Kitten Lounge

Treasure Tuesdays: Let's Hear it For Bonobos

KittenCouture — Tue, 05 May 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Happy Cinco de Mayo, if you read yesterday's post, I hope to see you at Elizabeth and guys - this summer will be complete with a nice pair of shorts! We talked about Bonobos earlier this Spring and of course, we included it within our current guide (Beaches, Backyards, Roofdecks and Barbecues) but just incase you wanted to know more about the styles that they have, we had to give them their own post! Bonobos is available online and gives men the end of an age old excuse - not wanting to shop for bottoms. Not only does Bonobos have an amazing line of pants but they have recently launched a new pair of shorts! I love the fact there are a lot of prints and that the shorts are offered in two lengths. There are no more excuses at this point and of course you'll always have a great pair to bring with you at a lake house, after drinks and more!

Mingling Mondays ~ Step Into Spring

KittenCouture — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 05:51:53 -0700

Long Line Jacket $310 - Isabella Oliver

NEW! Linen belted safari jacket $98 - Victoria's Secret

Dknyc Double-Breasted Boyfriend Blazer $179 - Lord & Taylor

Linen Swing Coat $59 - Spiegel

When the weather begins to transition, you see a lot of fun blazers, jackets, swing coats etc make an appearance. Since it becomes to warm to a winter coat and not quite warm enough to go without something - you have to think creatively on how to stay in sync with the temperature. I love the swing coat from Spiegel's with a cropped look a long sleeve (not a fan of cropped jackets with a 3/4 sleeve although I have two). This is a great way to go from day to night with many of these looks and to add some pop to your denim and leggings as well!

Fashionable Fridays: Kick off Your Spring With Kitten Couture

KittenCouture — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:00:00 -0700

As many of you know, I have my own jewelry line, Kitten Couture which uses natural stones and seashells. Now my pieces are for all seasons; however, now that we are officially in Spring - this is the perfect time to reintroduce you to the collection. I love having pops of color within my jewelry as I tend to wear a lot of solids and simple pieces. This is a great way to change your look and really play up many of your favorite pieces. Above, I have a piece made of Botswana Agate, Mother of Pearl, Carnelian, Tiger Eye and Turquoise. Known as Ariel, this is a great piece that brings in elements of the sea while also being perfect with the addition of neutral tones as well.

Below is one of my other favorites and is also a chunky necklace that contains many of the same pieces that are above. The Alexandra has large Mother of Pearl shells, Carnelian, Agate and Snail Sell as well. Both pieces are done as lariats so that you can choose how many times you like to wrap them around your neck and how you wish to tie them. From now until April 15th, I am offering a special deal via this site where you can receive any piece at 50% off. Simply email me and let me know your piece; however, everyone should have a great piece that stands out or is perfect for a special day. I'll keep you guys up to date on what's going on with Kitten Couture and where you can find us! In the mean time, enjoy our Spring Fling Sale from now through April 15th where each piece has been reduced for a limited time to boost your look!

Fashionable Fridays: It's All About the Bamboo

KittenCouture — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Tania Bamboo Clutch by Glorinha Paranagua $365 - Vivre

L.A.P.A. Bamboo Handles White Croco Stamped Leather Doctor-style Bag $846 - Forzieri

Tory Burch Stevie Bamboo Pump $375 - Neiman Marcus

Vita Small Bamboo Bracelet in Yellow $145 - Pink Mascara

Bamboo! It's something that I have loved from the time that I could remember! Many of you know that I love accessories so I had to do a nice ode to bamboo. My favorite piece, the Tania Bamboo Clutch by Glorinha Paranagua. These are so cute and the tassel definitely add that perfect touch! Check out these fun pieces that are perfect for spring and are meant to be carried into the summer.

Wearable Wednesdays: Countdown to Spring

KittenCouture — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:00:00 -0800

Yes it's cold out there and although we haven't gotten through the worse part, I love the fact that Spring is around the corner. Over the next few months I'll be traveling to Orlando, Dominican Republic, South Beach, LA, Chicago and possibly Costa Rica. Except for Chicago, the other locations are all warm weather bound (we also have our crawfish and lobster boil during the summer which will take place at our condo with friends)! I've definitely started to purchase a few dresses that will be perfect for these trips. I love my t-shirt/tank and jeans/yoga pants; however, it's nice to glam it up every now and then! To that end, I have been looking for various pieces that are perfect to wear for drinks, going out dancing, etc.

Last last fall, I had the opportunity to learn about Single Dress! I love that they embody "South Beach style". I love the prints, styles and just the element of resort style. Of course you don't have to wait until you go on vacation to wear these pieces. It's perfect to party at the Meat Packing District, to take up to the Hamptons and more. In addition to super cute dresses, Single Dress and its various collections can also be worn with your favorite jeans and shoes as well. Take some time to check out more from this line and to see what looks the celebs have worn as well.

Kitten Lounge Loves Lucky Shops

KittenCouture — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:31:10 -0700

There are certain times during the year that I absolutely love to be in the midst of shopping mania! One of them is when Lucky Magazine holds its Lucky Shops event! I love going and checking out a variety of items that are greatly reduced while enjoying some cocktails. Each fall that I have attended, the deals have been better and I have walked away with some great finds and awesome goodies to go with it (I am still giddy about my Tory Burch bag and the most amazing CK seamless panties - TMI I know but I love them so it's ok). This year, Lucky Shops will be at the Metropolitan Pavilion on November 7th and 8th. This year the denim bar is back thanks to Lycra and of course Singer will be there for complimentary hemming. Lucky's "The Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Look" will be available for purchase and I love that Benefit will have a Brow Bar. With so many giveaways available and more, you'll want to get your tickets to be apart of this. In addition, the lovelies at Lucky Shops want to give you a little love so we have a giveaway for the coveted goodie bag! One of you will win this bag stuffed to the brim with goodies by visiting the site and providing comments here on the following question: Tell me why you like Lucky Shops and what you hope to get while there from the vendors that will be attending this shopping event. Those with the correct answer will be randomly drawn. Winners will be announced on Oct 24th! If you're going let me know and I'm sure I will see you there!

Paul's Honest Meal: A Taste of vietNAM in Tribeca?

KittenCouture — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:54:46 -0700

The answer is: maybe. It depends on your expectations and your previous experiences with authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Personally, I love Vietnamese food, but I am a sucker for the authentic and the untainted. There is a lot to be said for the art of passing down recipes from one generation to the next and the genuine love of cooking for one’s family and friends. Just as we emerged from the sea and evolved, our recipes have followed suit and developed along with our DNA. Just as Michael Phelps feels at ease and excels in the pool, certain chefs possess the same qualities in the kitchen. They attempt to preserve the genuine nature of their family’s recipes while enhancing their flavor’s DNA through classic training and imagination.

If you are one to look for the authentic and you dare to venture away from this city’s culinary epicenter, then your final destination for Vietnamese cuisine should undoubtedly land you in Eden Center, VA. For two years I lived in Arlington, VA and had the pleasure of experiencing Vietnamese cooking the way it is presumably prepared in its country of origin. Infused with some traditional French culinary techniques, Vietnamese cuisine takes on a life of the fresh, the untamed and the honest. Spring rolls wrapped in rice paper, Pho and grilled whole fish are the foundation of this most delicious world.
So, what does this city have to offer as the option for mid-priced Vietnamese cuisine? After hours of research and countless reconsideration, my girlfriend and I decided to visit Nam in Tribeca. The restaurant is easily identified by bamboo like greenery surrounding the entry way and you are quickly welcomed by a warm feeling and extremely high ceilings, which are common in this part of the city. The restaurant has anywhere from 15 to 20 tables, which are generously spaced and comfortably positioned throughout the space. The walls are accented with circular photographs of past generations, which presumably lead to the culinary evolution of its menu. The rear left corner of the restaurant features the best two person table and is decorated with bamboo and illuminated with soft yellow lighting. The restaurant lacks bar seating, but if you arrive too early for your reservation, you can always catch a pint at the pub right across the street.

Be prepared for a limited wine list and a menu stripped down to the interpretive staples of Vietnamese cooking. We started with grilled prawn wrapped in rice paper with cucumber, basil, peanut sauce, grilled calamari over cucumber, tomato, mixed lettuce, tamarind vinaigrette and shrimp dumplings wrapped in banana leaves. The prawns and calamari were grilled with an amazing smoky flavor and the salad had just enough heat to complete the dish. The shrimp dumplings on the other hand, although a highly successful and satisfying dish lacked the necessary heat and left your brain searching for that missing ingredient. For an entre, I ordered the crispy red snapper in chili lime sauce and my girlfriend had the steamed sea bass. Let’s start with the good first, the steamed bass was absolutely delicious and without a doubt a must to try if dining at the Nam. The fish was not mushy, flaky and the accompanying sauce was a success on every level. The crispy red snapper on the hand brings me back to my original point of “the authentic” in modern cuisine. The Nam’s interpretation of the crispy red snapper, although with admittedly decent taste qualities should make all of chefs in the black and white photographs previously mentioned close their eyes and turn the other way. The chili sauce was too sweet and didn’t offer even a hint to chilies or any heat for that matter. The red snapped was deboned, de-headed and de-finned, in other words it might as well have been a filet. To serve a filet as the centerpiece of this classic dish is criminal. The flavor was discarded as common trash, this dish’s DNA was eradicated and the memories of the genuine and the true forgotten.

In conclusion, I would like to say that Nam is a great place to dine if you’re looking for good food, but not for the authentic and the genuine. In my opinion, chefs who were so cleverly presented on the walls of this cozy restaurant would not recognize the menu or the techniques that that were used to prepare it. This restaurant is without a doubt a pleasure to visit, but it’s not the place that it attempts to be.

Wearable Wednesdays: I Love Spreegirl

KittenCouture — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:00:00 -0700

A few months ago, I was introduced to Spreegirl at an Editor's event and I have to say that since that time, I have been hooked on this super cute sleepwear brand. It has gone with me on a lot of trips with friends, meeting other designers and so much more. Spreegirl's philosophy is that you should be fashionable at all times and that it can be carried into bed time. I actually have a super cute gingham set that's a tank top and boy shorts much like the one the model is wearing in the picture. I love that it's super girly while having a bit of a spice in there too. In the end, it's a fun LA line that you should start introducing to your closets!

Fortunately, if you view the site, you can also get a sneak peek into what is available for this fall which is just as great as their spring and summer line as well. Take some time to check out the collection and if you're looking to purchase them, then you should check out such sites as Yandy.com and Revolver Clothing.

Fashionable Fridays: DVF Resort 2009

KittenCouture — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 05:00:00 -0700

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Hopefully you will be spending today going to some great parties, having drinks and much more. A few weeks ago, Diane Von Furstenburg presented their Resort 2009 collection. First off, you know that I love DVF and this is my favorite dress of the entire collection. There is something to be said for classic lines, interesting prints and the use of classic colors too! All of that put together makes for a classic look that is also dynamic which will let you stand out. These pictures and more are available on Coutorture so that you can get a sneek peek on her resort collection and additional designers as well.

Snazzy Sundays: LAGOON ~ Pottery Barn

KittenCouture — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 05:00:00 -0700

I was looking at Pottery Barn this morning and began thinking of my favorite thing when it comes to the concept of LAGOON - beach houses, summer shares or wherever you go when you get away from the city for a little R&R. This super cute daybed sits on top of this platform which can either be purchased with drawers or these baskets. You may sleep in something like this when you go to your weekend shares OR if you have a studio and want to maximize space, you may have this set up to give a little Bungalow Chic to your place! Either way, this set up is so refreshing and chic and is perfect for sleeping in or lounging no matter when you use it. Take some time to check out more items on Pottery Barn and find out what other infusions of Spring and Summer are available to you!

Fashionable Fridays: THINK CITRUS ~ Antoinette Lee Spring 08 Handbags

KittenCouture — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

You guys March is almost over and our homage to THINK CITRUS is rapidly coming to a close and bringing us closer to next month's focus which I am VERY excited about. But sometimes in an effort to think too far ahead, I forget about enjoy where I am right now. So today, as I looked through Coutorture which is definitely a first stop on what's going on in fashion, I saw the epitome of what is citrus and amazing! Antoinette Lee Spring has a photoshoot that is currently showing on Coutorture and she has a lot of cute bags but this yellow Dolcita clutch is so cute - dare I say that it is all about the luxe lemon? I love the buckle hardware and the little studs - of course who wouldn't love how small it is! So this is something that you can pop into your wardrobe at anytime when the weather is a little dreary or you need a quick pick me up. In addition, there are so many fun pieces in this collection with names to match that you will want to know much more about. Visit the site and start making your picks on what you will be clutching this season.

Snazzy Sundays: THINK CITRUS ~ Add a Vase

KittenCouture — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 05:00:00 -0700

I love this time of year! Whether you're renovating your home, getting a new one or just sprucing up a room - it's always nice to tackle these tasks right before the summer comes! I love putting bits of everything in here or there and the Cinnamon Streusel vases are so cute and add a pop of color into the room while still maintaining a neutral quality. Available at Target, you can choose between the tall or shorter vases to create a sense of depth within your home. Of course, you can also visit other areas within home at Target to create the ambiance that you have always wanted. Whether these go in your living room or bedroom - they will definitely add an element of class within your space.

Trendy Thursdays: Do You Have Love For Philly?

KittenCouture — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 05:00:00 -0800

Ok I have to admit, I get sucked into reality shows which is why I do try to avoid them but it gets to be too much and I either see it every time it airs OR I catch it on a marathon. Case in point, the title of this post comes from one of those shows. TV aside, Maptote makes the cutest tote and hobo bags that let you rep your city! Today I want to give love to the city of Brotherly Love. I love that not only does it map the city but it has images that we all think of when we think of this super cute city. I love the LOVE image, Rocky's famous stance and more. This hobo is perfect and if you think that you need something smaller get it in black or taupe as a tote. If you're an LA, Montreal or Paris girl there is a bag for you. This is definitely something that will be great to wear during the Spring and the Summer and of course you will be quite the conversation piece no matter where you're going. Check out Maptote to see what they have available and with a price at $20 - this is definitely something to make the Lovefest last longer!

Wearable Wednesdays: Night Clubbing Before You Hit the Lounge

KittenCouture — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 20:54:55 -0800

Sorry for the tiny image but I am so excited about this new eyeshadow that I purchased at Sephora from NARS Cosmetics. I love that their new Spring 2008 Collection has amazing shades that add a bitter of shimmer. This shade is known as Night Clubbing - it is black mixed with gold pearls! Those who know me know that I am not a gold girl; however, I loved the shimmer that I received when I tried this on. Depending on what you fall in love with, you'll be ready for the clubs in no time whatsoever. The secret to the amazing and seductive portion of this collection is the fact that pearls of various colors are mixed in to give you that amazing look! Nothing is better than playing with your makeup and giving yourself a variety of looks. I am so falling in love with this line and can't wait to test it out in Las Vegas next month during Project, Lingerie Show and Magic!