Wednesday, June 30, 2010

NYC Haul

Being only an hour plane ride away, NYC is my number one choice for a quick getaway.  What’s not to love about NYC? Weather is always nicer, food is always better (more on that later), and the shopping is gazillions time better (and cheaper)!

If you ask me, the best part about New York is to visit my dear cousin, Kathy.   She is my fashion savy guide to the big apple.  She always knows where is the best to shop, eat & play.

If you look into my cloest, it is mostly dark colours.  But for some kind of reason, I was drawn to Neon/Brights on this trip?
Tote: Marc by Marc Jacobs Special items, Dress: J-crew, Skirt: INC @ Macy’s

If you do not know about Marc by Marc special items, then  HAVE to run there on your next NYC trip.  Marc has created these special items at DIRT cheap prices.  The Hipsters sale associates at the store are all hand-picked by Marc himself!
Chain Tote & Coin Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs Special items

Of course I saved the best for last!  I don’t think I need to explain
Shoes: Miu Miu, Headband: J-crew

Stay tune for the good eats in NYC.

Kate for F3

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Miu Meow

pic via miumiu.com

That's shoe heaven right????

That picture is from the Miu Miu spring 2010 Collection.  For those, who are around me, must know by now... I am OBSESSED!

I am a crazy Miu Miu lover since... FOREVER... this brand captures everything that I love: fresh, unique & feminine.  They also have the BEST bags & shoes!

So when the models strolled down the Spring 2010 runway with Cats, Daisy, Sparrows and nude lady prints, I instantly fell in love.  As if Miuucia Prada knew exactly what my dream wardrobe would be! Seriously, if I could only wear one collection of clothing in my life, this would be IT!

So what is better to combine my love of the collection & my love of baking? I have recently taken up on the challenge to perfect my sugar cookie decorating skills… Here is what I whipped up over the weekend!

Special thanks to Bridget at Bake at 350 & University of Cookies for all the tips & help!
All runway pictures via Style.com


Kate for F3

Thursday, June 17, 2010

How do you like your Nutella?


From eating straight from a spoon, on plain white bread, or more elaborated Nutella Banana Crepes (which is still my favorite street eat on the street of Paris), seriously there is no bad combination with this silky hazelnut spread.  (Seriously, if I could, I would choose this over Le Mer as face crème! Cocoa has good antioxidant right?) 

Speaking of favorite Parisian good eats, Nutella Macaron is the love child of my favorite confectionaries from the city of Light (& butter)

 Nutella Macarons:
Makes about 16

90gr egg whites
50gr granulated sugar
200gr powdered sugar (minus 2 Tb)
110gr Almonds Flour
(or you can use Ground Hazelnut for more Hazelnut flavor)
2 Tb  Cocoa Power (Dutch Processed recommended)
Nutella

For the whites: 24 hours prior, separate your eggs and store the whites at room temperature in a covered container. If you want to use 48hrs (or more) egg whites, you can store them in the fridge.

In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whip the egg whites to a foam, gradually add the sugar until you obtain a glossy meringue.

Combine the grounded nuts, cocoa powder and powdered sugar in a food processor pause to combine & remove lumps.

Add dry mixture to the meringue, give it a quick fold to break some of the air and then fold the mass carefully until you obtain a batter that flows like magma or a thick ribbon. Give quick strokes at first to break the mass and slow down. (should not take more than 50 strokes. )
 
Fill a pastry bag fitted with a plain tip (Ateco #807 or #809) with the batter and pipe small rounds (1.5 inches in diameter) onto parchment paper baking sheets.

Preheat the oven to 300F. Let the Macarons sit out for 30 mins – 1 hour to harden their shells.  This step is crucial to have the “pie” at base of each of Macarons. 
Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool.

To assemble Macarons, sandwich about 1 teaspoon of Nutella between each cookie

For more "dressed up" Macarons, sprinkle some cocoa powder lightly on top

Kate for F3

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Highland Haul



I recently went on a trip to Scotland and it is now one of my favourite places to be. While I was only able to spend a week there my family and I managed to cover a good chunk of land. From Oban, to Mull, to Inverness and finally Glasgow, each place had its own unique feel and identity as well as it's own brand of beauty. I have a feeling I'll be seeing a LOT more of that country. It's in my blood!

While I was there I went a little accessory crazy I have to admit so I thought it would be fun to share some of my "haul" with you guys. Yay! One of my favourite things to ask people returning from vacation is "What did you buy!?"... so here's a little taste.


Necklaces from Top Shop. Bow clip from Primark.


Antique hair clips, 4 piece ring set, gold bow ring from Top Shop. Zebra stripe ring from Primark. Opal ring from William Morrison Jeweller in Inverness.

And finally, I'll finish things off with some smiling daisies!



Have a good day!
Katie for F3

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Put some Bass in your Walk

Wood Platform Heels are IT! along with some favorite things for this spring 

Miu Miu Spring 2010 Satin Sparrow Clogs, Miu Miu Spring 2010 Cat Pin, French Connection Necklace, Club Monaco "Tea towel" Scarf

Kate for F3

Friday, June 4, 2010

Fashion Television (.com)

My very talented friend Shannon Lawn was featured on fashiontelevision.com and I was lucky enough to be used as a model for one of her designs. I'm so happy for her and am completely floored that my photo is being used on that site!


Photobucket
Read more of the article here.
 
Katie for F3