Monday, November 9, 2009

My Secret Closet - Boutique On Fifty Seven (NYC)


Before I caught my flight on Friday, I managed a very quick visit to Boutique on Fifty Seven, a small but gorgeous designer brand showroom/sample sale boutique that sits right across from Bergdorf Goodman. This boutique is only open to the public by appointment or during the once a month sale. It boasts a long list of celebrity clientele and helps stock wardrobes for movies and TV, which means great quality + good service. The owner (pictured here) is a gorgeous designer/fashionista herself, Kasia Bosne, who has a degree from the Fashion Institute and caters to savvy fashionistas.

The boutique has brand new items and samples; all about 70% off retail. Brand line-up is truly dazzling and selections are great; from Lacroix, Valentino, Blumarine, Missoni, Pucci, Chanel, Gucci, Chloe to Kasia's original design. She sources everything directly from Europe so there are lots of designs you can't get elsewhere. Kasia helped me sift through tons of gorgeous dresses, tops and coats, and I was bummed that the Chloe short boot I loved was a size 39 and too big for me. It was a steal for $390!

Well, what's a girl to choose in just 30 min. before dashing back to my hotel? The boutique is too damn fun to leave!! In the end I chose a very plush and soft black cardigan/jacket that's Kasia's original design, along with a necklace and earring set for the upcoming holidays. My secret is out, will you visit soon? Be sure to check her website (hyperlinked above) and make an appt. before you go!!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Heavenly Dinner at A Voce New York


I'm back in NYC this week for work, yay! Growing up next door to a vibrant Italian family, I find myself never being able to compromise when it comes to selecting Italian restaurants. Here in NYC, Il Cantinori and the now closed L'Impero were on my go-to list, but last year I discovered A Voce, a contemporary and delish Italian restaurant located near the Flat Iron district on Madison Ave.

Well today I had the honor or dining at their newly opened location in the Time Warner Bldg. with amazing views of Columbus Circle!! My trick in getting last min. reservations at the most popular restaurants: call close to dinner time, make a late reservation (chances are, they've had last min. cancellations) and be prepared to kill some time at the bar. Yes, New Yorkers do go home, so chances are you'll get in like us if you're good to eat at 10 pm (7 pm my time in Calif., perfect!) ** This pic is not from tonight, thus the daytime photo.

Tomorrow evening I'm dining at Alto where the well acclaimed former chef of Fiamma and L'Impero, Michael White will work his magic. Stay tuned!

[My A Voce Dinner]
Wine: Glass of sangiovese, merlot,
cabernet sauvignon blend - Le Volte, Omellaia, Tuscany 2006 (Super Tuscany style red wine, very soft and has all the great notes of a cherry, hint of oak, and strawberry. I loved it!)

Pasta: Mezzaluna taleggio filled pasta, butternut squash, brown butter, fried sage (Totally blown away by the delicate size, cheese filling and velvety sauce. I think A Voce has the best pasta dishes in the world.)

Dessert: Fig sorbet (you can order from a variety but I thought this was fitting for the season. The fig flavor is not so strong so this one was a bit disappointing but cleaned my palette very well.)