Archive - Obsessed RSS Feed

fantasy friday: YSL tribute sandal.

June 11, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion, Obsessed with 13 Comments

Go high, or go home.

When it comes to my shoes, I’m something of a woman of extremes. It’s either flats, or heels of at least 4 inches – preferably 5. And extra points for a serious platform. What I’m not a fan of is anything in between. That’s right, ladies – you won’t be seeing any kitten heels in these parts.

The Tribute Sandal by Yves Saint Laurent is by far my favorite platform ever. The T-strap adds something different, and trust me – your legs will go on for miles. They’re surprisingly comfortable, and they come in lots of different neutrals. I think this nude color may just be the perfect shade to go with everything.

I should probably mention that I don’t yet own these babies officially – but I do have 2 pair from Bakers that look absolutely identical. Hands down – the best purchases I’ve ever made. One in black, and one in cognac – I always get so many compliments on them, and I’m proud of the fact that I paid only $90 a pop as opposed to the $750 price tag.

Still, I’m not going to lie – I would like to have the real deal one day. In every color. With matching YSL Platform Pumps, Downtown Totes, and Muse Handbags, please.

And that’s why {for now} it’s called a Fantasy…

Happy Friday, lovelies!

truffled cauliflower + caramelized onion tart.

June 7, 2010 in Dinner Party Worthy, Obsessed with 6 Comments

Allow me to introduce to you to the best tart I’ve ever made.

DSC02438.JPG

{Or eaten}

Truth be told, this is the first tart I’ve ever made – and what a delicious introduction it was.

Now when you think of a tart, you might first think of those fabulous little confections of fruit and custard that frequent the counter of your favorite pâtisserie or bakery; but here – we’re talking savory tarts. I made this particular one for a couple of extra-special girlfriends who were down visiting me from NYC last month. I had some mascarpone and store-bought pie crust in the fridge that I needed to use, and after carefully scouring the web for the perfect recipe, I found this tart.

And it was just that – perfect. From the roasted cauliflower drizzled in truffle oil, to not one – but three fabulous cheeses {mascarpone – which is an Italian cream cheese, Gruyère – one of my favorite cheeses ever, and Parmesan}, to those perfectly sweet + slow-cooked caramelized onions…do I need to say anything more?

YOU.JUST.HAVE.TO.MAKE.IT.

On the side, I served Ina’s green salad and creamy vinaigrette. This is my favorite go-to salad to serve alongside a more complex main dish. The dressing is light and creamy, and coats the greens so beautifully. The champagne vinegar does give it some bite, which I love – but be careful because there are raw egg yolks in it, so if that freaks you out, you may want to go with something else. If, however, you’re anything like me – and you tend to eat high quantities of any type of cookie/cake/brownie batter – you shouldn’t be too worried about it, right?

Cauliflower and Caramelized Onion Tart

Found on Smitten Kitchen, adapted from Bon Appetit, March 2007

  • 1 small head of cauliflower (about 1 pound) or 1 pound of a larger head of cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon truffle oil or a few pinches of truffle salt – I used oil
  • 1 refrigerated pie crust {worked out great, though next time I’ll likely make my own – it’s not that difficult – see the Smitten Kitchen link above}
  • 1 large onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 (7- to 8- ounce) container mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground white or black pepper
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese

*I caramelized my onions and roasted my cauliflower at the same time, the night before. If you have some free time, I recommend doing it this way – it broke everything up nicely. Have a glass of wine {or two} and make a little night of it. Just make sure to store the cauliflower and the onions in different containers in the fridge. You can also bake the entire tart up to one day beforehand, reheating in a warm oven the day of.

Position rack in center of oven and preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil in large bowl. Spread on rimmed baking sheet, sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast 15 minutes before turning florets over and roasting until brown and tender, another 15-20 minutes. Cool cauliflower then chop or slice and drizzle with truffle oil or sprinkle with truffle salt. Reduce temperature to 350°F.

Press your pie crust dough onto the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch diameter tart pan with removable bottom. Line crust with foil, fill with pie weights (I use uncooked rice or beans – you just need something to weigh it down) and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and weights then bake until crust is golden, about 5 additionally minutes. Press crust back with the back of a fork if bubbles form. Cool crust and maintain oven temperature.

Heat remaining 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until onion is a deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. This should take between 30 to 40 minutes – and for that reason, I recommend doing it the day before.

Use a knife or brush to spread the bottom and sides of crust with mustard. Spread onion over crust. Arrange cauliflower over the onion. Set the tart on a rimmed baking sheet (to protect against leaks). Whisk eggs, mascarpone, cream, pepper, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Stir in Gruyère. Pour mixture over filling in tart pan, sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until tart is golden and center is set, about 40 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool 15 minutes before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

fantasy friday: david yurman.

April 30, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion, Obsessed with 6 Comments

If I could wear one jewelry designer for the rest of my life, it would undoubtedly be David Yurman.

There is something about his pieces that are just eternal to me. They’re classic without ever looking tired, and they seem to go with just about everything. I actually did a summer internship in the DY Corporate Offices when I was in college, so I learned a lot about the story behind the jewels and Mr. Yurman himself, of course. I loved my experience there; everything happened in the same building, so on some floors, jewelry was actually being made – and on the top couple of floors, was the office space. Getting a sneak peak into those forbidden floors where the jewelry was created was like a little taste of heaven; imagine bin upon bin overflowing with candy-like stones, and the constant possibility that just maybe some new iconic piece was being created right there, in front of your eyes. And then there was Mr. and Mrs. Yurman’s private office, of course, which was breathtakingly beautiful. It was clean, open, and modern, and had a gorgeous staircase that led up to the rooftop terrace, where – as I’m sure you can imagine – countless fabulous parties took place.

The above photo features Kate Moss in an old ad campaign for DY. I love Kate Moss, but even more I love her as a spokesperson for this brand. She epitomizes everything it stands for. Do you see how she looks in this photo? Stunning – but almost in a disheveled way. This is DY, in a nutshell – pure elegance, with a tiny bit of roughness around the edges. I will never forget the picture he painted in my head when he described the woman who wears his jewelry. He said it was jewelry that you can throw on with jeans and be glamorous, in a cool and casual way, or you can wear it with your ballgown to your next gala. That is the David Yurman woman. She always looks perfectly put-together, but never in a I-tried-way-too hard kind of way. Always alluring, she probably just rolls right out of bed looking totally glam. She’s the woman you love to hate.

The rings – I D.I.E. for them. Always. I have a giant cocktail ring with a pale green stone, trimmed with diamonds, that I always throw on whenever I want to feel glam or sexy, even if I’m only wearing cutoff shorts and a tee. I also adore their more casual pieces; there’s nothing like rings of layered rope or crossover bands {they may or may not be lined in pave diamonds} to take your everyday jewelry up a notch. Or three. And I am also loving these hoops – hoops are always a favorite staple of mine, and these them to the next level. LOVE the black pave diamonds.

Ah yes, and there are always the bracelets. You already know he’s famous for that striking combination of silver and gold and the cable rope, of course. Today the cable bracelets are made in endless varieties, from diamonds to gold to buckles, but the original was the silver cable with the jewels and a touch of gold on the end caps. Now, I did say these pieces were timeless, and this is what I like to call an investment. I still have an amethyst cable bracelet that my grandmother once gave me from years ago, and I still wear it all.the.time. Perfect on its own, but I’m partial to wearing it piled high with other bangles, some DY and some not. Yes, everyone is into the layering right now, but mixing DY in with your layers just adds something that no other piece can. You know – it’s got that je ne sais quoi factor.

I have to know – do you love DY as much as I do? Who makes YOUR favorite baubles?

Images via David Yurman

the POSHest.

April 19, 2010 in Fashion, Obsessed with 11 Comments

In honor of her 36th birthday this past weekend, I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you how full-on obsessed I am with Victoria Beckham.

{I’m actually a little weirded out that I haven’t told you yet}

Where do I even begin? She is literally just THE most stylish person I know. Period. (Well, I don’t know her know her, but I’d like to. I was actually talking to Daniel about this the other day and he fully agreed that she would totally be my friend – if she knew I existed, that is.) She’s all about simplicity, elegance, and perfectly-tailored clothing. She knows how to work a trend into her look and still look utterly classic – which is a rarity, these days. Not to mention she’s also the type of girl that doesn’t mind matching her shoes to her handbag every now and then. I’m into that.

I absolutely adore *everything* about her, so – let’s also discuss her hair. I love it. She pulls off anything, although I must say, I am partial to her with shorter hair rather than long. I think my favorite look is when it was a tiny bit longer than it is now, like this. There are days when I am SO.OVER. the upkeep of long hair and highlights, and I very seriously consider this super-sleek bob – but it only lasts about as long as it takes me to discuss it with Daniel, who promptly tells me there is a time for me to have hair above the shoulders – and that’s when I’m over 60.

I kid, I kid. {Well, kinda. He actually did say that – but I know deep-down that if I *really* wanted to do it, he’d support me. Right, baby?}

On another note, I’m also obsessed with Victoria because of her persona. Yes, she’s been known not to smile for the camera. And a lot of people find that obnoxious/rude/downright insolent – but I happen to like it. I watched a special on her once and she totally admitted that she does it, and it’s quite on purpose – it’s her “thing.” It’s kind of a joke in her family, she will watch herself on TV with her children and they will all be like, “There’s Mummy, what does Mummy look like?” And then do a stern face, all joking and laughing about it. I’m not sure why I like it, I guess it amuses me – and I like that she is just herself.

Take it or leave it. Love that.

{It may or may not have something to do with the fact that I’ve been told from time to time to “smile more – you have such a pretty smile” and the like – which I may or may not have found to be annoying. It’s like, sometimes you don’t feel like smiling at a strange man as you’re walking through the grocery store – and it doesn’t have to mean you’re a bitch.  Sometimes you just want to smile on your own terms, you know? I feel you, Posh.}

So – basically, it’s like this: she’s got more style, confidence, and swagger than most could ever imagine. She’s the designer of {arguably} one of the most amazing couture collections launched in years, has two beautiful children, oh – and her husband’s not too bad, either. And do we even need to mention the Spice Girls? So, yeah. I think it’s fair to say that the woman can smile whenever she feels like it, thankyouverymuch.

{This is just ridic. And the fur is faux, if you happen to care}

{Effortlessly chic}

{Show-stopper}

{Because she makes jeans and a baseball cap look like that}

{This is everything I love about her style, in a nutshell}

What do you think, lovelies? Who’s YOUR style icon?

*Images courtesy of JustJared, a fabulous site for celeb stalking.

obsessed: theory.

April 15, 2010 in Fashion, Obsessed with 1 Comment

I’m obsessed with Theory for quite a few reasons.

Like this one.

And this one.

Especially this one.

And this one, too.

Why? Because Theory has a *serious* knack for the basics. And I tend to get kind of obsessive-compulsive with good basics. They’re the backbone of any wardrobe: they can be totally casual or dressed up with the addition of a great pair of shoes and jewelry, but most importantly they’re easily mixed and matched with every other item in your closet.

Theory’s aesthetic is always clean and modern, and the fit is to-die-for. They’re about designing basics that always look fresh – but never overly trendy. Which equals pieces you can feel comfortable investing in, because they have staying power. I literally don’t know what I would do without my Theory tanks, tees, and separates – for me they are absolute wardrobe essentials. I’m not even being dramatic – I’d be lost.

Their crisp button-downs and impeccable suits are crucial for anyone who works in an office and needs to, well, dress like it. And if you’re looking for something a bit more fun, they do that, too. For instance, right now they have a ton of cute dresses for spring. I am particularly smitten with this one. At first glance it looks like a basic polka dot print, but when you look up close the dots are a little rough around the edges. This is what I love about Theory – they take a classic print like polka dots, and totally reinvent it in a modern way. I’ve personally never been a huge fan of polka dots, but throw in an asymmetric one-shoulder, and an ikat-like spin on the dots? Yes, please.

What are YOUR favorite brands for basics? Anyone else who gets it right, every time?

product survival kit.

March 31, 2010 in Obsessed, Product Junkie with 5 Comments

Food, water, shelter, eye cream.

Well, not really. Still – there are a few beauty products that I at least feel like I can’t live without. Here is a compilation of what I am currently obsessing over:

  1. Dove Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner – I am super picky when it comes to conditioner; I think I have tried hundreds of them, and even the most highly recommended formulas usually don’t satisfy me. This is one of the best I’ve found (from either the drugstore or higher-end brands) and leaves my hair totally soft and silky. And I like that it’s cheaper because I like to use A LOT of conditioner on my hair.
  2. Nailtiques Formula 2 Plus – When I say this stuff has *completely* changed my nails, I’m not exaggerating. I used to have the worst nails: super thin and always peeling. Since I’ve started using this, my weekly manicures aren’t even a waste anymore because they actually last! Well, a few days, at least.
  3. L’Oréal Professionnel Vitamino Color Shampoo – I’ve tried tons of different shampoos but I always go back to this one. Usually color-safe shampoos aren’t as moisturizing as I’d like them to be, but this one does the job right.
  4. Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner – This is what I use in place of make-up primer. I have extra-big pores and this stuff makes them pretty much disappear. It also controls oil and makes your skin super smooth – and ready for make-up.
  5. Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning – Ok, this product, I definitely can’t live without. Ever since my fabulous hair stylist told me about it, I’ve been using it compulsively – and it WORKS. Better than any self-tanner I’ve ever used. It’s a super-fine mist that you spray over your whole body – you can hold it upside down and do your whole backside and all. It’s really light so it doesn’t streak or need to be rubbed in, dries pretty much immediately, and it doesn’t even have that awful scent that usually keeps me very far away from any type of self-tanner. It’s so easy, cheap, and fast, and I use it anytime I have an event. I’ve told pretty much anyone who will listen about this stuff, and now they all swear by it, too. So – GO.BUY.IT.NOW. You can thank me later.
  6. Aquaphor Healing Ointment – I have a giant tub of this next to my bed, and I keep the little travel-sized tubes all over the place. It’s like Vaseline but better, and I don’t know where my lips would be without it. Put it anywhere you need some extra moisture-lovin’ – your elbows, eyelids, etc.
  7. Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask – I know, I know. I just posted about Moroccan Oil. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to put together a list of my product essentials without including it. If you didn’t see the post, read about it here.
  8. Kiehl’s Unusually Rich – But Not Greasy At All – Hand Cream – I’m a big hand cream fanatic, and the SPF in this one is a must (your hands are, afterall, one of the first body parts to show your age). I love how it moisturizes a ton, but soaks right in and doesn’t feel greasy in the least.
  9. Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System – A while ago I went on a serious hunt to find the best at-home microderm kit. I went into the matrix of Sephora reviews (as well as other sites) and asked around, and this one came out on top (extra points because my dermatologist told me he uses it himself). I’ve been super happy with it – I use it in the shower once a week, and I always notice a difference in my skin. It’s softer, smoother, and decidely more glowy.
  10. Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief – I am positively addicted to this moisturizer genius all-over miracle product. It doesn’t have any SPF in it, but does anyone else hate putting sunscreen on to go to bed? {I do.} This gel-based goodness moisturizes SO much, yet it sinks in so fast – it’s like a drink for your skin. You can also apply it over make-up, under make-up, with another (SPF) moisturizer, on your sunburnt shoulders, whatever. Brilliant.
  11. Boscia Enlivening Amino-AG Eye Treatment – Please. I hope everyone reading this is already using some type of an eye cream. SO.IMPORTANT. This is one of those multi-tasking “all-in-one” eye creams: it helps with puffiness, fine lines, and dark circles. It’s one of the only eye creams that leaves my eyes feeling dewy and truly moisturized, plus it has all of those très important antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids to help fight aging.
  12. Olay Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths – Anyone who has come home after a late night and gone to sleep with a full-face of makeup probably has since learned of these, and if not, well – you need to know. I truly do not remember what life was like before these existed {it was likely full of dirty pillowcases and lots of morning breakouts}. I also use it to take off my eye make-up and (extra layers of) bronzer everyday before washing my face. Loves it.

What am I missing, pretties? Anything you obsess over that we all need to know about?

join the cult.

March 24, 2010 in Obsessed, Product Junkie with 6 Comments

You may or may not have heard about Moroccan Oil, and if not, you need to hear about it.

It’s cult-like followers say it fights frizz, adds shine, and makes hair noticeably softer without weighing hair down or making it greasy. A bold statement, yes – but it totally delivers.

I use the Oil Treatment religiously. Yes, it’s a little pricey (about $40 a bottle) but it lasts you a while, because a little goes a long way. Just apply a dime-sized amount (I have a ton of hair so I use a little more) to damp hair, concentrating it on the ends, and blow-dry or air-dry or whatever-dry like you normally would. They also say it’s great for flat-ironing – but I have to tell you – since I’ve started using this stuff, I haven’t even needed a flat-iron.

I also use the Intense Hydrating Mask once every week or two, and I am IN.LOVE. If you’re a person who regularly heat-styles your hair (like I think most of us are), a weekly deep conditioning treatment is a must. I’ve used Kérastase, René Furterer, and a lot of great masks – and this one is by far my fave. I just wash my hair, then towel-dry it and apply. I have naturally wavy hair, so I can get away with letting it air-dry in my hair and then getting on with my day. Especially on, let’s say, a beach day – that way your hair stays protected AND the heat of the sun helps the product really soak in. {Though you can totally just leave it in for 20 minutes or so and rinse, like a normal person.}

The smell alone is reason enough to buy it.

What are the hair products that you can’t live without? And – I’ve been itching to try the Moroccan Oil Glimmer Shine Spray. Anyone out there tried it? What about any of their other products?

insanity.

March 11, 2010 in Obsessed, Work It with 4 Comments

Mirror mirror, on the wall…who’s the most insane of all?

I can’t tell if it’s the guy who leads these workouts or me for actually doing them.

True story: I almost blacked out trying to do one of these DVD’s the other day on an empty stomach.

{Don’t worry – I’ve since started force feeding myself half a banana beforehand to prevent anything dangerous from happening}

The title tells it like it is – no sugar coating, pretties. It’s insane. One of the reasons I’m so into it is because it brings those bootcamp workouts they do at gyms into your own home (like those ridiculous classes I used to do at Sports Club, LA – you know when all of the personal trainers are doing the same workout as you, it’s good). Even better, you don’t need any other equipment or weights.

Lately I am really into the workout DVDs at home, particularly because I *finally* convinced Daniel (love you, honey) to do some furniture rearranging/donating in our second bedroom so I could have enough room do them. Now I have my own little workout studio, and I’m kind of obsessed with it.

The DVDs are meant to be done almost everyday, in a specific plan that promises to deliver ridiculous results. I, personally, find this a little…well, insane. Instead I have opted to do it 2-3 times a week (okay, more like 1-2 times a week) and so far I am really happy with it. The first time I did it, I was SO sore the next day, and now depending on which video I do, I still get pretty sore (I’ve still only done it 4-5 times total so far). I love to complain about it, but the truth is I like to be sore and I don’t feel like I got a good workout unless I’m waddling around like a penguin.

Is that weird?

Either way, I totally recommend this workout. Two of my friends have already purchased this set after listening to me obsess over it, and I see that number increasing. Yes, it’s a bit pricey (you can get it for about $130 on Amazon and maybe cheaper on Ebay) but I think it’s worth it. You’re getting a ton of workouts that you will get a lot of mileage on, and it even comes with a meal plan (which I have looked at, and is pretty good – even if it’s a bit unrealistic). All in all, it will help you switch up your workouts, which is always a good thing – both for weight loss and preventing boredom. And if you do have a certain goal you are working toward (hello, brides-to-be, and oh, hi there, bikini season) – then following the complete plan will most likely get you there.

Which is more than I can say for lemon juice/cayenne pepper/maple syrup diets and body wraps.

jade is the new black.

March 10, 2010 in Obsessed, Product Junkie with 4 Comments

Obsession of the week season.

DSC01873.JPG

I have been rocking this nail polish for 3 mani-pedi’s in a row. It is such a perfect shade of jade, like a deep greenish-turquoise that changes color depending on the light. It kind of reminds me of Essie Greenport, an aqua shade I obsessively wore last year, only it’s darker and definitely more green.

It’s from the new Hong Kong Collection by OPI.

If I can stop myself from doing the jade again, next time I will try the blue one (Suzi Says Feng Shui). I also love the purplish-magenta color (Dim Sum Plum).

And just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I discover these beyond FAB matching Dell laptop shells.

Matching your nails to your laptop? Yes, please!

I’ve been in the market for a netbook lately so that I can blog and surf the web when I’m on the go. I’m a pretty devoted Mac girl, but Mac doesn’t seem to be making a netbook anytime soon – and these beautiful little babies have me considering giving a PC a chance.

Do you like the new colors? And how *genius* are these laptops?

Page 3 of 3«123