Welcoming September

After enjoying another Wes Anderson film, Fantastic Mr.Fox, I have created an interest for foxes this Fall.  It will be my first Fall in New Jersey and I just can't wait for the cool weather to kick in and be surrounded by Autumn leaves everywhere :)  September, as always, I welcome you right after my birthday, when the festivities begin!

VIvienne Westwood inspired by Mars & Venus

  

Vivienne Westwood is a British Fashion Designer who is one to admire.  Her clothes drape so nicely, flatter any body figure, and speaks loudly. Through out the years her collections have been inspired by politics, pop culture, and all forms of art.  This Autumn/Winter 15/16 her garments are reflections of one of her favorite paintings by Francois Boucher's "Mars and Venus surprised by Vulcan" 1754.

This Art piece tells the story of Vulcan who upon hearing of his wife’s infidelity with Mars, uses a golden net to trap them. Catching them together he invites the other gods to enjoy their humiliation, but instead it attracts new lovers for his wife; Neptune and Mercury, whose passions were aroused by the sight of her naked body.

Vivienne Westwood uses this painting on her swimwear, jersey dresses, and t-shirts this season. By using this print, she wraps an old master's work of art around the body, bringing history and culture to a wardrobe. 

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's has got to be the coolest supermarket ever.  They are so unique, quirky and actually gourmet-like.  Who ever said you can't have fun with your food?

This week's small grocery list for healthier meals:

-Barrata, Prosciutto & Arugula Flat Bread (great paired with a salad)
-Portobello Mushroom Fries (yummy with grilled organic chicken)
-Organic Mac n' Cheezy rays (top it off with parmesan cheese)
-Sweet Potato Chips (have these instead of potato chips)

Enjoy!

Transitioning from Summer to Fall

This Summer was all about the Ikat print. It was everywhere, on culottes, hair bands, even notebooks!  The Ikat dress I'm wearing originally had sleeves, but with the hot weather, I turned this dress sleeveless.  So how do you transition form Summer to Fall?  Add Fall accents.  In my case, I added leggings and cowgirl boots.

These suede cowgirl boots are huge now and into the Fall. You can find them on Modcloth.com

Polka-dotted leaves stamp

 

Inspired from my trip to the gardens, I carved a rubber stamp that mimics the polka-dotted leaves.

The New York Botanical Garden

Currently at the gardens you'll find all sorts of Cacti and exotic plants from the desert and southwest Mexico.

Decided to dress accordingly: Ikat dress and cowgirl boots.

You can find several spots to dine at the gardens but they only have 1 actual restaurant that I highly recommend, The Hudson Garden Grill.  Reservations are a must, but if you happen to arrive 10 minutes before they close and if they're not too busy, you might just get a table. 

Pictures of the garden adorn the wooden walls that were actually recycled from trees that had fallen during Sandy's hurricane disaster. Blue and white gingham table clothes give the feel of a picnic in the gardens.

As an appetizer I had the scallop ceviche, drenched in lemon juice.  This dish was very refreshing for a hot summer day.

For my main entree I choose Huevos Rancheros.  It's fried eggs on a tortilla with a fried avocado slice.  Light and delicious meals to leave room for dessert.

Dessert: Tres leche with Strawberry ice cream over almond crumbs. Yummy!

I was very happy with my first visit to the gardens and look forward to coming again in the Fall, when I was told they'll bring out the pumpkins :)