Satin Strands

My stylist, Emily, from the Vidal Sassoon salon at Fifth Avenue not only reinvented my look with a sharp cut and bangs, she introduced me to this fabulous new hair product from Kerastase.  Ciment Thermique is a heat activated lotion applied to damp hair before heat styling.  It's tropical scent will free you from the gray of winter and will brighten the dullest of strands. My hair has never been so shiny!  I was amazed how smooth it makes my hair without weighing it down.  Pick up Ciment Thermique for $34 at your local salon or from the Kerastase website.  Please don't be fooled by overpriced specialty stores... while I love Clyde's on Madison, I was shocked to see a $55 price tag on this product! Pamper your hair and restore its natural beauty. 

xo Nat 

Your Highness

Rachel Ashwell's, Shabby Chic shop in Soho has everything to make a woman feel like a queen in her home. Rachel's delicate quilts, ornate antique mirrors, and unique vintage accessories are simply marvelous. Her appreciation for history and sensibility for comfort make her designs special. Follow the Shabby Chic philosophy and search for your own treasures at estate sales. A worn dresser can be update with crystal knobs and bring character to your space. A feminine vase filled with fresh pink roses will set a romantic mood. Rachel also has a less expensive line at Target for those watching their budget. Pictured below are a few of my favorite crown accessories from her Soho shop.

xo Nat

Graceful Gloves

Jackie O was a woman of style, grace and humility. Her influence on fashion and the arts will always be admired. From her large sunglasses and classic shift dresses, the trend I would most like to see become mainstream again is the presence of the glove. And no... not the eighties style glove, a dainty sophisticated glove that is worn with your favorite dress for a day of shopping at Saks. I recently went looking for gloves and could only find a dusty pink pair at a tiny vintage shop on the Upper East Side. Dainty gloves aside, I must say that I am anti-mittens this winter season! In my opinion, mittens as well as Ugg boots should be reserved for visiting a ski lodge, running to Starbucks in the morning to get a coffee, or ice skating in Central Park. Other than those circumstances - mittens and Ugg boots make your hands and feet look chubby! My suggestion for this winter is to invest in a nice pair of black long leather gloves. Pictured, Alfani - Cashmere Lined Long Leather Glove: $96 on sale at Macy's.

xo Nat

Funky + Classic: JEMMA WYNNE

Stephanie Wynne, age 26, and Jenny Klatt, 24, know what young women want... fine jewelry, but not the jewels from your grandmother's box. The two young jewelry designers met while working together at Judith Ripka, and have recently broken away to start their own line, Jemma Wynne.  Sitting down with Steph and Jenny to view their collection was a treat because it was no different than discussing fashion with my closest girlfriends.  The two women have a tight bond while maintaining their own unique styles and this allows them to create jewelry that is both funky and classic.

Rich vibrant colors inspire their work and they often experiment by twisting classic shapes to create pieces that are fresh and fun.  The ring pictured was love at first sight!  It's whimsical nature and feminine design of 18k gold, Kunzite and diamonds leaves me daydreaming.  Jemma Wynne is a versatile line with something for everyone, whether it's stackable bangles, pendants, deco earrings, cocktail rings, or necklaces for layering.  Steph and Jenny suggest mixing and matching their pieces to create your own look.  Their cocktail rings are flirty and go well with a t-shirt and jeans during the day to a dress at night.  

When I asked the designers who they would like to see their jewelry on they said, Sarah Jessica Parker, Cameron Diaz, and Rachel Bilson just to name a few.  What do these celebs have in common with Jemma Wynne?  They are youthful, innovative and exude confident style.  Watch out for this designing duo, they will be your newest craving, and you will be dying to get your fingers in their rings as soon as they hit the stores.  

Jemma Wynne's Must Haves

1.  Amazing hoop earrings

2.  A large gemstone ring

3.  Bangles or a large cuff

xo Nat

That's Amore!

The way to a man's heart is through baked ziti... and of course old fashioned flirting.  You might not always make or eat a hearty meal like baked ziti, but trust me your guy will love it!  Invite Mr. Perfect over for a homemade Italian dinner, pick up a bottle of Chianti, and turn on Dean Martin for some romance.  I would also suggest dressing up for the occasion, heels are needed even if you are at home.  Try this delicious baked ziti recipe from Williams-Sonoma... a guaranteed hit!

Baked Ziti with Ricotta Mozzarella, Sausage & Tomato Sauce

1 lb (500 g) sweet Italian pork sausages

Kosher salt for cooking the pasta

1 lb (500 g) dried ziti

2 batches Marinara Sauce

1/4 lb (125 g) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, freshly grated to make 1 cup

2 cups (1 lb/500 g) whole-milk or part-skim ricotta cheese

3/4 lb (375 g) fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and shredded to make 3 cups

Makes 8-10 servings

1.  Cook the sausages

2.  Cook the ziti

3. Drain and sauce the ziti

4.  Layer the ingredients in a baking dish

5.  Bake and serve the dish

xo Nat