In A Pickle.

Yesterday, I attempted to make a chocolate cake from scratch. As ingredient after ingredient went into the mixer, it looked as though everything was going as planned, better actually. I soon realized that this was not the  case. Normally, you'd think that a cake would be nice and risen after this 3o minute bake time, needless to say, mine remained flat. All of a sudden I related this flat cake to every day life. A promise that doesn't go through. A job interview with no call back. If a cake doesn't rise, you wouldn't give up, throw it out, and admit defeat without a second try. Same in life. If things don't work out in whatever your trying to accomplish, chances are the next time you try again, your interview will go smoother, your pitch will be more persuasive, or your chocolate cake from scratch might raise to perfect heights.

Trust Me.

Two years ago there was a pair of fall over the knee boots in my closet which I not only adored but wore almost everyday with everything from a mini skirt and sweater, to a pair of skinny jeans with a loose tee. The Chinese Laundry "Strate" boot was time and time again the essential item of many of my fall outfits. I am so excited to say that I found my beloved boot's sister! Introducing, the Chinese Laundry "Trust Me" boot in gray. The button detail at the top of the boot adds a certain vintage military look and the gray color will surprise you with its kinship with every outfit. Trust me.

Chinese Laundry "Trust Me" Boot $99

Gift Wrapping.

As time goes on, there are some things that cease to change. My love for Herve Leger Bandage dresses is one. It all started a few weeks before my 21st birthday. When I saw this one particular purple and silver herve at Intermix, I knew that it was thee dress to wear to celebrate 21 years. Ever since then, Herve Leger, to me, represents fun, youth, and femininity. Although the silhouettes rarely ever change, the color palettes and the classic "OMG" factor remain to alter season to season. My favorite dress from the Spring '10 collection is the pretty little number below. The wrapped bands around the waist is my favorite element to this dress. The boots are pretty awesome as well. I'll take both for my 23rd birthday, please.

Herve Leger 

Active Ingredients.

Yesterday, I set out on a small adventure to find a pair of sneakers that are versatile while being cute at the same time. I found these shoes during my unfortunate trip to the mall. I believe that the city has spoiled me forever with the countless corner boutiques with anything and everything you could ever want located in quaint little shops. Now when walking into a mall, my heart starts racing- in a bad way, and all of a sudden I'm tense and looking around at other mall people trying to avoid closeness and contact.  Anyways, as I was saying, nestled upon a shelf at a sneaker store, was a really adorable pair of Puma's. They're comfortable, feminine, and black. And, they're under $100. Needless to say, I exited the mall doors more excited than when I entered 15 minutes before.

Puma Sneakers $79

If these adorable shoes don't inspire you to kick butt in a spinning class, here's a "Snakes Doing Yoga" cake, created last month for my yoga loving, snake whispering aunt for her birthday. Happy working out. 

Dark Chocolate Layer Cake

Cocoa Butter Cream Icing

Vanilla Fondant Snakes, Yoga Mats, Flowers, and Birthday Sign.

Hand Candy.

If I could have a choice to be gifted with any clutch in the entire world, it would be a tough choice between... all of the Paige Gamble bags. One look at them and you'll understand why I'm so in love. Based out of Manhattan, Paige Gamble's designs are the perfect combination of spectacular gemstones and exotic leathers, and they couldn't be more perfect. Sigh. And don't even get me started on the headbands...

Too many beautiful pieces to post at once. Check it out for yourself at Paige Gamble 

Tough Cookie.

Last week, I read somewhere five things to do in the next year to "Spruce Up Your Life". One of the missions was to buy an item of clothing that isn't you. When I decided to take on this challenge first, mainly because it was an excuse to shop, I immediately thought of the Frye Engineer boot. When I first told my friend, Katie, that I purchased the boyish boots she said to me, "But Ker, you're a Brian Atwood!" And she couldn't be more correct. As I mentioned before,  I love ruffles, pink, and cupcakes. Not whisky shots, brass knuckles, and sleeve tattoos. But they have something je ne sais quoi about them. I love that when I pair them with a cute short tulip dress, it automatically adds an unexpected flirtatious edginess. I can't wait for colder weather to perfect the layered look and wear them with black opaque tights, a mini skirt, and a little grey leather jacket topped off with a gorge scarf. But for now, pairing with a short feminine dress is what I prefer.

Vogue, June '07.

TopShop + Chistopher Kane= I'm There.

Normally I would try to keep these things a secret as much as I could, but I decided to play fair. September 18th, TopShop comes out with their exclusive collection by Christopher Kane. The pieces in his collection are unique and look just as expensive and alluring as designer pieces. Surprisingly, these items will set you back $30-$300. Just a fraction of Balenciaga, Rag & Bone, and Givenchy, while still keeping up with the season. Mark the date on your calendar and stock up your closets for fall with a sort of girly biker glam items. Grommets, structure, embellishment and all. Embrace attitude.

Christopher Kane for TopShop