If you’re a foodie like me then you’ll thoroughly enjoy two new blogs I just discovered that I’m excited to share. Both combine food and style and are completely addicting! First up is Sous Style…. a food blog created by Elle photo director Pippa Lord which chronicles the culinary adventures of fashionistas and tastemakers around the globe. The subjects are stylish and intriguing, the photography is stunning and the food is absolutely mouth watering. Pippa has dubbed Sous Style as a site for “a new generation of homemakers.” Think younger, hipper Martha Stewart types who love to cook and entertain at home. I’m completely hooked! Below is a look at what you’ll find inside and you can check out Sous Style here!

_{Sous Style Creator Pippa Lord (above)}

All photos above via Sous Style.

Next up is Lookbook Cookbook which is written by Toronto based Jessica Milan, a photographer and former model that also happens to be studying holistic nutrition. I was especially excited to stumble upon this blog not just because of it’s unique fusion of fashion and food but also because I eat (mostly) gluten and dairy free and this recipe based blog features all vegan baking recipes that are gluten, dairy and, best of all, guilt-free! Jessica bakes her tasty treats and then shoots super cute, impeccably styled models eating them which puts both the food and fashion center stage for a double dose of inspiration. Catch a peek at some of the site’s sweet shots below and you can check out Lookbook Cookbook here!

Above photos via Lookbook Cookbook

_{Cute girl on a bike. Photo via Fash n Chips (This could be me!)}

I want to buy a bike…I want one bad. A cute little vintage/European inspired bicycle with a wicker basket on the front to tote my things around in and a little brass bell just for kicks. The only thing that’s holding me back is my intense fear of riding a bicycle around New York City where people tend to drive erratically, not to mention the plethora of bike messengers that ride around the city which are pretty scary too. I’ve seen bikers get hit by cabs and people get hit by bike messengers on a few occasions. Not cool. Anyway – I’m working on conquering this fear so  I can at least muster up the guts to ride around my my own neighborhood and maybe even to the West Side Highway where I hope to take leisurely rides along the Hudson. Here are some of the super cute bikes I’ve been eying. And for an of my NYC readers with bikes. I’d love to know- is it as scary as it seems? (on a side note – I wish I could look half as chic as the stylish women in these photos while riding my bike!)

1. Missoni for Target Bicycle, $399 available Sept 15 at Target.com | 2. Schwinn World 24 Cruiser, $489 | 3. Linus Mixte 3-Speed Bicycle, $589 | 4. Kate Spade for Abici Bicycle, $1100 | 5. Schwinn Cream 1-Speed Bicycle, $271.99 | 6. Public C-7 Bike, $550 | 7. Peterboro Cycle Basket, $44 | 8. Nutcase Helmet, $55 | 9.  10. Pashley Saddle Bag , $180. Top right photo via Mr. Newton.

A few weeks ago when I visited Palm Springs we spent our first night at The Colony Palms which is a beautiful old Spanish style hotel with a storied history. In the 1930s the property was owned by an alleged member of the mob and was equipped with a basement casino, a speakeasy and a brothel! It was Hollywood’s golden area the hotel, called The Colonial House back then, was a glamorous retreat frequented by legendary stars like Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Carol Lombard and many more. Over the next several decades the hotel changed hands a few times before reopening in 2007 after a 3-year $16million renovation which included stunning interiors designed by “million dollar decorator” Martyn Lawrence Bullard. The decor infuses Moroccan, Spanish and Mediterranean influences with classic colonial style, old Hollywood glamour and a touch of the exotic. The property is lush with palm trees, fountains and beautiful gardens which create a laid back and sophisticated ambiance. Here is a peek at some photos I shot during my stay…

This is the elegantly appointed lobby that greets you when you check in. I loved the presence of the framed suzani on the wall behind the desk which creates a beautiful focal point. Framing delicate antique textiles is a great trick for allowing you to beautifully showcase them while still keeping them in tact.

Framed black and white photography with fashion and old Hollywood imagery adorn the walls. There are also more suzanis everywhere…

I loved the addition of subtle contrast welting, nailheads and  fringe detail on the plush velvet sofas  in the lobby. I always say that good design is in the details!

All throughout the property you’ll find beautiful old Spanish tiles like this covering the floors…

This is the hotel’s amazing restaurant, The Purple Palm, which is situated right by the pool. The food is Mediterranean inspired and totally amazing. Our dinner there the night we checked in was one of the best meals we had in Palm Springs and the next morning we had the most incredible breakfast ever.

We stayed in a standard guest room with two double beds and the decor was simple but lovely. The beds were incredibly comfortable and I loved the suzani covered headboard which provided an energizing splash of color.

Here’s a view of one of the hotel’s courtyards overlooking the pool and The Purple Palm…

And the chic pool surrounded by wrought iron lounge chairs with rust colored cushions which play well off the colors in the terracotta roof tiles and the natural elements…

And finally, a shot of the property just after sunset. For more information on The Colony Palms click here.

_{Photos by Nicole Gibbons}

_{Interior design by Martyn Lawrence Bullard}

_{The Grounds at The Parker Palm Springs}

I recently took a jaunt to Palm Springs for a long weekend getaway with my best friends to celebrate our birthdays and it was one of the most relaxing trips I’ve taken in a while. I’m sure this had something to do with the fact that I completely unplugged which allowed me to truly unwind and recharge my batteries. We enjoyed our stay at two fabulous hotels: The Colony Palms and The Parker Palm Springs which gave us an opportunity to experience two completely different vibes. The Parker had a whimsical and uber cool, retro chic feel while The Colony Palms was a bit more laid back with a sexy, romantic vibe. Both hotels featured stunning interiors which I will be posting about soon! In the meantime, enjoy these scenic snapshots from my trip!

The chic pool at The Parker…

A highlight of the weekend was going for a beautiful early morning bike ride through the desert with my bestie. This was one of the glorious views from our ride…

And these were our rides. I’m a total sucker for a vintage bike with a basket!

Here and below are more shots of the beautifully landscaped grounds at The Parker…

A wind farm on our scenic drive into Palm Springs from LA…

The pool at The Colony Palms.

Looking up into the trees…

Classic Palm Springs scenery!

For the dining tablescape I set for my entertaining essentials TV segment, I contrasted textures and materials to create an beautiful table that was accented by dim candlelight and gorgeous floral arrangements. There’s no rule that says your dinnerware has to match and here I mixed together a croc printed silver charger with a classic white with silver rim dinner plate and a glass salad plate that featured an interesting textural pattern. When entertaining for a very special occasion I always say linen napkins are a must and soft candlelight really helps set the mood mood…it’s also the most flattering light! I added candlesticks in varying heights for added visual interest and also clustered groups of votives along the table which is a simple way to make a big impact. The flatware I used for the segment had  black, wooden handles which I thought provided a nice contrast and I used classic white stemware for wine and water. I topped it off with gorgeous arrangement made with white hydrangea and orchids, courtesy of In Bloom New York. Below, is some inspiration for how you can achieve a similar look for your next dinner party!

1. Dinnerware L-R:  Stainless Steel Chargers, $49.95/set of 4 at Crate & Barrel. Calvin Klein Basso Dinner Plate, $37. Iittala “Dew Drop” salad plate, $16 at Bloomingdale’s. | 2. LaGuiole Flatware, $89.95 at Williams-Sonoma. | 3. Miller Rogaska Weston Candlesticks, $94.99-119.99/pair at Bed Bath & Beyond. | 4. Glass Votives, $26.99/pack of 72 at Amazon.com. | 5. Monnogrammed Hotel Dinner Napkins, $46/set of 6 at Williams-Sonoma. | 6. Swirl Stemware, $12.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond. | 7. In Bloom Collection “Saragosa Garden” floral arrangement, $150 at Plant Shed NY.

Since Summer is here I’ve been buying up lots of summer berries and I love to bake so last weekend I tried out this lowfat blueberry muffin recipe from an awesome iPad app I recently downloaded called the Photo Cookbook Baking App. The muffins are made with yogurt and egg whites so they’re totally healthy and taste amazing! Mine came out so perfect I had to take a photo and here’s the recipe so you can try them yourself!

Lowfat Blueberry Muffins

from The Photo Cookbook Baking App

scant 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp ground allspice
generous ½ cup superfine sugar
3 large egg whites
3 tbsp lowfat margarine (*Note: I substituted an equal amount of olive oil for margarine)
⅔ cup thick lowfat plain
yogurt or blueberry-flavored yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 oz/85 g fresh blueberries

makes 12 muffins:

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F and place your paper liners in a muffin pan

2. Sift the flour, baking soda, salt and half the allspice together in a large mixing bowl. Add half the sugar and allspice and mix well

3. In a separate bowl whisk together the egg whites together then add the margarine, yogurt and vanilla and mix together. Next stir in the blueberries.

4. Add the fruit mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t over stir and it’s fine fr the mixture to be a little lumpy.

5. Divide the mixture evenly between the paper liners. Each cup should be about 2/3 full. Mix the remaining sugar together with the allspice and sprinkle it over the muffins.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until risen. Remove the muffins from the oven.

7. Enjoy!

As I mentioned, this recipe came from The Photo Cookbook Baking App for iPad and iPhone which features the most beautifully photographed recipes with easy to follow step-by-step instructions. If you have an iPhone or iPad and love to bake I highly recommend downloading it here from the App Store! Below are a few screenshots!

_{Top photo by me}

On April 5th luxury publisher Assouline will release a new coffee table book that celebrates the beauty and magic of St. Barths which happens to be one of my all-time favorite vacation destinations. Written by Pamela Fiori (who also authored In the Spirit of Capri), In the Spirit of St. Barths is full of captivating photos, giving us an up close look at the posh Caribbean isle that evokes the glamour of the French Riviera and is synonymous with chic. Think yachts, champagne, beautiful beaches and beautiful people. Below is a little peek at what you’ll find inside! (Photos and captions from In the Spirit of St. Barths are courtesy of Assouline).

“Sunset on Shell Beach in Gustavia is a good time to find treasures from the sea.”

“Gustavia watercolor on paper by Stanislas Defize.”

“Gustavia harbor lit up at dusk.”

“A colorful harbor view.”

“It takes a skilled pilot to land on the 2,170-foot-long runway without ending up in the Baie de St. Jean.”

You can order your copy of In the Spirit of St. Barths here. And since we’re on the subject, I thought I’d share a few of my own photos of St. Barths that also capture the spirit of this idyllic little island. Now who’s ready for a vacay?!

Today marks the start of New York Fashion Week for the Fall 2011 season and I can’t think of a name more synonymous with fashion in this vibrant city than The New York Times’ Bill Cunningham. Before the term “street style” was even invented and before names like The Sartorialist and Garance Dore ever surfaced, Bill Cunningham was trolling the streets of New York on his Schwinn documenting the latest trends and the enviable style of high society and fashion industry fixtures for his popular column in The New York Times Styles section. Next month, a documentary that chronicles Cunningham’s storied career will hit theatres across the country in limited release. Filmmaker Richard Press spent nearly 10 years working on this film which also provides a rare glimpse into Cunningham’s daily. (He’s generally very publicity shy.) At 81 and brimming with energy, Bill Cunninham is an icon and is still snapping pictures and chronicling style on the setreets of New York City. As he puts it, “the best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been. Always will be.” Check out the film’s trailer below and click here to find out where Bill Cunningham New York is playing near you. Showings begin on March 16th.

Bill Cunningham New York from So Haute on Vimeo.

I’m guest posting today over at Brooklyn Limestone where I’m taking you inside one of the messiest spaces in my home…my junk drawer! As part of a fun series developed by Mrs. Limestone called Junk Drawer Overhaul, I’m showing you how I transformed my junk drawer from a disorganized mess to an organized and orderly storage space…and made a few extra bucks in the process! Click here to read all about it!

_{Make it Happen and Follow Your Dreams notebooks, $75. Be Happy notebook, $60}.

Along with a new year comes new dreams, new aspirations and resolutions to improve ourselves and our lives. I recently declared “Make it Happen” my personal mantra for 2011 so when I came across this chic notebook emblazoned with those very words, I wanted it immediately! I’m thinking of getting this as my personal goal journal for the year. What better place to chronicle my hopes and aspirations than in a luxe pink leather notebook from Smythson of Bond Street?! There are several other equally colorful and stylish notebooks available at Smythson with inspirational sayings like “Follow Your Dreams, “Be Happy” and “Seize the Day.” You can check them all out here!

Christmas is less than a week away so if you’re stumped on what to get that special someone, don’t panic! From the latest lust-worthy gadgets and fashion-forward accessories, to luxe items for the home and cool duds for your dude,  here are some seriously stylish suggestions to inspire your last minute shopping for everyone on your list!

1. Rodin Olio Lusso Lip Balm – $28, Barney’s New York

2. NARS Precious Mini Nail Polish Set – $30, Neiman Marcus

3. Tory Burch Sequin Scarf – $193, Tory Burch

4. Threaded Chain Bracelet –  $22, Madewell

5. Sleep Shirtdress – $49.50, J. Crew

6. Emily Leopard Clutch – $138, Club Monaco

7. Smythson of Bond Street Wish List Panama Notebook – $69, Net-A-Porter

8. Rachel Roy Pakistan Tote – $20, RachelRoy.com (100% of the proceeds benefit UNICEF’s relief fund for victims of the July 2010 Monsoon floods in Pakistan, making this the chic gift that keeps on giving!)

9. Flora by Gucci – $47-90, Sephora

10. Byredo Rose Noir Body Wash – $50, Barney’s New York

11. Rag & Bone Chunky Knit Cardigan – $240, Net-A-Porter

1. Gingham “Secret Wash” Shirt – $59.50   , J. Crew

2. Ray Ban Classic Aviators – $139.95  Sunglass Hut

3. Shiny Cocktail Shaker – $14.95, Cb2

4. Beats by Dr. Dre “Solo” HD Headphones – $199, Apple Store

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Shiny Traditional Wallet – $128, MarcJacobs.com

6. Mill Leather Box Dopp – $155, Jack Spade

7. Gran Patron Platinum Silver Tequila 750ML – $199.95, Crown Wine & Spirits (or your local premium liquor store)

8. John Varvatos for Converse Slip on “All-Star” Sneaker – $95, Barney’s New York

1. “With Love” Red Wine – $25, Swanson Vineyards

2. L‘Objet Asian Key Wine Stopper – $88, Vivre

3. Tyrol Horn Vase - $48, Jayson Home & Garden

4. Luxe Faux Fur Throw – $350, Calypso

5. Nouvel Studios Twisted Tumbler - $24, Barney’s New York

6. Apothecary Oatmeal Soap Set – $22, Jayson Home & Garden

7. Adrienne Landau Mongolian Lamb Fur Pillow - $225, Barney’s New York

8. R&Y Agousti Shagreene Mini Frame – $70, Calypso Home

9. Hollywood Coaster Set – $68, Jonathan Adler

1. Sony Bloggie Touch Camcorder – $167.99

2. MacBook Air, – from $999, Apple

3. Lumix GF-1 Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera – $799, Best Buy

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Jumbo Logo Laptop Case, $48, Saks Fifth Avenue

5. Music Balloon Portable Speaker - $39, DWR

Q. I have been actively searching the internet for affordable, stylish tablescapes for my Thanksgiving table and can find almost NOTHING.  I need help for inspiration and resources for reasonably priced, chic linens, etc.  Any advice? – Erin Barry

A. Hi Erin! Right now I’m inspired by natural colors, organic shapes & textures and a look that is rustic yet modern with a touch of glamour.  Some of my favorite places to shop for affordable tabletop finds are Target, West Elm, Ikea, Etsy, Pier 1,  Fishs Eddy, Williams-Sonoma and Ebay (because vintage adds so much soul & personality!). Here is a tablescape I whipped together for you that captures the rustic & refined look that I’m loving right now. It’s filled with stylish hi-low finds and I hope it inspires you this Thanksgiving!

1. Organic Shaped Dinnerware , $9-$22/set of four – West Elm . 2. Mepra Due “Ice Oro” Flatware, $115/place setting – Barney’s New York . 3. Classic Collection Floral Arrangement,  H. Bloom (NYC and DC areas only). 4. Instant Bon Vivant Red Wine, $25 – Swanson Vineyards . 5. Marble Salt & Pepper Cellars, $108 – Jayson Home & Garden. 6. Antiqued Votive Holder, $12 – ABC Home . 7. Sun-Tipped Serving Utensils, $68 – Anthropologie. 8. Organic Shaped Serveware, $12-25 – West Elm. 9. Shesham Ribbed Napkin Rings, $2.95 – Crate & Barrel. 10. Organic Linen Napkins, $28/set of four -Etsy/Nikki Designs. 11. Coated Linen-Cotton Placemats, $4.95 – CB2. 12.  Esperienze Stemware Collection, $20.98 – Target.

Inspiration Photo Credits: Left: Grace Bonney/HouseBeautiful.com, Middle: Jimmy Stanton/AtlantaHomesMag.com, Right: KimFicaro.com

Need design advice or help solving a decorating dilemma? Email me at info {at} sohautestyle.com and your question could be featured on So Haute!

Marie Claire’s Style & Accessories Director Taylor Tomasi-Hill might arguably be the most photographed fashion editor in the industry. Known for her fiery red hair and penchant for combining feminine pieces with edgy, rocker-inspired accessories, Tomasi-Hill has created a style of her own that’s effortlessly chic and totally cool. Her look has incited style crushes all around the world and has made her a favorite subject of top street style photographers like The Sartorialist and Tommy Ton. She recently gave fashion site Refinery 29 a peek inside her her apartment in New York City’s West Village and it it’s no surprise that her home is just as stylish as she is!

_{Above photos: Kava Gorna for Refinery 29}

To see more of Taylor Tomasi-Hill’s chic NYC apartment and hear her style secrets click here to read the full feature at Refinery29. And as a bonus, below are a few of the photos that have made Tomasi-Hill an internet street style sensation!

Fashion designer and style icon Diane von Furstenberg can now add the title interior designer to her resume after the debut of 20 glamorous hotel suites she recently designed for Claridge’s hotel in London. In her first-ever interior design project, von Furstenberg developed bespoke fabrics, rugs, furniture and cashmere throws for the rooms in the historic art deco landmark hotel. The rooms are stunning with luxurious fabrics in bold geometric patterns, ikat prints and Chinese florals plus pops of bright color, lacquered surfaces  and – of course – plenty of animal prints, a von Furstenberg signature. The bathrooms are quite spectacular featuring rich marble surfaces and complete with plush DVF wrap robes. The suites also feature personalized touches like photos taken by von Furstenberg during her travels through Europe, Africa and Asia. I especially love the striking berry and chocolate colored ikat print sofa shown above which is covered in one of von Furstenberg’s custom fabrics. The DVF suites at Claridge’s are definitely fit for a princess. In fact the 5-star hotel is the only place where von Furstenberg (once married to German Prince Egon von Furstenberg) is still referred to as “your Highness!” Visit the Claridges website for room rates and reservations.



“Hotels are fantasy and they’ve just got to make you dream.” – Diane von Furstenberg

_{Photos: Claridge’s and DVF}



The best key lime pie I’ve ever tasted hails from the famous Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami. It’s both tart and sweet and has a ridiculously yummy buttery, sugary graham cracker crust that almost melts in your mouth. I tried my hand at the recipe and the result was bananas! It was also super easy to make. Here’s the recipe:

The Best Key Lime Pie Ever

_{Adapted from Joe’s Stone Crab}

Crust:

1/3 lb graham cracker crusts (or 1/3 of a 1lb box of graham crackers)

5 tbsp melted butter

1/3 cup sugar

Filling:

3 egg yolks

2 tsp grated lime zest

1 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk

2/3 cups of fresh lime juice

Vanilla Whipped Cream Topping:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and then grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish with butter. Set aside. Now you’re ready to begin prepping your pie crust. Using a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs. Next add in the butter and sugar and pulse again until the ingredients combine. (If you don’t have a food processor you can place the graham crackers in a plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin and then combine the remaining ingredients by hand.) Take the crust mixture and firmly press down onto the bottom and sides of your pie dish. (Tip: Use the bottom of your measuring cup like I did to help you press the mixture down smoothly and evenly). Bake in the oven for approximately 8 minutes or until just golden and set. Set aside on a wire rack and be sure to leave the oven on.

Next combine the egg yolk and lemon zest and beat on high speed using the wire whisk attachment on your electric mixer until the mixture is fluffy, approximately 5 minutes. Gradually add in the condensed milk and continue to beat for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture is thick. Lower the speed and gradually add in the lime juice until just combined.

Next pour the mixture into the crust and bake for about 10 minutes until the filling sets. Cool on a wire rack and then refrigerate until the pie is completely cold, then set in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes before you’re ready to serve the pie. While the pie is freezing, combine all of the ingredients for the topping and whip together until the cream is stiff. Spread the whipped cream evenly across the entire pie. Feel free to garnish with sliced lime if you wish then cut into wedges and serve.

Be prepared to be blown away by the deliciousness of this pie…It’s that good.