Thursday Night Cocktail: The Bee's Knees

Illustration by Tim Bower

Recipe from Holeman & Finch via Garden & Gun

August/September 2014 Issue

Ingredients

 

1¾ oz. gin, preferably St. George Spirits*
¾ oz. lemon juice
½ oz. honey syrup
2 dashes celery bitters

Directions

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and add ice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

For the syrup: Combine 1 part water with 1 part honey in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the honey dissolves.

 

*Blogger Note: I never like to insist that one liquor brand is better than another, as everyone has their preferences, but St. George gin really is fantastic and I highly recommend it.

 

 

Cheers!

On the Hunt for Attractive Gym Shoes

They say you can tell a lot about a person by what shoes they're wearing. Sexy, classy, preppy, chic, sensible, frivolous...a good (or bad) pair of shoes speak volumes. So, what do sneakers say? Most gym goers don't care what their sneakers look like as long as they serve their athletic purpose, but I can't be the only girl out there looking for gym sneakers that are both attractive and functional. 

I held on to a pair of pink Nike's for years because they were the most attractive sneaker I had ever seen. Granted, I rarely worked out then, so it wasn't like I was wearing them out. Now that I make it a point to get to the gym on a regular basis I find myself replacing sneakers as often as I replace a pair of ballet flats (about once a year). 

I am once again on the hunt for a fresh pair of sneakers that meet my style requirements: No ugly colors and no clunky styles. I have a strong affinity for pink, no surprise there, but I also found some styles in blue, purple and black that are both cute and streamlined. 

What do you think?

Column One 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 Column Two 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 Column Three 1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Don't Wait

Get the Look: Fashionable Floral

This lovely floral outfit debuted in Paris earlier this month at the couture shows and it's perfect for late summer/early fall. The floral skirt I featured from Dorothy Perkins has a slightly shorter hemline than the original midi skirt shown, as skirts that hit at the calf aren't terribly flattering on those of with shorter legs.

Sweater: Reiss // Skirt: Dorothy Perkins // Shoes: Kurt Geiger

Bag: Whistles // Necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane

Cape Cod R + R

I'm off to the Cape for couple of days but I'll be back to blogging on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

Image Credit

The Week in Fashion

A look at the best (and worst) of the Fall 2014 ad campaigns - Fashionista

Blake Lively's lifestyle website, Preserve, is now live - Preserve

Speaking of Blake, she answered 73 questions with Vogue - Vogue

The pages counts for the September issues are in - Fashion Foie Gras

Nadége Vanhee is going to be the new creative director at Hermés - British Vogue

Happy Saturday!!

Thursday Night Cocktail: Pimm's Cup

Image and recipe via Sunset Magazine

Makes eight drinks

Ingredients

2 oranges, cut into half-moons

2 lemons, cut into half-moons

1 Persian cucumber or one 3-in.-long piece English cucumber, washed and sliced

2 cups Pimm's No. 1 

4 cups Sprite or other lemon-lime soda

6 to 8 large sprigs mint, crushed gently, plus a few loose leaves

Directions

Fill 2 pitchers 1/4 full with ice. To each, add a layer of orange slices, a few lemon slices, and a layer of cucumber slices. Repeat the layering. 

Pour in the Pimm's and Sprite, dividing between pitchers, and mix with a long-handled spoon. Poke mint sprigs and leaves down into the pitchers. 

Divide mixture among 8 tall glasses, with a few slices of fruit and cucumber in each glass, along with some mint leaves.

Cheers to a fabulous British cocktail!

Get the Look: Claiborne Swanson

Skirt: Freda // Top: Rebecca Taylor // Sandals: Mango // Clutch: Michael Kors

Different Day, Different Problem, Different Concealer

Just as one is always on the look out for the perfect shoe or the perfect bag, I'm always on the look out for the perfect concealer. The search has been going on for the past fifteen years with no end in sight. I don't wear very much face makeup and prefer to keep my daily routine to concealer where needed, followed by a quick swoop of pressed powder and my beloved Nars blush. My problem: I can't seem to find the "perfect" concealer because different days bring different problems, hence the need for a variety of concealers.

Right now my go-to concealer is a combination of Rimmel Match Perfection and L'Oreal True Match Concealer Crayon. The crayon is perfect for making pesky blemishes disappear (at least for a little while) and when I wake up with tired eyes I start with the crayon and follow with the Match Perfection.

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Let Go of the Fear

My Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Wish List

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here, and you know what that means...time to start fall shopping! The annual Nordstrom sale is the best opportunity to scoop up some fantastic fall items at a discount before everything goes back to full price on August 4. These are the items on my wish list: 

Jeans: J Brand // Watch: Michael Kors // Wallet: Hobo //  Black Pumps: Joe's // Color Set: Bobbi Brown // Pants: Theory

Ballet Flats: Tory Burch // Bracelet: Alexis Bittar // Candle Trio: Voluspa Coat: Kate Spade // Bootie: Cole Haan 

Burgundy Pump: Sam Edelman // Bag: Michael Kors // Boots: Cole Haan // Sunglasses: Tory Burch // Lipstick: Dior

The Week in Fashion

A look at Chanel's most important customer, Lady Amanda Harlech - The Telegraph

The fifty most iconic sunglasses of all time - The Cut

A great article on the popular fashion app Poshmark - New York Times

Check out the first wedding dress designed by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen - Vogue

Meet the 2014 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Nominees - Fashionista

Happy Saturday!

Thursday Night Cocktail: Champagne Pomegranate Cocktail

Recipe and Image via Cooking Light

Makes eight cocktails

Ingredients

4 cups crushed ice

2 cups pomegranate juice 

1/2 cup ginger ale 

1/4 cup brandy

1 (750-milliliter) bottle Champagne or sparkling wine

Directions

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a pitcher. 

Pour about 1 cup of the Champagne mixture into each of 8 glasses. 

Cheers!!

Get the Look: Olivia Palermo

Top: Mango // Skirt: Madewell // Shoes: Carvela Kurt Geiger

Bag: Lauren Merkin // Sunglasses: Sole Society

Get Your DIY On at Splendid at The Street in Chestnut Hill

Splendid is teaming up with Erica Domesek from P.S. - I Made This... to help Splendid shoppers get their DIY on. 

This Saturday at the Splendid boutique at The Street in Chestnut Hill shoppers can stop by from 1-3pm to customize their own tank top and enjoy 20% off all purchases.

Fun crafts and a shopping discount? I'm in!

July Wish List

I cannot believe that it's already mid July. Where did the time go? Every summer, right after July 4th,  I get this sinking feeling like summer is almost over, even though there is another six weeks left. Does this happen to anyone else?

Despite the fact that fall clothing has begun to arrive in stores, I'm holding on to my summer wardrobe as long as I can, hence the navy romper and adorable espadrilles. I'm also dying to get my hands on Daisy Goodwin's new book, The Fortune Hunter, which comes out later this month. I loved American Heiress and I need a little historical fiction to hold me over until Downton Abbey comes back.

What's on your wish list this month?

Book: The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin // Lipstick: MAC Ruby Woo // Romper: Splendid
Earring: J.Crew // Candle: Orla Kiely // Clutch: Henri Bendel
Shoes: J. Crew // Top: J. Crew // Pillow: Anthropologie

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Stand Out

The Week in Fashion

A tribute to Eileen Ford - New York Times 

Ellen DeGeneres is teaming up with Chris Burch on a lifestyle brand - Fashionista

The Most Show-Stopping Accessories of Haute Couture Fall 2014 - The Fashion Spot

Blake Lively's lifestyle website is launching soon - New York Magazine

Christopher Bailey is worth the money - The Telegraph 

Fall 2014 Couture: Part Three

As quickly as it started, the couture shows wrapped up yesterday. I can now with confidence say that the collection from Elie Saab is my absolute favorite. I can see every single dress gracing the red carpet come awards season. These are my top picks from Wednesday and Thursday:

Elie Saab

Thursday Night Cocktail: Pink Grapefruit Martinis

Image and recipe via Rachael Ray

Makes eight cocktails

Ingredients

1 pink grapefruit

2 cups gin

2 cups pink grapefruit juice

2 tablespoons plus 2 tsp. dry vermouth

ice

Directions

Using peeler, cut 8 twists from grapefruit skin; reserve for garnish. Slice off remaining peel and white pith; discard. Slice fruit into segments. In cocktail shaker, muddle 1 grapefruit segment. Add 1/4 cup gin, 1/4 cup grapefruit juice and 1 tsp. vermouth. Fill with ice; shake until very cold. Strain into chilled martini glass;garnish with grapefruit twist. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Fall 2014 Couture: Part Two

Chanel kicked off another fabulous day of couture shows in Paris. I have been loving all the beading and embroidery details in each of the collections and the trend continued at Chanel, Ulyana Sergeenko and Alexandre Vauthier. I though the red, white and black color palette at Armani Privé was fantastic and so were the adorable mini leather gloves featured on some of the models. Perfect accessory to go with the short suits. These are my favorite looks from Tuesday's shows:

Chanel

The Stylish Man: Trunk Club

Here at Chic | Sparkle I cover a little bit of everything. OK, I cover a LOT of fashion, but I also like to cover some of my other favorite topics like beauty, cooking, cocktails, and design. One topic that I rarely cover is men's fashion, but it's something that fascinates me for two reasons: (1) I'm a sucker for a well dressed man, and (2), my instinct for men's fashion isn't as keen as it is for women's fashion, so I'm naturally very curious about it. 

In my quest to learn more, I've decided to include some men's fashion posts, maybe two per month, under the headline The Stylish Man. First up is Trunk Club, a men's clothing service where stylists handpick high-end clothing for you based on your style preferences and ship it to your home.

Fall 2014 Couture: Part One

The Fall  2014 Couture shows completely snuck up on my this week but it's been a welcome surprise. The week got off to a great start with fantastic shows from Giambattista Valli and Christian Dior. I am in love with the embroidery details on the Giambattista Valli dresses and the Dior coats.

These are my favorite looks from the first group of shows.


Atelier Versace

Alexis Mabille

Get the Look: Miranda Kerr

Top: Topshop // Jeans: Frame Denim // Shoes: Topshop

Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors // Sunglasses: Fendi

Monday Morning Pick Me Up: Be Happy With What You Have

The Week in Fashion

Olivia Palermo wore Carolina Herrera at her wedding - The Telegraph

Kiel James Patrick: Get to know the man behind those nautical bracelets - New York Times

There has been some damn good people watching at Wimbledon this week - Vogue

George Bush is hosting an Oscar de la Renta retrospective - Fashionista

33 hostess gifts that will get you invited back - New York Magazine

Road Trippin with RelayRides

You know what the summer is perfect for? Road trips! There's nothing like picking up some friends and getting out of the city for a day to explore, eat and shop. Don't get me wrong, Boston is fantastic, but there are so many other great places to go outside of the city limits.

Before you can hit the road you need some wheels, something not always readily available to city dwellers. Make things easy on yourself by checking out RelayRides, a peer-to-peer car rental marketplace that allows you to find the car you want to rent right in your own neighborhood for up to 40% less than the cost of a traditional car rental. And we all know what that means: more money to spend on road trip food and shops!

To find your car, just hop online and type in your location and rental period, and up pops a list of cars that are available to rent directly from their owners. From high end SUVs to gas conscious Honda's there is something for everyone and you'll be on the road in no time. My personal choice would be this silver Mini Cooper Coupe. Pretty nice ride for $47 a day, right?

So, where are you going? Good road trips are all about exploring and checking out new places because that's where you find those hidden gems that you go back to over and over again. I've eaten at some great restaurants and explored more shops than I can count but I always find myself going back to these places when I'm outside of the city. 

Fourth of July Weekend Sales

Today is a day to honor America and tomorrow is a day to shop! Check out the best of the Independence Day sales.

J. Crew // Take an extra 40% off final sale items with the code SHOPMORE

Ralph Lauren // Take 30% off select styles with the code HAPPY4TH

Calypso St. Barth // Enjoy up to 70% off sale items

Happy Fourth of July!

Enjoy the holiday weekend!

Thursday Night Cocktail: Fireworks Red, White and Blue Daiquiris

Recipe and Image via Food Network

Due to inclement weather we're starting off the Fourth of July celebrations early here in Boston, and I think that calls for a festive cocktail!

Get The Look: Courtney Kerr

I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore Courtney Kerr. I first saw her on Bravo and found her to be funny, entertaining and incredibly stylish. She has her own fashion blog, What Courtney Wore, and it's a fantastic resource for ideas on putting together outfits and interpreting the latest fashion trends. She also does a great job at mixing high and low pieces, which is always helpful for the girl on a budget.

Courtney did a post a while back on floral denim and I fell in love with this outfit for summer.

Denim: 7 For All Mankind (on sale)  // Top: Splendid // Leather Jacket: River Island
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors // Pumps: Stuart Weitzman


To get Courtney's exact outfit, head over to her blog, What Courtney Wore.

Fourth of July Fashion

When it comes to wearing "holiday outfits," the line between festive and tacky can be a fine one. To avoid being on the wrong side of the line I like to follow this rule: If I wouldn't wear it on a non-holiday, then I probably shouldn't be buying it. This has helped me to avoid ugly Christmas sweaters, unflattering pastels and lots of inappropriate uses for an American flag.

There are tons of great summer styles out there that can be worn over the holiday weekend and straight through to Labor Day. 

These are my favorite festive options:

Skirt: Charles Anastase // Bikini: Lisa Marie Fernandez // Bag: Kate Spade // Maxi Dress: Splendid

Shorts: J. Crew Factory // T-shirt: Splendid // Sandals: Jack Rogers