The Weekend Review

Sometimes the smallest things in this world can just put a smile on your face.

Did you not expect nature to coexist with life in a city? Rather, did you not think that opossums had a sense of humor? Think again...

But sometimes mysteries like those just need to be put on hold to take in the beauty that Georgina Chapman has to offer in her eveningwear. Vogue certainly has expressed the utmost gratitude and redeeming qualities of owning a Marchesa design. I know I would be fashion blessed, if this existed.

With Marchesa, you'll feel like a princess. With this ring, you'll turn into cat woman. Together, you'll be a force.

Perusing through the pages of Vogue

As we slowly bring ourselves back to doing work again and waking up from the vacation we were basking ourselves in, it's hard to leave behind all the little things we were able to do. For instance: nonchalantly perusing through issues of Vogue only to read about the latest and "greatest" art or the trends for this month or even political news that we so often see peeking in behind an advertisement for Rolex. And as I flip through each page looking for a valid reason NOT to do work, I came across a stunning advertisement for Saint Laurant, formerly called YSL or Yves Saint Laurent (however, you may have perceived this brand to be). The mysterious woman, slightly covered by her tipped hat along with the shadow coming from out yonder, and the black and white ensemble (so effortlessly styled, might I add) created a simple way to evoke sensuality and beauty. Before, I go off on a complete tangent or I start spewing out a string of words that don't make sense, the advertisement was instagrammed for those cool fashion side effects.

We might not know who this model is (Linda Evangelista? Caroline Murphy? Kate Moss? Liu Wen? Miranda Kerr? Hilary Rhoda? Kate Upton? etc etc), but the sensuality and beauty is evidently evoked through the clothes. The shimmer and shine of this coat and the ruffles all seem to feminize yet bring out a strength in the clothes. Call this what you may, this outfit tells a tale of what's to come for the brand.

Cold As...

Freak-a-zoid! Never in all of my life have I ever experienced cold like this in Albany or anywhere else for that matter...But to cope with all this bitingly cold weather in a way that guides me to a healthy, non-food coma induced state, Argan oil, Goji berries, and a boat load of tea in a traveler's mug is a way to go.

Except we can't forget that layering in a fitting manner, Man Repeller's motto for life, is the way to survive these harsh arctic blues. When I walked into Bloomingdales in the middle of December to check out the Canada Goose coat, the coat connoisseur said to me "That's a lot of coat!" My response? "Yes, it is." And then I questioned purchasing this coat- was it a necessity or just a coat that I'd be buying on a whim? Well, whim or not, Canada Goose has been a coat that consumers, especially fashion lovers, find to be warm and cool (just like the staple Isabel Marant wedge sneakers). With wild duck down, zippers and buttons galore, you are for sure to get lost in this coat, but it will also keep you warm and away from the big bad winter blues. If you were and have tried this coat on before, you will understand how "a lot of coat" this is. And while the price is a bit steep, it is quite the investment if you can barely stand the frost for more than a minute.

Montebello Parka. [Canada Goose]

But winter gear just doesn't stop at the coat. Layering your shirts and your patterns in some fantas-mical way is the utmost goal of any Man Repeller follower (see Leandra Medine!). Plaid shirts, cable cashmere sweaters, printed t-shirts, frilly peplum tops abound can all be worn in just one sitting to not only create a whimsical look, but a warmer style. Sometimes, fashion is all about how you feel and what you feel at the moment that creates a good look.

In other ways to stay warm and less of a frozen walking snowperson, eat goji berries and wear Argan oil to keep your body alive and fueled up during this time of frost. And if all else fails, hot chocolate. Dark hot chocolate.

Here's to Lookin' at Brisky Weather and Tech Gloves for 2013

To those who believed that the end of the world was coming in December, we're still here, disasters and all! Last year, as I counted down to the year 2012, I was celebrating the closing of another chapter in my book (filled with heartbreaks, fashion faux pas, and the general acclimation to a completely new environment with a completely new career change) in such warm weather that I can now believe that global warming is officially playing us and the world might just be falling into shambles, or that mother nature is just being seriously hormonal.

This year, as we look to another new year (a whole 365 days worth), we'll most definitely celebrate in frigid cold temperatures, which is predictable since winter is among us. With all of these crazy winter storms and crazy blasting cold temperatures, it's incredibly difficult to not leave my cozy warm house. For those willing to brace the cold and celebrate in style, lace and stockings are the keys to a golden night!

Ponte and Lace Dress. [Rebecca Taylor.]

Refinery29 (of course) has recently posted the ultimate rip-proof guide to black tights. For those who are constantly ripping their tights, a.k.a me, this crazy cool pop culture fashion crazy site will direct you to your go to pair sans the time and money that goes into searching for that one pair of tights. Among one of their picks is the Uniqlo Heattech tights, which are absolutely perfect for this time of year. Who doesn't want their clothes to come in with a "built-in heater" for those frosty days?

Women Heattech Tights [Uniqlo.]

Spanxs are a gal's best friend during this time of year where you splurge a little in your diet and might just end up skipping a workout or two...

Tight End Tights [Spanx.]

And while you're on the go from one venue to another during the winter season, you 'd want to keep your extremities warm too. Smart gloves have been somewhat of a huge hit this season and now that I'm seeing them on sale, I might just snag one or two. These gloves come in handy because they not only keep you warm, but allow you to check on your messages on your phone as you're on the go! For those who don't stay still in one place for more than a half hour or so, this is probably the best after Christmas day buy you can grab.

Smart Gloves. [Buji Baja.]

 As a native New Yorker, I have a strong affinity for the color black, probably because our winter seasons are long, brutal, and dark, but mainly because black is such a versatile color that matches with all. While black is my go to color for the wardrobe, I do believe in variability in colors with my food.

Tuscan Kale Salad

Kale is my favorite kind of vegetable, providing essential nutrients for your body. So put down that iceberg lettuce and shift over to kale as part of your new year's be fit and healthy resolution!

Holiday Treats and Sweets

It's that time of the year to enjoy the holidays with family and friends...Christmas or from my last post, Festivus! What brings friends and family members happily fighting and conversing at the dinner table more than anything else? The delectable sweets, which can be bought in store or made in your very own kitchen (because let's face it, anything sweet, fun, unique, and of the holiday spirit will make anyone run head first to the desserts) are sure to make anyone light up with joy!

My take on the very classic chocolate chip cookie turned into a rather festive kind...I give you the Dark chocolate chips and walnuts Peppermint cookie!

Inspired by a recipe I found for Chocolate chip Peppermint cookies, I wanted something a bit more flavorful and because my sweet tooth always calls for dark chocolate, it just had to be done. While intensely addicting due to the walnuts, dark chocolate, peppermint AND butter, this cookie puts you in the holiday spirit no matter what. Homemade is surely the way to go.

But of course my holiday baking extravaganza does not just stop at cookies. With all the baking supplies I have lying around, I was inspired to whip up something crazy (yeah...right...crazy..pshh): Matcha green tea and chestnut cupcakes with a matcha green tea frosting. Voila!

My love for gluten free products extends to the baking products I use. To be completely honest, I admire those who are gluten free bakers because gluten free products do not give you the same consistency as when you use normal unbleached all purpose flour. My chestnut flour, as gluten free as you can get flour to be, gave a consistency that was unlike any other. Knowing that my cupcake batter was not the right smooth consistency like a normal cupcake batter, I was nervous. Freaked out, actually. But before giving up completely, I decided to improvise to give it some moisture (or rather some life). Popped those suckers into the oven and bazinga! (see final product above). Christmas/ Festivus/ all around holiday baking has COMMENCED!

Festivus

In the words of Kramer, Happy Festivus!

Dark Chocolate Chips and Walnut Peppermint Cookies

Sometimes our world is filled with way too much consumerism and this holiday is to celebrate all that isn't about the money. If you lose tract of the number of laughs you have at a family gathering, then you know you've celebrated well this year. If your stomach is stuffed and satisfied to the brim, then you can gladly call yourself a happy holiday camper. If you have kissed and hugged countless numbers of family members and friends, well it's guaranteed that you're loved a million times and more! So go out and celebrate the joyfulness and love of the season with those you love because life is delicate and precious.

                                                                                                                        Happy Holidays!!

Nemo!!

Robofish

Nemo just got a tad bit electronically motivated...Introducing, Robofish!