Favorites from the SAG awards

1.31.2011

The SAG red carpet left me with mixed emotions. I liked some of the dresses, loved only a few, and loathed basically everything else. While I had the hardest time picking out just 10 looks for the Golden Globes, picking out my favorites from the SAG's was a breeze. Here are my likes and my absolute LOVES from the red carpet, and don't forget to tell me your favorites! 

Elie Saab Spring 2011 Couture

1.29.2011

Part of my faux job as Rachel Zoe's faux assistant, is to keep an eye out for gowns that have great red carpet potential. After viewing the slideshow of Elie Saabs Couture show in Paris, I was left speechless at how breathtaking each gown in the 42 piece collection was. These are my absolute favorites:
Images via NY Mag. See the collection in its entirety here

Saint Martin

1.26.2011

In true New York speak, its friggin snowing. AGAIN! With this weather, I cant help but think of warmer climates to escape to.

The Caribbean is filled with many great destinations, but my new favorite has to be that of Saint Martin. I was fortunate enough to visit this beautiful little island last year, and I just absolutely cant wait to go back.

Saint Martin offers the best of both worlds of the Caribbean and European cultures: great climate, hospitable people, great food, and a relaxing, care free atmosphere. 

In case you didn't know (I didn't), Saint Martin is split into Dutch and French. The islands small size gives visitors enough time to see and take in everything this unique island has to offer.

St. Maarten is the Dutch side of the island, and is the place to go for shopaholics. Head straight to Front Street in the capital, Phillipsburg and get everything from jewelry to liquor to electronics, at amazingly low prices and most importantly duty free! My mother made it mandatory that our first stop be to Diamonds International and it truly felt like stepping into a wonderland (I cant help it, I like really shiny things). I was too scared to take a picture, (because there were large armed guards), but I saw the most beautiful engagement ring that seriously made me tear (don't judge).

Besides the shopping, the number one thing to do on the Dutch side is go to Maho beach. I did not get to go (even though it was on my list), but make this your number one! Located right next to the Princess Juliana International Airport, spectators get a breathtaking view of incoming planes that are so close,you almost feel like you can touch the belly of the plane.
Picture via Cruise time tables
Departing planes however are a whole other story. To see what I mean, check out this warning sign and this video, and then lets chat.

A short drive over and you are in St. Martin, the French side of the island. The capital of St. Martin is Marigot and it truly feels like being on the French Riviera. I felt like I was back in Nice, being beachfront, and  surrounded by the many cafes, bakeries, boutiques, and beautiful people exchanging pleasantries in French.
cafe where we had lunch

Marigot is perfect for indulging in delicious French food. It was so nice to sit outside and enjoy a crepe:
Ham and cheese crepe
And then walk down to get pastries from the boulangerie:

After all of that, Orient beach is the perfect place to go and unwind. Sandy white beach, beautiful turquoise water, gentle waves, and a drink with an umbrella...life is but a beach chair...


I should add, that in true French fashion, part of Orient beach IS a nude beach, if your into that kinda thing. And if your not, make sure you know your left from your right...

Needless to say, I have truly fallen in love with St. Martin and would recommend it to anyone.

Safe Travels!

DIY: Clip in hair extensions

1.19.2011

Clip in extensions are a fun, temporary way to switch up your look on special occasions, or for everyday. No matter the length or color you want,you can easily make them yourself.

For the past year or so, I have been making these for my friend about once every 3 months. Not just for the (cheaper) cost, but because the color and texture of the pre-made ones didn't match her hair very well. I like to use human hair for the simple reason that it can be heat styled and because they last quite some time (with proper maintenance).

So lets get started:

Top 10 cities for Shopaholics

1.13.2011

This morning, I came across this article on the Yahoo homepage about the "Top 10 Cities for Shopaholics". One of my favorite things to do when I travel is to shop. Its ironic because I don't quite like shopping in stores at home, but when I travel, it is my absolute favorite activity. I love looking for those one of a kind finds that can only be found at your destination, and that no one else back home will have. Its also a pleasant reminder of my time spent at that destination.

The cities that made the top 10 are:
  1. Paris, France
  2. Bangkok, Thailand
  3. Buenos Aires, Argentina
  4. Copenhagen, Denmark
  5. Hong Kong, China
  6. London, UK
  7. Los Angeles, California
  8. Marrakech, Morroco
  9. New York City, NY
  10. St. Barts, Caribbean
Its quite an impressive list, and I love that the list contains countries across the world, so theres something for everyone. If I could add one more destination to that list, it would be somewhere in Italy, as there is a great mix of shopping there and also because their leather is the best in the world. 

Here are some of my favorite purchases from my recent trips:
Tunic/dress purchased in Nice, France

Leather doctor bag purchased in Milan, Italy

DVF scarf purchased in Lago di Como, Italy

Floppy beach hat purchased at an outdoor market in St. Martin

Dress purchased in Miami's Bayside Market

Read the entire article here.

So tell me, what have been your favorite purchases in your travels? Do you look for anything particular? 

Arancini (Fried rice balls)

1.08.2011


One of the few perks of living in NY is having a vast array of different cuisines at a stones throw. Italian is hands down my favorite, and while I enjoy going out to eat, being able to replicate my favorite dishes at home is a plus for me. One of my favorite eats is arancini, also known as fried rice balls. Arancini consists of risotto (prepared arborio rice) that is shaped like meatballs, coated in bread crumbs and then fried. Serve with some tomato sauce, and prepare to be in pure bliss.

I used this recipe from Simple Comfort Food and it really was simple, but more importantly delicious. The best part of arancini is that you can customize it to your liking. I used mushrooms and peas for mine, but you can make it with whatever veggies or meat you like (or none of the above). Whatever way you make it, its guaranteed to be a hit.