Top Looks from Milan Fashion Week

I really loved what I saw at NYFW, but I have to say that I am even more excited by what I saw in Milan. I'm not sure if Paris will top it, but i'll do an update once Paris Fashion Week closes.

Here are my top pick from the Milan shows:

Dolce and Gabbana

Dolce and Gabbana

Dolce and Gabbana

Can you tell I loved the Dolce & Gabbana show? I would seriously buy every piece if I could. And those crowns are so amazing. 

Prada

Amazing Flourless Chocolate Cake

I was celebrating my friend Jess's birthday on Saturday night and her Mom was kind enough to make a beautiful cake to serve for dessert at the restaurant. Now, I was already excited about this because she made a birthday cake for Jess's party last year, and that cake was delicious.

Well, this year's cake was even better! It's called Chocolate Idiot Cake (yes, really, thats what it's called). It is a simple flourless chocolate cake that has an incredibly strong chocolate flavor without being too sweet, which is perfect for chocolate lovers. With only 4 ingredients, it is also very simple to make, hence the "idiot" part.

The recipe (and these photos!) is from Food.com

One of the things that I like about this cake is how nice and flat it is. It's perfect for decorating if you wanted to dress up the top a bit. Jess's Mom decorated her cake with walnuts and a raspberry coulis that she drizzled on top of the cake. You could also do a light whipped cream or white icing from a tube if you needed to write someone's name on it.

Here are a couple of recipes for sauces that would compliment the richness of the chocolate.

Raspberry Sauce from Ina Garten

Whipped Cream from Alton Brown

Creme Anglaise Ice Cream from Ina Garten

The recipe says that you can store the cake in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, which is great because you can easily make this a day ahead for a dinner party. Another bonus: It's gluten free! Perfect for our friends who normally miss out on cake.

A Hint of Spring

We still have a few more days of February and March in Boston can be very hit or miss, but, at my Mom's house this weekend I started to see signs of spring.

Daffodils have always been a favorite of my Mom's, and in the last couple of years, they have become a favorite of mine as well. They are super simple to arrange and they look beautiful once they bloom. The great things about them is the fact that they are one of the first spring flowers that become available. When you see the daffodils come out, you know spring is coming.

These daffodils are from Dublin and my Mom trimmed the stems and place them in one of her favorite "vases", a ceramic set of yellow rain boots.

Isn't it adorable? It goes so well with a casual spring flower like daffodils. She has had this vase for several years. I believe that she bought it from the garden shop at Wilson Farm in Lexington, Massachusetts. I have seen similar vases since then, but none of them have been as good in quality as the one my Mom has. I'm actually thinking about going back to the same shop and seeing if I can get one for myself.

So daffodils mean spring to me. What reminds you that spring is on its way?

Oscar Fashion Top Picks

I love movies as much as the next person, but the best part of the Oscars isn't the awards, it's the red carpet. Most people tune in to watch the show from 8 till 11 p.m. while I am hovered over my computer from 6-8 p.m. trying to get constant red carpet fashion updates. 

These are my top picks for the evening:

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior

I generally do not like the big pouffy dress on the red carpet, but this Dior won me over. The fabric is amazing and the fit is just right. 

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive

I normally am not a fan of the two different shoulder styles look, but I really like this one, maybe because the fit is perfect on top. The sparkle is lovely as well.

Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton

I love the black and blue here and I think the fit is great. I am in love with the hair as well.

Making Bread and Rolls

Growing up, my grandmother always made all her dinner rolls from scratch with a recipe that she has been using for more than 50 years. My Mom has five kids so she in an effort to save time, she would buy her dinner rolls from Lyndell's Bakery, a local bakery that has been around since 1887, and then reheat them in the oven.

I love my grandmother's rolls and there is something about freshly baked bread that feels comforting. I have never tried to make an actual loaf of bread, but I do enjoy making rolls and biscuits.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Popovers from Barefoot Contessa

Fluffy Buttermilk Biscuits

Easy Floral Arrangements

I have always loved flowers, but until recently, I never took the time to learn how to arrange them. It is so much less expensive to create your own arrangements for everyday and events like a dinner party or cocktail gathering.

I am actually thinking about taking a class here in Boston. They offer 1-day workshop classes at Twig and at the Rittners School of Floral Design. Many towns that offer adult education classes will feature a class on floral arrangements as well. If you are interested, it would be worth looking into.

I have been finding a lot of step-by-step floral arrangement pictures and articles on Pinterest as well. Here are some of the ones that I thought looked good.

Tulip Bowl Arrangement

Going Beyond Traditional Lasagna

Lately, I have been coming across all kinds of lasagna recipes that go beyond red sauce and mozzarella cheese and I have been saving them all because they look amazing.

I have always been a fan of traditional lasagna, but I think it's great to update a classic, especially with such cold winter weather. Lasagna is great for a cozy, home-cooked dinner.

Creamy White Chicken and Artichoke Lasagna

 Celery Root and Mushroom Lasagna

Top Picks from New York Fashion Week

I have always been a big fashion week follower, so naturally I spent the majority of last week on Style.com keeping up with the shows.

These are a few of my favorite looks from the New York shows.

Monique Lhuillier

 Ralph Lauren

Marc Jacobs

Happy President's Day!

I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend.

I apologize for the break in posts this past week. I had an accident and spent most of the week in bed.

Tune in tomorrow for post on my favorite looks from New York Fashion Week.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day Peeps!

Attached or not, a glass of good champagne and chocolates are in order.

You can find the Moet at your nearest liquor store...

...And these lovely hand made chocolates are from EH Chocolatier

Bottoms Up!

Valentine's Day for the Single Girl

Valentine's Day is one of those holidays that can be pretty depressing for those of us who are single, and it's easy to see why.

 If you are one of those people, you have three options:

Ignore the whole day and act like there is no holiday to celebrate

Spend your whole day pissed off and upset

Treat yourself and someone you love (it can be anyone) to a small gift, nice dinner, or a sweet treat

When I have been single on February 14th, I like to choose the third option. My Mom is pretty laid back about celebrating Valentine's Day with my Dad. They both call it a "Hallmark Holiday." That doesn't seem to stop her from celebrating the day with all her daughters and grandchildren. She always sends out cards and usually gives us a little something like some nice chocolates or a cute pair of underwear. 

I take comfort in knowing that I always have a special Valentine in my Mom. It makes the holiday special, whether I am attached to someone or not.

Does anyone else do this?

Valentine's Day Dinner

More and more people are deciding to stay in for Valentine's Day rather than go out for dinner, and I don't blame them. Most restaurants are over priced and over crowded on this holiday and you're better off cooking at home. 

Here is one option for a Valentine's Day dinner:

First Course

Oysters Rockefeller

Second Course

Over-Roasted Lamb Chops with Mint Chimichurri

Green Beans with Creamy Mushrooms and Shallots

Oven-Roasted Potatoes

Dessert

Warm Chocolate Cake with Mascarpone Cream

Recipes are courtesy of Food & Wine and Whole Living

For more Valentine's Day dinner ideas, I would recommend checking out the special recipe sections at Food & Wine and the Food Network. I found lots of great menu ideas there. 

Is anyone else planning on staying in on Thursday?

Workplace Accessories

Last week I did a post about dressing for work. I wanted to follow that up with some great work accessories. The great thing about things like shoes, bags and jewelry is that they can help jazz up a more conservative look if you are one of those people that has to wear suits to work each day.

Everyone needs a bigger bag for work. It's great for paper work, a lap top, an extra pair of shoes, etc. I like the bright colors best because they stand out.

For me, a belt is less about function and more about style. A bold belt can give a plain outfit a quick punch and define the waist. I love them with a shirt dress for a more casual environment.

For work shoes, I usually try and stay away from the open toe. I love open toe but in a more conservative office, that kind of shoe really doesn't fly. You can't go wrong with a classic pointy or round toe pump. These styles go with everything. If you're short on cash, black and neutral will give you the most milage. Don't forget the flats for your commute. I still see women wearing socks and sneakers with their nylons and it drives me up the wall! There are plenty of options that are both stylish and comfortable. There is no excuse for sneakers. 

If you work in a more casual environment, you can push it a little further with the jewelry. The pieces I have hear are classics that all women can wear because they are so versatile. You can never go wrong with simple stud earrings and a nice watch. 

How do you guys feel about your work dress codes? Does anyone get casual Friday's?

Snow Day Activities

Since everyone in the north east is stuck inside today (and probably tomorrow too!), I wanted to share my favorite ways to pass the time during a storm.

Curl up with a good book. I'm currently reading Habits of the House by Fay Weldon. Very Downton Abbeyesque. 

Do some baking. I feel like boredom makes you hungry so why not bake. My older sister is in my kitchen right now making chocolate chip cookies.

Catch up on your favorite TV shows. I just caught up on the latest episode of Scandal. Such a good show. Up next: the season premiere of Smash.

Online Shop. Expensive yes, but always a great way to pass the time. Gap is currently doing a 25% sale online and so is Banana Republic. 

Drink hot chocolate. I am usually a tea girl, but all this snow makes me crave a chocolate drink topped with marshmallows.

For anyone else that is snowed in, what are you planning on doing to pass the time?

What to Wear to Work

I have been working full time for about 4 years and in that time I have have worked at offices that were business attire, business casual and (at my current job!) just plain casual.

I have never been one for the matchy-matchy suit, as a matter of fact I avoid them at all costs. I only end up wearing them on job interviews and even then I insist on only wearing a skirt suit. I usually aim for a Jacqueline Kennedy White House-era style as appose to corporate powerhouse chick.

That being said, so many women don't have the option of going casual or business casual each day at work. This posts is meant for these lovely ladies.

Since you know I hate matchy-matchy, I found a bunch of great suit separates that can easily be mixed and matched. So much more stylish, and versatile, than owning five matching suits.

Classic Blazers

Valentine's Day Treats

Most people associate Valentine's Day with couples, but I don't feel that way. For me, Valentine's is another opportunity to show how much you care for them. One of the ways I like to do this is by feeding them (it must be an Italian heritage thing, my grandmother is the same way!). 

I'm skipping over dinner and heading straight for desserts on Valentine's Day. Here are some of the things I am thinking about making. 

Chocolate Souffles

Red Velvet Trifle

Spring Flats

All of this blah winter weather is getting to be tiresome. I just realized that I haven't worn a pair of actual shoes in almost 2 months. I have been rocking the boots or booties everyday in order to keep warm.

Wearing the same seven pairs of shoes over and over is making me long for the warmer weather where I can break out something more stylish and colorful. 


I have already put some spring flats on my wish list.

 

 Pink Tory Burch

Red Paten Leather from Repetto

Green Pointy Toe's by Nasty Gal

Lilac with Black Bows by Viktor & Rolf

What do you think?

Ski Bunny

I am not a huge fan of snow, especially when I am shoveling it or driving in it, but a winter weekend in the mountains does sound tempting, especially if their is a cozy lodge to go back to. Normally when I think of ski clothes, I think big, puffy and unfashionable. It turns out ski outfits can be quite fashionable without having to sacrifice the functional aspects like warmth and protection from the winter elements.

Newly inspired by all the cute ski-wear, I put together some cute outfits.

 

Red & Black

 

Blue & Black

 

If you are like me, and are not exactly a pro skier, you can always retreat to the lodge, sit in front of the fire, and enjoy liquored-up cocoa and a good book.

Stylish Headboards

My good friend Sharon is redoing her bedroom and she asked me to tag along with her when she went shopping. Being the design enthusiast that I am, I immediately started brainstorming about what we could do with her bedroom. She did say that she wants to buy a new bed, but that she would prefer a simple frame with a headboard as appose to a matchy-matchy set. I was super excited to hear this because I LOVE headboards. I think they are a stylish and easy way to jazz up a bedroom.

Here are some of the ones I liked best when I went looking for inspiration for Sharon's room:

Which one is your favorite?

I generally prefer neutrals for a bedroom but I can see Sharon loving the painted blue headboard.

Beauty Basics

I wanted to share with you some of the key products that I use on a daily basis. Some are drugstore finds, while other are more expensive department store products. They work really well for me and I have continued to buy them over and over again.

The thing to remember when purchasing a new product is to make sure you can return it if it doesn't work for you, that way you don't waste money on something you don't use. Sephora and CVS have pretty fair return policies with makeup.

Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer 

True Match Super Blendable Powder

Nars Blush 

Nars The Multiple 

Dior Maximizer Lash 

Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara 

Mac Paint Pot Eye Primer

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner Pen

Must Have's For Your Shoe Closet

Shoes....one of my most favorite things. I love all styles, colors and heel heights. I'm not too picky about brands either, as long as the shoe is good quality. 

That being said, I do have some favorite she brands that I always go back to time and time again because I wear the shoes so much, I end up needing a new pair. Some of the brands are pricier than others, but they are all worth it.

Jack Rogers

Anything good enough for Jackie O is good enough for me. Their classic navajo sandals come on every color and two heel sizes, flat and wedge. A must buy for the summers on the Vineyard.

Tory Burch

Tory hasn't been around as long as Jack Rogers, but her ballet flats are a great wardrobe staple. I also love her riding boots.

Sperry Top-Sider

Sperry has gone far beyond the boat shoe (though those are great too!) to include great flats, moccasins and rain boots. I am a huge fan of their modified ladies boat she on gold metallic. It has a much sleeker shape than their original boat shoe. For a non-sandal alternative for summer, Sperry's are tough to beat.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Italian's sure know their shoes. This iconic brand has been around since the 1920's and it's easy to see why. What I love is the mix of classic and new styles. I am a big fan of the patent bow flats, especially the red ones. Very lady-like and chic. This shoe is right up there with the Chanel ballet flats in terms of icon status. 

All this shoe talk makes me want to run out and add a few more pairs to my collection....if only I has room in my closet!