A Bright Outlook

Piggy-backing onto yesterday post, I want to end the week on a bright note with this editorial featured in the February issue of Costume Finland.  I adore the soft and foamy pinks, oranges, moss green and powder blues.  Typically I am not one for girly details like bows, but this feature might have me thinking differently about bows - what do you think? I hope you all have a nice weekend and if you are routing for your team at the Super Bowl I hope they win!

{Currently Loving} Color!

In the beginning of the month I was proclaiming my love for all things white, but now I am wanting color, bright colors.  Shades so bright they are like therapy for the eyes. I have realized over the years that I don't mind the cold as much as I long for a colorful landscape as seen in all of the other seasons.  I am a person that is visually stimulated and inspired by color so the winter months can seem a bit blah in that department.  One way to change that is wearing bright and happy colors. Here are some looks that were spotted on the street in Paris during the couture shows last week, doesn't looking at these looks just induce happiness? Below are some of my favorite picks to perk you up.  

Tangerine Olive Oil Cake with Pasolivo Olive Oil

One of the things that I love about the winter season is the amazing variety of citrus that is available - super sweet satsumas plucked from the tree, honey tangerines, pomelos so many options to keep you healthy during the winter season.  Citrus is also a great fruit to incorporate into any meals whether cooking or baking a fresh squeeze of juice is a great way to enliven a dish. Last year I made my first olive oil cake incorporating Meyer Lemons, but this year I decided to use fragrant tangerines and tangerine infused olive oil courtesy of Pasolivo Oil.  I made this cake on a cold weekend day when the sun stayed tucked behind the clouds all day calling for an energetic dessert that would make me feel like it was shining.  This cake is incredibly moist while being fluffy at the same time and the flavor is further enhanced by a simple glaze infused with tangerine zest.

{Designer to Know}:: Irfé Pre-Fall 2014

Storied French fashion house Irfé has resurfaced with a compelling Pre-Fall collection full of skin-tight leather and luxurious textures.  Irfé was started in Paris in 1924 by Princess Irina Yousoupoff and today the lineage has followed suit with Olga Sorokina as the head of design.  She has propelled the house into modern times with a collection that is for the women that likes to dress with a bit of edge. I adore her use of black and white and leather boots that stretch way up the leg.  The beauty at the show was flawless -  porcelain skin was accentuated with a rich maroon lip reminiscent of a portrait painting.    

Beauty Profile:: Ole Henricksen Nurture Me & Ultimate Lift Firming Serum

When temperatures reach the teens or even single digits there is one thing that you must do, layer - layer everything, your clothing and the oils, serums and creams that protect your skin from the elements.  I can say that my skin would be in complete disarray if it were not for these two Ole Henricksen products and their face oil (I wrote about it here)  - when combined they are a powerful trio that acts like armor during these excruciatingly cold months that can wreck havoc on your complexion (not to mention the chlorine from the pool at the gym).  Applying the Nurture Me Cream is like massaging a thick layer of pudding on your skin - it is luxurious, incredibly moisturizing and is laced with an addicting creamsicle aroma.  It is chock-full of powerful ingredients like Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin A & C which help nourish and promote a uniform complexion while being extra gentle on sensitive skin.  If you are looking for a moisturizer that penetrate and moisturize thirsty skin I definitely recommend it.

Now let's talk wrinkles, or rather preventing them.  Since I first started working in the beauty industry at the age of fifteen I have been using anti-wrinkle creams - it might sound crazy but if there are two actions that can prevent premature aging is moisturizing and sunscreen.  Today there are so many amazing serums that can boost your moisturizers power like the Ole Henricksen Ultimate Lift Firming Serum.  This serum contains a cocktail of botanicals, hyaluronic acid, which plums and protects against moisture loss and Copper Tripeptide which fend-off free radical damage.

c/o Ole Henricksen

Get the Look:: The Perfect Headboards

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you had a nice and restful weekend and that you were somewhere warm, although that might be hard to come by since the entire United States is going through a deep freeze.  Since the weather feels like we are living in the North Pole a warm and cozy bed is essential this time of year and One King's Lane is making this even easier since they are having an amazing sale now through Thursday on beds and headboards.   Here are some bits of inspiration and my picks from their sale.  Happy shopping!

Currently Inspiring:: Pinterest Picks

Happy Friday! I am going to keep things short and sweet here today, but I wanted to share what has been inspiring me lately on Pinterest to take you into the weekend.  You can follow me here! Have a great weekend and if you are somewhere warm, please soak in the sun for me. It is going to be a frigid one here in New York.  

Beauty Flash:: Dramatic Eyes (Spring 2014 Couture}

(Versace)

The Paris Couture Spring 2014 shows have come to an end - did you have a chance to see the recaps from the shows?  The Couture presentations are always my favorite because they take you off into a dream land of beautiful dresses that are clearly works of art.  My favorite shows this year were Elie Saab for his ethereal and his gorgeous adorned dresses and Valentino, the tulle dresses and sheer lace pieces were perfection.  The beauty looks were not far behind with one dramatic eye after the next.  At Versace, the models donned aquatic blue on the upper lids while the lower was lined with a sultry bronze shade.  Another favorite look was the cat eye rendition seen at Chanel and Giambattista Valli where winged finishes provided an incredible impact.  

(Jean-Paul Gaultier)

Currently Coveting:: Florals, Stripes & Hints of Gold

Is it me or is this week going by incredibly fast?   Yesterday we were greeted with a beautiful snow storm that painted the city white.  Even though I am enjoying the winter wonderland outside, inside I am coveting graphic black and white stripes, feminine floral prints and golden details.  I especially have my eye on the Threshold Hexagonal Table that has a gorgeous faux shell inlay and that black and white dress from Malene Birger.

{Pre-Fall 2014} Valentino

Typically January could be one of your least favorite months out of the year - it is post-holiday and the lack of greenery and the prolonged cold can get to you, but I am singing to the tune of fashion happiness since we are in the end of Pre-Fall and the beginning of Couture and then of course Fall 2014.  The Valentino Pre-Fall collection literally made me gasp - the intricate feathered sleeves, the soft muted green dresses paired with the perfect touch of gold and finally the butterfly prints that created the illusion to an abstract pattern.  

German Soft Pretzel Sticks

When the big Super Bowl game day rolls around what types of snacks will you be munching on? If I could make a suggestion it would be to whip up this delicious recipe for Soft German Pretzel Sticks, a delightfully soft and chewy snack and is perfect for the rowdiest of football fans.  This year, since the game is in New York it is even more of a reason to tune in, but I will be honest, football is my least favorite sport to watch - I am more of a basketball/baseball type of gal.  I do like to tune into the commercials though and of course the half-time show.  When it comes to pretzel pairings I love to combine either a sweet or savory dipping sauces like either dark chocolate or a good mustard, so when the kind folks at Maille Mustard sent me an array to choose from I opted for the latter.  This recipe paired perfectly with their Honey Dijon because the sweetness of the honey complimented the subtle sugary taste of the pretzels. So will you be tuning into the big game in a few weeks? 

Petal by Petal: 'Juliet' Garden Rose

They say 'A rose is a rose is a rose', but I say a rose is more than a rose when it comes to the garden variety.  I discovered 'Juliet' a David Austin rose in the flower district around the holidays when I was supposed to be looking for swags of garland and vibrant red berries.  Instead I stumbled across this incredibly fragrant blossom with the prettiest hint of peach that I just couldn't resist.  These blooms are great when arranged by themselves or alongside other blooms.   They are one of my favorite David Austin roses that I have come across because of their gorgeous thick layer of petals that form a beautiful rosette and give way to a slightly sweet aroma.  Continue for more...

I Love Her Style:: Victoria Törnegren

Do you remember a few years back when you actually had to visit Paris, Milan, London or Sweden to see what women were wearing on the streets?  That seems like a distant memory now since you can check out what others are wearing around the globe with a simple click of a button.  One of my favorite new bloggers is Victoria Törnegren an über-cool and stylish Swede who has a knack for pulling off boyfriend jeans, killer heels and statement jackets.  Below are some of my picks to create her look.  

{Le Week de Paris} The Gardens of Versailles

Have you ever visited it a place that transformed the way that you see beauty and the world?  I have been lucky to have a few experiences like that Paris, of course, but also Oia, Santorini (those white buildings against that indigo Aegean Sea).  Another place that I still talk and dream about is the Gardens of Versailles, the sprawling grounds created by the Sun King, Louise XIV, so much so that I even wrote my final major Art History paper on the subject before graduating from college.  I am enamored by the quest for perfection that was achieved in the gardens - the perfectly sculpted hedges, the glistening statues, the reflecting pools.  Located just a short train ride from Paris, the gardens and the chateau are so immense and beautiful it is almost too much to absorb.  I hope that you have enjoyed this little bit of Paris that I shared here this week, I hope that my passion and down-right love for this city has inspired you to either visit or to return.  And as Audrey Hepburn said "Paris is always a good idea" - I couldn't agree more.  Bon Weekend!

{Le Week de Paris} Top Five Baguettes in New York & Brooklyn

If I was stranded on a deserted island I would bring three types of food with me - a good bottle of Greek olive oil, a bar of rich dark chocolate and a crusty baguette (preferably just out of the oven). If I could pick a place for this said island to be it would be off the coast of France where I could get access to baguettes, unlimited sweet baguettes.  Since it is Paris week here on the blog, I couldn't let it pass without rounding up my favorite boulangeries here in New York that bake bread like they do in France. Here are some of my favorites, but after visiting make sure you have a cheese shop lined up or a few good bottles of olive oil! Did I miss any baguettes that I must try? Dit-moi s'il vous plait! Continue for more...

  

{Le Week de Paris} Paris Instagrammers to Follow

If you are anything like me you might follow a vast array of people on Instagram.  I follow the fashion elite (Miroslava, LSD), photographers (Nicole Franzen, Alice Gao), food stylists, florists, fashion bloggers, just to name a few.  My newest group of accounts to follow is the eternal traveler, what I wish that I could be, in particularly the Paris lover and there are many of them.  Here are some of my favorites that always have me inspired and ready to pack my bags at a moments notice.  Do you have any that I should know about, please do tell!

{Le Week de Paris} To Take You Away to Paris

I first discovered The Quiet City: Winter in Paris when I first stumbled upon the blog Paris in Four Months.  This video practically brings tears to my eyes, the backdrop of the piano and violin serenade as the clouds gracefully float over the city, the light filters through the clouds and day turns to night.

 In the second video Midnight in Paris, pulled from the movie is iconic Woody Allen. Bluesy jazz music plays as there are beautiful shots of the Tuilleries, Place de la Concorde and the Seine.  Both of the videos transported me if only for a few minutes to Paris, I hope that it does the same for you!

{Le Week de Paris} Teatime with Le Palais des Thés & Madeleines

A few months back there was an article in the New York Times where author Steven Erlanger reflected on his five years spent in living and working in Paris. Amid his love and dismay for the city he referenced Walt Whitman who said, "Most visitors go away having found just enough of what they craved to develop a lifelong yearning to return", wow, yes, perfected stated.  

This week I am taking you to Paris, well, not technically (wouldn't that be just incroyable) but each post will be dedicated to my favorite city in the entire world.  It has been such a blessing that I was able to live there twice for an extended period of time.  I was swept off my feet by the magic, wonder and beauty of this European city that has captivated me like no other place has ever been able.  My passion runs so deeply that I cannot help but get a pang in my heart on just how much I miss it.  But in less than five months, I will be returning as a stop on our honeymoon. I have been dreaming about the warm baguettes, the moody skies, the architecture and the pristine gardens for far too long.  It is time to go back, I need to go back.  However, in order to satiate my yearning, this week is all about all things Parisian.  I hope you enjoy! 

{Pre-Fall 2014} Chloé

What better way to close the week than with the Chloé Pre-Fall 2014 presentation?  This collection has me counting down until the final unveil in Paris next month.  I absolutely adore the light and airy pinks, the enlarged window-pane patterns, the up-to-your-knee boots and the flouncy details on both the dresses and skirts.  I also love the updated and refreshed look of animal prints seen in quite a few of the looks below.  Let the Paris countdown begin! Have a wonderful weekend.

Inspiring Interiors:: A Clean Slate

As I mentioned in Monday's post, I am trying to enter the new year with a clean slate, especially when it comes to our apartment; however this is hard for someone that loves objects and collecting things (magazines, candles, coffee table books).  I think that less clutter equals a cleaner mind, so in the hopes to get me inspired, I have gathered these images from my interiors Pinterest page to guide me in the right direction. I love the openness, the organization and the overall happiness that a white interior can bring. Continue for more...

Almond Donut Cookies {I HAVE MOVED TO ROSE & IVY JOURNAL!)

For more recipes and to discover additional beauty, please click visit Rose & Ivy Journal by clicking here!

In continuing with my calm and serene approach to the year, I wanted to also apply that to baking - light and fluffy desserts with an airiness about them.  A few months back Donna Hay Magazine devoted an entire issue to black and white baking and cooking.  I adored the pure, exquisitely white desserts and the rich and moody dishes that almost entirely consisted of decadent chocolate.  One of the recipes inside was for Almond Donut Cookies, they are pure heaven because they are a cross between a donut and a light cookie with a great texture, thanks to the almond flour. The finishing touch is a shower of powdered sugar to create a cookie/donut that is perfect alongside a cup of coffee. Continue for more...

Petal by Petal:: Narcissus

I first discovered Narcissus, also commonly known as Paper Whites, in high school in the form of a candle.  It had a gorgeous white floral fragrance with green undertones that immediately drew me. I ended up purchasing and burning it shortly there after.  After doing research I realized that Paper Whites are those wonderful bulbs that you can plant, typically in the winter that bloom into pure, white flowers. If you are looking for a natural way to wonderfully fragrance your home, now is the time to purchase the bulbs or the plant.  They are incredibly easy to grow since they do not need to be rooted in soil and can simply grow by being placed on rocks or covered by moss and gently watered.  Paper Whites are a great way to bring the hope of spring back into your home.  Continue for more...

I Love This Look:: Winter White

Happy 2014! It feels good to be back, although a break was just what I needed from both work and the cyber world.  The holidays were great and went by too quickly as they always seem to do.  I am eager for the new year, many exciting things will be headed your way and it is our wedding year, so I will be posting updates too.  As we enter a new year, I typically do not make resolutions, but with each new year comes limitless possibilities and I love how we are each given a clean slate, so to speak. This week I am keeping things light and airy and beginning so with one of my favorite seasonal color palettes, winter white.  I have been pinning this look a lot as of late, it is clean, pure and just polished.  Here are some of my favorite looks and some of my favorite pieces to pull it off.  I really hope that everyone had a great and restful holiday season and thank you for tuning in for another year.  Cheers!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! So here we are in 2014, I can feel that this year is going to be great.  I just wanted to pop in and say hello, I am thoroughly enjoying the break, but I will be back here Monday with normal programming.  I hope that everyone has a lovely weekend! Cheers to 2014!

Image via here