Obsessed: Chop't

I recently have become 100% fully, totally and completely obsessed with Chop't Salads. I cannot get enough of the Kebab Cobb. Unfortunately (or luckily for my wallet) there is not one in Georgetown or Glover, so I have to go to Chinatown or over to Rosslyn to get one. I have been know to take a long lunch just to go to Rosslyn to get a salad.

They have tons of pre-designed salads, and you can make your own as well. The options are endless and I must say one of my favorite parts is that because the salad is "chop't" the pieces are small enough that you still look ladylike while eating!

A Salad before it gets all chopped up

I highly recommend trying Chop't if you're in DC (or NYC) soon!

Stocking Up!

I am a sorbet lover. Orange and Raspberry Sorbet are two of my favorite treats during hot summer months. I've been faithful to TCBY for the longest time, but with no TCBY close to me in DC I have resorted to other sources. Enter: Ciao Bella's Blackberry Cabernet.

It's ligit the best thing I've ever had, incredibly rich but not in the way that ice cream is (too much cream, no thanks!) and I swear you can even taste a bit of wine. Simply put, it's amazing.

How I Stay Organized

As much as I love my Blackberry, I really do prefer to write things down in a paper calendar. There is just something about having a physical calendar to carry around and write in with pen that I really enjoy. I cant say enough how much I love Gallery Leather's calendars. I have been using them since I was in college and have always been fond of the pink colors. I really like the amount of space you have to write per day as well as the additional back pages for scribbling notes. I have kept them over the years as sort of diaries... always makes me laugh at the things I would write in my calendar (in addition to all of the exams and papers) I of course noted every mixer, formal and social occasion I attended! Every year I look forward to finding my new planner.

I always choose a bright pink color.

Plenty of space to write down my daily to-dos!

I love how they looked stacked in my bookcase.

Zara Lookbook

Current items on my ZARA wishlist. I always just want to bop into the Wisconsin Avenue location when I'm driving home from work.

I've been craving leopard.

Camel is always classic.

This just looks warm and fuzzy.

Continuing the adoration of skinny pants.

Mark Shaw Photography

I fashion photography, particularly from the late 50s, and early 60s. Richard Avedon and Henri Clarke are two favorites. I've recently discovered some lovely Mark Shaw pictures taken in Paris in the late 50s. The clothes are divine, as are the interiors (naturally). Not only did Mark Shaw photograph famous models and socialites, he is also responsible for many of the famous shots from Camelot (JFK and JBK).

All images via Mark Shaw Photographic Archive

Francophile: Part Un

After watching Gossip Girl last night it reminded me of my looooove for Macarons. I've made macaroons with mother before and they turned out quite nice, and I've also purchased some from a Patisserie in DC as well.... I'm still dying to try the originally (and probably the best) Macarons from Laduree. A trip to Laduree will be a must must must when I finally take my trip to Paris!!

*Also, do note, the Macarons I speak of are the delightfully light and airy confections composed of Almond Flour... not coconut Macaroons. There is a large difference!*

How fun would a Macaron tower be for a wedding?! (or birthday!)

Salted Carmel... Raspberry...Pistachio... yes, yes, yes!

The Holy City

I spent a most wonderful weekend with old friends in my most favorite city in the world (sorry DC). Obviously I was in Charleston!

I got to eat at a few of my favorite spots including:

• Jimmy Johns (not exactly gourmet, but a college favorite, and exactly what I wanted when I arrived in CHS at 930 at night!)
• 5 Loaves (cant.get.enough.)
• East Bay Deli (Honey Turkey Croissant, please please please!)
• Chais (Shrimp and Grits!)
• Marina Variety Store (more grits, and biscuits with a lovely harbor view)

While its quite well known how much I do love the food in Charleston, mostly importantly, I love my dear dear friends SAT and KBV who I got to spend the weekend with! (Thanks girls! Now its your turn to take a trip up to the barren, cold north!)

How was everyone's halloween? Mine was filled with eating candy corn and prosecco in addition to constantly explaining my costume! (no, i was not Risky Business nor was I the walk of shame!) I was Holly Golightly!

Porter's Lodge at C of C
South Battery

*Photos from my archive of my much loved college era, which I peruse often to remind me of my former life which I miss so much!*

Let's Bring Back!

A lovely package arrived today from Amazon containing several items (some of which included a stuffed tabby cat- for my halloween costume, of course! Details to follow on that...) Anyways, one of the items was this new book, Let's Bring Back. Anyone who knows me is aware of my preference for certain things, such as handwritten letters, tom collins (with gin, obviously) and the use of slightly outdated words such as "persnickety". I am SO delighted to see that someone else enjoys these pleasures. Enter Lesley M.M. Blume.

A bit from the book:

"Garden Parties: These have, in recent years, been supplanted by their honky-tonk cousin, the modern barbeque. Garden parties are very easy and pretty:PAss out cucumber sandwiches and macaroons, fill punch bowls with icy lemonade or something stronger, ask the ladies to wear wide-brimmed hates and the men to wear straw fedoras. The loveliest moment: when a successful garden party yawns into the twilight hour and the lightening bugs start to come out. Everyone looks beautiful in this poignant light."

For anyone who enjoys the past, or remembering the way things were (and should, in my opinion, still be) this book is a fantastic read!

Elephant Decor

I've noticed I have a tendency to purchase elephant items for my new apartment. This includes a set of Jonathan Adler candle stick holders and A large paisley elephant decal that is above my TV. I'd like to add other items as well. I love Iomoi's designs, and I have one of their coasters with my monogram. I'd love to add this elephant one to my collection! And of course, the KJL Raj bracelet!

Kenneth Jay Lane Raj Bracelet

Jonathan Adler's Darjaleeing Candlestick Holder

Iomoi's elephant coaster (one of the many designs available)

New parfum!

I love perfume. Adore, Adore, Adore. I can be a bit fickle with my scents too. Generally I stick to Chanel N. 5 and Marc Jacob's Daisy. However... I've ventured outside of my 2 standbys and purchased Viktor and Rolf's Flowerbomb. I love it! its light and floral-ish without being TOO strong (a major dislike in my book)! Also Sephora essentially overnighted it to me, I ordered it Wednesday and it was here today! It made for quite a nice surprise after a long workday.

Hermès

I want it. I need it. I HAVE GOT TO HAVE IT.

The Hermes Clic Clac bracelet. I've particularly honed in on the gold with black enamel. I just must, must, must have it! I'm asking for it for Christmas but I simply don't think I can wait 4 months to have this little jewel on my wrist. Is it bad I'm already thinking Christmas List (and I'm 23?)

Richard Avedon

I adore fashion photography from the 1950s and early 1960s. Particularly the work of Richard Avedon and Henry Clarke. Avedon's photographs are featured in the intro to Funny Face (one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn movies). I'd love to one day own an original Avedon print... too bad I cant pick one up at the action Christies will soon be holding along with the Richard Avedon Foundation (I suppose I will pay rent this month)

Suzy Parker and Robin Tattersall by Avedon

Suzy Parker by Avedon

Avedon

Dovima with Elephants by Avedon ( a personal favorite)

Dovima by Avedon

Things I ♥ : Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra

I have always lusted after the Van Cleef and Arpels Alambra collection. As of late, the lusting has lead to some investigation about the history as well as investigation into ownership of one of these lovely pieces. Sadly, I think anything from the Alambra line is currently TNH* but a girl can dream (and save up).

Its no surprise that the francophile in me would love a line from a French Company. Van Cleef and Arpels is over 100 years old, although the Alambra design was introduced in the 1960s. My favorite is the gold and mother of pearl earrings. So classic...

Also they make a lovely little butterfly ring that if I remember correctly SJP wore in the episode of SATC when she needed to buy her apartment!

*TNH = Totally Not Happening

Have you heard?

About the spin pin? Its a lovely little gadget that holds your hair up quite nicely. As someone who previously had long locks (still regretting that little decision to cut 12 inches of hair off..) quick fixes for updos are always nice. The Spin Pin essentially replaces the need for a hairtie and countless bobby pins. It's quick and easy to use as well! Mother recommended it and I quickly followed and purchased one. Although it was not easy to find at first, the hunt was worth it.

Have you tried the Spin Pin? Thoughts?

Most Recent Obsession...

As many of you probably know I have a slight inkling towards furniture and nesting and all things home-ish. The most recent obsession has been a pair of Chinese Chippendale Bamboo Chairs- Very Hollywood Regency. After stalking (yes, stalking) the chairs everywhere from Craigslist to Ebay to Baker- I FOUND A PAIR! Within a reasonable price too. While they are not the lacquered ones I ultimately dreamed of, they can- one day- be painted and be exactly what I want. The important thing is that the lines are ones that I like and that they are well made and will be in for the long-haul. I ended up finding the jewels on craigslist of all places. Now I'm researching a place to have the cushions re-covered and waiting on the fabric to arrive from SC. Also- sadly, I can no longer find the picture of my chairs - and I've also managed to lose my camera cord... moving, woof.