I Have Moved!

For those of you that have followed Heart of Gold over the past few years, I hope that you will follow my journey at Rose & Ivy, a new quarterly online journal that will have a daily blog. Thank you for your support. xx Alison

*Photography by Alison 

Introducing ROSE & IVY - A New Quarterly Lifestyle Journal

Today is an exciting day! After nearly six months of work - dreaming, conceptualizing, researching, writing, photographing, creating and baking a new venture has been born and I cannot wait to share it with you all.  Today it is with utter excitement that I introduce you to Rose & Ivy, a new quarterly lifestyle journal that has been my 'secret' project for far too long.  Please visit the site here and read the journal here! Today I am over on Victoria's blog talking about the journal, please click here to find out more.  

I want to thank everyone that has been reading Heart of Gold for almost four years, I have grown so much on this site. I recently looked back at my first post, gasp it was awful!  Regardless I am very lucky to have called this little nook of the internet my own during a time when I was trying to find my creative voice.  It is with mixed emotions that I am saying goodbye to this site and hello to a new one.  I would love it if you would follow along on the new adventure at the Rose & Ivy blog which will be updated daily in addition to quarterly journals that will be launching every four months on-line.  

Thank you again for all of your support, it means the world.  xx Alison

Be Right Back

And with that I am signing off for the week.  I will be back here Tuesday after the long holiday weekend with something very exciting to share with you that has been in the works for months.  I hope that everyone has a great week and weekend ahead.   

Image via 

Brand to Know:: Pedro del Hierro Madrid

I love discovering new brands and during fashion month I discovered a whole new crop of them.  One of my favorites that I discovered was Pedro del Hierro Madrid a Spanish brand that is giving stores like Mango a run for their money. Here are some of my favorite looks from the Spring 2015 collection that was inspired by Slim Aarons photographs from the 70's.  

I Love This Look:: Burgundy from Head to Toe

 I hope that everyone had a great weekend!  Burgundy, maroon, oxblood, whatever you want to call this saturated hue it is one of my favorites for fall.  When I spotted this head to toe look on Olivia Palermo in Paris, it was a look that I definitely want to try.  Here are some of my favorite pieces to achieve this look.  I hope that everyone has a great week!

Topshop Pleated Skirt / Topshop Chunky Knit Jumper / Lucy Choi London Soho Heels / Clare V Metallic Clutch / Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Tint in Bloodroses

Image via 

That Seventies Feeling

The Seventies are back and better than ever - the feathered hair, beige lips and high collars are a key trend for Fall and have even carried over for Spring 2015 (did you see the Louis Vuitton show?). This editorial featuring Lily Donaldson in the October issue of Harper's Bazaar Korea sums up a more modern version of this era.  

Spring 2015: Paris Runway Recap

And just like that Spring 2015 is a wrap.  Paris brought forth a plethora of key trends, many of which were carried over from New York, London and Milan.  There were new interpretations of femininity from eyelets to denim and a sportier point of view where swimwear served as tops paired with pants and skirts.  Décolleté was on full display where many designers sent looks down the runway with low cut tops and dresses.  Here are some of my favorite looks and trends from Paris.  

At the Market:: Concord Grapes & Concord Grape Pie

As you might have noticed I took a little baking break, which was partially due what I mentioned in  yesterday's post. Sometimes I am just too tired.  But I am back today with my series At the Market where I am giddy with excitement because table grapes, in particularly concord grapes have arrived.  They actually came to the farmer's market that I frequent in the end of August, earlier than I expected so every Saturday since I have been buying them by the pound wondering just what to bake with them.  I settled on a Concord Grape Pie, a lip smackingly good pie that captures the essence of fall in just one bite. 

The New 'Normal'

Today I am sharing a very personal post, something that I typically do not do, since I like to keep this space a happy site that inspires. I am opening up about the year that I have had so far, one that has literally knocked me off my feet. By writing this post I only hope to inspire everyone especially  if you are going through a struggle in life, you are not the only one.  I will say that writing this makes everything more real since I have yet to write down my thoughts on paper, mostly because they have been whirling around my head and because it is a truth I haven't wanted to accept. This is my first step in attempting to do so.

Site to Inspire:: Local Milk

Happy Monday everyone! We are coming off such a wonderful weekend, the sun was shining bright in the sky creating warm beautiful days.  They are those types of days that you want to hold onto, especially when you know that colder weather is ahead.  Today I am sharing a site that constantly inspires me, Local Milk, written and photographed by Beth Kirby.  Her photographs and styling are one of a kind, the type that you would like to jump into.  Here are just a few of my favorites that I think you might like too.  

Currently Inspired :: Pinterest Picks

Happy Friday everyone! I am looking very forward to the weekend since I have something very exciting in the works tomorrow, it is this burgeoning side project that I cannot wait to share with you soon.  In the meantime, here has what has been inspiring me recently on Pinterest (you can follow me here). The mood of fall has inspired me recently, here are just some images that conjure up this quiet season. Have a great weekend!

Beauty Flash:: Ruby Lips at Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2015

 The makeup for spring has been pretty all around, from New York, London and Milan.  One of the best makeup looks to come out of Milan was at the Dolce & Gabbana show.  Ruby lips and flawless skin was accentuated with crimson flowers tucked loosely in the hair.  I typically gravitate towards reds with less purple and more blue undertones, however, I am going to be incorporating this stunning shade into my lipstick repertoire now.  Here are some of my favorites ruby shades right now.  

Milan Spring 2015 - Runway Trends

The Milan shows have come and gone, now the show has moved onto Paris.  But before I start dreaming about the fashion that is yet to emerge, Milan was nothing short of noteworthy.  A few trends from New York and London carried over to Milan, like florals - bright, colorful and over-sized as seen at shows like Marni and Blumarine.  Denim received a high fashion makeover from bejeweled at Dolce & Gabbana to an exaggerated peplum at Giamba (Giambattista Valli's new line, which is stunning as expected).  A key shade was clay -  a muted and earthy tone that created a soft palette at Bottega Veneta and Marni.  

The Alps

We drove through the Italian and French Alps on our drive back from Italy to Paris.  Lush green mountains cascaded up to snow-capped mountains, which made me feel like I was dreaming.  Even the warm May air did not scare the billowy snow clouds away.  I was excited to see Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps. In order to get to the other side you drive through a 30-minute tunnel and once you exit you are greeted with undulating valleys with brave hand gliders overhead.  Here are just a few of the images that I managed to snap while hanging my head out our Renault rental car.  

I Love Her Style:: Candela Novembre

I hope that everyone had a great weekend, another busy one here, but managed to enjoy a bit of much needed R & R.  I am starting this week off with one of my favorite new style inspirations, model Candela Novembre. I love her take on femininity and how she merges basics with bold prints and colors.  Here are just a few of my favorite looks spotted on the streets and some ideas on how to create the look.  I hope that everyone has a great week!

A Few Beautiful Things / Edition No. 10

Friday has arrived, it is time to celebrate! It has been a busy week both at work and the other work that I have going on.  I have been enjoying the beautiful crisp mornings here in New York where all you need is a light jacket of choice (mine being my favorite vintage leather jacket) and you are set until lunch time when the sun warms everything up.  I hope that everyone has a great weekend, but before I leave you here are some beautiful things that I have loved this week.  

This wedding in Croatia is beyond dreamy for both the location and the fashion

There are no words to describe this apartment in Paris

Speaking of, this is a day that I would have loved to spend in France

This is the type of workshop that I would dream to attend, so much beauty

Meditation, something that seems impossible in our busy lives, but here are a few great pointers

Image via 

London Runway Report - Spring 2015

London is quickly becoming one of my favorite cities for fashion.  I adore how emerging designers use color and are not afraid to break the 'rules'.  The Spring shows were just another example of this where British designers like Emilia Wickstead, Michael van der Hamm and Roksanda turned out collections that were dizzily colorful, feminine and just down-right pretty.  One of my favorite trends to emerge from London were the light as air pinks, that were like taking in a breath of fresh air, especially when paired with soft lilacs at Temperley London.  Sheer touches were a dominant theme in New York and are not for the modest, except at shows like Burberry and Issa where sheer fabric overlays were placed over an abstract print.  

New Foodie Crush:: The Artful Desperado

(Greek Yoghurt Olive Oil Cake with Orange Blossom Glaze)

For this weeks food installment I am going to tempt your taste buds with the beautiful work created by Gabriel of The Artful Desperado.  His photographs and recipes just pop off the screen. He combines different flavors to create interesting recipes from Dark Chocolate Ice Cubes to a Greek Yoghurt Olive Oil Cake with Orange Blossom Glaze.  Here is just a glimpse of the tastiness that you will stumble upon this site.  If you are in need of delicious recipes and some major eye candy check it out!

(Chocolate Meringue Cake with Fresh Berries)

Currently Inspired:: Fall's Moody Light

 Right now I am inspired by fall's beautiful light. Even though we have less than one week before the official day of fall, it definitely feels like the season has arrived.  Moody clouds, crisp air and fall's chunky sweaters are slowly coming into the fray.  Here are some images that are currently inspiring me for the start of the the season.  

I Love This Look: The Sweatshirt (Upgraded)

I hope that everyone had a great weekend! I owe an apology to you and this site, I am in a bit over my head right now.  Between a huge side project and some personal things, I feel like I have been a bit scattered brained and I caught quite a few errors in my posts last week, I am sorry!  I am an absolute perfectionist, but please stay with me, because what I have coming down the pipeline is good and I hope to return to my old self soon.  

In the meantime, it feels like sweatshirt weather has arrived here in New York.  Cool mornings and even cooler nights have made me feel like I need to tuck away the t-shirts and shorts until next spring.  I actually put on a pair of jeans over the weekend and it felt quite nice.  Another staple during the transition period is a sweatshirt, which has received a huge makeover in the past few season.  I love this look that upgrades a laid back look into a more sophisticated one.  Here are some of my favorites right now.

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Sweatshirt / Maje Guillaume Sweatshirt / Tory Burch Ronnie Sweatshirt / Topshop Cactus Floral Sweatshirt / Topshop Wadded Check Sweat / Red Valentino Point d'espirit-trimmed Sweatshirt

Image via Stockholm Streetstyle

New York Spring 2015 Beauty Report

I hope that everyone had a great week.  This week couldn't have been any longer and it was a rough one, unfortunately there was a death in my husband's family. It is so hard seeing someone you love going through the pain and loss. 

Spring 2015 beauty was effortless, pretty and oftentimes severe.  Complexions were kissed with bronzer, eyes were washed with a vibrant turquoise blue shadow and perfectly manicured brows perfectly frame the face.  Here is a recap of the beauty trends from New York. You can follow my Spring 2015 Runway Beauty board here.  I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Peaches with Lemon Verbena Cream

Plucking fruit from a tree makes me impossibly happy.  I am not sure if it is the nostalgic element or the fact that I know I am going to be biting into something delicious.  Over the holiday weekend we went peach picking which also led us to picking our own vegetables, something I haven't done since I was a child. We are in the prime of tomato, zucchini and eggplant and let me say I took full advantage. I picked so many cherry and sun gold tomatoes that have been eating them non-stop. We headed up to Fishkill Farms, my favorite by far in upstate New York not only for what they produce but also the rolling green hills and the mountains in the distance.  Peaches were at their peak, I gladly stuffed bags full eager to eat and bake with them.  Instead of doing a traditional peach pie I decided to make something a little lighter.  I roasted peaches in the oven and then topped them with Lemon Verbena Cream, an incredibly fast and easy dessert.  

New York Spring 2015 : Runway Recap

New York fashion week has nearly come and gone but not without a few major trends that will have you eagerly counting down the days until next spring.  Here is a recap of the key trends from New York. Stay tuned for my beauty recap, because the makeup so far has just been pretty.  

Petal by Petal: Cosmo

Being in a creative person, I find it essential to step out and venture into neutral territory, some place that I am not constantly stimulated by the computer screen - Pinterest! Blogs! Instagram! The place that I regain my center is being in nature, whether it is at the beach or spending time in the grass in the country.  One of my favorite things is to be consumed by flower fields, wild or cultivated, there beauty is something that you just cannot get when sitting behind a computer.  Typically I shoot by Petal by Petal series in my studio (rather my Brooklyn apartment that I try to transform and make it condusive to a photo session), but switching things up to step out but if stepping out and being with the flowers in their element is an option then I jump at it.  I took these photographs of towering and incredibly vibrant cosmos a few weeks ago at a farm in Upstate New York.  Shades of purple and pink stood out in a sea of green that was almost unreal (note, typically I may bring the saturation levels up when editing a photo, but not here, these flowers were that green).  Read on to learn more about this summer beauty!

Fashion Essential: The White Oxford Shirt

I hope that everyone had a great weekend!  With fashion week in full swing that means one thing - street style photographs are everywhere. New York temperatures have been a bit crazy one day is sweltering hot and the next is perfectly comfortable.  One piece that has been spotted is the white oxford shirt, a closet staple for any season.  It instantly adds polish to any bottom, whether a structured pencil skirt or a pair of high-waisted denim.  Here is a roundup of some of my favorite looks and key pieces to help achieve it.  I hope that everyone has a great week!

A Few Beautiful Things

This week really got away from me within a blink of an eye it is Friday.  I am thoroughly excited that fashion month has started, so far the show that I have seen have just been pretty.  With a major side project that I cannot wait to share with you shortly and my sisters visiting me I hope to come up for air at some point this weekend.  I hope that everyone has a great weekend!  Before I leave you here are some pretty things I have found over the past week or so.  

I have fallen in love with this Spring 2015 collection 

This cake is so pretty, the sugared rose petals are a great detail

Adore this all white look, after all white should be worn after Labor Day

Here are two books (here and here) that I cannot wait to flip through

Images via T Magazine

Color Palette :: Rose & Cream

I Love This Look: Silver Linings

When it comes to metallics, I prefer gold through and through; however, after I saw this look silver was looking pretty good too.  I love the crackled texture effect. This shade is the perfect translation into fall since it acts almost as a neutral.    

Arles, France

 I hope that everyone had a great long holiday weekend, three day weekends are one of my favorite things!  It is hard to believe that it is September and I still have some photographs from places that we explored on our honeymoon in May.  I purposely spaced them out so that when I was ready to share them the memory would again be fresh in my mind, because precious memories they were.  

I have a love for France, obviously, I have shared that many times here!  I have visited northern and eastern France and the South of France, but until May hadn't really explored Provence, a place that has now left an indelible mark on me. My mind is oftentimes blown by the beauty that exists in this world - there are just so many places to see and experiences to be had.  The charm of Provence is like no other, from the cobbled stones streets, stone homes accented with the prettiest pastels to the Roman ruins that still linger, it is a site for the eyes.  We visited Arles, a place once inhabited by the Romans and a plethora of artists including Vincent Van Gogh (it is where he painted the famed  Cafe Terrace at Night).  It was pure pleasure to wonder the narrow streets and stumble upon a Roman amphitheater (that is still used today!) or the best open-air food market that I have ever seen - artichokes! lemons! cheese! bread! melons! (the list went on an on).  All I needed was a kitchen.  Our stay was not long enough, I hope to return to this section of France once again but visit Avignon, Aix, and St. Remy.  If you are looking for a boutique hotel to stay, I recommend the Hotel d’Arlatan, it was a relaxing and beautiful space.  Okay, now I officially have the travel bug once again...