The Look...For Less: Rag & Bone Talia V-Neck Sweater

This sweater was all the rage this summer with fashion bloggers, editors and the like. Achieve the look of this popular RAG & BONE TALIA V-NECK SWEATER on the left and with your more BUDGET FRIENDLY version on the right. You're welcome.

Monday Must Have: In Bloom Book Collection

The IN BLOOM BOOK COLLECTION from RIFLE PAPER CO. is just darling. This classic book collection would look adorable in a little girls room or on a book hoarder collector's shelf like my own. If you're in need of a gift or just a treat for yourself THIS is a great option that makes a nice statement.

Weekly Roundup: September 26, 2014

Whoop, whoop it's the weekend and this one revolves around fitness activities for me. PURE BARRE on Saturday and a 5K on Sunday - time to get back on the "get fit" train. Have a good one!

A powerful speech on FEMINISM by our favorite "Harry Potter girl."

Man, KIDS MOVIES are sad.

I think this INNOVATIVE OFFICE SPACE needs to become the norm.

September 2014 Beauty Finds

Make: Dinner

A few weeks ago, (part of my dinner is seen in THIS PIC), I took a cooking class and made the most delicious and filling dinner. I thoroughly enjoyed the class as I picked up a few skills - how to cut a tomato properly, a chiffonade, and many more - and I had a lot of fun. If you're new to cooking and desperate for help or even a more experienced cook looking to brush up on your techniques, this is a great way to learn in a fun environment. And of course, the end result is quite tasty! I've included all the recipes I made in my class below for you to try yourselves. I know I'll certainly be making these again. Enjoy!

Le Labo

I was introduced to LE LABO years ago by one of my super-trendy co-workers and have since become a loyal fan. She would always prance around the office leaving an amazing scent in her step and when asked "What are you wearing?" she would casually respond with "Le Labo." So, on adventure through NoLIta one day we stumbled in and I walked out with the NY scent. And then I went back during their city exclusive event and bought another.

The Look...For Less: Stuart Weitzman 50/50 Boot

Everyone raves about the STUART WEITZMAN 50/50 BOOT and I would love to own it. However, I'm supposed to be saving so one day I can move out of the city, live near Fairfield Beach and have a chocolate lab and a house full of trays (#obsession). So until that becomes a reality (so far away), the LOUISE ET CIE looks like a great option for me.

Loren Hope Fall/Winter 2014

The Fall/Winter LOREN HOPE lookbook came out and it is good. I love how the models are all styled super casual with statement pieces, very me. Take a peek at some of my favorites below.

Weekly Roundup: September 19, 2014

I have some of my girlfriends coming in this weekend and we'll be stopping by SMORGASBURG in the Park as well as the OYSTER FEST on Saturday. Weekend activities like this make me love NY in the Fall even more than I already do. Enjoy your weekend!

A GONDOLA over the East River? Cool.

CAREER TIPS from some famous, smart women.

Go: San Gennaro Feast

The SAN GENNARO FEAST in Little Italy ends this weekend, so if you're in town stop by and eat yourself silly like I did - pizza, sausage and peppers, cannolis, oh my!

Housewarmings Old Greenwich, CT

While walking through Old Greenwich a few weekends ago with my Mom, we stumbled into HOUSEWARMINGS, located just down the road from Tod's Point. The home furnishing and gift store had me as soon as I stepped inside. Comfy couches in neutral tones, bright bookshelves, and tables full of trays (you know how I like those) - everything was very beachy-glam - and very affordable I might add. Enjoy the pictures below, and if you're in town, stop by.

Make: Homemade Mozzarella

A couple weekends ago, while having dinner at my boyfriends house, his Dad taught us how to make homemade mozzarella. All it is is pounds of curd and hot water and after patiently mixing in hot water and working it with your hands, you're left with a delicious result. And what's better than homemade cheese?

The Look...For Less: J.Crew Georgie Tassel Loafers

Because why spend $168 on a suede shoe when you could only spend $65? I love the J.CREW shoe, but for a suede shoe in NYC, in the fall/winter (picture slush puddles, disgusting trash, etc.) I know it will get trashed. This option from SOLE SOCIETY is a great alternative.

Scenes From Lake George

A work retreat brought me to Lake George this past week and I'm already trying to plan when I can go back. Just 4 hours north of the city, the timeless beauty of the area had me in awe. We stayed at the gorgeous SAGAMORE right on the lake and in between hours of meetings, we took advantage of the amazing views. If you're in need of a weekend getaway, this may be your new spot.

Weekly Roundup: September 12, 2014

Image from ASHLEY BROOKE DESIGNS

Happy weekend! I'm off to a charity event for TUESDAY'S CHILDREN tonight and then spending the weekend brunching. Hope you have fun plans!

CHILDREN are hilarious.

WARNING: If you live in NYC THIS will make you very upset. If you don't live here, good for you.

Zara Fall 2014

BLAZER

Is it just me or is ZARA getting better and better? I walked in there last week to browse and almost left with the entire store. Here are the looks and pieces that have me ready for fall.

The Look..For Less: Mansur Gavriel Bucket Bag

You either love it or you hate it, but the bucket bag is everywhere lately and it doesn't seem to be going away. If you're up for a long wait and the hefty price tag, the MANSUR GAVRIEL is the bag. If not, I give you this lovely alternative from KELSI DAGGER (you can also purchase at ANTHROPOLOGIE).

Make: Gazpacho

Image is from HERE, I forgot to take my own.

GAZPACHO is one of my favorite recipes to make in the summer. A very refreshing meal to have for lunch or dinner, it's almost like eating salsa...but better! So, when I pulled some tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers from THIS GARDEN I immediately knew what I was going to make.

Monday Must Have: J.Crew Ceramic Tray

TRAY

Why is this a must-have? Because I love trays that's why. Also, I love the geometric pattern that J.CREW does so well.

Weekly Roundup: September 5, 2014

Image found HERE, originally from Central Park Conservancy.

Back to work after Labor Day really sucks, no? It brings the end to summer AND short weeks. So what do we look forward to now? For me that's being able to run outside without wanting to die, new fall styles, and Thanksgiving. What are you looking forward to?

The secret to baking the best COOKIES.

THIS looks so good and so easy. How did I not think of it before?

A BRACELET that charges your phone? Interesting.

Eat: Todd English Food Hall

Every time Restaurant Week rolls around in NYC I'm anxious to cross a new place off of my infamous list. This year it was the TODD ENGLISH FOOD HALL in the one and only Plaza Hotel, which was well worth the trip. The menu consisted of a shrimp cobb taco, lobster hush puppies, goat cheese with beet sauce ravioli and a crispy eggplant flatbread. While the food was absolutely delicious it was nice to just wander around and check out what else was there (Luke's Lobster anyone?). I'll be making a trip back very soon. 

Make: Banana Streusel Muffins

I found the recipe for these Banana Streusel Muffins from HOW SWEET IT IS last week and was dying to make them since then. So a long weekend and a day off from work (wahoo!) made Monday the perfect occasion to give them a try.  

Brand Love: Emerson Fry

I can't remember how I originally came across EMERSON FRY, (perhaps it was the gorgeous models whose pictures take over Pinterest or the fact that every fashion blogger is a fan?), but since stumbling upon the brand it has become one that I love and look forward to seeing what new looks and pieces arrive with each season. This year's fall preview is no exception. Models are all perfectly layered and clad in large coats (so comfy!) and slick boots with patterns kept to a minimum. I'm also loving the studded belt OVER the coat as seen above. Give the looks a peek below and get inspired for fall. 

Interior Inspired: Organized Office Space

IMAGE FOUND VIA

This office was one of the first images I pinned years ago and I still find myself drawn to it. It mixes both materials and finishes perfectly and, most of all, it's functional with lots of storage. Baskets are just one of the ways I love to organize in my apartment, as they keep all of your crap stuff hidden while still looking appealing to the eye. Check out how I recreated the look below.