Target + CALYPSO St. Barth = Fabulous!

www.target.com

When I heard that the uber chic St. Barth's boutique was teaming up with our favorite discount retailer, I new it would be a match made in summer heaven.

Check out THE GIRL LOOK BOOK's picks:

Linen Mini Clutch $12.99

Medallion Print Crochet-Bib Tunic $36.99

Sleep Set $29.99

Dip-Dye Scarf with Tassel $19.99

Hand Crochet Dress $69.99

Ankle Length Jumpsuit $39.99

Candle Holders $29.99

Posted on June 8, 2011 .

Savage Beauty: Alexander McQueen at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

On Feburary 11th, 2010, just days before London Fashion Week, British Designer Alexander McQueen took his own life. Although the fashion world was consumed with the shock and sadness of losing one of their own, one thing was certain. This man and his work would never be forgotten. Now through July 31st you can experience McQueen's chaotic genius at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Whether you're one of the lucky ones able to own a McQueen piece, have admired from afar, or have never heard of him at all, Savage Beauty is a must see. We sometimes forget that a dress is not just a dress, it's a piece of art. Designers are artists too. The lives they have lived and the stories they want to tell are in everything we wear. This exhibit reminds us of that.

Girl Guide Tip: Because of the show's success the museum has introduced Met Mondays with McQueen. Beginning June 6th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. visitors may view the exhibit when the museum is closed to the public.

To purchase tickets online please visit: www.metmuseum.org


Posted on June 7, 2011 .

Kirribilla

www.kirribilla.com

In 2007, three childhood friends got together and created what I would call, a perfect collection of dresses. Although they are based in San Francisco and London, these California girls draw their inspiration from around the world. Now if you're anything like me, you're looking at all of your summer wedding invitations wondering..."What am I going to wear?" It can be so hard to find a dress that is classic, stylish, and not white or cream! Last year I discovered Kirribilla in a small boutique in Long Island and fell in love.

Check out THE GIRL LOOK BOOK's top picks:

Tinsley Dress $395

Dahlia Dress $450

Polina Dress $440

Prudie Dress $460

Girl Guide Tip: Looking for Bridesmaid's dresses? Email: [email protected]

"Kirribilla was created to make every girl feel like the prettiest one in the room".

Posted on June 5, 2011 .

The High Line

This month the second phase of The Highline will be completed. Now almost doubled in size, New York's garden in the sky seems like something out of a futuristic storybook. Section 2, which runs between West 20th and 30th streets, will open with a temporary public plaza for the 2011 summer called "The Lot". The Lot at 30th street will feature food trucks, a new outdoor bar called the Lot on Tap, public art, and much more. If you're not one of the lucky few in Manhattan who own a terrace, this is the next best way to soak up some summer sun.

Girl Guide Tip: Unfortunately, NO dogs and NO bikes allowed!
Park Hours: 7AM to 10PM

For more information visit: www.thehighline.org

Posted on June 5, 2011 .

The Wingback Chair

The "wingback" style of chair has been around for centuries. Born in the 1700s, the original purpose for the wings was to protect the chair's occupant from drafty homes, and also to hold in the heat of the fireplace. Now in the 21st century, we just think they're so cool! I love the old world style that they bring to a dining or living room. Most retailers offer you a variety of fabrics and colors to choose from. One of the more important design elements to consider when choosing the right style for you are the nail heads. My pick? I like Restoration Hardware's smaller nail size for a more vintage feel.

Sideways Shop

Check out this French wingback chair upholstered in burlap coffee bag fabric from Sideways Shop.

www.sidewaysshop.com

Girl Guide Pick: Restoration Hardware: $995

French upholstered wing chair.

www.restorationhardware.com

Ethan Allen: $1199

Rand wing chair $1,199.

www.ethanallen.com

Oly Studio

Garielle Chair (price upon request).

www.laylagrayce.com

Aidan Gray: $1155

Eli side chair in light linen stripe.

www.aidangrayhome.com

Ballard Designs: $442

Skirted wing chair.

www.ballarddesigns.com

Posted on May 31, 2011 .

From the girlguide recipe book to yours... Memorial Day Barbeque: The Burgers

Here are three of THE GIRL LOOK BOOK's top burger recipes to make your Memorial Day BBQ delicious (Courtesy of Food Network Magazine)


Chipotle Corn Burger

Directions: (Yields1) Toss corn kernels and sliced bell pepper with lemon juiceolive oil and salt. Lightly mix 6 ounces ground beef chuck with a big pinch of kosher salt. Form into a ball, then shape into a 3/4-inch-thick patty; make an indentation in the center. Preheat a grill to high; brush the grates and burger with canola oil. Season the patty with salt and cumin and grill about 4 minutes per side.

Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon minced chipotles in adobo and a splash of lemon juice. Serve the burgers on a crustybun with chipotle mayonnaise, the corn salsaoniontomato and cilantro.

California Burger

Directions: (Yields4) Mix 1 1/4 pounds ground chicken, 1/2 cup panko, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon Greek yogurt and salt. Shape into four 1-inch-thick patties and chill. Brush with oil and cook 4 to 5 minutes per side on an oiled grill. Serve on whole-grain bread with sproutscucumbertomato and avocado.

Salmon Burger

Directions: (Yields2) Dice 3/4 pound wild salmon; puree half with 2 scallions. Mix with the remaining diced salmon, 1/4 cup breadcrumbs and 4 ounces chopped smoked salmon. Shape into 2 patties; make an indentation in the centers. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat; sprinkle the skillet with salt. Cook burgers 4 to 5 minutes per side. Serve on sesame buns with sauteed spinach and mayonnaise mixed with mustard.

Posted on May 30, 2011 .

A Fire in Hell's Kitchen: Taboon

Don't be discouraged by its "middle of nowhere" location, because it is well worth the trek. Taboon, named after the Arabic word for "oven", combines both Middle-Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. If you ask me, it's a match made in hummus heaven. When you walk in the doors you are immediately greeted by a wood-fired, dome shaped oven which, among other dishes, serves up the restaurant's famous focaccia. Once seated, you will be served a complimentary loaf, brushed with olive oil, sage, and fleur de sel. I dare you not to order a second!

girlguide Tip: 
Even during the week Taboon fills up fast with locals, so call ahead! Don't have a reservation? Ask if you can sit at the bar... same food and sometimes faster service.

girlguide Favorite:
Branzino baked whole in the taboon with rosemary and served with cauliflower, tahini, and taboon grilled asparagus After discovering this restaurant with my boyfriend three years ago, I can honestly say we have been back at least four times.

Posted on May 26, 2011 .

From the girlguide recipe book to yours... Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons, Green Olives, and Golden Raisins

Courtesy of Casey Solomon for Sunday Suppers

1 whole chicken, quartered
1 TSP each: turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, dried cilantro
½ CUP olive oil
½ CUP lemon juice
8 SLICES preserved lemon
½ CUP green olives
½ CUP golden raisins
2 CUPS chicken stock

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix all of the dry spices together with the olive oil and lemon juice. Toss the chicken in the marinade and let sit refrigerated for at least an hour.

On medium-high heat, sear the chicken to create a nice golden crust, approximately 8-10 minutes. Make sure to turn the chicken so that all sides get the color.

Scatter lemons, olives and raisins over the tops. Pour in chicken stock and bake for 45 minutes to an hour.


Posted on May 22, 2011 .

In your Bag - Memorial Day in The Hamptons

1. Eugenia Kim Honey Sunhat ($249 on sale!)
2. Oscar De La Renta 24k gold plated disc necklace ($450)
3. Lanvin Plage woven jute tote ($1250)
4. Zimmermann Bikini ($250)
5. Kain Washed-silk T-Shirt ($160)
6. Stubbs & Wootton Kelly Ribbon Espadrille ($250)
7. Mother high-rise shorts
8. Gap cuffed boyfriend jeans ($69.95)
9. Etro Embroidered silk-chiffon poncho ($720)
10. Comtoir de Cottoniers Dress ($200) Call to buy 203.869.0640. 
11. K Jacques Darius Leather Gladiator Sandals ($260)

Posted on May 22, 2011 .

Gemma

www.theboweryhotel.com

Recently I was at the Bowery Hotel and decided to try their restaurant Gemma. What a pleasant surprise! If you like the feeling of an old French Brasserie and are in the mood for Italian this is THE place to try.

Good To Know: Gemma has a back room that can be rented for private events. Maybe your next birthday party? Celebrities Sightings: Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson

Girl Guide review:

With main courses ranging from $15 to $29, Gemma won't break the bank and you'll definitely get that "I just treated myself to a great dinner" feeling! My favorites of the evening were the zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and ricotta cheese, and the polenta fries! YUM!

Posted on May 14, 2011 .

Say "I do" with Style Me Pretty

www.stylemepretty.com

For those of you who have recently become engaged, first let me say congratulations! Now that your fiance has gone through the grueling task of picking out the perfect ring and popping the question, it's your turn! When people used to tell me that planning a wedding was like having a second job, I thought they were crazy! How hard could it be? I thought we could come home from Puerto Rico, enjoy being engaged for about three months and then I would start looking at wedding stuff. WRONG! It felt like the minute we stepped off the plane all anyone asked was, "Did you pick a date"? After a few days I got the hint. To give you a tip, most hotels and restaurants take wedding reservations one year out and they book fast. The next question you need to ask yourself is, "How many people are we going to have"? And so the planning begins...

Now let me introduce you to your new favorite website, Style Me Pretty. I stumbled upon it one late night while googling wedding invitations and it was life changing. There are hundreds of real weddings for you to browse through and I promise it will ease your stress and you will start to think, "I can do this". So tonight when you get home from work, take a deep breath, pour yourself a great big glass of wine, and start surfing!

Posted on May 14, 2011 .

WISHLIST: MAY

1. Isabel Marant Etien woven linen jacket
2. Church's Burwood perforated leather brogues 
3. Vanessa Bruno dress
4. Celine Mini Luggage Bad in Camel
5. Comtoir de Cottoniers shorts
6. Sandro silk pants
7. Hermes small Cape Cod Watch
8. Tibi maxi skirt
9. Missoni Metallic Patchwork scarf 
10. JCrew knotted mesh necklace

Posted on May 8, 2011 .