Sunday, December 14, 2008

mixology 101

if someone were to ask you, "what's your favorite cocktail?" how would you respond? would it be a quick, off-the-cuff, run-of-the-mill answer like, the cosmo? sure, cocktal trends come and go, but favorites last a lifetime.

my favorite cocktail has a bit of a story behind it, the infamous bellini. the name is as beautiful as the drink itself, a flute filled with a complimentary combination of white peach nectar and champagne. this world famous drink originated at harry's bar in venice, italy where, according to perfectcocktail.net, giuseppe "harry" cipriani was inspired by the venetian painter, giovanni bellini. this bar also gained its popularity from a recognizable list of patrons, including ernest hemingway and orson welles.

i must admit, my first experience with this drink is likely what prompted my prejudice towards them; my mom and stepdad brought me to the restaurant harry cipriani at the sherry netherland hotel in new york city at the ripe age of sixteen. being the impressionable teenager that i was, i could not help but take in the entire atmosphere; i was immediately entranced by the buzzing environment. the drink sitting in front of me was a bellini with veuve clicquot, a distinguishable champagne with an interesting history (i recommend picking up a copy of 'the widow clicquot'). the bubbles from the champagne along with the sweet nectar that left a delicious after-taste is something i will never forget.

fortunately i had the opportunity to extend my affinity with the bellini beyond manhattan. while studying abroad in italy, i traveled to venice for a weekend with my dad and brother. among other wonderful experiences in the city, i had the utmost delight of tasting a bellini from its birthplace, harry's bar. as i sipped on my bellini i couldn't be happier, i was gleeful and elated, with a smile showcasing every pearly white.

in the end, my favorite cocktail has a long history and personal story to go with it. but i wonder.. if i were a cocktail, would i be a bellini or something a bit more complicated? comparing oneself to the complexities of mixology brings a whole new level of creativity.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

'tis the season for a wise investment

the new york times thursday style section recently summed up this season's trends with such precision i can hardly get it out of my head: "hemlines tend to fall with the economy." so where micro-mini dresses could be be spotted by the legs, i mean numbers, at any party last year expect them to be few and far between this season. simple standard lines are falling and filing in the gap between thighs and knees. to adjust for this extension many fashion houses are using bright colors to stir a little bit of mood into conservative cuts.

bad news bears, i know. but don't give up yet fashionistas, there is hope! with a tighter budget this season invest in two to three staples.. classic looks that can be paired with a mélange of accessories. adding sparkle and flair to your ensemble shouldn't cost a lot or take a lot of time.. try to focus on one statement piece like jewelry, a belt, an over-sized clutch, or a great pair of shoes (may i suggest patent leather??)



notice how banana republic
used a bright pink blend to make the dress pop

their use of solid jewelry makes a statement
and adds flair without going over the top

shoes, sorry hard to see, bright silver ones
carry an envious fashionistas eyes to the floor and back up again




this tadashi dress from nordstrom
is cut perfectly to show off your curves

accessorize with an over-sized clutch in a print or solid
it will add funk and flair to the simplicity of the dress

a bright shoe that sparkles can add color
and carry this dress through all of your holiday parties



happy shopping & happy holidays!