An Avocadoutfit & Good Fat Day Recipes

Avo necklace

You know you’re a food geek when your clothing starts to remind you of produce.  Such was the inspiration for this post, which came from a necklace that I call my avocado collar because; well… it kinda looks like one!  I jokingly call this my “dumpy brown jumpsuit” because on paper, it should be dumpy and hideous.  Yet somehow, it’s actually pretty awesome!  Sometimes something that sounds bad can actually be good; like FAT, as in the monounsaturated kind that’s in avocados.  

In any case, avocados are still in season – and every time I pass by the produce section, I can't help but toss a few of nature's "green butter", as I call em, into my tote.  Besides being down right delicious, avocados are Healthy Hippie approved because they are made up of mostly monounsaturated fat, aka “good fat”: the sort that lowers the bad and raises the good levels of cholesterol in your bloodstream.  They’re high in both protein and fiber so they’re incredibly satiating and have even been shown to reduce BMI and boost metabolism, and their high potassium content works to regulate blood sugar levels and control blood pressure.  Avocados are also loaded with vitamins K, C and E, plus carotenoids and Omega-9 fatty acids – all essential nutrients for glowing skin.  So basically, the incredible edible avocado makes you look as good as you feel!  Are you sold?!  Great, now let’s eat…

Sure, everyone loves guacamole, but if by this late in the season you're looking to get a little more creative with your avo - check out 5 of my favorite ways to indulge deliciously.  

As always, my recipes require few ingredients, little effort and lots of reward!!  

avocado-good-fat-relationship

[SUPER GREEN SMOOTHIE] [VV] [V] [GF] [DF]

Never thought to mix an avocado with something sweet?  Think again!  Avocado’s mild flavor and rich texture blend perfectly with fruit for a creamy, frothy treat. 

INGREDIENTS

• ½ ripe avocado
• 1 large, ripe banana
• 1 c frozen berries of your choice
• 1 c frozen spinach
• 2 tbsp Green Vibrance Superfood Powder
• 1 c almond milk (more if needed to blend)

DIRECTIONS

1. Pop all ingredients into blender
2. Blend until smooth

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[SPICY TROPICAL YOGURT PARFAIT] [V] [GF]

INGREDIENTS

• ½ of one ripe avocado
• ½ cup of mango, cubed
• 1 c plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp harissa
• Sea salt & cracked pepper to taste
• Drizzle of olive oil

DIRECTIONS

1. Pour yogurt into a cup, leaving room at the top for ingredients
2. Layer in mango and avocado with a sprinkle of salt and pepper on the avocado
3. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a dollop of Harissa on top

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[SMASHED AVOCADO FLATBREAD] [V]

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 avocado, smashed
• 1/4 c crumbled, herbed goat cheese
• OR plain feta plus sliced Italian olives and a dash of red pepper to taste
• 1 sprouted grain Ezekiel wrap
• 1 drizzle of olive oil (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Toast your Ezekiel wrap
2. Spread mashed avocado on wrap
3. Sprinkle herbed goat cheese evenly on top, lightly pressing the cheese into the avocado
4. Drizzle with olive oil if desired
5. Cut into 4 pieces for easy eating!  

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[CREAMY COLESLAWVOCADO] [VV] [V] [DF] [GF]

INGREDIENTS

• 1 avocado
• ½ c cilantro (optional)
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp course ground mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• ½ head of shredded green cabbage
• ½ head of shredded red cabbage
• ½ c shredded carrots
• ½ c shredded red bell pepper
• ¾ c of Extra Virgin olive oil
• Sea salt & cracked pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Put the first 5 ingredients into a blender and puree
2. Slowly add olive oil while continuing to blend
3. Pour mixture over shredded veggies and mix in a large bowl
4. Add salt and pepper to taste

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[FETTUCINI AVOCADO] [VV] [V] [DF] [GF]

A note about alternate grain pastas: Quinoa pasta is best eaten fresh and doesn’t store well, while brown rice pasta is best cooked al dente.  Both are delicious, more nutritious than white or wheat pastas and gluten free!

INGREDIENTS

• 2 large ripe avocados
• 2-3 dashes of cayenne
• 2-3 dashes of tumeric
• ½ c coconut milk
• 6 dashes garlic powder
• 4 dashes onion salt
• 1 tbsp of nutritional yeast or parmesan
• 3 dashes white pepper (black pepper if you don’t have it)
• Squeeze of ½ lemon
• 1 lb of pasta (I use brown rice or quinoa pasta to keep it gluten free)
• Salt and additional nutritional yeast/parmesan to taste if needed
• Garnish with basil if desired

DIRECTIONS

1. Smash avocado in a bowl
2. Add spices, lemon and yeast (or cheese) to avocado bowl and set aside
3. Boil pasta until al dente
4. Strain and return to pot, keeping about 3 tbsp of the starchy water in the bottom
5. Add coconut milk
6. Add smashed avocado and spices, stir until well mixed
7. Garnish with basil and additional salt or nutritional yeast/cheese if desired

A Decadent Chocolate Feast in A Mod Mini Dress

Although many love to believe that women in fashion don’t eat; for the most part that couldn’t be farther from the truth.  (Seriously, you should see how fast the catering disappears backstage before a runway show.)  Plus, let’s be honest – we ladies love our chocolate.  So it makes perfect sense that Belgian chocolate and ice cream brand, Magnum has a close knit relationship with the fashion industry – starting with Karl Lagerfeld as it’s spokesperson back in 2011.  It also makes perfect sense that at 5pm on a Wednesday night, the brand had no trouble filling seats for a dinner party hosted by James Beard award winning chef, Andrew Carmellini in the private dining and wine cellar of his gorgeous NoHo restaurant, Lafayette.  The occasion?  A celebration of Magnum’s latest collaboration between Carmellini and fashion designer, Christian Siriano to create “The World’s Most Fashionable Dessert.”

Although I’d received notice of the event via email weeks before, one week before the party, I received by messenger a giant bar of chocolate engraved with the details of the party.  “Now THAT’S an invitation”, I thought to myself as I broke off a corner and popped it into my mouth.  Being a full-fledged foodie, as well as half Belgian – I really can’t say no to a lavish meal punctuated with chocolate.  Even better when the meal itself is locally sourced and mostly organic… Lucky for me, chef Carmellini knew his crowd for this fashion-meets-food event and whipped up a meal filled with just such guilt-free ingredients.  Organic carrot soup, wild black bass from Long Island, and fava beans from an organic upstate farm called “Buried Treasures” were just a few of the delights that warmed us up for the main event: The Dessert. Double caramel with champagne mango and pineapple, coconut cream and basil: the chocolate “lace” trimmed bar is as much a mouthful to say as it was to eat… At one point I remember chef Carmellini gesturing to the plate while explaining something about the importance of champagne mangoes, but to be honest I could barely hear him through the symphony of my senses as I focused on the decadent flavors in front of me.  It’s a good thing (and definitely no accident) that the meal leading up to dessert had been fairly light, because from my left to my right and all around my table, not a single scrap of the bar remained on anyone’s plate.  In fact, one eager guest even snatched up the display dessert that Carmellini had used to explain the dessert to the crowd.  Seconds anyone?  Yes please.

CLICK BELOW for more photos & wardrobe credits

[WARDROBE CREDITS]

Lime green mini dress with pearl detail: DARLING

White leather & pearl purse: CHANEL from BELLA BAG

Black patent leather heels: ALAIA

White, blown glass ring: TRE

Cateye sunglasses: KAREN WALKER

xx

Natty

RoomZoom's Launch Party: Date Or Roommate?

In many ways, finding a roommate is like finding a husband.  You’ve got a contract that binds and you share an address... so you’d better be darn sure you like the person!  Thankfully, now there’s an app for that.

Much like OKCupid or other dating apps, RoomZoom links like-minded roommates based on personality traits and lifestyle.  Hooray!  Now “Game of Thrones” addicts everywhere can spend Sundays together in front of the telly, while hoarders and neat freaks stay comfortably apart.  Genius.

Founded by my cutie petutie friend and Vanity Fair editor, Elien Blue Becque – RoomZoom is still in Beta, though it’s already growing rapidly in New York, Los Angeles and London. So clearly, a party to celebrate the app’s launch and mounting success was imperative.  Being the most social of social butterflies that she is, Elien hosted an impressive roster of her nearest and dearest friends for a Summer Solstice bash last week. Simbarashe (of Lord Ashbury) was in the mix – capturing every candid moment, while Juan Patino snapped portraits for the site of all of the gorgeous faces in attendance.   There were writers and musicians, editors and models, artists and art dealers… and little old me, just happy to be sipping rosé & nibbling dolmas with the eclectic mix of friends both old and new.

Maybe I was already channeling the endless stream of rosé when I chose my outfit for the eve: a flowy, hot pink Ramy Brookjumpsuit draped with a rose quartz BuDha Girl beaded necklace.  Either way, I didn’t need rose colored glasses to see the writing on the wall: if RoomZoom is anything like it’s launch party, it’s sure to be a smashing success!

[WARDROBE CREDITS]

Silk Jumpsuit – RAMY BROOKE

Quartzite & Pave Tassle necklace – BUDHA GIRL

Brushed Gold Bangles – VAN H

Blue Quartz Cuff – ANNA BECK

Round Blue Quarz Ring – ANNA BECK

Misc Other Rings – VAN H

Leather Foldover Clutch – CELINE from BELLA BAG

Tortoise Shell Wedge Sandal - GUCCI

Where I Went & What I Wore for a Spring Feast at Laduree Soho via Guest of a Guest

If you have a sweet tooth or have ever been to Paris, then you know that Ladureeis the Parisian equivalent to New York’sMagnolia Bakery. That’s not to say that the cozy downtown bakery known for its cupcakes is much like Laduree’s elegant, historical house of tea and sweets (renowned for their mouthwatering macaroons), but both are ubiquitously worshiped for their specific, sugary specialties. In fact - much like a Manolo Blahnik sample sale, lines of chic locals and curious tourists often wrap around the block at both Magnolia and Laduree.

So when New York finally got its own Laduree, on the Upper East Side a couple of years ago, we clicked our heels and got in line. This year, the storied maison de macarons opened a second output in the former Borolo space in SoHo. At long last! Now downtowners can also delight in a delicate, 3-tiered pastry after brunch, or snatch up a box full of rainbow macarons to bring to a dinner party. But there’s more to the luxury bakery than confectionary treats. Two ornately appointed dining rooms (and soon a lush garden) offer everything from high tea, to breakfast, to lunch and dinner!

As a Francophile and macaron-o-phile, (did you know that macaroons are GLUTEN FREE?!) I knew that I had to experience Laduree’s latest location immediately - if not sooner. And what better occasion than Easter to indulge in pastel pastries?! Luckily, my friend and dessert aficionado, Elizabeth Minett, had the same MO, and was the perfect accomplice for an afternoon of decadence. Click through to see what we wore to this sweet, springtime feast!

[CLICK HERE] For full post on Guest of a Guest

Where I Went & What I Wore: A Faberge Big Egg Hunt & Art in General...via Guest of a Guest

Sometimes you've just got to party on a Tuesday... Like when storied jeweler, Faberge throws a massive fete to celebrate the finale of their citywide Big Egg Hunt. The appropriately grandiose bash was co-hosted by Arden Wohl, Waris Ahluwalia, Terri Richardson, Aby Rosen and 10 other fixtures in the social scene, ensuring that the guest list was just as hot. Surrounding a stage and under the glow of water-filled globe lamps at the Diamond Horseshoe in the Paramount Hotel, the crowd was equally theatrical. One woman dressed in white lace tights, a white fur coat and matching feathered hat declared, "now this is a party!" to nobody in particular.

But before the after party comes the other after party, as I began the evening with art in general... Or make that Art in General - and their annual Spring Gala. Co-chaired by Kyle de Woody, Manish Vora and Dustin Yellin - dozens of pretty young things packed out Root studios in honor of artist Phong Bui and Sotheby's Lisa Dennison. Guests mingled amongst recognizable faces and those less recognizable…namely the ones printed on the hanging installation by David Mramor, dubbed “John Doe.” Click through to see my outfit choice for the event-filled night!

[CLICK HERE] For full post and wardrobe credits/where to buy via Guest of a Guest.

Shop My Closet with Bib & Tuck!

[CLICK HERE] To read my full interview for Bib & Tuck, and SHOP MY CLOSET!  

NYFW: Where I Went & What I Wore, Part 2 via Guest of a Guest

From sun up to sun down, our Fashion Correspondent, Natalie Decleve, has been all over town capturing the best of NYFW for Guest of a Guest. Whether she’s attending runway shows, interviewing designers and celebrities backstage, or snapping street style – she’s always in the mix. So what does she wear during a week of see-and-be seen activities? Click through to find out.

[CLICK HERE] to view my full post via Guest of a Guest

PLUS – for more behind the scenes looks and where I went and what I wore, follow me on Instagram and Weryoo!

Where I Went and What I Wore via Guest of a Guest - Part 1

"From sun up to sun down, our Fashion Correspondent, Natalie Decleve, has been all over town capturing the best of NYFW for Guest of a Guest. Whether she’s attending runway shows, interviewing designers and celebrities backstage, or snapping street style – she’s always in the mix. So what does she wear during a week of see-and-be seen activities?"

[CLICK HERE] To view the full slideshow on Guest of a Guest, and see just where I went and what I wore!

PLUS - for more behind the scenes looks and where I went and what I wore, follow me on InstagramandWeryoo!

NYFW: Day 3 Style from the Tents (via Guest of a Guest)

Mara Hoffman's bohemian runway always draws an equally hip crowd of fans, friends and family. Even a toddler or two were spotted wearing full Mara garb at the show. Last season her runway featured wide brim hats, which might explain the plethora of toppers outside of the show. From beanies to floppys, our hats are off to the best dressed guys and gals of the day.

[CLICK HERE] To view full post on Guest of a Guest

How to Make It As a Fashion Blogger via StyleCaster

If you’ve ever considered starting your own fashion blog, you’ve probably considered the following question: How can I make blogging my full-time job, and make money in the process? It’s one thing to have a personal style blog—pretty much everybody and their mom (sometimes literally!) has one, since most platforms are free to start and easy to use—but it’s quite another to take that platform and make it something that nets you actual income.

“Honestly, it’s not easy to make money,” said Natalie Decleve ofNatty Style. ”And it’s not easy to maintain. If you want to make blogging your full-time job, you [really] have to make it your full-time job.”

That may sound a bit redundant, but what Decleve means is less straightforward than it sounds: In order to make your main source of income your fashion blog, you have to invest not just your passion and dedication, but also (most importantly) your time. It’s a cliché, but it’s true: success doesn’t happen overnight....

[CLICK HERE] To read full post via StyleCaster

Vogue & Brahmin Host Dinner at the Hotel Giraffe

No matter what your size, shape, age or hair color – just about every girl loves a little arm candy.  But before dessert, there must be dinner… Which is why Vogue’s dinner party for Brahmin handbags made for a perfectly balanced meal!  On the enclosed rooftop of the Hotel Giraffe, about 30 stylists, editors and bloggers met for an evening of gabbing and bagging.  The hosts of the evening were Brahmin and Vogue’s ‘Style Council’: a team of tastemakers, including Hannah Bronfman, Kim Pesch, Ann Colville Somma and Lisa von Weise.

The storied handbag brand, Brahmin has been family run for decades, and the passion of it’s employees is contagious.  Details like handles inspired by guitar straps, and clasps from antique bags add to the brands rich heritage – while pops of cobalt blue and crossbody styles appeal to modern style-setters.  One of my personal faves, the Mini Kathleen in black – is a killer combination of rock n’ roll cool, crafted in lux, crocodile stamped leather, which rings in at a reasonable $225.  And as promised, after dinner must come dessert… Imagine our delight when the meal ended, and servers brought out an Ophelia bag from the Polished Party Collection for each and every one of us!

[CLICK BELOW] For more photos & wardrobe credits.

Me n' the lovely Cara Crowley (head of special events at Vogue)

[Wearing: Helmut Lang top, Chanel bag courtesy of Bella Bag, Paolo Errico skirt, Ralph Lauren Collection Sandals]

My date, designer Hunter Bell et Moi with our new scores!   Thank you Brahmin! <3

Head of Marketing/PR for Brahmin, Natalie Joos