Go-To Winter Cocktails

I am always on the hunt for new cocktail recipes to add to my already seemingly large collection. As we head in to the weekend, what better way to start than a great cocktail? The craft cocktail trend has become very popular, with craft cocktail bars popping up in major cities all around the world. While I love going out for a good drink (or a few) some times my wallet begs to differ!

I was recently exposed to Rokz, a brand that brings ingredients and recipes to your home to make the perfect craft cocktail. The brand specializes in innovative and beautifully designed products that include infusions, cocktail sugars and margarita salts for the craft cocktail. Below are two new recipes from Rokz to try and  add to your collection.

Spiced Up Cider Cocktail:
- 2 ounces rokz cinnamon spice infused whiskey
-3 ounces apple cider Infuse your favorite whiskey with rokz cinnamon spice infusion.

Fill a glass (highball glass or white wine glass) 1/4 full with ice cubes. Pour in the infused whiskey and top with apple cider. Stir gently until mixed. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

One Incredible Mary Cocktail:

-1.5 ounces rokz fiery pepper infused vodka 

-4 ounces tomato juice 

-A squeeze of lime juice 

-1/2 tsp worcestershire Salt and pepper to taste 

-Garnish: rokz bloody mary salt rim, wedge of lime 

 Infuse your favorite vodka with rokz fiery pepper infusion. Rim a glass with rokz bloody mary salt. Combine ingredients and ice in a glass, stir and enjoy.

I don't know about you, but these concoctions definitely sound like they would warm up the body on a cold winter afternoon or evening! Rokz products are available at department stores like Nordstrom and retailers such as Whole Foods as well as online.

Images: Rokz

Shearling Bomber: A Winter Essential

You may have gotten hit by Blizzard Juno, or it may have been in a bust in your area, however, many of us in the northeast will not disagree that it has been a quite cold winter. As a seasoned resident of this part of the country, it just seems like it never gets easier welcoming old man winter with the passing years.

Outerwear has always been one of my favorite things. A great jacket, whether fall, winter, or spring, is a must have piece for any wardrobe. I have numerous winter jackets and love to switch up my outerwear depending on my look or mood. One piece, however, is a winter essential if you are in a cold weather climate: a great shearling.

When shopping for a shearling, I opted to go with a modern, moto-inspired piece. The green color attracted me to this particular jacket as it was something different compared to the traditional black or tan styles. While a shearling bomber may not be the ideal choice for when the snow is falling, it is a great option for beating the cold after the storms. 

Given the modern edge of the jacket, I paired it with moto inspired denim that compliments the aspects of the jacket. I layered the bomber with a warm, merino wool sweater for added warmth. I finished this winter look by adding a warm pair of boots, perfect for walking over the snow covered sidewalks and streets of many of the cities in the northeast. 

Jacket: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Boots: UGG

How are you staying warm this winter??

Clicquot in the Snow

There has been so much snow in the northeast its actually getting quite ridiculous. I think all of us up here have entered this weird state of mind where we are still shocked that we get at least 2-4 inches every 2-3 days but at the same time expect this uninvited party guest by this point. This past weekend was quite more, picking up 20 inches where I was. 

Fortunately I was able to escape the slushy, unable to walk around, city and get into the suburbs and buckle down for this big winter storm. With so much snow, I have learned to just embrace it and go with it because we will not be seeing a blade of grass any time soon. 

With Valentine's Day right after the big storm, what better way to celebrate than with a little champagne of course? Well we took advantage of the feet of snow on the ground, a warm fire, pretended we were in Aspen perhaps, and made the best of it. I cannot complain about a little (or a magnum) of Clicquot in the snow!

How did you celebrate?

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.

New York Essential: Bean Boots

This winter has been quite relentless in the Northeast. We just received 11 inches of snow and or forecasted to pick up a few more inches over the new few days, with the potential for a major storm in a few weeks. 

Snow in New York is pretty for about 10 minutes, and then it turns into a slushy, brown mess. This time, with the polar vortex in place, this slushy mess is not going anywhere any time soon. This makes stepping out the door and moving around the city and nightmare...for your shoes that is. 

I will be living in my LL Bean Boots over the next 1.5 weeks as the streets continue to be wet and slushy. They are known for their exceptional quality guarantee and are actually quite versatile when it comes to making an outfit. Below I am wearing the original style, but also have the fleece lined style for when its very snowy- in fact, I packed them for a trip to Aspen last January. 

I put together an outfit that keeps my feet dry on the street, but also keeps me warm inside during the very cold weather we are also experiencing thanks to the heavy cardigan. I love the check pattern of the shirt and the elbow patch details on the cardigan. A wool toggle coat overtop would make this the perfect outfit to trek out in the aftermath of the storm and into the polar vortex. 

Shirt- Jack Wills (similar) // Sweater- Jack Wills (similar) // Denim- 7 for all Mankind Belt- Ralph Lauren // Boots- LL Bean

Deep Freeze

Whether you are in the northeast, midwest, or not, I am sure you have heard about the recording breaking cold we are experiencing in this part of the country. With temperatures in the teens and real feel in the negative 20's, it is brutal stepping outside. 

It was the perfect day to spend inside by the wood burning fireplace. It was so cold that even the fireplace could not keep up so it was also I good day to layer in flannel and cashmere to fight the cold. Below, I paired a classic Brooks Brother's flannel oxford with a simple Ralph Lauren cashmere sweater. The look is finished with coated canvas denim for the ultimate arctic day by the fire. 

Shirt: Brooks Brothers (similar) // Sweater: Ralph Lauren // Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelet: Miansai

How are you beating the arctic air?

Welcoming Winter: Cashmere & Fur

On Saturday we will officially welcome the winter season. It has been quite cold here the past week in the northeast so dressing warmly has been essential. When I think of winter essentials, I think of chunky sweaters, wool coats, cashmere, and of course fur. I know fur is a debated subject, however, I just love the warmth and sophistication of a real fur. 

Below, I have made an outfit that would be perfect for après-ski slope side, sipping wine by the fire, or a chilly day in the country. I layered a rabbit fur vest with a warm, simple cashmere sweater. A modern edge is added to the look with moto inspired jeans, filled with detail. As always, a loafer adds a classic, preppy touch. 

What is keeping you warm this winter?

Vest- Vintage Rabbit Fur // Sweater- Vintage // Denim- Ralph Lauren Black Label // Drivers- Ralph Lauren

Season of Celebrations

Tis the season for celebrations! Just one of the many things I love about this time of the year. Whether you are celebrating the end of another semester, a work party, or gift exchange with friends, there is always a reason to pop open a bottle of bubbly. 

I am partial to Moet, and highly recommend the Ice Imperial. Rosé is perfect for a toast at a special gathering. I have been seeing a lot of great recipes involving champagne floating around the internet. I  love a good classic, yet fun cocktail with champagne. 

At your next celebration, grab the Moet, ice cream, and raspberries, and you will have the perfect sweet cocktail in a glass...sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Photo: My own

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. 

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.

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

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

5 Random Monday Thoughts

Hello, December. Sneaking up on us so quickly.

• I cannot believe Christmas is in 22 days. Havent had a moment to stop and think about it!
• Speaking of Christmas, check out my Gift Guide over at Skimbaco Lifestyle.
• NYC is all decorated for the holidays. I will share images of the tree at Rockefeller Center and some department store windows. Its always a tradition to see them.
• I am sooo tired of hearing about the fiscal cliff. 
• As always, Ill leave you with some inspiration:

Source: milesmind.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Moncler: The Ultimate Winter Luxury

As many of you are planning and heading out on ski trips during the winter season, you will be sure to see the luxurious French designer Moncler all over the slops from Aspen to St. Moritz.

The brand has become renowned for their down jackets that are functional yet highly fashionable at the same time. I have posted about Moncler as my Top Pick in Milan Fashion Week before, and they remain at the top of my list of favorite designers. Thom Browne brings is classic, preppy inspired designs to the brand, creating a fusion between American and European style.

Moncler never disappoints with their avant garde runway shows, of which I have been fortunate to attend in the past. Since growing in popularity, the line has expanded from outerwear to also include knitwear, shoes, and accessories.

As the cold weather is upon us, here are some of my favorite picks from the F/W '12 outerwear collection.

Source: store.moncler.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Source: store.moncler.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Source: store.moncler.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Source: store.moncler.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Hello, Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter decided to finally say hello here on the East coast. This winter hasnt been a typical winter for us at all, and the temperatures are like a roller coaster. 

Today its bitter cold and feeling like its in the teens, so how do you return the hello to Old Man Winter? I did so with my favorite Burberry Ski Jacket. The cold temperatures are here to stay for a few more days and so is my jacket.

of course I had to use instagram on my new iphone!

How are you facing winter??

Winter Essentials

I think the weather may have finally decided to be normal...for December that is. Living in an area with cold winter weather demands a few things to keep you warm, namely a good coat and a scarf. I love winter coats and cannot seem to stop buying them. I have soo many- wool, down, toggle coats, short, long you name, I probably have it.

This season I'm into the puffy down ski jackets, and more neutral colored, simple scarves. So heres my current go to winter weather picks. (Im in love with a fur trimmed collar).

Jacket: Moncler

Scarf: Black Fleece, Thom Browne for Brooks Brothers

What's your favorite type of winter outerwear or essential?

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