Posts from — September 2009

Last week I went out for tacos and was reminded why the alliterative Tuesday night meal is always a great idea.  I took a stab at whipping up my own version with salmon last night with a dry-rub and tomatillo-avocado slaw that I’d gladly make time and time again (recipe here).  It was a multi-step process, which I find oddly calming and most importantly, a learning experience while in the grocery store.  After scanning the entire produce section, I realized I had never seen a whole tomatillo and seriously considered buying a canned salsa.  Instead, I surreptitiously asked an employee where the little fruits were located without disclosing that I had no idea what they looked like.  I only hoped he hadn’t seen me walk by them five times just minutes before.

My boyfriend kindly allowed me to decorate our entryway for Halloween, as long as I agreed not to let things get too tacky.  Trust me, it’s way more challenging than you’d think.  I skipped the witch figurines, goofy pumpkins and hanging ghosts and opted for a sleeker take on the haunting holiday.

{A black glittery skull on a hand offsets a clear console table}

{I’ve attached these little spiders to just about everything}

{A bowl of skeleton heads makes a creepy centerpiece}

How do you decorate for Halloween?

Vintage Dress and Slip,  Coach Brooke Zebra  Bag, Jeffrey Campbell Platforms (for LF)

My impulsive nature was validated yesterday when I ran out the door to buy these Jeffrey Campbell studded platforms, moments after I saw Karen rocking them on her blog. They’re officially the edgiest heels in my closet and I love how they can seemingly transform into booties when worn with black tights.  They’re a nice complement to a feminine lace dress and my new purse, which I’ve been obsessing over ever since it arrived last week.  I had never embraced animal prints prior to seeing this bag, but with its supple calf hair and gold chains, Coach has created a true masterpiece.

When we first rescued Luna, we were applauded for bringing home a black cat (apparently there are a lot of superstitious people out there).  I accepted the praise and didn’t mention that I just happen to be obsessed with Halloween.  Luna was the first to receive a dose of decorating this past week (how very Alexander McQueen is her collar?) and my friend Cristina was kind enough to accompany to three separate stores so that our apartment will look the part as well.  Fall brings with it a lot of exciting things, but Halloween certainly tops my list.

Since autumn officially arrived two days ago, my body has already started to crave warm comfort food.  Unfortunately, nothing but ice cubes is comforting in the kind of heat wave we’re experiencing in L.A.; so last night I cranked up the air conditioner and made cheddar-dill scones (recipe here).  I had never had savory scones before, but they were moist and flaky and the sharp cheese complemented the aromatic herbs wonderfully.  Perhaps I went a bit overboard pairing them with scalding soup, but the seasonal combination was simply too tempting to pass up.

It goes without saying that nearly every item that Alexander Wang creates will be undeniably sleek and this motorcycle jacket is no exception.  The asymmetrical zippers, buttery leather and carefully placed studs are flawless, but to my wallet’s dismay, also quite expensive.  Express really stepped it up with this faux vest with its bold collar, nipped in waist and gold detailing.  Regardless of whether you’re willing to take the plunge for Wang or save with Express, wouldn’t this look incredible with a cream-colored lace dress and flat boots?

 Topshop Blazer, AA Tank, Forever 21 Dress and Glasses, Leviticus Harness, YSL Heels

The moment I spotted these Yves Saint Laurent sandals at the Barneys warehouse sale, I decided they were going home with me, long before I even tried them on.  To my astonishment, they were incredibly comfortable, which I discovered while running through the streets of New York (in the rain, no less).   For the time being, they’ve been overshadowed by this intricately cool Leviticus harness that I’ve paired with just about every item in my closet.