Friday, February 19, 2016

Dare to Decorate: August Morgan


For this month's Dare to Decorate installment, I bring you Kate Hersch, the brains and beauty behind the adorable needlepoint napkin line of August Morgan. What started as a mere obsession with vintage needle point pillows, has evolved into an incredible budding empire for this mother of two. She produces a delightful line of hand-embroidered linen cocktail napkins that are perfect for any and all occasions. Your drink and/or appetizer should always be resting on a whimsical napkin afterall.
Take a peak at my top 8 favorite designs and then head on over to the website to gush over a handful of more fantastic options.

1. Red, White, and Blue Overserved Cocktail Napkin

2. Tipsy Longhorn Cocktail Napkin

3. Whino Cocktail Napkin

4. Make Mine A Double Cocktail Napkin

5. Croc-tails Cocktail Napkin


7. Golden Retriever Cocktail Napkin

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

NY Fashion Week Round Up - Fall 2016

This past weekend was brutally cold. I locked myself indoors to ensure that I didn't get any frostbite. Luckily, I did not get any cabin fever because I had New York Fashion Week to keep me preoccupied. The internet and Vogue Runway turned up the heat with gorgeous silhouettes and luscious colors/prints - getting everyone excited for Fall 2016. Each season, I always try to capture the specific collections that really catch my eye and the collections that stand out among the crowd with different and innovative ideas. You can see previous Fall posts here and here. I love a good round up and thought I'd share my favorites from this past week. Which designers caught your eye?


Z A C  Z A C  P O S E N

This Valentine's Day, Zac Posen gave America the greatest gift of all, he launched an e-commerce site for both the main line and ZAC Zac line. If his Fall 2016 runway collection is any indication of what a powerhouse he is, than consider my wallet to be completely empty come the Fall. Woodland romance was all the rage this season - a new riff on flora and fauna. He created looks suitable for both city and country life. A nice balance of silhouettes for every hour, from weekend brunches to evening affairs. I'll take one of each please. 

E S C A D A

Designer Daniel Wingate sported a very sporty color palette for his Fall 2016 runway collection - primary red, blue, yellow and bright green. This season he sprinkled archival styles into the mix be it a slouchy tennis sweater or logo knit top. Similar to Posen, Wingate provided versatile pieces that can be worn to a number of different occasions - the brand refers to this as "desk-to-dinner." A handful of looks were monochromatic, one color requires a lot less thought and less hassle of mixing and matching. I want these top 6 looks in my Fall wardrobe immediately, don't you?

S O N I A  B Y  S O N I A  R Y K I E L

Sensory overload may be your first reaction when viewing Sonia Rykeil's sister line Sonia by Sonia Rykiel. However, you will be mastering these styling hacks of mashed-up layers of ruffles, rhinestones, stripes and leopard, come this Fall. It's all about mixing and matching soft and hard silhouettes. Julie de Libran and her team mixed chiffon blouses under sweatshirts or paired oversized satin bombers over leather mini skirts. These were the offbeat moods of the moment and reflect exactly how girls are dressing now. A new take on french whimsy has us all beaming with excitement.

J E N N Y  P A C K H A M

Glitz and glamour was all the rage for Jenny Packham's Fall 2016 collection. Each outfit sent down the runway was destined for a night out on the town. Her signature jewel tones were left at the door, and in waltzed in clashing shades of jade, blush, lemon and poppy. Her best kept secret, was peaking from underneath each piece - Mary Jane flats. Comfortable shoes are still very important to most women, and Packham made the case very prominent. Beautiful satin and velvet flats were paired with everything from hand-beaded chiffon gowns to lace mini dresses.  

Monday, February 15, 2016

Harriet


Harriet,  is an American band from Los Angeles California, lead by song-writer and keyboardist, Alex Casnoff (formerly of Dawes and Papa), with Henry Kwapis on drums, Patrick Kelly on electric bass, and Matt Blitzer on guitar. The band was named after Casnoff's grandmother, Harriet, and they are anything but fuddy-duddy grandma rock. 

On their latest album, American Appetite, Casnoff lists off a slew of musical influences like Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Tweedy, and Peter Gabriel. In addition, band members' jazz backgrounds also play a part in how their music takes shape, allowing the quartet to jam different ideas until a song forms. The result is pure genius. One of my favorite tracks is "Inheritance" filled with synth pop, and piano-driven melodies that will have you tapping your feet in no time. Harriet's got my vote in 2016. Check out the video below and see for yourself.

Friday, February 12, 2016

Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2016: Last Minute Gifts


Crap! Did you forget that this Sunday is everyone's favorite Hallmark holiday, Valentine's Day? If so, buying the perfect gift this last minute may not go over too well with your loved one. Well have no fear, I've put together the ultimate gift guide for all you procrastinators. Check out my top 6 last minute gifts that will have your loved one convinced you thought about the idea months ago. You can thank me later, enjoy!

1. The key to my heart is anything Haribo. If a candy bouquet filled with everything Haribo showed up on my doorstep, I wouldn't complain. Make someone feel extra special with all of their favorite sweet tooth addictions. How awesome would this be as a wedding bouquet instead? I would definitely put my hands up for grabs for that toss any day.

2. With House of Cards returning in the coming months and Orange Is the New Black picked up for three additional seasons, if you haven't already become a 'Netflix and Chill' connoisseur, it's time to get your loved one this ultimate gift. Starting at only $7.99 a month, your favorite can binge into oblivion and thank you later.

3. Do you both love spending time in the kitchen together, but hate agonizing over what to cook? Blue Apron has the solve for you. Their mission is to 'make incredible home cooking accessible to everyone'.  Pick from a handful of recipes that look absolutely delicious and added bonus you can learn how to make it with their easy step by step instructions. There is no hassle, simply try it out once and I guarantee you will be hooked on their 2 person or family meal plan instantly.

4. Things that make me giddy on any occasion are a pair of awesome socks. A great last minute gift for the one you love is utilizing this free printable and picking up a handful of fun patterned socks. Who says that your feet shouldn't be fashionable too.

5. If your loved one is a movie fanatic and loves to go see blockbusters in the theater as soon as they come out, then this is the gift for them. Head on over to Movie Pass and pick up either an unlimited, 3 months or 12 months subscription. The best part about this gift, is that it's basically a handful of dates all rolled together in a nice little bundle.

6. The gift of music is a powerful gift. I know I can't go anywhere without having something to listen to. Both Spotify and Apple Music offer great monthly subscription services at an inexpensive price. Now you can hear T. Swift 24/7, the perfect gift. Am I right ladies?

Monday, February 8, 2016

Zella Day


Zella Day is the next breakout indie-pop singer-songwriter. Born in 1995, this 20 year old's sound is wise beyond her years. She's been singing and crafting her folklore sound since the age of nine. Headed to Coachella in April, she's an act that you will want to pay special attention to because she is about to be the next big thing.

Back in January, she headed over to Vogue and produced this beautiful acoustic of her hit single "Jameson" and the world melted. Her sweet voice got me like whoa and instantly checking tour dates for when she comes to NYC. Check out the below video for yourself and be prepared to be floored.

https://thescene.com/watch/vogue/zella-day-performs-jameson