Happy Friday!

Valentine's day 2010 in Miami

With Love, Nikki

Baby Blues

While I love and stay committed to all my handbags, at times they are not the easiest to tote.

My LV 40 Speedy is down right huge, and leaves indents in my arm every time I carry it. My YSL Muse is a bit heavy on the shoulder before I even start adding my "essentials." My Nightingale is currently my most flexible bag, but even when using the shoulder strap, the body becomes a bit bulky.

So I decided I'm in the market for a new, versatile, easy to wear bag.

I'm eyeing the Marc by Marc Jacobs Q Hiller as my first choice, in the lovely chambray colored leather.

Any opinions?

Perfection

Bloody Mary from Cafeteria, 119 7th Avenue

Work it

A little peek into what I do....

designing journals...

for Barnes and Noble.

Grom

It's dangerous living so close to a Grom's decadent gelato shop, but somebody has to do it.

A quick walk to GROM in greenwich village was in order yesterday afternoon.

I chose chocolate hazelnut mixed with dark chocolate, and my husband opted for sweet strawberry mixed with extra dark chocolate.

It was as delish as it looks in the photos.

Vegetarian Quiche

Many don't realize how simple it is to make a fresh, delicious quiche. It's one my favorite dishes to throw together for any time of day, since you can add whichever ingredients you want.

I decided to make a vegetarian quiche last night to have for breakfast during the week.

Here is how I did it...

• Saute fresh 3 cups spinach, 2 cups chopped broccoli, 1 package of mushrooms and 1chopped onion for approx 15 minutes.
• Mix together 4 eggs, 1 cup of lowfat milk and 1 cup of shredded cheese (I used low fat dill havarti)
• Pour the veggies into a pie dish and cover with egg, cheese and milk mixture.

Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

C'est Moi

Seriously, I have never been so into shoes as I am this season.

I think I have Jeffrey Campbell to thank for that.

I seem to fall deeper and deeper in love with each new style I spot.
For instance, these 'C'est Moi' studded mary janes that I cant stop thinking about. I had to order a pair in grey suede ASAP.

The coolest part of this shoe is that it was actually designed by Emily Lupton, the winner of the Lookbook.nu X Jeffrey Campbell "Design your own shoe" contest.

Love them!

Precious Cargo

Whether the hem is zipped, cuffed, cropped or snapped, these ultra chic trousers are the perfect pant for spring. Lighter than denim, and as comfy as a skirt you really can't go wrong for a casual summertime look.

To Die For Blueberry Muffins

I was having some family over for brunch and aside from eggs and bagels, I decided to whip up a batch of fresh muffins. I found this recipe called "To Die For Blueberry Muffins," and I knew this was the one to try.

I followed the recipe exact and my guests couldn't get enough of them. They looked fresh from a bakery and were the perfect blend of cinnamon and blueberries.

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/To-Die-For-Blueberry-Muffins/Detail.aspx

NinetyNine

Since I am a wedge-fanatic, I just had to post the Jeffrey Campbell '99' wedge. I plan on heading down to my local Shoegasm this afternoon to see if they are as irresistible in person as they look here.

Photos via Sole Struck

Let the countdown begin

Happy Friday!

Air Astrid

My husband and I are escaping to San Francisco for a few days this spring. I've already been warned about the excessive uphill walking and been advised to get some new tennis shoes. I don't think so.

I remembered reading about the Cole Haan Nike Air Technology featured in most of their shoes last year. Lucky for us ladies, they incorporate the Nike Air cushion into most of their styles, including the ever cute prima ballerina flat "Air Astrid".

I got myself the baby pink leather and they look extra cute with a tan.

www.colehaan.com

Outrageous Orange

After 8 days of grey, I was ready for a pop of color on my nails. I picked up this fire orange at a shop on my way to soho yesterday and it proved to be just what I needed.

Wet Suit

With summer quickly approaching, I'm left thinking about some new swim suits I'd like to have this season.

I've had my eyes on this Victoria's Secret twisted bandeau top and string tie bottoms in black since last year.... think I'll scoop it up sooner than later.

I love seeing how designers incorporate trends into swimwear, like this 'L*Space Fringe benefits Bikini.'

Photo via shopbop

Mikoh bikini

Photo via revolve

Hit the Target

I stumbled upon an ad for Target featuring shoes by Cynthia Vincent yesterday. I was immediately thrilled at the prospect. I was even more thrilled when I saw the styles. An array of chunky wedges and funky gladiator flats ALL for under $30. I managed to order a pair of the cognac wedges before they all sold out, but I wish I could have scored a pair in black also. They sold out super quick, but a rep from Target suggested the website will be updated with new stock Sunday and Monday of next week.

Photos via Target

My makeup essentials

There are a few things I cannot leave the house without doing... my makeup is one of them.

Over the years I have tried hundreds of potions, lotions, colors and stains to find the perfect look. While I update it constantly, these are a few that I will take with me forever.

Dior Diorshow Mascara in 'Black'

The only mascara I will touch! It makes your eyelashes multiply in size and gives them this flutter that I have never seen with another mascara.

Clinique eyeshadow in 'Shimmer/Rum Spice'

This is soft powder eyeshadow that has a shimmer to it and mixes well with other colors.

Nars lipgloss in 'Turkish Delight and Striptease'

I mix them together for the perfect nude/pink shine.

Mac Blush in 'Pink Swoon'

The 'perfect' blush that gives you a youthful natural flush.

Mineral Fusion Loose Powder foundation in 'Cool2'

{This is the foundation I use daily because it's light, easy to apply and stays on all day.}

Mini brush for easy use and storage.

Estee Lauder 'Double Wear Light foundation'

{I only add this to the lineup because it is amazing for special events. I dont use it everyday, but I used it for my wedding and it was wonderful. TIP: Buy the brush to apply it for a seriously professional look.}

Clinique 'Dramatically different moisturizing Gel'

I use this everyday without fail. It is oil free, light and moisturizing. I feel naked without it.

My search is over

I just ordered these Jeffrey Campbell 'Full' Oxford Wedges in nude leather. Although they are backordered till June 1st, I'm excited that my search for nude wedges is finally over. I love how they slightly resemble school uniform shoes, yet the tall wedge adds chic sophistication. I picture wearing them with mini dresses, skinny jeans and leggings.

I can't wait till they arrive!

Happy Friday!

Have a fabulous weekend

xo

Mini Me

I never fully embraced the Foley and Corina city totes, but I think I have overlooked something pretty spectacular. It was only until this afternoon at Bloomingdales Soho that I fully came to appreciate the beautiful leather and convenient styling of the bag. Then I noticed a table of "mini city totes." These are the cutest things I have ever seen. At only $198 these "Disco city totes" are 1/2 the size of the mid city tote, and comparable to a clutch, only with a cute cross body strap. I am considering adding one to my handbag collection but there are a few items ahead of that on my wish list.

http://www.foleyandcorinna.com/

Gold Rush

I've been hunting for the perfect gold bangles for a few weeks now. Each pair I had seen either looked cheap in color or were so big on my wrist that they nearly fell off every time I moved.

I happened to find a perfect pair at H&M yesterday morning while waiting on line returning something.

They were small when I tried to slip them on my wrist, and I knew they would be perfect. They stay in place because they're smaller than most and the color is a subtle rich gold with no orange tones. Did I mention they were $5.95? Gotta love h&m!

For love of Anthropologie

I fall in and out with Anthropologie's collections each year. Sometimes I love them, sometimes I don't see where they're going with it. This spring.. I LOVE it.

I'm resisting the urge to visit the new Chelsea Market location for fear of doing serious damage.

Here are some of the cutest catalog looks..