Fashion: Shark Week

As I said a couple of days ago, sharks are one of my favorite sea creatures. Above are my favorite shark related pieces I've gathered from the web. From elegant rooftop cocktails to a grungy downtown night out, I think these pieces will definitely turn heads!

1. My favorite piece by far is this intense dress from Topshop! Dress it up with a killer pair of heels and you're ready to make a statement in the city!
2. Forever 21 always surprises me when I find edgy pieces like this crop top and high-low blouse! Both of these tops are just waiting to be taken out on a fun night downtown! 
3. It's no secret that French Haute Couture House Givenchy has been inspired by the immense beauty of the shark. I'm absolutely in love with their shark tooth clasps featured in both the red crossbody purse and chic black sandals!
4. Finally, no outfit is complete without a piece of frosting! Zoe Chicco takes a more avant-garde approach to the shark tooth by encrusting it in diamonds!

xx Nicolette

Inspiration: Independence Day

From sun bathing on the beach to backyard barbecues, the 4th of July has to be one of my favorite days of the summer. Independence day to me is not only about celebrating this country's existence, but to spend time with my friends and family.

Stay tuned for more 4th of July inspired posts this week!

I'm Back!

Hello Readers,

After being on hiatus for almost a year, I have decided to resume my writing. Since last year, I have graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and continued working in online marketing. I'm currently working with OSP Group to further their social media presence and have been enjoying it immensely.

I started this blog in 2012 with the intention to inspire myself and others to become more cultured and involved with our surroundings. I've always focused on my main interests, such as: fashion, home decor, art, literature, and food. I intend to maintain these topics, but I would also like to expand to other topics along this journey.

Feel free to contact me with any suggestions or simple words of encouragement!


Best,
Nicolette Rivera

Cupcake Du Jour: S'mores

This delicious beauty is Magnolia Bakery's S'mores cupcake that has been one of their top sellers this past month. The perfect combination of a moist graham cracker cake and gooey marshmallow chocolate swirled topping is sure to make you feel nostalgic for those glorious summer nights. 

Once you let your taste buds try this heavenly cupcake, use the recipe below to make it yourself!

Chocolate Graham Cracker Cupcake Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 20 squares)
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 standard muffin tins with cupcake liners; set aside.

Sift 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into the bowl of an electric mixer.

In a large bowl, mix together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and continue mixing on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add boiling water and stir to combine; set cake batter aside.

Place graham cracker crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl; stir until well combined.

Place 1 tablespoon graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup. Use the bottom of a small glass to pack crumbs into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Reserve remaining graham cracker mixture for topping.

Place 2 teaspoons chocolate in each muffin cup. Transfer muffin tins to oven and bake until the edges of the graham cracker mixture is golden, about 5 minutes.

Remove from oven and fill each muffin cup three-quarters full with cake batter. Sprinkle each with remaining chocolate and graham cracker mixture.

Return to oven and bake, rotating pans halfway through baking, until tops are firm and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer muffin tins to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan and let cool completely.


Marshmallow Chocolate Swirl Frosting Ingredients:

8 large egg whites
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-2oz of dark chocolate

Directions:
Bring water in a double boiler to a simmer (a metal bowl on top of a pot works too). Break chocolate into pieces and place in the top of a double boiler. (Don't let any water get in the chocolate). Stir constantly until evenly melted. Set aside to cool.


Place egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set over a saucepan with simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and whites are warm to the touch, 3 to 4 minutes.

Transfer bowl to electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat, starting on low speed, gradually increasing to high, until stiff, glossy peaks form, 5 to 7 minutes. Add vanilla, and mix until combined.

Immediately spoon the marshmallow frosting into the left side and the melted chocolate in the right side of the piping bag. The result should be a swirl of marshmallow frosting and melted chocolate on each cupcake.


Enjoy!

Inspiration: End of Summer

Summer 2012 is unfortunately almost over and Fall 2012 is quickly approaching. The next two weeks will be my last effort to experience as much NYC summer festivities as I can.

 I hope you will do the same!

Shopping: The Evolution Store

The Evolution Store in Soho has to be one of my favorite sources for unusual accessories and home decor pieces.

 From fossils to butterflies this store has everything for science lovers like me. Below is their collection of meteorite pieces, including a sample of Mars. 

Be warned, this store isn't for the light hearted!

Shopping: Roni New York

 After work today, I decided to walk around Soho to see if I can find anything attention grabbing. I ventured in the opposite direction of broadway and headed towards Mott St. Instantly, I discovered this charming boutique, Roni.

There was a large collection of beautiful dresses, which is heaven for a girl that hates wearing pants. Not to mention the impeccable assortment of colors, textures and silhouettes. There is literally something something in this store for every girl. 

If the prices weren't already reasonable enough for my budget, the sweet sales lady informed me that half of the store was on sale! If you find yourself on Prince St, I recommend giving them a visit.

Cupcake Du Jour: Olympic Red Velvet

You may have heard of Georgetown Cupcakes from the show on TLC, DC Cupcakes, but what they are really known for are their delicious specialty cupcakes. In honor of the 2012 Olympics, they have decorated their classic red velvet cupcake with a fondant gold medal on top. 

After you try this cupcake for yourself, use the recipe below to make your own!

Red Velvet Cupcakes Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups (125 grams) sifted cake flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoons (10 grams) regular or Dutch-processed cocoa powder

1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature

3/4 cups (150 grams) granulated white sugar

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk

1 tablespoon liquid red food coloring

1/2 teaspoon white distilled vinegar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions

Red Velvet Cupcakes: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and line 12 muffin tins with paper cupcake liners.

In a large bowl sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.

In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter until soft (about 1-2 minutes). Add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg and beat until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.

In a measuring cup whisk the buttermilk with the red food coloring. With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the butter mixture, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour.

In a small cup combine the vinegar and baking soda. Allow the mixture to fizz and then quickly fold into the cake batter. 

Divide the batter evenly among the 12  muffin cups and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 18 - 23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cupcakes comes out clean.

Cool the cakes in their pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes and them remove from pan. Let cool completely before frosting. 

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup (60 grams) confectioners' (icing or powdered) sugar, sifted

2/3 cup (160 ml) cold heavy whipping cream(double cream) (35-40% butterfat)

Directions:

In the bowl beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla and confectioners sugar and beat until smooth. Using the whisk attachment, gradually add the heavy cream and whip until the frosting is thick enough to pipe. Add more sugar or cream as needed to get the right consistency.

Enjoy!

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.

Adventures of Last Week

Tuesday

My friend Kelly and I were in the need of some old school fun at a bowling alley. We went to the Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square and our lane was in the Coney Island themed room. If you ever decide to stop by, I highly recommend ordering their tater tots.

Friday

After a not so great time at an art gallery opening in the Lower East Side, my friend Kelly and I went to this gourmet hipster pizzeria, L'Asso. We ordered "Mela" which is mozzarella, gorgonzola, asparagus, apple & truffle oil on one half. Along with the traditional "Margherita" which is tomato sauce, cooked buffalo mozzarella, oregano, basil & extra virgin olive oil. The medium was fine split between the two of us but be warned, it's the shape and size of a skateboard.

You can check out the full menu on their website here.

Saturday

After shopping, my roommate Lori and I went to the New Museum on Bowery St and Prince St. While they are currently lacking in exhibits, the spectacular roof access more then compensates.

Some point during the day we stopped at Eataly by Madison Square Park and picked up some gelato. I got the $2 special "sweet milk" while Lori splurged and ordered a scoop of pear with a scoop of coconut.

Museum Exhibit: "Due to Unforeseen Events..."

The New Museum's exhibit, "Due to Unforeseen Events..." gives viewers a detailed background into contemporary artwork in Lebanon that has been altered from its original design. These pieces and stories question the censorship due to the politics in Lebanon. The exhibit includes work from the following artists: Ziad Abillama, Tony Chakar, Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, Rabih Mroué, and Kirsten Scheid.

Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige are film makers who had to modify "A Perfect Day" in 2005. A picture selected to depict the main character's father who was kidnapped during the Lebanese Civil War was of a man who died several years prior and his wife wished for the scene to be removed.

In 2009 they used this story to create a leacture-performance measuring the difference between recognition and representation. The image below is of the man used in that film questioning "... the seen and unseen, the hidden, the perceived, and the obliterated as multiple

layers of meaning and history." -Joana Hadjithomas.