Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Travel Dreams 2013

Travel is something I love. I think it is such a great way to discover not only new places, but also one's self and what one loves. With hectic schedules year round, I never know where I will end up, however, I can only dream that I will make it to some of these locations in 2013:

The Almafi Coast




Stretching along the southern coast of Italy, the Amafi Coast attracts thousands of tourists each year. I have been lusting over photos of the area for a while now. The beautiful beaches and mediterranean climate are calling my name. See as I have not yet been to Italy, this would be a great way to start!

Courchevel



I recently took up skiing for the first time while on a trip to Aspen. You can read more about Aspen at Skimbaco Lifestyle here and here. I really want to try skiing on the other side of the pond- Europe that is. Courchevel is situated in the French Alps and has been ranked as one of the top ski destinations in Europe. 

Paris



Simply put, Paris is always a good idea. It is one of my favorite cities in the world and I miss it dearly. I have experienced Paris during the winter and early spring months but would love to be able to stroll around the beautiful streets during the summer. 

Barcelona



Barcelona is an architecture and art lover's dream city. Filled with beautiful buildings and a rich history the city just looks stunning. It looks like the city offers a ton to see, not to mention it is right next to the beach. A win win in my book!


As 2013 gets underway, where are you dreaming to travel?

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Fancy Grilled Cheese

Some of us love to cook while others of us do not. I tend to cluster in the latter group mainly because I never have the time to properly invest in cooking. What a better way to "cook" than taking a twist on a childhood favorite: grilled cheese.

While browsing pinterest the other day, I came across a recipe for a modern grilled cheese so to speak: spinach, avocado, and goat cheese grilled cheese. Sounds amazing right? 




The sandwich includes a mix of avocado, goat cheese, and a "green goddess" pesto. You can find the full recipe at the Taste Spotting Blog here

Monday, January 28, 2013

5 Random Monday Thoughts

It's back to reality for me on this snowy, dreary Monday. That is to say it is the start of a new semester.

  • A new semester means new classes, new schedule, and of course new memories
  • It has been SO cold in the city recently. I mean so cold. Can I be sitting on the beach in Barcelona yet. Spring break, are you there?
  • Its been so refreshing to see all my friends after a long winter break. Always good to catch up!
  • Fashion Week is coming up soon here in New York. Im hoping to get to attend some events. I have been to some great ones in the past. 
  • I definitely took advantage of my free time in the city before the start of school. Too much fun was had because now there is too much work to be had! I frequented one of my favorite places here, The Dream Downtown

PH-D at the Dream Downtown


Thursday, January 24, 2013

January Sales

Its the time to stock your closets with all those designer threads you have been lusting over all season. Every year around mid to late January some of the best department stores in the world have amazing sales with savings up to 75% off. 

Barneys New York. Contemporary Designers
Barney's New York and Bergdorf Goodman, two New York landmarks, are offering pieces from designers of the likes of Etro, Thom Browne, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta at 75% off the original price. You cannot beat that!

Furthermore, sites such as Neiman Marcus, Vineyard Vines, and Jack Wills are offering deep discounts with some having a sale on their sale. 

I took advantage of the sale at Bergdorf's and picked up some awesome oxfords from renowned Italian designer Etro.

If you are in the mood to shop, now is the perfect time! Happy Shopping. 


Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Creating Interest with Spikes

The men's shows are over in Paris and Milan, and couture week has gotten underway in Paris, but I am still looking at all the pieces and trends that went down the runways. Overall, one of my favorite collections was by Fendi. Throughout collections I have noticed one trend: spikes. Usually found on classic pieces, spikes are bringing a modern edge to items such as blazers, bags, and gloves. 




American designer Thom Browne is known for his classic pieces that always embody preppy flare. This blazer by him takes a new perspective with the studs located on the traditional elbow patches and collar. Stellar tailoring and studs are sure to be create an awesome look. 




Burberry Prorsum has been sending stunning coats, bags, and winter accessories down the runway season after season. These gloves are no exception. Burberry took the classic black driving glove and added metal spikes, creating a whole new look for the modern man.


What is your take on spikes- are they in or are they out?

Monday, January 21, 2013

In the Kitchen

The kitchen has always been a place of gathering in my house since I can remember. It is a place to laugh, be with family and friends, and enjoy good food. On a recent ski trip to Aspen, my friends and myself were fortunate to have an amazing chef's kitchen:



The kitchen, with its German stainless steel appliances, became the the gathering stops on cold evenings. We cooked breakfast for dinner, laughed around the island, and even made s'mores in the oven...quite a funny thing! The kitchen, in my opinion, is always a good place to be.

Read more about my stay in Aspen at Skimbaco Lifestyle Magazine.

Friday, January 18, 2013

The Uniform

The Uniform

The Uniform by lifethroughpreppyglasses on Polyvore


For us waspy and preppy types, we have our signature look. The "uniform" as many of us call it. Its a wardrobe staple and can be turned to time after time. I created a version of the "uniform" here, centered around a pair of slim fitting chinos. Chinos are a classic, but with new, slim fitting styles you can update your look.
Other classics featured include Brooks Brothers button downs, Ferragamo drivers, and the timeless navy blazer. I find this look to be effortless and polished while still being versatile.
Cheers to the uniform!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Men Fendi Autumn 2013

Milan Fashion concluded as renowned Italian designers sent their men's autumn collections down the runway. Collections of the likes of Giorgio Armani, Jil Sander, Dsquared, and Belstaff were displayed to the world. Milan fashion week is the start of many fashion weeks around the world as collection go down the runways in Paris, New York and London as well.

One of my favorite autumn collections of the Milan shows was from Fendi. Their menswear has been increasingly and increasingly better. The collection was marked by neutral hues, chunky knits, and furs for the cold weather of autumn/winter. I would love to have the signature for coat in my collection! Here are some of the looks for the Fendi A/W 13 show:





all images via


Monday, January 14, 2013

Aspen Shopping

Aspen is truly a world class destination. I was aware of this fact, but I did not realize just how good the shopping was until walking around the town one evening. The stores I was seeing quickly reminded me of 5th Avenue in New York. Aspen is home to designers such as Moncler, Prada, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, and Kate Spade. The great names of fashion are represented in this ski town. 

Prada Boutique, Aspen

If you are into smaller boutiques, Aspen is filled with those as well. Walking around town I saw little boutiques carrying furs, celine bags, and Cartier Tank watches covered in diamonds. Considering the size of Aspen, the shopping is quite amazing and you can find anything you may be looking for from ultra luxurious to souvenirs. 



So if you forget something in your luggage or just want to update your look, Aspen shopping has everything you need to look fabulous on and off the slopes. 

Friday, January 11, 2013

Winding Down a Ski Trip

My week in beautiful Aspen is almost over. I am always so surprised at how quickly a week goes by when traveling. It feels like just yesterday my plane was landing on the snow covered runway of the Aspen airport. I was a week of firsts for me- first winter resort, and more importantly my first time ever skiing
I now love skiing, and my instructor mentioned that I have a natural talent for it. I was doing blue runs on my 4th day of skiing in my life. Quite impressed with myself I must admit! Days of skiing turned into afternoons in the hot tubs, après ski wine, and dinner and sitting by the fire in the evening. Everything is quite beautiful here in the mountains. As I get ready to leave this chic resort town, what better way to wind down than with a glass of rosé and a mountain view?
I hope to see you again soon, Aspen.


Thursday, January 10, 2013

Natural Beauty

Aspen is filled with so much beauty. Wherever you look, there is a beautiful snowcapped mountain, forest, or patch of Aspen Trees. Seeing the continental divide, and peaks that are 14,000 feet really made me realize just how vast and beautiful this country truly is. 
There are no mountain peaks in the city, so it has been quite refreshing. A snow covered mountain is the perfect backdrop for a dip in the jacuzzi.

Aspen Mountain. The Residences at Little Nell


Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Down the Slopes

Greetings from Aspen! I am all about trying new things and this week is no exception. I came on this trip having never skied in my life, ever. I could not pass up the opportunity to learn how to ski on the mountains of Aspen. Thus, I booked myself into a 3 day school ski with day 1 already completed.
I chose to ski Buttermilk Mountain which is one of the best beginner mountains out there. My instructor told me about the well groomed and forgiving snow. Buttermilk is also home to the X-Games which will be getting underway in late January. Its pretty awesome skiing next to the half-pipe where Shaun White wins gold medals.
I have to admit, I was a bit nervous when I clipped into my skis and was about to head down the virtually slope-less starting point. My instructor taught me how to properly make turns and I practiced on this very low slope run until I became more comfortable. We then moved to the chair lift and the "powder panda" slope which was a bit larger to continue to work on my turns. Yes, I did fall quite a few times! All in all I fell less than I expected.
By the end of the day, however, I was riding on the chair lift that goes to the top of the mountain and skiing on a green run down the mountain. I couldn't believe it! After only one day and never having skied before, I was at the top of the mountain....I was impressed with myself :)
Is skiing my new calling? Perhaps, but it is definitely something I would like to add to my hobby list!

View from the top of Buttermilk Mountain


Sunday, January 6, 2013

Morimoto Philadelphia

Morimoto Philadelphia brings an upscale, trendy vibe to Japanese cuisine. Executive chef Masaharu Morimoto, best known from the TV Series Iron Chef and Iron Chef America has crafted a menu filled with authentic Japanese flavors. Morimoto has locations in both Philadelphia and the Meatpacking District of New York. 


The interior of the restaurant has a very modern vibe with color changing walls and a ceiling that seems to roll into the kitchen. A friend and myself picked Morimoto to celebrate a birthday. The vibe of the interior is very chic and refined. 

The menu includes an extensive cocktail list as well as Japanese Sakes, some of which are Morimoto's own label. There is an array of appetizers both hot and cold, and dinners can choose between entrées or the tasting menu which takes all the work out of picking items on the menu. We opted to select our appetizers and entrées ourselves. 

We started off with rock shrimp tempura, tuna tartar, and I also had a cucumber avocado role.



I had the wasabi salmon for dinner which was prepared in a creamy garlic sauce with a wasabi vinaigrette and scallion bubbles. 

All in all the food was good, but note that if you are not a big seafood lover this may not be the place for you as the menu is heavily based on seafood dishes. I would like to try the New York location just to see how it compares.


Friday, January 4, 2013

Winter Holiday in the Mountains


Source: google.it via Tam on Pinterest



Im off to have some fun in the snow in Aspen, CO. I have never traveled to a winter destination so this trip will have a lot of firsts for me. I am planning on skiing, but will look nothing like the photo above seeing as I have never clipped my foot in a ski before! Lets hope that I am just standing more than I will be falling. 

It will be nice to reconvene with friends after the holidays for a little getaway before we find ourselves trapped in the library for another semester. I have my bright red ski pants packed, as well as all my intarsia and fair isle Ralph Lauren sweaters. And of course, my Moncler Jacket will definitely be coming to Aspen with me. 



I am very excited to try skiing, and might try out some other winter activities such a snowshoeing and cross-country skiing as well. There will also be lots of eating, and hopefully some champagne drinking! See you all at the bottom of the slopes
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