Concrete Monsters

Stumbled across this stunning photo.  As a lover of gothic architecture, it instantly hit me with that similar punch to the gut - that sweeping, hulking grandness.  Surprisingly, it's actually the Hotel Hyatt Regency in Atlanta, Georgia - the world's first atrium hotel constructed in the late 60's (and to attain the very height of modernity at the time, no less).  Love!

Photo by Frederic-JG Blanque

Weekend Pieces - 10.8.11 & 10.9.11

A weekend full of unexpected adventures with friends, we started off our journey at Hop Devil, one of our favorite East Village pubs. Boasting 20+ taps, and a half-off everything happy hour, I got a little carried away with the holiday-themed varieties. But does a pumpkin beer ever really satisfy? Always the flavored-anything optimist I, of course, had to try, but the Chelsea Black Hole XXX Stout fared far better in palate pleasing.

Post beer sampling, we headed uptown to Szechuan Gourmet, an amazing, spicy dream on a little side street near the library.  Mouth-numbing dan dan noodles minus the pork, a garlic-soaked eggplant dish, veggie chow fun, and a fresh, buttery three mushroom platter later, and we all left completely fat and happy.



Saturday was a group celebration for our dear friend Will, so we headed out to Noorman's Kil, a spot in Williamsburg combining his favorites - whiskey and grilled cheese.

The space just opened six or so weeks ago, and showcases a ridiculously comprehensive assortment of whiskeys, scotches and bourbons from all over the world.  Somewhat new to the spirits game, I jumped in headfirst, sampling Laphroaig 10 yr, Amrut Fusion (Indian whiskey!), and some Hudson single malt, all the while sipping under a darling grape arbor. 

I also had to tackle the sandwich list - my lady friend and I shared a delicate selection combining nutella, ricotta, and fruit preserves on sourdough bread (and, of course, I got to snatch some bites of the groups' more savory choices).  The food was beyond tasty, and at prices less than $6, I suspect this will soon be a neighborhood staple.

Whiskey, of course, brought with it the fine idea of making shadow bunnies.

 

   

Maybe a little too carried away with the bunnies.

 

Sunday is usually my lazy day, so in between trying to find a previously-not-seen-but-still-awesome horror movie (denied!) and some errands, we decided to explore our area with Betty.

I kind of fell in love with Franklin Avenue.  Colorful buildings, organic markets, vintage street sellers, and the cutest local, fair-trade shop called Owl & Thistle General Store (Christmas list - complete).  I am pretty smitten with the idea of moving over a neighborhood once the lease is up, and I have a feeling we can find a spectacular 2 bedroom since it's even further away from the ever-looming stadium.



Another weekend draws to a close, and so begins another week in love with Brooklyn, friends, food and life.

Trick or...?

Halloween candy has somehow been relegated to the bargain bins, and it is now official:

Get your lists ready, chock full of chunky scarves, knee high riding boots, and cozy knit sweaters.

'Tis (already) the season!

Weekend Pieces - 10.1.11 & 10.2.11

Betwixt a whiskey infused 'Simpsons' mini-marathon, a sewing-fest, and cooking aplenty, we managed to also get a dash of culture in this weekend.

First Saturday evening at Brooklyn Museum was pretty marvelous. Although the dance party left a bit to be desired (nothing worse than a packed dance floor minus the shimmying), a stroll upstairs to the galleries offered lots of little treasures.

Completely enthralled by 'Blossom,' part of Sanford Biggers 'Sweet Funk' introspective.  My mini dusk-dream - meandering through a verdant wood in a layered rose-colored chiffon dress.  Chancing upon a sylph's piano sprouting from a wise old oak.  Perching upon the antique bench, and getting lost in my haunting melodies.  Oh so 'Little, Big'.  Whilst standing there in wonder, the piano began to render a pure, delicately eerie strain. Blissful at finding this little fable.

'Blossom, Lotus' by the same artist.  Connecting religious themes with the implications of slavery, the lotus petals, upon closer inspection, reveal the cramped conditions of eighteenth century trade ships.

The splashy skateboards really tickled me and, of course,  at the end of the night, I had to take a snap of Bones in his newly deconstructed jeans.  As I sewed creamy knit buttons onto a newly acquired grey, vintage puff-sleeved leather jacket, he toiled over a beloved pair of holey jeans and an old Brooklyn Giants patch.

Charms, silliness and curiousities - such a very welcoming weekend.

Everything Old is New Again

Tragedy yesterday - one of my favorite rings, a 'just because' present from Bones, snapped in two.  The perils of adjustable metal trinkets, I suppose, but nevertheless upsetting. 

Flash of genius (well...ok, actually a suggestion from said husband) - why not try to fashion a new ring out of the old?  So, whilst watching 'Rhinoceros' (Gene Wilder love), I attempted to 're-purpose' (thank you, 'Chopped', for my new pseudo-intellectual vocabulary) my ring.

One candy band, some Krazy Glue, and a lot of q-tip-in-nail-polish-remover-action later, the results.  A little more whimsical, but I think it will do the job swimmingly. 

And, bonus lesson learned: sometimes, you just have to listen to your man.

Ring, jewelrybyveronique.com
Candy band, vintage

The Newest Covet: September 27, 2011

A recent study has revealed that women get their most shopping thrills when buying a perfect handbag – more so than when they find well-made jeans, a sublime lip color, or fancy bejeweled flats of their dreams.

It’s easy to see why with Marc Jacobs' large single polka-dot leather bag.  A unique mash-up of playful Minnie Mouse-ery with a dash of Chanel (perfectly executed chunky chain strap handle and structured frame), I would squeal with glee to snap one of these up...or should I say squeak?

Bag, net-a-porter.com

Study, dailymail.co.uk

Out of the Water, Into the Wild

Often one of the most ethereal of design elements, paillettes are given a fresh reimagining in Prada’s striking 2011 Fall collection.

While normally reminiscent of the otherworldly play of color and movement found in a mermaid’s tail, these designs are uncharacteristically dramatic.  Modern cuts are enhanced by outrageous splashes of color, completely banishing all previously held notions about their ornamentation.

Toilette du soir taffeta, Raudnitz et Cie - white evening gown embroidered w silver paillettes

The resulting costumes are raw and glamorous, with just a dash of their former lady-like grace (take note of the amazing white gloves and plunging flapper neckline).

The play of similar hues is equally inspired - saffron fades into rust, which overlaps into an orange gold - and all is tied together with delightful cranberry accents.

While I'll always adore more traditionally girlish trappings, this novel approach is a must-try for the year ahead.