BORN AND BREAD

Wedding Wednesday: My Bridal Shower

2013-05-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

Today I'm thrilled to share the highlights from my beautiful bridal shower at Haven's Kitchen NYC. I was incredibly touched by all of the thoughtful details put together by my sister(s), cousin and friends. The tables were decorated with my favorite pale pink peonies, wedding photos of my grandparents and aunts and uncles, cute confetti photos of me and my groom and delicious macarons at each place setting.

Literally, all my favorite things in one place.

Ingredients for the signature cocktail 'The Julie' with prosecco, St. Germain, and elderberry.

Originally I wanted cake-in-a-jar served for dessert at the wedding, but it didn't quite fit our 'theme'. So, my hostesses made sure I got my cake and ate it too-- just at my bridal shower instead! The flavor was a rhubarb and lemon sponge cake with lavender sprinkled on top. So fragrant and delicious!

Prints are in!

My gorgeous baby nieces and all my incredible hostesses. Love you all.

The day had so many clever honeymoon-inspired Greek-themed under tones like my favorite NARS makeup in shades of Santorini eyeshadow and Greek Holiday lip-gloss as prizes for the adorable games we played.

I was also given an incredible photo collage of a newly-married Jackie Onassis on the Greek island of Skorpios. She looks young, fresh and absolutely care-free. My guests inscribed the back of the frame with well wishes for our honeymoon and beyond, which is such a beautiful lasting memento of this special time in my life. It's like a little time capsule, I absolutely love it! I think it's one of the most beautiful and meaningful gifts I've ever received; I can't wait to make it the center of our gallery wall in our new apartment.

Life is good! And I'm so grateful to my amazing sister for all her hard work in making my special day so absolutely unforgettable.

XOX

Inside Heaven

2013-05-21T08:27:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

As you all now know, this past weekend we celebrated Julie's bridal shower. It was held in the private room of a little restaurant in Chelsea called Haven's Kitchen. You will see all the bridal shower details tomorrow, but today it's about the interior inspiration that this place was full of!

I love using an old French poster as art on the walls, accented by a black and white striped fabric is perfection!

A classic mantle with a little statue being uses as a book end.

Using yellow as the accent color to black and white works every time in my book. Especially a muted mustard color like this one. It's also repeated throughout the room in the art to make it feel cohesive.

It's a dream of mine to have a gallery wall leading up a staircase and at Heaven's Kitchen it is done so well. Putting the art against stark black paint makes it pop and look a bit more retro. I also love using all different frames.

Just perfect! Now I'm seeing black, white and yellow everywhere I go!

What do you think of the color combo?

My Bridal Shower {What I Wore}

2013-05-20T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

This past Saturday I was toasted by my beautiful family and close friends at an intimate bridal shower in my honor. I couldn't have asked for anything more; the day was filled with lots of laughter, girl talk and silly games. I loved it! I'll share more details from the event on this Wedding Wednesday, but in the meantime here's what I wore.

After you guys 'voted' here for a fun, printed dress for the shower I couldn't resist this playful backless one from Thakoon. A big thanks to our friends at Rent the Runway for so generously making it all happen.

Hair: DryBar Tribeca

Make-up: Fumi at Pas de Deux Salon

Dress: Thakoon c/o Rent the Runway

Necklace: Anton Heunis c/o Rent the Runway

Shoes: Zara

Bag: c/o By Joy Gryson

Be sure to tune in Wednesday for more deets.

XOX

Green Gardens

2013-05-16T07:20:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

Though the calendar says May the temperatures have felt more like March! Transitional pieces in a wardrobe are hard enough to find when I wasn't pregnant, so now it's really slim pickin' in my closet. This outfit has been a go-to for me recently and none of it is maternity wear so it's a great outfit even if you aren't in my shoes!

The light weight knit dress I scored at a Thakoon sample sale and the army jacket is available now at Alice + Olivia. Love neutral colors for both fall and spring, even though some days it feels more like winter!

Shoes: Celine; Bag: YSL

Vogue Spring Soiree {Peninsula NYC}

2013-05-15T08:30:00.000-04:00

By Julie and Lauren

Last night we were invited to Vogue's Spring Soiree and it couldn't have been a more beautiful NYC night. With cocktails on the terrace at the Peninsula Hotel in midtown and styling stations with AG Jeans and Birkenstock, it was the perfect way to celebrate the start of the season.

It was great catching up with some of our fav bloggers including Amy from College Fashionista and grabbing some new summer garb.

Happy Wednesday.

XOX

Baby on Board!

2013-05-14T06:32:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

So we have a bit of a big reveal on B&B today, one we have been dying to share with all of you for months...and now we finally can! Lauren is pregnant!!

It's been a bit difficult in the blogosphere for me recently... trying to hide a baby bump and do outfit posts just wasn't working, but we are back in the game with this big announcement! So you will be seeing more baby bumpin' in the months leading up to my due date at the end of September.

I'm 5 months pregnant now and feeling great. It's definitely harder to get dressed in the morning, but I'm experimenting with new brands and different styles and steering clear of tacky maternity wear. Though I do adore my AG Maternity jeans, but that's another post for another time.

Dress: Juicy Couture; Bracelet: BCBG; Vest; Levi's, Shoes: YSL

I've been working on many outfit posts, so stay tuned and join me in this wild ride of becoming a first time mom!

Punk Up the Volume

2013-05-10T07:58:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

So it's no secret that punk is going to be a big trend this fall. Anna Wintour basically decreed it to be so with her Met Gala theme this week, where celebs brought out the tartan, spikes, and leather. Channelling the glory days of the Material Girl herself, this is one trend that takes us back to our youth and makes us excited for all that our fall wardrobes have in store.

My personal punk favorites from the Met Gala this week were:

And some of my favorite punk inspired runway looks from fashion week were:

Still not sure if this look is for you? Check out some of these street style pics and we will meet you at Empire Records this fall! See you there!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Wedding Wednesday: Members Only {Vênsette}

2013-05-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

Calling all brides-to be and eager fashionistas, have you heard of Lauren Remington Platt? Well, get familiar.

This online style junkie is not only one of Ferragamo's 21 girls chosen to help celebrate the iconic Vara shoe, but the fresh-faced beauty and brains behind Vênsette. The super-exclusive website (by invite only!) is for women on the go, offering professional hair and makeup in under 90 minutes. They come to you, in a uniform with the best possible products available.

The savvy Columbia business school graduate saw a need in the market to help women put their best face forward for whatever event, job interview, fashion show, party or wedding that they need to attend. Vênsette, named from a combination of the Place Vendome in Paris and the iconic beauty Marie Antoinette, the website coordinates on-call hair and make-up talent to arrive at your doorstep, office, hotel or just about anywhere and claims to have you ready and out the door in less than 90 minutes.

Positioned as a luxury, Platt actually conceived the idea to help the every-day woman and serves as more of a time saver and a way to ease one's mind during the typical New Yorker's busy and ever-demanding daily schedule whether she's a stay at home mom or a tireless professional.

Sounds like the full-service glam squad would certainly give brides some peace of mind come wedding day, right?! To request membership, simply enter your information here.

XOX

Room Inspiration

2013-05-07T07:21:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

For months I have had a postcard of this image of a room designed by the creative genius, Amanda Nisbet, leaning on my desk. The unlikely color combination and mixture of textures are pure inspiration.

So I decided to explore the designer's website to see what new, thought -provoking images I can find. I was blown away by the explosion of pink in this bedroom, and though I thought I would hate a room in this color-scheme, it's perfectl attention to detail and placement made me totally and completely fall in love with it!

I love the touches of black in an otherwise muted bedroom. Not to mention the repeat of pink wallpaper even behind the bed, in the perfectly framed woodworking.

Lighter Shade of Pale

2013-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

Spring fashion is synonymous with pastels and brighter shades, but some reason this season I simply can't get enough of blushy pink. Obsessed. In fact, I even wanted my engagement ring to be rose gold (ahem, Blake Lively!), but chickened out thinking my fascination with the pink metal may not stand the test of time. But bags, dresses, tanks and accessories have all got me saying, I do!

Pretty hard to resist, right??

XOX

Insider Info!

2013-05-03T07:15:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

As a blogger, we love to support fellow bloggers do what they, and we, love to do...write for all of you! So when an existing friend became a new blogger, it only solidified the bond. My old co-worker at Michel Kors, Annie, has launched a blog called She's In The Glow, where she now divulges all her beauty secrets that I used to hear sharing a desk with her a couple years back!

So I was thrilled that even though we have both moved on in our careers, I can still get that same old fabulous advice from her blog... and now you can too!

This week I tried a recommendation of hers and think I have finally found a face mask that actually does something! Leave it to Annie to recommend my new favorite product.

The Eco Mask and Peel Combo by Ecologica is a gem. I mixed and applied this mask 2 days ago and my skin is still glowing. Though it stings like crazy and causes your facial muscles to spasm, the end result is well worth the crazy 30 minute wait. And if you're anything like me, then I know that the worse it feels when it's applied the more I think it's actually working! haha No pain no gain right.

Let us know what you think of her new blog and the face mask.

Happy Friday

Your Domaine

2013-05-02T07:20:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

The site, Who What Wear, has been part of our work week lunch break routine for a couple of years now, reeling us in with its great celebrity style coverage but keeping us enthralled with its trend and beauty recommendations. And who doesn't look forward to "Look of the Day?"

But being an interiors girl myself, something was missing...until now! Who What Wear has launched their sister site, Domaine Home, which lets you see inside celebrity homes and actually purchase things you like!

Some of my favorite images so far:

Sarah Ruffin's New Orleans Living Room

Lea Michele's Los Angeles Entrance

and Kaitie Nerha's Eclectic Home

Take a peak at Domain Home and I promise you will be at smitten as I am!

Wedding Wednesday: Shower Power

2013-05-01T08:54:00.000-04:00

By Julie

I feel so fortunate to not only have one, but two showers to look forward to in the next few weeks. While I can't wait to share what I've finally decided to wear to these events, I have to admit that of all the potential bridal woes, choosing an ensemble for my showers was a lot more stressful than I would have imagined.

As if 'the dress' wasn't a big enough decision, the ensembles for the shower say a lot about what kind of bride you are-- classic and demure or bold and playful??

1. 2. 3. 4.

I could be either girl on any given day, but when it comes to one you've looked forward to your entire adult life the decision is easier said than done!

What kind of look would you choose for your bridal shower?? Help a girl out.

XOX

Fringe Benefits

2013-04-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Though long associated with home interiors on pillows and throws, fringe and tassels are being majorly re-purposed for spring dangling all over designer apparel and accessories this season. The swinging statement pieces make a big statement dangling from your ears or cascading down your evening dress, but those bright, colorful tassels can't help but remind you of friendship bracelets from summer camp... am I right?! Reminiscent of all those happy days and exchanges, it's hard to resist a stack high along your arm for summer. Never too old for that trend.

XOX

The Milkmaid Braid

2013-04-29T07:51:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

Recently, I've been wanting to do more creative things with my hair instead of the usual blow dry and I've always been intrigued by braids but intimidated by the task. Until this weekend, inspired by celebs sporting the trend, I researched how to do the milkmaid braid and found out it was actually quite easy!

Nicole Richie, Sienna Miller, and Mary Kate Olson

All you need are a few bobby pins and some clear elastic hair ties from your local drug store.

Then once you are equipped with the essentials, watch this great You Tube video that makes it all look so easy and pretty! This might just be our new summer hairstyle!

Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots

2013-04-26T07:00:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

Last night I had the immense privilege of attending the book reading of an old friend of mine. Jessica Soffer, whom I've known since we shared a kindergarten class, wrote her first novel, entitled Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots and debuted it at McNally Jackson Bookstore last night.

In one of the most interesting and stimulating events I have attended, Column Mccann navigated a conversation with Jessica about her new book that helped me to understand both the characters and the process of creating the characters even better, enriching my experience of reading the book that much more.

So yes, I adore Jess, but that is not why I think this book is so fabulous. The language is beautiful and the story is enthralling. The story of Lorca and Victoria teaches us about love and family.

In the novel, Lorca spends her life poring over cookbooks, making croissants and chocolat chaud, seeking out rare ingredients, all to earn the love of her distracted chef of a mother, who is now packing her off to boarding school. In one last effort to prove herself indispensable, Lorca resolves to track down the recipe for her mother’s ideal meal, an obscure Middle Eastern dish called masgouf.

Victoria, grappling with her husband’s death, has been dreaming of the daughter they gave up forty years ago. An Iraqi Jewish immigrant who used to run a restaurant, she starts teaching cooking lessons; Lorca signs up.

So go on, get your copy here: Tomorrow There Will Be Apricots

Harper's Bazaar and Nic+Zoe {Press Preview}

2013-04-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie and Lauren

Last night we were invited to Hearst Tower for a Harper's Bazaar presentation of Nic+Zoe. The daughter of Dorian Lightbown and namesake of the brand, Zoe, walked us through some of the highlights of the line's Spring, Summer and Fall collections. Flirty knit skirts, tribal prints, feminine moto jackets and embellished tops were among the groups favorites.

Dorian had always had a passion for knitwear and still to this day does not consider her craft to be 'work' simply because she loves it so much. Even as a little girl, she didn't just play with dolls- she styled and outfitted them. After an extensive design education and 20 years of living in Paris, she decided to bring her ideas and inspiration to life as a knitwear designer and launched her own label, with family at its roots, in 2005.

Zoe mentioned that her mother designs for a woman going from coffee to cocktails- meaning chic, transitional pieces that can easily take you from day to night and the office to out. We love that.

Is this a brand you guys are familiar with? With average price-points around $158 for drapey knits and wovens, it's pretty hard to beat. Thanks for a lovely evening, Harper's Bazaar!

XOX

Wedding Wednesday: Bridal Fashion Week

2013-04-24T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

I'm all about an unconventional gown and the Spring 2014 Bridal Market certainly did not disappoint. Designer favorites like Christos, Marchesa, Oscar De La Renta, Monique and Vera payed tribute to flowing trains and classic sheaths with with elements of lace for a fresh interpretation of the modern bride.

While difficult to pull off, I loved Vera's return to her more minimalist, sensual aesthetic that is synonymous with her name and reminiscent of her RTW collections as well as Monique's nod to 60s glam with flirty hi-lows and sleek lines.

Christos

Marchesa

Monique Lhuillier

Carolina Herrera

Vera Wang

Oscar de la Renta

These beauties are such stunners they almost had me questioning my big decision. No, not really, but that Marchesa lace dress did cause minor heart palpatations. Swoon.

I love to see that the big names are continuing to push the envelope when it comes to defining today's bride.

XOX

SATC Interiors

2013-04-23T09:33:00.004-04:00

By Lauren

Of course we all remember the "tiny" studio Carrie lived in for all those years on the TV show. And how can we forget that amazing Park Avenue apartment in the sky with that perfect closet that she and Big bought in the first SATC movie. But it's the lesser remembered apartment that the lovebirds shared during marital bliss in SATC 2 that I really loved!

Do you remember this gem?

A deep blue sofa upholstered with mohair from Donghia really grounds the room.

The metal chandelier by Property adds a tougher feel to the softer Lee Jofa upholstered dinging chairs.

This Lindsey Adelman Studio light fixture is my absolute fave! The entrance is perfection, when can I move in?!

The bedroom of Carrie and Big feels a bit more masculine with the mix of textures. But the Kravet fabric on the headboard adds a Carrie touch for sure!

This walk-in closet is more subdued and sophisticated than the one in the first film, but still just as enviable. I love the white woodwork on her side and the mahogany built-ins on his side!

All images via Elledecor.com

Best and Worst Foods for Bikini Season

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

I know all of you fashionistas out there are anxiously awaiting bikini season and are jumpstarting your workout routines in preparation to shed all the layers and comfy sweaters we've been hiding behind all winter (and spring for that matter). Well, I'll admit I am at least and I can't imagine I'm alone on this one. I came across this article yesterday in Shape Magazine and while the 'best' foods for bikini bodies are far from shocking, some of the 'worst' foods (OJ and brussel sprouts??) made me think twice so I figured it's worth sharing.

Berries, salmon, leafy greens, almonds and greek yogurt. Ok, no problem. Those have all been engrained in our minds as healthy, but orang juice brussel sprouts and sushi? Yikes.

Be sure to read the full article here.

And remember, not all smoothies are created equal! Here's my favorite healthy recipe.

XOX

Sheer Genius

2013-04-19T07:04:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

This week two of my favorite ladies sported a trend so elegantly it was hard not to notice. A sheer-sleeved blouse is so on point for this season, showing skin but keeping in classy. These two make me want to run out and go buy one for myself. I only hope I can pull of a look half as perfect as these ladies!

Some of my favorites:

1. Theysken's Theory Belcor Sleeve Blouse

2. Alice + Olivia Jae Blouse

3. Rory Beca Long Sleeve Blouse

4. BCBG Shina Sheer Sleeve Blouse

A+O Head to Toe

2013-04-18T07:37:00.000-04:00

By Lauren

I was featured on the Alice + Olivia blog yesterday, check it out below and take a look at Stacey's blog, its full of fanciful images and fun fashions.

Loving my A+O pieces, you can get them or similar ones here.

Wedding Wednesday: Stationery {DOs and DONTs}

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

Alright, let's talk wedding stationery. It seems like a simple subject, but as most brides-to-be quickly find out, the options are endless and the formalities and 'rules' often seem daunting. If you're anything like me, you want your invitations and card stock to look and feel luxe but are cautious of how much this might cost. Uh, letterpress, anyone?? My fav, but I quickly nixed that.

www.VeraWang.com

It's important to remember that the save the date and wedding invitations will be the very first impression you give your guests of your wedding. That said, the save the date and the actual wedding invitation do not need to match.

Have fun and get creative with save the dates and rehearsal dinner invites.

www.minted.com

But when it comes to thank you notes and personal stationary, I've learned there are all sorts of rules.

Here's the low-down.

1. The bride should have personalized stationary with her maiden name for all thank you notes for engagement parties, bridal and/or couples showers even if it is being signed from both the bride and groom to-be. The bride and groom's names should not technically appear on stationery together until after they are formally wed.

2. Wedding Stationery or thank-you notes should include both of the couples names or initials and should match the actual wedding invitations. For more casual weddings, this rule is not always necessary, but considered highly encouraged for formal events or black tie.

If you're just starting the process and just beginning to envision various color choices or what invites or stationery might look like with your names on it, check out some online options, which are usually more affordable than buying through a retailer, but still utilize sophisticated techniques and thick card stock. Here are a few of my favorite websites and what options they offer.

Minted: letter press and digital printing
Wedding Paper Divas: thermography, engraved, flat, foil stamped, letterpress, and offset
Paperless Post: online e-cards and paper invites (new!)
Hello! Lucky: flat printing, letterpress, foil stamped, DIY printable

And the biggest rule of all??

ALWAYS SEE A PROOF!!!!

XOX

J.Crew Shoe Story

2013-04-16T07:14:00.000-04:00

By Julie and Lauren

Just a reminder to not miss this great opportunity for a chance to win

a $1,000 J.Crew shopping spree and a trip for two to NYC, share your interpretation of how your world reflects the mix-and-match fashions of NYC and the cultural community of Italy.

PIN IT TO WIN IT: HOW TO ENTER

Subscribe/Log-in to Pinterest

Follow J.Crew on Pinterest

Create a board entitled “My Shoe Story”

Pin 5 shoe or product images from jcrew.com or J.Crew Pinterest together with images of the places that inspire you

Use the hashtags #jcrew and #myshoestory in the pin descriptions

Click here to enter

PRIZE PACKAGE
One winner will be selected and will receive a trip for two to NYC, a tour of the Vogue offices, a $1,000 J.Crew shopping spree with a Very Personal Stylist, and dinner for two at a NYC Italian hot spot.

On a side note: As two BU girls with fond memories of attending Marathon Monday in Boston, our hearts and prayers go out to the families affected by this horricif tragedy. We hope that light and love always prevail over evil.

Whipped Ricotta Antipasti {Recipe}

2013-04-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

By Julie

I've been meaning to share this recipe with you guys for a while, but have finally gotten around to it. I originally made this recipe for my family over winter break and it was a major hit. And with 16+ critics, that's a pretty big accomplishment in my book. Now, it's my super easy go-to antipasti recipe.

Perfect for anything from family gatherings, girls-night, book clubs or a night in with your man.

Ingredients:
6 ounces ricotta
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2/3 cup good olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons minced shallots (2 shallots)
2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 tablespoons good red wine vinegar
2 pound ripe heirloom or cherry tomatoes, 1/2 inch divided
20 to 25 (1/2 inch-thick) diagonal baguette slices, toasted
3 tablespoons julienned fresh basil leaves, plus extra for serving
2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Directions:
For the ricotta, place the feta and cream cheese in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse until the cheeses are mixed. Add 1/3 cup of the olive oil, the lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and process until smooth.

For the tomatoes, up to an hour before you're serving, combine the shallots, garlic, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes. Whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the tomatoes, stir gently, and set aside for 10 minutes. Stir in the basil and taste for seasonings.

Spread each slice of crostini with a generous amount of the whipped ricotta. With a slotted spoon, place the tomatoes on top. Put the crostini on plates and scatter with pine nuts and extra basil. Garnish with salt and pepper and serve.

Buon appetito!

XOX