Recipe: Spaghetti Nest

Ingredients:

DeCecco's Angel Hair Nests

Cabernet sauce

Ground Beef (or Turkey)

1 Egg

Bread Crumbs

Italian Seasoning

Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper

Directions:

In a large bowl mix the ground beef, egg, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning and crush red pepper. Pinch 1-2 inch spheres with your hands. Cook them on a medium heat skillet until the meat balls are thoroughly cooked.

In a small sauce pan bring water to a boil. Rinse the angel hair nests in cold water until you feel them become firm. Drop them into the boiling water for 1 1/2-2 minutes. Remove nest from boiling water and repeat for those remaining.

Once your nests are cooked and drained, serve with your sauce and meatballs. Personally, I like to garnish it with shredded parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning; but it isn't necessary. Enjoy!

Literature: "Pulled: A Catalog of Screen Printing" by Mike Perry

As many of you may know, screen printing became popular in the 1960s by many Pop artists. Mike Perry has assembled a collection of over 40 pieces by various talented artists. Each designer contributes their own individualistic technique and original flair. The creativity within these pages are endless.

Inspiration: Screen Printing

This medium allows painting to coexist with fashion. Personally I find that the more imagination involved coinciding with a wide palette of colors makes each piece more interesting.

The Arts: Loïc Prigent's "Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton" Documentary

Tuesday in FIT's Katie Murphy Amphitheater, Loïc Prigent presented his 2007 documentary of Marc Jacobs' contribution with Louis Vuitton. It took six months to film and Marc Jacobs only agreed to allowing this documentary as long as Loïc Prigent promised to experience everything. Loïc Prigent recalled that Marc Jacob cried twice responding to both looking back and seeing those he worked so hard with and the artistic clothes on the street.

I asked Loïc Prigent what comparisons did he notice between Marc Jacobs and the Louis Vuitton's design aesthetic. He responded, "Marc Jacobs had more of a French messy aesthetic. While, Louis Vuitton had a more uniform global 'American' image."


If Loïc Prigent wasn't charming enough, he was very blunt with his lack of interest in the internet. A student asked him if there was any website where we could follow him. He responded simply, "no, I'm French."

Fashion: Unique Heel Geometry

On campus there is always a sea of riding boots and Macalister wedges. Yesterday, while on campus an International student from Tokyo was wearing these wedges with such an unusual geometric shape. I was inspired so I decided to collect a few heels that really grabbed my attention. The shoes below are by Lanvin, Prada and Dior.

Recipe: Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

Short Bread:

2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar

2 teaspoons (10 grams) baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup (76 grams) cold unsalted butter

1 large egg,

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (120 ml) cream, half and half, or milk

Topping:

2 pounds strawberries

1 tablespoon granulated white sugar

Vanilla icecream or whipped cream

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 F and place rack in the middle and grease your bread pan.

Wash and slice strawberries into a clean bowl and add the sugar. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let set in the fridge.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or two knives. The mixture should look like coarse crumbs. Whisk together the egg, cream and vanilla extract and add to the flour mixture, mixing just until the dough comes together. Do not over mix the dough.

Once dough is ready, flatten into the bottom of the bread pan and let it cook for 20-25 minutes or until it's golden. Let the shortbread cool for a couple minutes before slicing.

If you choose to use vanilla icecream like I did, Scoop it onto the bread before the strawberries. Otherwise spoon the strawberries onto the shortbread before dolloping your whipped cream. Enjoy!

Literature: "A Tally of Two Cities- Paris Versus New York" by Vahram Muratyan

This coffee table book is entirely filled with illustrations that compare common aspects of Paris and New York in a humorous way. The book also splits it's language into half French and half English. It's entertaining while educating at its most basic level. For more background on Vahram Muratyan, check out his blog here. The images below are two of my favorite pages.

Inspiration: Franco-British Relaions

For centuries the French and the British have been both allies and enemies. The relationship between these two countries have influenced many aspects of today's society. Not only in their individual nations, but any dominion in the past or present as well. The images above are movie stills reenacting the lives of renowned monarchs, Alexandria Victoria and Marie Antoinette.

Adventures of Last Week

Monday

In front of FIT's campus on seventh avenue, CoverGirl parked a make over truck complete with stylists.

Tuesday

FIT's Style Shop had their grand opening and while it mostly carries the same aesthetic, the jewelry tree seems to have grown this year. I especially enjoy the bronze skull bracelets.

Wednesday

While at the Lincoln Center, I enjoyed a free Betsey Johnson cupcake courtesy of Baked By Melissa. This is one cupcake that really sparkles!

Museum Exhibit: James Rosenquist: F-111

“In F-111, I question the collusion between the Vietnam War, income taxes, consumerism, and advertising.”—James Rosenquist

This 86ft long piece can be found at the MoMA until July 30, 2012.

The Arts: Salvador Dali's, "The Persistence of Memory" Influence in Fashion?

In Vogue's March 2012 issue there's this Diane von Furtenberg advertisement that I feel is completely channeling Salvador Dali's, "The Persistence of Memory." What do you think?

Fashion: NYC Rain Necessities

Check List

Trench Coat

Rain Boots

Bubble Umbrella

Waterproof mascura

Chapstick

Recipe: Baguette Pizza

Ingredients:

Sausage

Sliced baguette

Olive oil

Crushed tomatoes

Shredded Parmesan cheese

Shredded Mozzarella

Sliced cooked sausage

( I bought mine from Dickson's Farmstand Meats)

Hawaiian

Sliced baguette

Olive oil

Crushed tomatoes

Shredded Parmesan cheese

Shredded Mozzarella

Fresh Pineapple

Sliced Ham

Garlic

Sliced baguette

Olive oil

Minced garlic

Shredded Parmesan cheese

Shredded Mozzarella (Not too much!)

**Tips**

Cook sausage on medium heat while you're preparing the rest of ingredients. Salt and pepper can really make a difference if your pizza tastes a little bland. 350 F for 15 minutes worked perfectly for me, but make sure you keep an eye on your pizzas regardless. Enjoy!

Literature: "Alone Together"

Sherry Turkle through out this book makes a interesting observation that the technology that was meant to facilitate communications is in fact has pushed people further away from each other and closer to machines. She argues that while texting, emailing and social networking may be more convenient, face to face contact dwindles down. At this rate Valentine's day will be nothing more then e-cards and emoji symbols. Where has the romance gone to?

Inspiration: Anti-Valentine's Day

Adventures of Last Week

Tuesday

After my job interview I kind of had a sweet tooth so I went to La Maison Du Chocolat for a raspberry macaron and a raspberry truffle. Then I went to Magnolia Bakery for a red velvet cupcake. To make up for this immense indulgence, I went on a long adventure throughout the city. My favorite spotting of the day was the Henri Bendel Fashion Week inspired window display with a life sized Anna Wintour doll.

Friday

Before meeting Kelly and Sabrina for our Contemporary dance class, I stopped at Ladaurée to pick up some chocolate, lemon and raspberry macarons. While cutting across central park I

found a really strange tree sized statue made of tires. After our dance class, I styled Kelly for

"You've Got The Look" competition Lord & Taylors is hosting for FIT And LIM students.

Saturday

In the lobby of FIT's museum there is a collection of Barbies designed by CFDA members. Above, I photoshopped them together so you can get a better look. Personally, my favorite Barbies were the Anna Sui, Diane Von Furstenberg and Oscar de la Renta. Later that night Kelly, Sabrina and I went to this event at the Beauty Bar to get our nails done by nail artist, Brittnee Conn. (You should follow her blog!) Finally, to complete a fun filled week we stopped at

Vanessa's Handmade Dumplings for some dumpling noodle soup. The dumplings were amazing but the soup would of been more enjoyable if it wasn't overloaded with spinach.

Museum Exhibit: IMPACT 50 Years of the CFDA

This exhibit is honoring the Council of Fashion Designers of America's 50th Anniversary. It is organized into the following themes: Cheeky Menswear, Simply Elegant Eveningwear, Cutting-edge ensembles, Simple Dresses and Resplendent Gowns. In addition to the amazing selections, this was the first exhibit FIT has decided to include the interactive use of iPads. That way you can instantly access fashion shows from the past 50 years along with any of the pieces that aren't being displayed. The two dresses that caught my eye were the 1955 Luis Estevez and the 2011 Marchesa. You can find more information on this exhibit here.

The Arts: Contemporary Dance Class

Tonight Kelly, Sabrina and I took a Contemporary dance class at Steps on Broadway. The instructor was Janat Hicks and she has been dancing for the past 47 years. To view her complete career bio visit Steps' website here.

Fashion: FIT Campus Trend Pieces

This semester so far there has been a few girls that have a sense of style that challenges the overly common skinny jean with leather boots phase. There is fur and over-sized jewelry everywhere on campus and I just can't get enough of it. Also, to give a new twist on last spring's sheer maxi skirts, High-Low hemlines have begun to make more of an appearance. Lastly, Jcrew's MacAlister wedges or imitations have become quite the staple in the shoe department. It probably has to do with the fact that not only do they have a minimalist beauty to them, but they are really comfortable as well.

Recipe: Fresh Steak on Toast

Ingredients:

Steak (I used minute Steak)

Fresh Pineapple

Red Ball Pepper

Cucumber

2 tbs of olive oil

Baguette

Directions:

On a lightly oiled skillet cook your steak to your specification (Personally I like mine medium-rare). Slice your pineapple, red ball pepper and cucumber and set aside. Slice baguette and drizzle olive oil on top. Place pieces of bread in the oven at 450F until the edges are golden.

Once your steak is cooked as long as you'd like, remove from the heat onto a cutting board and rinse your skillet. Throw in your pineapple, red ball pepper and cucumber until your pineapple is slightly toasted. Slice your steak into pieces and mix into the pan. Remove your bread from the oven and serve your mixture ontop. Enjoy!

Literature: "New York fashion week : the designers, the models, the fashions of the Bryant Park era"

Eila Mell gives you an in depth background behind New York's fashion week. As some of you may know, Eleanor Lambert pioneered the idea of press week as a way to get fashion editors to notice American designers in 1943. However, the first official fashion week as we know it today wasn't until the Spring/Summer 1994 season in October of 1993. This book takes you all the way up to the fashion week that moved this tradition from Bryant Park to the Lincoln Center for the Spring/Summer 2011 season.
Order this book here.

Inspiration: Fashion Week

Three more days until the madness begins!

Adventures of Last Week

This week was the first week of classes at Fashion Institute of Technology.

I'm taking the following classes this semester:

Computer Applications / Interactive Technology Marketing Communications

Strategies of Business Communications

Print Public Relations

Cross Cultural Studies

International Economics

Business Law

General Psychology

Wednesday

A friend of mine and I went to this café on Bedford called El Beit. They have a back patio which was perfect because the weather was really nice that night. I recommend getting the White Tea.

Friday

Photo by Katharina Fritsch

In case you didn't know already Target sponsors free MOMA tickets after 4PM on Friday. Which is why I decided to go.

Museum Exhibit: Contemporary Galleries 1980-Now

This exhibit is found in the MOMA and offers a vast amount of contemporary pieces from the past 30 years. Featured artists include Ashley Bickerton, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Keith Haring, Martin Kippenberger, Steve McQueen, Senga Nengudi, Doris Salcedo, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Rosemarie Trockel.

The picture above is Ralph Borland's, "Suit for Supervision." The materials he used were Nylon-reinforced PVC, padding, speaker and a pulse reader. This suit was meant to protect the wearer at large-scale street protests. The suit also monitors the wearer's pulse and projects an amplified heartbeat out of a speaker in the chest of the suit. For more background on his design visit the artist's website here.

Photograph by Pieter Hugo