Trinkets/ For Me, For You

Katie Miss of the cute blog For Me, For You recently shared some of her handy-work; these sweet necklaces!  I love them!!!  They  totally remind me of being 10 years old, crafting colorful friendship ropes into all sorts of jewelry.  (I recall a lot of anklets.  Don't judge, it was the 90's!)  Katie's necklaces are way hip-er and definitely refined enough to sport as an adult.  I'm also pretty sure they're more skillfully made than those things I knotted together out of embroidery floss.  Stop by Katie's store to browse the available collection!

Happy Wednesday

Hi kittens,
I hope you're off to a winsome Wednesday. It's supposed to be warm and rainy in NYC for the next 5 days or so... not the most fabulous way to get summer* underway. But whatcha gonna do?!!! I did see two adorable little yorkies on my way to work this morning. And the Union Square green market smelled like wet pavement and basil (love). So I'm feeling chipper.

* Yesterday was the first day of summer and the longest day of the year! Did everyone enjoy?

Image by Valero Doval found via Seesaw Design

Cake Competition

Stephanie of Desserts for Breakfast is having a fun contest; what cake would you bake for her birthday?  That's right!  Leave a comment telling her all about the dreamiest cake your mind can muster.  She's going to randomly select two winners who will recieve cupcake stands.  Plus, Stephanie will select a few of her favorite sounding recipes and whip them up.  The most delicious submission wins!

I want to leave a comment, but am so completely torn about what type of cake to suggest!!!  Play too!  Think up something fabulous and go tell Stephanie!  We have until this Sunday to enter : )

*That* Chocolate Cake recipe (adapted) by Stephanie

A Beautiful Mess/ Wedding

Check out these amazing photos from Jeremy and Elise's DIY wedding, shared on 100 Layer Cake.  There are more photos on Style Me Pretty too, go check them all out!  Elsie is the super creative and crafty author of A Beautiful Mess.  Her wedding is a fun mix-up of retro and modern, playing up textures and colorful details.  I love, don't you?!  (Watch their wedding video too, it's so beautiful!)

Photos by Arrow & Apple

Resort 2012/ Collette Dinnigan

One print, three lovely variations.  The Collette Dinnigan resort show is really pretty; super feminine and seemingly designed with warm, Mediterranean ocean breezes in mind.  My favorite look is the one on the far right.  Which would you pick?

Photos via Style.com

Happy Monday

What a lovely photo of NYC at sunrise, yes?  I didn't quite catch the sunrise this morning, but I was up early.  I know I've said it before, but getting an early start puts me in the best mood.  I guess it helped that my weekend was sublime.  My BF and I saw quite a bit of live music; it was the Northside Festival in Williamsburg/Greenpoint.  We had drinks at the new beer garden, Spritzenhaus.  That place is my new favorite watering hole!  It's noisy but not too crowded.  The location is amazing, the space is beautifully designed and they have Woodchuck Cider!  Lots of usual weekend goodness occurred: yummy brunches,  a movie on the couch (with the a/c on!!!) and many walks through the park (tons of cute-doggie sightings).  Oooh, and I bought a beautiful orchid!  It was a good weekend : )  

Photo found on Flickr

Four for Friday

Enjoy your weekend, dearest readers!  As a Friday send-away peruse these fun and colorful Four...

- Sprouted Kitchen is an amazing place... visually stunning and bursting with delectable recipes!

- How do I describe The Daylight?  Blog comprised of the dreamiest mood boards and coolest design details ever?!!!  Seriously.

- From throw pillows to original art, if it's cool LONNY is featuring it!  (If NYLON is a girl, LONNY is her house)  Check it out... you can also flip through the entire print mag online!

-  N.E.E.T. magazing has released their most recent publication (it's a quarterly).  But I'm all about the blog (duh).  The hip content includes (but isn't limited to) fashion, beauty, culture, home and travel.

Super Salad

This has been a salad-for-lunch week.  On busy days in NY I duck downstairs for a Deli salad.  When traveling, a salad is often the only vegetarian lunch available...   I must say, the last five days (today included) have been full of sub-par lunchtime salads.  But what am I to expect? Cafeterias and delis are not generally known for fantastic food.  As I crunch away on overly-oiled broccoli and snap peas, I fantasize that it will somehow morph into this delicious bowl full of veggies from Smitten Kitchen.  Yum-E.

Yael Berger

I'm really liking Yael Berger's simplistic studies of fruit, veggies, and flora. Beyond watercolors and an Etsy store, Berger is a textile designer working out of Tel Aviv. Formerly, she worked in the fashion and home textile industry for over 20 years. At one point in time she was also running her own design studio, producing printed T's.

When it comes to her paintings she says, "I hope my optimism, and the joy I feel when creating is reflected in my paintings and Prints. Nature, every day objects and folk art inspire me and make me happy . As a minimalist at heart I try to keep the shapes as simple as possible and let the color speak."  And speak they do!!!  I want to buy up a bundle and hang them around my house; they're just so pretty!

Found via Avie Designs

Dressy Maxi Dress

I have a long dressy-dress that I've been dying to wear.  Here is the killer... I've been dying to wear it for 4 summers!  Yes.  It's been in my closet for more than 4 years and has yet to be worn.  Let me share the dilemma: it's really darn difficult to wear a long dressy-dress.

The one in my closet is beyond lovely.  It used to be a terrifying palazzo pant jump-suit (I remade it into a maxi gown).  It's silk crepe de chine, in a gorgeous mod garaiffe print: white and navy blue.  Halter.  Backless.  Center front slit up to my thighs.  It's not the type of dress you wear with gladiator sandals, on a weekend, to the park.  This dress is serious business; heels and lipstick required.  Garance has given me a little encouragement though, with her comical post and inspirational photos.  Perhaps I can master my maxi dress with some understated jewelry and long, flowy, boho hair.

Photo by Garance Dore

Drink at Eatly

Last weekend I was doing some beer garden iPhone reconnaissance while out in Brooklyn.  I was finally tired of observing the new (and expansive!) beer garden at the south end of Nassau and not knowing it's name. (It's Spritzenhaus, pics and more info here.) What I also discovered via iPhone wisdom-ness, is that Eatly just opened a beer and wine garden up on their rooftop!  Coolio!!!  Spousal bloggers of Hither and Thither got to check out opening night at Birreria.  I can't wait to head up there too.  Well, once the opening buzz quiets a bit.  According to Ashley and Aron, it's not worth a 45 minute wait in line... should be nice, come September!  Kidding.  I hope : )


Photos from Hither and Thither

Jetting Off (for a couple days)

Hey there dolls,

I'm going to be out of NY for a couple days.  Work related.  (Don't I wish this was another mini-vacation!)  I'm not jetting off to the Gluf, as this poster might suggest.  I'm bound for the near, north east; just a 90 minute flight away. 

See you on Friday NYC!  And as for the rest of you, fret not.  I'll still be updating things here.  Keep checking by w&w for new posts!

Vintage print available at the Pearl Harbor website, found via Pinterest

4 Gals & Lotsa Locks

I love this Refinery 29 article, all about ladies with long tresses!  Each gal has a very different type of hair and different styling preferences.  I love Darlene's bundle of braids, so beautiful!  My hair and stylistic preferences are along the lines of Ariane;  a straight, brown mane and basic-simple-classic looks with a penchant for easy up-do's.

Sometimes I get bored with my hair.  Long hair is always lovely, but it can become such a style rut.  It's so easy to not do anything with it, ever.  I know I've said it before, 6 out of the 7 days of the week my hair is in a bun.  The other day it's either in a pony or a half-pony.  But really... I'm too lazy for a cut that requires any type of upkeep or special treatment.  Now that the weather is warm, I don't even blow dry!

What about you gals?  Are you a hairstyle adventurer?  Do you switch cut or color often?  Do you style your locks differently every day?  What's your favorite look?  Favorite accessory?  I want to get into wearing headbands... they're so cute!

All About the Tortoise, Man!

I love man-watches.  Whether it's really a guy's watch on a gal, or just a chunky/oversize watch, they are so cool.  They look completely effortless.  At the same time, they assert their presence.  It's a power watch, if you will.  I am especially loving these tortoise man-watches.  Tortoise is completely chic, so much less in-you-face that a metal clunker on your wrist.  Classic.  Iconic.  Want one!

Visit Honestly, WTF for all the shopping links

Birthday Wishes!!!

To myself, yo.  That's right, it's mah beee-day.  I'm enjoying the tail end of this trip to Boston, then bussin' it back to NYC later today.  It's been a super duper wonderful weekend getaway.  Heck, it's been a super duper past year!  I hope the next one lives up to my high expectations.  (Yeah, you hear that Life?  You better show up with your A-game for the next 365 days and nights!)

Dear sweet readers, thank you so much for stopping by w&w and cyber-celebrating with me!!!  You are wonderful and so terrifically supportive.  Have some cake : )

Photo from Call Me Cupcake

Four for Friday

Four fun thing-ies before I bus it up to Boston...  Enjoy!

- I'm totally smitten with Somewhere Splendid.  The lifestyle blog covers everything from home renovation and decor to entertaining and cooking.  Take a moment to browse, you'll find something (somewhere) splendid!!!

-I found the most awesome Tumblr ever; Wear Color!!!  Admitting that I love a Tumblr page takes a lot... because I hate Tumblr.  Not the Tumblr-ers, you're not the bad-guys.  It's just that the concept of Tumbling images and loosing their source really disturbs me.  But that's a negatively charged topic destined for another day.  Back to Wear Color...  check it out.  So inspirational.  I promise, it will make you happy! (This photo from STREETFSN)

- Are you ready to head-over-heels fall in love with dessert?  Call Me Cupcake is full of the prettiest, most delicious looking sweets.  It's like a wonderland of baked treats!

- Well Groomed is the cutest (brand spankin' new) site for today's dapper and engaged fellows.  While it is intended for isle-bound dudes, you don't have to have a wedding on the horizon (or even be a guy!) to appreciate this lovely site.  It feels wrong to call Well Groomed a pretty blog, especially as the creator is a "former drag racer, current autocrosser, and just finished rebuilding an '86 Trans Am", but pretty it is!

Summer

Happy Friday angels!

I'm hopping on a bus in a few hours, headed for Boston. Monday is a special day for me so I'm taking off work.  Woo-hoo, three day weekend!!!  This week was a little nutz-o and I'm looking forward to a long weekend outside of NYC.  I'm a huge fan of Boston.  I love how clean it is downtown and that it's quiet on the weekends.  There are great, historic neighborhoods ideal for wandering too!

Typography by Matt Braun of Brian vs. Braun, found on Design Work Life

Turkish Delights/ Part Two

Perhaps you recall, I have a sweet spot for Turkish candies.  So, you can imagine how excited I was to come across Heather's recipe for home-made Turkish delights on Sprinkle Bakes.  Heather adapted this New York Times version to suit her preference for lemon delights (I like the lemon ones too).  Her recipe seems super easy.  Unfortunately it requires a microwave, which I don't have.  But these are so beautiful, I may give it a go anyway and submit to the drudgery of stove-top candy making.

DIY Painted Mugs

I love these DIY mugs featured on Creature Comforts!  Ez has the best ideas.  Go visit her blog for tips and a super adorable hand-drawn instructional diagram.  She breaks it down into a few simple steps.  Even those less than artistic or crafty can whip together a little mug-masterpiece!   This would be such a fun project and they make the sweetest gifts.  Customize the mugs with whatever you dream up; the possibilities are endless!

Shoe Love/ Color Blocking

These Zara flats are taunting me!  I have completely fallen for their color blocking.  The cut looks so pretty too; they have loads of flirty summer flair.  I wish these were made of canvas*, I'd run down the block and buy them right now! 


* Sadly these are goat hide.  Yeah.   I love goats.  I've made goat-friends before.  Seriously.  They are the sweetest animals, affectionate and intelligent like a doggie!  Goat leather makes me sad.

Seen on Oh Joy!

Summer Polish

Refinery 29's summer polish guide rocks!  Pictured are the shades I'm feeling for; orange-y reds, sorbet corals, creamy tangerines, neon pink, and flirty blush shades!  Read the full article and click through their slideshow for lots more color.  I love the nude, citrine and turquoise hues they feature too.  Those shade would look so gorgeous on someone with warm bronze, deep olive, or dark espresso skin.  Alas, I am completely tan-challenged.  What colors are you feeling for?

Pickled Red Onions

So, you've heard me wax on about my love affair with pickles.  And not just pickles, but all things pickled*.  I particularly love pickled onions.  Especially big curly slices of red onions.  This jar full of 'em looks so good!!!  I definitely have to try out this recipe.  Mmmm

* You may recall a mentioning of 'pickle on a stick' from my adventures last weekend at Smorgasburg.  It was a good pickle, Rick's Picks.  Thank you.  But what I was really in fits about were your pickled beets and beans.  You should put them on sticks too.  I know the beans could prove challenging, but I believe in you.

Pickled red onions on Use Real Butter, recipe from Simply Recipes

Sandro

Lately I've been a little wrapped up with coral hues.  Yeah, you knew.  It's pretty obvious.  I'm also totally won over by Sandro's flirty warm weather looks.  I love that these looks cover the gamut of life's functions; apparel suited for work, a party, date night, weekend brunch, and errand running!

All items available from Sandro

Pink Sugar

This mini-post is dedicated to my little sisters. They love pink. I love them.  We all love sugar.  Miss you, sisters!!

I found this cute photo and apparently "easy peasy" recipe for strawberry sugar at Butterfly Food.  I'm not really sure how one would use pink sugar. Ashley suggests using it in ice cream, muffins, or on cereal.  I suppose you could really use it anywhere, just as you would regular old sugar.  But... you know, this one is PINK.  So It's just better.

I'm thinking it would be particulary pretty just sitting on the table in a chic glass sugar bowl, destined for summer drinks like too tart lemonade and bitter ice tea.  This would be super cute set out for a party, don't you think?!

Season Calender

This calendar, that Joanna featured last Friday, was so cute that I just had to repost.

Whilst our winters here in NYC are not quite as monopolizing of the calender, they're still pretty wretched.  I guess it ends up a plus if  you like winter snow sports.  And maybe it's not so bad if you have a chauffer who carts you around everywhere.  I'm zero for two on those points.  But, summer does do a good job of making amends.  Summer in New York is wonderful.  Seriously.  So.  Much.  Fun.  (Can you tell I'm happy that it's June?!!!)

Original art by Sarah Lazarovic, featured on the National Post.

Armas Design

Michelle Armas has the loveliest blog; Armas Design. It's my new favorite place to find prettiness!  I'm also totally obsessed with her paintings, available for purchase here.  I love (lovelovelove) the colors and floral effects achieved in her abstract work.  It's impossible for me to choose a favorite!  (Although, I do like this one and this one!)  Her online shop also carries calenders and note cards, if splurging on a canvas doesn't fit within your budget.  

Discovered via Brooklyn Bride

Sun-brella

It's suppose to pour later today.  Thunder.  Lightening.  The whole sha-bang.  What a bummer, since summer is much better suited for sun-brellas on the beach (or rooftop, if you're a New Yorker).  Good thing it's just a Tuesday.  I want the weather to dispel it's shouting and tears before the weekend, 'cuz I've got something special planned! 

Print available for purchase on Etsy, found via Bklynstitch

Resort 2012: Looks I Love

It's the fashion curse... once you've finally segwayed into the next season (the one you've been super hyped about for the last few months) and then the runway shows hit.  Now you are tempted by all the looks six months out from now.  It's a torturous circle.

It's no different this time around.  I want to be on winter holiday, sashaying about in these chic resort clothes.  Or, forget the winter.  And the resort holiday.  Just give me the clothes.  Those perfectly grey-beige tones, those bold coral hues, the pops of ochre and acidic yellow! They have me in fits!  Give them!  Give them to me now!!!

Top row: Lela Rose, Tibi, Elie Tahari and Thakoon
Bottom row: Jason Wu, Thakoon Addition,  Thakoon and Thakoon Addition

Matthew Cusick

I saw this incredible wave collage earlier today; it's assembled out of map pieces!  This is the work of artist Matthew Cusick. Crazy, right?  Yeah.  So pretty.  Great colors.  Mmmm, I love maps.  In fact, I'm borderline obsessed with maps.  Ever since I was a little tyke, spinning globes, dirty foldouts and expansive wall-cloaking maps have transfixed me alike.  What about pretty pictures made from maps, you ask?  Equally good, I say!!!

Discovered via Ffffound

Peony Pillows

Have you noticed the peonies lately?  They are out of control!  The pile in front of Whole Foods was tempting me  last week.  On the one hand,  I wanted to purchase some.  On the other hand, they were so pillow-ey, with their frothing petals, I really wanted to jump into them.  It looked like I would sink softly within... as if they were an overstuffed down mattress.  I know thinks wouldn't play out like that.  That the Whole Food's police would haul me to the cash wrap.  That I'd end up paying for about 500 peonies.  But it was a nice, momentary day dream.  Sigh.

Images, clockwise from left: Sterling Style, Little Flower School, Little Flower School and Chelsea Fuss for Delightfully Engaged

Happy Monday & Summer Hair

Hi lovelies!  I hope your weekend was glorious.  I had such fun; an impromptu show Friday night with groovy tunes, friends and a Malibu/Diet Coke too!  I did end up checking out Smorgasburg on Saturday.  And it was... awesome!  There were tons of people and all the grub smelled delicious!!!  I got a pickle on a stick and oogled lots of cut puppies.

Separate topic, though it does relate to my weekend: wild summery wave and curl ridden hair.  My locks got a little frisky after drying in a bun.  When I let them loose the BF laughed and said he wanted to take a picture.  So sweet : )

These were all found on 100 Layer Cake.  If you like how these look, definitely go read the full story.  They give lots of tips and tricks (including what products to use).

Four for Friday

From me, to you:

-  The latest addition to my foodie blogroll: Seven Spoons.  The savory dishes look completely delectable, but (of course) it's the baked goods (that are lovely enough for the gods!!!) that have me hooked.

- Enjoy Event Co appears to throws the coolest/ prettiest/ funnest parties.  Their blog is full of kick-butt-totally-rad mood boards and to-dye-for party featurettes.  Keep them in mind if you're planning a big bash!  Or if you just need a little inspiration for a petite fete, search out some inspiration on their site.

- I've been spending a lot of time on Dwell lately.  Is there a favorite interiors spot that you run to for inspiration?  I like that Dwell is easy to navigate.  And that it isn't overrun with before/after bits.  And that it's all modern, yet still features diversity.

- Alan Peters is the spot to find and admire good design.  Check out the blog, which features a host of authors and a fabulous array of design work.  It's chock full o' graphics, branding, fine art, interiors, and more! 






 


P.S. I didn't want to make this 1/4 of you FfF but I did really want to share...  last weekend I saw Under Our Skin.  It blew me away.  The award winning documentary reveals Lyme disease; it's disastrous effects and the broken health system that fails to address it properly.  I cannot recommend this film enough.  If you get a chance, watch it this weekend.  It's available via instant streaming on Netflix.  You can also watch the film through any of these providers.  Additionally, screenings are being shown throughout the country.  See locations here.

Enjoy your weekend dearies!!!

Christopher Scott

Canadian painter Christopher Scott has me bewitched!  Aren't his still life works impressive?  Oooh, how I would love to hang a few in my place!  Besides the three paintings above, I especially adore his many paintings of books and this collection of clocks. Read all about Scott here, and make sure you view his portfolio and check out the pieces up for sale.

Discovered via Design Sponge

I Heart Friday!

Hi there all you sweet things!  I hope your Friday is off to a lovely start.  Temps have cooled off a bit here in NY and the weekend weather forecast looks like idyllic sunshine followed up with a tempestuously stormy Sunday.  But that's okay.  I'm planning only fun-ness for Saturday.  Then while it storms, (un-fun) chores can get done around the apartment.  Next week is going to be crazy; lots of milestone meetings at work, friends in town from CA, and then... a mini vacation!  Yep.  Lots to look forward to.  In the immediate future, I'm looking forward to Friday night drinks with the BF, and some friends.  Mmmm, can't wait for a Woodchuck! 

Photo by Trent Bailey from 100 Layer Cake

Pretty Palette/ Watermelon Wonderland

Watermelon.  I want to eat it.  I want to wear it.  I want watermelon sunsets and watermelon bouquets.  I want watermelon baubles and watermelon lips.  And because I've seen 5 ladies in the office (just this morning) with watermelon polish, I also want watermelon on my fingers and toes!  Nothin' says summer like orangey-pink!!!

Photos, clockwise from left:
-  Apparel by Charlie Harrington, photograph by Kate Davis-Macleod, found on Fashion Telegraph
- Raffia 3-strand necklace by Amanda Pearl
- Geranium on Leticia Gomes' Pinterest
- Pink doughnuts on Flickr
- Burt's watermelon seed packet print found on See Saw

Smorgasburg

I just discovered Smorgasburg; a foodie flea market!  It happens every Saturday on the Williamsburg waterfront, between North 6th and North 7th St. (Aaaaaa-mazing location!)  There's a Greenmarket with approximately 20 farmers, plus purveyors from New York City and across the region peddling packaged and prepared food.  The head-count is over a hundred vendors!!!  I can't wait to check this out over the weekend!  Sydney of Crepes of Wrath made it sound delicious.  Thanks for the link Sydney!

Can you tell?  Obsessed much?  The fixation began with ever-more frequent trips to Stogo, then multiplied two fold with the arrival of BF's ice cream maker, and now with summer underway the cold creaminess is incessantly calling my name!

Are you an ice cream addict?  I didn't used to be.  I liked sorbet and frozen yogurt on occasion.  But, eh, I would generally pass.  Now that I've discovered the world of soy, coconut, hemp, and nut-based ice creams, I have a disturbing affinity for the treat. 

Also, isn't this cute?!!! 



Photo from Spoon Flower

What to Wear

Now that the warm weather has arrived, all I'm thinking about are sundresses and ice cream.  Yet, this chic ensemble on Hanneli has me inspired.  It's about time to break out of my skirted outfit uniform in lieu of silk shorts.  Additionally, a soft, lightweight, white or ivory suit jacket is the perfect topper for nearly every summer look (dresses included).  This piece is getting added to my shopping list!  The bold color mixing looks great too.  Y'all know how I like mustard and dusty blue...

Have you seen any outfitting lately that has you inspired?  Do you have a new summer look you're thinking of trying?  Maybe a new color?  New haircut?  A new pair of sunglasses?  Anything?

If not, you should find something!  It could be fun : )