In Celebration of Oscar

This picture is only seeing the light of day because of my dear friend Aaron xx!

I've long been obsessed with movies. 90 minutes of getting into two, three or four character's heads who are nothing like you is bliss. You laugh, you cry, you fume all for entertainment's sake. One of my favorite movie memories is over Christmas break during college, my mom and I went to 12 films - rom coms, critically acclaimed dramas and even animated. 2011, however, was not the year for movies. Many I liked, but I only loved three. 

(DRIVE) 

(PLANET OF THE APES) 

(LIKE CRAZY) 

BONUS: My friend Amir's band, Fool's Gold is on the LIKE CRAZY soundtrack. Check them out!! 

Some people pay attention to the dresses, jewelry and hot men in tuxes, but I like to keep it simple; nail polish. These are the ones (all by Essie) that are in my constant rotation. 

During my last trip to NY (here and here) I explored the city in search of new cocktail recipes to bring home.

• The Penny Drop @ The Standard - exactly like a Moscow Mule this is a secret drink on the menu, as is the turkey club after 5pm....
• Stone Fence @ Little Branch - bourbon + fresh apple cider and an exceptionally large ice cube 
• Pickle-back @ Lyon - one shot of whiskey + one shot of pickle juice + an amber beer. Don't say I didn't warn you 

@ Lyon

Change-Change-Chhhannnggee

We all change, but the part that takes the longest is accepting it - both good/bad and surprised/welcomed - and allowing yourself to enter a new place. Don't be afraid to move on from whatever it is you're changing: career, love, hey - even a hair product or toothpaste! Let the flow happen and most importantly, be happy and be happy with yourself. Or if you don't want to listen to me, listen to George Eliot:

"It is never too late to be what you might have been" 

Let's start easy. Whether its jazz, hip-hop or reggae (little known fact, I'm a huge fan) music is part of my daily life. Driving [hardcore rap], running [techno/electric], getting ready to go out [Beyonce or any girl pump up music]. Here are a couple of my favorite songs that can add some color to your existing playlist (and provide a soundtrack while reading the rest of this post):

(Gotye - Somebody That I Used to Know)

(Tune-yards - Bizness) 

(Michael Kiwanuka - Home Again)

Why not pick some key additions to your wardrobe? These are my of-the-moment favorites for both men and women. Don't be scared of neon.

1. Men's rag & bone sweater - seriously what man (or woman) these days does not have this ever-cool label in their closet? 
2. Men's Etro tie - see...what did I tell you about neon? 
3. Nixon watch - unisex 
4. Alexander Wang - frivolous, but oh-so-fun of a purchase 
5. Splendid tank - layering is key for those almost-spring nights 
6. Cambridge Satchel Co - pairs with blacks and other bright colors effortlessly

You can't go hungry. Not with me around, showing you what to do. Make this for your Oscar party.

Elote (from the Elote Cafe in Sedona, AZ):

• 6 ears of corn (I used frozen) 
• 1 cup of mayo
• 1 tbsp hot sauce 
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice 
• 1 tsp salt and pepper and sugar 
• 1/4 cup of chicken stock 
• 1/4 cojita cheese (YUM! I love this cheese.) 
• 2 tbsps chopped cilantro, pure red chile - for garnish 

Roast the corn (defrost first if using frozen) until the corn is browned. When corn is cool enough to handle, mix the mayo, hot sauce, lime nice, salt, pepper, sugar and chicken stock in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add the corn kernels and warm through. Pour into a bowl and garnish with the cheese, cilantro and chile. Serve immediately (it won't last much longer than that) with crispy tortillas. 

FW Faves

If only I lived in a place where I could wear these looks (a. somewhere cold enough and b. somewhere fancy enough) every single day. The toughness showed through which each designer - Proenza Schouler, Marchesa, J.Mendel, Timo Weiland, rag & bone - look after look.  The unexpected dark and moody pops of color or glitz made me wish for a lightening fast summer and fall just so I could get a glimpse...and figure out how to mimic these styles on my own.

Proenza Schouler

Marchesa

J.Mendel

Timo Weiland

rag & bone

NY, NY

The vibe of New York is infectious, but no more so than during New York Fashion Week. The powerhouse editors, waify models and the fashion community converge in the city for a glimpse into the future. Each show is a curated art exhibit, each party is a chance to mingle with the dreamers & the ones who made it and each corner you turn is a chance to be inspired.

Every September and February when I head to NY, I cannot help but be overwhelmed with feelings of excitement and joy of what's to come. This is evident by my two giant suitcases...one filled with entirely shoes: the highest of high heels, edgy, ass-kicking boots and staying true to my California girl self; Converse and the other with party dresses, plenty of faux fur and a pair of Isabel Marant zippered leather pants I only bring out to wear with the aforementioned boots.

Stay tuned for updates from the tents, photos from the city that captured my heart and of course, shout outs to the amazing meals and cocktails that await.

Image from Pinterest