Baby Got Back

The monsoon that hit NYC earlier this week has caused me to cope with Spring showers in the only way I know how: Summer sundress shopping escapism.

Looking at some of the early offerings, it isn’t hard to imagine myself with cocktail in hand sitting on a patio somewhere in a glorious new summer dress.

My favorite styles seem to share a hot weather-friendly print and a bit of a peek-a-boo back.

Oh how I love this little trend!

Shouldn’t we all dare to go a little more bare in the summertime? The back-cutout is just the right amount of sexy and adds a bit of ventilation too. (Beauty and brains, right?)

I may even have to pick one up a little in advance of the warm weather and cover up with a cardigan until the temperature hits 80. This little number by Steven Alan is certainly calling my name.

Dresses from left: Milne Floral Cutout Dress (via Pixie Market); Pencey Open Back Dress (via Revolve Clothing); Dolce Vita Electra Dress (via Need Supply); Lucca Couture Floral Open Back Sundress (via Urban Outfitters); Steven Alan Cruiser Dress.

Tastes Good: Black Pepper Strawberries

I think I might have mentioned (once or twice) to you at some point that I recently bought an ice cream maker.

While waiting for my little appliance of joy to arrive in the mail, I spent some glorious hours mulling over the endless combinations of flavors that could be made.

I spent so much time doing this in fact that I completely overwhelmed myself with options and could not make up my mind where to begin.

So in the end, I started with Vanilla.

Tthe recipe from the instruction booklet produced a custardy confection that was more similar to crème anglaise than the vanilla ice creams I am used to. It needed something tart to offset the intense sweetness.

I took inventory of the kitchen and discovered a pint of of fresh strawberries and a bottle of balsamic vinegar.

These two ingredients are always great friends but this recipe transformed then into incredible bedfellows. You might even skip making your own ice cream and pour this over a pint from the grocery store instead.

It takes no time at all and tastes amazing! You won’t be disappointed.

Roasted Strawberries with Black Pepper (from Epicurious)

2 pint baskets strawberries

3 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Rinse the strawberries in cool water, place in a strainer or colander, and shake off most of the water. Slice the strawberries about 1/8 inch thick (discarding hulls), place them in a large bowl, and sprinkle with the sugar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the strawberries with the black pepper, add the balsamic vinegar, and pour into an overproof dish. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, until the juices are bubbling and the strawberries are hot but not mushy. Divide among individual dishes and serve immediately.

Next up, Stumptown Coffee Ice Cream. Mmmmmm, wish me luck!

Either/Or

Hi there. Hope everyone had a great weekend!

It’s no secret that I like stripes. I think I may be bordering on a wee bit of an obsession with them in fact.

I hope you’re all willing to grant me a bit of amnesty for the rest of the season though because stripes are a big deal and there are so many amazing ways to wear them.

(You can check out some of my favorite striped looks in my Spring shopping round up for Time Out New York.)

One thing I don’t yet own is a striped knit dress.

It strikes me as the perfect no-brainer spring piece. Just throw one on with a pair of flats or sandals, maybe add a rope belt or canvas tote and you’re set. Cool city style and you’re out the door in less than 10 minutes (every day should be so easy).

Here’s the thing, I can’t decide! I am in love with this style from LA boutique Creatures of Comfort‘s new eponymous line. The assymetric sleeve are so cool and the drapey long length is so fresh.

Then there is this look from See by Chloe. I totally dig the ruffle detail and gently gathered sleeves.

So, what’s best for a Spring striped dress? Feminine frills? Or arty asymmetry?

Weekend Style

Hi & happy Friday. I’m sorry I don’t have my usual Room/Outfit posts ready for you today. I went to see The Nose (William Kentridge-designed Opera at The Met) last night and to the dentist this morning so there was no time to put up a proper blog entry.

Anywho, here’s a great picture I nabbed from The Sartorialist recently and squirreled away into my weekend-style inspiration file.

I love this look! It is so classic and effortless and I can re-create it to a T using pieces already in my closet which is always a bonus.

I also love any look that gives me an excuse to wear my new chambray workshirt from Madewell. It is easily my favorite piece I have bought so far for spring (and you know how I listed all things chambray as one of my top 10 fashion essentials yesterday).

I am also digging the black socks with brown shoes and center part in her hair which is something I have recently adopted for myself.

Have a good weekend everybody! LA-ers, don’t forget to check out my original illustration series, on display right now at Tenoversix!

10 Essentials

I am honored to have been interviewed on the Pretty Mommy blog yesterday for their Everyday Obsessions series. I spend so much time writing about aspirational items here on the blog, it was fun to think about some of my everyday favorite things.

It also reminded me of Garance Doré who recently posted a list of her top 10 fashion essentials. On a roll after the Pretty Mommy interview, I compiled my own list of 10 essential pieces to my personal style.

1-Gold layered-chain necklaces

Always an attention-grabber

2-White low-top Chuck Taylors

A Rock and Roll artifact

3-High-Waisted Skinny Jeans

Elegant and lengthening on my short frame

4. Black and White Stripe Shirts

I might have a bit of a Jean Seaberg obsession

5-Skinny Belts

Love how they make me feel like a real lady

6-Black Ballet Flats

Every woman’s ode to Audrey Hepburn

7-Red Red Lipstick

Put this on and you are instantly dressed up

8-Chambray Anything

The most classic menswear fabric

9 – Red Wine

Who doesn’t feel sexier with a glass of red wine in hand?

10 – Big Colorful Silk Scarves

The ultimate classy, versatile accessory

Garance’s 10 Essentials post was quite the hit on the blogosphere. I loved reading other top 10 lists posted by fellow bloggers. Take a look here, here, here and here.

Rikke Jørgensen + Sigerson Morrison

I’ve already told you how I feel about spectacular footwear design team Sigerson Morrison. There’s a lot of love there.

And now, I’ve got a major case of illustrator’s envy over the amazing drawings by Denmark illustrator Rikke Jørgensen currently on the company’s website. Judging from the illustration at the left,  it is a brilliant match of designer and artist that I just had to share.

The Sigerson Morrison will be showing an exhibition of Rikke’s work in early May in their Laboratory Boutique at 19 East 71st Street in NYC. I can’t wait to see it!

(This work was previously miscredited to another talented illustrator Dan Funderburgh whose work is on display at the Sigerson Morrison Laboratory Boutique through the end of April. I’m really sorry for the mix up and glad to put things right and give proper credit to Rikke!)

What I Wish I Wore Today

Ah Spring, why are you always such a bad flirt! After last weekend’s teasing weather, this week’s rain feels like an affront to my senses.

Still, I’ve got springtime dressing on the brain. Perhaps in part because of the recent launch of Cole Rood & Haan, a new line from the accessories giant featuring super fine leathers and a handmade, craftsman-like quality.

I am a particular fan of the Breezer, a refined take on the classic boat shoe.

I’d style mine to look perfectly French with this Provencal-print skirt, a crisp men’s button down shirt (to reflect some of the androgyny in the shoes) and a bright red sash to catch springtime’s eye, mais oui.

Outfit clockwise from top left: J.Crew Cotton Poplin Shirt; American Apparel Sash Belt; Built By Wendy Arles Skirt; Cole Rood & Haan Breezer.

LGTM + Tenoversix

Hey there readers. Well, it looks like my new Either/Or series got off to a great (and unanimous!) start. Yay! I can only hope this post will generate the same enthusiasm from you all.

I am excited to report the I have teamed up with the creative forces behind awesome LA boutique Tenoversix to create an edition of illustrations inspired by their beautiful Spring collection.

The series consists of 8 single edition 13 x 19″ prints inspired by a desert tigress and soft springtime florals.

Work is currently on display at Tenoversix and will available for purchase on their website later this week.

I am obsessed with more than a few pieces from the collection and I know you will be too! If you happen to be in LA, please stop in to see the work in person!

Illustrations by Looks Good To Me for Tenoversix. Apparel clockwise from top left: Tenoversix Isabel Trench Jacket; Tenoversix Katy Pump; Tenoversix Susana Bag

Either/Or

Hope everyone had a great weekend! Andy and I took a little break from the city and spend the weekend in Philadelphia. Philly is widely known for having great food and (perhaps less widely known) for great shopping as well. During our stay, of course we indulged in a bit of both.

After a weekend of browsing boutiques I have decided that my next investment will be a pair of perfect grey wedges for summer. I see myself wearing them now with scrunched socks until it is warm enough to go barefoot with a neon pedicure.

After a long and thorough search I am stuck in a face off between the Coach Mallorie Wedge (on top) and Dolce Vita Pela Wedge (on bottom).

Fashion will do this to you. So many beautiful things and not enough funds/closet space to go around.

In my newest series titled Either/Or, I will be pitting two like items against each other and giving the floor over to you my LGTM readers to help separate the best from the rest.

So, what say you friends? Strappy and studded or wrapped and woven? I can’t wait to hear your thoughts and, may the best shoe win.

Object/Outfit + The Surf Lodge

Warmer weather always makes me want one thing: more warmer weather.

The recent Spring spell has me itching to take a trip to an exotic locale.

This year Andy and I have decided to put our funds toward redecorating the apartment instead of taking our usual Spring vacation. I am really excited about sprucing up the house, but I secretly wish we could get away for a bit too.

And I’m not yearning for the Bahamas or Mexico either. My destination of choice is just a train ride away: The Surf Lodge in Montauk, NY.

I recently discovered this hotel and am completely, head over heels obsessed. Breezy rooms feature macrame hammocks in the same space as Eames-era chairs and cool art books find their way onto shelves next to collected seaside artifacts. It’s like the set of a beach movie directed by Wes Anderson, in other words, a total dream.

But for now, I’ll have to be content with making a mental escape instead of a physical one. Here is my ideal vacation look inspired by the distressed wood and bright summer colors of the bar at The Surf Lodge. Where I would sit and drink what else? A Long Island Iced Tea.

Top photo from The Surf Lodge.  Outfit clockwise from top left: American Apparel Terry Halter Bra; Punchy Cocktail courtesy of Martha Stewart (recipe here); Levis Cords for Opening Ceremony Unisex Button Shirt; Made Her Think Spine Rings Chain Necklace (via Tenoversix); J.Crew Isle Floral String Hipster; Havaiana Flip-Flops; Athleta Raffia Crochet Tote (inspired by this one from Lanvin); French Connections by Silver Lining Sunglasses (via Refinery29).