Cupcakes and Cashmere

Balthazar’s French Onion Soup

September 25th, 2012

I have a major weakness for French brasseries and Balthazar in New York is one of my all-time favorites. I remember the first time I ever went – it was in September a few years back and my husband surprised me by taking the red-eye flight from L.A. the night before. He arrived on a drizzly morning and we walked through Soho for a cozy brunch. The tiled floors, the bustling waiters, the warm interior – the whole place just felt electric and the food was just as comforting. I ordered the french onion soup and loved it so much that I soon after bought the Balthazar cookbook just so that I could make it from home as often as I pleased (I even bought these classic bowls that can withstand the heat of the oven). Any kind of soup that involved a toasted piece of bread, a gooey layer of cheese, and a tangy broth is a winner in my book.

Book Tour

September 24th, 2012

I’ve been blown away by the response at the first two stops on my book tour in New York and Chicago. There were lines snaking through the entire store and it was quite a surreal experience. My readers have been so supportive (not to mention sweet and stylish), and it’s been fantastic getting to meet so many of you in person. I wanted to share the last three stops on my tour (you can RSVP for the events here):

Thursday, 9/27: Bloomingdale’s Century City 5-7pm (more details here)
Saturday, 9/29: Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza 3-5pm (more details here)
Saturday, 10/13: Bloomingdales San Francisco 4-6pm (more details here)

Feel free to bring your book from home (or you can get one for free with $40 worth of Estée Lauder products). I’m hoping to eventually visit some more cities, but these are the initial stops for my tour. Thank you again and I look forward to seeing you soon! x

Mint Chip with Sparkles

September 24th, 2012

J.Crew Blouse, Free People Sunglasses, Sandy Hyun Necklace, Alice + Olivia Pants, Manolo Blahnik Pumps, Cupcakes and Cashmere Bag for Coach, Topshop Lipstick in “Whimsical”

Pastel colors usually make me think of spring – pale pinks and sea foam greens – but when worn with tailored dark trousers, they’re a refreshing take on typical fall shades. I saw this sparkle row cami online and was equally smitten with the vintage ivory and navy alternatives (perfect for holiday parties with high-waisted trousers), but am so happy that I went with the mint.

Five Things

September 21st, 2012

{Candy Corn Oreos – so bad, that they’re kind of good}

This morning I leave for Chicago for tomorrow’s book signing party and I can’t wait. I love visiting new cities and the weather is supposed to be seriously brisk – with a chance of rain – and I couldn’t be happier. I’m bringing along some of my colder weather clothes and am unreasonably excited about trying out deep dish pizza for the first time. Have a great weekend!