that doesn’t mean the book is without emotion, suspense and drama. Upon reading the last page and dropping the book by my nightstand, I came to the realization that I like Chick Lit. I actually LOVE Chick Lit—and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! So I’m owning it.
"The Ex Mrs. Hedgefund" by Jill Kargman
I’m owning this as a just for fun, I want to sit and relax with a glass of wine and a humorous good book. Who says I have to wait until I can get my butt to a beach vacation in order to partake in chick lit? I want to read it NOW, in NEW YORK, during the cold days of December, and eff those who think they are just dumb books. Sure, I can appreciate the classics just like the rest of them, but I get really tired of people frowning upon Chick lit as some sort of lowbrow reading. There is an audience for this genre ,for people who love to escape the seriousness of daily life and delve into something that deals with contemporary life and love, with a soap opera-esque quality. It is in fact this very reason that TV Soap Operas have been so successful for so long. These types of books are written in a way that transports us to a type of life we may not know or to a place of empathy–an “I’ve been there and I understand your pain” feeling everytime you turn the page. They are written as though you have a good girlfriend on the phone telling you about her problems, or helping you with yours.
For those of you closeted Chick Lit readers, I encourage you to embrace your tastes in public. Ride that subway with your chick lit book in tow! I guarantee you will get some good looks of approval. And for those of you who want to add some more Chick Lit to your collection, or give as gifts, or just start reading this genre, here’s a good site that offers up some great options http://www.candycoveredbooks.com/
Happy reading!
Marrying Prince Charming
I was simply overjoyed this morning upon hearing that Prince William and Kate Middleton are officially engaged. With so many recent celebrity divorces plastered all over the celebrity weeklies, it’s nice to see and hear about a true, honest love story every now and then. Kate and William’s story seems to be like one straight out of a fairytale. She has no royal or aristocratic background, but she found her way to William’s heart and will marry her true Prince Charming next Spring. Sure, I feel like I married my Prince Charming too, but Kate will be marrying into one of the most famous royal families in the world and has the great possibility of becoming the future Queen of England. Can you even imagine?! The only Queen I have ever managed to be is a drama queen!
With all the media coverage today on Kate and William’s engagement (check out Tom Bradby’s ITN interview with the happy couple below), the spotlight on the lovely Kate has only just begun. She seems like a really thoughtful, elegant, smart and sophisticated young woman. We can only hope that the pressure of marrying into such a public family will not be too much for her as it was for Princess Diana and “Fergie”, The Duchess of York. But with an 8 year courtship with William already behind her, and the story of Diana and Charles to serve as an example, Kate and William have the opportunity to really change the face of the English Royal Family. I for one am already a big fan. Aside from the charities she will choose to support, Kate has the ability to popularize and bring attention to just about anything. With beautiful looks (uncanny resemblance to Lauren Conrad of “The Hills” fame don’t you think?), fashionable clothes, hair, and jewelry, Kate has already been cast as a fashionista and will no doubt influence the fashion and beauty industries for years to come. I can already hear women everywhere asking their hairstylists for cuts, colors, and blowouts to match Kates. Can we say “The Middleton” anyone? Sapphires, I’m sure, will make a huge comeback in the coming months, as William proposed with his late mother’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring. The possibilities are endless. Aside from what all this attention will bring, let’s hope that what actually comes of all of this is a lasting, loving, and happy marriage for Prince William and Kate. After all, what we all really want and hope for at the end of a beautiful fairytale is a happily ever after. –xoLadyLattimer
