31 August 2010

trend watch - leather shorts

leather was everywhere on the fall '10 runways and while i have already fully adopted the fitted leather jacket over everything look, i'm thinking about venturing out into shorter and edgier waters -- the leather short.  countless magazines and newsletters have featured these luxe little shorts and i have noticed!

i love the versatility that they offer.  they are a practical and sassy switch from the typical black skirt that i would usually don during a fall night out.  you can pair them with bare legs and booties in the warmer months then transition them by adding black tights.  

of course, i am lusting over the pair seen on the Tibi runway, however, i have found similar options at both H&M and Zara stores that are more budget friendly.

outfit via Net-A-Porter.com



paired with a strappy bootie & a tucked in blouse @ Tibi


Tibi Runway

30 August 2010

Sunday Night Dinner - Mushroom Risotto with Peas

After an amazing weekend with friends, food, booze & beach. It was nice to come home, unwind and cook up a delicious dinner.  With the last of the beach weekends under my belt and fall right around the corner, I am fully committed to making dinner on Sunday evenings because I not only enjoy it, but it makes the transition into the week that much easier.

Last night I tackled Mushroom Risotto with Peas.  It was surprisingly easy - since I have always been wary of risotto & the constant stirring, but it came out scrumptious! The dish was rich and salty, but not too heavy.  Recipe compliments of Giada.



Ingredients

  • 8 cups canned low-salt chicken broth
  • 1/2-ounce dried porcini mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups finely chopped onions
  • 10 ounces white mushrooms, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice or short-grain white rice
  • 2/3 cup dry white wine
  • 3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 2/3 cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, optional

Directions

Bring the broth to a simmer in a heavy medium saucepan. Add the porcini mushrooms. Set aside until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes. Keep the broth warm over very low heat.
Melt the butter in a heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add olive oil. Add the onions and saute until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the white mushrooms and garlic. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the porcini mushrooms to a cutting board. Finely chop the mushrooms and add to the saucepan. Saute until the mushrooms are tender and the juices evaporate, about 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and let it toast for a few minutes. Add the wine; cook until the liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup of hot broth; simmer over medium-low heat until the liquid is absorbed, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Continue to cook until the rice is just tender and the mixture is creamy, adding more broth by cupfuls and stirring often, about 28 minutes (the rice will absorb 6 to 8 cups of broth). Stir in the peas. Mix in the Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

26 August 2010

so long, farewell....



Bye Bye DC - Hello Charleston/Kiawah

even though I am pretty sure the only people that read this are the fabulous ladies that I will be seeing this weekend, I couldn't help myself because I am just.too.excited. 

the weekend is sure to be filled with plenty of laughter, wine, beach time, prank calls, and fun all in honor of miss beth tackabery & her impending nuptials.  she is one special lady and i am beyond thrilled to be spending a weekend to celebrate her and her wonderful fiancee oliver.  love you guys.

OH and not to worry, I will be taking tons of new pictures and videos to record all of the memories of this weekend because I finally got my new iPhone 4.  booo yahhhhh

25 August 2010

kate long stevenson

a couple months back i saw kate long stevenson's paintings featured on i suwannee & have been dreaming of one ever since...

inverno by kate long stevenson


i love the colors and the texture.  give me this kelly wearstler neutral bedroom and hang a couple of kate's paintings. bliss.

kelly wearstler room
image via casaguar

24 August 2010

the drums

on this cool and fall-like afternoon i'm day dreaming of kiawah beaches with my favorites and celebrating miss beth tackabery's bachelorette weekend. 2 days ladies.

in the meantime, i wanna go surfing....

23 August 2010

NYC Shopping - Madison Ave

A weekend trip to NYC would not be complete with a little window shopping.  Conveniently, my sister now lives a few blocks over from Madison Ave so we got up Sunday a.m., grabbed bagels & coffee and hit the streets.

It is safe to say I am officially ready for fall!  boots, furs, leather, texture, sparkle! I could not get enough after perusing the racks shop after shop.

Highlights were the new JCrew flagship boutique, Barneys shoe floor and surprisingly, Ann Taylor.

I saw this fitted zip jacket in the window and fell in love.  Definitely being purchased.
 Stretch Cloque Zipper Jacket @ Ann Taylor


The Barneys shoe dept had me drooling over some Chanel mid-heel boots, luckily when I walked in JCrew these popped out at me. Of course they aren't exactly the same, but they are shockingly similar and will work quite nicely into a fall wardrobe.
Sutton Boot by JCrew

 Next trip to NYC we are shopping in SOHO.

20 August 2010

i can see clearly now...

for a while now i have totally been digging the nerd chic look. while i do not necessarily need glasses, i am thinking of taking a cue from some of my favorite style-setters such as: whitney port, brad goreski,  JCrew catalog stylings and simply buying frames as an accessory 
inspiration
this could be a major fashion FAIL if not executed properly.  spectacular in spectacles or awkward without an astigmatism? 

i just might do it...

Pierson by Oliver Peoples
Selima Optique for JCrew
Chloris by Philip Lim

19 August 2010

maxin' & relaxin'

The ladies at Who What Wear reminded me yesterday how maxi dresses are the perfect late summer/early fall transition piece.

I love how Alexa looks perfectly polished yet casual so i'm going to buy some grosgrain ribbon and a $36 black maxi from Top Shop this weekend in NYC...

Alexa


17 August 2010

Vintage Beach Beauties

image via ethelsvintagetrunk.com

Heading to Kiawah/Charleston next weekend for Miss Beth Tackabery's bachelorette party and that means quality beach time with my favorite ladies.  I have been loving the high-waisted trend the past few seasons and have decided I'm ready to take the plunge and incorporate this look into my beach wear.

While I have seen it executed in numerous catalogs and magazine stylings, I really have not noticed anyone rocking this style at the beach this summer....maybe it is the awkward half-belly tan-line that it is sure to leave?  Taking a risk, I plan on mixing it up and putting a modern-hipster spin on the suit by adding my little-worn fedora from Urban Outfitters.
image via itlooksgoodtome.com
Ladies, please hang out with me on the beach, or let me know if I look like a complete fool.


Paris. Gossip Girl. Love

Ok ok, so I wanted this blog to be about all the cool things that inspire me and motivate me creatively...BUT I just could not help myself.

OMG - Gossip Girl, in Paris. Made for my TV viewing pleasure.  Enjoy!

06 August 2010

VINOTECA

Vinoteca's newly opened back patio is such a cozy spot.  Rave reviews from this patron.  It helped that the weather was absolutely perfect to enjoy an evening outside with a glass of wine, but everything about this place makes you want to forget about your workload and just relax with friends.  Really the bocce court is just the cherry on top of this quaint little place. The food is delicious (think small, italian inspired plates) wine list is long and the atmosphere cannot be beat.

Cin Cin!

bocce court 


outdoor wine bar

Images via UrbanDaddy

05 August 2010

Two Door Cinema Club

These crazy kids opened for Phoenix at the DC show in April and they rocked!  This song totally makes me want to dance.



Coming to the Black Cat in October...meet me on the dance floor!

03 August 2010

FALLIN' FOR SHOES



I love shoes!  They just add that extra flair to any outfit especially if you are wearing basics, it is nice to spice up an ensemble with a killer shoe.  Unfortunately, my shoe budget is rather limited and I am forced to wear my shoes to death.  Living in the city and walking/metro'ing/cabbing everywhere really takes a toll on my soles, so being the planner I am I have scoured some sites to see what shoes and styles I am gravitating toward this season.  I narrowed the list down to a few pair of must have shoes and how I intend to wear them.  


Rix - Mix : Fall 2010 Shoe Essentials
 
1. Black Ankle Booties (Belle 85 Leather Ankle Boots by Christian Louboutin)

To me a black leather ankle bootie makes any outfit chic.  They are polished and conservative enough for work, but can still give that slight rocker edge (which i am always drawn to).  There are endless possibilities when styling these - rock them with bare legs and a mini dress for a sassy look or throw them on with opaque black tights to wear anywhere....

Rix-Mix styling suggestions:

 leggings and an oversized sweater or other causal basics make for the perfect weekend uniform
black tights and a simple shift dress.  i would literally wear this everday.  throw a blazer on over the dress for work and pile on the jewlery and add a clutch for drinks.  this is my will be my go to office to drinks look.


outfits via net-a-porter


2. Leopard print ballet flats (Kelcey Calf Hair Ballet Flats by Jcrew)

A wild way to mix it up.  Since I tend to dress on the more plain/classic side of thing a dash of leopard never hurt any outfit of mine.  A shoe is the perfect way to incorporate this trend into a conservative work environment or without going full on tribal.

Rix-Mix Styling suggestions:
Channeling classic 50's audrey.  nothing more chic than a skinny cropped black pant, top and flats.  is it just me or would this also be crying for a red lip?  i think so....


3. Flat Brown Boot (Riley Flat Zip Boot by Loeffler Randall, image via loefflerrandall.com)

If ever there was a more functional/fashion forward boot, I have not found it.  These over the knee stunners have an exposed zipper running up the back of the boot to give them some edge.   Off all the shoes for fall a flat brown boot really runs the gamut as far as functionality goes, so these are my splurge of the season.


Rix-Mix Styling suggestions:


casual daytime wear will be an oxford, dark skinnies and a big, colorful scarf around the neck
jeans by GAP





+
scarf by Hermes
+

button down oxford by JCrew

For a heel-less night out i'm thinking bare legs, a body-concious black mini dress, layered chunky bracelets, and a hot chain bag

dress by American Apparel   
 +
bracelet by JCrew
bracelet by JCrew
+
bag by Lanvin


*These are not an essential (unfortunately) but I wouldn't be me if I didn't have an obsession with something that is way beyond my means....a girl can dream though. 
Beauty Pump by Louis Vuitton