I’m not usually an animal print-type gal, but when I spotted this J.Crew dress at the outlet for $50, I had to have it. The texture of this linen is thick, tight-knit, and structured, making it a great fit for my body type. The black ribbing down the front elongates my frame and the shorter length highlights my legs. I chose my Kenneth Jay Lane alligator watch bangle as my main accessory as the gold accents the beige within the dress and the subdued color of the shoes. Thank you to Casey Carter for lending me the fabulous black clutch. The leather is smooth like butter and perfect for a night out on the town. As for the sunglasses, I don’t leave home without my Marc by Marc Jacobs aviators.

Photo credit: Casey Carter of Casey Culture

Every once in awhile my dear, dear friend and colleague, Jessica Bacharach Goldberg of Fitness and Frosting, likes to surprise my coworkers and me with some Baked by Melissa morsels. These bite size cupcakes are delectable pieces of heaven. Available in endless amounts of creations, my palate is satisfied as I experience flavors including Mint Chocolate Chip, Smores, Chocolate Chip Pancake, and Cookie Dough. Because these are the size of a quarter, no joke, I get to taste an array of flavors without feeling a ton of guilt. Thanks for the extra special love, Jessie! XoXo

Photo credit: BakedbyMelissa.com

Favorite Flavors on a John Derian by Target plate

As a former Wilhelmina model and constant Swarovski crystal lover, I think it’s only fair that I share the below Fashion’s Night Out invite with you.

Get the chance to meet the uber-talented, Grammy nominated artist, Estelle and chic celebrity stylist, Laura Lightbody at Swarovski’s Madison Avenue & 58th St. boutique.

You’ll have a chance to sip champagne and enjoy decadent Vosges Haut-chocolat. Plus, you could win some FAB prizes. Not too shabby!

Susan, former agent, will you be there?

I tend to rarely purge my closet. Reasoning being, I am notorious for pairing oldies with new gems. I purchased these white bermuda shorts a few years ago for under $50 at Nordstrom, scored the top and Coach heels at Macy’s for $40 and $100, respectively. Both fantastic, smart purchases, the shoes can be worn from spring through the end of summer and when paired with gray pants and a casual blazer, the shirt will take me into the winter.

Photo Credit: Casey Carter of CaseyCulture.Tumblr.com

I was in DESPERATE need of a haircut for quite some time and had the opportunity to visit the Angelo David Salon in Midtown East. With a slew of fashion influencer clients including Caridee English, Elisa Benitez and Irina Shayk, I knew I was in for a customized experience.

While at the hands of Creative Director Meaghan Frayne, I observed the art of hand-made couture hair extensions. I watched a stylist go through the painstaking task of removing each hair extension in preparation of dying the client’s hair, to only reapply new custome extensions. As Meaghan trimmed my long, lifeless locks into a shaped, angled cut that I could continue to wear in my boho chic fashion, I felt a sense of relief and empowerment. Finally, my look was updated, reflective of the refreshed, newer me.

Full Disclosure: David Angelo Salon provided services for feature/review.

VIP Treatment Room

Color Bar

Angelo David products

Tools

The final look!

This outfit reminds me of a warm spring day overflowing with a feeling of peaceful, empowering daydreaming. As I head downtown on Lexington Avenue, I pass Upper East Side kids making an exoduse from their college prep schools that cost more per a year than my entire four year Rutgers University education. They’re being picked up by their parents or nannies. They’re heading off to their first weekend away to celebrate the blossoming warm weather. They live in brownstones and high rise apartments and have curated art collections hanging on the walls that lead up to their bedroom. The store windows are painstakingly decorated with the latest style, the freshest baked goods, and chocolates that are rare to Belgians. White linen covers four tops displaying the food of a couple that’s been off the entire day with not a worry in the world. And I think to myself, this is mine for the taking.

J.Crew skirt, J.Crew store

J.Crew necklace, The Jersey Shore Outlets

Digital Timex watch, former client

My pearl and diamond earring duo, you won't catch me without them on

I recently had the  incredible opportunity to take an Ice cream making class with Guerrilla Ice Cream. As something that I’ve always dreamed of doing, I was thrilled to expereince it and learn ice-cream-machine-free ways to make my favorite dessert. In a heavy bottom sauce pan, we heated the cream, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest for 15 minutes until it became thick and could ribbon. After that, voila, ice cream! Of course, that’s after a few hours in the refrigerator.  

After tasting the Chai Masala, Mango sorbet and chocolate, I couldn’t wait to taste my creation. I have to say, the lemon ice cream was so fantastic, you might confuse me with the heiress to Vivoli! Ciao Firenze!

Post zesting the lemon

Lemon zest is added to milk + sugar mixture for infusion.

Sifting zest and lumps out after mixture ribbons.

After sifting, portion into individual cups + freeze for 3 hours. It's then ready to eat!

On my latest shopping trip, I came across some amazing deals at Macy’s. I find a number of fabulous steals at what many consider to be their shopping mecca. As I’m exiting the store, my eye caught a sale rack stacked with summer finds suitable for any chicskate.

As I culled through the sections, I uncover this fabulous white dress from Macy’s brand, Charter Club. Not only does the dress fit me perfectly, but the linen is of great quality and the dress has a built in liner. Of course, being the bargain shopper that I am, I use the price scanner to find out that it’s ONLY $20! Seriously, what more could a girl ask for? My friend said it well, “What can you get for $20? My groceries cost more than that!”

Anyways, so the next time you’re leaving Macy’s, don’t forget to stop at the treasure trove, otherwise known as the Charter Club section.

Dress: Macy’s Charter Club

Belt: Local artisan

Shoes: J.Crew sandals

Nail Polish: Essie Bermuda Shorts

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