Happy New Year Nails

For New Year's Eve I did a champagne-inspired manicure with Essie's Demure Vixen topped by Deborah Lippmann Boom Boom Pow. I couldn't make it to Valley Nails with Carol Han because I was trapped in California by the blizzard, so this is my version of the next best thing.

I wish a very happy New Year to everyone! May 2011 be filled with joy and happiness and nail polish.

Devil's Holiday Dinner Party

Before my roommate and best friend Maddie leaves Brooklyn for Rome she hosted her last dinner out of our tiny kitchen. She has kept me and countless friends very well fed for almost two years now, but that isn't the only reason I will miss her very much. I'm staying positive with the prospect of a springtime trip to Rome and even more amazing pasta recipes when she returns. For dinner she served Devils on Horseback, Devil's Chicken Thighs and Braised Leeks, and Guinness Devil's Food Cake. Naturally, they were all heavenly.

You can read all of Maddie's foodie adventures at Headline Foods.

Photos by Mark Iantosca

Side note: I learned the name Pig Newtons from White Lightning's Twitter and I'm never going back

Rodarte Nails: Solid Gold

This holiday season I've fallen in love with OPI's Glitzerland. It is the perfect solid gold that can be both neutral and festive, but the real reason I love it is that it reminds me of Rodarte's Spring 2011 collection. The coverage and color of the nail polish matches the lip color that went down the runway surprisingly accurately. Next step, come up with a way to make the cool Baroque pattern and pop a side barrette.

Photos via Flickr and Vogue.com

Lindsey Wixson Wearing Lipstick

Proof that funny teeth with a bold lip is a winner.

Via Hanneli Mustaparta and Because I'm Addicted

Jeffrey Campbell Spring Summer 2011

Jeffrey Campbell has been enjoying considerable popularity amongst bloggers lately. You can hardly scroll through Bloglovin' without seeing a rainbow of Lita platforms. I haven't been a huge fan of his for a couple seasons just because his designs haven't been my style and seem a little obvious, but with his Spring Summer 2011 lookbook, I'm both back on board and late to the party. I'm loving the chunky platforms, seventies styling, and sunwashed colors. Sign me up.

Via Jeffrey Campbell

Paris vs New York Nails

Paris vs New York won over the blogosphere months ago, but I'm newly in love with their take on a subject near to my heart: nails. This makes me want to go get the fakest French manicure around, paint my lips matte pink, and pout.

Via Paris vs New York

Feeling: Bolo Necklaces

I'm feeling a trend coming on around bolo necklaces. I'm also feeling an intense DIY urge and a need to shop ASAP. Here are a few that I'm currently coveting.

Fortune Favors the Brave Oval Inlet Bolo Chain and Double Bolo Chain, $225-245, fortunefavorsthebravenyc.com

All for the Mountain Manala Bolo, $280, allforthemountain.com

T by Alexander Wang Spring 2011

I'm starting to think I like T by Alexander Wang better than Alexander Wang proper. His collection for Spring 2011 cements my theory. Time to start practicing layering and saving up for lightweight sweaters and trapeze dresses galore.

Via Because I'm Addicted via 5 Inch and Up via Carolines Mode

Terry Richardson on Kissing

Featuring Lindsey Wixson and Tom Ford

Via Terry's Diary

Botkier Spring Summer 2011 Lookbook

I'm probably a bit biased, but I'm in love with the Botkier Spring Summer 2011 collection. The bags look chicer than ever--standout favorites are the white zippered Howard satchel (the leather looks pristine) and the white croc Charlotte clutch--and the tooled leather shoes are to die for, the perfect mix of vintage and modern that I can't resist. This lookbook also goes to show just how important good styling is. Everything looks cohesive, chic, and aspirational, but accessible. Nicely done!

See more at Botkier.com

Newtown Creek Nature Walk

My Aunty Niff always gives the best advice on the coolest most interesting places to visit in New York. Twenty-plus years of living here has given her an edge up on the competition. Now that she lives in Urbana-Champaign I don't get to visit them with her as frequently, but enjoying and sharing her favorite places in the city still feels very special to me.

It was in that spirit that I took Mark to find the Newtown Creek Nature Walk. The path is sandwiched between Newtown Creek, perhaps the most polluted waterway in all of the US, and a treatment plant. It wraps around a section of the creek, with planted native plants and plaques explaining the history of the land from Indian origins. Late fall probably wasn't the best time to visit as the greenery wasn't exactly green, but it was completely serene, leading me to believe we had found our very own secret garden (with city views). I'll definitely be back with a picnic in spring.

If you're interested, the entrance is at the far eastern end of Paidge Avenue in Greenpoint. Look for the giant cement fence.

Pics by Mark Iantosca!

Need: H&M SPring 2011 Canvas Leather Tote

I am obsessed with this tote from H&M's Spring 2011 collection. The simplicity, the modernity, the faux-Celine wannabe glamour.

Via Carolines Mode via @EvaChen212

I Could Make That: Jasmin Shokrian Draft No. 17 Terry Circle Tunic

This is the first in what could be a series of posts chronicling things that I find, like, and think I could make, but never will. This tunic top by Jasmin Shokrian is the perfect kind of simple chic for a DIY. If only.

Jasmin Shokrian Draft No. 17 Terry Circle Tunic, $253, anicaboutique.com

DIY: Watch Band Bracelet Inspiration

Nordic Design via Park & Cube
Maison Martin Margiela via Net-a-Porter