Happy Halloween

I hope that everyone has a fun and safe Halloween! Thank you all for your sweet comments regarding Sandy.  We walked around yesterday and saw a lot of damage - trees down, cars crushed and sea grass that was brought onto the sidewalks when the tide dramatically rose in the East River.  Brooklyn didn't get hit nearly as bad as Long Island and New Jersey.  My hearts go out to those people that incurred so much damage, I hope that they all receive the help that they need.  

Image from here

I Love This Look: The Classic Jumpsuit

Perhaps it is due to the fact that I am a child of the 80's, but I love a classic jumpsuit.  It is effortless to wear - all that you need is a great pair of heels and accessories to finish-off the look.  I paired this fabulous navy Rachel Zoe piece with the rich color of the season, oxblood.  I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend! Thank you so much for the sweet birthday wishes and for making my day even more special!

Jumpsuit / Heels / Hat / Satchel

*Photograph from here

The Perfect Transition Jackets

My love for a leopard jacket definitely stems from Kate Moss.  I love how this print adds a bit of understated glamour, especially when paired with more subdued pieces.  

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Tough and chic at the same time, I love a well-worn leather motorcycle jacket.  I especially love how it can be dressed-up or dressed-down with ease.  

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A feminine jacket is an essential piece for the colder months. I love incorporating this type of jacket in a bright color or with ultra-feminine touch like a Peter Pan collar.    

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All images from here

A Day at the Orchard

A day is the country is always welcomed after weeks in the city. The noise, the people, the smoggy air, it is necessary to escape somewhere that you can actually breathe.  A few weekends back we ventured up to Fishkill Farms in Hopewell Junction, New York for our annual apple picking adventure.  The weather was perfect - sunny with just a whisper of a fall chill.  I have a bunch of apple related dishes coming your way, so stay tuned.  I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Brown Sugar Cake with Caramel Butter Cream Frosting

The other day I got the urge to make a cake.  There really wasn't anything in particular to celebrate, I just felt like creating something beautiful and that tasted even better.  I had the day to myself, which meant flour and butter scattered over the counters and the hum of the mixer going pretty much going non-stop.  I wanted to bake a cake that had a fall look and feel, so I settled on Martha Stewart's Brown-Sugar Layer Cake with Caramel Buttercream Frosting.  Typically when it comes to cake I love chocolate, chocolate, chocolate, but I felt like baking a cake that was more reminiscent of fall, and this proved to be the perfect match. The cake was moist and had a subtle caramel taste (thanks to the dark brown sugar) and the butter cream icing had the perfect infusion of caramel goodness, not too sweet like traditional butter cream frostings.  

Inspiring Interiors: Modern and Eclectic

The past few mornings I have been woken up by a crisp breeze that can only come about with the beginnings of fall.  I just can't help but become excited about the start of one of my favorite seasons that is dedicated to concord grapes, apple picking, pie baking and wondering around admiring the vivid colors that tint each leaf.   This time of year also makes me rethink decorating, especially adding a layer of warmth which is typically removed during the hot summer months.  I love this newly remodeled bedroom of Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner - something about it says cozy in a modern way.   Their apartment is a fabulous combination of modern and eclectic.  You can tour the rest of her apartment here.  I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Fur Throw / bench / lamp / chest / painting /branches

I Love This Look: Mélange of Patterns

I fell head over heels for the Prada Fall 2012 show, the geometric prints from top to bottom were show-stopping. While I am not sure that I would pair both a matching top and bottom in the same print, I am definitely open to combining different patterns that somehow compliment each other.    

pants / blouse / heels / hat / tote  

Image from here

Fashioning Fall

I love the kick-off of fall fashion, as it coincides with spring fashion week. It is good to see what is to come, or what I could be wearing right now since it is still so humid outside. I can't even imagine slipping on a sweater, let alone a jacket!  I guess that is Mother Nature for you, she doesn't move with fashion.  I hope that everyone has a fabulous Friday!

Images from here

I Love This Look: The Transitional Trench

I hope that everyone had a fabulous Labor Day weekend!  As we all unoffically bid adieu to summer, I am looking forward to transitioning my wardrobe into something suitable for the cooler months ahead. Besides a leather jacket, another great transitional piece is the classic trench coat.  A trench coat always makes any outfit look complete. I love how it is styled here with a skirt that hits above the knee and boots.  Is a trench coat an essential piece in your closet?

trench / skirt / blouse /  sunglasses / boots / bag

Image from here

Beginning to Fall Forward

 I hardly want to think about fall, but as I sit in my apartment in the sweltering heat, a crisp fall breeze is actually sounding quite amazing.  I must admit though - I love fall. It is actually my favorite season after spring.  I love living in the Northeast when the leaves begin to change from vibrant green to golden shades of yellow, orange and red.  I also  love that feeling of throwing on a sweater for the first time too.  These photographs have me actually looking forward to the season and especially the fashion - need I say that my countdown has begun until I receive my first September issue!

All images from here