Maison Ladurée SoHo

The famous French patisserie may have opened about 2 months ago in SoHo with their second flagship in New York, but recent visits reminded me of how much I love this iconic maison. The new SoHo location is a quintessential French tea salon. New York has been waiting to get its own Ladurée restaurant which can be found in other places around the world such as Paris and Switzerland. Upon entering, the the front is filled with a myriad of pastel colors pastries and a ceiling painted with a cloud motif.

The restaurant, a first for locations in New York, is calm and sophisticated. A fashionable crowd sips green tea with jasmine and indulges in an array of macaroons. Located in the heart of SoHo on West Broadway, the location is perfect for afternoon indulgences, a break from shopping, or a rendez-vous with friends.

In addition to the vast pastry list, this location features a full lunch and dinner menu and also does brunch on Saturdays and Sundays that sounds to die for. I highly recommend the millefeuille praliné or Saint Honoré Rose Frombroise...but then again you cannot go wrong with anything here!

ByMisha Presents Collection During New York Fashion Week

On Tuesday evening, design ByMisha presented her Fall/Winter 2014 collection at a trendy loft space in SoHo. The presentation was filled with stylish attendees sipping cocktails and viewing the new collection, filled with skirts, blouses, trousers, and dresses in silks, laces, and prints. 

The Fall/Winter 2014 collection takes on a feminine flair with its soft pastels yet incorporates that downtown flare we all love in details such as high-low hems, exotic looking cap sleeves, or relaxed versus tailored styles. The brand prides itself on fusing modern sophistication with timeless elegance which was definitely visible in the fall collection. 

Overall I think the collection will be perfect for the city girl that is looking for trendier pieces (such as the skirt shown above) and pieces that are perfect for running around SoHo or a night out on the town. I love the story behind the brand, with Misha, the designer, originating in London. The entire collection can be viewed online at ByMisha.

City Brunch Spot: Sarabeth's

Us New Yorkers take brunch, or "brunching" very seriously. For many, it is a verb and something that you a bound to be doing on either a Saturday or Sunday morning...especially after a long night out. As you can imagine, there are a myriad of places throughout the city that offer great brunches, unique in there own way. 

The spot I keep going back to, however, is Sarabeth's. They have 5 locations throughout the city, but I am partial to the TriBeCa location myself. Sarabeth's is my favorite because it reminds me of more of a traditional Sunday brunch as you would think of- an older crowd, well dressed, and relaxed. The restaurants definitely play host to a certain crowd. It makes for the perfect way to pass a late weekend morning. 

Sarabeth's is known for the preserves and jams, and their brunch menu is contains classics such as eggs Benedict, amazing waffles and pancakes, and omelets. My favorite part about the brunch menu is the drinks! Probably the best bloody mary I have had in the city thus far- it does not hurt that it comes in a giant goblet! They also offer a few variations on the typical mimosa that are quite interesting and tasty.

The next time you are looking for a new brunch spot, try Sarabeth's when in the city. Their website  is also home to an array of products available for ordering as well as recipes for those that cannot make it to the city.

Celebrating Steve McQueen at Belstaff

Last week, GQ and Belstaff celebrated actor Steve McQueen at Belstaff's Madison Avenue flagship in New York. I attended with other industry insiders, models such as Tyson Beckford, and fashionable New Yorkers to view the new retrospective by Barry Feinstein, Unseen McQueen.

The store was the perfect backdrop for the viewing of the photos. McQueen's style is quintessentially Belstaff, namely leather motorcycle jackets, leather biker pants, and chunky knits. His style is quite relevant today as distressed denim, biker jackets, and the like have become must-have pieces for that edgy, downtown style. 

The book is filled with photos of McQueen on a motorcycle, a shared passion of both the photographer and McQueen. A hardcover copy can be purchased in-store or online via Mr Porter.

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Bib + Tuck Celebrates New App

Bib + Tuck, an online fashion company, celebrated the launch of their new app on Wednesday evening at Bar Naná in Meatpacking District. Bib + Tuck is a revolutionary concept started by friends where members shop each other's closets. Yes, thats right! Decide what clothes you no longer want, set a virtual "price" in B+T bucks and when someone purchases, you will have bucks to spend on something from another member's closet...pretty cool right?

The Command Shift event on Wednesday evening made for a fashionable night. Bar Naná offered the perfect backdrop for the celebration in conjunction with Bullet Magazine. Vanity Projects was on location doing manicures and makeup artist Eileen was creating some awesome looks.

All Images Courtesy of Anna Louise Jiongco Photography

Lafayette: French Style Patisserie in New York

It is always an appropriate time for French pastries and coffee, and being transported back to a favorite trip to Paris. We all know the famous Ladurée for its macaroons, however, there is a new player located in the heart of downtown, Lafayette. This new bakery and café has quickly become a hot spot for "it" people in the fashion industry and food and coffee lovers alike. 

Located on Lafayette street in NoHo, the location offers the perfect setting to enjoy something from the patisserie after shopping in SoHo or strolling around the village. I received some items from the bakery as a recent birthday gift and was able to finally try it....it has been on my list of places to go! The sweets from Lafayette did not disappoint! 

Fresh macaroons in flavors like chocolate, pistachio, passion fruit, birthday cake, and the "lafayette flavor." It was needless to say I ate all 5 rather quickly!

The lune d'automne pastry was highly delectable. Made with blackberry mousse, apple compote, and hazelnut financier, it was light with a touch of sweetness. Perfect to pair with an afternoon espresso. 

If you are looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, I highly recommend the bakery at Lafayette which can be found at 380 Lafayette Street, New York, NY.

The Sweater Jacket

Now that the clocks have been turned and it is dark by 5pm it is really feeling like fall, and dare I say winter. There is a strong chill in the air in New York, but its not quite time to dig out the down parkas. This weather is perfect for what I like to call sweater jackets- those sweaters that are very chunky and heavy enough to be worn as outerwear. This style of sweater has become a bit of a trend, and I think that they can make for some great outfits.

Below, I have created a very New York look in all black, reminiscent of this tonal outfit I wore a few weeks ago. I paired a heavy wool Ralph Lauren Black Label sweater that has a belt similar to a trench with black skinny cargo pants and a simple black v-neck.

The sweater jacket is very versatile, and when the temperatures are still not absolutely freezing, it transitions well from the street to the office (which is always freezing!). The sweater I am wearing has a bit of the "moto" edge to it with the multiple pockets on the front, making it perfect for Fall 2013. As always, the details of a sweater really make the sweater in my opinion. 

Shown:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Shoes: Louis Vuitton

Do you embrace the sweater jacket style? Share how you style yours below.

Tonal

It is very evident that I have a color filled wardrobe that could rival even the brightest of closets. I wear printed Lilly Pulitzer shorts in the summer and brightly colored cashmere year round. However, I am finding a new love for black and beginning to understand why it is such a wardrobe staple, especially in New York.

To attend event or go out in the evening, I have been opting to wear all black outfits. These tonal black outfits look very New York in my opinion and are perfect for occasions. I prefer the tonal look because it really looks chic and sophisticated. Designers such as Ralph Lauren in his Black Label line presents tonal looks that I love. In fact, one of my recent tonal black outfits was all by Ralph Lauren Black Label.

Here, I paired a wool sweater with slim fitting black cargo pants. The slim style is very in for men, and makes the cargo pant a wearable style. I finished the look with a black belt, black loafers, and added a little pop of color with a red bangle.

How do you love to wear black?

Featured Styles:

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Cargo Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label

Loafers: Ralph Lauren

Belt: Ferragamo

Bracelet: Hermes

Culinary Expert Donatella Arpaia Previews New Collection

On October 3, lifestyle and culinary expert Donatella Arpaia previewed her new kitchen collection that will be available via HSN. I got to experience the new collection first hand at her Chelsea restaurant, "Donatella."

The new collection from Donatella, exclusive to HSN, truly takes the work out of entertaining. If you are like me, you enjoy food and good friends, but sometimes the thought of preparing everything and being the host is a bit daunting. The new products ranging from a pizza oven to fresh Italian ingredients makes entertaining enjoyable. Donatella has created a cohesive entertaining collection at accessible price points ranging from $24.95-$129.95

The Collection:

At, perhaps, the core of the new line is the pizza oven. This oven pairs perfectly with Donatella's pizza dough mixes and tomato sauces. The oven features a pizza stone, but can also be used for a variety of foods such as garlic breads. The collection also includes an array of polished stoneware in beautiful color offerings. A baker, serving tray, and ramekins are all available in stoneware. My favorite was the ramekins which are both microwave and oven safe. They are the perfect size for making individual servings of mac & cheese as they can go straight from oven to table. 

In addition to items above, Donatella will be selling her world famous meatballs as well sets of her pizza dough (plain, Italian herb, and garlic) and tomato sauces (Marinara, Spicy Arrabbiata, and Tuscan  Vodka). All the array of foods are made with the freshest ingredients. Additionally, party disposables are available in a myriad of colors. These were another one of my personal favorites since it is a super easy way to have presentable looking napkins and placemats that are disposable without having to resort to white paper options. As I mentioned, this collection really makes entertaining for guests that much easier. 

Seeing the products first hand, I can attest that the quality is great. Additionally, Donatella's signature dishes were being offered, and the food options are equally as great. I had a moment to speak with Donatella, and she is very excited about the upcoming collection which will be available on HSN/HSN.com October 7th and filled me in on some exciting future developments!

About Donatella Arpaia:

Donatella has become an influential figure in the worlds of food, business, and entertaining. She is the longest standing judge on Food Network's Iron Chef America and is a regular contributor to The Today Show. Additionally, she was included in the New York Post's "most powerful women."

Photos: HSN/HL Group

Diesel Celebrates New Home Collection in SoHo

Diesel, the Italian brand we know for their denim and provoking ads, actually has a home line as well. On Wednesday night, Diesel celebrated the debut of its newest home collection at 3 high-end furniture stores in SoHo- Foscarini, Scavolini, and Moroso. We were invited to celebrate the launch at all 3 locations. In fact, if you made it to all three within a certain time, guests were entered into a drawing to win a prize from Diesel- pretty cool!

I was only able to make it to one stop, Moroso. This high-end Italian furniture store on Greene Street was filled with very stylish guests previewing the new collection. I was very impressed with the designs I saw on the floor. It was what one would expect from an Italian designer: sleek, modern, and sophisticated.

I imagine the pieces fitting perfectly into a trendy TriBeCa loft or Soho apartment. The pieces at Moroso were mainly chairs, sofas, and beds. The Diesel collection does include lamps and small accessories which were on display at other locations. 

Diesel's motto is "Successful Living" I would say that, this is pretty successful living!

Hannah Bronfman Host 7 For All Mankind x Malhia Kent Launch

Thursday night 7 For All Mankind in SoHo hosted a party to celebrate their newest collaboration with the Malhia Kent mill. The party was hosted by DJ and entrepreneur, Hannah Bronfman. Other guests in attendance included the CEO of 7FAM and industry experts. I was in attendance to experience the new collection first-hand

Malhia Kent is known for its luxury fabrics and has produced textiles for brands such as Chanel, YSL, and Proenza Schouler. This collaboration has resulted in some amazing "couture" denim for the fall season. The collection was filled with prints and textures in the fabric. One of my favorite pieces was a black blazer with a gold, intricate lace design. Bronfman was wearing the skinny jean in Egyptian gold jacquard at the event- they looked great!

The evening consisted of shopping and sipping on champagne. Guests enjoyed a live DJ and great gifts with purchases. You can view other pieces from the Malhia Kent collection online at 7FAM.

Images: 7 for All Mankind, my own

Sharp Lines and Clean Aesthetics for Fall

It is hard to believe that summer is (unofficially over). It seems like not long ago we were all writing about our favorite summer pieces and colors. As we transition seasons, it is time to transition our wardrobes as well. For me, summer dressing is all about classic preppy styles- bright colors and patterns. For fall, I begin to mix contemporary with preppy, opting for darker colors and a more refined silhouette. 

Kai-aakmann, designer by Korean designer Soonjin Pak, offers an Autumn/Winter '13 collection that is perfect for the urban man with minimalistic silhouettes and sharp, assertive lines. For the fall collection, the brand is focusing on military tradition and incorporating a vintage American feel into its usually urban aesthetic. Elements such as quilting and color-blocking have been incorporated into many pieces in the new collection.

For the key colors of his A/W '13 collection, Pak selected orange, coral blue, grapefruit red, and mustard. I am loving the more relaxed, slouchy silhouette of some of the pieces. I think Kai-aakmann will offer some key pieces for men looking for a fashion forward way to enhance their fall wardrobe. 

I am loving the double breasted and shawl collar cardigans as well as the slim silhouette on the trousers. What are your favorite looks?

Photos: Barbarian Agency

CREAM Style Saint Laurent Duffle Giveaway

I recently wrote about the trend of social fashion, and featured the new style app, CREAM. I am excited to announce that CREAM is hosting a giveaway in which you can win a Saint Laurent Duffle 6. 

Since the rebranding of YSL to Saint Laurent, I have really been drawn to the accessories of Saint Laurent. They have classic, refined, and sophisticated. The duffle up for grabs is no exception. How to enter? It is actually quite fun!

Download the CREAM style app from the App store, and share any looks in the app via blog, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Every time you share a look or item, an entry is generated. So that means more sharing means more entries!

The winner will be randomly selected on September 9th...happy styling! 

James Turrell At The Guggenheim

James Turrell, known for his work with light and space, is on exhibit at the Guggenheim through September 25th. This is his first exhibit in any New York museum since 1980. I visited the exhibit this past week, and entered Turrell's world of light, perception, and color. 

Pieces of Turrell's work are located in galleries around the main rotunda, however, the focal point of the exhibit is Turrell's transformation of this large, famous space that is iconic to the building. The space is now filled with a blend of shifting artificial and natural light. It is best viewed from below while lying on the mats placed on the floor. I snapped a few pictures of the various colors that can be seen:

All the photos above are of the main rotunda, which many of you are used to seeing as the open space which spirals around the entire building to the different levels. Turrell completely transformed this into the focal point of his exhibit. 

If you like more modern, perceptual art you will love the James Turrell exhibit. I did find the rotunda interesting, but I am more of a classic art type so the other works were not as interesting to me. If you find yourself uptown, I recommend a stop by the Guggenheim to visit this exhibit before it leaves!

Summer Sunsets

Summer is all about relaxing evenings on the terrace or deck, drink in hand. Summer, for me, is also all about the sunsets. It really is the best time of the year to enjoy them, whether on vacation at the beach or just in your city. There have been some great sunsets in New York this summer. 

I love when the sun is about to set after a quick summer thunderstorm (photo on top left). The best places in the city to view the sunsets are major crosstown streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, and 42nd. Additionally, the Highline offers great views of the Hudson river and sunsets in the evening. Have you seen some beautiful sunsets so far this summer?

Summer Spot: The Yard at the SoHo Grand

Summer in New York is all about finding great spots outdoors-rooftops, terraces, decks. Ones with views are even better! A great summer spot to hangout and enjoy the hot weather while feeling like you are on a tropical island is this summer's pop-up at the Yard at the SoHo Grand Hotel: Gilligan's.

You can probably get a sense of what this summer hotspot is like from the name- beachy, relaxed, and tropical. Under vine covered arbors with white lights and tables under beach umbrellas, Gilligan's has amazing drinks and is a great place to meet friends. 

The people behind Gilligan's were the same people running Moby Dick, a very popular pop-up that was located in Montauk last summer. This transformative hangout features small dishes and drinks, of which the watermelon margarita is by far the most popular and very refreshing. It was my drink of choice upon visiting:

If you are looking for a relaxed, nautical vibe in the middle of Manhattan, Gilligan's at The Yard is definitely worth checking out!

Fashion Friday: Fit For The Palace

The New York Palace, which we all know and love from Gossip Girl, recently underwent a $140 million renovation project and debuted their Royal Suite. You can read more about my preview of the Suite at Skimbaco Lifestyle.

When I got the invitation, I immediately started thinking about what I was going to wear to the Palace, especially being in the Royal Suite! The weather has been unbearably hot in New York for the past 2 weeks so I knew lightweight chinos and a button down would be perfect.

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label
Chinos: Ralph Lauren
Sandals: Ralph Lauren
Belt: Hermes

I love the contrast of something brightly colored against a preppy navy. In this instance, it really makes my shirt standout, and in addition my sandals contrast against the navy chinos as well. I am not usually a huge sandal person, but these have such a European flare to them that I thought they were a perfect fit with the outfit.

So if it was perfect for the Royal Suite at the Palace, I think this outfit would definitely work for dinners, the Hamptons, or perhaps on my upcoming trip to the South of France!

Social Fashion

The world of apps has vastly changed the way we are able to interact with others, and has made almost everything social. If you are like me, you are usually looking for the newest apps to put on your iPhone so you can be the friend saying "Oh! Have you seen this app?! You must download it".

For those of us who love fashion, a new fashion app launched in the app store a few days ago called CREAM. CREAM is an iOS Fashion/Shopping app that keeps the updates on industry trends, tastemakers, and the pulse right in your palm.

The founding team is based in New York and Seoul, Korea- 2 very technologically advanced cities. Carefully curated daily looks from in-house stylists are delivered to your hand which allow you to discover new trends, create a virtual closet of pieces you love, and of course, shop!

Images: Cream Style Company