Hudson Studio

Gypsy Tasia Knit sweater

Vintage oversized blazer (similar style here)

Union Jean cutoff shorts

Mulberry hobo bag

Hue black tights

Dolce Vita boots

Thrifted scarf & hat

Last weekend, a photographer friend asked if I could get on the other side of the camera (for once) for a photo shoot, and while I was extremely reluctant to do so, Lauren felt it would be good for me to know how she feels when I'm yelling at her to drop her chin. As only a good friend can, Lauren accompanied me to Hudson Studio in Chelsea to do my make-up, choose my wardrobe and offer helpful tips when I found myself staring like a deer in headlights into the camera.

So how did it feel? While no stranger to the odd self-portrait session taken in the privacy of my own studio, I suddenly found myself completely out of my element and--let's be honest--a pro at serving up the most unflattering angles that are the stuff of nightmares to any photographer. And yes, Lauren finally had her chance to bark, "Drop your chin!"

The upside is, I brought my own camera and snapped a few shots of Lauren in the studio where we had the most gorgeous afternoon light bursting through the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the Hudson.

xx, M

Skirting the Issue

Tsumori Chisato tan leather jacket with oversized collar

Vintage Gucci wrap-around top

H&M coral peplum skirt (similar look here)

Calzedonia tights

Alexander Wang cross-body bag

14th & Union suede booties

Balenciaga Dark Havana sunglasses

Can I just say, taking photos for a blog would probably be so much easier if we weren't in NYC?! Granted New York, and more specifically Brooklyn, is a never-ending maze of amazing backdrops just screaming to be photographed, but for someone still getting used to posing in public, it's also really intimidating.

As if the stares from my judgmental neighbors weren't bad enough, the sneers from the local hipsters waiting for brunch at Pies & Thighs was enough to make me want to run over and bark in their faces to give them something to really talk about. Oh, and of course we encountered one guy who actually stepped in front of the camera lens while Micol was shooting and wouldn't move for a whole minute. Not sure if he was drunk or just thought he was really funny. We were not amused.

We did, however, catch the attention of a woman who came over to introduce herself and give us her sister's business card. Apparently, the sister owns a Brooklyn-based tights company and loves collaborating with local bloggers, so we can't wait to reach out to her! In the end, I guess that ounce of positivity was worth all the sneers. 

xL

Clean Slate

 Free People skinny vegan leather pants
Mint Designs lightweight wool coat
H&M grey sweater
Thrifted fingerprint-pattern blouse
Nanette Lepore bag (on sale in green)
ASOS platform heels
Vintage hat
Chain necklaces made by Lauren + her sister at Brooklyn Charm

Last year (really like, a month ago) Lauren and I were sitting around my apartment with our friend Yanina when Lauren announced, "I think next year I'm going to start dressing in specific themes." Yanina and I looked at each other and said, "So, you're going to start wearing costumes now?" Looking exasperated Lauren explained that in her mind everything she put on was thrown together haphazardly and moving forward she wanted to get dressed with specific "themes" in mind -- nautical, boho, you name it.

(Side note: I promise I'm not making this up, this conversation happened and we really did talk about Lauren's style for what was probably far longer than is typical or appropriate for three girls drinking Grandpa's lemonade on a Sunday)

The point is, whether she realizes it or not, her style is anything but haphazard and I love this look for exactly that. I also love those pants, which I plan on borrowing. Immediately.

xx, M

All Suited Up

3.1 Phillip Lim grecian tank top (similar look here)

Wide-leg pant from Urban Outfitters (similar style here)

H&M cropped blazer

Zara snood

Marc Jacobs clutch

14th & Union grey suede booties (similar shoe here)

Target studded belt

Never having been a girl with 'curves,' I've always gravitated towards androgynous clothing, but even that didn't stop me from asking Micol while we were shooting, 'Is this outfit too butch?'

She of course answered no.

Whether or not she was lying, I'll never know, (Micol: Never!) but I must say there's something about working an oversized blazer, a pair of wide-leg pants, a tuxedo shirt, or your own version of a power suit that makes you feel like you can take on the world. Instead, we took on a few cocktails...at Dram, conveniently located across from my apt. 

xL

Everything Must Go

 Reiss hot pink shirt (similar look here)
Elizabeth + James Asymmetric biker jacket
Free People Skinny Vegan leather pants
Michael Kors grey suede pumps
Thrifted metallic clutch (get the same look here)
Thrifted sequin leopard ring and necklace

One of my favorite things about our neighborhood is that you never know what amazing street art you might discover while walking to your destination. Lauren and I have stumbled upon giant caterpillar murals, a humongous American flag and even a beach scene so realistic I'm tempted to go find it and try to walk my way into it like some bizarre sci-fi fantasy film. Obviously the cold weather has gone to my head. The point is, we love our neighborhood (hi, Marcy Stop) and have bragging rights to some of the most amazing restaurants and bars in all of New York. Here's a to do list of some of our fave spots that you should def check out the next time you find yourself on the JMZ (ok fine, or the L for those who fear the JMZ)

Apps and Cocktails
Maison Premiere: $1 oysters from 4-7pm every M-F and mixologists who know their stuff

Dinner
Rye: They make a mean Manhattan and a food coma-inducing meat loaf sandwich
Fette Sau: Hands down the best dry rub BBQ in NY (and I've lived in TX)
Pies N'Thighs: We will be dedicating an entire post to this place but in two words: Fried. Chicken.
Bozu: It's hard to find good sushi in Brooklyn but these Japanese tapas will bring you back every time

Brunch
Ms. Kim's: Korean inspired eats and our go-to Bloody Mary
Five Leaves: Heath Ledger's spot and a huge draw for everyone because, the food is that damn good

Bar Scene
Iona: Outdoor area perfect for summer hangs and cozy inside area with too many good beers on tap
Night of Joy: Super fun rooftop spot full of nice people who returned my lost Iphone to me

Absolute Must
Nitehawk Cinema: table-side food and beverage service inside the theater

I just realized this is my second food post in a row. Oh well. Happy eating.

xx, M

Sunset Hour

 Pinky Otto beige leather jacket
Asymmetrical draped dress with back slit from Ananda in Venice, California
Forever 21 two-tone platform heels
Michael Kors Tortoiseshell watch
Thrifted gold bracelet

Once in awhile New York will surprise you during the winter with an unseasonably warm day (well, 45 degrees as opposed to 30, that is), giving its residents the perfect opportunity to shed some layers and finally enjoy some time outdoors. It's moments like these when I love that my building has roof access, giving me a bird's eye view of Brooklyn during one of the most picturesque times of the day.

While we were up on the roof, Micol commented, "There's no time quite like sunset in Brooklyn," and I have to agree. Bikers pouring over the bridge to escape a long day of work in the city, trains flying back and forth over the East River, the sun setting lazily behind the tip of Manhattan. It doesn't get much better than this.

xL

Dinner Date

 H&M Sweater with back bow detail + white button down shirt
Cheap Monday high-waisted jeans

Forever 21 platform boots + knit beanie

Vintage white ring
Michael Kors Tortoiseshell watch
Necklace passed down from Lauren's mom


Dinner Spread c/o Micol

Sometimes the best nights are spent in, and it's never more true than when I decide to cook a feast and invite a few girlfriends over. Growing up with an Italian mother you learn a thing or two, and in the last couple of years I think it's safe to say I've come into my own as a cook. 

On last night's menu: grapefruit and roasted beet salad with goat cheese in a lemon-mustard dressing, roasted asparagus, and fettuccine with salmon and feta in a light cayenne cream sauce.

There are no leftovers.

Extra bonus: don't overdo it on the cheese and use light cream to make your sauce and it's a super healthy meal. Now who wants the recipe?

xx, M

UPDATE: Fettuccine with Smoke Salmon Recipe

Pasta
1 lb dried fettuccine (I prefer Barilla)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
salt
fresh parsley to garnish

Sauce
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
5/8 cup brandy
4 1/2 oz smoked salmon
pinch of cayenne pepper
black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the fettuccine and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Stir frequently and cook until tender but still firm to the bite. (tip: follow these directions to the T. Fettuccine will stick together if you don't). Drain, return to pot, add remaining olive oil, cover to keep warm.

- Pour the cream into a small saucepan and bring to simmer but not boil. Pour the brandy into another small saucepan and bring to simmer. Remove both from heat and mix together.

- Cut the smoked salmon into thin strips and add to cream mixture. Season to taste with cayenne and black pepper. Just before serving stir in fresh parsley.

- Pour sauce into pot with pasta and toss thoroughly with two large serving forks. Transfer to serving dish and sprinkle with feta cheese. Garnish with parsley leaves.

Enjoy!

Reality Bites

Oversized sunglasses in top shot by Balenciaga
Aviator sunglasses in top center frame of collage by Michael Kors
Sunglasses in bottom shot: Lucia Puma by Super

Woke up at 4am yesterday morning to catch a flight back to NYC, and as if the harsh hour of the flight wasn't bad enough, the city was waiting for us at a frigid 18 degrees! Great homecoming.

Miami couldn't seem father away right now... but at least we came home with some amazing memories, awesome photos, and slightly more tanned complexions.

You can bet that we're counting down the days until we can take our next getaway.

xL

Tropic Twist

H&M cropped blazer

Hero Crane tie-dyed tank

Urban Outfitters black leather shorts

Shoes, thrifted

Location: Poolside at the Riviera Hotel

Three fun-filled days of beaches, day-drinking, and hotel-hopping later, and somehow it's already our last night in Miami. 

We'll be returning to NY tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn, so we're going to take it easy tonight and scope out the Design District with a low key meal at Gigi's, an Asian-fusion restaurant that sounds incredible.

This was my first trip to Miami and as far as mini breaks go, probably one of the best I've been on yet.

xx, M

Beach Brights

Neon Victoria's Secret bikini

Xhilaration lace tank from Target

Thrifted hat + sunnies

Michael Kors Tortoiseshell watch

BOTTOM PHOTO: OUR BEACH ESSENTIALS!

Amazon Kindle + some light reading

Ipod + Xmini Speaker

Revlon Colorstay Soft + Smooth in Ripened Red

Sephora charcoal blotting papers

Hello from Miami! And what an amazing few days it's been. After receiving multiple calls and texts from friends in New York suffering through the latest cold weather front, it really seems like we couldn't have picked a better weekend for a beach getaway.

Today we woke up, headed over to Joe's Stone Crab's to-go counter, and picked up a pound of grilled Peel + Eat Shrimp,  a pound and a half of King Crab legs, and a chopped salad. We then hauled our feast to the beach for a picnic on the sand. Needless to say, an hour later we had all passed out, each a victim of our own self-induced food coma. Totally worth it.

xL

(stock image)

It's getting to that point in New York where the next three months of winter seem endless, so in preparation we're taking a short break to Miami for the weekend. Expectations: wearing as little clothing as possible.

Ok fine. We guess we're also looking forward to: stuffing our faces with delicious, authentic Cuban food, beach volleyball, shooting photos in the bright white Miami light, checking out the Design District and last but NOT least: getting a tan, burn or any sort of color at all.

Let us know if you have any recommendations for places to go, and we'll see you on the beach!
L+M

Southwestern Swagger

Mango jeans

Hanes t-shirt

Mossimo waffle-knit sweater vest

Vintage YSL leather jacket

Sam Edelman two-tone Lulu boots

Alexander Mcqueen quilted tote bag

Thirfted Southwestern scarf

Rings from Alter in Greenpoint

It's officially winter in New York and while I'm busy looking for the nearest sleeping bag I can swaddle myself in to brave the bone-chilling weather, Lauren is happily cavorting outside with her coat wide open and a summer scarf loosely tied around her neck. I used to think she was crazy but then I learned her secret: tights under jeans.

I'm still trying to get behind that one.

In all reality though, Lauren might be onto something. The key to braving the next four months is definitely subtle layering. That way, while everyone else is waddling down Bedford like a toddler in a ski suit, you're sashaying down the street with a lightness in your step. (Sashaying optional)

xx, M

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Mellow Yellow

Yellow H&M long sleeve dress

Black Ellen Tracy tights

Cream Patrizia Pepe wool coat with oversize collar

Sam Edelman two-tone Lulu boots

Vintage handbag and sunnies

Thrifted pendant necklace

Michael Kors Tortoiseshell watch

I never really understood the concept of putting on your 'Sunday best' until I woke up hungover one morning and slapped on this bright yellow dress, an item Micol bought awhile back but never had the balls  occasion to wear. Instantly I felt refreshed, more upbeat, and ready to take on the world. 

It could have been the dress, or it could have been the mimosas I downed at brunch, but either way I quickly learned that throwing on a heavy dose of color never hurts to brighten your mood. Not to mention, turn a few heads along the way!

xL