Coney Island

How is the weekend already over?! I had a really great one, spending some quality time with my mom and Harrison before finally catching up on a quickly growing pile of work I had been neglecting.

On Friday, my mom and I took the train out to Coney Island for the very first time, and we couldn’t have had more fun. The trip itself was pretty simple—just an hour each way—and the beach was absolutely beautiful. So beautiful, in fact, that I immediately started kicking myself for not making a trip out to this part of Brooklyn before now.

In any case, we spent a few hours walking along the beach and the pier, exploring all of the cool rides and shops, and having a few drink at Ruby’s. (I somehow resisted eating a Nathan’s hot dog, but I know it will be the first thing I devour the next time I head out to Coney Island.) For my beachside day, I threw on a basic outfit featuring my favorite summer sun hat, a casual black tank, some white embroidered shorts and a few classic accessories.

Tank / Gap (Similar) Shorts / J.Crew (Similar) Flats / ALDO Hat / Similar Beaded bracelet / Mala and Mantra Bangle / Similar Sunglasses / LOFT

It’s only been three days since our adventures on Coney Island, but I’m already planning for the next trip, which will definitely involve a bit more beach time (and, gasp, maybe even a bathing suit!).

What’s your favorite outfit to throw on for a beach day?

Friday Four

Happy, happy Friday, everyone! Mom and I are heading off to Coney Island today (our planned trip for last weekend got postponed), and I’m really excited to finally explore all the destination has to offer (and yes, that includes hot dogs!). Tomorrow kicks off some birthday activities, though I’ll probably keep it pretty low key with a nice brunch and a little shopping.

But before the festivities begin, let’s take a look at everything I’m wanting to eat, live with, wear and visit this week:

Clockwise from top left:Turtle cake; The New York Dog; statement necklace; and Niagara Falls.

Eat: Chocolate Turtle Cake (recipe via The Cake Blog)

Not that I need an entire cake for my birthday (because seriously, I would eat it all), but I certainly wouldn’t turn down something that looks this delicious and indulgent.

Live With: The New York Dog by Rachael Hale McKenna

Filled with page after page of adorable pooches in and around the city of New York, this book could not be any cuter. So naturally, I need it on my coffee table ASAP.

Wear: Statement necklace by BaubleBar

This isn’t a new phenomenon or anything, but BaubleBar has really been killing it lately with its gorgeous jewels—especially when it comes to the brand’s stunning statement necklaces. I’ll take one of each, please!

Visit: Niagara Falls

I’ve been itching to take a little weekend trip for a while now, and I’m leaning more and more toward the idea of heading up north to check out the beauty that is Niagara Falls. Have you ever been before?

What are you loving this week?

 

Banana Nutella Swirl Muffins

You know that phrase that starts, “Even the best-laid plans… ?” Well, I was living that adage on Saturday when I got ready to bake these beautiful and extremely yummy muffins. First, the bananas I had set aside turned out to be much too ripe to use for the recipe. Then, I opened my jar of Nutella only to discover that I just barely had enough left to cover the amount that’s called for (I guess that’s what happens when you can’t resist the yummy spread).

But I managed to push through the hurdles and bake these goodies just in time for my mother’s long-awaited arrival Saturday evening. And boy, am I glad I did. Not only do they smell amazing and look gorgeous, but their sweet, ooey-gooey taste isn’t too shabby either.

I would typically consider banana muffins a breakfast item, but as indulgent as these little babies are, you could definitely serve them up for dessert or a sweet treat, too. Paired with a cold glass of milk, a hot espresso and even a little extra Nutella on the side, I can’t think of anyone who could pass them up.

Ready to try ’em yourself? Then check out the recipe below.

Banana Nutella Swirl Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins (recipe via Alaska From Scratch)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

4 ripe bananas, mashed

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 egg

¼ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup buttermilk

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

½ cup Nutella

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line 12-count muffin pan with cupcake liners.

2. In large bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, stir together mashed bananas, sugar, brown sugar, egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk and vanilla extract.

4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, and stir until completely combined. Divide batter evenly into muffin cups.

5. Place Nutella in microwave-safe bowl, then heat 15-30 seconds, or until smooth and stir-able. Spoon about 2 teaspoons Nutella on top of each muffins. Using a toothpick, swirl Nutella into top of muffin batter in a circular motion.

6. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until baked through and set.

Underneath It All

Today, I’m going to talk about something I’ve never talked about before on Life in Classics: Intimates. And why, you may ask? Because today is National Underwear Day, of course! (Seriously, there’s a holiday for everything these days… )

And because no outfit can truly be amazing without a really great foundation, I thought I’d do you a favor and round up a little list of intimates that are both sweet + sexy. Enjoy!

1. Strapless bra by Agent Provocateur 2. Brief by Agent Provocateur 3. Balconette by Calvin Klein 4. Printed brief by H&M 5. Lace bra by Casasilk 6. Lace thong by La Perla 7. Demi bra by L’Agent by Agent Provocateur 8. Push-up bra by Mimi Holliday 9. Lace bra by Only Hearts 10. Sheer brief by Stella McCartney 11. Balconette by H&M 12. Push-up bra by La Perla 13. Lace brief by Mimi Holliday 14. Half-cup bra by Huit 15. Lace bra by Mimi Holliday 16. Sheer thong by La Perla

What girl can resist a pretty lace bra in a gorgeous hue? Certainly not this one! Which is why I absolutely adore the pieces from L’Agent by Agent Provocateur, Mimi Holliday, H&M and Huit. And when it comes to your basic black, you can’t go wrong with the strapless version from Agent Provocateur or the sheer-paneled push up from La Perla.

I’m also loving the lace briefs from Agent Provocateur, Stella McCartney and Mimi Holliday, and it doesn’t get much sexier than a sheer thong from La Perla.

What are your favorite intimates and lingerie brands to buy + wear?

Want List

As I mentioned last week, August is my birthday month (the actual day is this Saturday), and I’m really excited that my favorite month of the year is already upon us once again. But blame it on my packed schedule (or, as some might call it, laziness), it wasn’t until yesterday that I started actually thinking about some things I’d like (or like to buy for myself) for my birthday.

So to kill two birds with one stone, I decided to make this month’s Want List my birthday wish list to help me get some ideas rolling. Check out the things I’m crushing on and dreaming of this month:

Sunglasses / Saint Laurent Bracelet / BCBGMAXAZRIA Dress / TIBI Flats / Ann Taylor Earrings / J.Crew Bag / L.K.Bennett Sleep Mask / Branca Collection Pouch / American Apparel Fragrance / Joie “Folle de Joie”

I’ve never invested in a great pair of sunglasses, simply because I tend to either damage or lose mine really easily any time I get a new pair. But this year, I think it could be time to take the plunge and buy an investment pair that will (fingers crossed) last me for quite a while, and these glasses from Saint Laurent are really calling my name.

I’m also looking for a new dress that can easily transition from work day to night out, and I’m loving this pretty printed one from TIBI. And, as I’ve mentioned quite often over the last several weeks, I’m still in search of an awesome work bag to tote around. This one from L.K.Bennett is to die for, but also a little out of my typical price range. Isn’t that why it’s called a wish list?

As far as accessories go, I’d love a new gold cuff bracelet like this one from BCBGMAXAZRIA, and I’m crazy about those beautiful statement earrings from J.Crew. I’d also like a new pouch/card carrier to keep all my little odds and ends together throughout the day, and I adore that dusty purple shade on the bag from American Apparel.

In the shoe department, I’ve been crushing hard on metallic footwear, and this pair of flats from Ann Taylor is both modern and classic. To top it off, I’ve really fallen in love with this sweet scent from Joie, and I’m also looking to upgrade my beauty rest with a luxurious satin sleep mask.

This isn’t too much to ask for, right? Happy August!

 

Friday Four

Happy first day of August, everyone! August is always my favorite month because, you guessed it, it’s my birthday month, and I’m so excited it’s finally here again. I’m also excited for the weekend, as my mom is coming to see me tomorrow and spend a week here in New York. Though I’ll have to spend a lot of my time at work, sadly, we’ve got some fun activities planned, and I’m sure we’ll have an amazing time.

But before I start prepping the apartment for her arrival, I wanted to share everything I want to live with, visit, eat and wear this week:

Clockwise from top left: Perfume tray; Coney Island; yummy cookies; and voluminous skirt.

Live With: Minimalistic perfume tray (photo via Margot Austin)

I’ve been amassing a quickly growing collection of perfume that’s getting too big for the little tray I’ve been storing it on, which is why I’m looking for something a little bigger to keep on my mirrored nightstand. I adore the simple, neutral-toned tray above, which would definitely give me room for all of my fragrances and more.

Visit: Coney Island (photo via Etsy)

Despite visiting New York quite often and living here twice, I’ve yet to make a trip out to Coney Island. But come this weekend (or maybe next), that’s exactly where my mom and I are headed to have a fun day of exploring (and hot dog eating).

Eat: Pistachio Coffee Brown Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies (recipe via Ambitious Kitchen)

I’m not quite sure exactly how these flavors manage to meld together, but I sure am planning on finding out for myself! Stay tuned to see the results…

Wear: Bird-print midi skirt from Chicwish

This skirt is a little outside of my comfort zone, but how adorable would the summery print look paired with a tucked-in, white satin tank?

What are you loving this week?

Looks to Love: Lucite

As much as I love shopping for new clothes, I think I get just as (if not more so) excited when I come home with a new piece of jewelry, great pair of shoes or other fabulous accessory to spice up my classic-leaning wardrobe. And while I love just about type of accessory out there, there’s nothing I adore more than a great statement piece that’s bright, loud and, simply put, just really cool. Which is why I’ve been absolutely fawning over lucite pieces of late. They’re certainly not novel, of course, but there’s something so fun yet chic about a great lucite necklace (like the one from BaubleBar below, which I’m crazy about) or a lucite-heeled shoe.

Lucite necklace by BaubleBar

Unfortunately, I don’t own any lucite pieces at the moment, and I’m determined to make that change (sooner rather than later!). And though not all of them may be in my budget for the time being, I would be more than happy to call each of these nine pieces my own:

1. Necklace by Max & Chloe 2. Clutch by CC Skye 3. Sandals by Maiyet 4. Necklace by Tataborello 5. Earrings by BaubleBar 6. Cuff by Alexis Bittar 7. Sandals by See by Chloe 8. Bracelet by J.Crew 9. Earrings by Susan Caplan Vintage

Out of everything, I’m head-over-heels in love with those strappy Maiyet sandals, and the Tataborello necklace is beyond luxe. But for more budget-friendly pieces, I’d also be happy to don those BaubleBar earrings or the J.Crew bracelet.

What do you think: Are you into the lucite look?

Little White Dresses Under $100 That Will Get You Through Summer

Can you believe it’s already almost August? That means we’re coming up on the tail end of summer, with fall creeping in just around the corner. But though I absolutely adore the crisper air of autumn, I have to admit: I’m not quite ready to give up my summer wardrobe just yet.

And in case some of you are also clinging to your warm-weather style for at least the next month (or two), I decided to round up a list of 12 little white dresses that are sure to have you looking sweet + chic for the final weeks of summer. The best part? They’re all under $100! Check them out:

Wrap dress by Brigitte Bailey

Ruched dress by McGinn

Floral and faux-leather dress by Neiman Marcus

Fit and flare dress by Chelsea28

Skater dress by Topshop

Leather-panel dress by David Lerner

Embroidered dress by d.Ra

Lace-back dress by Line & Dot

Cutout dress by Topshop

Drop-shoulder dress by ChicNova

Asymmetrical-hem dress by Blaque Label

Scoop-neck dress by Nasty Gal

I’m a huge fan of fit-and-flare styles, so the Chelsea28, Topshop and ChicNova numbers are really standing out to me. But I also love the casual-cool vibe of the dresses from Brigitte Bailey, McGinn, d.Ra and Nasty Gal. And if you’re looking for something a little dressier for work or your next night out, you simply can’t go wrong with the sophisticated LWDs from Neiman Marcus, David Lerner and Blaque Label.

Do you have any other little white dresses on your radar for the rest of summer?

Bacon + Apple Brussels Sprouts

Judging by my last few weeks of food posts, you’d probably think that I’m obsessed with two things: peanut butter and Brussels sprouts. And that would be true (and I’m not even ashamed of it!). Which is just one reason why I’m sharing yet another Brussels sprouts recipe with you. The other reason: It’s absolutely delicious.

Seriously, if I can get my (secretly) picky boyfriend to talk about how much he loves this recipe, then I know it’s a definite keeper. With the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, savory and nutty flavors, this is one side dish recipe that even the most difficult-to-please diners won’t be able to resist (because, duh, it has bacon in it!).

Check out the recipe below, then start planning your next dinner party around it now.

Bacon + Apple Brussels Sprouts

Yield: 4 servings (recipe via Back to Her Roots)

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

1 large tart apple, cored and diced

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 375 F.

2. In large bowl, combine sprouts, apple and bacon. Stir to combine.

3. In small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Pour oil mixture over sprouts mixture, and toss to coat.

4. Pour sprout mixture in single layer onto greased baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Roast in oven 10-15 minutes or until sprouts are tender and brown, turning halfway through cooking.

Friday Four

Hello, Friday! I’ve got a busy weekend ahead (and not the running around town doing fun things with friends kind of busy), so it’s going to be mostly work, and just a little play for me. But that doesn’t mean I can’t look forward to the chance to sleep in a bit and head to a nice brunch on Sunday, right?

But (as always), before the weekend begins, I’m ready to share everything I want to eat, wear, live with and visit this week:

Clockwise from top left: Cookie dough cupcakes; leather tote; pom pom pouf; and Ladurée New York.

Eat: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cupcakes (recipe via Sally’s Baking Addition)

How could I not love a recipe that combines two of my favorite sweet treats: cupcakes and cookie dough?

Wear: Leather tote by Rebecca Minkoff

Once again, I’m on the hunt for a professional-chic tote to carry with me to work, and this great bag from Rebecca Minkoff is definitely on my radar. The best part: It’s on sale now at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Live With: Pom pom pouf by West Elm

I’ve been thinking about getting an ottoman or other little piece of furniture for our living room for a while now—a thought that was definitely cemented the second I saw these adorable pom pom poufs. I’ll take one in each color, please!

Visit: Ladurée New York, 864 Madison Ave. (photo via Flickr)

My mom’s coming to town next weekend, and I’m trying to think of some fun things to do and cute places to take her. One spot I’ve been wanting to hit: macaroon heaven Ladurée. I can practically taste the sweets now …

What are you loving this week?