design was here

Tiered Dress For the Summer

2010-05-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/77757#

I love a tiered dress for the summer, it is flirty, whimsical, and sculptural. Below are some of my favorite.

1. ACNE supreme dress.
2. Ali Ro sleeveless party dress.
3. Anna Molinari abito tiered strapless dress.
4.Oscar de la Renta tiered ruffle dress.
5. Sretsis floral print tiered dress.
6. Jay Godfrey one-shoulder tiered dress.

J.Crew Fall 2010

2010-04-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

Oh how I adore J.Crew's fall 2010 collection, I would love to own every single piece from this gorgeous collection. Love LOVE how they paired lace/sheer/fur/sequin with man's wear fabric. It is feminine and tomboy-ish at the same time. I can't wait to see them in store this fall.

Images via stylelist.com & style.com

April Wish List

2010-04-15T13:09:00.000-07:00

Here is my wish list for April. This month I am really into the blues and the greens, the dress and shirt are both loose and comfortable to wear and the tie-dye flat will be perfect for this spring and summer. My skin has been extremely dry lately, I heard Dior makes a fabulous line called HadrAction and I can't wait to try it. If you know me, then you will know I am obsessed with long bold necklaces and chunky jewelry. I love pairing them with simple top/tunic.

1. Crystal corona necklace
2. Crystal corona bracelet
3. Lava shard necklace
4. Rapunzel necklace
5. Burberry BE4047
6. Alex Lane teal silk crepe one sleeve dress
7. Selvedge chambray shirt
8. Lucky Brand Aimee flat
9. Dior HydrAction radical serum
10. Laura Mercier silk cream foundation - Beige Ivory

Something's Gotta Give - Beach House

2010-03-30T12:44:00.000-07:00

I watched the movie "Something's gotta give" again this weekend. I have to say that I am absolutely in love with the beach house from the movie designed by James Radin. The house is elegant, timeless, and fresh, it is my ultimate dream to have a beach home like it.

Images via. cotedetexas and James Radin Interior Design

Hairpin Legs

2010-03-23T14:48:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been obsessed with hairpin legs furniture, here are some chic and inexpensive options from CB2. I especially like the bobby dining table, I think it would be really fun as an office desk.

Easter Bunny

2010-03-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Super cute chocolate bunny from Vosges, they also have bacon + chocolate.

Favorite Room Accent of the Month

2010-03-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Favorite Room Accent of the Month:
1. Madeline Weinrib Steel Brook Rug.
2. Post Industrial Globe.
3. Chalkboard Hook.
4. Bresson Rocker.
5. Flatiron Dining Table.
6. Tripod Lamp.

outfit of the day

2010-03-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Outfit of the day:
1. Theory "Orient Chambray Nikala" Button-Down Cotton-Linen Top.
2. Nom De Plume Yaya Puff Skirt.
3. Diane von Furstenberg Thea Evening Bag.
4. Elizabeth and James Swoon Woven Wedge Booties.
5. Chloe Belladone Sunglasses.
6. Rachel Leigh Exposition Bracelet.

Diamond in the rough

2010-03-10T16:34:00.000-08:00

I adore this ring by Sruli Recht, the ring comes with three uncut rough diamonds. I think it is completely beautiful and unique, and it is truly a diamond in the rough.

2010-03-10T14:16:00.000-08:00

This is hands down by far the best Beef Bourguignon recipe I have ever tried. I was amazed on how simple it is compared to the other Beef Bourguignon recipes.

Beef Bourguignon
Serves 6

Ingredients

1 tablespoon good olive oil
8 ounces dry cured center cut applewood smoked bacon, diced
2 1/2 pounds chuck beef cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 pound carrots, sliced diagonally into 1-inch chunks
2 yellow onions, sliced
2 teaspoons chopped garlic (2 cloves)
1/2 cup Cognac
1 (750 ml.) bottle good dry red wine such as Cote du Rhone or Pinot Noir
1 can (2 cups) beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (1/2 teaspoon dried)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pound frozen whole onions
1 pound fresh mushrooms stems discarded, caps thickly sliced

For serving:

Country bread or Sour Dough, toasted or grilled and rubbed with garlic clove
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, optional

Direction

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven. Add the bacon and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is lightly browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a large plate.

Dry the beef cubes with paper towels and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. In batches in single layers, sear the beef in the hot oil for 3 to 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Remove the seared cubes to the plate with the bacon and continue searing until all the beef is browned. Set aside.

Toss the carrots, and onions, 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of pepper in the fat in the pan and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the Cognac, stand back, and ignite with a match to burn off the alcohol. Put the meat and bacon back into the pot with the juices. Add the bottle of wine plus enough beef broth to almost cover the meat. Add the tomato paste and thyme. Bring to a simmer, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven for about 1 1/4 hours or until the meat and vegetables are very tender when pierced with a fork.

Combine 2 tablespoons of butter and the flour with a fork and stir into the stew. Add the frozen onions. Saute the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter for 10 minutes until lightly browned and then add to the stew. Bring the stew to a boil on top of the stove, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste.

To serve, toast the bread in the toaster or oven. Rub each slice on 1 side with a cut clove of garlic. For each serving, spoon the stew over a slice of bread and sprinkle with parsley.

Via. Ina Garten & foodnetwork

2010-03-09T11:17:00.000-08:00

I am loving Maggie Gyllenhaal's makeup at both Oscar and the Golden Globes this year. Keeping the eyes neutral and contrast with the bold lips will make you look fresh and fun during spring and summer.

Oscar 2010

2010-03-07T22:03:00.000-08:00

My Favorite from this year's Oscar red carpet. They are also representations of my favorite trend from this year so far (grays, blues, nudes, and architectural.)

This is...

2010-03-04T10:40:00.001-08:00

I have always loved Miroslav Sasek's This is series of children's books. The books he wrote painted a delightful and evocative picture of some of the world's great cities (and countries!). I think this will be my next book collection, I am getting "This is the way to the Moon" for my rocket scientist husband.

Fashion Obession: Camilla Skovgaard

2010-03-03T13:38:00.000-08:00

Love the shoes designed by Camilla Skovgaard, they are sexy, edgy with the down town cool. Below are some of my favorite.

Via. shopbop.com & shopstyle.com

My Mouse Path

2010-03-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

This is Anatoly Zenkov's mouse pointer track after 3 hours of working in Photoshop. The lines are movement, and the dots are periods of inactivity. I find this beautiful and intriguing, you can find more information by clicking this link.

It makes a busy day into something beautiful.

Baskets & Bins

2010-02-24T14:21:00.000-08:00

Baskets and bins are great organizing solution, but they can also be a decorative accent to any space. There are many different styles to suit any aesthetic. Here are some that I like.
1. Red rim metal wire basket.
2. Eco-fabric market tote.
3. Feather grain DVD bin.
4. Wires magazine collector.
5. Wire basket with handles.
6. Old school locker basket.
7. Lace shopping basket.
8. Beachcomber baskets.

Outfit of The Day

2010-02-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

Outfit Of the Day:
1. Vintage bateau top.
2. Tamara pants.
3. Linda clutch.
4. Asymmetrical two buckle sandals.
5. Macaroni cuff.

A Collection a Day, 2010

2010-02-21T17:19:00.000-08:00

While doing some research for my post on Simon Evans "Everything I Have" poster, I came across a very interesting blog "A Collection a Day, 2010". It is "a blog documenting a project that will span exactly one year, from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. On each of those 365 days, I will photograph or draw (and occasionally paint) one collection.". What a great way to document and display one's collection, I will surely visit this blog regularly.

Trend Alert: Lace Up

2010-02-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

Lace made a big entrance this autumn, and it’s a trend that looks set to continue for spring/summer 2010.

How fabulous it is to layer something lacy with your winter wardrobe. I love the contrast of textures and weight. Pair a lace top or dress with leather jacket to bring an unexpected femininity to the outfit.

Via. The Fashion Cult and Unbelievable its not mine.

Everything I Have

2010-02-20T15:45:00.000-08:00

I am completely fascinated by Simon Evans "Everything I Have" poster. He photographed everything he owned and cataloged everything in one place. Part of me want to run straight to my closet and start this crazy art project.

2010-02-19T17:37:00.000-08:00

A perfect recipe when you want some thing quick, simple and delicious.

Capellini With Tomatoes And Basil
Serves 6

       Kosher salt
½    cup good olive oil, plus extra for the pasta pot
2     tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
4     pints small cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
18   large basil leaves, julienned
2     tablespoons chopped fresh curly parsley
2     teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½    teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
¾    pound dried capellini or angel hair pasta
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Extra chopped basil and grated Parmesan for serving

1 Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add two tablespoons of salt and a splash of oil to the pot.
2 Meanwhile, heat the ½ cup of olive oil in a large (12-inch) sauté pan. Add the garlic to the oil and cook over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, thyme, two teaspoons salt, the pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for five to seven minutes, tossing occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften but don't break up.
3 While the tomatoes are cooking, add the capellini to the pot of boiling water and cook for two minutes, or according to the directions on the package. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water.
4 Place the pasta in a large serving bowl, add the tomatoes and Parmesan, and toss well. Add some of the pasta water if the pasta seems too dry. Serve large bowls of pasta with extra basil sprinkled on top and a big bowl of extra Parmesan on the side.

Via. Barefoot Contessa

2010-02-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

Love these necklaces by Alisa Michelle, not only they have the whimsical vintage feel they also offer words of wisdom. Each necklace is made from a genuine coin that was saved from being melted down. The wearer can look at their jewelry and have a constant reminder of what they need to focus on, remember, or just hold close to their heart.

Favorite Room Accent of the Month

2010-02-18T13:48:00.000-08:00

Favorite room accent of the month:
1. Arctic pear chandelier.
2. Knight base table.
3. The Circa bar cart.
4. Brahms Mount throws.
5. Shaggy pillow.
6. Metal hutch.

Anisette Brasserie

2010-02-16T10:18:00.000-08:00

A yummy bite of Paris in Santa Monica. Love the vintage Parisian cafe look, it feels like I am back at Paris again.

Mr. Darcy Proposal Dish Towel

2010-02-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

I am a big Austen fan, and I can't think of another perfect way to bring some romance into the kitchen than having Mr. Darcy's proposal lines on the dish towel. I think I will go wash some dishes now...
Happy Valentine's Day.