Peek a Boo Babe

It's HOT here in NYC and that means the more minimal the clothing, the more you might actually survive this heat without melting into a puddle of sandals and frizzy hair.  Although the more minimal the dress, the more confusing the undergarments become.  Do I show my bra, do I not? Do I suffer immense heat in a strapless that will no doubt slide down to my waist every 10 minutes? What about subway breezes and stairs, do I wear my beat up bike shorts I been wearing and rewearing for 5 years?

The answer to our under garment prayers has arrived, and the name is harMonica Design by Monica Ditzler.  Specializing in Visible Intimates with a cool edge, Monica has developed a fashion forward spin on comfort and straight up necessity. I've know Monica for 10 years now, both of us starting out as young, bright-eyed designers with a passion for fashion.  While little has changed (beside we are not so naive in a cut throat industry) Monica's maintained her passion and drive. Monica has always had a beautiful and light attitude, bouncing through life with such a genuine air of kindness.  Don't get me wrong though, this light hearted bohemian is business savvy to the core.  I sat down with Monica to get a better look at harMonica and what makes her covetable visible intimates so... her.

S.o.H. : Tell me a little how harMonica came to fruition. What drove you to start making intimates and why?

Monica: As a side project in 2007 during some down time between job (that's better to say than unemployed, right?), I started making fun panties for my friends to create a little extra cash.  It was so popular, I kept it up and eventually went full force in Late 2014. 

S.o.H. : So how did the Bralettes come into the picture?

Monica: It was a natural progression really.  What's next after a panty, a matching bra of course. But mainly it came from my own personal experience. As a DD it was impossible (IMPOSSIBLE!!) to find one that would fit my fuller chest. Fed up, I decided to make my own catering to the well endowed ladies.  Of course my Bralettes fit all sizes, but the option is there for the bustier customers as well. 

S.o.H. : Would you say the bike shorts where also a natural evolution?

Monica: Definitely.  Living in NYC, you are faced with so many different situations where you might need to be in a dress, but still be active. Even walking over a breezy subway grate calls for a little under the skirt flash protection. Plus it's fun to have a matching set, am I right?

S.o.H. : What makes your intimates different besides the fit?

Monica: My intimates are made with care and love.  We are completely made in the USA, with hand dyed lace and bamboo lining. Natural, but still edgy and on the top trends of fashion. 

S.o.H. : What's the feeling you want harMonica to have on it's wearer's?

Monica: My intimates create a love affair on this inside. You are constantly in your under garments, they are part of your life every day, so you should love them.  They should be able to create this amazing, sexy, confident woman underneath that shines through to the surface. harMonica is a celebration of all bodies and all beauties. 

harMonica $40-$76 available on her website

Cold Creamy Cucumber Soup with Shrimp

Well it only took me about 2 weeks to post this recipe.... and 4 years to start this blog. Better late than never? Since I am freelancing and have a decent amount of time to myself, and usually at home, I've decided to blog about all the fun things I've been diving into. From recipes, to crafts, to making my own salt scrubs and almond milk, to a weekday travel adventure, I have a lot to share! So here is my official first blog post about the wonderful cold cucumber soup I made a few weeks ago. It's perfect for this hot summer weather, and cucumbers are full of vitamins (K, B1, C, Potassium) and are also have anti inflammatory properties. No more puffy feet, Hooray!

I became obsessed with the idea of having a blender... for about a year now.  Since my over all DREAM blender would be a Vitamix, and it's an investment, I have been looking for a comparable version, a little easier on the wallet. Reading one of my cookbooks, I came across the recommendation of a Waring Blender. I started researching immediately.  I absolutely love the retro look mixed with power. I purchased the copper base to match the copper accents in my kitchen. It's perfect for the level I need and I love it!

So on to the recipe! I loved the Barefoot Contessa's Recipe, but adapted it to make it a little more healthy. I subbed a whole avocado for cream to maintain the creaminess without the added dairy.  For the Shrimp, I seasoned them with salt and pepper and sautéed them in a pan with coconut oil until opaque, then chill.

CREAMY COLD CUCUMBER SOUP

2 cups GREEK YOGURT
1 AVOCADO
2-3 CUCUMBERS (depending on size) chopped, skin on
3/4 cup chopped RED ONION
8 GREEN ONIONS, green and white chopped
2 tbsp SEA SALT
1 tbsp BLACK PEPPER
1/4 cup fresh chopped DILL
1/2 cup fresh squeezed LEMON JUICE (about 4-5 lemons)
3/4 lb SHRIMP, cooked and chilled
1 small TOMATO chopped/cubed

GARNISH
SHRIMP
RED PEPPER FLAKES
DILL
TOMATO

In a large bowl mix the yogurt, avocado, cucumbers, red onion, salt and pepper, and lemon juice.  Transfer to a blender in batches, maybe 2-3 as needed depending on the size of your blender. Continue to do so until the entire batch is blended. Mix together and fold in the dill. Cover and chill for at least 30 mins. When serving, garnish with 1-2 shrimps, a few tomatoes, a sprig of fresh dill, and a dash of red pepper flakes. ENJOY!

Doorway to the Far Far Away

If eyes are the windows to the souls, then what does that make doors? I'd like to think doors are the gateway to your imagination. Opening to worlds of day dreaming possibilities. Wouldn't it be great if you could see what's beyond a door without opening it?

Maybe a castle corridor that leads to a grand ball awaiting your Royal Highness,

Or a mysterious stairwell in the Catacombs

Or even a stack of books that perhaps you hold in nostalgia from your assist in the greatest library heist of all time.

Well look no further, Couture Deco has just the answer to all our Choose Your Adventure door woes. Trompe-l'oeil has generously supplied us with eight, yes eight!, door decals to fulfill our imaginations with tales chalked up to the liking of our hearts desire. Who wouldn't want to turn your boring dull door into journey that depends solely on the viewer.

Not to mention it looks amazing, and could quite possibly confuse house guests to your comedic benefit.... "Sure the bathroom is 1st door on the left, up the escalator.... You'll see it" Hee hee... Who could resist!

But don't worry! It's not all about stairs! There's a gated store front (those guys never open on time!) or an empty closet full of hangers (which I secretly adore because it let's me think I have more room for my overflow of clothes that I currently have NO space for).

So after seeing this collection, I think that maybe, just possibly doors are, well doorways, to the heart because I  sure am loving this idea for special room decor!

Happy Imagining,

Pretty in Pink

Leave it to London to expel such a unique individual that bring a new, errr old, twist to photography. Native UK photographer Ellen Rogers is the genius behind these spell binding works of art. Rogers who is deeply intrigued by supernatural, the occult, religion,and unsolved mysteries pushes that fixation through her work whether she means to or not. Using only analogue cameras, she creates magic and mystification through dark room processes. The only technology involved is the end when she scans the finished piece, a self proclaimed purist.  

I saw these pictures and became completely mystified be the intense emotion portrayed through such a soft and rather haunting display. They all seems to tell a story behind their eyes, as if they are a dream or a memory. This all makes sense, considering a lot of her creative process starts with dreams, both sleeping and wake. Working boxed up in her darkroom, Rogers takes her vision to an experimental level that develops such amazing works of art. 

If this is what trial and error can truly achieve, I hope for a lot more mistakes to come! For more on her work, read interviews, see amazing video of a 8mm project she is working on visit her site http://www.ellenrogers.co.uk/ 

Holiday in Havana

 Eugenia Kim for Target

Heat and humidity has hit the city. Although it's just the beginning, it's already starting to feel like the middle of summer with sticky heat, street festivals, and Sundays full of cool Mojitos.  This kind of activity makes me want to jump into a plane and head to Havana for a quick get away, but in the meantime I can pretend by dressing the part. Havana has played a major part in influencing fashion this season. Take a look at the wild prints Derek Lam laid out for his Spring 2010 collection. These popping floral prints are perfect for a hot Havana night, salsa dancing in a street. 

 Derek Lam Spring RTW 2010

I am especially loving the blue dress and the messy retro updos to tie the look together. 

And let's not forget hats! you can't have a true Cuban feel without a fedora. Good news for us, Target is making it fool proof when picking your perfect summer hat. Eugenia Kim for Target has officially hit the stores April 18th and I have already picked out half the collection to pine over!

 Eugenia Kim for Target

 

According to Target.com, "The Eugenia Kim for Target collection features a range of hats that are trendy, functional and fit into any budget. The designer’s collection, made with woven and printed fabrics, is inspired by Havana, Cuba, and includes cloche, fedora, sun-hat, bucket-hat and newsboy silhouettes. Each of the 12 hats in the collection is embellished with Kim’s unique details such as a chiffon scarf wrap, contrast color/print ribbon bands, and her special signature trims and hardware. The exclusive Eugenia Kim for Target collection is available at a great value, ranging in price from $14.99 to $19.99. "  

  Eugenia Kim for Target

And I am loving this look for their ad campaign! When I think Havana, this is exactly the look I imagine... retro,colorful and full of life.

Eugenia Kim for Target
 

Eugenia Kim is a NYC based accessories designer who is known for her hats. In 2004, Kim won the CFDA Perry Ellis award for Accessories Design. Kim counts Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Lopez, Scarlett Johansson, Madonna, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Gwen Stefani, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Fergie, Nicole Kidman, and Natalie Portman among her devotees. And now her hats are available at an affordable price for all to enjoy!

See you all in Havana! Until next time,

Mile High Club

In preparation for my trip home to Colorado for a friends wedding/vacation(!!) I have been busy organizing my suitcase with proper attire for the Rocky Mountains.  You can never really be sure on what to bring for a few reasons, one being the temperamental weather. Sometimes it's 90 degrees and sunny in November, while snowing and 40 degrees in May. And two, the laid back fashion doesn't quite par up to the expression I'm used to in Brooklyn. (I mean, they still are questioning my desire to wear skinny jeans over flares) So settling with some jeans, blouse, sandals and dress, sweater, heels combos I feel prepared for any situation, while clearly managing to over pack for a 1 week vacation.  Nothing wrong with options, right Danielle! 

Of course packing is only HALF the battle in my opinion. The other half is what to wear on the plane.  I want to be comfortable, yet classy and fashionable which the latter two ten not to lend to the first so it can be tricky. Especially with all the rules and security regulations. You have to practically disrobe just to mke it to your gate, which often persuades me to under accessorize. Boo! I love bling! In attempt to make my life easier I settled for black leggings, flats, a cream swingy tunic, black grandpa cardi and an oversized floral scarf (in attempt to be springy in the skies). I think its fairly safe to say I pulled off a basic fly outfit that neither hinders nor over accentuates my desire to be fashion saavy. 

Even through my wardrobe indecision, I made it to the airport and zipped through security in enough time to board with ease.  As I was settling into my cramped coach quarters, I started observing my surroundings. Normal people with normal day to day outfits. And when I say normal, I mean normal... This IS a flight to Colorado via Milwaukee, so you get an idea of the cookie cutter company I am in. And seeing it is 11am on a Wednesday, the majority of passengers are 60+.  Scanning the sea of jeans and sweater combos, I wonder what happened to the glamour of flying?  What happened to looking daper and classy in a sauve and sleek outfit while jet setting to a fabulous exotic location? And more importantly, what happened to the highly fashionable flight attendants in their amazing outfits?  Having more than a few friends in the biz, I know their hate of the polyester suits and polkadot blouses first hand. I understand in 1970 the outfits were not PC and a little degrading to woman, but that doesn't mean they have to dress like a frumpy grandma either! 

I was tipped off about a year ago at the possability of Cynthia Rowley redesigning the uniforms for the lovely United crew and am dying to know if it's came through yet. I'm guessing with her aesthetic they will be decked out in mod shifts, sweet pouf sleeve blouses, and of course the wedges I'm so accustomed to seeing her trot around in. Ooookay, so maybe not the wedges.  Think we can commission to get these boots? Rockin!

In my search for amazing pictures I cam across this snap shot of uniforms designed by Emilio Pucci. I adore the colors and the Mod fllair of the sixties they embody,

I read that sometimes they would wear these helmet like hats inbetween concourses to protect their hairdos from the elements... Clever ladies, very clever...

I leave you with some adorable pics of the ladies of the sky, past times.

Now please return your laptops to their full and upright position, and thank you for flying the friendly skies with yours truly!

Prima Ballerina Touches Down

If I had to pick one thing I might consistently be drawn to in the fashion world, its the idea of white. Whether is it a pristine white dress, impeccable white powdery skin, or cool white blond hair it always rouses a sense of angelic nostalgia out of me. These photos from Pablo Roversi, Vouge Italia April 2010, especially hold true to this notion. They have a haunting beauty that almost makes you believe these powdered beauties are really just ghosts, thoughts, memories of a past time. Well ghosts in couture Chanel and Valentino, of course.

I adore he made the models and clothes evoke a this sense of an Old World Ballerina. Like they are in company with the Russian Imperial Ballet circa mid 1800s.

I also am loving the use of laces and straps that is bringing in an element of sport, particularly football, which happens to be another spring trend. Alexander Wang hit the nail on this one.

 

I'm off to find my prima ballerina, adorn her in white, and take her out to play a little flag football (no grass stains of course!). Good game!

Vogue Italia pictures via noirefacade and Alexander Wang via Style.com