French 75

This is easily one of my favorite drinks, but it's hard to find a place that really makes a good one, so I've started trying to perfect it at home. It is so refreshing; perf for the summer nights. So here's my take on the recipe:

French 75
2 parts gin
1 part St. Germain
Fresh lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
Top with prosecco or champagne


Enjoy!! Xx

Birthday!!

The weather has been rather pleasant the past few days. Went out to dinner with some friends for my birthday, here's the outfit recap.

Black sheer silk blouse:
Equipment http://www.equipmentfr.com

Sequin and embellish skirt:
Milly http://www.millyny.com
(on sale now!!!!!)

Shoes:
Elizabeth and James

Bag:
Chanel 2.55 http://www.chanel.con

Arm candy:
Michael Kors http://www.michaelkors.com
Cc Skye:
http://www.ccskye.com

Humingbird Cupcakes!!

Hummingbird cake first appeared in Southern Living Magazine back in 1978. It was originally submitted by Mrs. L.H. Wiggins of Greensboro, North Carolina and is known to have won numerous blue ribbons at county fairs. My mom has made hummingbird cake in the past and it is delish, so we made it today, (fitting as I'm in the south for a few days). The wonderful thing about these cupcakes is how much fruit they have in them and how well the fruits mesh together. I prefer to make minis because I like that they are 2 bite, but make whatever you would like!

Here is a recipe for the more healthy counterpart from www.skinnytaste.com

Servings: 22 • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
Calories: 197.8 • Fat: 6.5 g • Protein: 3.0 g • Carb: 31.1 g • Fiber: 1.7 g • Sugar: 21.7 g Sodium: 284.2 mg

Ingredients:

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar (I used raw)
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups mashed ripe bananas
20 oz can crushed pineapple in juice, drained well
1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the frosting:

8 oz 1/3-less fat Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
22 pecan halves


Directions:
To prepare frosting, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and spices; stir well with a whisk.

In a medium bowl, combine oil, eggs, and vanilla; stir well. Add banana and pineapple; mix well. Fold wet ingredients and chopped pecans with the dry ingredients, batter will be stiff and dry but keep folding it and it will all come together.

Spoon batter into cupcake tin. Bake at 350° for about 23 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Spread frosting over the cupcakes once they are cooled. Garnish each cupcake with a pecan half on top.

Interior inspiration!

So as I'm strolling through Mobile today I went into one of my favorite stores, Five Gold Monkeys. Trying to get some creative inspiration for my future apartment in the city I found some amazing finds, most of which aren't going to work in my tight quarters, but we're still quite lovely.

Gold Satin Tufted Headboard with mirror accents:
This headboard was AMAZING. The sheer size of it was incredible but the beyond that the custom fabric was rich and the mirror accents added the perfect touch of French elegance. I'm pretty positive that this beauty isn't going to fit in my bedroom in NYC, but recreating something could be a possibility.

Vintage Etched Ice Tea Glasses:
I have an awkward obsession with glassware, especially vintage glassware. I think incorporating vintage glass and stemware with more modern counterparts really creates a perfect balance.

LaLa Dog Portraits:
The color contrast in these really caught my eye. She also does amazon portraits in natural lighting. I'm going to have one of these done of Chloe and Maxwell for my room. You can find Laura's work at http://www.lalaportraits.com

Bonne Nuit Accent Pillow:
I love this accent pillow, it adds just a cozy touch to any bedroom without having to add any color or texture to still maintain clean lines.

Vintage Gold Flatware Set:
If I wasn't trying to downsize I woulve picked this set up in a heartbeat. It was priced at $235 and looked as though the set had never been used .

Five Gold Monkeys
4350 Old Shell Rd. #B
Mobile, AL 36608
251-345-3380

FRIDAY FASHION FINDS!!

Happy Friday fashion loves!! Here are all the random things I'm obsessing over right now! Have a great weekend! Cheers!

Xx

NastyGal Peplum Party Dress:
This classy black dress is super feminine and classic while having that slight edginess with the side cutouts. Looks amazing paired with a skinny belt to add dimension. http://www.nastygal.com/whats%2Dnew/peplum%2Dparty%2Ddress

Sabo Skirt High Tea Blouse:
I love the femininity of this lace blouse. Pairing it with leather shorts and strappy flat sandals creates an unexpected level of dimension. And the price is amazing!! https://saboskirt.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=720

Helmut Lang Stretch Leather Leggings:
These are by far the best leather leggings I have found so far. They are average price wise but the fit is fantastic as of course is most Helmut. I can't wait for it to cool down. http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/310536

PetiteCo. Tiny skull bracelet on ETsY:
I love everything from this seller. The petite designs allow you to really integrate their pieces into your jewelry wardrobe. I layer their necklaces and these bracelets are great to layer for a delicate arm party! http://www.etsy.com/listing/97016046/tiny-skull-bracelet-matt-14k-gold-plated?

NastyGal Razzle Dress:
Of course I love the exposed back of this, however it's such a fun summer cocktail dress. I love the multi color element. Paired with strappy sandals or pumps it's perfect for any summer soirée! http://www.nastygal.com/whats%2Dnew/razzle%2Ddress

Neiman Marcus for Target!!!!

So as a lot of you know I have a difficult time resisting the designer collaborations with mass retailer Target. The Missoni collab was by far the best I have experienced. While it was mass mayhem at 6 am, it was worth it! I did go a little overboard, but I'm glad I was there and got some good housewares.


This collection is going to feature some of my faves: DVF, band of outsiders, Brian Atwood, Jason Wu, just to name a few.

The collection is being sold at Target retailers nationwide and online as well as Neiman Marcus stores. This is a genius business move on both retailers part to tremendously ensure success.

I cant wait for the lookbook preview to hit, I can feel it's going to be a great combo!

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/target-neiman-marcus-join-holiday-collection-items-collection-cost-7-99-499-99-article-1.1111989

The collab starts Dec 1st just in time for the holidays. Get ready as I am!

4th of July Essentials!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY EVERYONE! This is such an amazing holiday for so many reasons. As most of you will be out in the sun, here are my fourth of July Essentials:

I am obsessed with my Rebecca Minkoff Striped Canvas Diamond Tote. It is the PERFECT summer bag. (Get yours here)

Inside I have:

 <3my aluminum water bottle, because we all need some hydration

<3My Bobbi Brown Beach SPF 15 spray. This stuff is amazing, not only providing SPF, but also doubles as a body oil. Available here

<3Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer; This moisturizer is lightweight and doesn't clog pores, while giving you adequate coverage. Available in variety of shades

<3Fendi cruise Sunglasses. These give the perfect retro feel to any fourth of July outfit Find them here

<3 Frederick Fekkai Summer Hair Beach Waves and Cooling Shine Mist. These are perfect for creating that perfect effortless "summer hair" And the mist provides UV protection FEKKAI

<3 Jon Hart Koozie. This always comes in handy, and its personalized which makes it easier to keep up with. Customize yours here

<3 Missoni Beach Towel. Perfect for the pool, beach, park, or lake. And who doesn't love MISSONI

Happy Fourth To You All! Kick Back, relax, and be thankful for the independence of the USA

Xx

4th of July Fashion!

In true Fourth of July Fashion I have put together looks for wherever your day might take you, besides well a swimsuit, as I feel most of us have that one covered. Lol. So to start of the holiday in spirit here's some inspiration:

BBQ: (top)White and blue blouse with red piping, Madison Marcus (Neiman Marcus,Austin); Star printed jeans, J Brand (Intermix); Over-sized gold watch, Michael Kors; Fedora 

BBQ: (bottom) Red and White striped blouse, Equipment (ShopBop); Red, white and blue Stars skirt, Theory(SALE); Platform wedges, YSL (SALE, Neiman Marcus, Austin); Sunglasses, (CHANEL)

Boat Party: Blue and White Fleurette printed chiffon dress, DVF; Platform strappy wedges, YSL; Blue raffia beach tote, Balenciaga, (SALE); White Baroque sunglasses, (PRADA)

Brunch: Blue and white striped blouse, Joie (INTERMIX); Brick Red distressed jeans, (Rag & Bone); Ikat printed MAC clutch, (Rebecca Minkoff)

Sunset Drinks: Red Elysee Blazer, Alice + Olivia, (Neiman Marcus, Austin); Bristol sequin tank, (Alice + Olivia); White Cady Cuff Shorts, (Alice + Olivia); Sunglasses, Chanel; MAC clutch, Rebecca Minkoff

Night Out: Leather sequin dress, (Parker); Primary Blue Lanai Blazer, (Theory)

I hope this inspires you for some fabulous 4th outfits!!!! Happy fourth everyone!

Xx

Headstrong for Helmut!

Helmut Lang has always been on the forefront with the fashion elite, but the line is stepping up their fashion game with their new bold prints and impeccable draping. These are some of the new arrivals from the line. I am obsessed with the green printed leggings; while they are steep at $310, they are so amazing that its worth it. I am equally dying over this incredible burnt red oversize tee; it can be worn with the draped skirt (pictured) to give an effortlessly chic look, or paired with skinnies and flats for an everyday casual look.  All items can be purchased from Neiman Marcus. This is how I've styled the looks, however, with Helmut you can style and integrate the pieces in so many ways into your wardrobe.
Peace and Fashion,
Xx