Birds of a feather

Aren't feathers wonderful for fall? Worn carefully they can add such a nice pop of glamour to everyday outfits.

After picking up this simple flocked belt at Anthropologie last week,

(Image courtesy Anthropologie)

I'm intrigued enough to consider other feathery wardrobe additions.

Here are a few other fun, feather-focused pieces perfect for autumn. How about that fancy feather skirt from Alice and Olivia (top left corner)? Saucy!

Modern Family

Do you guys watch ABC's Modern Family? S and I caught the very first episode last fall and have since become obsessed. Based on last night's Emmy nominations (and a few wins...way to go, Cam!), it looks like this show has officially been discovered.

Check out a few favorite scenes below.

The second season starts September 22nd. Yay!

This little light of mine

S and I have been searching for the right floor lamp for our "cozy" living room for a few months. We refuse to buy anything that looks like a spaceship. We were also equally uninterested in picking up your standard shaded variety.

Yesterday, we decided on this happening brass pharmacy floor lamp. It's sleek, vintage style is just the ticket.

(Image courtesy Circa Lighting)

I'm also hopelessly in love with this capiz shell pendant (check out this version from Target). Wouldn't this be perfect in an entry way or dining room?

On a more playful note, I'm really loving these floral string lights. They are perfect for adding a little feminine flair over a vanity.

(Images courtesy Graham and Green)

Light it up!

happy weekend song

(Image courtesy meidianzeiger)

The weekend is nigh (how GREAT is that word??), and in honor of its approach here is a favorite tune that never ceases to set the right mood.

Best part? When David Byrne dances with...the lamp.

(Image courtesy filmslash)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Mini Pies!

The weather gods are smiling on NYC today and have granted us what might be the most beautiful day of the year so far. Sunny, breezy and a lovely 76 degrees. The perfect day to head down to the Rock Center Farmers Market...

and score some...mini pies!

Aren't these little fellas cute? The lovely L and I discovered these treats a few weeks ago, and ate them right on the spot. They did not disappoint.

Today I decided to share the love so I picked up a blueberry and a strawberry rhubarb mini for S. Who's a lucky boy?

If you are interested in making your very own mini pies, check out this recipe for the strawberry rhubarb variety via The Food Channel.

Ingredients
4 10-inch pie crusts, refrigerated, unbaked
8 cups fresh rhubarb cut in 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of cardamom
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven 375˚F.

From each pie crust, cut a small circle to fit as the bottom crust in each of four 5.5” pie plates. Cut long strips out of remaining pie dough about 1/2 an inch in width. Chill both while preparing filling.

In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, flour, cardamom, nutmeg, orange zest and juice. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Fill each pie dish with filling, mounding each one full. Using chilled strips, criss-cross them over each pie making a lattice pattern. Trim excess dough from sides of pies and then crimp the edges together.

Brush outsides of pies with beaten egg. Bake in preheated oven for 50 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Let cool and serve.

Sweet!

Grown-up friendship bracelets

(Image courtesy Fashion Fuze)

Remember how great friendships bracelets were in grade school? Now, you can relive your elementary/middle school obsession with these updated versions from Frieda and Nellie. I think my bff needs one of these pronto.

(Image courtesy Dilly Dallas)

(Image courtesy eye spy)

These friendship bracelets combine the woven fabric look we all know and love with pieces of vintage jewelry. Each bracelet is handmade and one-of-a-kind.

Wouldn't these be great stacked one on top of the other?

(Image courtesy Refinery 29)

Freida and Nellie was founded by two best friends (Stacy Herzog and Sarah Reid) who used pieces from their own grandmothers' jewelry boxes to take their bracelets from silly to sophisticated. The name of the company came from the women's "glamorous grannies."

How fun is their job?

For a pretty pout...

My appreciation of NARS lip products has been documented here before, but lately I've fallen head over heels for their creamy, sheer lipstick. Fav color? Cruising.

(Images courtesy NARS)

Not only does it provide a gorgeous nude pink hue to the lips (think almost 60's retro nude, but not as severe), it also makes me think of the Huey Lewis/Gwyneth Paltrow song by the same name from the 2000 movie Duets (uncool).

Is this a joke?!

Today marks the fourth straight day of rain here in NYC. Bum-mah.

Not only is it a dash chillier than it should be outside before Labor Day, but my bright orange jelly flats (worn as an intended pick-me-up) rubbed a blister on my walk to the subway. What gives?!

(Image courtesy Footnotes Online)

I'm in the market for a new pair of wellies this season. I know I'll go the more practical route with either these

(Image courtesy Target UK)

or these, BUT

(Image courtesy J. Crew)

I can't help being fascinated by these glammed out Hunters that would make RuPaul most proud.

Va-va-voom!

(Images courtesy Tara & Thyme)

Isn't it Romantic...

Doesn't The Romantics look good? What a perfect sunny Sunday afternoon flick...

I'm digging the overall styling of this movie. From the music to the cozy autumnal setting, this movie begs to be watched in a comfy fall ensemble while sipping hot chocolate.

Maybe I'll wear this snuggly sweatshirt dress I just scored at J. Crew (minus the boots, course).

Check out these cutesy shots from J. Crew's photo shoot with the cast of The Romantics. Want beaded dress now.

(Images courtesy J. Crew, whatannaloves)

Follow-up: S and I checked out The Romantics at Union Square on opening night and despite some questionable speech scenes by Josh Duhamel, it was an enjoyable flick. The movie is beautiful and Katie Holmes, Anna Paquin and Elijah Wood (yes, Frodo) were terrific. Unknown to us when we purchased the tickets, our screening was followed with a question and answer section with the writer/director, as well as the cast!

Pretty prints

Hugo Guiness's nifty prints at John Derian in the East Village

(Image courtesy New York Mag)

are unfortunately way out of my price range. So sad...as they would make the most gorgeous gallery wall.

Here are a few of my favs:

By the by, how hilarious are those whitie tighties?

His 2010 color collection is absolutely gorgeous and each piece comes in a custom vintage frame.

(All images courtesy John Derian)

Style Icon: Elaine Benes?

According to this article in the Style section of the New York Times, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss's "floral-and-tough" look from Seinfeld has become a serious late summer fashion trend for the super hip ladies of lower Manhattan.

(Images courtesy The New York Times)

Get out! No. Really.

Did I read this right? I love Elaine as much as the next person, but this look is most unfortunate.

A pretty amazing quote from Gawker below:

"Haven't you been wanting to look like a zealous American gypsy headed off to a casual business meeting lately? Well then put on your long floral print dress, throw a leather jacket over that, make sure your socks are showing over your loafers or boots, and put that hair into a Big Love-ian poof-knot. You'll be the hottest thing on Morton St. (Where this Times reporter went and observed nü-Elaines in their natural habitat.)"

(Images courtesy Etsy)

I know "everything old is new again," and as you might have guessed, 90's style grunge floral dresses will always hold a special place in my heart... and with black tights this look just might be doable...

but folded down socks? That's where I draw the line.

(Images courtesy Liebemarlene Vintage)

I suppose this look's reemergence was inevitable. After all, hipster dudes have been crushing on George Costanza's style for some time now. Examine the evidence for yourself here in a collage cleverly titled "George Costanza: The Original Hipster".

(Image courtesy BuzzFeed)

Seriously Good Stuff

The lovely Miss PeanutJB treated us to a tour of Washington DC last week, and I'm already ready to go back for a visit.

One of our DC destinations was the super scrumptious Good Stuff Eatery on Capitol Hill. All I can say about this experience is...wow.

(Image courtesy of so good)

For those of you who enjoy Top Chef, you might recall Chicago alum Spike Mendelsohn. Good Stuff came from the chef's collaboration with... his Mom (awww).

(Images courtesy Good Stuff Eatery)

While our fantastic hostess and I gobbled up the Good Stuff Melt (with both melted cheddar and muenster cheeses, caramelized onions, mushrooms and Good Stuff Sauce), S scarfed down the Prez Obama Burger (applewood bacon, onion marmalade, Roquefort cheese and horseradish mayo sauce).

Other meal highlights included the Village Fries (topped with fresh thyme, rosemary and sea salt) and

(Image courtesy epicurious)

and the Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake.

(Images courtesy of always hungry ny)

In case the above hasn't blown your mind, don't forget to stop by the restaurant's infused mayonnaise bar. Mango, Old Bay and sriracha varieties await for your dipping pleasure.

(Image courtesy DC Socialite)

Check out Good Stuff's menu of "nostalgic American favorites" here.

Mmmmmm.