style & grace

Sometimes You Get What You Ask For.....

2009-10-19T08:36:00.001-07:00

A few months ago, I posted a little request of West Elm. Well, what do you know!!?? Pretty darn close....get it here.

Feeling Candy Corny?

2009-10-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally here!! So excited to finally break out my new boots, leggings and cozy sweaters! I don't eat sweets often so I'm not a fan of baking. I would rather treat myself to one of these cupcakes than make my own. But there are a few things I love to make in October that involve my favorite candy of all time, the candy corn! These would also be really easy and fun to have your children make..........

Heather's Spooky Chex Mix

Candy Corn and Pumpkins

Rice Chex Cereal

Salted Spanish Peanuts

Halloween M&M's

Pretzels**

(**I use Goldfish pretzels since they are similar in size to the other ingredients)

Just mix and EAT!! No baking required.

Pumpkin Cookie Cakes

My friend Megan taught me how to make these, so simple!!

1 large can of 100% pure Pumpkin (NOT the Pie filling)

1 Box Spice Cake Mix

1 tub of Cream Cheese Frosting

Candy Corns

Pre-heat oven to 350. Mix the pumpkin and the cake mix together. Drop spoon-fulls onto a cookie sheet and bake until done (around 15-20 minutes). Cool, then ice with cream cheese frosting and garnish with candy corns.

The Perfect Match

2009-09-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

First off, I know I've been a very bad blogger. In fact, I've been so bad that perhaps no one may even read this! I just got back from fashion week in NYC. While some go to sit in front rows of shows and air kiss celebrities, I'm there to work. Long days of work, followed by long nights of fun, have left me in need of a deep-tissue massage, the Master Cleanse, and rehab. However, I did have a chance to sneak in some shopping. Shopping days, in my opinion, should always end with a glass of wine or a sweet treat (back to my need of the Master Cleanse). And now there is the perfect place to find such girly indulgence.....Sweet Revenge!!

When I heard about this place, I had one of those "Damn!! Why didn't I think of that!" moments. I mean cupcakes and wine pairings!? So simple but so decadent. The owner was working behind the bar and was as sweet as her delicious cupcakes.

My friend and I indulged in the "Pure" (a classic vanilla cake with vanilla frosting) and the "Crimson & Cream" (her twist on the iconic Red Velvet). While we decided to go with a clean glass of Prosecco, there are over 10 pairings of both wine and beer options to enhance your cupcake enjoyment. You must stop in during your next visit to NYC, you won't be disappointed.......you can repent when you get home!

*First Photo from a user on Yelp!, other photos from Sweet Revenge's Web Site

Mad World

2009-08-16T11:40:00.001-07:00

Like all of you, I can't wait for the premier of Mad Men tonight! In case you REALLY can't wait, why don't you follow your favorite character on twitter, catch up with the Drapers on their blog, make a drink Don would be proud of, or turn yourself into one!

See! I do watch other things besides mindless reality TV (but wait, check out me and my husband's new fave).

Move Over Skinnygirl......

2009-08-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Because there is a new margarita to love. I had dinner with my parents last week at Sol, a new Mexican spot near their home. As you know, I love a drink with a little kick. So when I saw a margarita with cucumber AND jalapeno, I had to try it! Now I'm completely obsessed and even found a recipe online so I could make them at home. Try one tonight (or today, I don't judge), you won't be disappointed!! Oh and there is no mix, in case you are watching your sugar intake.

Based on Tim Love's Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita

Lonesome Dove, Fort Worth, Texas

(Serves 4)

8 1/8-inch slices of jalapeno

8 1/8-inch slices of cucumber

2 packets of Splenda (he uses real sugar)

8 oz. Cointreau

10 oz. Patron Silver tequila

Juice from 2 limes

4 lime wedges

Large ice cubes

Kosher salt

Using a mortar and pestle, grind 4 slices jalepeno, 4 slices cucumber into 1/4 cup sugar. Pour mixture into a shaker. Add tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. Fill shaker with ice and shake heavily. Rub rim of 4 highball glasses with lime wedges and coat with salt. Fill with ice. Give the shaker one more shake and strain contents into each glass. Garnish with jalapeno and cucumber slices.

Image and recipe found on forbes.com

Leather Lust

2009-07-20T09:09:00.000-07:00

I love a classic brown leather as much as the next person, but there is something about a blue leather that I adore. I was reminded of this last week when I had dinner at Cecconi's in LA. I love how the decor is neutral with a pop of color from the gorgeous blue leather.

images from here

I make it a point whenever I'm in New York to have lunch at BG, just to soak in the decor. Aside from the amazing wallpaper, my favorite thing about this space are the chairs! The colors Wearstler chose for the various leather chairs are so beautiful.

Image from KWID

I would love to add a big tufted ottoman or perhaps a couple of these chairs by Windsor Smith Collection to my living room....

In this......

Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!!

2009-07-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors (and friends) are from Paris so I couldn't help but give a little Bastille Day shout out.

**Photo by Alicia Bock

Crushing on Caitlin

2009-07-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks to So Haute, I just discovered a new interior designer and blog to love! Caitlin Moran! I will have to check out Found, the shop she co-owns, the next time I am in San Francisco. Below are some of my favorite rooms that she designed.......enjoy!

**all above images belong to Caitlin Moran Interiors

Fall is Here!

2009-07-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, in my world it is. Working in fashion, you are always a season or two ahead. So while I may be wearing a maxi dress and sandals, I'm already thinking about boots and sweaters (that may be a slight exaggeration!). I'm really trying to be picky and strategic about what I buy for Fall. I'm trying to streamline my wardrobe, buy fewer things....... but higher quality and timeless. These definitely meet the requirements........

In this economic climate, there are very few things that have a "list" anymore. I remember a few years ago people fought over the Chloe Paddington, now they are collecting dust on the shelves. The Hunter/Jimmy Choo collaboration did get some press and there was an actual list for these boots. In fact, I already saw them on eBay for about double the retail value. I wouldn't go that far to have them, but I was lucky that I knew the associate who bumped me up to the top of the list (that is the secret, always maintain a good relationship with the salesperson).

Let it rain!!

Happy 4th!!

2009-07-05T17:55:00.000-07:00

I know I'm a day late! Hope you all enjoyed a great day with friends and family. Wanted to share a pic from my party! White Hydrangeas are perfect for any occasion, in my book!

Mission Accomplished!!!!

2009-07-05T17:48:00.000-07:00

Now I just need to hang these pictures above the bed and I'm set!!

Making Progress......

2009-06-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

God this was a pain!! But so worth it. I chose "China Blue" by Benjamin Moore and I love how it turned out!!!

HELP!!

2009-06-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

My amazing mother just bought me the above headboard from Pottery Barn for my master bedroom. I love it, but the color is off and clashes with my white dresser (the headboard color is an off-white). I want to paint it light blue, but I've never done this before. Tips!?? I don't want to ruin it!!! Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Project Terrace Complete.......

2009-06-28T11:43:00.000-07:00

So reality trumped fantasy with my outdoor pillow project. We are throwing a 4th of July party and I didn't have enough time to order custom pillows for my sectional. Thank God for West Elm. I found adorable outdoor pillows there, plus they were on SALE!! All of my pillows, covers and inserts, for under a hundred dollars. Yay! More money for shoes :)

Speaking of 4th of July, I've been shopping and planning like a mad woman.......total Martha style. I'm even making my guests wear red, white and blue. I know, get a life!! Ha....

What are your 4th of July plans? Hope it's a great one!!

Summer, Summer, Summertime......

2009-06-28T07:27:00.000-07:00

We just got back from visiting my in-laws, who live on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina (it was HOT!!! ugh). Every time I visit I always pray to run into one of Paula Deen's hot sons, but this time I discovered something even better.....Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka!! Each restaurant we went to seemed to have a special drink concoction using this amazing product. I have always been a fan of the Arnold Palmer, but this addition makes it even better! (although this is not calorie free, so you better stick to one) Luckily for the rest of the country, BevMo now stocks it! I just bought some to serve with lemonade at my 4th of July party, does it get more summer than lemonade and (vodka) iced tea? Cheers!!

The sunsets alone are worth the visit!

More HHI area faves:

1. Truffles Cafe in Sea Pines Center (best tomato soup!)

2. Palmetto Bluff (have lunch at Buffalos and soak in the southern charm! Lots of cool history here)

3. Old Fort Pub (best restaurant on the island)

*firefly image from urbanatea.com, the sunset image is my own!

UPDATE: Roof Top Makeover

2009-05-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

Okay so after receiving the estimate from Patio Culture, I knew I could do it much more affordably on my own. I already knew what fabric and size pillows I wanted, plus I have a resource to order fabric, so no need to pay four times the amount.... as much as I wanted to support them because I love the concept of the shop. Can't wait to post pics of my roof once it is all done!

Pillow Fabrics:

Peacock Print in Driftwood

Zebra Print in Bamboo

Resort Outdoor Sectional by CB2

Worth a Visit....

2009-05-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

I was in San Francisco for work last week, and stumbled upon Banana Republic's new concept store called "Edition." It is full of accessories, namely jewelry. I have to admit, I don't buy much from Banana these days, I'd rather save and splurge on something better quality. I think that J. Crew does a much better job in this arena and their jewelry is more stylish. However, I think BR did a great job in the cocktail ring department. I left the store with this little number......

If you live in SF or will be there in the future, check it out! The store is located in the Westfield Mall where Bloomingdale's and Nordstroms are located, off of Market St. Here are a few of my favorites, and you can even save yourself the trip and buy them online.....

This one below was my FAVE. It runs VERY small and I almost died trying to get it off my finger. If you have unusually skinny fingers, it might work for you!!

P.S. The staff here is top notch. Nordstrom quality customer service.......just had to mention it.

Dear West Elm....

2009-05-15T21:48:00.000-07:00

Please make a floor mirror version of this....

.......that's all.

Let's Get Personal

2009-05-09T20:42:00.001-07:00

Here are a few shots from my place.....more to come once I get organized!!

Sweet Dreams

2009-04-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

I love blue and white chinese porcelain and have been trying to incorporate it into my decor. So when I saw this new bedding by Ralph Lauren at Bloomingdale's, it was love at first site. I love how they merchandised it with pink. If only my husband would allow pink walls in our bedroom. I decided to just go with the sheets and mix it in with my white duvet/euro shams.

I love a little fun update that doesn't break the bank! Thank you Bloomingdale's for all of your fabulous sales!!

Get Your Pedicured Toes Ready!

2009-04-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm in love with this new sandal by Loeffler Randall. Aren't they darling? I spotted them at one of my favorite local boutiques. I only saw black but I may have to hunt down the snake version! Perfect with skinny jeans and a tank!

Cottage Style....

2009-04-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

The cover looks very familiar :) Congrats mom!!!

Come On Barbie Let's Go Party.......

2009-03-14T19:04:00.000-07:00

As I'm sure you all know, Barbie is turning the big 5-0!! Mattel is spending lots of time, money and energy promoting this milestone. One of my close friends works in marketing at Mattel and attended the party at the Barbie Dream House in Malibu. I'm sure you all heard that Jonathan Adler designed the interiors, so I thought I'd post pics for you all. Got to love the pink!

all photos courtesy of Mattel

Candid Giada

2009-03-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

I just started a new job. I've been MIA!! I don't have time for a real post, but just found this video on Facebook that I wanted to share. I've been a huge Giada DeLaurentiis fan for a few years now and if you are too, you will enjoy this behind the scenes footage of her new show and adorable baby daughter! Hope all is well......

The downside of Renting...

2009-02-12T08:28:00.000-08:00

..... has nothing to do with the lack of a tax write-off, it's that you can't wallpaper!!! I can't even paint!! Ugh. One of my good friends ordered wallpaper panels through Weego Home and I love this idea.

image from Weego Home

My friend's bedroom....love that Florence Broadhurst print!!

I spent hours on Walnut and I still go back to Osborne and Little's Asuka print. I first fell in love with it after seeing Michelle Smith's apartment. I think this would be fabulous in my living room.

image from Elle Decor

image from Domino

Asuka in Gold

I love the yellow version Smith used but I can't seem to find it on Osborne and Little or Walnut. So two questions....or three!

1) Does anyone know if this pattern is still available in yellow?

2) Any recommendations on how one goes about ordering panels? I'm not about to "DIY" with this expensive paper!!

3) Anyone (designers) who has done this, any tips?