FEBRUARY 2010

February 23, 2010

The health benefits of kale are well documented, but the strong taste and tough leaves make it difficult for many to eat raw. I recently found a recipe on Epicurious.com (my absolute favorite recipe resource) for a kale salad that I had to try. One of the most useful features on Epicurious is the reviews section of each recipe where people write comments and make suggestions about tweaks to improve the recipe. Thanks to the ideas found there I have the perfect kale salad recipe. 

INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch kale, stems and center ribs discarded, then cut into crosswise into very thin strips 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 4 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 apple, chopped into small pieces

PREPARATION:

Whisk together shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking until well combined.

Toss kale, feta, walnuts, and apple in a large bowl with enough dressing to coat well.

Enjoy!

 

February 22, 2010

Spring is fast approaching (or at least I keep telling myself that in the hope that it will be here soon) and I am beginning to think about beachwear for a trip I am taking in April. Call me old fashioned, but I prefer a one-piece swimsuit to a bikini. A simple and sophisticated silhouette, with just a hint of sexiness in a neutral solid color is what I find most flattering. Eres is a swimwear and lingere line from Paris with both one-pieces and bikinis that meet those requirements. I found these suits at Nancy Meyer. -liz

 

February 19, 2010

I have been seeing and hearing about side braids for a while now, so I had to give it a try. It seems simple enough, but there are many ways to create the look. I played around for a while and decided a loose french braid at an angle is the best fit for me. It has a messy, laid-back vibe and also keeps the hair out of my face. Here are the pictures... -liz

 

February 16, 2010

I've noticed something interesting repeatedly popping up in the Fall 2010 collections as I've been poring over the fashion show pics on style.com. I don't think it's significant enough to label a trend, but it is certainly noteworthy in my opinion. The color orange has made many an appearance in more than a few looks debuting this week. I am not talking a subdued shade of the color in a muted print, I mean bright pumpkin orange in solid beautifully cut pieces. I, personally, am unsure about the color, but am interested to see how much it translates into real life next fall. Below are orange runway looks from Karen Walker, Rachel Comey, ADAM, Erin Fetherston, Charlotte Ronson, and Bensoni. -liz 

 

 

February 13, 2010

If you haven't discovered Standard Finery yet, today is your lucky day. This relatively new collection from designer Caron Callahan is a refreshing breath of delicate femininity without being overly precious. Playful draping, lady-like prints, and a touch of ruffles create a graceful look for an on-the-go urban girl. I am hoping to get my hands on the layered cowl neck dress in the background far left. -liz

 

 

February 12, 2010

I am in love with the Richard Chai Love Fall 2010 collection. Okay, maybe not every piece (the column skirts and printed blouses won't end up in my closet), but the overall look of the line has me tickled pink - or grey in this case. An overtly masculine theme played perfectly on the runway against the touch of sparkle in a few sequin pieces, some flowing ruffles, and bright red lipstick. I definitely responded to the stolen-from-my-boyfriend's-closet vibe of the wool shawl collar coat, grey wool vest, and cropped midnight blue trousers below. -liz

 

 

February 11, 2010

Every year from November to March (or as I affectionately call "soup season") I try to uncover new and delicious soup recipes to add to my list of favorites. Today for lunch I am enjoying one of the newest standouts: Lentil Soup with Sausage and Broccoli Rabe. I found this recipe in The Southern Italian Table by Arthur Schwartz. It is simple and hearty with divine flavor - definitely worth a look. -liz

 

February 9, 2010

Fashion week is gearing up and I have already seen a few things I love. The Fall 2010 line from Shipley & Halmos is incredibly wearable with an understated edge. The coats (the leather one below right, especially) are calling my name and the tapered and pleated pants are perfection. I never thought I would say this given my current case of the winter doldrums (see my last post), but these designers actually have me excited about next fall. Here are two of my favorite looks from the collection. -liz

 

 

February 5, 2010

The winter weather is wearing on me and I can't help but start dreaming of spring and sunshine. When the temperatures do start to rise I am looking forward to sporting some all-American boat shoes. The style has been around since 1935, but feels like it will be a great fit to my casual spring look. I have been trying to decide which color to buy since I'd like to start breaking them in soon. Much like my favorite pair of beat up old Chuck Taylors, I'd like my boat shoes to have a worn in feel to them. Here are some of the classics from Sperry and Sebago along with two Spring/Summer 2010 runway shots from Karen Walker featuring the style. -liz

 

February 3, 2010

Before Andy Warhol was successful as a pop artist he had a career in the 1950s as an illustrator for fashion magazines and advertising companies. I came across a book, Andy Warhol Fashion, which features these early works of art. I love the colorful drawings of ladies shoes, lipsticks, perfumes and dresses. I so adore this drawing that I framed it to hang in my home. -liz