Bennifer,Brandgelina and Plimadrilles

Again with the espadrille. These bad boys are sticking! I love it and you should too. Check these by OAK. $42 bucks for a summer kick with some flare.Plimadrilles are a cross between espadrilles and plimsolls. Go for it boys.

Archives and art

""The future of mankind is a library", writes Dynys on the underground walls of the Archive, a monument to the paper memory of the country. A memory that is far more precious and fascinating than the intangible memory of the web.

For the first time, the vaults of the State Archive of Rome are opening to the public. The archives hold millions of documents concerning the first 100 years of Italy's history as a unified country.

The works of artist Chiara Dynys will act as sort of guide through the maze of corridors and stacks of the historic building that seem to be bowing beneath the weight of paper. Installations, sculptures, video-projections and interactive works created ad hoc alter the visitor's perception of the space, creating a sort of meditative itinerary throwing a bridge from past to present. All of these invite one to (re)discover the key and not so ket events that have added to the history of Italy."- Vogue Italia

Untitled 1 in BK

Although I really can only last so long until I have to feel the dirty air of the beloved island of Manhattan, BK does have that artsy, laid back, silent feel. As I strolled the streets with a latte from some emo coffee shop where baristas who made their own clothes served coffee and alternative music played in the background, I took in the art the surrounded me.

Williamsburg, BK. Unless you are on the main road where adorable restaurants and thrift shops line the streets, it is silent. 1st through 11th street were dead, minus the random "we carry everything" store and chocolate factory. I did stumble upon some stellar art galleries though and a gorgeous view of the city.

But my favorite thing in Williamsburg is the graffiti. Enjoy these photos...BK style.

Praise fashion

All Saints. Don't get down and pray, I am not being holy here. And no I am not talking about the girl band.

All Saints is a British shop that sells unique clothing, with a full collection of menswear and womenswear and newly a line of children's clothing. It is a lot of cotton, a lot of T-shirts and a lot of leather.

New store just opened in SoHo. The store has a strong vintage feel, distressed like the leather jackets they sell. Vintage sewing machines line the walls, rustic tables and moldings remind me of being in the countryside, an iPad in the corner.... wait what?

Yes they have iPads all over the store. I tried to browse Facebook but it didn't let me..dammit. But I could search for any item they sold in the store. Although very hip and up to speed, this is a bit pointless. If I need the details or pricing of an item I will go find it. If I wanted to look online I would do so from the comfort of my own home.

Regardless this is a great brand to have in the USA. Welcome and amen.

ROCKing jewels

Jewelry is just too much fun. Designer Aurelie Bidermann has some fab pieces that you won't be seeing in many places. Check it:

http://www.aureliebidermann.com/

I am not one to be boring in the jewelry department. I had a sparkly tiger ring on today and a ring yesterday that says YO on it. In even the simplest of outfits, your jewelry will speak a little for your personality. If you are still modeling Tiffany's silver jewels you are in dire need of a cleanse...fashion wise. Toss the Elsa Peretti (gag) and start rocking some pizzaz sista.

I am loving some of these gems below. I can't even handle the awesomeness of them all.

Morimoto

Morimoto, NYC. A Japanese restaurant with just enough pizazz and exposed glamour. The entrance was very Wizard of Oz, man behind the curtain sort of thing. You did not know who or what was behind there, seeming as though it may be another typical high strung and pompous New York City scene. Although some unfriendly characters at the bar did surface, the restaurant, offered much more.

Through walls of glass bottle bottoms, stark long bamboo tables and waves of white ceilings was a menu of unique character. Between dishes called "Duck, duck, duck" and drinks boasting flavors such as wasabi infused vodka it was difficult to finalize the order. Alas we decided.

The oyster dish was a magnificent scene of West coast delight with home made toppings to die for. The tuna tartar was the most fun. Funny, because we go to restaurants partly so we don't have to prepare the food...but spreading you own caviar across a board of fresh tuna and dipping it into a selection of wasabi, seaweed and sesame, or roasting your own meat of a sizzling rock adds stars to the experience.



Speaking of experiences, the bathroom was quite the thing. Japanese toilets were there to entertain diners. It was quite strange really as laughter filled the bathroom anytime someone pushed any of the "toilet buttons" There were buttons to wash and dry your private areas, and the toilet seat greeted me by opening when I walked into the stall. Very cool touch, authentic, but at the same time a bit strange. I felt cheated on. How many other people's bum bums did toilet here wash...and dry?



Moving back to the food, I was slightly not impressed with one thing. The sea urchin. Maybe I was spoiled by the caviar topped sea urchin at Daniel Boulud. I can safely use the cliche phrase that it melted in my mouth. At Morimoto, not so much. And it was wrapped in seaweed with a rice bottom. Other than the urch, everything was incredible and entertaining, including the waiter.

Suggestion: Put Morimoto on your NY to do list. Oh, and refrain from stealing the chopsticks.

taking a sip of a pastime

This is one of my all time favorite drinks. First time I had myself a Chinotto was probably when I was 5. Americans like to compare it to Coca Cola...I assure you it is nothing of such sort. It has quite the bitter taste to it, and unlike Americans who need a 16 oz bottle of soda, us Italians are satisfied with the just enough 6oz taste of Chinotto.

I was not even allowed to drink soda as a wee one, so I saw soda as a very special treat. But when the time came to either choosing a big bottle of Coke or my very special Chinotto, I chose the later.

Now, Chinotto is only out and about at family parties. I don't buy stock of it for myself and is very rare to ever seen it sold outside an Italian specialty shop. But amidst the consignment shops, deli's and noodle bars in East Village, I was introduced to a small Italian coffee and sandwich shop. Fresh pastries, panini, Illy coffee and alas, Chinotto.

I frequent this shop often and every time treat myself to my favorite drink. Mmmm. Molto bene.

It is an acquired taste. Not going to lie. But try it a few times before you cross off this San Pellegrino wonder.

Tarallucci E Vino, East Village, NYC