GIVE A RING

These scissor rings are beautifully handmade for each individual. Though the turn around time is slow, I would say its a unique gift that would be well worth the wait! Brilliance Found Jewlery.

MUSIC + FASHION = MARC BY MARC JACOBS

Yes apparently. Mr. Marc Headphones for your music loving man, brother, friend, nephew you name it. $68 from Bloomies. What does that face say to you?  

FOR THOSE WITH A SWEET TOOTH

Can you say donut maker? Hello! This was going to be my secret santa gift but my better reason told me not everyone would love this as much as me....F.Y.I I do not even eat donuts and I want this!

$39.99 from Sunbeam.

FOR THE GOLFER YOU KNOW

Let them personalize their own golf balls!

 $14.99 from Restoration Hardware. Comes with 26 letters so they can put their initials or any word that they like as long as it does not repeat a letter..be the coolest player on the golf course...or the dorkiest, your choice!

AWESOMELY COOL HOLIDAY GIFTS

Until Christmas I will post gifts that I find to be amazingly cool. Stay tuned....

LAUREN MOFFAT

In love with this coat! Daily Candy included it in their editor's wish list and I had to blog about it as well. It is by Lauren Moffat and just one piece among the many beautiful and fabulous items in her collection.

PURE YOGA

Though I am sure this is old news to some, it is new, great news, to me! I have been walking by Pure Yoga for over 2 years now just about everyday. I have always been captivated by its beauty, which stands out even more because it’s placed next to a run down PC Richards & Son. Since my husband and I are moving back to the UES it was time to begin my gym search. I HATE going to the gym, always have. I try to force myself to go regularly because I know it is good for me. I tend to like outdoor activities best, but Manhattan winters do not always allow this. Yoga has always been very enjoyable for me on many levels. I decided to finally step in to Pure Yoga and I was very impressed! The facilities are beautifully serene and peaceful! They offer many more types of Yoga than I even though existed. I am so pumped to try out my first hot yoga class this evening. I definitely recommend checking it out if you like yoga. You will be stunned at the ambiance that this place offers. I have never been this excited about exercise in my life! 

BH's LOOK OF THE EVENING...

Dress: Bloomingdales: Elizabeth and James: Sculpted bustier dress with pleated bottom
Purse: Barneys: Marc Jacobs: Tweed sequin Debbie bag
Shoes: Barneys: Christian Louboutin: Tres Francaise

SHOW ME THE BUBBLY

I only know one person who enjoys champagne more than me, so when I discovered that there are bars that specialize in serving bubbly you can imagine how thrilled I was. The Bubble Lounge in Tribeca, though on the pricier side, is definitely worth the extra pennies (or dollars…).  Champagne and champagne specialty cocktails start around $16. Besides the cool atmosphere and awesome drinks, what I enjoyed most about this spot was the wide clientele. It serves a great place to people watch…you can watched a 50 something year old man dancing by his lonesome (not really a dancing type of place, but apparently can be) or the 40 something bachelor who buys a whole bottle of expensive champagne in hopes of meeting a woman to share it with, or the 20 something girls dressed to the nines. I highly recommend checking it out; you might even pop by after dining at Max J

MAX

My new favorite restaurant, which I can't get enough of! Italian food to die for! I can honestly say that they are the first that has made lasagna better than my Nanna. Very inexpensive, with great drinks, especially if you like prosecco, and an incredibly romantic atmosphere. http://www.max-ny.com/. Max has two locations, one in East Village and one in Tribeca. I have only frequented the Tribeca local but I am sure East Village is just as amazing!

CITY SCENE

HEATHER B. MOORE

I discovered Heather’s Jewelry line at Michael Fina on 5^th avenue a couple weekends ago. Each piece is personally customized by hand. You can choose from green, gold, white or rose in 14k or sterling silver, mix ‘em up I say and the more the merrier! All metals used are also 100% recycled! They are beautiful pieces with a vintage vibe. They would make great gifts ;) 

BH'S LOTW

Bow: Anthropologie: Fanny Bow
Bracelet: Anthropologie: Castle Heights Bracelet
Jacket: Rugby: Wool-Blend Motorcycle Jacket
Pants: Piperlime: Black Denim: Skinny Cord Pants: Bear
Shirt: Free People: Lady Victoria Top: White
Shoes: SteveMadden: Blizzardd: Cognac

WARBY PARKER

I was introduced to Warby Parker by a friend. I have been eyeing their glasses for some time now and have finally decided to give it a shot. I have an appointment tomorrow in their Manhattan showroom to try on some glasses.The pair that I am most interested in for me is the Fillmore in Tennessee Whiskey seen below.

All Warby Parker frames include the prescription lens and retail for under $100! Probably the best part about this company started up by 4 close friends is that for every pair that is bought, a pair is given away to someone in need.

LEATHER JACKET SEARCH

I have been searching long and hard for a leather jacket. Typically when I shop for something in particular I have already formed what it will look like it my mind. This makes it very difficult and time consuming and often I never find what I was looking for in the first place, because it does not exist. I suppose this is why I went to school to learn fashion design, to be able to create these styles. I have always wanted a leather jacket but have never taken the plunge due to the expense. Now that fall is here and I have to face once again the morning stumble of "it's not warm but not cold so none of my winter coats will do" factor, I have decided it is time. I have looked everywhere I could think of, starting with Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales, Macy's, Jcrew, Ralph Lauren, Theory, Barneys, the list goes on. I knew i wanted a brown leather coat, that is not cropped, with a hood, and in the bomber style. I wanted to make sure it would be a classic addition to my wardrobe that i could wear year after year after year, it could not be trendy. Finally the search is over, in the place I least expected it. Abercrombie, and at a price point that is very reasonable compared to many of the other jackets I came across.

SPENDING CHALLENGE

I have been a little M.I.A lately, and for good reason. I put myself to the challenge for the month of September. I felt as though my spending was getting a little out of control. I love to shop and enjoy the city. Enjoying the city can be inexpensive but if you are not careful, it can be detrimental to your budget...so before it got to this point, I decided to challenge myself. No spending on clothing or accessories for the entire month of September. At first, I thought it would be severely difficult....but I have to say, the snow ball effect works both ways. I actually feel really good. Not only have I saved money, but I have found new ways to utilize the clothes and accessories I already have. I actually am more content with what I have than I was when I was shopping all the time. Though September is almost over, I feel like I want to continue this non-spending spree. How long it will last I am not sure....but it is good to know I have self-control! I challenge you to try and not buy any new clothes or accessories for one month!

WHO DOESN'T SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM?

Just a hop, skip and a jump over the Brooklyn Bridge and your well on your way to some of the best ice cream in the 5 burrows. Set on a pier overlooking the east river and Manhattan, the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is where it's at. Though the flavor choices are slim the ice cream delivers.

NEWS CAFE

I feel as though this picture represents what I enjoy most about ocean drive. Nice cafes where you can eat outside, people watch, and enjoy the weather. News cafe had one of the best atmospheres on the stripe. It has a seating area that is nestled between trees and lit only by candles. If you haven't caught on by now, a nice atmosphere for me encompasses candle light in some shape or form. This is goodbye for Miami for now, welcoming back NYC with open arms!

SOUTH BEACH

Sometimes we get distracted....don't forget to visit paradise.

VESPA JOY

Everyone knows I love a nice vespa. Vespa on South Beach.

DASH

I have always been curious of what Dash (The Kardashian sister's boutique in MIA) would be like. I knew it would be popping and would get a lot of attention. I always knew it would have a cool vibe. I never however had any expectations of the style kept within. Let's just say I was very pleasantly surprised. Those girls know their clothes! There was not a piece of clothing in the store that I did not like or want. I highly encourage checking it out if you find yourself on south beach in the near future.

MIAMI SPICE: SCARPETTA

Generally I have found with NYC restaurant week that it's not quite worth it. The portions are always a little too small and the food is a little under par of what normally would be served. NOT the case with Miami Spice, the equivalent to NYC restaurant week. We ventured to Scarpetta. which is located at the Fountainbleau on South Beach which is a site in itself. I have never been more impressed with a restaurant's aesthetics. Marble counter tops/table tops, candle lit, grey and cream color scale, and very classy. The food was phenomenal, one of the best meals I have enjoyed to date. We went with a group of eight and I must say the restaurant is great for a group and just as wonderful for a romantic night with a loved one. All around it was such a wonderful experience. I would pay normal price to go to this restaurant any day. There is a NYC location as well, which I plan to venture to in the very near future.

I'M IN MIAMI BH!

BEST CUBAN SANDWICH IN THE CITY

Two words. Cafe Habana. Though it is not your traditional Cuban sandwich, it is unquestionably delicious. Cafe Habana is at the corner of Prince and Elizabeth Street. Not only is it a cool area to stroll around by you will find that Cafe Habana is an attraction in itself, and for good reason. The Cuban is not the only good thing...go for the Jarritos, grilled corn Mexican style (with chili powder, lime and cheee, or a good old cafe con leche. There is a sit down restaurant or a take out outpost (and by take out they mean eat it on the curb out front). http://www.cafehabana.com/index.htm

OH HOW I LOVE TO WINE.....

Always in search of new wine bars, as wine is one of my favorite things in this world. My husband's co-worker gets props for this one...a little place called Felice Wine Bar. 60th Street and 1st avenue in the Upper East Side. Candle lit, romantic Italian goodness. http://www.felicewinebar.com/index.php. Upon recommendation from the bar tender we ordered Hauner Salina Rosa and it was perfect! http://www.felicewinebar.com/index.php

BH'S BRO'S LOTW

Tie: Brooks Brothers, Black Fleece, Plaid tie
Shirt: Brooks Brothers, Black Fleece, Houndstooth spread collar shirt
Vest: Rugby, Kinney cotton-wool vest
Jeans: Rugby, Dark-washed skinny jean
Belt: Abercrombie, Heritage leather belt, dark brown
Shoes: Urban Outfitters, Mark Mcnairy New Amsterdam Saddle shoe

How to wear: Sleeves on shirt should be perfectly cuffed three times and pushed up so that it is tight around the forearm. Jeans cuffed twice and should appear effortlessly done.

BH'S LOOK OF THE WEEK

Blazer: Anthropologie, Bromsgrove Blazer in beige
T-Shirt: Jcrew, Microspun Pocket Tank in blush stone
Necklace: Anthropologie, Narcissus Net Necklace
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind, Gwenevere in khaki
Purse: Jcrew, Exhibitor Collection, tote in beechwood
Shoes: Jcrew, Camden Brogues, leather in nutmeg

SCARVES...MY FAVORITE ACCESSORY!

A scarf can serve many functions: It can add style to a plain outfit, keep you warm, block the wind, cover your hair in the rain, and so much more! What I like best about it, is that it is appropriate in any season. My favorite season for a scarf however, is fall. I recently discovered the scarves from Leigh & Luca. So beautiful and for those of you who do not know how to wear a scarf, picture diagrams and directions are provided for many different ways on their site! My favorite scarf if the stone and bungee ombre dyed scarf with attachable chain!

If you are looking for a cheaper option purchase a scarf in China Town or Forever 21 and attach a chain necklace. However, I do find this one pretty darn cool :)

HOW COOL IS MADEWELL?

Prides themselves in jeans but has so many other cool things! They also have seven other labels such as Hi-Line which is “timeless, perfect-fitting tees and tanks.” Also cool is Wanderlust http://www.madewell.com/shopwanderlust.jsp, a line from Cambodia that they partnered with that creates items that I love like this scarf.

I have been obsessed with cardigans lately and on the hunt for a red striped one. I finally found one at Madewell. I can not wait to pair it with my skinny dark wash jeans, white v neck pocket T, and my over the knee Frye boots for fall!

TIES....NOT JUST FOR MEN, THANK GOODNESS!

There is no better way to mix feminine and masculine in your outfit than by slapping on a tie! Shop the look at jcrew.com.

BE ACTIVE

Lately I have felt the need to find a hobby that my husband and I can share. The two requirements are that we both like to do it and that it is an active sport. I have gone through many ideas from hiking, biking, kayaking and even golf. Then I came across the rock climbing gym at the Manhattan Plaza Health Club http://www.mphc.com/pages/facilities/climbing-gym.php. We have been rock climbing before and really enjoyed it. We are going to try it out this weekend. I hope that this can be just what I have been looking for!

BEAN BOOTS AND L.L. BEAN SIGNATURE

L.L. Bean has been a staple since 1912. One of the trademark products is the Bean boot.

 The great thing about this boot is that it is and always will be classic. For the North East it is a necessity and everywhere else a fashion statement. I can not wait to rock a pair this winter. While you are deciding which bean boots are right for you, check out the rest of the L.L. Bean signature site (just click on the L.L. Bean Signature logo above).

 With the signature line L.L. Bean took what people loved most about their company and updated it with a modern twist. About time!

KEFI

Kefi,http://www.kefirestaurant.com/, one of the best meals I have ever had in this city. Located between 84th and 85th on Columbus in the Upper West Side. Immediately upon entering I felt I was in a Greek Taverna in Santorini. The food was sensational and possessed so much flavor! Try the spread appetizer, the Caviar is outstanding! The wine list has an extensive selection of Greek wines, and though Greece is known for it’s white wines the red we ordered (Skouras) was so satisfying! I look forward to going back many more times!