Monday, February 28, 2011

Oscar Favorites.

This years Oscars offered quite the variety of gowns which were, for the most part, all beautiful. Although the show was a bit of a yawn - no shocking wins, it was nice to see Anne Hathaway's excitement and well, it's always nice to see James Franco (my guess, is he is going to be one pretty hysterical old man). Anyway with the exception of some ill fitting numbers, the red carpet was a sea of glamorous dresses. Here were a few of which especially caught my eye.

{Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein

{Natalie Portman in Rodarte

{Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

{Sharon Stone in Christian Dior}

{Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang}

Photos: Just Jared.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Twice baked-potatoes with mushrooms and prosciutto.



Did this catch your eye? Trust me when I say, they are as delicious as it sounds - although anything involving prosciutto is a good idea. I do admit this recipe takes much longer than others and it's well worth the wait. And with talk of it snowing in San Francisco today and/or tomorrow, I can't imagine a better comfort food over a cold, rainy weekend.

Ingredients


4 russet potatoes
3 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
8 ounces small mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
4 thin slices prosciutto, halved
1/3 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Using the tines of a fork, prick the skins of the potatoes all over and arrange on the baking sheet. Bake for 1 to 1 1/4 hours until tender and cooked through. Cool until warm enough to handle (about 20 minutes).

While potatoes are cooling, in a medium skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently, until soft (about 5 minutes). Add the mushrooms, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the mushrooms are golden and most of the liquid has evaporated (about 6 minutes). Place the mixture in a medium bowl.

Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and, using a small spoon, scoop out all but 1/4-inch of the flesh. Add the potato flesh to the mushroom mixture. Add the butter, oregano and 1 cup of cheese. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Arrange the potato halves, cut-side-up on the baking sheet. Using a pastry brush, brush both sides of the potatoes with olive oil and season inside with salt and pepper. Spoon the mushroom mixture into each potato half. Place 1 half-piece of prosciutto on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and the prosciutto is crispy (about 20 to 25 minutes).

Enjoy!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

One Badass Chick.

Enter Laura Brown.



I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Brown when she stopped by for a quick interview in the AMEX Skybox at MBFW. Though our meeting was brief,  she left quite the impression - she's as funny as she is fashionable. Brown was full of cheeky responses that were delightfully refreshing - at one point mention her next objective was to "marry up". You can't help but laugh, especially when this comes from someone so wildly successful in the role special project director at Harper's Bazaar.

 Check out the rest of Laura Brown's interview.




Wednesday, February 23, 2011

I'm Coming Home.




Major writers block this morning, it’s hard to believe I am at a loss for words. I suppose I am just having trouble snapping back to reality due to recent travels to New York and Palm Springs. Needless to say, I’ll let the song do the talking - very apropos as I am just returning home.

And yes, it is fairly obvious I was inspired by black leather, gold accents and luxurious camel – all timeless pieces worth spending a pretty penny on.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

The Lion NYC.

By Guest Blogger: My mom.

Of course, I couldn't leave my mom out of all the fun. One of the best parts of our annual trip to New York City is the fact we get to spend time together. Our mutual admiration for fashion, walking everywhere and love of food accompanied with wine make us ideal traveling companions. When I asked her if she would contribute to First Came Fashion, I was ecstatic she wanted to participate - after all, she is the writer of the family. And because I was in charge of choosing restaurants while in NY, it only seemed fitting to have her review our Valentine's Day dinner at The Lion.
{Chef John DeLucie of The Lion}

Mom review:

During our recent trip to New York City, my daughter took me to dinner at The Lion. We were free on Monday night, so we couldn't think of a better way to top off Fashion Week and celebrate Valentine's Day.



It was a mad rush to get back from shopping, and get ready for dinner. We arrived at The Lion (no signage anywhere, of course) and were seated in a beautiful publike room with high ceilings and artwork everywhere. A lovely fireplace and charming windows added to the atmosphere.


We ordered several items, our favorites being the panisse and cauliflower, baby beet salad, and a perennial favorite - the lobster pot pie. It was delicious and we savored every last bite. The pot pie was loaded with lobster and surprisingly, wasn't overly rich. Just perfect. We had to skip dessert since we were heading back to the champagne bar at The Plaza.


The next time I visit The Lion, I'll be ordering Cheesecake in a Jar! But until then, I'll be adding an extra mile to my daily walk!


Yum!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Fifth Avenue.

a stylish and creamy red-orange blend.

{essie's Fifth Avenue}

Friday, February 18, 2011

See Saw.

Yesterday was the last day of NYFall 2011 Mecedes-Benz Fashion Week - I swear if I could go to all of the shows, I would. Although, I can't imagine how tired I would be by the end of that. After just one day at Lincoln Center (among other things) during a whirlwind trip to NYC, I am still recooperating. The reality is - I'm exhausted! So I will leave you to see what I saw....




{Derek Lam; a collection of seventies-inspired, easy to wear pieces}



{Max Azria; classic sportswear mixed with a touch of edginess}



{DVF; 'American Legend'}




{Custo Barcelona; a mix of lace, animal print, fur, ruffles, metallics, velvet, leather and so on}




{Tommy Hilfiger; luxurious, sophisticated, preppy and fresh}

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Black + Blue.

Although my trips in February are centered around the fashion shows of MBFW, I did manage to find time to enjoy NYC outside of Lincoln Center. Just hours after our arrival, my mom and I were already walking through Central Park heading to The Metropolitian Museum of Art some 20+ blocks away from our hotel.

Lesson learned: Always keep a few band-aids in your purse in case of blisters - my poor mom :(

 {Bebe coat, H&M dress, Eileen Fisher leggings & circular scarf, Jimmy Choo purse, Crown Vintage boots}
 {The Plaza Hotel}

 {Beginning each morning with breakfast at The Palm Court}

 {Got lost in The Met}

 {Dinner at The Breslin}

 {Shopping around the Diamond District}

 {Valentine's Day at The Lion}

{The cozy suite I shared with my mom}

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Saw Red.

Crimson, coral, wine, scarlet, whatever shade you prefer - Red is going to be the "IT" color for Fall as it's dominantly circulating the runways this season at MBFW. Personally, red has always been a color I've had a hard time wearing, but after attending a few of these shows myself, I am excited for upcoming options.

Key Rule: Invest in luxurious fabrics & tailored pieces that fit your body  - they will last you a lifetime (a little tip I picked up from Nina Garcia during a luncheon the other day. How cool is that?!) 


 {Max Azria}

 {Derek Lam}

 {Custo Barcelona}

 {Tommy Hilfiger}

{DVF}

Now enjoy an all-time favorite by Bradley and Gwen.


Photos from Style.com.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Introducing: The Flatform.

A hybrid of a platform and flat shoes, the 'flatform'.

Get the look.




What do you think? Would you wear them?

Monday, February 14, 2011

Love in the Air.



For the one you love...or just for yourself.






View the rest of the SS/11 campaign here.

Friday, February 11, 2011

Remembering McQueen.

{March 17, 1969 – February 11, 2010}

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Sneak Peek.

Today's the official start of New York Fashion Week.

A little peek of what's to come......










Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Ooh La La.

I always assumed the richest, most expensive make up & hair products were used during New York Fashion Week, but was elated to find that Maybelline and TRESemmé products hold high esteem in the beauty industry. Great to learn as products are both affordable for the pocket book and can be picked up at your local drugstore. I scored a lot of great free samples including some from the since-been-released TRESemmé Fresh Start collection. One year later, here are three hair & make up products that have made it into my daily routine.

 {Maybelline Eyestudio, Copper Chic}

A color palette looks good on most everyone, plus it's easy to apply - wet or dry. Added bonus: the Maybelline website offers fantastic step by step tutorials for application.


{TRESemmé, Dry Shampoo}


Perfect to freshen up between work to happy hour with girlfriend.
{TRESemmé, Smooth Shine spray}

The last & most important thing I do (besides saying goodbye to Ziggy and grab my keys) before I leave my house. One spritz is all you need.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Fairweather Friends.

I feel slightly guilty saying this, as a third of the country is dealing with inclement weather, but California weather has been outstanding - it certainly doesn't feel like February. Weather like this makes me want for liquid chains, vintage keys and feathers; Bohemian feeling jewelry, edgy preferred. I know, tall order. Now this may all change once I visit Fenton|Fallon next week, but until then, I'll entertain myself with a few of my House of Harlow favorites.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Hair Saver.

I honestly can't believe I have lived my life this long without this ceramic flat iron. We've only been together for a short time, yet this straightener has already changed my life for the better - key in a new partnership. The gift of a few extra (& quite invaluable) minutes each morning for other finishing touches before I to run off to work, which to me, is priceless.

     Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
{Solia Ceramic Flat Iron c/o  Folica.com}

Friday, February 4, 2011

Hard Candy.


A little color to brighten up your Friday. 

Creamy duo cheek tints by Hard Candy that glide on smoothly & blend well. Plus who doesn't love a good bargain? Each blush stick is a mere $6.

The only down side is this product is sold exclusively at Walmart. And without a convenient location in the city and lack of a car, I have my godfather to thank for be frequent patron of his local Walmart -- what I would pay to see him looking for Pillow Talk in the make up aisle....

Thursday, February 3, 2011

New Routine.


I have to be honest: I've never had a  daily skincare routine with the exception of simple soap and water combined with Kiehl's moisturizer. Now, especially because I am nearing a new decade, it's time to for me to make the commitment to take better care of myself. I know I'll appreciate it in the long run.

Since I'm such a rookie and have know idea what I am doing, I headed straight to Kiehl's and picked up this starter pack for $24.50. And considering this is the cost of the ultra moisturizer alone the cleanser and toner are FREE.

Now to stick to the routine - twice a day.


Oh, and Kiehl's has a recycling program and works with multiple charities - love that!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Isharya.


I'm a little jewelry crazy right now. I find myself perusing websites looking for just the perfect piece to add to my collection of treasures. For now, my search has paused on Isharya - a lovely Indian-inspired line of casual costume jewelry. Once you get started browsing by color, bauble or collection, you'll be lost in the enchanting, accessible jewels.

Here are a few pieces that bring a bit of spectacular. Which one would you choose?