NYC for the Holidays

I forget how interesting & exciting Christmas can be at New York.  I didn’t mind the cold weather since I got to use my boots that spend more time in boxes in my closet than actually on my feet. My must place to go in New York is the Chelsea Market, it’s full of things to do and things to taste.  I’m sharing some pictures of some of my favorite things at the Market.

Enjoy!

 

Christmas at New York

Christmas decorations at New York

Christmas Eve Cupcakes

Christmas Baking. Cinnamon cupcakes with 7 minute frosting.

Oscar de la Renta Earrings

These Oscar de la Renta clip earrings are perfection. With their Art Deco glamour and sophisticated cut they would be perfect for any event. A sure must for future purchases

Source:http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/329990

Holiday Dressing

Dressing up for Christmas parties is always exciting! We take into careful consideration everything, from the shoes, to the hair, makeup, accessories and specially the clothes to come up with the perfect holiday outfit.

Many times when we think of holiday dressing we directly try to imagine what would be the perfect dress, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be a dress. A great pair of wide leg pants with a satin finish or a peplum or A-line skirt would be perfect.

 

Here are some of my favorite dresses, pants and skirts that I think could serve as inspiration when coming up with your look.

BCBG- Chara Sequined evening dress
A.B.S by Allen Schwartz "Gwen" gown
BCBG- Robbie wide leg pants
Theory Kailon dress
Pink Tartan peplum skirt
Pink Tartan skirt

Dressing for the After Party

These items are perfect for a Christmas get together after a night of holiday cheers… Hurting feet due to 6+ inch pumps are no excuse for ugly flats anymore! These Miu Miu Ballerina’s are perfect, they have all the glitter you need to celebrate with a glass of champagne, they have the crystals to make you feel extra fancy while still resting your feet from fabulous pumps.

 

Last night’s messy hair? That’s not a problem; there are many options of beautiful crystal, pearled and beaded hair accessories. Right now I’m really loving the headbands, they are so versatile. You can place your hair in a bun, side braid it or rock a really wavy look and your headband will complete the look.

I’m sharing here my favorite pieces, but there so many to choose from and from different price ranges. The point is to look fabulous, even if you’re dead from last night’s event.

Jenny Packham Acacia Headband @ Shopbop
Enchanted Atelier Contessa Headband @ Shopbop
Miu Miu Embellished Glitter Coated Ballerina

 

Zara dress and oversized jacket. Marc Jacobs bag. Tom Ford sunglasses.

I love anything and everything with stripes; the oversized jacket gives the traditional stripes a more modern look. Black sky-high pumps are a must have in any closet, they can be the finishing touch in any look.

Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2013

Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2013

I love using fresh flowers to decorate by desserts. It's really easy to do and it's a great presentation. This would be perfect for a garden party or for an intimate gathering. Love the vintage flair.

 

Enjoy!

 

Late Evening Cupcakes

I had been meaning to post this cupcake recipe for some time; it makes the most delicious & delicate cupcakes. I love the idea of cupcakes because you can have cake without having to eat a whole piece and you can also taste more than one without feeling too guilty. I must mention that they can be extremely cute and it doesn’t need to be complicated, you can use really pretty liners, add color to the frosting or just add colorful sprinkles to them. For the frosting I used 7 minute frosting from the Better Homes & Gardens New Baking Book, the best recipe I’ve used so far. This frosting is a great substitute for meringue on rainy days. Hope you try the recipe!

Bon Appetit!

Yellow Cupcakes

1. 1 1/3 cups sifted flour

2. 3/4 cup sugar

3. 2 teaspoons baking powder

4. 1/4 teaspoon salt

5. 1/4 cup vegetable shortening

6. 2/3 cup milk

7. 1 egg

8. 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, & salt together into a large mixing bowl.

2. Add shortening & milk, stir to blend, then beat slowly about 1 1/2 minutes with an electric mixer.

3. Add egg & vanilla & beat slowly 1 1/2 minutes.

4. Spoon batter into muffin tins lined with cupcake papers, filling each half full.

5. Bake 20-25 minutes until cakes are golden brown & springy to the touch.

6. Remove cakes from pans & cool.

7 Minute Frosting ( from Better Homes & Gardens New Baking Book)

1. 1 1/2 cups sugar

2. 2 egg whites

3. 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

4. 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions

1. In top of double boiler combine sugar, 1/3 cup cold water, egg whites, & cream of tartar.

2. Beat with portable electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds.

3. Place over boiling water ( upper pan should not touch water).

4. Cook, beating constantly with mixer on high speed, about 7 minutes or until stiff peaks form.

5. Remove from heat; add vanilla. Beat 2-3 minutes more or until easy to spread.

Wearable Art- Statement Necklaces

 

With the Christmas season officially in sight the party invitations begin to roll. Unless you have an infinite wardrobe you must repeat some dresses; be it last Christmas party or the Christmas before that. Get your inner stylist out! The trick is to change it up and that’s where the statement necklaces come in hand and the closet staple, a basic timeless dress.

 

A statement necklace can make last year dress this year’s “new” dress. A glorious gold necklace can make any LBD a stunning LBD; be it completely gold with a hammered finish or with crystals or gems. A red dress could look marvelous with various lengthy necklaces, especially ones with a Turkish flair from the Bazaar and a green dress would look spectacular with a short necklace full of colorful semiprecious jewels.

 

The best thing? You don’t have to break the bank for this. Here I leave you with some of my personal necklaces & other that I just love!

Kate Spade- Kaleidoball Crystals Encrusted Necklace

ABS by Allen Schwartz Jewelry

RJ Graziano Gold & Silver Beaded Multi Chain

Frigold Necklace- Aldo

Kendra Scott-Harlow Necklace

 

ABS by Allen Schwartz Jewelry
 

Topshop Chain Drape Collar Necklace
 

 

Christmas @ the Tropics

If you’re planning to escape the cold weather and come soak up the sun somewhere around the Caribbean here are some of the quintessential items of your suitcase. Maxi dresses in vibrant colors when going to dinner and a drink after. For complete days at the beach theres nothing more than a great bikini ( this Vix Senegal Bikini is one of the most incredible I’ve ever seen) and cover ups. The Billabong cover up has a really hippie chic look perfect for a day soaking up the rays reading a book or your favorite mags, while protecting your face with this great hat. Shoes? These Dolce Vita wedges are perfect, super versatile and during the day you just need these great Tory Burch sandals, btw they come in many colors. Your jewelry should be as effortless as the hair beach look you’ll naturally have, if it’s not as easy to achieve use Bumble & Bumble’s Surf Spray. The aim in them? Relaxation around a beautiful beach & easy going days.

1. Aqua Mapple Maxi Kimono Dress- ASOS 2. Boho Goddess Cover Up-Billabong 3. Vix Bikini Senegal Detail Bandeau & Detailed Bottom 4. Mara Hoffman Bikini 5. Telsa by Dolce Vita 6. Patent leather Miller Sandal- Tory Burch 8. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray 9. Jessica Simpson Ribbon Braided Floppy Hat 10. BCBG ring 11. Golden Hoop Earrings 12. Hare & Hart Skinny Zero Waste Bangels 13. Trina Turk- Palm Springs Block Towel