Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Give Thanks!


Oh Thanksgiving, you are a wonderful holiday filled with loved ones, delicious food and an over abundance of relaxation and shopping. I am excited for a slightly different Thanksgiving this year as both Karen and Steve are in NYC and we are in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!! That's right folks, I'll be holding the Baseball balloon with my parents as we march along 6th avenue towards Herald Square. Be sure to check us out on tv. Post parade we are heading to a Jewish deli on the Upper East Side for a dinner with one of my favorite cousins. I don't think I could ask for a more perfect holiday celebration.

In true Pewter & Puddles tradition, I always like to dedicate my Thanksgiving post to the things that I am most thankful for. This year the shout out goes to a group of women both new and old. 2014 would have been completely lackluster without you in it, and that, I am most grateful for.

This one is for you ladies - you know who you are.

For introducing the banana emoji into my daily text correspondence.

For always being down for a impromptu dance party.

For being the best dinner date a girl could ask for, no matter the neighborhood or the time.

For when I am down and feeling far away. You pick me up, dust me off and lift my spirits. I love you.

For talking endless hours about fashion.


For continuing to ask yourself - What Would Tami Taylor Do?


For indulging in all of Netflix's binge worthy series with me.

For living a block away and/or a short walk across the park.

For continuing to tell me that only I could make a boot fashionable.

For #utzagainstaustin.

For knowing that a mani/pedi date is the cure for any crappy week.

For accepting my love of Taylor Swift and Ben Covington.

For that time we rocked the $h!t out of our Halloween costumes.

For being my partners in crime, my sisters and the best people I know. I love you always.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Olly Murs feat. Demi Lovato


Happy Monday and thank god for a short week ahead thanks to Thanksgiving. To make the short week even more bearable, feast your ears on Olly Murs and Demi Lovato. The two have joined forces for a cheeky collaboration titled "Up". Say what you want about Lovato (child start turned pop star, uh huh), but girlfriends got some serious pipes.

The melody is upbeat and the combination of their voices is simply magical. I'd say this single is nothing short of an addiction. Blast this little tune at your desk and click your heals together for the amazing meal you will eat towards the end of the week with family and friends.

Enjoy!

Up - Olly Murs feat. Demi Lovato

Friday, November 21, 2014

Top 10 Holiday Decor Items

Top 10 Holiday Decor ideas

Next week, it will be Thanksgiving and then we are full speed ahead to Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years. I always love adding pumpkins around the house for Halloween, but this year I am thinking of adding a little decor to get my apartment into the winter holiday spirit. I mean the Oy Vey pillow is everything, right? Check out my top 10 holiday decor items perfect for all celebrations. 

1. These snowflake coasters from C. Wonder will keep your cold beverages on a decorative bed of ice. 

2. Add a humorous touch to your couch or bedroom with this infamous jewish phrase courtesy of Sudha Pennathur

3. These beautiful ribbons bearing good cheer make Indigo's dessert plates perfect for any Holiday celebration.

4. It's always fun to dress up your beverages, especially as Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

5. The perfect present for your tree from Kate Spade New York.

6. Paper Source designs the best wall art with a festive playful message

7.  A cheerful candle holder with patterned sweater-inspired snowflake cutouts from Crate and Barrel.

8. These delightful cupcake wrappers are a fun way to decorate your favorite Hanukkah treats from Sur La Table.

9. The ultimate work-out plan detailed out on your holiday napkin.

10. This pint-sized ornament will have you guessing if there is actually a serving of fried rice inside or not.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

& Other Stories

Other Stories

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

Last month, my girlfriend Sunhi and I, were having our normal catch-up/shopping date in Soho and popped into H&M's new sister brand store called & Other Stories. For those unfamiliar, the brand just launched in the US (hailing from Paris and Stockholm) and offers an array of beautifully crafted inexpensive women's shoes, bags, accessories, beauty and ready-to-wear. A one stop shop to create your own personal style, or "story". The collections are built around inspiring pieces, ranging from masculine tailoring to feminine chic, creating outfits to provide endless styling choices.

The store is located at 575 Broadway and is definitely worth checking out for the visual merchandising alone and then maybe to pick up a few fab pieces. Check out some of styles I've got my eye, these would make lovely Hanukkah gifts....wink, wink.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Freedom Fry


Ladies and Gents, I've got a cure for the impending winter blues - it's a little indie pop band called Freedom Fry. They are from Los Angeles and composed of Parisan-born Marie Seyrat and Americam Bruce Driscoll. Back in April 2011, the duo first met on a video shoot for Driscoll's other band Blondfire. Seyrat was the stylist on set and caught Driscoll's eye with her whispery voice. He asked if she would be interested in writing some songs together. That August they recorded and released their first EP and the rest is history.

They've got a similar sound to Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros with a dash of Au Revoir Simone and Dirty Gold. If you want to check out their sound, they are playing The Hotel Cafe in LA this Friday. Be sure to stop by and check them out. Below are my two favorite songs that were on rotation all weekend. Enjoy!

Friday, November 14, 2014

Baby Shower Gift Guide

Baby Shower Gift Guide

There must be something in the water, because most of my friends are popping out babies. I seemed to have swapped the bridal shower invite, and substituted it for the baby shower or the one year old birthday celebration. Expectant mothers usually need everything on their registry, but when purchasing a gift for the little one, I like to stray from the typical path and pick something more unique and memorable. Whoever says that their first pair of Chuck Taylors aren't crucial for their wardrobe as they begin to walk is crazy. In addition, a gigantic animal head is the perfect adorable addition to their nursery decor. Check out my top 10 picks for the perfect baby shower gift. I swear, shopping for a little one is simply the best.

1. Create a fun wall of the wild and let the imaginations roam with this adorable Elephant Wall Mount by Serena & Lily 

2. Acting as a house or hideout, ship or shop, Restoration Hardware's teepee tent is ready for imaginary adventures

3. The sweetest way to sooth anyone to sleep, by counting crocheted sheep

4. Manny and Simon sure know how to make wooden toys fashionable

5. Pick up my favorite childhood book, courtesy of Ludwig Bemelmans to read just before bedtime

6. Baby Chuck Taylors, enough said

7. Baby Toms, enough said part two

8. Complete the look of the nursery with these nautical inspired whale bookends by Jonathan Adler

9. As you travel to a magical fantasy world, make sure to hold on tight to your Celestial Stuffed Unicorn by Aurora

10. Fuzzy as a teddy bear, this Carter's hoodie is crafted in cuddly faux shearling.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Top Party Shoes

Top 6 Party Shoes 2014

Holiday season is upon us, which means that Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. The holidays are the perfect time for dressing up, especially your feet. Whether you've got an office party, a trip to the Caribbean, or a celebration to ring in the New Year - a new pair of shoes is the perfect present for yourself. I certainly have my eye on a few now that I got the go-ahead that I can finally wear heels again. Check out my top 6 party shoe finds, each perfect for their own specific celebrating occasion. 

1. New Year's Eve - Kate Spade New York Licorice, $328

2. Hanukkah Dinner - SJP Diana Pump, $365


4. Holiday In The Sun - Tory Burch Trudy Block Heel Sandals, $165

5. Office Party - Zara Combined High Heel Court Shoe, $59.50

6. All Occasions - Forever 21 Wrapped Faux Suede Booties, $34.90

Monday, November 10, 2014

Nathan Reich



I was feeling a little under the weather this weekend, and what better way to remedy the situation, than catch up on the tv that I had missed this week. Parenthood always does the trick.  At the end of each episode, there lies a song that is sweet, heartfelt, and soothing. It's usually a singer-songwriter or a band with an acoustic rendition of a song. This weeks episode, brought a tune from a great musician, who captures the essence of Nashville, Nathan Reich. 

When describing this song, Reich explains that he doesn't "think this song, or most of [his] songs have a special message. It's more about the imagery you get in your mind when you hear the lyrics and the music together. It's a sort of visual postcard, or photograph. It's not meant to have a moral or a point, but to put you in a specific emotional place where you can feel whatever it is you need to feel." 

The scene in the episode of Parenthood, was definitely worthy of a "Notebook" moment, and it was definitely courtesy of this song playing in the background. Listen for yourself below.

Friday, November 7, 2014

A Day With Lady Liberty


Back in July, my girlfriend Nicole organized a fun filled trip to the Statue of Liberty. Although it was for late October, it was guaranteed to be a really good time. A few weeks ago, the weekend finally arrived and we crossed off the ultimate New York bucket list activity. If you have never been, I highly recommend checking it out. It's hard to predict what the temperature will be like when booking in July, but we scored with a perfect Fall weekend.

Tickets are only $21, yes you heard me correctly, $21!! It grants you access to the following things:

Access up to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty
Priority entry into the Boarding Queue which saves you wait time at the departure point
Access to the grounds of Liberty Island and Ellis Island
Audio Tours of Liberty and Ellis Islands included

If you aren't convinced yet, please take a look at the incredible pictures I captured. And then head on over to the website to book your ticket today.

{A postcard shot from the ferry}

{Inside Lady Liberty's Crown}

{Group Shot with our infamous foam crowns}

After the tour, Kelly and I stopped by Ellis Island - where we got a private tour of the abandoned hospitals. We were very privileged to get a personalized tour, but you too can be a part of the magic. For an additional $25, grab a hard hat and head on a 90 minute walking tour of the 750-bed Ellis Island Hospital Complex. As part of the Save Ellis Island, Inc., the tour proceeds go to the restoration and preservation of the unrestored historic south side buildings. You can find more information here. It's crazy to think that after all this time, the building is still standing and is an incredible historic landmark.

{Creepy hallway}

{Fascinating art installations allover the complex}

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Run Like The Wind

Run Like The Wind

Outfit 1: Top / Bottom
Outfit 2: Top / Bottom
Outfit 3: Top / Bottom
Outfit 4: Top / Bottom
Outfit 5: Top / Bottom

Over the weekend, I accomplished something that I haven't done in 9 months, I ran a mile. It was a daunting task, but once I finished, the smile on my face eliminated all of the fear that I once had. Even though the mile put me out of commission for the rest of Saturday, it did get me excited about getting into running again, especially running outside. Feast your eyes on these stylish finds from Nike and Adidas. I am loving all of the printed bottoms in bold patterns in rich and neutral colorways. If you are running outside and the temperature is just above freezing, you might as well dress stylish, right? Which outfit is your favorite?

Monday, November 3, 2014